You're right Rae that it is quite different for me and actually kinda scary (lol) and I don't really know who spring Shannon is either since this will be my first spring since starting to figure out my style. I think I'll try a few other combos and see how it works. It won't play particularly well with my current footwear since it's mostly winter or sandals. That's one area I really need to build up - colorful and interesting footwear (plus nude pumps).

I think the fit is very flattering. I like the bright colors (and all of the trendy ones are represented as well as good old black). I don't care for it with the black blazer and higher booties as much and would love it best with colorful low vamp pumps (yes those green shoes would be awesome) It does not look like your usual style, but that doesn't mean you can't have it for something when you're feeling floral or bright.

I agree with the others who have noted that the pattern read as more abstract/modern than frumpy. I like it! Although not with black shoes -- they look too severe with it. But I think it would look awesome with bright pumps:)

I'm updating with a couple of pics with colourful jackets - the cropped Gap jacket is the same pale pink as one of the pink colours in the dress and the blue jacket picks up the blue flowers in the dress. Do either of these work? Of course I still have the problem with the footwear...

I love it with the pink jacket! Way better than the black. I'm not so sure about the blue. I can't see the blue flowers in the photo, but maybe it shows up better in real life?

I'm not loving the colored jackets - getting a little over powered by color.

Can you try a denim jacket (medium or light wash), or maybe a gray blazer?

ETA: cardigans would work, too.

it is a pretty dress as far as the abstract floral goes, from your conversation with Rae sounds like you are struggling with whether it is you? I know I am trying to let myself make some growth stylewise although in that process there may be mistakes. Does it make you happy? Can you style it a few ways while trying to discover if it is "you" and wear it some or was it expensive enough you want to return if a possible not "me" look?

I think this dress is 100% fab!

Are you sick of me and this dress yet???

The more I look at it and the more I try it on, the more I'm struggling with it. I don't know whether it's because it's the wrong dress for me in and of itself, or whether it's because it's just different and it's a whole lotta floral. I think I'm going to return it - there will be plenty of floral dresses over the next two months for me to cash in on this trend if I choose. And maybe one that I won't have to work so hard to try and style.

Rae - I really, REALLY want to thank you because you made me think and you made me remember I said I was doing SYC FOR A REASON! Thank you for being my conscience!

P.S. I might still get the green Poetic Licence shoes though since I honestly, truly do need colourful footwear for spring.

Florals look so fresh to my eye right now. I'm with Jonesy. This frock is a 10! I love it with the peach jacket - add your booties and scrunch the sleeves. That will take away the sweetness that is giving Rae pause.

You could channel Heather and pop over your red polka dot blazer

Really Angie??? I just posted at the same time that I think I'm going to return it! Is it so hard because it's a new look for me? Would it also work with my blue suede Aerosole booties and a denim jacket?

The red polka dot blazer? Ooohhhh...now that's out of my comfort zone...baby steps Angie, just taking baby steps!

Maybe I should choose clothing or make decisions regarding an item after a visual acuity test - my eyes are always tired and blurry after (lol)!

I just want to be clear that I'm not arguing *against* the dress. I just want you to struggle during the return window, and not after it's too late to decide against it. I struggled a lot with my white booties, but I love them now!

I hope that playing the role of conscience makes up for all those shameless enabling moments of mine.

Rae, sweetie - I know you're not arguing against the dress. I never once thought that. What I love is that you make me think and it's actually really good for me - I'm an impulsive shopper, always have been, and with our conversations, it gives me pause to really figure out if something is going to work or not.

You keep on enabling or being my conscience - whatever is applicable given the item! I truly do appreciate it!

I cannot believe this dress is still up for discussion. It is gorgeous on you. What don't you like about it?!

No worries Rita - I'm keeping it and I love it. I think it was just so different from my usual that it kind of threw me into a tizzy! No more discussion required!

Ok Shannon, if I didn't know how you (formerly) felt about florals, I would say this looks exactly like "Spring Shannon" should look. End of story!

Keep, Keep, Keep. I voted YAY !

I'm with Kelly. This looks totally fab, because the floral print is very modern and abstract - nothing remotely resembling Grandma's wall paper here. I love it - especially on its own and with the black blazer. What a great find.

Fabulous dress, Shannon! Worth the struggle --- and FWIW, maybe it's your vintage accents all through last season, but the retro-ness of the shape and the floral print itself say 'Shannon' to me!

LOVE it with the black blazer and shoes in #1. Also like the idea of the pink blazer, and you have to at least try and take a photo of Angie's idea of polka-dot jacket on top (with the green shoes? *and* the oxfords too?)! I'm going against the flow here, but I suspect a low-vamp nude shoe might make it 'too sweet for Shannon' without another edgier, 'rougher' element --- which might come from a cuff or bag or moto jacket!

The blue jacket's shape is not working *all* that well, to my eye. It seems to want more length below to balance the shoulders. With pants, perhaps? Or a midi skirt in a darker colour to 'anchor' its brightness?

You MUST wear this dress with the red polka-dot blazer.

That is all.

Shannon you look fabulous in this dress. I am glad you are keeping it. I love the style, tand the abstract print. I would like to see this with some pumps and I quite liked the black jacket, but in also like the peach color too.

Sounds like you've made up your mind on this dress, but here's one of the tricks I use when I'm on the fence. When I buy something new, 99% of the time, I want to wear it immediately. But, I'll occasionally buy pieces that seem right (or even great and wonderful!) in the store, but when I get them home, I'm not drawn to them and have no real desire to wear them. Usually they look just fine, but they're not inspiring to me.

If something sits in my closet for more than a week or two with tags still on, it gets returned because I clearly didn't love it enough. I hate how I feel on days when I'm indifferent about the clothes I'm wearing.