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.)

ML Monique Lhullier Black Knit One Shoulder Sequined Side Ruched Dress at Bluefly ($115.97 - a comfortable fabric but the ruching, sequins, and asymmetrical strap adds interest.)
Tadashi Shoji Portrait Collar Pleated Mesh Gown ($298 - I LOVE this one - someone in my life should have a formal event so I can purchase it please.)
Adrianna Pappell Illusion Yoke Pleated Dress at Nordstroms ($158.00 - extremely well reviewed and looks very flattering - a bit prim and proper but lovely.)

Adrianna Pappell Pleat Bodice Rossette Ballgown at Nordstroms ($238 - fun if you want to go true ballgown.)
Starlight Hearted Dress at ModCloth ($202.99 - loyal readers of the site will recognize this dress as I've posted it before and still love it - may not be long enough but the poofy skirt and gold accents might make it work, especially if paired with awesome metallic gold shoes and fabulous jewelry.)
JS Boutique Cap-Sleeve Beaded Pleated Evening Gown at Macy's ($136 - yay navy, yay sparkles.) 

Tadashi Shoji Asymmetrical Ruched Mesh Dress at Nordstroms ($228 - I love Tadashi Shoji, I think they make some of the most interesting clothes out there, and I like the design of this one.  Flattering and interesting all in one.)
Lauren Ralph Lauren Illusion Yoke Matte Jersey Gown at Nordstroms ($180 - a sleek simple long option with a nice price point to boot.)
Adrianna Pappell Lace Fit and Flare at Nordstroms ($178 - I love the see through detailing at the bottom.)

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.

Adrianna Pappell Embellished Jacquard Sheath Dress at Nordstroms ($138)
Colorblocked Ribbon Waist Sleeveless Dress at Ann Taylor Loft ($69.50)Petite Sleeveless Seamed Ponte Dress with Pockets at Land's End ($69 - want this one badly for myself.)

All of these would look great with a nude sandal or wedge pump and a white, beige, or contrasting color blazer or sweater.  Okay!  Hope this post helps.  Let me know what you end up buying - I'm sure you'll look glorious no matter what you choose.  Happy shopping and may the odds be ever in your favor.  Readers - do you have any recommendations for Reader LK?  Do you agree that NYC wedding means a black dress?  What colors do you like to wear to weddings?  Leave your thoughts in the comments!

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Have you entered our promotional contest yet?  Why not?  You should really do that now.  Like now.  Yes now.  GO DO IT.  (Okay - done now.)

Title basically says it all.  I'm just going to post a bunch of the things that I like best from the Nordies Half-Yearly Sale.  Feel free to post your own favorites in the comments.

Donna Ricco Stretch Cotton Dress ($58.20)
Michael by Michael Kors Stripe Ponte Dress ($89.98)
Adrianna Pappell Jacquard Sheath Dress ($68.98)

Judith Jack Fluidity Frontal Necklace in silver/marcasite ($104.98)
St. John's Collection Swarovski crystal hoops ($80.98 - a great take on a classic earring.)

Via Spiga Reza Sandal ($128.70 - available in five colors.)
Cole Haan Air Talia Wedge in black patent ($133.39)
Me Too Kent Flat in pink ($69.90)

La Marque Zip Front Leather Jacket ($199.90)
Mural Military Strong Shoulder Blazer ($52.80 - available in navy and red also - a little different but could be fun for weekends.)

Roffe Accessories Silver Trim Scarf ($22.80 - available in tons of colors.)
Sequin Large Feather Plume Hinge Bangle ($22.80 - available in three colors)
Cara Sailor Stripes ponytail holder ($4.98 - available in several colors.)

Caslon Long Sleeve Shirt ($34.80 - available in several colors.)
Jessica Simpson Seersucker Fit and Flare Dress ($58.80)

Simone Perele Revelation Full Underwire Demi Bra ($56.98 - nice price and pretty for a bra for larger busts.) 
Cosabella Soire Soft Bra ($28.80 - a nice choice for those of us of the smaller boob persuasion.)
DKNY Fusion Full Slip ($41.98)

Okay!  That's the first bunch.  There may be another post like this if I see more stuff I like.  Dear readers - are there any items you've seen in the sale that you particularly like?  Or are there any genres of items in the sale that you'd like to see a specific post about?  If so - leave a comment below!

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.  

So - basic interview suits.  They are an essential wardrobe staple for anyone going into a "business"-like or law field (my friends in academia tell me they get buy just fine without them...I can't quite get my mind around that fact.)  Now, I think suiting is one of the few places where women could take some sartorial lessons from our X-chromosome deficient brethren; generally as men move up in the world and start buying nicer suits, they also start getting those suits tailored as a matter of course.  Yes there *are* men's off-the-rack suits, but even Men's Suits departments at stores like JC Penney have a tailoring department.  So while I think the ideal would be for us to find The Suit that fits our body perfectly and makes us look trim and fitted in a comfortable suit, we might be better off finding a really nice suit that comes close and then getting it tailored so that it goes all the way.  Does that make sense?  

Okay - moving on.  What I am getting from your question is that you are probably short of waist/torso and that you are finding that the popular brand suits, as epitomized by this J-Crew suit, are simply too long these days.  Well, you are preaching to the choir sister.  I made the mistake of buying one Ann Taylor suit that was too long in the torso and, needless to say, I never wear it because I feel like I'm wearing my mom's suit or something.  (And I know I could just see my above rant about tailoring....but I have since acquired nicer suits so...)  So - I am going to collect a few of my favorite places to find suits for people with slightly shorter torsos or with a more fitted blazer.  One tip - some of these may be over the $350 retail - but they often go on sale - or you should hit up the outlets (the Brooks Brother's outlet brand is actually great and two of my interview suits comes from there.)

I'll start with Brooks Brothers (my favorite suiting - bar none - which has a few items that might work for you.)

But - they are making it more than a little difficult for me to do my job - because all their pencil skirts are sold out on-line (bet they have them in-store though.  Would be worth a call.
Wool Two-Button Jacket at Brooks Brothers ($159.20 - I like that its still a full length jacket - not actively cropped - but it sits high enough on the waist that it won't make a short person look, well, super short.  Nice construction as well.)
Wool One-Button Jacket from Brooks Brothers ($159.20 - a nice, shorter waisted option.  There is also a two-button wool jacket not available in your size on the website - but if you went into the store they might be able to track one down for you.)
Lambswool Blazer in navy from Brooks Brothers ($139.20 - not at all what you were looking for - but I own this blazer - or a similar earlier version and  it is the BEST purchase I've made in years.  It is amazing for work or weekends and I love it so much.  I should buy three more.)

So as I said above, these options all come from the primary Brooks Brothers brand of suiting.  But if you live near a BB outlet, I would go check out their outlet suits, they are made specifically for the outlet and so are cheaper (and I guess lower quality) - but I've never had any issues with them.  Definitely at least worth a look see.

Another place I would look for suits is Nordstroms, especially the Classiques Entier suits at Nordstroms.  I especially like Nordies for this because, if you purchase from them and have (or open) a Nordies debit or credit card, you get a certain amount of tailoring for free.  Here are a few of the suits there I like best.

Classiques Entier Speckled Weave Jacket and Pencil Skirt at Nordstroms ($160.80 and $94.80 - though this jacket has a slightly different peplum cut, I think its still conservative enough to be considered an "interview" suit and would be quite flattering on someone who was short waisted - especially if you have a bit of an x-shape.)
Classiques Entier Platine Weave Jacket and Pencil Skirt at Nordstroms ($160.80 and $94.80 - more traditional suit shape, but I like that its nipped in nicely at the waist and the light gray color would be very flattering for a lot of people.)
Halogen Pinstripe Suit Jacket and Skirt in navy at Nordstroms ($70.80 and $41.40 - I'll confess, I know nothing about the Halogen suiting line - but the price is so good on this suit that I thought I'd throw it out there in case you were interested in giving a deal a chance.)

Another few options for other places where you might find good fits are:

Anne Klein Blazer and Pencil Skirt in gray at Macy's ($150 - Anne Klein has several nice, simple suits at Macy's - not 100% sure about quality but they look like decent interview suits and they come in separates.)
Platinum Washable Wool Jacket (2-button) in navy at Jones NY ($229 - see matching skirt here.)
Boss Black Juicy 6 Jacket ($356.98 - above budget - but maybe keep an eye on it if it goes on sale at the Annual Sale - because its a lovely suit and seems to really fit your needs.)

Okay!  That's enough suits for this morning.  What do people think?  Where do you get your interview suits?  I know I've left out some obvious choices (Theory) - but I did it on purpose - those don't work as well for the shorter and stumpier amongst us.  But feel free to share what the taller and willowier like too.  We clothe everyone around these parts.  :-)  Happy shopping and may interviewing ever be in your favor.

So - blazers and fitted jackets are basically the essential workhorse of my wardrobe.  I wear them to work most days and throw on some of my more casual ones on with my weekend clothes (it takes my outfit from "I grabbed this outfit at random from the drawers" to "I almost look put together if you don't squint too much.")  So - since I did a big post about pants, which I don't even like, I thought I'd do a big post on blazers and jackets.  Note - my favorite blazer is a beautiful, ribbed navy blue blazer from Brooks Brothers.  It is a wardrobe essential and fits me beautifully.  This post, on the other hand, is really about blazers with a little more pizazz (though some workhorses might sneak in.)  SO LET'S DO THIS THING!  Note: the price ranges on some of these items are a bit higher than my usual choices - but if you're going to splurge for something in your wardrobe, I always think that blazers or shoes are the way to go since you wear them the most.)

Twenty 8 Twelve 'Cahun' Blazer at Farfetch ($525.76 - out of my budget by A LOT but this may be my dream blazer.)
Michael Kors Washed Linen Blazer in navy at Neiman Marcus  ($175 -  also available in plus sizes.)
Seasonless Peplum Jacket at WHBM ($148 - a nice alternative to the "traditional" black blazer.)

Olivia Moon Linen Jacket in green fern at Nordstroms ($79 - variety of colors and good reviews.)
Front-Zip Moto Jacket in coral at The Limited ($69.99 - love this - great work appropriate moto cut.)
Tory Burch Hayley Printed Jacket at Neiman Marcus ($350 - god I love this design.)

Cut 25 Melange Suiting Combo Blazer at Piperlime ($269.99 - very lucky size only - but this is awesome.)
Jones New York Corduroy Blazer at JNY ($79 - I love my cord blazer for weekends or even for casual days at work.)
Two by Vince Camuto Seersucker Blazer at Nordstroms ($96.75 - love the cut of this one.)

And now just a few "classical" black or navy blazers that can form the perfect backbone of a fancy business casual office.

Bop Basics Fiance Blazer at ShopBop ($198 - I'm going to do a few basic black jackets too - this one has a nice cut for my longer waisted readers.)
Gibson Knit Blazer at Nordstroms ($58.96 - perfect for my shorter waisted readers who prefer a more fitted blazer.)
The Blazer in navy at Jones New York ($169 - comes in navy and black as well as some colors - I like that it doesn't have gold buttons on the navy jacket.)

Okay!  This is just a spattering, a mere sample if you will, of all the blazers out there.  But I like them ... and I'm sure I'll be posting more blazers in the future.  So, what is your favorite blazer?  Do you have a go-to blazer you can't live without?

FDJ French Dressing Stretch Denim Skirt in white from Sierra Trading Company ($27.96 - I love the more relaxed cut and length on this and the stretch denim should be comfortable - but read the reviews, they aren't universally positive.)
Jag Jeans Maddock Pull-On White Denim Skirt at Zappos ($52 - I love this brand and this is a bit a-line, could be a winner.)
JNY Signature Denim Skirt at Jones New York ($59 - may be too pencil skirt for you, but its lovely.)

Eddie Bauer Slightly Curvy White Denim Skirt at Eddie Bauer ($49.95 - so, one hitch on this one or else it would be my first choice ever...the size 14 is sold out.  Reviews say it runs a bit large so you could try a 12 or, if you like it enough, you could buy the 16 and have it taken in.  Either way, this seems to be precisely what you're looking for!) 
Three Dots Red Women's Skirt in linen at Amazon ($80 - I know this isn't denim, but for the relaxed fit and length you like, it might be worth a look see.)
Alex Marie Lily Washable Skirt at Dillards ($89 - it is stretch twill, not denim, but the shape is beautiful and its machine washable - can't go wrong there.)

Essential Eyelet Skirt from Forever 21 ($19.80 - posting this because the pencil skirt looks more relaxed, no white skirt post is complete without an eyelet option, and the price is totally right ... especially if you think this is going to be a "sometimes wear" item.)
Stretch-Cotton Zipper Pencil Skirt at Lord & Taylor ($79 - I like the shape since its a more structured a-line and cotton is a great fabric for summer.  Might beat out denim in my book.)
Calvin Klein Tweed Pencil Skirt at Lord & Taylor ($89.50 - this is probably not ideal for you Reader MJ - but I'm posting it for my readers who might want a more business casual or networking appropriate pencil skirt.  I don't even mind the exposed zipper!  Tips for those of you looking for these items, Ann Taylor, the Limited, and WHBM have a bunch of other beautiful white pencil skirts right now if you want to add that item to your work wardrobe.)

Okay MJ....I hope these help.  Perhaps you'll think outside the denim box?  Though I think these denim options are kind of great.  I personally cannot purchase any of these because they would have coffee, tomato sauce, or some other destructive material on them by the end of the day.  So I salute you in your ability to wear white.  Go forth and shop dear reader.

I begin this post with a confession - I hate shopping for pants.  They are rarely short enough for me (and the petite options frequently are sold out or not as diverse in choices) and so I have to either get them tailored or destroy the hems.  And since I'm a lazy person ... I frequently destroy the hems.  So I find that I wear skirts more often than not. It is also hard to give good solid pants advice to others, since what pants you like are so very much controlled by body shape and height and general preferences.  But, given all that, I'm going to recommend a bunch of pants below that I either (a) own or (b) I know others like a great deal - in case you are looking for some pants.  Most will be work pants, but I'm going to throw some more casual pants in there for fun.  Most will also be fairly traditional, full length cuts - but I will include some cropped and ankle-pants in their, because I know other people like them (they make me feel even more stunted in my growth than usual.)  So here we go.

Lafayette 148 New York Menswear Trousers in navy from Nordstroms ($228 - expensive - but they have some of the best reviews I've ever seen on pants.)
Basketweave Pants at Brooks Brothers ($298 - definitely an investment piece but they look beautiful, the color is wonderful, they are a wool, silk, and linen blend, and they are fully lined.  Only problem is no true pockets.)
Rosel Tailor Straight Leg Pant by Theory ($268 - some don't agree with pants this skinny for work so know your office - comes as a full suit.  Can't speak to fit since Theory is always too lean and too tall for me - but for tall readers, I know it can be great.)

Martin Fit Straight Leg Trousers in yellow at Banana Republic ($79.50 - much like AT, I have found the quality of BR has gone down a bit in recent years, but these trousers look elegant and nicely designed and come in a variety of great colors for those interested in non black, gray, navy, etc. pants.)
Halogen 'Taylor' Curvy Fit Pants at Nordstroms ($79 - I love Halogen's Curvy Fit pants, both jeans and trousers, though some readers on Corporette mentioned that the fabric on these was changed recently to be less sturdy - somewhat like the skirt - so they may not be as fabulous as they once were.)
Curvy Fit Polished Sateen Bootcut Pants in navy at Talbots ($89.50 - available in Misses, Petites, Women's, and Women's Petites.  Also available in six colors.  Like with many of the chains, Talbots quality can be spotty, but I find their trousers generally reliable.)

Signature Glen Plaid Pant at Ann Taylor ($69.99 - gets good reviews - though AT quality is of course a worry.)
Slim Cropped Pants in cobalt at Gap ($39.99 - pictured pants available in limited sizes, other colors available in more - comes in regular height and tall.)
Mossimo Women's Skinny Premium Skinny Jean ($27.99 - available in assorted washes and in long, short, and regular.  I have these in black and for someone who doesn't *do* skinny jeans - these are amazing.  Not too tight to be uncomfortable or unforgiving, but tight enough to fit under knee high boots or look cute with flats.  And the price is right.)

Hard Tail Voile Pants from Nordstroms ($98 - a bit pricey for casual pants - but they do look pretty comfy.)
Jag Jeans 'Pearl' Trouser Jeans from Nordstroms ($89 - plus sized pictured - come in a both plus and misses - I own two pairs of the stretch Jag's and they are super comfy and sturdy, but they do also come in a button and zip model.)
Red Fleece Collection Seersucker Pants from Brooks Brothers ($129 - maybe more for weekends than work, know your office.)

Okay!  So pants. We all need them - or at least something to wear on our bottom halves.  But why must they be such a bother?  Hope this post helps a bit and spurs you in the right direction.  Happy shopping and may the odds be ever in your favor.

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.

Siger Morrison Leather Pointed Toe 'Betty' Crisscross Heels at Bluefly ($216.29)
Vince Camuto Hearty Metallic Cork Pumps at Dillards ($58.80 - lucky sizes only at this price - other sites have them for more.)
Elle dress heels in black and gold at Kohl's ($27.99 - derivative yes - but the price is right.)

Want some other black and gold ideas - what do you think of these? 

213 Industry Serafina Metallic Striped Pullover at Piperlime ($38.97)
St. John Collection Floral Jacquard Knit Sheath Dress at Nordstroms ($995 - I know, way above most people's price ranges - but so pretty!)
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold and Black Enamel Stripe Bracelet at Bloomingdales ($96.60 - cute!  Stripes!)

Mossimo Long Sleeve Sweater Jacket with Gold Foil at Target ($27.98)
Betsy & Adam Embellished Strapless Gown in black and gold at Lord & Taylor ($209)
Jessica Simpson 'Tina Turner' One Piece suit at the Bon Ton ($84 - kind of surprisingly cute - I like the studs.)

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.  

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.)

Banded Knit Colorblock Top at White House Black Market ($88 - love - would look great with a bright blazer.)
Ella Moss Sam Striped Dress at ShopBop ($178 - so cute - might be a bit short on many people.)
Sumie Sequin Stripe Fitted Dress at Alice + Olivia ($550 - might be the most fabulous chevron dress I've ever seen...why so pricey?  WHY?  Lucky size only - but mostly included because its just oh so fabulous.)

Old Navy Bikini Top and Bottom at Old Navy ($22.94 and $19.94.)
Tracy Reese Directional Stripe Jersey Dress at Nordstroms ($265 - interesting - would want to see it on.)
Maggy London Engineered Printed Sheath Dress at Zappos ($118)

Striped Knee-Length Skirt at White House Black Market ($68 - stretch fit, curious if it would be too snug for work.)
Striped Tank Dress at White House Black Market ($79.99 on-sale, great reviews, a more traditional option for the fit and flare fans in the crowd.  Switching out the belt color as you like would be a great way to customize the look.)
Black and White Printed Shirt at Wallis ($40 - so cute - would be great for work or the weekend.)

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!