Dress: Target // Jacket: Target // Sandals: Nordstrom

The Dress:
Ladies, you may have noticed I tend to buy two of things I really like. And I just have to say… “sorry, not sorry!” I think when you find something that works, you need to really run with it! I have been known to buy the EXACT same shoes a few months after buying the first pair because I love them so much and know they will sell out in the near future. One thing I will always preach is to wear what works for your body and wear it well! When you find what makes you feel pretty and comfortable in your own skin, run with it.  And that’s what I did here. I actually have this dress in both black with white polka dots and with black polka dots. SO DIFFERENT, RIGHT?!?!?! Okay, I know not really, but they do actually have quite a different look. The white is so daytime and the black feels more nighttime. BEST PART?? It’s $27.99!!

One of the things I love about the dress is the straight up trend on trend of this beauty. Not only are polka dots taking the world by storm, but the cutout front is so on point and yet subtle, you can wear this almost anywhere. Another thing this dress wins at is that I can go without a bra and still feel perky. It has excellent support and even provides a bit of lift without wearing a bra. There is something so feminine and soft about a slinky spaghetti strap, and it often doesn’t work for many women. In this dress, bustier women will feel confident and supported and smaller busted divas will feel lifted at just the right angle.

The Jacket:
So yes, #targetstrikesagain with this one as I channelled my inner Kyle Richards with my white denim jacket draped over my shoulders. But why shouldn’t I? She is gorgeous, a fabulous mom and wife, savvy business woman, and appears to be a true sweetheart of a person. Most importantly, she reminded me I can stay fashionable and warm in the (thankfully and incredibly) cool Clearwater Beach evenings. I love the frayed collar and soft cotton. I haven’t worn a denim jacket in forever because, well, it’s 2018 and I hadn’t convinced myself to come back around to it yet. What took me so long?!? Also, a stiff jacket just doesn’t sound very appealing to me. But this “denim” really is soft and comfortable and I don’t mind the feeling on my skin at all.

The Shoes:
If there is one thing I’ve learned in my thirties, it’s that uncomfortable, cheap shoes are simply not worth it. I used to have TONS of shoes that were made of synthetic material because they were cute, trendy, and cheap. I even used to carry bandaids in my clubbing purse because I knew I’d need them throughout the night. It’s SO not worth it! So, even though these shoes could totally be matronly, this was a walking vacation. Clearwater Beach has miles and miles of shops, restaurants, and activities along the beach. Since I’m drinking and eating my way around town, I’m happy to get in as much walking as possible. The sandals in this brand are honestly my very favorite for the ultimate comfort in sandals that are actually still really cute. These Sofft Verdi Wedge Sandals are SO comfortable. They have buttery soft leather and an adjustable velcro front. I know, I know. I’ve mentioned this before about velcro. You feel like you’re six. But nobody can tell they have velcro, and they can adjust perfectly to your foot as you see fit! No more rubbing on the outside of your pinkie toe, no more blisters. They come in regular and wide width, and gray, black, luggage (a cognac color), or mango leather. The mango is calling my name!

The Fit of it All:

• The Dress:  I am wearing a small, like most dresses I wear from Target.  I don’t have to wear a bra, but there is stretching in the top area of the back allowing for plenty of room for a strapless bra, if that’s your thing.
• The Shoes:  Look, I’m not going to lie.  I have soccer feet.  I have never met a girl who loves shoes so much, but has a wide, WIDE foot. But another thing I’ve learned in my thirties is there are tons of retailers who know I exist!  So I bought this is my normal size 8, in a wide.  And I love it!
• The Jacket:  I’m also wearing this in a small.  I tried it on in a medium because I can’t stand when jackets are too tight across my back or in my arm area.  This has more than enough room in the arms to be very comfortable for me in a small.