Eclectic Joy

I linked this post to Angie's blog post about wearing toppers with sleeveless dresses: Don't, because last night we went to a symphony concert.  Nearly every woman of any age had on a sundress, as it had been a hot day turning into a hot evening.  It was fun to see the fashion parade by.  But what stuck me was that those who left off a topper looked far better than those who wore one.  In fact much of the time the topper ruined the look.  I have to mention that one young lady had on a short black fit 'n flare dress with floral fashion sneakers and looked adorable.  I wish I could have whipped out my phone to take photos but it would have been noticed.  I wore my pink EF lantern sleeveless dress for which I don't have a good topper but didn't need one.  Angie, you are so right about those toppers.

First photo is the dress that I wore.  The second shows the clutch that I used. 

I have been wanting a white casual vest for summer since last spring and decided to send for the Old Navy version in two sizes. Photos 1 and 3 show the XS and 2 and 4/5 are S. XS is more cropped, S is more boxy. Which should I keep? Or should I keep looking? I have a faded denim vest that fits more like the XS. What do you think?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.
After Angie's post on sleeveless dresses and toppers, I pulled out an old Express dress with spaghetti straps...way to young a look for me and not flattering. However, this dress is perfect to wear around the house on a steamy day but I like to pop on a topper if going out in public.
1: First, the dress on its own. It was a $3 Goodwill find soon after I'd lost weight. It was tighter then and only came home with me because a shopping friend insisted.
2: dress with sleeveless floral top. Is this top too long to wear like this?
3: Dress with nylon Japanese print tee with elbow length sleeves and black Merrell sneakers on my feet. Too dark?
4: Dress with sneakers. This is very comfortable and I may wear this around the house if it looks OK.
5-6: Dress with a cropped animal print nylon tee.
Can you tell that I like breezy non-absorbent nylon for hot days? All the tops that I used over the dress are thrifted and the whole of the outfit pieces except the shoes will probably be donated after this season. Or do you think that I should forget this look and bag it up right now?

I have had these sneakers hidden in their box in a guest room closet for a couple of years! Encouraged by Angie's ensemble post today I tried a version from my closet. The cargos are the closest I have to khakis but I will also try with denim clams. This is a post and run but I would like your suggestions and comments to see what works and what doesn't. I think last time I posted these pants rolled, a messier roll was suggested. Does this work?

The first outfit is a trial run of rolling the linen trousers plus using the black sleeveless jacket. I felt pretty happy with the outfit but may be deluded. Suggestions are welcome.
The second outfit was copied from MsMary's copy. I ended up adding a third black and white pattern with a cotton scarf. I'd welcome your suggestions and comments on this outfit too. Is it too hectic? Do the proportions work? I needed a jacket and ended up using the cropped red denim.

I'm only starting this thread as a way to link Shedev's challenge to me to my blog. I don't expect comments as many of you have already done that. It seems to be the best way for me to locate the thread in the future.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....lenges-joy
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....st-1267304

Yesterday I copied Neel
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ess-blazer
and her inspiration photo (3) with my sleeveless jacket, faded denim jeans, leopard pumps and gold leather bag. (1/2). The second photo I hope will show the layering best. The under layer is an old silk shirt. Pumps are Bandalino and a fairly recent find. I'd been looking for a low heeled pump in a leopard print and pointed toe that are comfortable.
I later changed into a hot weather version of the outfit (4-6) with sleeveless EF shell and leopard sandals. The 6th photo is an attempt to show the shark bite affect of overlapping semi tucked tank and longer front of the vest.
The last photo is another attempt with the same vest tried today with grey coated jeans rolled and chunky Ecco black sandals that I wanted for a hot rainy day but the rubber soled fell apart while wearing. I can now see a small piece of black rubber already off in one of the photos. At a meeting I had to pick up big chunks of black rubber under the chair. They are now in the trash. These are a couple of years old but have not been ill-treated or left in the sun.
I suspect that jeans should be rolled higher? What do you think? Are the proportions ok? Is there enough of a heel on the pumps to balance out the low vest?