Reader Sammy Mo asks: Hi, I'm looking for jewelry in silver with pinkish stones/beads to go with clothing in the pink-peach color family. This color suits me really well and I'd like some delicate jewelry that I could wear to work with it. Not too "out there" as I work in a somewhat professional field, though I don't do suits very often. I also don't like paying a lot for fake stuff, so prefer to have silver or gold in the jewelry, maybe with a pink agate or some such stone? Dark hair and medium tone skin (several shades lighter than my hair so high contrast). Bonus points for (1) durable (ok for frequent use, overnight wear sometimes if I forget to take it off), (2) optional matching earrings, (3) comfortable - hate those chains that catch on hair or dig into your neck. Budget in the $100 range but flexible for good stuff, and extra for earrings etc. Thanks!
So, a couple comments on jewelry before I dive in. | | | Navy and pink stain glass style necklace at Gemworks on Etsy ($29 - I love love love navy and pink together and I think this is a beautiful and different take on it. Its a subtle pink, I will admit, but I think its lovely. I know not everyone loves this stiff necklace style and if you prefer a different chain, message the seller.) | K. Amato Ombre Triple Beaded Necklace at Simply Soles ($88 - this may be a bit pricey for what is, essentially, three strands of glass beads in a few colors but I like the different color combinations - I think it would be fun and mix and match with a lot of different outfits. For a necklace with so many colors, I bet it would be surprisingly neutral.) | Pink agate necklace and earrings from LovebyLily on Etsy ($20.00 - this agate necklace is a beautiful shade of pink, so beautiful that I'm seriously considering ordering it. The chain is the silver you prefer and the earrings are lovely. The price is good [almost too good] but her reviews are excellent. She may be a newer store. Perhaps converse with her a bit before ordering.) | Michael Kors 'Seaside Luxe' Beaded Necklace at Nordstroms ($65.35 - again, possibly a bit expensive for what it is - this necklace looks very simple from a distance [other than the fun pink shade] but up close the beads are very pretty and the "pave crystal station" is a nice touch. There's no picture of it on a model so I'm not sure how long it is, so that's a shame.) | | Statement of the Art Necklace in Blush from ModCloth ($49.99 - I can't testify to quality from ModCloth - but I think this necklace is pretty fun [as are those earrings, but they aren't included.] This would look fabulous with peach or pink - but also with tan or black or navy or green or god almost anything. These are the sneaky pieces that you buy thinking "when will I wear it" and then end up wearing all the time.) | Blue opal with mixed rubies and pearls from Gewgaws on Etsy ($126 but with discount for Corporette readers - Kanye East from Corporette has several beautiful necklaces in her store that include pink necklaces, but I love this blue opal necklace to death and think it would provide a great contrast to your pink/peach clothing [with the rubies and pearls providing the appropriate matching.] And I should note that I have bought or received as gifts several Kanye necklaces, including this one which we designed together, and they have all been amazing quality and are central parts of my jewelry collection.) | | Rebecca Minkoff Long Pave Moon Pendant Necklace on Rose Gold Chain at Shopbop ($98 - I know you like silver or gold but this rose gold paired with a pave pendant is a lovely long pendant - which is both a trendy now but classic in its own way. While I think this would be lovely with a pink or peach outfit, it would also be a lovely dramatic piece with a little black dress or a navy blue silk blouse - something darker.) | Peach sunstone and rose gold pyrite necklace (top) and red jasper necklace (bottom) So, the top necklace is my *actual* recommendation for you, I think its a lovely mix of peach and rose gold. Its different but lovely and relatively simple. It could be dressed up for a cocktail party or wedding or dressed down for work. The bottom is mostly just for fun, but I think it would look amazing with pink - I love mixing deep reds with pink as a way to mix things up. Give it a think!) | Hot pink agate pendant necklace set in silver at BellaDonna Jewelry Co. on Etsy ($20 - this one is just fun. There are a TON of versions of hot pink or fuchsia agate pendants on Etsy but I like that this one is (a) finished rather than rough, which I think makes it look more polished for work and (b) set in a teardrop setting, which makes it look unique. It also combines pink with silver, which is rarer than you would think. Its fun but still professional - a nice balance.) |
So - I wanted to do a post about business appropriate work items for people who like to dress with a bit of edge. Now let me be clear, these aren't just for people who are dressing all in black to look more grown up or to be more intimidating. These are people who are, perhaps, goth in their personal style or otherwise like to look tough or edgy in their style. Now - much of what I post here would normally fit the "ladylike" or even "girly" side of the coin. And I'm not going to recommend studded belts or collars for work (which I know you wouldn't wear unless you work in a VERY creative field) - but I'm going to suggest some edgier work wear items to be paired with otherwise neutral items to allow you, my little gothic lovlies, to slip some of your edgy soul into your work wear without scaring the puppy-shirt loving office administrator or the 70-year-old managing partner. Tracy Reese Brocade Pencil Skirt at Neiman Marcus ($90 - so I clicked on this because I liked the skirt but then I liked the sweater with leather sleeves too. I think a brocaded burgundy skirt like this is sort of sneaky edge; a bit vintage but cool if paired with a very modern top - like here with leather. I really like this version; not too much like a couch cushion and a lovely color.) | Marc New York by Andrew Marc Black Sheath Dress with piping at Nordstroms ($138 - love the piping here - not only would it be great for women with longer or mid-length waists to emphasize their shapes, but it takes a plain black dress and adds interest without making it work inappropriate. Also the shape is a bit different but not crazy. With a cropped jacket in any color this would be great for work.) | ASOS Pants in Wide Leg in Berry at ASOS ($34.99 - these are maybe questionable, but I love the idea of these with a wide, black leather belt and a black or contrasting shirt and then a long, beaded statement necklace [or the Boden military blazer right below this!]. Usually berry isn't an "edgy" color, but I think the combination of the palazzo cut and hard styling could make this an exciting outfit, you know?) | Fitzrovia Jacket in navy with white piping at Boden ($98 - "Military style" blazers are all over the place right now, but I like the piping and color of this one, which keeps it from being *too* casual or military. I think the ones that are military khaki green are too casual and some of the more super structured ones are a little hard to wear for a lot of women who aren't petite - this would look nice on lots of shapes and is nice.) | Gliding on Style Top at ModCloth ($47.99 - I don't usually love peplum, but if you paired this with a black pencil skirt and a bright colored pendant necklace and fabulous earrings and heels and...god...curvy women would look amazing. Anyway - seriously cool.) | Antonio Melanie Rikki Pinstripe Waistcoat at Dillard's ($119 - I am of the opinion that everyone should wear waistcoats. Wear it with a silk blouse and then a looser pair of trousers. Or get the matching pants and have an androgynous day or a colored pencil skirt and show off your butt. Either way, if it fits right, everyone loves a good waistcoat and you can pretend to be Tom Hiddleston or Matt Bomer for the day.) | Fashion Star Pencil Skirt with Leather Appliques by Daniel Silverstein at Saks Fifth Avenue ($150 - leather skirts are very trendy, but I think leather pencil skirts may not be work appropriate but I think some of the pencil skirts with leather detailing are exceptions. Just a leather waistband though are no fun - this one is FUN. Paired with a burgundy blouse or blazer and black heels - this would be beautiful. I actually wouldn't pair it with a black shirt so that the leather can shine.) | Cooper & Ella Crochet Trim Blouse in black at Piperlime ($89 - okay there are a million black blouses in the world - but I like the crochet detail on the shoulders of this one - adding a little difference. Also, the soft way it hangs, and the v-neck is a nice cut but isn't too low.) | 4.collection black and gray printed flare dress at Saks Fifth Avenue ($298 - I hope this dress would be longer on women of average height - but I love that this is an A-line dress but not girly - which they often are. Add a fitted black or gray blazer and maybe a gray leather belt and whatever color shoes your mind can imagine and you've got a great look. Plus this is practically made for dramatic jewelry.) | Ann Klein Faux Leather Skirt in tan ($49 - limited sizes - I think this is one of the exceptions to the general rule against leather pencil skirts are inappropriate for work because it is so neutral and simple. Another exception are a-line leather skirts, like this one that Banana Republic used to have. I think the key is that the skirts not be too tight, not be black [black being very "biker" for some reason] and that the skirt and styling be as neutral as humanly possible.) | | | | Grotto Long Frontal Necklace at Nordstrom ($38 - I like this, comes in lots of colors so you don't HAVE to stick with black or dark blue (;-P) and I like the addition of gold for a little shine. The longer length of necklace would look great with a lot of the looks above especially the dresses, the vest, and the peplum top - though the peplum top might loop a bit better with a true pendant like this. | So - what do you think readers - do any of you have an edgier look? Are these things you would wear? What do you think - other than my love of skulls, I'm not particularly edgy (one of my skull scarfs is sea foam green - you can't really consider me to be hard core whatsoever....I find my love of skulls to be generally ironic.) Leave some comments in the comments sections (and if you don't know where that is, click the link in the title and go through to the post's main page and look at the bottom of the screen! Don't worry, your e-mail won't show up.)
Reader ET wrote in a really long time ago and asked:Hi! I'm looking for a nice crochet lace dress, preferably with a fitted waist and short sleeves. There's a lot of lace out there right now but nothing that seems quite right. A contrast with the underlay isn't absolutely necessary, but I don't like all white/cream. Cream lace with black/navy/purple underlay, or some dark lace in general would probably be the ideal. I love the black crochet lace with cream underlay of this dress: Wilfred Quai Dress the only issue it being a bodycon that I struggle to get myself into. It's a bit pricier than what I'd like for something I'm not sure about, but am otherwise willing to pay around that much if it's really perfect. I actually would have liked this Maitland Lace Dress from Anthro okay except that the skirt kind of fell flat. I tried it on and it just didn't do anything for me. I'm typically a size 12 if this helps at all. Sorry if I'm giving too many requirements! Thank you! Okay, reader ET, I'm really sorry this answer is SO belated - I actually sort of hope you've found your dress already. Or that you've successfully phoned home (I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself, literally...couldn't do it.) Anyway - on the off-chance that you haven't - I think I've seen some good ideas out there for you. But first, for those following along at home, here are the dresses Reader ET sent in as examples.
Click through to see actual dress with black underlay - there was no picture of it on the model.
| | Both of these dresses are pretty - but nothing is wildly special about them. And I do love when retailers use "body-con" to just mean "really tight" instead of what I think it *should* mean, which is form flattering. Ugh. So lets get started on finding better options. Midi Dress in Crochet Lace from ASOS ($64.49 - so the burgundy in the picture is apparently no longer available (boo), but the black version's details didn't show up well so I went with this picture instead. I like that this is fit and flare, though its sleeveless and not contrasting, and the price is right. I recently bought my first "midi" dress form ASOS and I surprisingly like the length, its fun and "twirly, if that makes sense.) | Eliza J Lace Cap-Sleeve Dress at Dillard's ($106.80 - available in all sizes - I like the light blue crochet with what looks like a silver lining - its not a pairing you see much. I also like the belt to emphasize the fit and flare. I hope its longer than it seems on this model and I also wish the pictures on Dillard's was better so we could see the details better. | Elie Tahari Lolly Dress in teal/coral at Elie Tahari ($358 - okay, so obviously this is WAY out of budget, BUT, it is also already on half off and all sizes are available at the Tahari site - so the price may drop further. I also think it fits your needs well and when I saw it, it was so pretty I took a picture of it through the store window at the mall.) For anyone who likes this, Muse has a similar but clearly not as cool version. | Sonia Black Lace Bodycon Dress from Reiss ($230 - so this is another "splurge" i.e. out of budget dress - though slightly less dramatically so. But I like many things about it, it has the black over cream overlay that you like. Its bodycon, but from Reiss, so it probably means bodycon as in form flattering. And the detailing at the waist and boob area (for lack of a better term) gives almost the effect of a belted dress without actually wearing, you know, a belt. Perhaps it will go on sale?) | Graceful Gaiety Dress at ModCloth ($164.99 - I adore this dress and there are only two left, but hey, one is in your size ET. I just think this dress would stand out in the best possible way - its vintage but not dated. And the color would look AMAZING on a wide variety of skin tones. I know its not exactly what you came here looking for - but I want to throw it in the mix.) | Ivy & Blu for Maggy Boutique Cotton Lace Dress at Nordstroms ($178 - so its hard to tell from the picture - but the description says this dress is a lighter pink lace overlaid on a brighter pink lining. I bet it would look lovely in person. I like the elbow-length sleeves and I'm a sucker for a boat neck. Also, I think with a structured blazer you could probably wear it to work. An interesting option anyway.) | Hand Crochet Dress from Boden ($187.60 - this was one of the few truly *crocheted* dresses I could find out there - most just being lace with a crotchet like pattern. This is the navy dress, so you can't really see the details, but click over and zoom in and the detailing in the crochet is beautiful. I know its long sleeved, but the sleeves are fairly lightly knitted so they may stay cool for the summer.) | Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique sleeveless A-Line dress at Zappos ($169.99 - its really a shame this one is sleeveless because its a really pretty take on this whole contrasting overlay look - the lace/crochet/cutouts are entirely different and the shape is just great. If its not right for you Reader ET, I wonder if other of my readers might like it for summer and spring parties and events ... or Easter Sunday. :-P) | Okay - so those are a lot of options - most of which don't precisely fit your needs but are cute anyway. Let me know if you like them (or if you've already bought something since I'm a slowpoke.) I hope you find something that makes your crochet loving heart go pitter-patter. Good night and good luck.....at the mall. (God I'm such a dork, why do you all come here?)
FIRST And most importantly - there is now a "Personal Shopping" tab up in the menu bar. Go click on it - it explains a bit about what services I provide and my likely fee schedule (at least at first.) I'm reserving the right to change the fee schedule as I figure out what works best and what doesn't so much (don't worry, I won't change the fee schedule mid-job unless you ask me to.
SECOND And slightly less important, TCFKAG Shops is now on Twitter. I have no idea what to do with that thing - so if anyone wants to give me some suggestions or tips, feel free. Also - just FYI - there is no "social networking icon" on here for Tumblr, but there WAS one for Yahoo! - so I used that to link to my Tumblr in the top header. Because I thought it was funny and ironical. Also I'm a dork. THIRD This is a fashion blog and I think I really owe you some fashion. Like whoa - so I thought I'd show you some shoes that I've seen around the Internets that I just really like. They don't relate much - this is just unmitigated shoe porn for no real reason (other than the obvious.) Just Prance Heel in punch at Mod Cloth ($69.99 - some days I feel like MC here is just too costumey for their own good, but other days I just feel like they get me - these shoes are in that camp. Luckily not available in my size or they might be winging their way towards me.) | Miz Mooz 'Wonder' Sandal at Nordstroms ($69.90 in the half-yearly sale) potentially a great sandal for summery events or anywhere really. This color is only in one size now, but the other colors are cute too and in more sizes. | Naturalizer Women's Jodell Oxford at Amazon (~$40.00 - so I'm not usually a huge oxford fan but these Naturalizer ones won me over by being a little longer and leaner than most of the chunky options without having the scary stilletos of the "sexy" options. I like the mix. Not many sizes left in this two tone, but I like it.) | Vintage Calfskin Riding Boot at Brooks Brothers ($238.80 - available in a surprising number of sizes. This is obviously completely out of season - and after the heat on the east coast this week, many of you might be quaking at the thought of wearing it. But its a good price for a VERY cool looking boot and might be worth a second look.) | White Sand Shores Sandal in orange from Mod Cloth ($29.99 - I LOVe the asymmetric cut of these sandals and that they don't have a between the toes issue. And the orange is cute. A real contender for a great summer sandal. 4 for you Mod Cloth, You go Mod Cloth.) |
So - you all know I like to sometimes pick an item out and then find alternative, cheaper, versions of that item. Well, this time I was looking at L.K. Bennett, a brand that I (like most Americans probably) discovered because of the Duchess of Cambridge, and found actually two items that were beautiful enough to make me want to hunt for them. So here they are. Armina Sleeveless dress in pink-fuchsia ($725 - I love the construction of this dress...LOVE...also available in black and white - luckily its out of stock in my side so I can't even really consider it.) | | So - lets get to the shopping for alternatives. My main goals will be, for the dress, finding nicely constructed dresses that have differently colored tops and bottoms (I like that look because I think it makes it look like you are wearing a blouse and skirt but more sleek and without the risk of the shirt coming untucked and looks great under a blazer.) On the skirt, I'll be looking for a-line skirts with pretty patterns like this, but I think pleats will be a plus only, since I know only some people like pleats. SO LETS DO THIS THING! Mango Two-Tone Pleated Dress at Amazon ($79 - I love that a black and white option, though I hope the skirt is longer on non models. Note the pleated satin panels on the top. I would wear it with a contrasting blazer, maybe in cobalt? And then with gray or nude shoes. A good look for the office, I think. |  Can we also talk about these shoes and how much I NEED them in my life? Eliza J Sleeveless Color Block Dress at Amazon ($138 - I like the pleated a-line skirt and that the belt creates a clear delineation and gives the waist definition. I think this would be good for work with a cardi or blazer and GREAT for outdoor summer events, like company "picnics" or clam bakes." | | I will note about these first alternatives, that I did find in my hunt some absolutely beautiful options from some designer lines, like L'Agence, St. John Collection, Kate Spade New York, and LotusGrace (this last one was in the post until the very very last moment when I found that Calvin Klein one - but I still love it so check it out.) I didn't include these dresses though - and I generally don't include many designer options - because my goal is to find affordable (or more affordable anyway) versions of the things I'm inspired by. That goal isn't met by posting $500 dresses. No matter how much I love them. Now on to the skirts! | | Floral Pleated Skirt multi-colored from Jones New York ($59 - I like that the floral print on this isn't too literal, the length is great for work and looks like it might be long enough to work for even taller readers and it comes in petite as well. And the price is nice too. Jones NY also had a couple other A-Line skirts, and for my animal print loving readers ... you know who you are - check out this one.) | Finally - this row is just a few other things I like from L.K. Bennett. Just because, they had so many, many options. Olivia Silk Graphic Print Scarf - Ocean Blue ($161 - you ALL know how I feel about scarves and this one, oh my god, I just...I'm platzing. Also comes in coral/orange print. More than I spend on scarves but grilled cheesus is this gorgeous.) | Cap-sleeve silk dress in champagne print ($312 - this is actually essentially the same pattern as the skirt above and this is the sold out champagne print (lovely isn't it) - the navy is available as well!) | I am including both of these shoes: the Floral Print Heels ($365) and the Malibu Metallic Leather Peep-Toe Sandal ($277) because I think they'd make great wedding shoes. I've gotten many wedding shoe questions in the past and both of these would be beautiful options for that...or for any special occasion really. | So that's all they wrote folks ... and in the immortal words of Veronica Mars:
"I'd be the best rich person. I'd be the perfect combination of frivolous and sensible. Money is wasted on the wealthy."
Happy shopping everyone and Happy Friday to boot.
So I saw this necklace on ModCloth, called the Statement of the Art Peacock Necklace (which is unfortunately not available anymore), and it reminded me how much I LOVE peacock patterns. So I thought I'd do a post with a bunch of peacock items - just because I can. Do you all like peacock as much as I do?
Reader LK de-lurks and inquires:Hi TCFAKG, I lurk in C'rette, sometimes comment. I need help with wedding attire. I am going to a family wedding in late September in NYC. The wedding itself is held in the Botanical Gardens, and I will also be attending the rehearsal dinner and the Sunday morning brunch (both to be held in Scarsdale). I asked my cousin (groom's sister) for pointers and she replied: "As for dress code. My understanding is that for the wedding itself long (but not poufy) and/or black would be fine but black in general is the norm for New York. I am aiming for dark and below the knee but most probably not to the floor (though I went to a wedding in NYC the same formality last week and there was a lot of floor length even in dark colors so that would be fine). . It's definitely more formal than a little black dress though, but I think even one step up is fine with multiple steps also being ok. For the other events: Friday I am going cocktail and probably black - often the bride wears like white with a pattern though [bride] may not but I would avoid that specifically. Sunday brunch I am going to wear a skirt and flats - like business casual but not so worky. If that makes sense. I don't think the weekend will be very warm, so keep that in mind" Do you have any further insight? any shopping options? Mostly for the wedding itself, I can probably manage the rehearsal and look for something for the brunch. I actually live overseas, but can do online shopping. I am usually a small/4 in AT/BR. Incidentally, I am 5'3", and husband is 6'3", so anything that makes me taller would be appreciated. I have no set budget, but I'd like to spend no more than $300. Thanks! LSo, I'm starting to think I should change the name of my blog to "TCFKAG Shops for Wedding Guest Attire." Just kidding (sort of); who doesn't like shopping for pretty dresses. Here is my quick summation of what you need:- Rehearsal dinner: black or dark colored cocktail dress.
- Wedding: Midi-length or tea-length black or dark colored formal dress - perhaps a long gown if something is awesome.
- Sunday brunch: Fun business casual.
- Overall - lighter fabrics because it may be hotter than hell.
Assuming that summary is right, I'll suggest a few options for all three events (I know you said just the wedding but I don't do things half way in these here parts). And since its my site and I'll do what I want to, I might also offer up some fun shoe and/or accessories ideas. Because I'm awesome like that. So here we go. One last note, since you didn't clarify where you live overseas, I'm mostly sticking with American retailers here - but for future submissions and other readers, I can search on country specific websites (at least for some countries) so you can at least tell me where you're coming from. REHEARSAL DINNER Black one-shouldered draped sleeveless cocktail dress from Calvin Klein ($49.99 - I actually just recommended this to a friend for a wedding this summer, she ordered it and likes it a lot. It so classy and sleek but could totally be glitzed up with red shoes or metallic jewelry. I'm a big fan and am thinking about getting it myself, the price is certainly right.) Petite Seamed Detail Sweetheart Body-Conscious Dress from ASOS ($64.49 - lovely classic shape and I assume at your height you can wear petite sizes - only issue is, based on the picture, it looks like you'll need to get a slip under it.) Calvin Klein Strapless Neon-Trim Dress at Dillard's ($59.40 - another fairly simple yet classy number from CK - though the neon pink adds a twist. Its a cotton/spandex blend, meaning it should breath well in the heat, and you could maybe add interest with a pink wrap. Overall pretty cute - though not sure if Dillard's will ship to you - might have to find it elsewhere!) Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Ruched Matte Jersey Dress at Nordstroms ($118.00 - the Suzi Chin line has lots of great dresses for this sort of thing but this is one of my favorites. 56 reviews and it has 4 stars and I just think it looks really flowy and flattering - maybe consider one of the non-black colors...I know, scandalous, but the purple is cute!) Nue by Shani pink and navy two tone cocktail dress from eDressMe ($92.00 - so this is kind of a curveball both because its final sale and because its not really what you described but something about it just called to me, plus eDressMe ships world wide so that's a plus. Only available in a size 6, so may run too big, but sometimes these sorts of dresses run kind of small, so it may even out in the end.) Paper Dolls Mirrored Lace Body-Conscious Dress at ASOS ($98.43 - another color option, I love cobalt and black and think its both super on trend right now but also classic. ASOS ships internationally I believe and I think this dress is fabulous.) Corso Como Dover Pump at DSW ($109.95 - I feel like red pumps are a great combo with black dresses and the cut-outs at the back of these give them a little interest. I don't know, they're cool.) Ivanka Trump Ariell High Heel Ankle Strap Pumps at Bloomingdales ($105.00 - metallics are my other favorite with black dresses and I'm super into gold right now, so here you go. I also really like black and gold together, like these ones at Piperlime, but they're only available in limited sizes so I went with the Ivankas instead.) THE WEDDING Adrianna Pappell Short Sleeve Sequin Mesh Gown ($278 - SPARKLES - this row is having non-black dresses because I'm stubborn and because of reasons.) Colorblocked Blanche Dress at Kate Spade New York ($249 - a little whimsical but styled right it'd be great.) Dalia MacPhee Strapless Pleated Ruffle Chiffon Gown ($298 - another repeat but that's because I'm in love with it. The color and shape are gorgeous - though reviews say it runs large.) Okay - the shoes here really depend on what you buy - but you could wear either of the shoes from above again with most of these. Now - I know you said you had the brunch on lockdown (and I'm sure you do) but I came across a few casual dresses that would be great for it, so I thought I'd pass them along. THE BRUNCH
So yesterday we did black and white, but today I'm going to do my personal favorite color combo from the last couple of seasons, black and gold. The above dress, the Starlight Hearted Dress from ModCloth ($202.99) inspired the post. I think its lovely and would be great for a New Year's party or an evening wedding...or for vacuuming around the house in heels. But there are SO MANY great black and gold stuff out there right now - lets check some of it out, shall we? I first fell in love with black and gold this past fall because of the most beautiful pair of black and gold Ralph Lauren Black Collection Mary Jane pumps I have ever seen - I saw them on Marion Cotillard in the August 2012 and I fell deeply and irretrievably in love with them. But they were strictly out of budget then and now I can't find them anywhere on-line. Alas...the one's that got away. But that doesn't mean we can't find some pretty alternatives. So - has black and gold worked its way into your wardrobe? Or does it give you too many flashbacks to earlier eras? Share your favorite black and gold items in the comments.
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!
Reader L needs help getting ready for wedding season:Hi TCFKAG, I am looking for two dresses - one for a rehearsal dinner and one for the wedding. I am not in the wedding, but my SO is the best man. The wedding is in July in an area where it can be quite hot and humid, though everything is thankfully inside. The rehearsal dinner is at a restaurant. The ceremony and reception are in the evening at a hotel. It is not black tie. The bride and groom are more fun than formal, but I do not want to be too casual since my SO will be in a tux. Typically, I wear black for evening weddings, but after a recent discussion on Corporette, it appears that may be bad form?! That was news to me. (Eek.) I feel like I am stuck in a wedding-guest-dress rut. I always end up buying similar things - black or navy, strapless A line or classic sheath, and recently lace. I would like something fresh, and young, and fun, and new! But I am not seeing anything online that inspires me. Could you help? I am fair skinned, so blues, pinks and greens look good on me, though I'm not opposed to other colors or prints. I think short would be better than long, but I would try either. Price range: Under $350 for the dress for the wedding, and under $150 for the rehearsal dinner dress. (Less expensive is always good!) Size: either a US 4 or 6. I am an X shape. Also, I am 32. So, I don't want to be running around in a dress that the groom's 16-year-old cousin might also wear, nor one that the bride's 60-year-old aunt might have on. Could you help inspire me? Sorry for such a long note. Love your blog, and always love your comments to the 'rettes! Thank you, LSo, first I will quickly address the whole "no black as a guest at a wedding" rule. I think that, traditionally, it was considered bad form to wear black to a wedding, since it was the color of mourning. But, at this point, I think it is really only the "rule" for very traditional wedding (hell, my bridesmaids wore black). *But* - on the other hand - you're going to weddings in a hot, sticky area in the middle of the summer - might as well mix it up and add some colorful dresses to your wardrobe right? As an initial matter, I'll direct you to this post (for red dresses - the Adrianna Papell might be lovely for the rehearsal dinner) and this post (the Kate Spade, the canary yellow Kay Unger, or the blue paisley Anne Klein would all be lovely options). Now - for some new options just for you!
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