Spring Essential: The Slip Dress

I remember when I first saw a slip dress in the wild. It was sort of a shock to the system, to be honest. I tried it on and thought, where am I ever going to wear this? (Yes, I actually said those words.)

Oh, little did I know that a few years later I’d be here with an extensive slip dress collection (there’s this one, this other navy one, this one I wore as a top, and then the one I’m wearing today from & Other Stories.) 

The thing about slip dresses is - they’re SUPER versatile - they can easily be dressed up or down. I’ve worn mine with everything from sneakers to heels. I’ve worn them to work with a blazer and to brunch with sandals and a tee underneath.

I had typically been drawn to simple slips, but when I spotted this one, I HAD to have it. It still feels classic, but with a bit of an edge. The tiny floral pattern on the dress feels so fresh for Spring. I paired it with my floral embroidered faux leather jacket I got from Wylie Grey earlier this year. I can’t get enough of it!

If you hadn’t noticed, & Other Stories just opened in Georgetown last month! It’s such a treat to visit the store in person - and it’s an Instagram Haven for all you photo fanatics like me out there. It’s right on the main strip on M Street - you can’t miss it! But in case you’re directionally challenged, like me, the address is 3241 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 

Also, in case you were wondering, I wore this dress out for a little pizza date with my bestie Erin (who shot these photos!) for our Friendiversary. I can't believe we've been friends for a year - it feels like we've been besties forever. And in honor of that, here are a few fun photos taken by the also-super-talented-and-darling Emma Weiss of us two!

Wearing & Other Stories slip dress c/o, Sam Edelman perforated mules, Wylie Grey jacket, Sophie Blake necklace. Photos by Erin Krespan.

Date Night Dress and A Little Creative Layering

Friends, this cold weather has become NO JOKE. It makes it very hard to dress up for a night out when all you want to wear it sweat pants and a thousand layers of sweaters on top, AM I RIGHT?

Or maybe you don’t mind the cold. In that case, you probably won’t be able to relate to this post at all and should just go live in Alaska. KIDDING. Alaska is cool. Or so I’ve heard. Sorry not sorry for the pun! ;)

In all seriousness, I’ve been living in struggle city this winter. “But winter has only been two weeks technically.” YES I KNOW but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t sunk in. Because it has. I get a major case of SADD in the winter and I hate that it’s already set in. I researched a bunch of ways to combat SADD in this post, but I’m adding another one today - DRESS UP ANYWAY.

But I’m not asking you to compromise comfort or warmth, friends. I would NEVER, EVER do that. All I’m asking is for a little creative layering. 

Step 1: Fleece-lined leggings. I wear these with LITERALLY everything they’ll fit under. It is *the* only way I make it through these winter months.

Step 2: OTK boots. I paid under $100 for these and they’re still going strong after a year. I’d love to invest in another pair of suede ones - anyone have any recs?

Step 3: Velvet dress. Although short, I love the warmth this affordable piece from Tobi provides. It’s season appropriate with just the right amount of pizazz.

Step 4: Faux-leather jacket. This one from Wylie Grey has quickly jumped to the top of my most-worn pieces of the season. Besides the detailed embroidery (which I CAN NOT get enough of right now), I love that this is lined with a soft fabric, making it nice and cozy inside. Nothing ruins your day more than cold faux-leather, or real leather for that matter, against your skin on a sub-30-degree evening.

So there you have it! Next time you have a date night, girls night out or just want to get a little fancy, don’t shy away from the dress - just add layers!

Wearing Tobi velvet dress c/o, Wylie Grey jacket, Hobo cross body c/o, Chinese Laundry boots, Lou & Grey fleece-lined leggings