So Commenter L noticed the awesome black and white chevron-esque dress under the yellow blazer in the outfit I recommended yesterday and asked about it. I've actually been unable to find that exact dress - but I'm going to do a post on bold black and white patterned prints - which are a classic and great to wear with yellow, cobalt, kelly green, or other brightly colored blazers this time of year. And in the winter it looks great with the more traditional black (like when you bust out your seasonal black velvet blazer...for example.) So lets get to it shall we? Here's the original picture she was asking about. Cute dress and I'm frustrated I can't find it! But lets look at some alternatives (focusing on non-linear stripes as a priority, but with some other patterns just for fun's sake.) Also trying to hit a variety of dress shapes, prices, and dressiness levels (as is my want.)
Its been awhile since I did a polka dot post - and those were mostly darker shades. Well, Ann Taylor inspired me today to do a post on summery polka dot prints. The scarf is the Retro Dot Border Silk Scarf in guava ($68) - its made of silk, which I like, and I love the color combo for spring or summer. Or even for fall or winter to add a pop of color. The skirt is the Summer Cotton Stretch Dot Pencil Skirt in guava also ($88) and of course you KNOW I like it. Now on to the slightly more complicated question - I think I even like the full outfit together - though it might be a bit too much pink for work for me. A wise friend recommended a green polka dot skirt instead on the bottom and I think that would be brilliant. Either way - here are a bunch of polka dot items in bright colors for spring and summer (and just for whenever you're in the mood for bright colors.) I'm also doing a mix of casual wear, work wear, and even cocktail dresses - for all your various polka dot needs. ;-)
Sun dresses for summer are so fun....and I love this dress from Patagonia - the Margot Dress in "Palm Fronds/Dragonfruit" at 6PM for $41.99 (comes in several designs/colors). Here are a few more fun summer weekend day dresses that I've seen around the internet recently that I think you all might like. Vibrant Paisley Maxi Dress from Forever 21 ($29.80 - I'd definitely add a belt - maybe in brown or red.) Merona Rugby Shirt Dress ($22.99 - available in blue and white also - one good customer review). Now...clearly....if you are buying a cute dress for bumming around in the summer...you need cute new sandals, yes? Here are a few options!
SFBayAssociate asked:Hey TCFKAG, So the TPS Tory Burch Walsh dress is the awesomesauce. LOVE IT OMFG. However, the belt that comes with it (basically a self-belt) is a fail. Too thin, too boring, too bland/hard to see. Would you like to find me a better belt to complement this dress? It must be with free shipping and free returns. I'd prefer to spend under $50, but under $100 is max. I would really like something I can wear with other dresses or such. I am lucky to have a naturally defined waist, but am very much a pear, if that helps. Size 2, generally speaking. I plan to wear the dress with gray or nude-for-me heels, and my jewelry is all white gold. If you're feeling particularly inclined, I'd be curious as to what necklace you would suggest too. I don't own any costume jewelry, just a couple simple fine jewelry pieces. Maybe this is another question for another day - basic costume jewelry pieces that aren't expensive but aren't cheap looking. I find the idea of building a fashion jewelry wardrobe completely overwhelming. Thanks! SFBayAFirst of all, I hate you and your ADORABLE dress owning. Seriously, that's one of my favorite things that Kat has posted in, possibly years, and I wish desperately that it was in my budget right now. For those shopping along at home who don't follow Corporette or who don't remember this particular TPS item, here it is (its available elsewhere in red as well I believe). As an initial matter, I think generally a silver or gold belt would look great (silver for you probably since you stick with white gold jewelry) - or perhaps a bright yellow or green (if you could find it cheaper), maybe a nice purple or gray, or in leather a nice light tan or brown or possibly ox-blood (though maybe with some sort of designs.) I also have a navy dress that I got from Asos that I wear with a light blue/teal belt that looks really pretty together. I'm going to give you a few options below. These three are a little more out there or don't work for you for one reason or another...but I'm throwing them up here because its my blog and I can! Maison Bonet Leopard Print calf hair belt from Bluefly ($76 - I think this would look great with your dress with the nude shoes, but its not free shipping...maybe consider being flexible?) Mossimo Supply Co. Skull Embossed Belt ($16.99 - Because SKULLS!) Halogen Beaded Stretch Belt at Nordstroms ($52 - might be too sparkly for work but would look lovely with this dress). Hope these ideas help SFBayA! Let me know what you go with or if you want more ideas. As far as jewelry, with this notched neckline, I think an opera length necklace in a bright color or a silver or gold would look lovely. Here are a few options just to wet your palette. I would also definitely wear some nice colorful or chunky bangle bracelets to add some interest with this dress if you wear it to non-work functions or without a jacket.
Is there any single item that the working woman spends more time hunting for than the perfect pair of commuter/work flats? Seriously - they are the holy grail of shoes. Everyone has their own preferences, their own style desires, and no one wants to be wearing their grandma's shoes. So here's a post with a *few* options. These aren't all of the flats out there, but I'm trying to get a bunch that have good reviews and look cute. Make more recommendations in the comments! Softwalk Napa Flat at Nordstroms ($98.95 - black, white, pewter) - reviews are good! Trotters Liz Pewter Calf Loafers ($85.00 - comes in many colors and widths) - the reviews on these are amazing. Clarks Artisan Collection Dumure Flare Flat ($94.95 - comes in wide) - good for the peep toe crowd. Softspots Posie Jewel Red Velvet Flats at Zappos ($63.99 - other colors and all widths) - again good revies. Aravon Yvonne Flat at Nordstroms ($124.95 - comes in several widths) - I like the slight wedge/lift. Corso Como Famenka Flat in Royal ($58.95 - comes in other colors) - don't normally recommend true ballet flats, but these get stellar reviews. Finally - since I know some people prefer to commute in low wedges to flats - here are a few low but still stylish (at least sort of stylish) wedges that might interest you. Trotters Lauren Pump in dark grey at Nordstroms ($92.95 - available in narrow and wide) - won't front, it isn't the sexiest shoe in the world. But anyone who follows me knows I like a good pewter pump and this one has a subtle pattern to add some interest. Plus it has 4.5 stars after 25 reviews. A good sign. Anne Klein Raylene wedge in Seafoam at Zappos ($57.99 - available in other colors) - for those more adventurous in color palette. Also has surprisingly good reviews. Rockport Nelsina Wedge Pump in tawny port (purple for Kat) ($26.44-$114.95 - other colors and widths available) - though its a higher wedge, the reviews are good and I know some prefer that height. I've always been very happy with the quality of Rockport items I've purchased. Okay - that's all she wrote for today folks. Got a specific commuter shoe question? You know what to do (and if you don't, well click on the lick for Vicarious Shopping Questions and it should become apparent.) Hope you find something here you like!
What mother, sister, friend...okay really...anyone doesn't like jewelry as a present. So as some of us seek out presents for the moms in our lives, I thought I'd do a post with a variety of jewelry in what I imagine would probably be the price range for many of your present buying needs. Not looking for Mom's Day presents? Well....as Destiny's Child says....we buy our own diamonds and we buy our own rings. (For the purposes of this post, I'm trying to stick with stores that can probably ship to you by Sunday...for reasons.)
Reader TS fulfills her filial duty:Hi TCFKAG! I love love love your tumblr page - keeps me going through the workday, especially when you post pictures of Matt Bomer :)
I am a longtime lurker over at Corporette and was wondering if you are open for a shopping challenge. For Mother's Day, I would like to buy my mum a scarf she can wear this summer. She has said repeatedly that she is in the market for a thin (as in fabric, not width), light (again, fabric) thin-striped scarf - sort of like the one here: Stripe Dot Bow Silk Scarf - but just the stripes, no polka dots. Black and white, black and gray, gray and white, red and white or yellow and white combinations will work.
Any ideas? I would like to keep the price under $100. I'm in Chicago and have access to the major retailers. If I have to purchase it online, I would need to receive it by this weekend. OMG! First of all - I OWN THIS SCARF!!! I got it when Ru (Hijabeng) brought me to the whole-sale stores in the Garment District in New York City and I got it for $15. Yay! I got a good deal (and its super cute in real life - its my new favorite thing ever.) Anyway - I know exactly the type of scarf you're thinking of. And I'm sure I can find you some options. (Also - I will endeavor to post more Bomer for you soon - I've really been slacking on my love of the Matt recently.) So - below - here are a few options. And for my other readers, scarfs make a great Mother's Day present. Or really a great present for lots of occasions birthday presents for the difficult to shop for friends, secret santa presents, graduation gifts for friends, or just scarves for yourself if - like me - you have a substantial collection. So I will try to give a range of prices so everyone can use this post as a reference for future gift-shopping needs! (TS - I may include some scarfs that don't fit your exact needs for other reader's reference - but I'll make sure you get lots of options for your mom.) EDIT: Thank you to Ru for pointing out to me that I spelled scarves wrong THREE times in this post alone. That is mortifying. Seriously. I may hide in a cave for a week (probably not.) Sorry for the most embarrassing spelling error ever. Please...if you see other similar errors in the future, feel free to hit me up-side the head in the comments and let me know. Thanks!
I've gotten a couple questions about maxi dresses recently - so I thought I'd do a bit of a master post. So here goes.
Reader Kumquat Weekend asks:
Oh illustrious TCFKAG, can you please advise? I just bought two lovely maxi dresses. Solid colours. Cap sleeved, U-neck... they look like really, really, really long t-shirts. T-shirts that flow and drape and make me look like a queen. How on earth can I accessorize these for work? Sweaters? Blazers? Shoes? Belts? Necklaces? Any/all of the above? (I know maxies are often considered a workplace no-no, but my environment is business casual and I'm willing to risk it.)
Hello Ms. Weekend! So, I will address this first - and I will start with a confession, if you had asked me six months ago I would have said "I really don't think that maxi dresses are work appropriate, even at a biz casual office." But then I joined Tumblr and started following some hijabi and otherwise conservative dressing fashion blogs and realized I had been so-so dumb! I've seen so many women absolutely styling maxi dresses in awesomely stylish and beautiful manners. I'm a big fan. A few ideas with the dresses you've described based on what I've seen on those websites. (1) I would probably pair them with a blazer - something fitted and maybe with those sleeves that role up and reveal another fabric or are scrunched up (not too formal but still adding a little structure.) (2) I think adding a belt, something wider and leather or perhaps with a design, would be a really nice way to add structure to the dress and add some formality without too much weight or a ton of cost (plus it adds definition at the waist, which is nice with something like a maxi dress.) (3) For scoop neck dresses, I think that substantial, statement dresses are really nice for work. Not only does it add interest to the neckline, it covers up a bit (which is nice). You could also add a scarf if that's something you like. I think that big bangle bracelets would also be nice (especially with a three-quarter-sleeve jacket.) Finally (4) in terms of shoes, I think the key is to wear either closed toe pumps or a formal sandal - not something flat like gladiator sandals or something that reads "beachy." You don't want people to think you're going work to beach to night (no matter what Lucky Magazine says you should do.) Here are some pictures with inspiration, if you're interested.
Here are the sources of the images above: Mango Chutney (Archive - the 70s)Simple Modesty (Archives)My Dress Ways (Archives)All are cute outfits that I think are super work appropriate (don't read into two of them being green - just random chance.) Reader B questions:Hi TCFKAG, I am looking for a long (or 3/4) sleeved maxi dress. I prefer a printed chiffon, but I am not really committed to a specific fabric or print. I need it for a wedding in Indiana (I'm expecting hot and humid) in June, so something wedding appropriate (not a lot of white). I've looked at my usual haunts, and am coming up empty. Since I need it by the end of this month, I have to either be able to get it in store, or shipped within a two week timeframe. Any ideas for me? I'd like to keep it under $100, but definitely under $150. I'm looking for a L/XL or 12/14. I love this one, but its out of my budget: Rachel Zoe Silk Maxi Dress. I also fell in love with this and was going to buy it, but its not available: Rachel Pally Aurora Print Maxi Dress.For those shopping along at home, these are the dresses that Reader B is inspired by.Those are both lovely - I especially love the Rachel Pally dress - lets find you a few options.
Reader HC queries:I am desperately seeking a pair of pale tan/cognac driving shoes/loafers for commuting to work and maybe wearing on non-heels days. The office is biz formal. Here is the pair I am currently obsessed with: Acne Kyra Loafer That is the PERFECT color. Complicating factors: 99% of stiff loafery shoes give me blisters at the back of the heel, so I generally need to wear shoes with flexible "driving" soles or which are otherwise from "comfortable shoe" brands. I'd like to spend under $200, preferably under $150. Oh, and they don't necessarily need to be as plain as the ones linked-- it's the color more than anything that calls to me. Thank youuu!So - as anyone who has ever shopped on-line knows, the hardest thing to do...ever is match colors. Depending on screen color, picture quality, whatever - colors can appear really different in pictures and in person (just look at any shirt that has been called "tomato" but looks coral in a picture or vice versa.) I love the color of the shoes you picked, a nice warm toasted almond color (if I had to describe it) and I'll endeavor to match it as closely as possible. For those shopping along at home, here are the shoes in question. Keeping in mind that color is more important than shape and the requirements for a soft bottom and/or comfort brand, here are a few options I found for you.
Mamabear asks:Hi TCFKAG, love you xoxo I am invited to a wedding in a hot climate over Memorial Day weekend. I'd like to wear a dress, but the candidates are all sleeveless and I don't care to expose my upper arms (combo of flab and keratosis pillaris.) I am looking for a very lightweight half- or 3/4-sleeve cardigan/shrug/topper that reads summer to wear over a sleeveless dress. This dress (which I already own) is the main contender: Eileen Fisher Plus Size U-neck Calf Length Dress. But I am not seeing anything at EF that I would like to wear as the topper. Any suggestions?
First of all, Mamabear - I love you SO much. I'm happy that you asked this question because I'm happy to know that you grace this blog with your glorious presence. So - for those readers following along at home, this is the dress that Mamabear is considering purchasing to wear to the wedding. I think its very pretty and gives a nice, laid-back sort of vibe. So I will try to suggest some shrugs and cardigans that fit the same vibe. (Mamabear - I'm assuming that you aren't interested in wraps. But I'm going to suggest a couple at the end just in case that's an option you want to consider.)
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