OOTD: Welcoming Fall With Jewel Tones

Forever 21 Teal/Navy Striped Dress in XS

Harajuku Lovers “Airlie II” Mary Jane Pumps in size 5.5

Dress:  This a super comfortable and warm dress in the Heritage 1981 line at Forever 21.  I absolutely love the colors as they’re colorful but not too colorful for a professional workplace.  The long sleeves are also a nice touch so that I need a cardigan on top of the outfit in order to stay warm in my freezing office.  The backview was a little snug, but not so that the dress would cling to my body when I walked — that’s just asking for unwanted attention!  For me, I try to find dresses that are fitted to give me an hourglass figure but are still loose enough to drape smoothly down my body so I don’t have to keep tugging it down all day long.  This dress is a winner!

Shoes:  These shoes were a Christmas gift from my fiance last year and are some of my favorite shoes of all time.  I love the Mary Jane look but have always feared that ankle straps will make my short legs look even shorter.  Fortunately, the ankle straps on these Mary Janes are halfway down on the foot instead of at the ankle, and add a nice “school-girl” touch to any outfit.  The only downside of these shoes is that they do squish my toes a bit after walking in them for awhile.  These shoes are in a size 5.5 (while I am usually a size 5), so the squishing factor isn’t as bad.  I’ve read reviews of these shoes from other people where they really have a hard time with the toe squishing.  Something to keep in mind in case I buy another pair of Harajuku Lovers shoes.