Teal and Polka Dots: The Most Comfy Dress

I love outfits that look fancy but are really so freaking comfy, it's like you're fooling everyone into thinking you're polished, but in real-life you're wearing secret pajamas. That's what this soft jersey knit dress feels like - the comfiest pjs ever with an elastic waistband perfect for a food baby (or in my case a food baby + post-baby flabby belly). I've accepted that no amount of dieting is going to give me a sleek tummy, and I could probably do crunches or something, but that just makes too much sense, so for now I'll stick to camouflaging dresses. :)

I found this dress for on final sale for $19 at my local Loft and had to scoop it up. You can't see it in these photos, but it has the prettiest flutter sleeves (that will be great come spring/summer) and I love the high neckline. Sadly, my dress is no longer available, but I've listed some cute options below.

For me, the trick to wearing a midi dress or skirt is to pair it with heels, otherwise my legs look short and stumpy. I can't do anything about the ghostly whiteness of my legs, but I did Photoshop out all the bruises. One of my kiddo's favorite activities is to jump on my legs and I tripped over, and broke, the baby gate - leaving me with a particularly nasty bruise below my knee, which I forgot all about until I saw them in all their glory in these photos. Whoops.

I decided to pair this dress it with a plum cardigan I rediscovered during by closet clean out and kept my jewelry simple with statement earrings and a floral brooch. After seeing Lisa's flatlay with a dressy sweatshirt and brooch trio, I was inspired to dust off my own brooch that hasn't seen the light of day in years. Isn't it sweet? I love how it gives the whole outfit a retro feel.

Dress: Loft (options below)

Cardigan: Loft (similar)

Shoes: Old Navy (similar)

Earrings: Kate Spade (exact)

Brooch: Accents on Signal Mountain (upgrade, inexpensive alternative)

Watch: Target (exact in rose gold, similar)

Bracelet: Baublebar (cute alternative)

Ring: Pandora (exact)

I bought this brooch over 10 years ago when I worked at a little gift shop in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. I loved that job - being surrounded by beautiful things, the particular smell of Tyler candles, an amazing boss who showed me the joys and struggles of owning your own business - she inspired me to want a gift shop of my own, and while it is still a particular dream of mine, it'll be something I do later on in life as a second career. My husband wants to retire to St. Augustine, Florida (I'm holding out for a return to my beloved Tennessee), so maybe one day you'll see me with my own little unique shop by the beach or mountains, who knows what the future will bring!