So perhaps in my transitional summer-to-college state I should not be looking to break the bank, but you know what they say about old habits. However, I'm fortunate enough to have an intense phobia of shopping online. Window shopping, or screen shopping I suppose, I adore, but actually buying something I can't bring myself to do. However it is through trial and error that I do decide on what to buy.

My methods involve scouring numerous on hand department store websites for dresses I like. I collect various potential candidates and then venture out to said department stores to view the specimens in person. It is through this method that I have unveiled the magical altering effects of photography. Shockingly obscene colors are somehow muted online, and fabrics that I would never even contemplate putting on my body are configured to seem normal, likable even. This, and my love for carrying around a shopping bag, has kept my shopping selective and strictly physical. By that I mean contact must be made between my hand and the garment.

That said, I thought I'd display my latest finds. A good chic unique dress is hard to come by these days, so it's only fair that I disclose my findings.


Dress #1

Designer: Nanette Lepore

Price: $288.00

Location: Bloomies, Bergdorfs, Neimans, Nanette Lepore boutiques

Comments: It's just so adorable. It's not to dressy, not too pricy, flattering, and, recession rule number one, it's versatile. Come on.





Dress #2

Designer: Theory

Price: $355.00

Location: Anywhere Theory is sold, it's a pretty accessible brand.

Comments: Okay, so Abercrombie and Fitch, which as of yesterday I am no longer a slave, has been vomiting plaid all summer so it's safe to say I'm a bit brain washed. Although this dress is a good marriage between chic fashion and mall rat style. I think I could rock it.



Dress #3

Designer: Topshop

Price: $90.00

Location: Topshop.com or the flagship in NYC. If you're lucky enough to live in Europe, pop over to England where Topshop originates.

Comments: It's cute and flirty. Very Blair Waldorf. It also comes in black, but it's sold out. I don't know about quality, but it's something sweet to throw on with tights or something.



Dress #4

Designer: Milly

Price: $310.00

Location: Bergdorfs, Bloomies, Saks, Niemans, anywhere Milly is sold.

Comments: I saw this on Karlie Kloss (personal girl crush on her) in Instyle or Vogue or something a while back. It was stunning and I screamed when I saw it available to the general public. I am trying to steer clear of my shift dress motif that I seem to gravitate towards. But, I mean, peacock? Done tastefully? I'm salivating as we speak.



Dress #5

Designer: Nanette Lepore (are we sensing a trend here?)

Price: $348.00

Location: Berdorf Goodmans, Nordstroms, Nanette Lepore boutiques

Comments: I saw this dress when I was walking though Nordies, of all places. The fabric is a bit 5 year old party dress, but its the color that really grabbed me. The shirtdress thing is in anyway, so why not do it with ruffles and girlish flare? I'm dying to.

Sooo there are my shopping efforts thus far. None of these wonderful dresses were purchased, but they are in the back of my mind for when I've saved up my money. No telling how well they will fit ON, though. I'll keep you posted on that bit when I get around to it.