Holiday Attire

Let the Holiday Parties begin - or continue if you have been partying all month. Work parties, friend parties, family parties.... what should I wear?  I wanted to get this post out earlier this month, but as I have mentioned before, sometimes life gets in the way. 

I don't have any rules or anything about dressing for holiday parties. If I had to pick one, it would be - I would always rather be over-dressed, than under-dressed. Be comfortable and have fun with it. I love a little sparkle for the holidays, and there is plenty of it out there this season. 

I found a gold sweater I loved at The Limited, and then I searched high and low for Winter White pants. I must have tried on 15 different pants. They were too wide, too long, too transparent - OR my pet peeve - you could see the pockets through the pants. One options when this happens is to cut the pockets out and sew the opening shut, but I didn't have time for that.  I ended up settling on a pair that fit great everywhere, but they were ankle length. Being short, I thought maybe that would be 'regular' length for me, but no. So I had these all ready to return, but after my search everywhere else left me with nothing, I kept them and decided to just roll with it. Because I was wearing a long flowing sweater, I needed a slimmer pant. 

This is not the most flattering side pic - but the pants have a little leather tuxedo stripe on the side I was trying to show. This was a super comfortable outfit to wear at an all day family party, except for my shoes. After a few hours, I changed into my slippers and my cousin challenged me saying,  "I want to see those on the blog". So here ya go :)  Just keepin' it real. 

Merry Christmas!

Putting it all together

I love putting outfits together. It genuinely energizes me. The best analogy I can come up with, is to compare it to cooking. Some people love to open a fridge or pantry, look at all the ingredients and whip them up into wonderful, delicious combinations. Clothes are my ingredients. I love to experiment, mix and match, and create. I am terrible with actual ingredients. 

I felt like I nailed it the other day. This was a new mix for me out of things I have had in my closet for awhile. I had thought about throwing on a navy or denim jacket over the dress, but I still thought it was missing some flavor. Turns out it was mustard! Too much with the food analogy? 

navy and white polka-dot belted shirt dress

red patent leather shoes
mustard yellow cardigan with gold trim
animal print purse (not pictured) - I couldn't figure out how to hold it and look normal taking my selfie.

When adding or mixing colors, I usually start with the main color of the item I want to wear - for example - navy dress. Then I think about where I can add colors - shoes, purse, scarf, sweater, jacket, jewelry. I add one piece/color at a time until I feel like the look is complete. Colors don't have to match - just coordinate. Get rid of any color 'rules' in your head. 

Here are a few outfits I pulled from my closet to try and show you want I mean. Fall and Winter make it super easy to add color with a scarf or jacket. 

Fancy Pants

It's Party Time!! This time of year seems to be filled with 'events' that require festive attire - ya know a little more snazzy than business casual or church. 

Last weekend Jason and I went to a Dinner/Auction for our kids' school. I knew right away that I would wear my Fancy Pants! These are sequin pants/jeans/leggings that I bought from The Limited 2 years ago. I saw them and knew I had to have them. Do you every look at something and immediately know, "that looks like something I would wear" ?  (This is a good way to learn your style, see what types of clothes you are drawn to almost without thinking). Anyway I loved these pants, but wasn't sure I would wear them enough - see $5 rule. So I left without them, couldn't stop thinking about them and went back the next day and bought them. I have gotten so much use out of these pants!

Not only are these pants a fun alternative to the LBD, I feel awesome whenever I wear them. So that is really my point in this post - have something in your wardrobe that you know makes you feel great whenever you wear it. It lifts your mood whenever you put it on. It feels inherently "you".

They don't seem to carry them at The Limited this year, but a quick internet search lead me to two pair. First from Bloomingdales here. 

And these from H&M come in gold and silver - I love the gold ones.

And here is me not looking as happy as I feel when I wear these pants. We were rushing out the door for the Auction and I really wanted to get a good photo, but it was dark outside. So hopefully you get the gist. 

Fashion and Style

"Fashion is about dressing according to what is fashionable. Style is more about being yourself." - Oscar de la Renta

I heard this quote of his last week when the media was covering his passing and celebrating what an extraordinary influence he was on the fashion industry.

This describes exactly how I feel about style! My reason for sharing my style through this blog is because it's fun. It might serve as an inspiration for someone else to use clothes or style to make themselves feel good, or make a statement, or just help get dressed in the morning. My plan is not to tell others what they should or shouldn't do. Of course I'm always happy to offer my opinion :) 

I went shopping today - lured out by some coupons, some sales and one specific mission. I walked around for the longest time looking around and not liking anything! I get very frustrated when this happens. Sometimes I find this happens because i realize I don't NEED anything. And then I leave. BUT, I just happened to come upon this gem of a sweater and my hope was restored. I loved it the minute I saw it. I hemmed and hawed for a brief moment while I heard my brother in my head asking me 'why are you wearing a blanket'? - but I didn't care, I still love it. And it happened to go great with what I was wearing. So the kids and I hoped out at this pretty little scene and snapped a pic.

Sweater - Sun & Shadow at Nordstrom
Tunic - Plieone 
Jeans - from my favoite list
Boots - Minnetonka - mentioned here and I love them!

I happened to already be wearing the Minnetonka boots when I bought the sweater, and part of me thinks together with the sweater it is a little much with the western theme. But sometimes you just go for it anyway.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Since it has been raining here ALL day and for days at a time, I figured I would post about my favorite rain-wear and other rain essentials. My must have for rain is Hunter Boots! 

Like most large purchases, I lamented over these for a couple seasons. I told myself that I didn't go out in the rain that much. But once I decided to bite the bullet and buy them, I wear them ALL the time. You do not have to get the Hunter brand, but I intend to keep these forever, so I chose to invest a bit. Special note on the investment, I cheated and bought the children's boots that are half the price of the adult version. I'm a women's size 6, and I ordered these in a size 5 and have I lots of room for layers and boot socks - which I highly recommend - like these.

I wear them with jeans, leggings, cords, skirts - anything really, if it is raining. For you true city dwellers who walk to work, I can't imagine not having these.  One very important thing to note - I wear these with fleece boot socks in chilly weather, but a snow boot they are not! The rubber gets super cold and then freezes your feet - I learned that the hard way. Since I heard it might be another frigid winter, check back for my fav snow boots, as soon as I find them. 

It can feel challenging to put together an outfit when it is raining. I won't even go into the hair issues when its raining!!! But it definitely presents an outfit challenge. There are certain pants, shoes, jackets that you just can't wear in the rain.  So I tend to go for the basics in dark colors so water spots don't show, and then pair with a fun trench and fun umbrella! I have a trench very similar to this - Macy's Jessica Simpson - I love the sheen. And of course a leopard umbrella. Quick note on the trench - if budget is not an issue I would have a standard issue black or khaki trench and a fun print or bright color for spring, but if you have to pick one, go for one you can wear all the time with anything. 

Here is what I decided to wear tonight - out to dinner with friends, in the rain. I know I just spent paragraphs talking about the Hunters - but I'm in black booties here. I know I won't have to walk much and these shoes can take the rain. Instead of my trench, I chose my faux leather jacket - polyurethane is quite waterproof. And a scarf to take the chill off. I am out of practice with my modeling - this will have to do. 

Packing - 15 days in Spain

This post was inspired by the 'packing consultation' I had with my Mom, who is going to Spain for 15 days. She is a serial over-packer and for this 15 day trip, she is only allowed to bring 1 20 inch carry-on, and a purse.  Most people hate packing, but I thoroughly enjoy it, as I shared in this post - Tetris with clothes. 

A few things we considered before we started - weather and activities. The weather will reach highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s and they will often be on the go all day with no time to change clothes for evenings. Knowing this, my strategy was to pack lightweight layers that were interchangeable with each other.

We started at the bottom. We knew she would only be bringing 2 pair of shoes, both black. A sporty, walking shoe that would replace a sneaker, and another black patent loafer that could dress things up a bit. 

Next, we chose pants 1 black, 1 navy, 1 dark wash jean, and 1 charcoal jean (later we added a colored jean for some variety). We included a black and white printed skirt for dressier evenings. Then I started picking tops from her closet that were lightweight, layer-able, and preferably wrinkle-resistant - 9 tops in all. All tops could be worn with any of the 4 neutral pants, and half of the tops could be paired with the colored jeans. Finally we picked 3 blazers/jackets, 1 cardigan sweater and 3 scarfs. I lined everything up using a rolling rack, building and eliminating as we went - you could also lay it all out on your bed. Then I put together 13 outfits pictured below.

5 Bottoms: Dark Wash Jean, Charcoal Jean, Black Pants, Navy Pants, Black/White Skirt
9 Tops    Solids: Red Ruffle Tank, Royal 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, Light Pink Blouse
             Textures: Cream Lace Top, Purple with Purple Polka Dots
             Prints: Floral Blouse, Paisley Blouse, Black Stripe T/Flower, Black/White Print
3 Jackets: Denim Jacket, Black Knit Moto Jacket, Cream/Gold/Silver Boucle Jacket 
3 Scarfs: Global Print, Solid Purple, Solid Dark Pink

Below you see I fit it ALL of the items above into the 20 inch suitcase, except for the travel outfit (striped flower t, black cardigan, dark wash jeans and 1 pair shoes). I rolled the 4 pair of pants and lined them in a row across, and then I squeezed in as many rolled tops in a row across just like the pants. Photo 2 shows another layer of tops rolled and laid across the bottom layer, and the opposite side of the suitcase shows jackets and shoes. Plenty of room for toiletries. 

A few side notes.....

- Finding comfortable shoes to walk around in all day proved to be the most difficult part of this. Thank goodness for Zappos and Nordstrom - free shipping, free returns.

- We ended up removing the Black Knit Moto jacket because the forecast was even warmer than expected

- We didn't discuss jewelry, but I suggest pick either gold or silver or if you has a piece that has both - perfect!1 or 2 necklaces at the most and 1 or 2 pair of earings - an everyday and a dressy maybe.

- The 1 purse was a small, gunmetal cross-body purse 

- If this were me packing, I would have thrown in 2 knit dresses.

- My Dad was ridiculously EASY to pack for. 1 Black Jeans, 1 Dark Wash Jeans, 1 khaki pair if pants, 2 long sleeve woven shirts, 6 polo shirts, 1 jacket/activewear piece and 2 pair of shoes. 

- I fully expect my Mom to throw in a few random things at the end just because she has room

Coming soon - I helped a family of 5 pack for 2 weeks in Italy!! 

The $5 Rule

There was an article in the WSJ this morning about the current shift in shopping for few items, but spending more money on key pieces. Quality vs. Quantity. I thought that was just something that was happening to me as I grew up, apparently I'm not the only one.  

Then I got to thinking about how I choose what items to spend more money on, and the arbitrary 'rules' I use for purchasing. For example I don't like to by tops over $40, pants must be under $80 - I'm talking "trousers" here, work pants, but denim is a whole other story. I've been contemplating some 3 digit denim for almost a week now. Don't judge. I'm working on a whole post about denim varieties and the necessity of said varieties - if only for my husband to read and maybe understand. 

So, I was brought back to something a customer shared with me years ago (I have no idea if she was the originator of this rule, this is just where I heard it). She used a rule of $5. An item needed to be worth $5 per wear. So if you bought a $20 top, as long as you wore it 4 times, it was money well spent. I actually find this to be pretty helpful. It helps justify those 3 digit jeans - I will totally wear them 40 times a year - AND since I keep most of my jeans for-ev-er it is fine -right? 

One area where I can't use my rule is the purse. I can't seem to invest in a purse - even though it is something you carry/use everyday, I can't get the $5 rule to work. I always think I want to buy one, but I just can't. No judging here - just sharing a oddity in my arbitrary shopping rules. 

Something else that came to mind here is DON'T buy something just because it is a good deal. I used to fall for this a lot. OR I would buy something just because it was a brand name and I found it at Marshalls for really cheap, and then I would be so made I wasted money on something I didn't really like. 

But my point is, if you are going to invest in a few key pieces, make sure it is something you LOVE, that it fits, and that you will wear it often.

I would love to hear what you all splurge and save one. 

And just so this post isn't totally boring, I have a funny story about fringe. I mentioned here that I thought 'western wear' - or at least fringe -  was a trend for fall. I thought I would grab onto this trend with both feet and ordered these boots. I was going to make them the replacement for my fake-uggs (I could have used my $5 rule for real ones several years ago, but instead bought cheap ones every year or two from Target - I kept thinking they were going out of style the next year.) Anyway - here are the boots I ordered. Minnetonka 3-Layer Fringe boots.

Adorable right? I thought so. Or maybe you hate them. But I was convinced I could totally pull them off. Weeelllll, they make the most annoying swoosh, swoosh, swoosh noise when you walk. You think corduroys or wind pants are bad? (are they actually called wind pants? you know what I mean)  I was laughing out loud walking around my room. Just for fun I super-seriously asked my husband if he liked them - he replied "ridiculous". Which almost made me want to keep them :)

So I have ordered these to squash both my Minnetonka craving and my fringe craving. We'll see if they are a keeper. A little fringe goes a long way. 

. 

Long Time, No Blog

Oh I can't believe it has been such a long time! I have several excuses and places to lay the blame, but really I blame the HEAT!  It is 100 degrees with 90% humidity here and I don't care how much you love clothes, almost nothing is fun to put on but a swimsuit. That combined with the fact that at this point of the season I am generally bored of most of my summer clothes. I'm looking forward to fall fashion and all we have here is heat. 

Sooooo I have been perusing some of my favorite sources to see what is coming up for the fall. And you'll be happy to hear everything is in style! I'm only half kidding. Depending on what add, magazine, website, store you see, you might see totally different things labeled as THE trend for fall. As always I will say, choose what speaks to, fits your 'style' and flatters your figure. 

Here is my interpretation on some of the things you might see this fall - in no particular order...
1. High-er rise jeans. I talked about this a bit in this early post, but you will see high rise and mid rise more and more. I am a fan of this as it manages the muffin top and accentuates your waist. Make sure to check out your butt - my fear of the high-waist is the long, flat butt we all know from 'mom jean's - avoid. And I'll make a 1A here - denim - colored, distressed, skinnies still in but I have an odd sense other shapes will be inching back. 
2. Leather, faux leather, vegan leather - whatever you want to call it. It looks like leather and there is a lot of it. Most of it seems to be black - biker, rocker, moto chick.
3. Grey - love. I feel the same way about grey as I do about navy - I love to use them instead of black. 
4. Animal prints - many of you who know me, know I have been a fan of leopard print for at least 20 years - and it isn't going anywhere. 
5. Western Wear - I'm not sure this one has legs. I feel like I see it more in accessories  - cowboy boots and purses with fringe are my favs so far. Maybe I'm making this up. 
6. Cozy fabric
7. Graphic, colorful, global prints 

I don't know that I would call this a trend, but I am obsessed with jackets, blazers and coats. They are one of my favorite things about fall and winter. Jeans, boots, sweater and a fitted coat or blazer - yum. 

Here is what people who actually have a job in fashion say is on trend for fall
Elle

All right, a lot of text, no photos and some ideas you might not like, but I'm back! I should be back to posting more often these days. 

Happy Heat Wave.

Bold Choices

I am always looking at different sources and images for fashion ideas and inspiration. I was scrolling through the 'hot pics' on E! the other day and I saw this outfit on Hillary Swank and I loved it! I love the big bold print of the skirt with the bright orange top. Your tendency might be to pair just a plain black top with this, which is another great option - but look at how striking it is with the orange. If I was wearing this A-line skirt, I would want the skirt to hit just above my knee - anything below the knee messes with my short proportions. 

Bold doesn't need to come off as crazy or even in your face. This is a perfect look that shows bold can be classy. 

Here are some similar items available now that can help you recreate this look. I also showed a deep teal tunic in case orange isn't your color. I love jewel tones like this teal for fall, which is right around the corner. (I have this tunic and it is awesome!)

OR you don't have to take the inspiration quite so literally. Instead of a polka dot skirt, find a bold floral or geometric print like the one below. I added an open toe bootie and a chunky statement necklace to complete the look, but you could also pair with sleek pumps and pearls as another option. 

5 stages of fashion grief

It is a special milestone when you come of a certain age, and a trend comes back. One that you lived through, that you survived. 

These are the 5 stages of fashion grief.

1. Denial - There is no way I am old enough for this to be 'retro' . This is not really back "in". It will go away. I will not pay any attention to the stone-washed denim, keds or neon. 

2. Anger - WHY?!? Why are people wearing super high-waisted shorts again? We spent years suffering with the long butt look and we found a better way. Why would you go back? 

3. Bargaining - Okay so maybe it doesn't look that bad. I guess I could try it if I were younger. 

4. Depression - am I going to have to wear these again? 

5. Acceptance - maybe we get here, maybe we don't

Really, everywhere I go I see more and more of these. 

I'm all about accentuating a smaller waist and I am not condemning high-waisted shorts, this is just not my favorite way to do it. If it is yours, keep on keeping on. Fashion is an individual expression - have fun!

My Favorite Things

I have been meaning to use this topic to create a page since the start of my blog. I will use this post to start that page and add to it!

I thought of it today because I had to dig out a cardigan because it is CHILLY here - feels like fall. 

My favorite cardigan is made by MOD.lusive by Bobeau - available at Nordstrom. It is the softest cardigan I have ever had. And oh my gosh they are on sale right now! I have both the Open Front Cardigan in black and the Ruched Sleeve in white. They are PERFECT for travel, lightweight but warm because they fit snug to the body. I was very picky about my cardigan - many were too long, too bulky, to flappy in the front. Anyway, these are my favorite. (Special note - wash the black one alone in cold water before you wear to prevent bleeding)

Jeans. I am constantly searching for the next best pair of my favorite jeans, all the while telling myself that I have enough jeans. At the top of my list right now is the Avedon Slick in Blitz by Citizens of Humanity. I got them last Spring at The Clover - a local boutique here in St. Louis that has a niche for denim. I explained I wanted a comfortable pair of 'everyday' skinny jeans and these were prefect. They almost feel like sweatpants they are so soft. The description says Soft, super-stretch denim. 44% rayon/29% cotton/25% cupro/2% polyurethane. I did go up a size in them as they are definitely a skinny fit, but they do stretch a bit as you wear them. And since I was planning on wearing them almost everyday, they were a bit of an investment. 

Next on my list is probably these shoes - Sperry Angelfish in Metallic Gold. I love them. They do need a day or two of breaking in, but then they are like a slipper. And they are the perfect in-between - not a flip flop, not a tennis shoe and since I have them in gold the shine always helps add to an outfit.

And my last item for this post is the Basic Jersey Tank from H&M. I typically am a bit overwhelmed by this store, but I ventured in one day and these were on sale for $5.00 (reg $5.95). I bought one in black and white and they are the perfect mix of soft and stretch, nice enough to be worn by themselves or as a layering piece. And they cover a normal bra strap, too! I have countless layering tanks from Target and Old Navy, and none of them have been as perfect as these. 

I will use these to create a page and update with new items as I find them! If only I could be like Oprah and give you all one of each!

Summer Sales!!

Well even though it just feels like we have settled into summer (and I JUST posted about swimsuits) - you will soon start seeing transitional or fall merchandise in the stores. Which means summer stuff is ON SALE!! 

Everyday I get multiple notifications about sales - 40 %, 50 % 60 % off summer styles. This is a great time get a deal on a summer trend or something you have been pining for - maybe a jumpsuit like I mentioned here ? Or maybe you have been holding off this summer waiting to see what trends become most appealing? We have a solid 2 months of summer weather left here in St. Louis, so you will have plenty of time to wear your new summer purchases. IF it is an item you think you will not wear that often in the next 2 months, try to think ahead and make sure you will love it next summer OR if it has year round wearability. 

Some great summer sale items to look for that can be worn year round
- layering tanks and tees
- skirts that can be paired with tights and boots in cooler months
- jeans (always)
- printed tops that can be versatile for work or play - check out this post for more info
- dresses - of course. Think ahead to next year - do you have a wedding or big occasion you need something a little bit fancier for? Now is a great time to get a deal. 

If you are already tired of your summer wardrobe use the sales to spice it up with 1 or 2 new pieces to carry you through. For me a top gets me more mileage than a bottom. If you really can't wait until fall, a lightweight jacket/blazer or some booties can help bridge the gap. I was skeptical about the bootie a few seasons ago, but I have become a fan. It is a perfect item for in between summer/fall and spring/summer. Peep toe booties are wearing on me - they are adorable but I find the window of wear in this climate too small for money I would have to spend for a pair, but I feel my resolve crumbling. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog had some GREAT deals on boots and booties. 

And it is not too early to start editing your wardrobe - get rid of summer clothes you haven't worn since you got them out. De-clutter your closet. Message me if you want help!

A Suit That Suits You

Well summer is in full swing, and I just got back from the beach, so I feel compelled to share some thoughts on swim suits. 

The first thing that comes to mind is that there are so many more options than there used to be. Anything goes. So first and foremost, pick a suit that suits you. Who cares what "everyone else" is wearing? Choose one that you like, that you are comfortable in, and that is flattering for your body (this applies to all clothes really). I LOVED the message in this blog post I saw circulating - put on that suit and play with your kids. 

Swim suits are like separates these days. Your top and bottom do not have to match! How liberating! We are not all the same size on top and bottom - another great reason to purchase them separately. I found a top I loved at Nordstrom, but the bottoms that came with the suit didn't fit right, so I found some simple ones at Target that coordinated with the top and viola - half the price and they fit me better.  Buying your suit this way also allows you more flexibility - buy some neutral bottoms and two different tops to get more bang for your buck. And you can choose the size or style that fits your body. Pick a triangle/string bikini top and hipster bottoms, or a string bikini bottom with a halter top. 

One-pieces are making a come back!! I didn't quite believe it when I heard it last year, but they made it back this year. I struggle with the one-piece because of my specific body proportions (short torso) BUT I have not tried really hard to find one - I'm sure there is one out there. And of course there is always the tankini that can be worn like a one-piece. And the skirt - I remember thinking as a teenager that I would "never" wear a swimsuit with a skirt because it screamed "mom"  - but never say never. I think they are so cute these days - a bit shorter than back in the day and super cute  - Target called this a "skirtini"  - I'll go for it. I think it can make your behind look cute flirty. 

A few other trends I see...
- The bra top seems to be making a come back - you know the kind that looks like an underwire bra? I like this style for push up and for full coverage and support - make sure it doesn't gape at the top. 

- I love the fringe bandeau top or ruffle top to help those of us with a little less up top. Try them on - not all fringe is created equally.

- Retro cut, high-waist bottoms. I'm not sure if these are super wearable, but I love that it makes such a statement. If I had a real party to go to and had to wear a swim suit - I would pick this - adorable from Top Shop/Nordstrom. 

- a lot more cheek. I am all about being proud of your ass-ets, but be careful where you wear them. And I don't mean to offend anyone, but I am not a fan of the ruching in the crack. 

If you aren't sure what you like or what fits - try them on!!! Order them online from some place that has free returns. Make sure to pay attention if there are specific instructions with returning swimwear - you know keep that piece of tape in the bottom. 

Happy Summer - Happy Swimming!! 

Stuck in work or workout clothes?

Do you ever have a few days go by and think, I haven't really gotten dressed in days! You start by putting on workout clothes hoping you will find some time to go to the gym, and if you do, you fully intend to change after you go to the grocery store, after you pick up the dry cleaning, after you pick up the kids, after you get dinner started, after you put the kids to bed.... and on and on. OR do you wear the same thing over and over to work even though you have a closet full of clothes?  It can be easy to get stuck in a rut.

I had a few days living in my gym clothes and I was dying to put on some real clothes today. I am by no means passing judgement on wearing lounge clothes or workout clothes for days in a row - it happens and sometimes it is really the most practical thing you can do (and they keep getting cuter). For me, getting dressed helps me feel better. Now I am not talking about anything that takes a ton of effort OR is super time consuming. I needed a pick me up today, so I threw on the outfit below to go nowhere in particular.  

And yes I had a super photographer - my 6 year old, and yes we were at the playground. And no, I don't normally dress like this to go to the playground. We were killing time while Sam was at piano. Anyway it is really just a T-Shirt, skirt, and necklace - not a ton of effort. But it is a put together look. This is a box pleat skirt in cream with light blue stripes from the Limited with an orange T - I treat this skirt like a neutral that can be worn with almost anything. The shoes are my 'everyday wedges'. I struggled to find a neutral wedge of low/med height that was really wearable for daily use and that didn't look frumpy. You know by now I am short, so I like a little height, but all of my other wedges are too high to comfortably run errands. So these are from Born - purchased at DSW. They are super soft, BUT if I were to do it again, I would buy something with a strap on the back. 

And just to show that this is really not that fancy, I changed up the look with a relaxed denim shirt and flat sandals. This is totally wearable for women on the go. Again stellar photography by my children - and I didn't mean to look sad. 

So if you feel like you are in a rut with work clothes or workout clothes - peruse your closet and pick an item you haven't worn in awhile or that maybe an item that you are 'saving' for something - and wear it today! I find myself saving clothes for occasions that never happen. Have fun with it - you might find it makes you feel better!

Jumpsuits & Rompers

Whew it has been awhile! Crazy summer life happening over here but I am enjoying it. On with the post.  

At first when you saw the title, you might think I was going to talk about baby clothes. But no - there are rompers and jumpsuits for grown women. I have been casually looking for a jumpsuit all summer. I say casually because of course I don't really 'need' one, but I think it is such a fun piece to have in your wardrobe, especially in the summer months. My younger self dared to wear a beige, strapless jumpsuit - and while I don't have the body for that gem anymore, I LOVED it. So I have seen them resurface a bit here an there and was just waiting for the perfect one to find me. 

My first internet search brought me to several graphic print jumpsuits. These are adorable and very on trend right now, but I would choose a more classic styling for this kind of unique piece - black, navy or white. That way you can change your look with a jacket or jewelry and make it last a little bit longer. If I had some extra cash, I would buy this one - it even comes with straps you can attach! (Macy's)

My obsession is this one Beyonce rocked - but I believe it is Gucci and I don't have Beyonce's budget. (I saw this in Us Weekly online  - I feel obligated to cite)

Others that I found have the same bottom style pant as the 'track pant' that I talked about here. I would have to try that on and see how it looked. If someone is reading this has - let me know. I feel like it would look cute as long as it was draped close to the body. Several versions featured a wide leg, like this one from Macy's (NY Collection), and I think this would be very chic and very wearable. 

I love the belt feature of this one - also from Macy's AGB. The belt help break up that "column of fabric" look that I fear when putting something on that covers head to toe. And I love that it is in NAVY!

Now onto Rompers. This is an item I first scoffed at. But the more I see them, the more I want one! The biggest problem I see - besides the fact that there is no easy way to use the facilities while wearing - is that they are all SO short. And the fact that when I was searching for them, the first site that came up was Forever 21 - and I am Almost 35 - so I have to really make sure I am being smart when I am drawn to things I see in there. I mean I am not the only one holding onto a bit of my youth through clothes, am I? Don't get me wrong - it is a great place to get a deal on a trendy piece you don't want to spend too much money on, but I know myself and I have to tread lightly. 

So here is an adorable one from Forever 21 - I like the long sleeves, I think it makes up for the short shorts part (although I would ditch the lace trim). I believe it was the wise Jessica Simpson who said that you can't show boobs and legs - pick one or the other. 

Here is a nice one that could be for a nice night out to dinner - also from Forever 21 - and a bit longer length - very nice.

I searched and searched for more - and I think so many of them are so cute, but the voice in my head is going "hmmmmmmm I don't know" - that one looks like lingerie, that one looks like it belongs on a child, etc.... I can't decide. Interested to know what you all think. I bought one from Target and am telling myself I will just wear it as a swimsuit cover- up. Maybe that is a good compromise.

Must Love Dresses

I know, I know, more about dresses. But last weekends WSJ style section validated my feeling that summer is the perfect time for dresses. (in the fall I will drone on about jeans and blazers/jackets). The article was titled "Summertime and the Dresses are Easy." Exactly. When it is 90+ degrees outside you don't want your outfit to be too 'fussy' - too many pieces, too many accessories, etc... The right dress can solve everything.  

Now I could only afford 1 of the dresses they featured in the WSJ, so I thought I would just post some of my favorite styles and shapes AND highlight some sales.

Gap featured this adorable fit & flare in their email blast today - noted 40% off some dresses. It can be easily dressed up or down. 

This is one of the best shaped, sheaths I found - love the half-cap shoulder and shapely fit. Some sheaths can look too formal or stiff. This one is from Banana Republic - called the Sloan Fit. They have some things 25% off. 

I love a shift as much as a sheath. A shift hangs almost straight down from your shoulders and has a looser fit - kind of a 70s vibe. You can wear a shift a bit shorter than normal since it isn't curve hugging. I found this cool printed one at Zappos on sale for $50.99. I have never ordered clothes from there but I have had success with shoes.

Nordstrom has a ton of dresses - quite a few in my 'affordable' range. I love this one - doesn't it just scream relaxed summer? only $78 - and you gotta love the free shipping and free returns.

Limited has BOGO 50% full price. Here is a great statement dress - work or party. They have lots of cute strapless ones as well - but I know that is not super wearable for everyone. And they had a navy and white eyelet sheath - be still my Charlotte York heart. 

This is a sweet dress from H&M  - I mean like cute, sweet - not "saweeeet". Only $35.00 - that is saweeet. They have a quite a few jerseys dresses that could be great casual dresses, but sometimes the jersey is too thin, then you have to wear a slip, and that can be too much fuss. But I will say when in doubt - wear a slip. 

I would always recommend TJMaxx and Marshalls - and of course your local boutiques. Sometimes they have just the thing that is different enough, but perfect for you. 

And I will just through this out there - I am not sponsored or linked or anything to any of these stores. If I'm lucky enough to get to that place eventually, I will let you know. 

Go Dress and be merry!