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!

Reader B sent in this fun prompt:

Your blog is wonderful! I need a new dress for my husband's law school graduation (on May 10) and found THE perfect dress: Kate Spade New York Brent Linen Sheath Dress Except it's not perfect: (a) it's too expensive (i'd like to spend under $200) and (b) it's not available yet. I'd be willing to spend more for the perfect item.  Here's what I'm looking for: 
- something in cobalt blue (this dress has more of a purple undertone in it, which also works well)
- probably a sheath as I don't like A-lines and need something that's not strapless; sleeves would be a plus
- a nice fabric (linen, silk or something textured; I tend not to like jersey or ponte)
- a size 6 (maybe 8 if it runs small)
I realize this all makes me sound super picky :-) Thanks in advance, TCFKAG!


First of all - you're not even close to picky.  Your requests are entirely reasonable.  Second of all, that dress is beautiful.  Seriously.  Nice choice.  But I understand wanting something a bit more affordable - so let's work on that why don't we?  


So, here's the Kate Spade dress in question, for those who are shopping along at home.

I am a big fan.  BIG.  Moving on.  I don't think you are picky, but probably the hardest part is matching your price range to your fabric preferences.  But we can do it!  I've found a few options.  See below.

My first suggestion is this very pretty "Summer Shift" from Boden - which is always a go-to for me when looking for natural fabric dresses.  This particular dress is 98% cotton (100% cotton lining) and I think that would breath very nicely for summer.  This print I'm suggesting has purple and grey elements as well as red and white and I think it would be lovely in person.  There are also other navy blue options available.  See the all here.   One warning though - there is an exposed zipper on this one - if that's not your cup of tea. 
Summer Shift dress in Multi Painterly at Boden-USA ($148)

The second dress (which I've included two pictures of, the front and the back since the back was so pretty) is a Muse Dot Jacquard Fitted Sheath Dress from Neiman Marcus Last Call.  I love the shape on this, I think it would be wonderfully flattering, and you know me - I love a good polka dot.  Plus I love the little cut out in the back, I think its super cute.  This one is also cotton, though with an acetate lining.  But I think its still a good option.  And the price isn't half bad either.
Muse Dot Jacquard Fitted Sheath Dress at Neiman Marcus Last Call ($104.30)

The third dress is this lovely Paisley printed v-neck sheath from Anne Klein.  I really like this one - I think it would be really flattering and comfortable.  It is also cotton (so got for summer I guess, lol) - but it looks quite nice.  Also I love those shoes, but that's neither here nor there.
Paisley Print Sheath Dress from Anne Klein ($138)

The next one is a little tough, but is the Magaschoni Pleated Sheath Dress from Neiman Marcus.  Its really pretty and quite elegant (and the color's beautiful) - its also a screaming deal.  Unfortunately only the size 8 is left - but sometimes the foreign design items run small.  Might be worth a try.
Magaschoni Pleated Sheath Dress from Neiman Marcus ($161)

The last one is the Elie Tahari "Ginny Dress" - I like the colors in the pattern and the price is quite nice.  It is also a silk/elastene blend.  Also if you want a good laugh, I suggest watching the model walk in it at the Saks' website, its hilarious.  
Elie Tahari Ginny Dress at Saks Fifth Avenue ($159.20)

The last three are three I have included for you, or more likely for my other readers, that are generally in the same style or family of your preferred dresses but don't meet your needs for one reason or another.  But I like them so I wanted to throw them up here.  So its my blog and I do what I want.  ;-)

Kay Unger New York Ruffle Neck Sheath Dress in canary yellow at Neiman Marcus ($230).
Magaschoni "Strapless Gown with Embroidered BDC" in red at Neiman Marcus ($205 - the back of this dress is SO pretty - also available in black.)
Patterned Linen Shirred Sheath Dress at Land's End (now $64.97 and POCKETS!)

Okay Reader B - let me know if any of those hit the mark!  And readers - leave a comment if you have any other ideas!!  Happy shopping and may the odds be ever in your favor.  (Oh - and Reader B - congratulate your husband on his law school graduation from us here at TCFKAG Shops...and I'm sorry in advance for the misery you are going to experience this summer as the loved one of a bar studier.  Oh so sorry.)

Spring shoes!  Who doesn't want to look at brightly colored shoes?  Nobody (or at least nobody who reads this blog.  I've found you a bunch of options - I've tried to go with a variety of shapes and colors (peep toe, closed toe, slingback, etc.)  All of them should be available within your price range, preferred heel height, and size.
Vince Camuto Hallee pump in coral reef at Nordstroms (exclusive) ($97.95 - also available in peacock turquoise.)
Ivanka Trump Leea Mary Jane Pump at Nordstroms ($134.95 - I totally love these.)
Nine West Selene Pump in yellow at Nordstorms ($52.20 - super cute but reviews are so-so.)
Vince Camuto HARTY leather pump in purple at Vince Camuto ($49.99 on-sale - available in lots of colors!)
Isolá Badre Pump at Nordstroms ($89.95 - okay, these are a little out there, but fun.)
Coach Lilly Pump in coral at Nordstroms ($187.95 - so pretty!!)
Enzo Angiolini Dimario Pump at Nordstroms (exclusive) ($89.95 - also available in pink and honey.)
Chinese Laundry Danger Zone pump in Light Blue Print at Zappos ($69.95 - also in solids but I like this print.)
Miz Mooz Milan pump in Ocean at Zappos ($109.95 - oddly compelling shoe)
Kensington Courts AR570 Heels in Sunset at Boden ($168.00 - also the navy version of these are beautiful!)

Editors Note: See the FAQ for a new note about advertising on this site.  I've added something that is supposed to make my links into click-through links - we'll see if it works!  

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

Blenheim Blazer Driftwood Doves at Boden ($49)
Draycott Skirt in Navy at Boden ($52.80)