Houndstooth Dress: The Rough Draft Debut

Last month, I purchased this dress from H&M alongside its Cream counterpart which I blogged about here:

{H&M 18.95 though I can't find the dress on their site anymore.}

I have been very excited to wear it for the first time: the exposed zipper, the mathematical Houndstooth print and the conservative length all equaled endless possibility. I envisioned its Blog debut to be staged in my office with Mary Jane shoes and a layered collar sprouting up from beneath the neckline.

But rather, in an effort to power-through my hangover last Sunday, I wore it shopping with The Boy and our friends. I wanted to wear Yoga pants to this downtown event... but mind over matter meant that dressing up MIGHT help me to blow past my nausea (it did not).

Either way, here is how the dress was quickly pieced together last Sunday:

American Apparel amazing Socks can be found here. They're folded down but warm up to your thigh.

Personally, I think it's a bit "eh...". I'm a bit bothered that I chose a hangover day to try to rock it in all its potential glory.

In fact, if I have it to do over, I want it more like this:

Houndstooth Combos by candyflosspersie featuring a sheath dress

So consider my first rendition of the Houndstooth Dress to be a rough draft. I can do better... way better... and I plan on doing so soon (perhaps this weekend since I will be taking it easssy). You ain't seen nothin' yet!
How do you wear your Houndstooth?