dress: Katerina c/o Carissa Rose ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ necklace: Free People (gift) ~ bracelet: NY&Co ($10ish)

Date: May 17, 2011
Ensemble message: As you know (because I've whined about it enough here), my work-life balance as of late has been, well, unbalanced.  Some days are ok, and even if I don't get to blog, I finish off enough on my never ending to do list to feel accomplished.  But some days or weeks are much worse... and last week was one of those.  However, my day was instantaneously brightened on Tuesday when I got home and found a package from Carissa Rose on my doorstep!  In it was a tunic (saved for another post) and this dress.  Despite the much cooler temperatures and the need for tights, I was so happy with this dress!

The material, collar, and cuffs remind me of a typical shirt dress, but this dress is so much better.  Instead of buttons, the eye-hook closures on the bust lay flat no matter how much moving around you do throughout the day.  The length is just right so sitting, standing, or anything in between, you know you're staying modest ;)  But I think the very best part is the double-wrap built-in belt that nips you in at the most flattering part of your waist!  I can most certainly see myself wearing this dress not only on a typical work day, but to an interview, big presentation, work dinner, bridal/baby shower, fancy brunch, or nice dinner out.  In fact, I have a charity dinner to attend in early June right after work - and you can bet that this is what I'll be wearing :)