I wore this outfit to the office on Easter Monday, which was technically a holiday — hence the relaxed dress code. The reality was that I couldn’t wait to wear this adorable Postmark shirtdress, and the office seemed like a safe bet given the silky material. (Home dry cleaning is great for refreshing clothes, but I’m not sure I trust its stain-removal powers, so I’ll have to keep this dress far away from the kids.) It’s a bit too casual (and young?) for a regular work day, but perfect for a more casual one.

I kept things simple, with a black cardigan and bag, but I couldn’t resist adding peachy-nude shoes to match the (detachable!) collar. These Stuart Weitzman flats are relatively ancient — six years old — but still going strong. Back in 2010, I fell in love with them on first sight; I still remember how much I agonized over buying them (on sale) because they cost $150. Come to think of it, they’re still the most expensive pair of shoes I’ve ever purchased out of pocket (along with a pair of black pumps I still wear, which allowed me to take advantage of the 2-for-1 sale at the time). But, as I said, they’re still in great shape and I still adore them. (They also broke in quickly, so they are now super comfortable, like most SW shoes in my experience. The aforementioned black pumps are, hands down, the comfiest 3 inch, non-wedge platform-free pumps that I own). There is a lesson in that, somewhere, I’m sure.

Yellow is such a happy colour, isn’t it? Not all yellows are particularly flattering to my skin tone, but this warm, sunshine-y shade isn’t too cruel. I added my new sparkly necklace from J. Crew Factory (a gift from the mister — thanks again, honey!) for a bit of contrast … and to satisfy the inner magpie.

I was going to wear my usual, boring black boots, but the day promised to be as sunny as my outfit, so I made a last minute switcheroo. Leopard print pumps with plaid? It made sense at the time, ok? In retrospect, maybe I should have kept things safe with black flats. Oh well. There’s always next time — an outfit this cute is due for a repeat, methinks.

I was all set to purge this dress from my closet last year, but then I had second thoughts — as I am wont to do — and decided to keep it … just in case. Well, my instinct has paid off; this Zara peplum blazer I got from the last clothing swap is its perfect mate. I loved this outfit, and I can see it having a long and happy future.

The print of the dress is almost too busy for accessories, but I added this vintage pendant at the last minute, and I’m glad I did. It kinda goes with the print, doesn’t it? Since the pendant was a travel souvenir, I always enjoy the opportunity to wear, and reminisce briefly. Anyone else do that?

Finally, and completely unrelated, a rant: why is it almost impossible to find a decent pair of navy pumps? I’ve been looking for over a year, and no luck. I just don’t understand. Navy pumps and dress pants that fit are my shopping unicorns, it seems.