I loved this blazer+blouse combo last time I wore it — with a psychedelic print pencil skirt — so I decided to try with a more demure outfit. Well, as demure as things get when leopard print is involved. I feel like that was a necessary touch of “extra”, otherwise the outfit might have come a little too close to “staid” for comfort. We can’t have that. Minimalism is all fine and good, but we have to have a little fun, no?

I suppose pink might be considered “fun” as well, especially in a business environment. I always think twice before wearing a lot of pink to work, because it does tend to stand out and I’m wary of Legally Blonde associations. I’ve come to realize that I am going to stand out at my office no matter what — even my new neutral-loving, print-eschewing aesthetic is far brighter than most of my colleagues’ — so I might as well just embrace it. And hey, people won’t forget me in a hurry, which is a bonus when you’re the newbie at a large organization. Right? Right.

There is a bit of poignancy to finding a pretty summer frock late in August; it only serves to underscore the changing of seasons. I was determined to give this one a whirl before it was too late, but I definitely felt a chill the day I wore it. There’s been talk of an Indian summer here, but I am not getting my hopes up. Winter is always just around the corner. Edmonton is basically Winterfell. But, you know, minus the King in da Norf. Alas.

This dress was hanging on top of a rack at Value Village, but the fabric felt nice to the touch, so I pulled it down to have a closer look. Sure enough, it proved to be an Anthro brand; I haven’t lost my touch entirely. It was also $25. I had to think twice about getting it, as a matter of principle. Value Village, we have a problem. This dress would sell for something like $35 at my local consignment store; if I purchased it there, I would be supporting a local business, and enjoying a boutique-like shopping environment at the same time. Neither is something that applies to VV. Just saying.

Leaving that VV nonsense aside, this is a lovely dress, so I’m glad I bought it. It has a tie in the back which is a feature I usually despise, but this one doesn’t bother me too much. The dress is a size Medium, and loose, so it feels more like a swing dress than anything else. And we all know I love me a good swing dress. I also appreciate that while the dress is on the shorter side, the neckline is not scandalously low. It’s getting hard to find a casual dress that doesn’t feature a deep v. As someone who doesn’t have a cute bralette to flash, I appreciate the extra coverage.

It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these outfits. I am happy to report that the formula still works. Also, this blazer is still the most comfortable thing that ever blazered. I’ve been low key looking for a plain black version of it — I am forever without a good black blazer, go figure — for a while, but no dice. Most other soft/slouchy Talula blazers I have found are too structure-less for my taste. It’s the same story as with my favourite pair of pants. It’s sad.

I wish there was a way to order “back issue” versions of your favourite clothes. Wouldn’t that be just wonderful? I have a growing list of items that I really should replace but can’t because I cannot find an exact replacement. Bah.