I don't normally do this, but this dress is so cute I thought I'd post it here.  It is an Inc Plus Size Sleeveless Cowl-Neck Printed Dress and its on great sale for $39.99.  The color looks really great (though the one review says it may be more green than it appears) and the cut looks flattering.  Basically it looks fun.  There are actually a bunch of cute plus size dresses on sale at Macy's right now, here are a few more below.

INC Cap Sleeve Printed Faux Wrap Dress at Macy's ($39.99)
INC Short-sleeve printed faux-wrap dress ($39.99 - both of these would be nice for O shapes)
NY Collection Sleeveless pleated dress with belt ($39.99 - several colors)

Anyway - I thought these were cute and in case people were looking for more dresses that were work or summer even appropriate I wanted to alert you to the sale.  Happy shopping everyone! 

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Print Fit and Flare Dress at Nordstroms ($149 - this would look lovely on an x-shape - maybe better for the rehearsal dinner because of the white in the print?  But given the other colors, I'm sure it would be fine for either - but I'm fairly non-traditional when it comes to wedding guest wear.)
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Knotted Jersey A-Line Dress at Nordstroms ($130 - I love this color and it would pair great with gold and turquoise jersely - seriously - beautiful gold sandals and turquoise jewelry [like this maybe] would look amazing.  Probably for the rehearsal dinner but would also work for the wedding - depending how nice the jersey is.)
Donna Rico Print Cotton Fit and Flare Dress ($88 - I like this pattern - and the price is right.)

Ksenia Printed A-Line Dress by BCBG ($298 - a little pricey but I love the pleated look and the colors are fresh.)
Eliza J. Dress, One Shoulder Beaded Satin Cocktail Dress at Macy's ($168 - satin is taste specific but this is pretty.)
Feather after Dress at Modcloth ($89.99 - pretty print - but reviews say to order a size up.)

Cynthia Steffe Lida Color Block Crepe Dress at Bloomingdale's ($148.50 - a sheath with little something different).
Haute Hippie Sequin Asymmetric Drape Dress at Shopbop ($238.50 - this is different than most sequin dresses - I like it.)
Summer Bouquet Sundress at White House Black Market ($160 - I have a very similar dress to this from WHBM and I love it - beautiful shape and nicely constructed.  Great for weddings, fun to twirl in.)

So!  Hope these ideas help.  Let me know if they don't work and hope they expand your idea range.  And a reminder - if you decide to buy any of these - click the link and buy them through here.  That would be awesomesauce!!

One for inspiration post and then back to answering a couple of questions (so if you have submitted a question...stick around!)  So the inspiration here is this Amber Sun 'Megan' Print Blazer at Nordstroms ($89).  I love this one.  I like the two buttons (can be really hard to find right now) and that its fitted without being completely shrunken.  It also has full-length sleeves on a light weight summer blazer, which is hard to find.  Finally, I love that a blazer in a bright color has a pattern, but that the pattern isn't too bold.  Instead the pattern serves to temper the yellow slightly without making the blazer such an aggressive statement piece that it would be difficult to style.  I think this would look lovely with gray, navy, tan or beige, white, eggplant, berry, or teal.  Best part - I think it could be paired with a nice pencil skirt and blouse for work or jeans and a t-shirt or over a sundress for weekends. So its super versatile.

So now that I've spoken with such obvious rapturous glee about an item - lets look for a few other similar items shall we?  I'll look for a variety of colors, cuts, styles, and sizes here to fit a variety of people and tastes.  Hope you see something you like. I do think that a fun, colored blazer can add a metaphorical smile to your wardrobe this time of year.

Tonal Knit Blazer at Anthropologie ($49.95 - not entirely sold on this for work but its super cute and comes in blue.)
Vince Camuto Rumpled Blazer in cherry at Nordstroms ($169 - I wouldn't normally recommend something called a "rumpled" blazer - especially not for $169 and made of polyester - but for my longer waisted readers I like this option.  Has two buttons and actually looks like its made to work for taller, longer waisted people.  I'd still wait for it to go on sale though.)
Alice + Olivia Elyse Cambray Blazer at ShopBop ($290.40 - a more formal take on chambray than the shirt - expensive yes, but the close up pictures show some beautiful tailoring.  The sleeves are full length.)

Blenheim Blazer in Driftwood Doves at Boden ($49-78.40 - I own this and its cute, the cotton is nice for summer but still substantial.  But one tip, order at least a size down, it runs large.)
DKNY Jeans Shawl Collar Blazer w/ Ruched Three-Quarter Sleeve in Mango Satin at 6pm ($64.99 - the shawl collar and single button make this a nice option for larger busted women, plus this hits lower at the hip, possibly nice for an apple, "O" shaped woman - attention Reader A.)
Voyager Jacket at Pendleton ($151-$158 - note - available in all sizes up to 24W - sorry, best picture available)

Cotton Tweed Cardigan Jacket at Ann Taylor ($148 - a great option for those who prefer sweaters to jackets).
Fine Touch Boucle Jacket at Coldwater Creek ($99 - available in plus sizes)
Elie Tahari Monroe Tweed Jacket at Bergdorf Goodman ($248 for the jacket - I surprisingly like the zipper front and notched neckline - adds interest without being *too* weird.  I might even like the full suit - especially if pink looks really good on you, also I think there's a darker teal version if you're interested.)

Okay!  I hope you like those options.  So I'm sick this weekend (actually in hospital) - so that may mean that either there will be A LOT of new posts or not many new posts depending on how bored I am and how good I feel.  Anyone else found some good summer blazers out there?  Put them in the comments!

I'm in love.  Seriously.  I happened across this gold and chalcedony drop pendant necklace by Athena at Max and Chloe today and I fell head over heels.  I had never heard of chalcedony stones (obviously I've seen them, but I never identified them by name).  So here's a post about my new favorite thing ever (plus more gift ideas for the procrastinators amongst us.)

Aqua chlacedony and gold chrysanthemum dangle earrings from blackandwhitejewels on Etsy ($35)
Blue chalcedony cocktail ring from Silver Sand Jewelry on Etsy ($58)
Coralia Leets Blue Chalcedony & Blue Druzy Drop Earrings at Bloomingdales ($356.25 - expensive but omg).

Urban Post Lilly Green Chalcedony Gold Earrings at Max & Chloe ($70)
Necklace with octagon grass green chalcedony with three types of quartz from Bouvier Jewelry on Etsy ($220)
Wanetta Green Chalcedony Bracelet from Last Call by Neiman Marcus ($63)

What do you all think?  Does anyone own any chalcedony jewelry or got any good tips on styling it?  Leave your thoughts and queries in the comments.  

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!

Reader A wrote in:

Hi! Love your comments on Corporette and was going to post there but why not just go directly to the expert?! I am a plus-size apple shape. I wear right around a 14W-16W. I am completely uninspired but am interested in finding some affordable work options. I work in a business not-casual-but-not-a-suit-everyday kind of office. I often wear cardigans with blouses and skirts or slacks. As for style, I'm probably more Talbots than Coldwater Creek, more button down than loose and flowy. Do separates look better on apple shapes than dresses? What should I avoid? Any advice you can give or specific recommendations of affordable clothing would be very appreciated. Thank you, TCFKAG!

So this is a very timely question, since we were talking about body shape, natural waist definition, and generally dressing for your shape today or yesterday at Corporette.  So I'm excited to address your question.  So - my absolute favorite website out there for "how to dress your body shape" is Inside Out Style - she has addressed TONS of body shape issues way better than I can (probably) and in far greater detail.  Seriously, check it out everyone.  Reader A, if I had to guess, I would bet that you are what Imogen calls an "O Shape" - someone who carries their weight through their mid-section.  Rather than recreate the wheel - I am going to copy and paste her suggestions for O-shapes here:

How to dress your O shape body (see also this page):

• You will find tops that drape past your body really make a difference.  Anything that clings won’t flatter.
• If you feel you need to put a horizontal line on your body, make sure it’s in the empire position (just underneath your bust) rather than at your waist.  If the fabric is at all stiff make sure there are no gathers under the bust as you will get asked about when the baby is due.
• Layering is your friend, a dark top underneath a lighter (than the top) jacket or cardigan will help make your stomach disappear.
• Use that column of colour to create the longest vertical line you can.
• Create focal points around your face, rather than through your mid-section
• Keep patterns dense, but larger scale.
• Ruching is your friend.  Ruching in a top can help to hide a myriad of secrets.
• Tunics can work really well with skinny jeans on your body shape, especially if you have great legs.  Tuck your skinny jeans into knee high boots to balance your upper body.
• Patterns (especially when dense and low negative space) can help to keep the eye moving and not draw attention to your body.
• Look for fabrics that don’t have too much bulk, but also those that skim, without clinging, too much lycra in a garment won’t be flattering.
• Single breasted jackets are best for you.  A wider collar can help draw attention up and out.
• Avoid cropped jackets, you will find jackets that fall no shorter than the hip bone flatter most.  3/4 length can really work.
• Jackets are great for hiding lumps and bumps, make sure the fabric is not to stiff, that they are fitted, but not too tight.
• You may find that straighter shaped skirts work well for you, falling from your hips and creating a longer line.  Trumpet skirts that flare from the knee can also work.
• Avoid skirts with gathering at the waist, tiered skirts and stiff a-line skirts
• Dresses with a knot just under the bust are a great shape for you.
• Alternatively, try a faux wrap dress that doesn’t have any seaming or ties around the waist
• Darker denims, softer denims with some stretch will work better for you than light and stiff denims.
• Avoid too much distressing on denim, keep it simple and clean looking.
• Have your pants hemmed as long as possible to create the longest, leanest line.
• Trouser shape jeans are great, bootcuts also work.
• Want to wear a belt? Check out these tips.

The keys seem to be shirts and dresses that drape nicely across the middle but cinch at the empire waist.  Trousers that are straight legged will be best.  Avoid bringing attention to the stomach area (AMEN SISTAH).  Jackets, structured sweaters, and other items that create structure over the draped shirts.  Working with these parameters, here are some ideas - both in the separates world and the dress world (I might even throw in a couple trousers.)

Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Jersey Faux Wrap Dress at Nordstroms ($188) - I know its pricey, but I think this could become a real wardrobe stable.  See this awesome version in polka dot too!
Gingham wrap shirt at Talbots ($79.50 - available in other colors) - I think it would look nice under a suit jacket.
JM Collection Sleeveless Sheath ($46.99 - several colors) - belted at the empire waist, I think it would work.

Maggy London London Times Short Sleeved Textured Sheath Dress ($98 - only in 14W) - I really like that this hits right at the empire waist, has sleeves, and creates a shape without being too clingy.  Plus this color could be lovely for spring/summer.
Sejour Ela Pencil Skirt at Nordstroms ($68) - meets the "straight skirt" recommended by Imogen.
Charter Club Short Sleeve Cross Front Top ($24.99 - lots of colors) - nice shape - good under jackets.

Adrianna Papell Jersey Fit and Flare Dress at Nordstroms ($93.80) - I like the color and the way it brings attention up to the bodice.  Plus the color is pretty.
Signature Wide Leg Linen Trouser at Talbot ($109) - nice straight leg and no pockets emphasizing the middle areas.
Evans Single Button Blazer at Nordstroms ($69.50) - just in case you need a black blazer, I like this basic one.

So!  I hope this inspires you and gives you some ideas.  Write back in and let me know if you like any of these.  And definitely check out Inside Out Style's blog - she has amazing advice.  Have fun revamping your wardrobe...I know you will.  :-)

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.)  

Gabriella Rocha Big Circle Bracelet in mint at Zappos ($28 - variety of colors)
Kendra Scott Madina Earring in silver at Zappos ($50)
Kate Spade New York Small Square Stud Earrings at Zappos Couture ($38 - variety of colors)
Lucky Brand Turquoise Coast Necklace at Zappos ($49 - opera length, if not clear from this picture.)
Grotto Stone Pendant Necklace in frosty spruce at Nordstroms ($38 - variety of colors.)
Topshop Flat Chain Necklace in silver at Nordstroms ($25 - simple but pretty I think.)
Carole Paddle Earrings in coral at Nordstroms ($12)
Tasha Stone Chandelier Earrings at Nordstroms ($28 - comes in a variety of colors.)
Kate Spade New York Unwanted Visitors Hinged Bangle at Nordstroms ($95 - quirky but so fun.)

So!  There's a bunch of ideas.  I hope there's something here you like.  Now, normally I really like shopping for jewelry on Etsy more than anywhere else - but not all sellers there can guarantee delivery by Sunday.  So I'm focusing on these sellers who probably can.  I'll have to do an Etsy only post soon.

As you may have figured out, I like to be inspired by a particular item and then find variations on a theme.  Well, I was toodling around on Nordstroms and saw this adorable Eliza J Seamed Drop Waist Dress and thought...that would be fun.  A little red dress post.  Now this dress would clearly look best on my readers with a longer waist - but I will endeavor to find dresses to fit a variety of body types.  So let's shop.  But first!  The inspiration.

And now - onto the picks.  I'm sticking with cocktail numbers here.  Envisioning things you could wear to nice cocktail parties or maybe weddings, nothing too formal.  Maybe a couple of work appropriate numbers will slip in, you never know.  Also, as I usually do, I'm trying to keep the prices pretty reasonable.  Or at least have a range of prices!  

Issa Fire Red Draped Front Silk Dress at Stylebop ($409 - splurge of the post - available up to size 16).
ASOS Midi Dress with off shoulder at ASOS ($46.55 - I love the bandage details and its sexy as hell.)
Bridge Red Fitted V-neck Dress in Red at Reiss ($240 after sale)
Adrianna Papell Lace Bodice Fit and Flare Dress in Lipstick at Nordstroms ($158 - if you're not over lace.)
The Crisscross Dress in red at Victoria's Secret ($49.99 - yeah, I know, I know.)
Strapless fit and flare dress from the Limited ($47.94 after sale.)

Hope you all enjoy these options.  There's definitely a couple in here that I would like to have in my closet.  Oops.  Have fun shopping and remember that red pairs beautifully with gold or silver or other metallic shoes.  And would be really interesting with purple jewelry, if you wanted to try something different.

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!  

Nine West Nautical Stripe Scarf in black from Nordstroms ($32 - I know its not entirely striped, but I like the design and the price is right!)
Weekend by Maxmara Palmizi scarf ($98 - not sure how fast this website can get it to you though - maybe look around at other sites?  Its a lovely scarf and linen, so nice and light for summer.)
Italca Striped Linen Scarf in blue multi from Lori's ($48.99 - reads gray to me - and does this place have actual stores in Chicago?)
Calvin Klein striped scarf in coral from Lord & Taylor ($30 on-sale - its pretty - know the color is off.)
Lacoste Women's Cotton Modal Stripe Scarf ($65 - nice red and white option)
Michael Stars Streamline Stripe Wrap in Ship Navy at Zappos ($48.99 - I like this one, its cute.)
Capri Stripe Scarf at Madewell ($45 - made of cotton and linen - I like it.)
Marc by Marc Jacobs MBMJ Print Scarf in Coral Red Multi at Nordstroms ($98 - cute - available in other colors.)
Nordstrom 'Whisper' Cashmere Wrap at Nordstroms ($78 - a great gift idea for women who work in freezing cold offices in the summer - available in four colors.)
Halogen 'Mirror Medallion' Wool Challis Scarf at Nordstroms ($38.36 - available in three colors)
Hand Painted Silk Scarf from Silk Scarves Colorado on Etsy ($68 - I love the shade of red.)

Okay!  There are some ideas.  And I tried to resist polka-dots, even though I totally think that's heresy.  Good luck with shopping for Mother's Day - or whatever other scarf needs you may have!  Happy shopping and may the odds be ever in your favor.

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.

First Kiss Print Maxi Dress at Free People ($148)
Hive & Honey Striped Knit Maxi at Piperlime ($69 - might be too fitted, but definitely within budget.)
Christin Michaels Kelley Dress at Zappos ($69 - I know, no sleeves, maybe a light shrug?)
Oasis Chiffon Floral Print Maxi Dress at ASOS ($129 - So pretty, also maybe with a shrug?)
ASOS Petite Pleated Maxi Skirt at ASOS ($59.85 - a different suggestion - maybe a skirt with a silk blouse?)

So, I feel like I haven't completely met your requirements.  There aren't that many out there with sleeves right now!  I wonder if its the season - summer maxi dresses are more short sleeved or sleeveless maybe?  Readers - have you seen anything that would fit Readers B's needs?

And finally - since I've looked at lots of maxi dresses - here are a few that I liked that might be nice for summer.

Merona Chevron Maxi Dress at Target ($29.97)
Karen Kane Black Stripe Banded Maxi Dress at Zappos ($128)
ASOS Curve Maxi Dress in Cheesecloth at ASOS in Coral ($49.88)
Vince Camuto Bright Stripe Halter Maxi Dress at Nordstroms ($129)
Eliza J Pleated Chiffon Maxi Dress in Orange at Nordstroms ($158)

Happy shopping everyone and may the odds be ever in your favor.  Who's psyched for summer?  I am!