Today I was out in the town for a day of shopping: I had to get a few more presents for my husband’s birthday, check out the sales to see if I could score some cute things for the girls and for myself at a good (make that great) price, and look for a cute, cold weather-alternative for our anniversary date this Friday night (13 years! Awesomeness.)
Browsing through the mishmash that are the sale racks at H&M, I came across a simple black cotton jersey tank dress, and without thinking I put it back. Then I got a sudden inspiration, and grabbed it again. The shape was nothing impressive: a simple tank dress with an elastic waist (yikes!) and side pockets. The length though, was perfect: just barely above the knee, the universally flattering length even for those of us not blessed with long, lean legs (sigh).
So I grabbed it again – grabbed a second one even, because hello? 5 francs ? – and headed to the accessory section to find a cool belt to cinch it at the waist and hide the hideous elastic. Found a cute one (with studs!!) on sale for 10 bucks! Sold.
Which is how I got a good outfit for tonight’s dinner: cute enough to wear for the celebration, but casual enough so that I didn’t feel stupid parading around in my own house, with just my family all dressed up… not to mention cooking in it 
Nude pumps to elongate legs, studded belt to cinch waist, jeweled headband to keep hair off your face while cooking 
And now my head is bursting with the possibilities. This dress, which looks like nothing on the hanger and is sooo incredibly comfortable, is basically the perfect summer dress. It’s light and comfortable, and so versatile!
So on the next sunny day, I will probably wear it like this for a walk on the lake:
or like this, to go shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse:
and if it gets chilly I might add layers:
And because of the relaxed fit, you can add really cool accessories without going overboard – the casual shape keeps it all kind of down to earth.
Now tell me what you think, really: do you love it too, or have I completely lost my marbles (not to mention my sense of style) after only 7 months back in Switzerland?
Looking forward to your comments!
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I love it. But that should not surprise you.
I was immediately thinking that you bought a second for the even colder months so you could layer it, so I guess I’ve learned something from you after all.
Love it! I’ll have to check out H&M when the Paris soldes begin next week. Now where to find the gray booties and purple cardigan…
La Mom
An American Mom in Paris
oOoOOoOohhHhhh love the outfits. I’m all about making something on clearance look like you bought it for a thousand dollars. Love it!! Especially the 1st outfit with the nude shoes and beige necklace. Gorgeous!!
PLEASE come here and dress me. That is all.
I think I’m gonna have to stop by h&m soon
That second outfit has me drooling! I can’t believe that I didn’t see that dress in H&M last week!!! Love everything you paired it with my little fashionista! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
And so? Did you wear it yesterday? And today? And tomorrow?
If you ever get bored of it, there’s always the BOTTOM floor of Zara.
I think it’s totally cute! If you ever end up in Vegas, I need you to go shopping with me. I’m hopeless
I love it! But then I’m all about simple pieces that you put together to make a wonderful ensemble. And seriously? 5 francs? You would have been crazy not to buy it. Even if you only wore it once.
You are just brilliant, really.
I love it, and all of the ways you changed it up! Wished I was better at that. But I have three little pleasant distractions in the mornings. =)
you have not lost your marbles! Everything is SO cute!!
You really do such a fantastic job pulling these outfits together. Great accessorizing!! I need to not fear the belt.
DUDE. Please GOD will you move in with me.
I love the way you’ve taken one central piece and created so many looks. You’re an inspiration.
I think your disdain for the fugly shoes you often in Switzerland will keep you from losing your fashion sense.
These Polyvore sets are super cute! I love the way you’ve styled them
Each outfit is fantastic! It always amazing and impresses me how adding a belt can enhance an outfit and take it to the next level. Beautifully done!
I LOVE it! LOVE it!! I want the grey suede boots and the purple tote!! You ROCK Girl!!
I love it ALL! You need to work for a fashion magazine, Elisa!
Elastic waist dresses are so tricky, but it looks like you made it work! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
This is such a beautiful blog.. I couldn’t help but think of you when I found these women’s dresses!