Luckily, I found two dresses that fit my criteria and were only about $40 a piece after a discount code I found. Um, people, thats $20 for top and $20 for bottom... thats how I look at dresses to make me feel better about prices, especially when they are a lot more expensive than these two were... hehe. Anyway! Basically, I think they were a great deal and are exactly what I was looking for!
This dress is actually brown, you can't really tell in this pic because the lighting is bad, and I used my Mac camera that is built into my computer. Anyway its cotton, very lightweight, and has two super cute pockets on the bottom.
Here it is on the model - you can see the color and the pockets much better. This dress may or may not need a slip - the jury is still out. I'll have to examine it more thoroughly in different lighting.
You can find this dress at Alternative Apparel for only $48.
The next dress I bought is a perfect for summer! I love it and might invest in a couple more colors, actually. Its just so easy, simple, perfect for really hot days, great for traveling, etc. Its very lightweight, but its not as thin as the previous dress. IMO it doesn't need a slip or anything. It has a cute pocket, too, you can sort of see it on the right.
Am I the palest person you have ever seen or what? I used to be so tan, too! I tan really easily, hopefully I'll get some color soon. Living in Monterey.. its always chilly so my legs never really get to see the sun! For the record, I don't think I am quite as pale as this picture is making me out to be. I think the lighting has a lot to do with it... lol. I swear... hah.
Here it is on the model:
This dress is also available from Alternative Apparel for just $40.Save 15% at Alternative Apparel until April 30th with the code: CEW311.
Anyway these dresses are straight out of the box from the FedEx man. When I wear them out, I'll have a tan...hah... and I'll accessorize properly! Since they are soo plain, accessories will do a lot for them! Some sunnies, a great bag, and bangles... all set! Casual summer chic. I'm thinking some bangles with the brown dress for sure... I love wood and gold together lately.
Available at Nordstrom, $58.
From Aldo, $18.
From Free People, $24.
I'm thinking casual summer dresses, a la fashion icon Rachel Bilson:
Well, I have to cut this short! Some friends are having a going away party for us and I'm 10 minutes late already!
BTW, check out this awesome girl's blog - she is having a give away for some of her gorgeous rope bracelets! I love them & can definitely see myself wearing them with everything this summer!

Steph