earthy tones and new hemlines

Before I talk about this outfit, I have some really exciting news! You guys remember Brahmin, the makers of the amazing bag that helped me get picked as one of the best-dressed at Fashion Week? I am SO thrilled to be working with them on their summer catalog!  We're going to be shooting it next week, so lots more on that soon!

I'm particularly excited because Brahmin is one of those brands that just fits effortlessly into my wardrobe. I received the bag in the picture above about three days before Fashion Week, and I basically carried it nonstop from the second it was out of the box. I love that their bags add so much polish to an outfit, and I LOVE that they look about ten times more expensive than they actually are! Which, of course, is because their materials and designs are impeccable. SO excited to be working with them on this!

But, onto the outfit. You guys have heard that longer hemlines are the new big thing, right? Well, I greeted that news with a very loud groan, because as you guys know, I'm 5'2" and long hemlines tend to be really unattractive unless you're closer to six feet tall. I've always thought that I couldn't wear calf-length dresses because they'd cut off my legs in a really unflattering way.

And then Banana Republic sent me this dress. On the hanger, it didn't look like much, but I decided to give it a try. And, wow! The neutral olive tone was really flattering (who knew?), and the mid-calf length actually looked cute! I guess it doesn't hurt that I get about eight inches taller when I wear the shoes in this picture, but I'm still pretty psyched.

And -- my COVERGIRL giveaway! The winners are comments #8 and #21, Samantha and Paula-Beth! I'll be emailing later today for your addresses!

Gifted Banana Republic dress, Anthropologie sunglasses, gifted Sir Alistair Rai scarf, Jessica Simpson heels, H&M bracelet, gifted Brahmin purse (last seen here!).