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.)
So I came across a few items at Dillards today that I thought would form the base of a really nice outfit (technically the two skirts are alternatives to each other - but that's neither here nor there.) The first skirt is the Antonio Melani Perla Skirt ($109) - I love the stripes and the high waist line - and the one review is truly excellent. The second skirt is a slightly darker take on the same theme from Cremieux, it is also high waisted and I like the belt, but overall it looks a little less elegant I think and its one review isn't as good. But it is cheaper at $79 (and it comes in fun limeaid/sand and poppy/sunbaked options.) The next option is also by Cremieux, a "Novelty-Button" Knit Blazer in bright yellow (also comes in red) for $119. I actually like the "novelty buttons" because I think it adds some interest to the blazer - which I think would go great with the nude/neutral skirts. In terms of recommending a shirt - my first instinct was to recommend something white or pale neutral - which of course I think would be nice. But instead I'm recommending this Hinge Silk Blouse from Nordstroms in this lovely purple - purple is complementary to yellow in the color wheel and I think it would temper the yellow of the blouse in a nice way. Plus its just lovely. ($68 - the blouse also comes in a cream and a tan if you'd like a neutral option.) For shoes, I'm sticking with something fairly neutral, but going with a little quirky with the side cut outs. These are Via Spiga Gaia pumps in camel from Zappos ($138 - on-sale) - I like the construction of them with the somewhat stacked heel. Don't know how comfortable the side cut outs would be but otherwise I think they're lovely. For people who prefer lower heels - I really like these Nora Mid Heel Loafers from Tory Burch (on sale for $177) - I don't mind the bits of red added to the outfit, I don't think they'd be noticeable and I think loafer pumps in any height would add a nice touch to this outfit. For jewelry, I think you could stick with something pretty simple in shape for the necklace - like a pendant that would peek through the neckline of the blouse - but I'd love to see you introduce a third color, like the green in this T Tahari Faceted Pendant Necklace also from Dillards ($32). I think the combination of them all together would actually be lovely. What do you think? Would you wear it? What jewelry would YOU pair with it? Leave some notes in the comments!
Blond Lawyer queries: Hi TCFKAG! Blonde Lawyer here. I'm at my wits end and figured you could help. I am looking for a "Boston Strong" or "I run for Boston" shirt in a sweat wicking material! I already have one Boston Strong shirt that I absolutely love, but it is cotton. Boston Strong Cotton The link says men's tee but it is actually the ladies' tee. I have a medium in this and it is quite snug. I want one I can wear to run 5k's in which is why the sweat wicking material is so important to me. I have only found one but I've been afraid it isn't going to be right on my body. I Run For Boston Wicking I think even in the small, the sleeves would be too long and it would be overall too big. I'm a 34DD but otherwise slender. In Champion running tank tops I wear a large. In target t-shirts I wear a medium. In Jones NY and Van Huessen I'm an extra small. Hope that helps. What can you find me!! Other bonuses: - I would love my purchase money to go to charity, at least in part. - Blue and yellow is my preference but I'm open to others - a running tank would be fine too - $40 or less preferablyThis is of course something I'm happy to help with. BL - I know you were pretty close to the finish line the day of the bombings so, I hope you're doing okay coping in the aftermath. I know everyone deals differently and it hasn't always been easy for me (let along my friends who were really close to the finish line as well.) I like that you're keeping running and remembering. It'll be good for the region and for you. But on to the shopping! I'll try to stick with blue and gold/yellow and ones that benefit charities. I'll also try to look for ladies cut shirts or at least men's cuts that don't look too....uncomfortable. :-) So lets see what we find.
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. ;-)
I was yet again inspired by an item I saw on Etsy to do a post on a genre of jewelry, in this case - rustic* jewelry. The item in question was this "wearable art euro cuff" beaded rustic bracelet by Fishbaysunsets out of Washington State. ($45) It is a pretty bracelet with fabulous colors and metalwork, glass beads, and natural stone beads. Very pretty. But of course, I couldn't rest with just one. So what follows are my selection of rustic jewelry items off Etsy. *Some might notice that my take on rustic is a bit particular. I tend to identify rustic with the following elements: darker metals (think coppers, brasses, rhodiums, pewters, etc.), leathers, natural stones, natural gemstones, and glass beads in darker colors. Impressive metal work is always good. - On the other hand I tend *not* to associate rustic with jewlery meant to evoke tribal or foreign elements of a particular culture. Both because I frequently find that they are poorly executed but also because I would not want to be seen as appropriating symbols of cultures of which I am not a member. So I tend to avoid things that clearly do so.
- I also don't consider "steampunk" stuff under the heading of rustic. Now I actually love steampunk accessories and would be happy to do an entire post on steampunk stuff - I just think that their purposefully affected take on a particular era isn't really "rustic" in any traditional sense.
And I have now explained my reasoning behind a post WAY MORE than I ever have before. This is what happens when its 4 AM and you have insomnia. But have fun! Do you like these rustic options? Do you wear rustic jewelry? Do you have any other suggestions on what I should add to my ideas about the "rustic look"? Leave some texty text in the comments and let me know!
Another inspiration post! I came across this Hampton Tote (POLKA DOTS) at Gorjana & Griffin today and immediately thought it would be perfect for summer toting needs. I love the print (obviously) and the bright red lining. I also love the size - which is perfect for summer day trips to the beach or for picnics...or to the mall. Whatevs. The price isn't bad either - coming in at $48 with free shipping - and its made of a sturdy cotton canvas, which I like. These types of large totes could also make alternatives to more traditional diaper bags for some mom's. But here are a few other options if this doesn't suit your fancy. American Rag Convertible Tote in coral at Macy's ($40 - love the color and that it folds for when its not full.) Stick Print Tote Bag in Red at Last Call by Neiman Marcus ($52.50 - this one is just fun - in a couple of colors.) DVF Loves Roxy Tote Bag at DVF ($68 - I don't normally recommend something with a recognizable name brand in it, but I love the black and white print with the orange bottom and the matching change purse is cute!) Okay - I hope you like these! Obviously I've gone for whimsy here over things that are work appropriate or more "hard-core" sturdy totes. Mostly that's because that's what I like, but I still think these would be pretty tough and hold up against some abuse. What do you think? Anyone have any good canvas tote bag recommendations?
Hi TCFKAG! I'm a new BigLaw associate and got my ears pierced a few months ago. It is now time to move beyond the starter studs and buy some earrings. For now, I'm looking for workhorse earrings I can wear over and over (my goal is to make it until Christmas on a handful of pairs, then let the relatives do the rest), but that aren't just plain studs. Here are a few ideas I had: JC Penney Love Knot Earrings Sterling Silver Earrings, JC Penney Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings, and Love Knot Dangle Earrings on Etsy. But I bet you can do better. I'm open to any design and any metal. I'd like to stay under $50 per pair. -- A Blog Admirer Hey! Thanks for the question - and those are all really cute. I'll try to find some similar options for you. I might throw in a couple ones with some pretty, neutral gemstones (just in case you're interested.) For those shopping along at home - here are the three that Reader E likes (I think the love knot dangles are my favorite.) These are all so cute! The love knots are super nice (I never knew that design was called that) - and of course a little huggie silver hoop is a nice basic. So these are great options. But lets see what other options I can find for you.
On the weekends I like to work a little rustic* charm into my wardrobe, especially in my jewelry. And I was inspired by this beautiful Wearable Art Beaded "Eurocuff" Bracelet from Etsy seller fish bay sunsets ($45) to look for other beaded bracelets and necklaces for the weekends that give off this chunky, rustic vibe. What do you think readers? Am I coo-coo for cocoa puffs with these? *So, you may notice that rustic might mean something different to me than it means to me. To me it means the use of natural stones or glass beads that approximate the look of natural stones with traditional metals or materials - especially copper or brass or hammered silver or pewter or rhodium - basically your darker metals are all good.) I tend to not like things that go for the tribal or exotic look - partially because I think they are frequently a pale (and sometimes unfortunate) imitation and partially because I don't want to be seen as appropriating a culture I am not a member of. I also don't really consider Steampunk hipster - I would LOVE to do a whole steampunk post - and probably will in the future, but I think that's its own aesthetic viewpoint that's separate from what I was doing here. So..yeah. Lots of words meaning basically nothing. :-)
What do you think rustic means? Did I get it right? Leave a texty text 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!
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.
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