Seeing as it was freakishly warm for NorCal this past weekend, I had to put away my skinny jeans, sweaters, and slouchy boots to keep from getting heatstroke.

LC Valentine dress; $235

In keeping with my shopping MO (buy off-season and on sale),  I’d recently purchased a tunic that’s slightly reminiscent of the LC dress above.  I was going to put it to use next summer, but given the 80-degree temps, I thought a test run couldn’t hurt.

(Please excuse the wrinkles. I wasn’t expecting to break this out for several months.)  I really like the cutout and surplice bodice details.  However, I don’t think this would work as well for well-endowed women, as the fabric is pretty lightweight.  My NuBra preserved my modesty, since with the kimono arms and cutout back, there’s really nowhere for a standard bra’s straps to hide.

Also, I’m SHORT.  Like, 5 ft even.  So while this tunic-repurposed-as-dress works for my vertically challenged self, if you’re a willowy, leggy, gal, I’d suggest going for an actual dress instead– otherwise, the look may become more Paris Hilton in her underwear (or other…) flashing phase than LC.

The dress got paired with natural ABS platform sandals ($25 at Marshalls, originally $150) and my blue topaz cocktail ring ($100 at DiamondShark).  It’s really not that ginormous, my hands are just small.

Anyways, the dress was super comfy to wear all day, as it’s a rayon and micromodal blend.  The BF loved it.  And the best part? It was $12 on clearance at Victoria’s Secret.  No, I didn’t leave off a zero.

This outfit gets high marks for ease of dressing and not breaking the bank.  And hey, I know I won’t be wearing minidresses forever so I better enjoy it while I can– $12 is a small price to pay.

Do any other petite gals out there repurpose shirts as dresses?  What’s your favorite fashion bargain?