polka dots and leopard spots

Inspiration for today's look- Elle Magazine(I think?)

details:dress/vintage purchased from etsy shop barefoot and vintage~shoes/aldo

Recent shirtdress purchases from anthropologie have triggered a minor obsession with them. Unfortunately, my wallet demands that that I find a non budget busting alternate source to feed my obsession. This has lead to an etsy/ebay vintage obsession. It's a slippery slope people! Anyway, the completely rad, Paige, of barefootandvintage has an etsy shop. I purchased this cute little dress from her. I love it! I have a few different ways I want to style it but I was once again limited by the unbearable heat/humidity. I ultimately opted to go without the little socks because I wasn't sure if I liked the way it looked. I already get enough odd looks in suburban wasteland and I wasn't in the mood for the whole"what is she wearing?" disapproval today.

The longer summer drags on the more I'm ready for fall. I've also been thinking more about creating a "look" versus simply buying things because I think I like them. I'm hoping this will give me more options instead of standing in my closet and thinking I have nothing to wear. Being swayed by of the moment trends or seeing things on other people has resulted in some really questionable purchases. Going through some of my magazines I'm starting to get more of an idea of what I want to purchase for fall and winter. I really think this is going to help me shop smarter...I hope:) I know for sure that there will be more vintage in my closet for fall with a few items from Anthro that I'm watching and of course a little jcrew and f21 thrown in the mix. Do you have any must haves yet for fall? How do you approach shopping? Do you have a look or do you buy on a whim?