One more quick note about shopping for tie-neck blouses - many if not most of the tie necks are in fact adjustable, so they can either be tied higher up at the neckline or lower at the boob area (for lack of a better term) so what you see on the website is a styling choice of the retailer and not the exclusive way the shirt can be worn.  So you want to double check those product details if you see a tie shirt you like but its tied in the wrong place. 

So!  I hope these options give you a few ideas to add a little new flare to your summer wardrobe.  Who doesn't like adding a bow to their clothes.  Its like you're a gift that you get to unwrap at night (or someone ELSE gets to unwrap....BAZINGA.)  Man, the dorky tv references are flying fast and hard tonight.  Think that's a sign its time for me to log off.  Well, LM, please come back in the comments and let me know how you make out.  

AND TO MY OTHER READERS, THE CONTEST ENDS TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT.  HAVE YOU ENTERED?  IF SO, YOU NEED NEED NEED TO SEND ME AN E-MAIL AT [email protected].  BECAUSE DESPITE MY BEST EFFORTS AFTER READING MATILDA AS A CHILD, I HAVE NEITHER TELEPATHY NOR TELEKINESIS.  SO ENTER!  WIN!  LET ME SHOP FOR YOU PERSONALLY!!  (AND REMEMBER - FACEBOOK COUNTS.  AND IF YOU HAVE NO SOCIAL MEDIA, YOU COULD EVEN SEND AN E-MAIL TO SOME OF YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST FRIENDS.)  


okay....no more big letters they scare me.  good night all.  good night moon.  good night girl in the polka-dot balloon.

Reader AW of the longer and wider than average feet wrote back to ask: 

Hi TCFKAG, Thanks for helping me with my wide flats request. I noticed that you mentioned that you love navy and berry colors. Those are my base/accent colors too! Would you mind sharing some of your personal favorites? Accessories would be fun too! Sorry for all the ?'s... I wore a military uniform for 10 years and I am slowly trying to build a quality casual/work wardrobe. PS- too shy to share your blog on Facebook, but I did show your blog to my ma and I am thrilled that she is learning to navigate the internet by looking at your blog.

So - I'm totally happy to do this - within reason.  I can't post pictures of everything in my wardrobe because (a) that'd be insane and (b) mostly because of a.  What I am going to do instead is post my favorite go-to items (mostly work though I'll possibly through in a few casual items) - I'll try to find the originals on-line if they are still available for purchase, but if not, I'll find the closest item I can.  

A couple of provisos, though my personal style has improved dramatically in the past three years or so, I am still far from the most fashionable person in the world (or even in the 10 mile radius around my house.) In fact, I never thought much at all about my wardrobe until I began reading Corporette. It was there that I learned a great deal about the importance of fit, of finding my true waistline and understanding what clothes work with that, and of the impression made on others when certain faux pas are made or when you just generally represent yourself sloppily, and it was also on Corporette that I learned a great deal about how certain contrasting colors complement each other - and learned that I had a good instinct for those types of questions. I also discovered that I had a special talent for what I do here - internet shopping for others when given almost any parameters. This was quite the surprise since nothing in my background or in my personal style would suggest having these skills or having the eye to select the best looking or best quality items if I did find them.  [Think these skills sound great and would you like a personalized exposure to my method and some back and forth on results - enter the contest and you will be entered in a raffle just for that. 

 As for my workplace style, I dress to be business appropriate for that office, but with just enough color and flare to give the impression that I have enough self-confidence and dymanism to escape the "office wardrobe" of slacks or a skirt, a button down shirt, or a shell and a cardigan every day.  I came to this idea somewhat organically, but if you pay attention long enough to pictures of most powerful female politicians, business people, or non-profit management, they are rarely dressed in just black, gray, or navy. So what I'm saying is - there's a reason this is a shopping blog and not a "fashion" blog where I take pictures of my daily wardrobe (well, that and I'm an attorney hunting for a job...so I guard my internet presence.)  


Finally, before we get started....HELLO AW'S MOM!!!!  Welcome to the crazy world of my mind and the slightly strange hobby that has rescued my budget by allowing me to shop for other people rather than myself.  Now on to the clothes! 

FUNNY EDITOR'S NOTE: For my readers who also read Corporette (i.e. a sizable majority of you, I believe, I just saw  this suit at Brooks Brothers while looking for something else and it appears they've also gotten into the long suit jacket "trend" (that I had no idea was coming back.)  This one is a MUCH more appropriate office length and I like the light gray color more.  It is practically screaming for a belt though.  (I'm still not completely sold on this look - despite the fact that Ally McBeal was on television during my formative years and thus influenced my perception of "workplace wear" AND the Cake song "Short Skirt Long Jacket" that would be stuck in my head all day and make me feel like a BAMF wherever I went.

SERIOUS EDITOR'S NOTE: As you can see, I tried out a new format today.  What do you think?  Does it work and can you associate the links and notes more easily with the pictures or does it break up the flow too much?  Any comments you could give me would be so helpful!  Leave it in the comments below and I'll love you forever and ever!

So there you have it people, my sense of style...or else, some snapshot of my sense of style.  Noticeably absent are the Captain America pajama pants and my LL Bean sweatshirt robe that I spend an inordinate amount of time in.  But we all have our vices, mine just happens to be superhero pajamas.  There's nothing wrong with that!  

EDITOR'S NOTE TO MY OTHER READERS BEFORE WE GET STARTED:

Do you enjoy this blog? Would you like to have me help you revamp your wardrobe or get all your Christmas shopping done in August?  Well - then you should enter my contest!  Remember, all you have to do is (1) promote this blog on any social media platform or website, (2) send me proof of such promotion to [email protected], and (3) wait to see if your name is one of the three lucky names drawn to win the raffle for my personal shopping services performed via e-mail.  Click through to the link just above here to see the full description but most important important take-away: 

• IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PROMOTED TCFKAG SHOPS FOR THE PROMOTION, SEND ME AN EMAIL WITH A SCREENSHOT OR A LINK! 
•  IF YOU HAVEN'T PROMOTED TCFKAG SHOPS - YOU SHOULD TOTALLY DO THAT (REMEMBER THAT FACEBOOK COUNTS) BECAUSE THE DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING.  
• THE CONTEST ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON MAY 30th!!!!  
• And now we return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Reader AW is looking for a guiding hand:

Hi, TCFKAG. I love your blog. I had a baby 3 months ago and my feet grew from a size 10 to an 11 wide. I work for the federal government and I would like to purchase a few pairs of comfortable, dressy flats--preferably almond toe-- under $120. Something like these Bandolino Genie flats. I've been looking for black, brown, navy and nude (beige). I like patent material and embellishments, although those things aren't a "must". Thank you for your time TCFKAG. 

For those shopping along at home, here are the (very nice, in my opinion) navy and/or black flats from Bandolino that Reader AW likes so much.  I think they would be great for my readers without size 11W feet - they are a beautiful, professional flat with just enough something, something to prevent them from being too grandmotherly (we can't all be Macklemore.)

So I have got to say, your feet growing and widening after child birth is definitely a mixed blessing.  On the one hand, all new shoes!  On the other hand, you now have feet that would make excellent flippers (my 16 year old swimmer self is totally envious by the way.)  But moving on, those Bandolino's seem quite nice - too bad they don't come in either an 11 OR a wide.  [Insert me shaking my fist at the shoe gods here.]  But I'm sure I can find you some options you like.  I'll try to fit all your preferred color needs - but if I come across another color you might like [cough gray cough] I'll make an executive decision and throw it in there.  One other last minute thought - would you consider a loafer or oxford (they are super in right now).  If so, you might consider looking at men's shoes - many retailers, like Cole Haan for example, make absolutely beautiful oxfords and even some loafers that would look lovely on women and a size 9 wide (or possibly even regular) width men's shoe would be MUCH easier to come by.

Vaneli Serene quilted flat with patent toe-cap at Zappos ($125) - a bit expensive but for some reason I'm very drawn to these.  They have the patent toe cap you like and the quilting is very classic.  They come in a variety of color combinations between the shoes and the toe cap.  Reviews are quite good.
Naturalizer Valya Pump in Inky Navy at Amazon ($68.99 - navy patent leather - the only color left in your size but also navy which you do need!  So, there are a few Naturalizer options in this post, I am not a secret shill for them, but as a brand they seem a good option for those with wide feet.)
Walking Cradles Women's Ringo Ballerina Flat at Amazon ($130 - a bit above budget but the one review says they are like "walking on air" - and I like that they are simple but with a little bling.)

Hush Puppies Candid Wedge in tan at Amazon ($49.99 - so, I bought the coral and cream version of this shoe a couple of weeks ago and I love them.  They are so comfortable, SO comfortable.  I don't ever notice it has a wedge and I wear them basically everywhere.  They come in lots of colors but I thought you'd like the tan for your brown shoe option, trust me on this ... you should DEFINITELY check these out.  Oh - AND you'd be paying $10 less than I did two weeks ago, which at that point was $20 less than everyone else was charging so you'd be getting a deal!  Seeing the price go down again just makes me want to buy them in two or three more colors!!)
Naturalizer Women's Heath Flat at Amazon ($59.99 in the color shown - this comes in several colors including black and an AWESOME gray or brown tweed which would be AMAZING for winter.  But I love this pewter and I think it would be a great workhorse in your wardrobe so I'm suggesting it.  But there's only one left in stock as of tonight so....get on that if you want it!  Otherwise check out the black version which is also pretty amazing.)

Ros Hommerson Metro flats in Camel Kid from 6PM ($59.99 - not sure what shade is actually nude for you, but I hope these are close, if they are I like the bow with some subtle shine and they may breathe for summer.
Naturalizer Vision Flat in Inky Navy at Amazon ($69.95 - another Naturalizer where only navy is available but its cute and I wanted to give you another navy option so - here it is.)
Comfortview Ava Pump in the natural cognac combo at Amazon ($29.77)

Aerosoles Teashop Ballet Flats in red tweed at Amazon ($59.99 - maybe not for summer but once fall roles around I think these flats would be amazing and a great office shoe - probably one of those surprise workhorse items.)
Bass Women's Bedford Skimmer in red at Amazon ($69 - available in black also - love the classic styling but I think the red brings it into the modern world.  A very nice looking option.)

Naya Ava Dark Pink/Dark Venom Floral Flat at 6PM ($64.99 - this bottom row is for shoes that you might not need but you may never have known you wanted - since, you know, my bottom row is where I go rogue.  Anyway, I thought these floral flats are fun as all get out and would be great for going out to drinks or dinner or even to a casual wedding or cocktail party.  Fun way to add a pop of color to an all black ensemble as well!)
Giorgio Brutini Men's Loafer in wine at Amazon ($52.95 - men's wear inspired loafers and oxfords are all the rage right now in women's shoes - why not go straight to the source?  This loafer is lovely, it looks well constructed, and the color is to die for.  And of course a men's size 9 is easier to find - plus I wonder if you'd even BE a wide in men's shoes.)
Ross Hommerson Monet peep-toe flats with polka dots at 6PM ($34.99 - because everyone needs fancy shoes, right?)

So that's all she wrote, at least for now.  Reader AW, I know it took me a bit of time to get back to you, so I hope I'm not too late and you haven't already found all your new shoes.  Either way - going forward - I hope these ideas will help!  Also, just a general tip, I found in my searching that the Endless/Amazon site and the 6PM site had the most options for cute wide shoes (Zappos was pretty disappointing actually).  So - hope that info is helpful going forward.

Cole Haan Juliana Leather Pump at Lord & Taylor ($109.99 ! - great price and beautiful shape - a great option!)
Nine West Selene Pump in red leather at Amazon ($48 - the reviews on this pump are decidedly mixed but it comes in so many colors that its hard not to recommend sometimes.)
Guess Rolenas Leather Pump at Lord & Taylor ($52.49 - I enjoy the color is "blood orange" - its RED - sorry, Project Runway joke.)

Kelsi Dagger Lillian Curved Leather Pump at Neiman Marcus, Last Call ($47.40 - clearly a bit too high, but so bad ass looking I'm sharing it. I love the curved side, my favorite heels have that and its beautiful.
Suede Leather Pumps in red at Mango Outlet ($54.99 - I know suede wasn't your first choice but the price is sure right on these and the shape is lovely.)
Naturalizer Clava Pump in dark venom leather (!) at 6PM ($31.99 - great shape and I like a darker red - and the price sure is right.  The reviews on other websites, if you google it, are great so this would be a really great option. Also best color name or best color name?)

And now for my tradition of a couple of less rule bound options:
Tahari Zoe Patent Leather Pointed-Toe Pumps in coral at Lord & Taylor ($59.99 - I *love* the shape on these and thought the color is called coral it looks like its a reddish coral.  Even though its called patent leather, it looks like these would be beautiful for the office in the spring and summer.)
Frye Regina High Heels in vintage red at Zappos ($188 - I love the shape and color of these - for a high heel these would be amazingly comfortable I bet.  Seriously.  There's a lower version too.)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Have you entered the promotional contest yet?  HAVE YOU?  And if you have, did you remember to send me the email documenting your entry?  Without the email I won't know how many people to enter in the raffle!!  So promote away dear readers - and then send me an e-mail at [email protected] with a screenshot or link showing your awesome efforts.  :-)  You are all awesome.  Thumbs up!

While I have to agree that this is a lovely blazer in theory (purple, fitted, would go with lots of things for summer), the construction is all wrong.  The button is too high for a single button jacket and the peplum is hitting the model in entirely the wrong place.  I think we can do better.  I am going to look for purple and pink blazers for you with a fitted shape - and I may even throw in a burgundy or berry one two since its in the same color family and I think  you might really like it.  So here are some options.

Halogen Linen Blend Blazer in pink wild aster from Nordstroms ($98 - color is described as pink but definitely reads as purplish on my screen - beautiful shape in my opinion but I know its at the top of the budget.  Comes in petite sizes also as well as khaki and black for my other readers.)Pendleton Women's Bettina Boiled Blazer in burgundy at Amazon ($90 - lovely boiled wool blazer.)
Worthington Sateen Blazer in madrid purple at JC Penney ($35.99 - like the WHBM one, this blazer is pretty trendy - open front, double lapel, sateen, etc.  But the price is also much lower meaning that if you didn't wear it all the time or got over it quickly, it wouldn't be as big a deal.  That's actually my main philosophy with trendy items; I don't mind buying them, I just don't want to spend a lot of money on them.)

Apt. 9 Ponte Knit Blazer in ship red at Kohls ($21 - I think this color reads as a blush pink rather than red and the shape is classic - and who doesn't like a ponte knit blazer for summer.  Kohl's quality can be hit or miss, but the price here cannot be beat.)
Tailored Blazer in snapdragon from Madewell ($89.99 - in the world of bright pink blazers, I think this is my favorite.  It is beautifully constructed keeping it more on the side of Elle Woods, attorney-at-law and less on the Barbie goes to court.  A definite option if you want a brighter pink.)
One Button Blazer in rose at Anne Klein ($129.00 - a bit above budget but I'm including because I think Anne Klein makes some of the most beautiful looking blazers I see around - and this shade of pink is lovely.  They have a two button blazer in red that is in the budget, if you were interested in that instead.)

NOTE: As per usual the bottom couple is where I throw a couple of curveballs because I like to keep people on their toes.
Floral Vines Print Linen Blazer in mineral red at Ann Taylor Loft ($98 - I know its not what you wrote in looking for but the pattern is remarkably pretty so I thought I'd throw it in there.  Paired with pewter gray, tan, black, navy, or even say a dark purple this would be a great way to add interest to an otherwise streamlined outfit.)
Draycott Blazer in soft red at Boden ($69.99 - love the cross hatch pattern - also available in navy and ivory.)
Romeo & Juliet Couture One-Button Blazer in Burgundy at Neiman Marcus Last Call ($49.50 - I surprisingly like the gold hardware on the pockets and the color is great.  The one review says it runs small so order a size up.  And I will endeavor not to hold the designer's stupid name against it.)

Okay!  So those are my best suggestions as of now.  As you can probably tell, there are way more blazers in various shade of pink out there right now then there are purple ones, if I had to guess I'd say its because of the season.  I would bet there will be more purple blazers in the late summer and fall.  But I think some of these pink blazers are lovely if you wanted to get one of those now and then wait and get a purple blazer later (not that the two purple options aren't cute in their own right.)  Choices choices choices.  But you know what they say, I can lead you into the land of temptation, but I can't make you drink (or something like that.)

Happy shopping and may the odds be EvEr in your favor.  

FDJ French Dressing Stretch Denim Skirt in white from Sierra Trading Company ($27.96 - I love the more relaxed cut and length on this and the stretch denim should be comfortable - but read the reviews, they aren't universally positive.)
Jag Jeans Maddock Pull-On White Denim Skirt at Zappos ($52 - I love this brand and this is a bit a-line, could be a winner.)
JNY Signature Denim Skirt at Jones New York ($59 - may be too pencil skirt for you, but its lovely.)

Eddie Bauer Slightly Curvy White Denim Skirt at Eddie Bauer ($49.95 - so, one hitch on this one or else it would be my first choice ever...the size 14 is sold out.  Reviews say it runs a bit large so you could try a 12 or, if you like it enough, you could buy the 16 and have it taken in.  Either way, this seems to be precisely what you're looking for!) 
Three Dots Red Women's Skirt in linen at Amazon ($80 - I know this isn't denim, but for the relaxed fit and length you like, it might be worth a look see.)
Alex Marie Lily Washable Skirt at Dillards ($89 - it is stretch twill, not denim, but the shape is beautiful and its machine washable - can't go wrong there.)

Essential Eyelet Skirt from Forever 21 ($19.80 - posting this because the pencil skirt looks more relaxed, no white skirt post is complete without an eyelet option, and the price is totally right ... especially if you think this is going to be a "sometimes wear" item.)
Stretch-Cotton Zipper Pencil Skirt at Lord & Taylor ($79 - I like the shape since its a more structured a-line and cotton is a great fabric for summer.  Might beat out denim in my book.)
Calvin Klein Tweed Pencil Skirt at Lord & Taylor ($89.50 - this is probably not ideal for you Reader MJ - but I'm posting it for my readers who might want a more business casual or networking appropriate pencil skirt.  I don't even mind the exposed zipper!  Tips for those of you looking for these items, Ann Taylor, the Limited, and WHBM have a bunch of other beautiful white pencil skirts right now if you want to add that item to your work wardrobe.)

Okay MJ....I hope these help.  Perhaps you'll think outside the denim box?  Though I think these denim options are kind of great.  I personally cannot purchase any of these because they would have coffee, tomato sauce, or some other destructive material on them by the end of the day.  So I salute you in your ability to wear white.  Go forth and shop dear reader.

I'll answer your first question first - I think its probably fine for a wedding.  On the website it is described as "sky-blue" and it looks fairly blue here, so I think on the color you're probably safe.  In terms of appropriateness otherwise, I think its lovely - though its maybe hinging a tiny bit on the dowdy side (I wish there was another color there.)  I would definitely want to punch it up with some fun accessories and shoes to add a little bit of color and maybe even sparkle to it - but overall I think its a nice look.  So first, let me offer up some shoe possibilities and a couple of jewelry options - then I will move on to a few other similar scallop dresses for your consideration.

Enzo Aglioni Maiven Shoes at Macy's ($49.99 - I like the idea of a textured metallic - gives a little shine to the outfit while still being classic and not too crazy.)
Pour La Victoire Case Mary-Jane Pump in Teal ($39.99-$249.99 - I think a mary-jane or a t-strap pump would be a great way to reference the era of the dress without being too literal.)
Vince Camuto Lexis Pump at Designs by Stephene ($49.99 - these might be a little too high for you - and I'm not sure how you feel about the studded look - but I love the idea of a bright cobalt or navy shoe - I think a second shade of blue with this look would be awesome.)
(If you like any of these specifically but want a different, similar recommendation, let me know.)

Inlaid Hexagon Cuff at Lori's of Chicago ($36.95 - I like the idea of adding some color in a bracelet - either coordinated with the shoes or in a contrasting but still friendly color - purple would be another nice option.)
Tortoise Box Bead Necklace from Forever 21 ($9.80 - check out all their options - they have amazing sales now.)
Lacquered Twist Necklace in green and gold from Forever 21 ($6.80)

As far sa other dresses - I didn't see much that I thought was particularly good in your aesthetic and in your price range.  Readers, have you seen any similar dresses that you particularly like?  And KG if you decide not to go with this dress, come on back and I'm sure I can find you something else.  Hope these ideas help - and have fun at the wedding!

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!