:: my closet catalogue ::

Usually Fridays are my winding-down days.

Not that I need to celebrate Casual Fridays at work since every day seems to be a casual Friday for most everybody.  But in my little sartorial bubble, I do make a conscious effort to be more laid-back and artless with my clothing choices at the end of the week.

There’s something about Frolic in Frocks Week, though, that begs for a switch-up in routine.  You see, my friends, I’ve discovered that dresses inherently lend themselves to a bit of formality, regardless of type or fabric.  So no matter what you do, throw on a dress and suddenly, you look magically put together.  I guess that’s why we have the term “dress up”, eh?

Today, then, we round up the week’s theme with the momma of dress silhouettes: the full skirt.  It’s the a-line’s big sister and I think it’s what most people conjure up in their minds when they reference “dress”.

It’s swishy and flouncy and twirly; an inducing-spontaneous-bursts-of-spin-around-in-a-giddy-way sort of dress.  And for a Forever 21 frock, it’s actually pretty exceptional: the material is of heavier weight than per usual, a sueded fabric that feels and looks more expensive than it was.  Also, the length is shockingly modest considering the source.  Add to all this a very current and yet classic color pairing of melon and navy, and the dress is darned near perfect.  All it really needed were pockets, but I’m not complaining.

I know I complained about the twee-ness of a cardi/dress combo yesterday, but for some reason, I’m not minding it today.  It’s partly because my cardi is an exact match of that melon color and partly because I can counter the potential saccharine sweetness of the look by donning a pair of Chucks which makes the ensemble more tomboy-tries-girly versus June Cleaver.

Do I feel like I’m seven in this?  Why, yes.  Yes, I do.  And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  As we go about our daily lives, sometimes quagmired in the minutiae of routine, we have to take what little happinesses we can.  And hearkening back to a simpler, more carefree time in my life is one of mine.

And you, my friends?  What little happinesses do you have that guarantee a lifting of spirits?  (And yes, grammar gestapo, I know “happinesses” isn’t a word.  Just roll with it, okay?  It’s Friday!)

:: Just the facts, ma’am ::
Dress – F21
Cardigan – F21
Shoes – Chuck Taylor All-Stars