Anthropologie-Esque Almost-Party Dress

Last weekend during the brief hours my husband was home between business trips, I had a brief opportunity to go into Anthropologie and drool around.  Got me thinking about how women are drawn to different retailers and that many are J Crew aficionados or Desigual diehards and so on... I still can't settle on a particular style but I definitely hear Anthro's siren call.  I loved all their flowy dresses and layered necklaces and colourful prints.  Imagine my delight to find a gorgeous maxi dress the very next day at VV Boutique that had a distinct Anthro vibe - but for only $6.50...

I heart you, Anthro-esque dress.

The hemline is kinda "shark tail" with lots of light flowy fabric...

Perfect for twirling, according to my 4yo photographer: "TWIRL."

I thought I would try to look like a hungry aloof disinterested introspective Anthro model by heading outside for some pics...

Except I can't stop smiling because it's June and my dress is awesome and was only $6.50.

And the perfect Brazilian leather sandals were $11.

This was as close as I could get to whimsical.

This summer I 'll get my kids to macrame a swing or something.

My earrings are She Does Create but all those necklace strands are from VV Boutique and ranged from 70cents to $3 for a total cost of about $9.  On my stroll though Anthro, I saw lots of layering going on, which I loved but at $38+ per layer, it's out of my league...

Except VV Boutique prices help me to score the layered necklace vibe!

I had planned to wear this outfit for my year-end work party for 9 in 6 Style, but the weather turned out to be terrible.  I have it ready to wear to any other party this summer, so if you like what you see, invite me to a party.

Did that sound desperate?  You can't blame me for wanting to show this dress a good time.