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.)
Calvin Klein Plus-Sized Raglan Sleeved Open Front Shrug at Lord & Taylor ($59.62 - says its pink, but it looks orange, either way the color is lovely and I like the cut and it would really flatter the navy dress.)
Vince Camuto Lace Cardigan at Nordstroms ($99 - not sure if it will fit and its a bit pricy but its lovely and reusable for work or other events so wanted to share it.)
Festive Beaded Shrug at Coldwater Creek ($69.99 available up to size 16)
Scully Honey Creek Sheer Drape Shrug from Zappos ($45 - not crazy about the tie front - but I like its lightness.)
Linen-blend drape cardigan from J. Jill ($69 - available in a variety of colors and definitely reusable.)
Investments II Floral-Print Crepe-Front Cardigan ($59 - I don't know, wanted to let you see a pattern as an idea.)

Okay - hope these ideas help!  If anybody ends up buying one of them...do me a favor and click on the link here to buy them why don't you?  :-)  That would be awesome!  Ha.
 
Reader S asks:
Hi TCFKAG! I've been searching for colorful spring shoes and keep coming up short. Loved some of the Ann Taylor "perfect" pumps (great corals and greens), but they've sold out in my size. Most of the cute colorful shoes I've found are in suede, but I'm just not a big fan of suede. Here's what I'm looking for: Pumps/peeptoes/slingbacks Heel height: 3.5-4" (Not wedge) Size: 7.5 Colors: Spring-y yellow, orange, green, maybe blue? Under $200. Thank you
Spring shoes!  Who doesn't want to look at brightly colored shoes?  Nobody (or at least nobody who reads this blog.  I've found you a bunch of options - I've tried to go with a variety of shapes and colors (peep toe, closed toe, slingback, etc.)  All of them should be available within your price range, preferred heel height, and size.
Vince Camuto Hallee pump in coral reef at Nordstroms (exclusive) ($97.95 - also available in peacock turquoise.)
Ivanka Trump Leea Mary Jane Pump at Nordstroms ($134.95 - I totally love these.)
Nine West Selene Pump in yellow at Nordstorms ($52.20 - super cute but reviews are so-so.)
Vince Camuto HARTY leather pump in purple at Vince Camuto ($49.99 on-sale - available in lots of colors!)
Isolá Badre Pump at Nordstroms ($89.95 - okay, these are a little out there, but fun.)
Coach Lilly Pump in coral at Nordstroms ($187.95 - so pretty!!)
Enzo Angiolini Dimario Pump at Nordstroms (exclusive) ($89.95 - also available in pink and honey.)
Chinese Laundry Danger Zone pump in Light Blue Print at Zappos ($69.95 - also in solids but I like this print.)
Miz Mooz Milan pump in Ocean at Zappos ($109.95 - oddly compelling shoe)
Kensington Courts AR570 Heels in Sunset at Boden ($168.00 - also the navy version of these are beautiful!)

Editors Note: See the FAQ for a new note about advertising on this site.  I've added something that is supposed to make my links into click-through links - we'll see if it works!  
 
Reader P wrote in noting that she is a more experienced federal government attorney and is looking to expand her business casual wardrobe (plus some other information that I'll keep to myself).  I always think that getting new business casual blazers are a fun way to add interest to a wardrobe since they can frequently be worn with a variety of tops and bottoms, so you get bang for your buck.  I've stuck here with items that will be spring/summer friendly, but most of them would be usable year round (or come in several colors).  These blazers are from some of the retailers that I think have good options for a variety of ages - Lands End, Talbots, Coldwater Creek (which has gotten much more interesting than it used to be), and LL Bean (plus Nordies of course). Several of them are also available in plus sizes and/or petites.  So - options abound!  

Tweed Jacket from Talbots ($209.00, plus size shown, $189 for misses)
Jaquard floral jacket from Coldwater Creek ($79.99 - 50% off now)
Anne Klein One Button Jacket at Nordstroms ($169.99 petite)
Shell Embellished Jacket at Coldwater Creek ($79.99 - 50% off now)
Women's 2-button blazer in Rich Burgundy at Land's End ($109.99)
Lakeshore Linen Jacket at LL Bean ($99.00)
 
Kanye East, a long time reader on Corporette and an all around awesome human being, makes beautiful jewelry that she sells on Etsy.  I love buying things from her.  But even more, I love designing custom jewelry in cooperation with her.  She's an amazing artisan.  The top five images above are from Kanye's Gewgaw and Gimcrack store at Etsy.  The bottom two are from other stores that I am including in the interest of full interest - but also because they are beautiful.  All in all, I love buying jewelry from Etsy.  There is more interesting, fun stuff being done over there then anywhere else.

Gewgaws & Gimcracks store (I'm linking to the whole store so you can look at ALL THE PRETTIES).
Carnelien Tourmaline and Citrine Necklace from NansGlam (ships from the US and has good reviews)
Labradorite and Aqua Chalcedony Rosary Necklace (also ships from the US and has good reviews)
 
Reader MyNewRoom submitted the "See You Round" skirt on the top left corner from ModCloth.  She guessed, correctly, that I would think it was awesome.  In fact, I think its so awesome that I already own something very much like it!  I find my polka dot skirt surprisingly versatile - I wear it to work with a navy blazer and gray heels and on weekends with my oxblood boots and whatever top I'm in the mood for.  It adds interest to the outfit without being overwhelming and is a way to wear a pattern on the bottom without adding volume.  Overall, I definitely recommend.  Here are a few other options too.

See You Round Skirt from ModCloth ($42.99)
Polka Dot Jacquard Pencil Skirt from the Limited ($59.90)
P.M.E. Knee Length Skirt at Yoox ($142.00)
Charter Club Slim Polka-Dot Pencil Skirt at Macy's ($44.99)
Love Moschino Knee Length Skirt at Yoox ($95.00) (perhaps a more casual choice).
Marsil Knee Length Skirt at Yoox ($85.00)

Editors Note: Reader Plcesq - I sent you an e-mail clarifying your questions - check it out!  
Also - I'm doing some maintenance work on the website (moving the older posts from the homepage to the "blog" page in preparation for deleting the homepage entirely - so those of you following this by RSS may see older posts appearing on your RSS feed - just ignore if you like ... or check them out again.  You know, what's old is new again and all that).
 
So one of the hazards of having a *sort of* fashion blog, is that you can sometimes fall victim to your own vicarious shopping.  That happened to me with this beautiful Pendleton blouse (it doesn't look amazing in this smaller picture, but seriously go zoom in on it.)  And since I like to be complete - I also ordered an aubergine pencil skirt that pill gel with the purple accents in the shirt.  I'm super excited and I got amazing deals.  HINT: In addition to the sales at Pendleton right now - there is also a 20% off Friends and Family code available here.  Also, I am studiously ignoring the silver/gray shoes that the model is wearing in the skirt picture, because I can't possibly afford new gray shoes when I already have them!

Pendleton Tina Silk Blouse at Pendleton ($30.99 available in petite and plus sizes) (note it is $24.79 after the discount - for silk.)
Aubergine Broadway Blend Encore Skirt at Pendleton ($30.99 and $24.79 after discount).
 
So, a reader on Corporette (I forget whom) requested blouses with patterns.  She said she wanted subtle patterns, but I am going to do a mix.  And since patterned blouses (or really blouses in general) are one of my favorite things to shop for in the world for work (so many options! so many colors!) ... there are a lot.  A LOT.  Hope some of these appeal to some of you!  You will notice from this post that I have a general preference for silk blouses - if people would like to see a similar post for cotton or poly-blend posts - let me know.  

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Silk Floral Blouse at Ralph Lauren ($124.99 - also available at other websites, shop around)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Gilligan Rust Silk 'Jungle' Short Sleeve Blouse at Bluefly ($73.97 Final Sale)
Tegan Mint and Taupe Striped Silk Three-Quarter Sleeved Blouse at Bluefly ($59.25)
Dot Print Cotton and Silk Blouse from Ann Taylor Loft ($44.99 + possible additional sales)
Boss Black Printed Silk Blouse at Saks Fifth Avenue ($130) (This is one of my favorites - the print is delicate but the different colors mean you could pair it with lots of colors - brown, navy, white, tan, red, and possibly even black.  I really like it.)
Ella Floral Silk Blouse at Piperlime ($49.99)
Winter Kate Silk Blouse at Designs by Stephanie ($150 final sale)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Beige Striped Cotton-Silk blend 'Del-Ray' Collarless Blouse at Bluefly ($104.25)
Pippa Coral and Cream Floral Printed Silk Bishop Sleeve Blouse at Bluefly ($59.25)
Pendleton Tina Silk Blouse at Pendleton ($30.99 available in petite and plus sizes) (another of my favorites and a screaming deal.)
Blossom Top at Ann Taylor ($69.99 available in regular and tall sizes)
Sun Stripe Top at Ann Taylor ($59.99)

So many blouses, so little time.  And there are even more I'm not posting yet.  There will be more blouse posts sometime later.
 
Reader Marebella over at Corporette pointed out this great, versatile sandal at DSW.  I like that its simple and not too crazy, while still having some interest.  And for people who don't like flats, the low wedge would be great.  I also really like the colors available - I think the metallic would be great for the spring and summer months with jeans or fun skirts.  The black patent would be nice for a more dressy sandal - say for a summer wedding or if you were a bridesmaid in a wedding that required a great deal of outdoor walking.  Anyway, I have to say - a very nice find by Ms. M.

Adrienne Vittadini Cissy Sandal at DSW ($59.95)
 
There's a sale going on over at Boden right now (thanks...sort of to AIM on the 'rette for the tip) and I picked up a couple fun, patterned items to add to my wardrobe. I think they'll work nicely in the spring and summer but both can be worn year round.  I'm thinking the blazer (which has a pattern made out of doves if you can't tell from this little picture) will go nicely with a gray or black skirts or slacks or over several dresses I own (a coral dress and a navy dress come to mind.)  The skirt is basically a nice navy neutral, but I like that the pattern adds some interest.  

Blenheim Blazer Driftwood Doves at Boden ($49)
Draycott Skirt in Navy at Boden ($52.80)
 
Since I did polka dots earlier, I thought I'd follow-up with a post about another favorite pattern - chevrons! (Also its fun to torture one very specific reader of this blog who I know has a particular passion for chevrons.) Though a little more dramatic for everyday wear - they sure do make a statement.  And I really love them in accessories, like the earrings above.  

Everly Clothing Chevron Print Blouse at Piperlime ($49)
Calvin Klein Chevron-Striped Cowl Neck Dress at Zappos ($105.99) (creepiest model ever or creepiest model ever?)
Nakamol Chevron Teardrop Earrings at Lori's ($48.95)
Lauren Ralph Lauren Chevron Silk Tunic at Bloomingdales ($103.35 limited sizes only)
Trina Turk Corinne Chevron Dress at Neiman Marcus (on-sale for $160) (I think this is my favorite)
Style Tryst Chevron Earrings at Pink Mascara ($24)