I have been absent from this blog for an unacceptably long time - I am aware.  Unfortunately, my health has been...not good over the last month.  But I am hoping to have an upswing soon.  Today I was inspired by a black and white polka dotted dress I saw in Boden's daily e-mail advertisement - reminding me of my favorite pattern and one of my favorite dress shapes, the belted sheath.  I am also a fan of this particular neckline, which allows you to wear either statement jewelry *or* a pendant - but still maintains a mostly modest high neckline (especially for those smaller of chest.)

Now - having found such a terrific dress - I thought I'd go about styling it three ways.  One for pure fun, one for a more "sexy" date night or night out with the girls, and one for work.  But we'll go in reverse order - most demure to least demure.  ;-)

BP Moveover Pointed Toe Flat at Nordstroms ($49.95 - red is so often the color of choice with black polka dots ... and don't worry, it'll make an appearance down flow, but for work I was thinking about keeping things a bit sleeker with patent, pointed toe black flats.)  Franco Sarto Instinct at 6PM ($47.99 - Recommended for those more interested in heels - I think the Mary Jane cut gives it a dash of vintage, but the pointed toe and angled block heel keeps it firmly rooted in the present - and comfortable for work at that.)
Fornash Enamel Bumble Bee Bangle Bracelet in black and gold at SimplySoles ($25 - again going a bit against expectations here - I like using a simple palette of black and gold to keep the outfit relatively neutral - while adding a bit of a wink with the bumble bee motif on the bracelet to acknowledge that the outfit is still fun and youthful.)
Studio Silver 18k Gold enamel Carnelian Pyramid Pendant from Macy's ($37.50 on-sale - finally, I've added a bit of color to the outfit, but again - I think - not in the way people expect.  When wearing polka-dots, most expect colors to be bright and bold, but I think tempering that and bringing it in a bit in a more controlled way gives the outfit a more refined look.  I really like these three items together for a work accessories plan for this dress.)
K. Amato Fan Teardrop Earrings in black and gold at Designs by Stephene ($47.50 - a perfect match for the bumble bee bangle, but also incredibly reusable in their own right - I like these earrings a lot as a basic workhorse for any wardrobe - or at least a workhorse with some edge to them.) 
Giani Bernini 24k Gold over Sterling Silver Diamond-Cut Teardrop Leverback Earrings from Macy's ($110 - honestly probably a bit much for this particular outfit, but so pretty I couldn't resist recommending them.  They'd certainly keep the outfit in the really focused black and gold world.  I love them just as they are, as single pieces of jewelry.)

Faceted white bead vintage necklace from etsy seller Bonnie's Vintage Attic ($29.95) or again for those preferring a more mainstream retailer Panacea Epoxy Flower Necklace, White at Cusp by Neiman Marcus ($45 - I *like* a white necklace for this [to be honest, its inspired by a vintage white chunky necklace I inherited from my aunt - it gives the look a vintage fun feel for summer without relying on many of the tropes that people frequently do with black and white dots.  White, other than pearls, is really an underutilized color in our jewelry lexicon and I think it would look great with this outfit.)
Ceramic Studs - yellow lemon dots - by etsy seller Hermoosa ($24.95) or for those who prefer more mainstream retailers Kate Spade New York stud earrings in yellow and white at Nordstroms ($34.80 - now 40% off - I love the bright vintage lemon yellow and white with black and white polka dots in the summer.  And I personally prefer studs - though there are lots of fun chandelier or teardrop options out there too.)  Now, if based on these earring suggestions you really wanted a yellow necklace idea, you might consider this one from Dillard's - though I'm not convinced about the starfish accents.  
Bruno Premi in emerald green at Yoox ($59 - I know that a green shoe is a bit different here - though not totally out of nowhere since green and yellow go so well together - but I love these sandals [the block heel would be good for dancing and walking but they still have that sexy look] and I think adding a kick of green at the bottom of the outfit would be just what the outfit needed.  Though for those of you who prefer a wedge - and are a lucky size 9 - these Butter wedges might be just the thing for you.  If, however, you were worried about the shoes being the only green in the outfit, you could consider something like this vintage bangle I found on Etsy (pictured above) that works in both green and yellow - as well as a few other colors - and would be a great way to work the shoes and the rest of the jewelry together into a cohesive whole ($5 used at Sissy's Touch of Grey.)

As way of introduction - I feel like you can either go with reds or cobalt blue here as a theme for your accessories (if you decide not to go straight black ... which you can but would overlap too much with my above posts so....).  So For each of the items I'm suggesting to style for date night, I'll recommend something in fire engine red and cobalt blue.  Pro-tip though, I wouldn't wear ALL blue or red, I'd wear say red shoes and red earrings - but maybe a silver or gold necklace, just to mix the color up, but I'll leave the mix up to you!  And whichever color you pick, make sure to bring it on the bright red lip!

Louise Et Cie 'Scorpio' Peep Toe Pump at Vince Camuto ($69.99 - there are as many red peep-toe pumps as there are people in the world, but this one is different and special while still looks like it would be comfortable.  It is a textured fish-scale leather in a bright red and the heel and toe accents are dipped in gold enamel.  It is under 4" in height.  I love that its an elegant and different take on the classic red pump.)  If you're interested in close-toed shoes, consider the Adrienne Vittadini Cecilia Pump in Red at Belk.
Kamalikulture Zaylie Sling Backs in Cobalt Blue at Zappos ($69.99 - definitely hot looking - the reviews are mixed with some concern about the strength of the sling though. I think it would be okay for a sometime shoe maybe?  If you're looking for a more traditional cobalt pump though - perhaps consider the Guess Rolene pumps on sale at 6PM right now - they look pretty good.)  
Gold Wing Earrings found on Shoptiques from Langford Market, Texas ($12.90 - okay - the shipping on these is absurd because, well, they ship from a little boutique in Texas - but I feel I would be remiss if I did not share these awesome earrings with my dear readers!  So here I am, sharing.  They also come in a green and gold that is cool too.)
Orion Teardrop Earrings at Nordstroms ($15 - I may or may not have done this whole red or blue thing just because of these earrings. I love these earrings. God. Earrings like these make me wish I could pierce my ears.)
Akuamarina Silver Leaf and Murano Gold Round Pendant Necklace at Forzieri ($70.40 - I know I said I'd stick with red, but this gold murano glass pendant goes so beautifully with this look that I couldn't help it.  Seriously, I love this necklace.  If you do want red - this version of it is red and this other murano glass necklace from the same company is a beautiful, fun red and yellow necklace (might go great with the look above this one as well).  
House of Harlow 1960 Plectra Pendant Necklace in blue on Zappos ($60 - so this is designed to be opera length, but I think you can make it shorter to be worn around the neckline of this dress.  And I love the color and the way it would go with these earrings.  Its pretty cool!)

Okay - since this post is already getting out of control a bit, I'm going to leave it there - though I think if I WERE putting together a date look with these pieces, I might add a bracelet or possibly a different belt than the one that comes with the dress.  But...for now I hope these items lend some inspiration. 

So one dress, three looks.  What do we think dear readers?  Are you happy to have me back?  Have I lost my touch?  How would you style it?  Leave a note in the comment section below!

Okay LitR - that's what I got for you tonight. I hope you find something that makes you look and feel incredible (without making you wear your grandparent's clothes). But really, just have fun and take advantage of what I hope is an open bar. The goal here is just to look nice enough that you fit in - the nice thing about going to your husband's work events and not, say, your own is there's no one to impress. :-) 

P.S. To the other Corporettes who are hopefully now reading this blog instead of just the tumblr (or nothing before).  There is a tab on the top of the page entitled "Vicarious Shopping Questions" where you can submit your questions directly and they won't get lost in the shuffle of a Weekend Thread that gets out of hand and I just forget or lose them (which happens sometimes!)  


Also, if you haven't been reading the blog at all, you may have missed the announcement that I have started a PERSONAL SHOPPING SERVICE through TCFKAG Shops.  You can click on the tab at the top of the page logically titled "Personal Shopping" to learn all about it - but the upshot is if you have a particularly complicated or involved question - or would like help with something like restyling your whole wardrobe or picking out a new wardrobe after significant weight loss....something like that, you should consider hiring me as a personal shopper.  I'm fairly cheap as these things go and it will be a more interactive, on-line process via e-mail or video chat (if you prefer).  Or, if you live in the Boston/Greater New England area - it might even be in person.  So take a look see at the info and submit from that form if you are interested!!!


Okay - that's all the announcements.  Hope you like the dress ideas and happy shopping. Other readers - I know Reader LitR has to go buy these items at the store, but if you are going to buy any of them - I'd be super touched if you bought them through the link on the website because when people buy things through my links I make a little money which is both cool and I get adorably excited about it (think $10 per, like week, and you'll understand why its adorable.)  Gosh - REALLY, really checking off now.  :-)

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?

Olive Green and Gold Peacock Earrings from WooJoo on Etsy ($34)
House of Harlow 1960 Gold Peacock Feather-Enameled Locket Pendant on the Trend Boutique ($120)
Style Tryst Peacock Hoop Earrings at MetroPark ($16)

Evocateur Peacock Cuff at Last Call by Neiman Marcus ($150) 
Lucky Brand Silver Tone Semi-Precious Turquoise Peacock Feather Necklace ($42)

Peacock Print Shirred Three-Quarter Sleeve Top at Ann Taylor ($49.99) 
Blue wrap ruffle dress from Dorothy Perkins ($44)
Cosabella Peacock Two-Tone Slip Dress at Bergdorf Goodman ($100 - so so short - but the back is so so pretty.)

Proudly Post Heel at ModCloth ($54.99)
Elliot Lucca Intereccio Leather Tote, Large, at Nordstroms ($148)

Peacock Feather Serving Bowl at jeansclaystudio on Etsy ($45)
Edible Cake Topper, 30 Peacock Flowers, at LittleHopeCakes on Etsy ($24)
Peacock Feather Etched Red Wine Glasses at daydreemdesigns on Etsy ($64.50)

So - there you go!  Just a few peacock items to wet your palette.  Readers, do you have a favorite peacock item?  Do you wear it on clothes or just as accessories?  Let me know in the comments!

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.  

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.  ;-)

Polka Dot Jacquard Pencil Skirt in yellow and white at The Limited ($59.90 - 40% off sale also - comes in navy and white too - does anyone own this because I love it and would love a review in the comments!)
Keds Rookie Dot Laceless Sneakers at Nordstroms ($49.95 - so cute.)  See also these Keds for Kate Spade kicks in Blue and White polka dots from Nordstroms  ($75)
Z-Spoke by Zac Posen Polka Dot Jacquard Dress in orange/taupe at Piperlime ($550 - Expensive - but pretty.)

Anne Klein Polka Dot Zipper Sheath Dress in Kelly Green and White dots at Anne Klein ($129 - SO CUTE!)
KUT from the Kloth Sabina Polka Dot Blouse in Halfmoon Apple at Zappos ($60.99 - also in pink and green).
Sleeveless Polka Dot Fit and Flare Dress in coral and blue at JCPenney ($40 - so cute).

Sweetheart Polka Dot Dress in Navy at Betsey Johnson ($132 - love this though I know its not as brightly colored - but I would accessorize with bright yellow or kelly green for summer.)
Ralph Lauren Sleeveless Polka Dot Blouse at Lord & Taylor ($95.40 - limited sizes at L&T - more sizes other places for more money.)
Ralph Lauren Polka-Dot Silk Skirt ($109.99 - fun for a casual day - and its silk.  Price is reduced on sale.)

So many polka dots - so little time.  Found any really quality summer polka dot items out there?  Want to see more polka dots on something else?  Let me know in the comments.  :-)

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!

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 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.)

First of all, Mamabear - I love you SO much.  I'm happy that you asked this question because I'm happy to know that you grace this blog with your glorious presence.  So - for those readers following along at home, this is the dress that Mamabear is considering purchasing to wear to the wedding.  I think its very pretty and gives a nice, laid-back sort of vibe.  So I will try to suggest some shrugs and cardigans that fit the same vibe.  (Mamabear - I'm assuming that you aren't interested in wraps.  But I'm going to suggest a couple at the end just in case that's an option you want to consider.)

Calvin Klein Plus-Sized Raglan Sleeved Open Front Shrug at Lord & Taylor ($59.62 - says its pink, but it looks orange, either way the color is lovely and I like the cut and it would really flatter the navy dress.)
Vince Camuto Lace Cardigan at Nordstroms ($99 - not sure if it will fit and its a bit pricy but its lovely and reusable for work or other events so wanted to share it.)
Festive Beaded Shrug at Coldwater Creek ($69.99 available up to size 16)
Scully Honey Creek Sheer Drape Shrug from Zappos ($45 - not crazy about the tie front - but I like its lightness.)
Linen-blend drape cardigan from J. Jill ($69 - available in a variety of colors and definitely reusable.)
Investments II Floral-Print Crepe-Front Cardigan ($59 - I don't know, wanted to let you see a pattern as an idea.)

Okay - hope these ideas help!  If anybody ends up buying one of them...do me a favor and click on the link here to buy them why don't you?  :-)  That would be awesome!  Ha.

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!