April 6, 1 Dress, 6 Ways!

If you are attending a Spring wedding or looking for an outfit for Easter Sunday, then this post is for you! Today I am showing 1 dress worn 6 ways.

I’ll admit that saying I’m wearing it 6 ways may be a bit of a stretch, since all I’m really doing in changing my shoes and jacket- but looking at the photos, you can see what a difference something as small as that makes! I could add some jewelry and really change things up!

I have to tell you, I love this dress so much! First of all, I bought it 8 years ago when I was auction chair for my kids elementary school (my son is now a senior in high school!). I love the bright blue color (the pictures do not do it justice), I love the jersey fabric (super flattering), and I especially love the draping of the neckline. When I went dress shopping at Nordstrom, I must have tried on 20 dresses, but none of them had that wow factor. When I put this on, I just knew this was the one. So that’s my advice for today. Try on a million dresses, but only buy the one that you truly LOVE. The one that you feel like a million bucks in. And when you think about price per wear (which I don’t remember what this cost, but I would guess it was around $130) it has been worth every penny. Just look at all the cute ways I can wear it. Speaking of, which way is your favorite?

ps. this is not what I’m wearing today. I am wearing yoga pants and a t shirt and will be lounging around my house all day. It was a long week! 🙂

Dec 12th, Work/ Day Dress

I have a meeting this morning that I need to be dressed up for- yet I also have a bunch of  errands that I will be running before my meeting- so (as usual) I want to look professional, but also be comfy enough to wander around Target!

I chose this blue jersey knit shift dress. It’s a great basic piece that every working woman should own.

I love this fabric because it really moves with your body, it is not stiff or restrictive at all. I also love this dress because of the gorgeous draping in the front. It’s really hard to see on the left- but in the ‘before’ picture on the right you can sort of see it.

All alone this dress works all right, (especially if I add a great necklace or shoes) but since it’s freezing out- I’ve added cream tights, brown (flat) boots, a brown belt and this polka dot cardigan.

To finish the whole thing off I added this cool statement necklace. As I was putting it on I remembered how a few years ago I NEVER wore necklaces, thinking they were ‘too dressy’ for day wear! Funny how things change over time. Now I feel almost naked without a necklace!

Dress: Marshalls, Cardigan: Target, Boots: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Oct 9th, Re-thinking the Maxi

 I love my maxi dress- it is the ultimate in comfort (it’s like wearing a nightgown all day,) and looks stylish at the same time.

Trouble is, my maxi seemed too summery for me to wear in October…

Unless I layer a tank underneath, add a cute cropped trench coat, and finish the look off with my wedge booties. The matching necklace is just icing on the cake!

Now I look totally appropriate for a beautiful fall day!

Note- I accidentally shrunk my maxi in the dryer (gasp), so this is a little too short. Technically, it should go all the way to the floor. Also, I think my white tank goes up too high- I will be changing it for a lower profile one!

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Necklace from Stella and Dot!

I would have never worn these shoes with a dress two years ago- but aren’t they fun?

Dress: Gap, Jacket: H&M, Necklace: Stella and Dot, Shoes: J Crew

Sept 19th, LBD (Sort Of)

Every gal needs a LBD in her closet (in case you’re wondering- Little Black Dress) but for everyday use, I also think everyone needs a LBD- Little Blue Dress… or some alternative to the standard LBD. (I swear this dress is blue- the color looks a lot darker in the photo, to see the real color, click here).

I know I’ve said this before, but if you are comfortable wearing dresses- than do it!

Don’t be afraid of being over dressed- don’t worry if all you’re doing is running to the grocery store- wearing a dress is so comfy and so easy- you really can’t screw it up- because the outfit is done for you!

Just be careful with how you style it. For running errands, grocery shopping or volunteering in the classroom- keep it casual- wear flats instead of heels, and add something unexpected- like the cargo jacket seen here (scroll to the bottom of the page, and forgive me for the blurry pic!).

I love wearing a dress because I don’t have to worry about matching tops and bottoms- the whole outfit is 1 piece,

All I have to do is add accessories!

Today I have added a leopard belt and a Tiger Eye necklace. Nothing to exciting- but it adds a little something to an otherwise pretty plain outfit.

I love finding dresses at Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack. Go with an idea in mind of what you’re looking for- and be picky. There are a lot of duds out there- take your time, try it on and try to visualize at least 3 occasions where you would wear it.

Necklace from Forever 21

Again, I apologize for the quality of the photo… my strength is definitely not in photography! Sorry!!

And yes- I know I said I was getting rid of all ankle strap shoes (they make my legs look short), BUT- these are my orthopedic Naot shoes- and in this case I will sacrifice style for comfort. These shoes ROCK!!!

I’ve linked up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

April 23rd, Monday Morning Rush

This will be another quick one. I have a meeting for work today, so I wanted to wear a dress. I’ve said this before, but I love dresses because they are the outfit.

It couldn’t be easier- just add a few accessories, and you are done! On a rushed Monday morning that is exactly what I needed!

I’ve added a cute belt to help define the waist, and then added this cool statement necklace.

To complete the look, I have on brown wedge sandals. I like brown shoes with blue outfits (rather than blue shoes… something is weird to me about blue shoes- blame it on Elvis!)

Linking up with Monday Mingle…

The statement necklace ties the blue and the brown belt together. Plus, it gives this dress a focal point.

Since it’s a little chilly this morning- I threw on a cardigan to start the day off. I know, I know, Kelly (one of my regular readers) hates this cardigan. Sorry, but will keep me warm! 🙂

And yes, my toenails are blue. I know, it seems strange I have a thing about blue shoes yet I’ll paint my toenails blue. I’m a walking oxymoron!

Dress: Marshalls, Shoes: Loft

April 8th, Happy Easter

Good morning and Happy Easter!

No time to write this morning… the Easter Bunny overslept! (gasp!)

I’m wearing my maxi dress, paired with a pink cardigan and pearls. It’s on trend, colorful and perfect for today.

Dress: Gap, Sweater: Nordstrom, Necklace: Forever 21, Shoes: DSW

March 24th, Auction Attire

I’m volunteering at our local hospital’s huge fundraising auction tonight, so I thought I’d show you what I’m wearing.

The auction will be pretty formal- but I also need to be comfy since I’ll be running around all night.

The key to that is my shoes. I’ve opted for my black wedge heels. They are stylish, but with the wedge heel- they will make is easy to be on my feet all night.

The dress I’ve chosen is one of my favorites. It’s a gorgeous blue color, made of viscose (rayon) so it’s super soft & comfy and the draped neckline is flattering. For accessories, I’m wearing necklace, black belt and bracelet.

A black bracelet adds to the look.

Dress: Nordstrom, Shoes: Macy’s, Necklace: Gift, Belt: Ann Taylor, Bracelet: H&M

March 12, 80’s Power Suit- Not!

I’ve shown an 80’s power suit once before, but they are so bad I had to show it again. 

I’m not trying to be mean, but if you’re wearing suits that are ill fitting and with shoulder pads, it’s time to donate those to the Goodwill.

An alternative to the 80’s power suit is a dress with a fitted blazer over it.

If you find the right style for your figure, dresses are very flattering. Plus, it makes for such an easy outfit. No worrying about matching top and bottom- it’s done for you!

My problem with dresses is that I used to think they were only for special occasions (evening events). Not any more!

For example:

This is one of my favorite dresses.  The fabric is soft, warm and incredibly comfortable. Plus, I’m always a fan of stripes and I love the long sleeves.

To make it more work appropriate, I’ve added a grey flannel blazer that ties at the waist (which helps define my shape).  Then, to give the entire outfit a burst of color (and in a nod to spring, which I hope is on it’s way), I’ve added this bright Stella and Dot necklace.

It’s Monday, so that means Monday Mingle, click here to see some other great sites!

I now look professional, put together and stylish. Now, off to work!

This dress can stand on it's own, but paired with the blazer it now looks professional.

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Dress: Nordstrom, Boots: Nordstrom, Blazer: Banana Republic, Necklace: Stella and Dot