Thursday, August 5, 2010

Part 1: The Evolution and Modernization of the Sweatshirt (Dress)

I have come to the conclusion that renting a home is not the devil after all.  Now don't get me wrong - I would love to own my own home, however the alternative does not necessarily have to equal a fate worse than death.  If you had asked my opinion on this very matter just a few years ago when I was living in a duplex beneath my alcoholic VA nurse neighbor who drove around the neighborhood inebriated in the government car pretending to be out "assisting war veterans" when indeed she was just off sideswiping parked cars in the Trader Joe's parking lot en route to her home (aka my home too) where she would then smash into the garage door and eventually cart two cases of Two Buck Chucks upstairs for a day of hiding at home watching television and drinking bottles of wine on the government's dime - well then I might have had a different response.  Now I'm feeling slightly more positive.

Especially after having driven by the sweeeeetest Melrose Place like building in my neighborhood just the other day.  It's entirely white washed with dark trim.  Each apartment has its own outside door leading in, huge windows, quirky interior details and a courtyard that the back of the units are built around.  How do I know all of this you ask?  Because I got out of the car and looked around while trying not to appear too much like a peeping Tom. 

While conducting my exploration I was decked out in one of my favorite pieces of clothing that ironically is something I completely mocked when I first saw it.  Enter:  the sweatshirt dress.  Ahhhhh yes.  Hypocrisy is alive and well over here at Casa Carrie.


I consider myself very fortunate to be able to work from home.  I like being siloed in because I'm a driven person by nature and can accomplish a lot when faced with little distraction.  That being said, my attire can sometimes consist of pajamas such as boxers and tee's with not-so-fancy slippers or Ugg boots for days.  Attractive.  And sometimes I find myself in a bit of a rut, so to avoid that I picked up a couple sweatshirt dresses from James Perse.  His cotton is a drug and I am an addict.


Check this.  Who would ever think that a sweatshirt dress could be so good?  This one is particularly comfy because it is lined with the softest thermal material.  You feel all snuggled in, but the material is wonderfully breathable.  One of the reasons I really warmed up to it is because it has some structure as well.


It is form fitting without being tight, but also forgiving in the waist and derriere.  If I have to zip out to the store, I can do so at ease by throwing on a pair of sandals or, in this case, a pair of knee high boots and still be super presentable without having to go through a big to do.


The detail on the elbows is reminiscent of the lining of the dress.   It adds just that little bit of texture to the outside of the garment making it more than just a long sweatshirt.


I layered on a couple of J.Crew shiny necklaces - finds from late last fall picked up for next to nothing (seriously scour those sales for major deals - I'm not so savvy with the jewelry and pretty much get all my stuff that way).  Just those little jewels made the dress a wee bit saucier.


Of course the boots helped, but I'll totally throw it on with my Bensimon's too (seen here) just for something simple.


Even though I'm totally eating my words, as is a common theme here on the ol' blog, I have to say this dress will get a lot of wear because it marries the best of both my worlds:  comfortable and laid back with fashionable.  I'm all for bumming around in sweats and a tee, but sometimes when you're 5 days in and haven't left the house for more than half an hour you need to seek alternatives - particularly those that require a shower- for the good of you and your cats.  Except when the former neighbor is out on the lam.

Outfit details:  James Perse Long Sleeve Dress,  Forever 21 Denim Jacket (from 8 years ago), Loeffler Randall Matilde Boots, Foley + Corinna Classic Mid-City Tote, J.Crew Necklaces, Target Sunnies.

96 comments:

Diana Mieczan said...

I so agree....that dress is perfect for everything...and those boots are stunning and I want a pair too...hahahha:)

You look amazing in that whole outfit:) Perfection:)

Kisses and hugs,sweetie

Ps: I hope you had a chance to enter my GIVEAWAY…

Anonymous said...

LOVE that outfit! The dress looks sooo comfy AND stylish! You're already wearing boots?!

Anonymous said...

Ok, I absolutely love EVERYTHING you're wearing, except I have no idea how you're wearing it in August. That's a dead of winter outfit for the South. Because it's WAY TOO HOT HERE. Anyway, not the point, you look fab, I want the dress and the boots, ok, thanks :)

Unknown said...

loving the boots xxxx

Heather said...

Love this outfit! And I too must admit to many a day spent in my pjs. Shhhh, don't tell. :P

Leia said...

Comfortable and laid back AND stylish is a winning combination, methinks! I love sweater-dresses!

Leia

Lilacandgrey said...

Carrie,
This is MY YEAR to FINALLY buy a pair of LR boots! That's it-so getting them...
xo,
Cara

Unknown said...

You look FAB! LOVE your sunglasses too!

Thanks for the comment yesterday and for letting me feature you as a shoe model! I love the FreePeople website, I can't stop browsing it!

Have a great day :)

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I love those type of buildings in LA. We always looked for them when we lived there. Seems like no one ever moves out and leaves an opening! Also love the little bungaloo type houses back behind melrose. And your boots made me miss LA...boots in Aug. Ahhhh. It's 105 here right now :(

Lynzy said...

You just sold me this sweatshirt dress! Looks ridiculously comfortable and adorable on you!
xo Lynzy
http://fromskirtstoskillets.blogspot.com

Sher said...

Ya know, the sweatshirt dress does looked completely AMAZING on you! I wish I could look that smoking hot wearing something like that:)

xx

MerciBlahBlah said...

Ahhhh, would that I could wear a sweatshirt dress and boots today....

I think I've mentioned that temps are around 100+ here, and our a.c. is struggling to keep up, so we're at a balmy 85 degrees INSIDE the house. BLARGH!!!

Nevertheless, you look smashing, as usual!
Merci,
Shan

P.S.
Thanks for the kind words on my post from yesterday - I would definitely take you up on a visit to "color on the walls" as long as we interrupted that with some adult beverages and shopping...

Unknown said...

This outfit is completely gorgeous...the fact that you describe it as so comfortable is the icing on the fab cake!

Couture Carrie said...

So gorgeous, darling!
Loooooove your boots!

xoxox,
CC

P.S. I want to be a yeti too :)

Petite Gorgeous said...

Pair boots with a dress makes one very chic outfit. You look great.

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

I love this whole outfit. You are just sooo chic.

Thank you for your kind words. Between work and heartbreak, I'll be an absent blogger for a little while.

Unknown said...

you have LR boots and I am so jealous. I've always wanted them but have to settle for their less-than Steven by Steve Madden counterpart. you make sweatshirts look good, Carrie!

xx
anna jane

JMB said...

LOVE that dress and love those riding boots (because I own them!) very comfortable and work with just about anything you pair them with. I cannot wait to pair them with some jeggings this fall! You have a great sense of style!!! And I would looove to work from home in my UGGS! Lucky, LUCKY! AND your old landlord sounds like a TRIP! haha WOW

and flowers pick themselves said...

gorgeous! love the bag.

xo Alison

Closet Fashionista said...

Love the dress!!! :D :D The boots are quite awesome too! I have similar ones in black :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com

Jessica said...

Okay I really need to invest in my very own foley + corinna. Really!

Kristen said...

this is adorable. I want one! Ihave a sweatshirt skirt, if that is even possible. it's the same color and material and it is long, warm, comfy....

Not a Paper Cup said...

those boots are an amazing colour! :)

Marie a la Mode said...

I love the dress on you! It looks so comfy. Oh, and I'm super jealous you get to work from home!

Nikki said...

I love everything about this outfit. The boots, necklaces and shift dress are such a great combination and you wear them well! Lookin good Carrie! XO


Nikki

alli/hooray said...

Carrie, this is the perfect outfit. I would wear this all the time! You look great.

PS. love the little detail on the elbow, too.

Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

I love this look, so comfy but chic! You look amazing, and the melrose-ish apartment building sounds gorgeous too!

Brianna said...

It must not be very warm out there because just seeing you in long sleeves and boots is making me hot!

I love the whole thing though and I love sweatshirt dresses, oh and sweater dresses too. :) One of the only reasons I'm looking forward to fall, I must say.

ssmall4 said...

oooo that sweatshirt.. I can't believe I'm saying sweatshirt... dress is incredible! The structure of it is just so sleek. LOL I would love a crazy neighbor! I always get stuck by the ones with wayyyy too many kids (herd of rhinos running down the stairs, I swear!) or an overactive (and loud) er..libido.. lol

noone said...

this is a chic outfit, I love the boots with the bag!!

Fashion and Beauty Lights said...

You put everything together so perfectly! I love how you can dress those shirt-dresses up and down.
And of course you will gorgeous!

S said...

Cute Boots you always seem to say what I'm thinking and always so eloquently! This look rocks and it's kinda London too!
x

Sarah said...

I always love me a sweater dress. They're so comfy! I love your boots.

STYLE'N said...

Carrie, I REALLY adore your style and this outfit. I love the dress, the foley + corinna tote, well I just love it all! And, I work from home too (don't you love it?)sometimes I am in leggings, long tops, and uggs (esp in the fall). I am heading over to check out that dress right now....

laurenne said...

I have decided that you are my new stylist. I am just going to look for cheap versions of everything you wear. Except shorts because I refuse to show my kneecaps.
I probably shouldn't have admitted that I would get cheap versions. But I did, so now you know. I'm cheap!

Cafe Fashionista said...

Sweater dresses are one of my absolute favorite things. You know a woman designed them given the fact that they are both comfy and chic! you look absolutely heavenly in this ensemble. And please, put the boots away. I have been coveting those Matilde boots for ages, and you've made me want them even more after seeing them paired with that gray sweater dress! Gah! You are glam!! :)

Catherine Au Jong said...

Hi thanks for dropping a lovely comment on my blog :D
I love your blog and style. look so professional! :)

Have a great day...

love.catherine

laurenne said...

Oh. and buying a home is so overrated. I am a proud renter. Salute to calling the landlord when there's a problem. Yeah boi.

Ms. Emmy N said...

Love it! This post is exactly why dresses are my favorite outfit. Easy and comfy chic is my go-to all year round!

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

That dress is just perfect and I LOVE those boots!

Fabiola "Fab" said...

Hi free bird!

Great style and glad that I have found your blog!

have a great rest of the day,

Fabiola "Fab"

Emz said...

beautiful. Love it.

Christina said...

great outfit && boots!

Anonymous said...

Envious of the sweatshirt dress. I love the fit, the color and the comfortable look of it.

Alicia said...

Oh how i want that dress! I think I could dress it up enough to wear it to my office job too! ;) I love James Perse.

Erica! said...

Yes, renting isn't always so bad. No yard work, dishwasher repairs... no maintenance in general. Other than the occasional vacuum & laundry, but in your case your cats probably don't mind.
Reading this post I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of your locking yourself in your house with no shower for 5 days. Sounds glorious, actually. I'm a newlywed & Ma, so I have alone time....about never.
Anyhoodle the dress is beautiful. So simple but so nice at the same time.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope to see you again soon!!

Erica
daniredvintage.blogspot.com

Valerie said...

Who would have thought! I don't own any sweatshirt dresses, but this one is fabulous! And those BOOTS. To die for! I'm so envious that you work from home.

xo
Valerie

Kristin W said...

1. I agree about the renting. I personally would not mind renting forever at a cheaper price and just buy clothes and travel. I've found boys tend to have a different mindset on renting and lean to the buying side...hence the hubby wants to buy more than I do. I don't want to give up a vacay for a down payment ;)
2. I am absolutely obsessed with anything Loeffler Randall. I wish I could afford the boots. I found one pair super cheap on sale and in half a size too big. I rarely wear them bc of the size issue but would die before I sold them.
3. The dress is perfect! I love a sweater dress. You can dress it in so many ways!
Ahhh...this post makes me happy :)

Lila said...

Can I say that i love everyting about this post. The dress, bag, boots, of course, but the ranting of the VA nurse is completely funny.

Iva Messy said...

you are so cute Carrie!!!

megan chloe said...

i especially love the boots!!
hey could you return the favor and follow me?? thanks
i love your blog!

MY REPUBLIC OF FASHION said...

Gorgeous dress, love that necklace.:)SarahD

ryan said...

Oh I just got jealous seeing you look so lovely in that sweater dress and boots! It's way too hot here in Boston for that, but I love it, you look great!

PhotoPuddle said...

Love that dress. It looks really sylish and comfy too! What more could you want!

Unknown said...

You crack me up! Makes me want to go to work for the guv'ment, right?! That dress is my FAVORITE thing you have worn yet, I LOVE it! So gorgeous with the boots and handbag, and the sleek ponytail, oh man, I just love it! Fabulous, Carrie! XO!

Jordan Cole said...

I am obsessed with that dress!!! Everything looks amazing and so put together. I would love a dress like that, I am so big on be comfortable at home but looking cute!

Paula Pastrana said...

wow i love your dress!
kisses:)

stylenuggets said...

You look lovely and comfortable too. It is hard to find clothes that do both. Love the necklaces

Taylor said...

I love this! You look awesome in it - I love the one you have! Seriously, I might just have to get one of these...so comfortable and cute! I loveeee how you wore it with the boots! It can be super casual but you dressed it up, it looks so elegant and classy. I LOVE this post!!!

Kristen said...

I am in loooove with those boot's- along with your fabulous outfit!

corey said...

I don't know I think I would choose to wear that dress with a thick patent leather white belt... but that's just me! xoxo

you look fab darling.. again note of things t try on when visiting.

k said...

i adore the outfit!!! i love the brown with the grey, is it grey? am i spelling grey right? your first paragraph cracked me up!

k said...

p.s. i was reading this while listening to the classical music from 'a splendor she spills' and it was a totally odd experience....like your pictures were made EPIC!

this free bird said...

corey i am so excited to see you and style you in all my patent leather belts. it's gonna be birthday madness 2010!!! salons look out!!

and krystal...i think i need to go listen to this music immediately. i need to be transported to another place in or out of that outfit :)

the chirpy bird said...

GASP! Get in my closet IMMEDIATELY!
LOVE!
xo tash

Unknown said...

you have such effortless chic style! you look wonderful in each picture!
xox alison

Style, She Wrote said...

Love the seams on this dress!

S said...

Look I don't mind if you rent or buy your house or if you live in a tree house! I told you I just want to live in your shoe closet!! Seriously!! i would pay good rent for a small space..think it over C!!!!

xx

J. said...

Ok, I think I need that dress now. This look just put my comfy day at the office look to shame! Feel free to stop by and pick out what I should wear to work anytime haha.

http://jammer10am.blogspot.com/

Poppies and Sunshine said...

I love everything about this outfit!! You are looking so stylish. I have boots similar to that. Now I need a sweater dress!

Pat Tillett said...

Hi there,
I hit your link at Ren's site. Great photography and fashions! If I'm not mistaken a lot of them were taken in Belmont Shore and Naples. My old stomping grounds.

She Wore It Well said...

Love it Carrie!

I rent too, despite owning a property or two, as it lets me live where I want and allows me to move. When you live in your own house you're STUUUUUUUUCCKKK and feel grown up, which I'm not yet ready for!!

x

Ashley [Free Honey] said...

I like this casual and chic look. Esp the elbow patches, they really won me over.

Your description of your former neighbor was hysterical - I was literally LOLing. I think it's great that you can change your mind and be open and then mock yourself for it.

xoxo, Ashley

Kerri said...

i love the dress- i would wear it a LOT. did you buy is recently? i would love one.

your ex-neighbor sounds awesome. ;)

Lori said...

Honestly I think you would look good in anything! If I did not like you I would hate you!
I love your neighbor story ~ sounds like a sweetheart....

Stacey said...

Your sense of humour is so refreshing! I look forward to your posts here and your comments on my blog. I doubt Karl reads too, but who knows?:-). Your outfit does look great and i love that although it's a sweater dress, it does have shape which is flattering. Also, like Krystal said, the grey and brown combo looks great!

Abby said...

I adore how comfy and casual this outfit looks, while still being stylish.

Elle said...

I LIVE in dresses - they're just so easy! This one looks super comfy without sacrificing style - perfect for errands, etc!

ash said...

comfortable dress is the winner :D
no one can resist that, u look comfy and yet stylish. lovely.
and i love your boot!

Christina said...

Great outfit! I love casual jersey dresses too, so comfy but chicer than a plan sweatshirt.

Daniela said...

love those boots.. ! I want that dress - one in every color.

BenchesnChandeliers said...

love sweatshirts :)

http://www.benchesandchandeliers.com

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Sweatshirt and dress are high on my vocab list!!! I love the charcoal gray and you nailed the finale with your color choice in boots and gold necklace :)

the southern hostess said...

This dress is so fantastic. Love it.

Josie said...

THE SWEATSHIRT DRESS. Carrie. You've stolen my heart. This is too cute. I love how you've paired it with boots, and that James Perse is just an evilly seductive man, isn't he? I swear, he's trying to make me both broke and insane.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

S.I.F. said...

You know what makes me sad about sweatshirt dresses though? They just aren't as cute on girls with hips... It's something about the looseness (is that even a word?) that makes you look 10 sizes bigger if you're a little hippy. I am a total hourglass figure (big boobs, big butt, and a little waist - I'm not complaining!) and I love the sweatshirt dress on smaller girls who don't have my curves, but on me? It makes me look like a shapeless blob!

On you though? Freaking adorable!

jemina said...

You look like a model in fashion magazines, uber cool!!! FAB FAB FAB!!! xoxo

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Great outfit! I'm really in love with the boots!

erica said...

why must you be so chic and polished all the time. You always look absolutely fabulous! I want your life lol.

xo

Kara Endres said...

Great casual outfit... and the bag is fabulous.
I'd love to live somewhere like Melrose Place for a while. (love the shows, too!)

Anonymous said...

Completely out of place, just wanted to thank you for dropping by :-) appreciated to read your comment. I prefer skinny models on the runway as well as in editorials.. :-)

Much blogger love,

thecharmingthings.blogspot.com

heather said...

Love the look and comfort! And totally understand needing to get at least a little dolled up after staying at home for ages!

Anonymous said...

I'm still craving these boots so bad. Craving it like Eli craves a good hump after eating his dindin.

Also, I'm the same way about jewelry, I was feeling very understood while reading that line about sale sections. everything I have I basically collect from the shopbop 70% off section. You look so California, chic, perfect---grey and cognac, also a favorite of mine.

perfection!

back to nursing this hangover. it's 9:32 and I'm still feeling awful. keeping it classy!

xxx

Jessie said...

Looks amazing! I would have never guessed you could dress one up and make it look so great! Just found your blog and am now following!

Giveaway on my blog, check it out :)
xx
Jessie
http://87life.blogspot.com

Bren said...

This is the perfect outfit! I live for comfy/cute because it's great for work. Yes, sometimes in my glamorous life as makeup artist, I'm on my knees applying body makeup. Fun. :/ I need outfits that look good, but that I can move in. Isn't it sad that this typically fall ensemble, can be worn during Summer?! June gloom has reared it's ugly head AGAIN! I'm kinda over it, and just ready to move on to fall clothes now.

Love the gray and gold together!

xoxo,
Bren @ Chasing Beauty

BeautyH2T said...

lovely lady :) you gorgeous creature I was thinking of you this weekend as I saw a gorgeous big picture of a bird breaking out a cage! You look diving here, i love a sweatshirt dress they are a bit of a staple for me :) comfort and style oh yes. BOyf loved his pressies and we had a lovely day, mairead threw him a little bday bash at the hospital so it was lovely. Now I have a big food baby from a weekend of food indulgence and a LOT of packing to get done in the next 3 nights- ahhhh how do I pack up all the make up !? :)

Much much love Miss Carrie,

Bx

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