Nov 28th, You Again?

 You again?

I know, I’ve worn this dress so many times you all are probably sick of it. But, since I only show my own clothes from my own closet you will have to bear with me as I wear one of my favorite dresses again!

This time I decided I needed to add a little color so I paired it with a bright pink cardigan, black tights and black boots. I originally thought I’d skip the tights, but the dress looks too short with just my bare legs (I think I might have shrunk it on accident! Darn it!). Since the dress is so short, adding the tights (or leggings) makes it more appropriate for work.

Let me share with you a little lesson I have learned here- when you are out shopping, if you find a great, versatile day dress- buy it!

You will be amazed at how many different ways you can wear it- and it’s so nice to have a ‘go to’ day dress in my closet! Look for something somewhat neutral- so that you can change the look of it easily. A bold print is great- but not nearly as versatile.

Don’t let the price scare you off, this dress was well over $150, but for the amount of times I’ve worn it- it has paid off. Another great hint is that I have found fabulous dresses at TJ Maxx and Marshalls- so go check them out! Just be very critical in your decision making- just because something is a great deal- doesn’t mean it’s great. Also, just because something is ‘designer’ doesn’t mean it is fabulous for your personal style. I bought a Calvin Klein maxi dress at TJ Maxx that looks like a nightgown (as seen here). Big mistake- even if it was only $39… I would suggest having something pretty specific in mind when shopping, so you don’t end up with an impulse purchase you will regret.

Dress: Nordstrom (Michael Kors), Cardigan: J Crew, Boots: Frye

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!

May 18th, I Hate This Dress

 Today’s post is a bit different, because truth be told- I hate this dress!

I bought it when shopping with my mom, and lesson learned! She’ll tell me I look cute in anything, when in reality this dress is so unflattering.

I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. When in doubt about something, take a picture of yourself wearing it. For some strange reason, the camera seems to be more honest than the mirror!

The major problem with this dress is the high waist and the diagonal stripes. Now you all know how much I love my stripes- but in this case- they are working against me. They make me look really large through the hip and tummy area. The denim jacket is emphasizing that- by drawing your eye right to my middle. ARGH! The flat ankle strap sandals are also shortening the length of my legs- not to mention very matronly!

To salvage this look (because I already cut the tags off the dress), I’m wearing it paired with a blue trench coat and heels. The trench coat helps break up the stripes, defines the waist and the light blue adds a nice soft contrasting color to the yellow.

It still isn’t my favorite look- but I decided to show it to you all so that you can see how something as simple as a diagonal stripe can be so unflattering.

It’s Fashion Friday, so be sure to click here for some cuter looks! Enjoy your weekend.

The high heel sandal makes my legs look a lot longer (although my feet will probably ache at the end of the day).

May 7th, Cocktail Dress

Every gal needs a ‘go to’ staple dress in her closet. One that at a moments notice she can throw on and feel like a million bucks!

This dress does that for me. It has such a fun feel to it. I’ve worn it several times- and always have a really great night!

Do you have a cocktail dress in your closet that you LOVE? Send me a picture!!

And, no, I am not actually wearing this today. I’m playing tennis all day, and didn’t think you’d want to see me in my tennis gear!

Happy Monday, linking up to Monday Mingle.

If it’s chilly, throw on a blazer! These probably aren’t the cutest shoes- but I wanted to by comfy!

I have to share a photo a reader sent me- this is Susan wearing a great dress! She looks fabulous and is totally ‘owning’ her look! I love this pretty purple color, love the cardigan over it and love her great shoes! Way to go Susan, and thanks so much for sharing!