OOTD: adding colour to a boring outfit

As I've mentioned before I'm still learning how to "spice" up an outfit with colour.  I have this boring brown linen/cotton mix dress that I got from H&M a long time ago.  I wear it because it's one of those "throw on and go" pieces of clothing that I don't have to think about too much.  Here is how I would normally wear it:

Belt:  unknown from Winners

Pretty boring right?  Although it's a really easy outfit I always feel so "blah" wearing it. 

But it's already in my closet and it fits - I'm determined to make it work - so here is how I wore it the other day:

Dress:  H&M size 4

Earrings and Scarf:  Avon

I tried to spice it up a little with the scarf as a belt and the bold earrings.

I feel OK experimenting since most people at my work don't pay much attention to clothes and such.

So....does it work?  or is it a fail?