parks to penitentiaries

black studded blazer :: zara | mint green cut out dress :: charlotte russe (dying for this lacy version) | messenger bag :: francesca's collections (get it here) | gray buckled rope wedges :: charlotte russe (love these ones too) | gold cuff :: charlotte russe | pocket watch necklace :: nine, via urban wear (similar one here) | aviator sunglasses :: forever 21 | black sunglasses :: charlotte russe | light grape beaded earrings :: urban wear | tan belt :: charlotte russe (similar)

A few more photos of the dress that caused such a stir at the restaurant Saturday night (reference: weekend pieces); it is quite possibly my favorite of the recent additions to my closet, and I'm desperately trying to think of a way to make it work appropriate. My first reflex is to add tights to any ensemble too short for the office on its own, but they somehow don't feel right with this dress. The cutouts around the neckline are certainly my favorite aspect, though there is an undeniable allure about the floaty hem that cries out against tights; besides, it's been upwards of 90 degrees every day for the last month or three, so tights would likely be the death of me. Come fall, some over the knee gray socks layered beneath my gorgeous Chanel-inspired Fantasy Fabric Blazer from Zara will become the perfect transition look, but for now this dress may be relegated to a strictly nights and weekend wear position.

This structured messenger bag-purse-satchel combination, on the other hand, has become more or less permanently attached to my hand since its acquisition from Francesca's Collections (in Fashion Place Mall). It was supposed to come with a shoulder strap, but I suspect the girl at the counter threw it out with the stuffing. At first I was somewhat displeased, but upon some reflection I have determine that this bag might simply look gawky and awkward if attached at the shoulder rather than elegantly draped over my elbow or hanging from my fingertips. The neon yellow piping is the perfect touch to line the neutrally color blocked flaps, and the gold locking clasp adds a hint of mystery to an otherwise innocent looking accessory. It's large enough that I can literally carry my entire life in it (and I do), but it avoids looking sloppy through its use of structure and build. The extra large inside pockets and extra zipper pocket on the back aide in organization, while the main compartment itself is surprisingly easy to navigate even when loaded with six different tubes of mascara. In short: I'm obsessed. Get it here.

Side note: Did you know that Sugarhouse Park used to be the location of the Utah Penitentiary? I'm not sure about you, but I feel a little awkward picnicking on a spot that used to house hundreds of violent criminals.