Monday, March 15, 2010

The Versatility Justification

Dress: Kieu's, $40 // Jacket: Target kids' section, $25 // Necklace: Forever 21, $9 // Shoes: alice + olivia for Payless

As someone who loves to go shopping but is also frugal to a fault, I have become a master at justifying purchases. One of the easiest excuses to buy something new is a special event or occasion (wedding to attend, job interview, holiday), but when that fails, I usually play the versatility card. Such was the case with this polka dot frock. As soon as I saw its retro silhouette and classic black & white print, I knew it would be mine. Then came the guilt-minimizing spiel about how I could wear it with a cardi for work, dress it up for evening, dress it down for weekend... blah blah blah. Well, in an attempt to follow through with my promise to myself, I'm going to make a conscious effort to style this dress in many different ways.

Here's the first: I gave it some edge for a girls' night out in Kansas City with three of my best friends. If I look a little rough, it's because this shot was taken at the very end of the night. More variations on this dress to come!

And, out of curiosity, do you guys play these ridiculous mind games like me, or do you just buy what you want and get on with your life?