I am fresh off the plane from Italy, where my girlfriends and I had an excellent time shopping, quite literally, til we dropped! After a veeeeery long plane ride, though, I’ve decided that dresses are the best things to travel in. True, I’m a little biased here, but they are definitely more comfortable than jeans and easy to layer to adjust to the ever-fluctuating temperatures on board.

This kimono inspired number from Banana Republic  is really pretty, and I think that it would travel well, too. I know all of the stores are coming out with their fall lines already, but remember that there are at least two more months of warm weather left, and even once they’re gone, this will look great with tights, boots, and scarves!

Traveling has become a tad tedious with all of the security restrictions, and fussing with straps and shoe laces is a hassle, so the ingenious Anna at Shoe Smitten Blog has created a list of fashionable shoes that easily slip on and off at the security checkpoint…any of which would look mighty fine with this shift!

Okay, so I have to confess that I don’t love Banana Republic’s website — but in the same way that you can’t judge a book by its cover, you also can’t judge a store entirely by its website. For one thing, I can’t find a store with clothes that fit better than BR’s do. Also, their things just feel so good. This Silk Paisley Shirtdress is the perfect burst of color for spring. It shouts, “It’s warm out! Let’s dine al fresco and wear open toed sandals and bask in the sunshine!” Well, at least that’s what it shouts to me, the girl who is having a panic attack at the thought of another two months of damp, bone-chilling weather. *Le sigh*

Party dresses everywhere! I’m feeling celebratory and festive, in a way that makes me want to wear party dresses to my last week and a half of classes (for some reason, the thought of this makes the idea of sitting in class more tolerable…). I’m also thinking about what to wear for New Year’s Eve, and whilst thinking about this I stumbled on this little polka dot Betsey Johnson number. I love that it bells out, which is perfect for spinning — and for eating lots and lots of mini quiche. Does reasoning get any better than that?

With all that black, I think this needs a little pop of color. I like the juicy orangey red of these flats, which remind me of sunrise papaya.

 And these lemon quartz triple teardrop earrings from Banana Republic would make the spinning that much more dizzying (and awesome!).

Something a little different today (which I figure is okay since it’s a holiday)…my friend Cathy asked me to help her find a pair of mary janes with these specifics: 1. not patent leather 2. cute enough to wear with jeans — essentially, everyday shoes. So instead of pairing a dress with a pair of shoes today, I’m posting the three cutest comfy mary janes that I could find…and pairing them with a dress. Twisty, aren’t I???

This one is called Nicole by a designer called Caryn ($89). I like that the leather looks really soft, and the heel is substantial, so it definitely earns points in the comfy walking sector.

 This next pair is super sweet, and softer in a black suede. I love the button detail.

(daniblack by Robbin, $125)

I like the Marmont by Naturalizer ($79),  for their sleek, elegant shape. Since they’re Naturalizers, you know they’ll be comfortable too. Bonus!

And for the grand reversal, here’s the little black dress to go with whichever mary janes Cathy chooses…

My friends and I went shopping yesterday in Downtown Boston, and let me tell you this: the Christmas season has begun. In the retail world, anyway. The shops were crazy and full of insane people who get angry if your shoulder is in their way but have no problem stopping smack dab in the middle of a walk way. Yikes! It’s also very very cold outside. So if you’re planning on going shopping, make sure you wear something thick and cozy, like this cable knit sweater dress.

But I wore boots that look almost exactly like those yesterday and my feet were killing me. If you’re going marathon shopping, be smart — stick with the flats.