Gray Matter
I’m baaaack! After tearing my calf muscle the other Thursday, I have been sartorially out of commission. I can’t wear heels, I need shoes that are securely strapped to my feet since I can’t use my foot and leg muscles to hold on a slide or flat, and my left leg is way bigger than my right meaning I haven’t been able to fit into any of my jeans. I also worked from home a few days and am not ashamed to admit the dress code those days were exactly the same – loose denim shorts and an Old Navy Vintage v-neck.
Well this week, I can actually do more than hobble ten feet, so I could stand to pose for an outfit before I drove to work (still not strong enough to walk from the Metro to the office). You can imagine how thrilled I was to get this maxi dress from Gwynnie Bee in the mail this week! Long enough to cover up my swollen and bruised leg, but short enough that I won’t trip on it as I limp the streets of DC. I like that the lining only goes to the knees, while I don’t like the visible shorter lining trend, it does make for easier walking and a better chance to catch a cool breeze.
And yet again I say, Coldwater Creek, who wouldathunkit? This dress channels my inner Stevie Nicks, it’s flowing and breezy without showing a ton of skin, and can dress up or down quite nicely. Since my current shoe wardrobe consists of Chucks, tan sandals and black sandals, I went with the Cole Haans, though this dress would look spectacular with everything from ankle booties to strappy silk heels. I’d also like to try it switching out the self belt for a black leather obi belt.
The beauty of Gwynnie Bee is that I would have never considered this brand for such a dress, and I probably wouldn’t have thought such a dress would be flattering on me or appropriate to my lifestyle. What’s great is I can say, “Why not?” with Gwynnie Bee and have no buyer’s remorse. If I don’t like it, I send it back and get another garment lickedy-split. If I do like it, I can keep it as long as I like (or even buy it from Gwynnie Bee!). I have loved how Gwynnie Bee lets me safely step out of my fashion comfort zone and try new brands. If you haven’t tried Gwynnie Bee, use this link and mention Wardrobe Oxygen for a 30 day free trial of the program for up to three garments at a time. For those of you who already are members of Gwynnie Bee, write three or more reviews of garments on the site and get entered to win a free month subscription! I swear by the member reviews, they help me know which size to get, which pieces will be more likely to flatter my figure, and they also give good suggestions on how to style the pieces. It’s a win/win situation to review the items, help your fellow Gwynnie Bee members and possibly win in the process!
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I am sorry to hear about your injury, on the bright side this dress is magnificent!
Gorrrgeous! What a great dress, perfect silhouette and pattern!
xo
Erin
http://smartificialsweetener.blogspot.com/
When looking at your post, my first thought was, “Lovely!”
When reading your tale about your calf and consequent shoe and wardrobe woes, my immediate response is, “Welcome to my world!” An old back injury got much worse about five years ago and I’ve been unable to wear heels since. It also affects my general wardrobe choices. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m including a link to a post in which I wrote specifically about the struggle to find footwear when you have a disability.
http://www.sublimemercies.com/2013/05/pretty-and-comfortable-holy-grail-of.html?utm_source=BP_recent
Not at all, thank you for sharing it!
Love it ! I’m going to GwynnieBee now to add it to my closet !
I love this dress on you!! Very pretty & flattering 🙂
This might be my favorite outfit! You look like you love it too. Also your hair looks great.
The dress looks just lovely on you. The silver cuff toughens it up just enough. What a terrific outfit.
But what really struck me is that you look about twenty-five, even with the hard-done-by leg.
Ooh la la you made my day! Thanks mamacita!
Hi, I’m a GB member and I can’t find this dress anywhere on it. Is it an upcoming addition? Thanks! (Looks great on you!)
Ignore my question. 😉 I see it on their Pinterest board for May 30 additions. Thank you for wearing and posting and looking awesome in it!
Thanks! I too didn’t see it and I actually wore this yesterday and held it til their New Arrivals were posted. Should be on the site soon! 🙂
You look fabulous. I am happy you’re feeling at least a bit better.
Alison, this gorgeous dress suits you so well and you look great (your lovely smile adds to your look!)
Get better soon!
Annette
Lady of Style
Back with a bang! This whole look is fantastic – glad it is also comfortable.
Love your dress! Really beautiful and you have a cute smile! Love from Munich,
Vanessa
http://www.pureFASHION.tv
I just got this yesterday in the mail too! I am a little unsure about the cut of the top, but I’m gonna rock it anyway. And then I went to CC’s website and fawned over all kind of pieces!
Katie & Allie,
The dress looks wonderful on Allie and I’m guessing that it will look wonderful on Katie too. I have had considerable problems with the quality of CC items in the past. Please talk about the quality of this dress.
Thanks,
Chris
Chris, this dress is awesome. Nice chiffon, pleats well secured, nice lining that doesn’t creep up. The self belt is a bit thin and with it being of unlined chiffon it kept loosening which you can see in the post, but nothing horrible. This is the third CC dress I have received from GB and one could have used some lining and was a bit cheap, the other two have been really nice and rival department store brands like Donna Morgan, Eliza J and Maggy London.