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. ;-)
Another inspiration post! I came across this Hampton Tote (POLKA DOTS) at Gorjana & Griffin today and immediately thought it would be perfect for summer toting needs. I love the print (obviously) and the bright red lining. I also love the size - which is perfect for summer day trips to the beach or for picnics...or to the mall. Whatevs. The price isn't bad either - coming in at $48 with free shipping - and its made of a sturdy cotton canvas, which I like. These types of large totes could also make alternatives to more traditional diaper bags for some mom's. But here are a few other options if this doesn't suit your fancy. American Rag Convertible Tote in coral at Macy's ($40 - love the color and that it folds for when its not full.) Stick Print Tote Bag in Red at Last Call by Neiman Marcus ($52.50 - this one is just fun - in a couple of colors.) DVF Loves Roxy Tote Bag at DVF ($68 - I don't normally recommend something with a recognizable name brand in it, but I love the black and white print with the orange bottom and the matching change purse is cute!) Okay - I hope you like these! Obviously I've gone for whimsy here over things that are work appropriate or more "hard-core" sturdy totes. Mostly that's because that's what I like, but I still think these would be pretty tough and hold up against some abuse. What do you think? Anyone have any good canvas tote bag recommendations?
Sun dresses for summer are so fun....and I love this dress from Patagonia - the Margot Dress in "Palm Fronds/Dragonfruit" at 6PM for $41.99 (comes in several designs/colors). Here are a few more fun summer weekend day dresses that I've seen around the internet recently that I think you all might like. Vibrant Paisley Maxi Dress from Forever 21 ($29.80 - I'd definitely add a belt - maybe in brown or red.) Merona Rugby Shirt Dress ($22.99 - available in blue and white also - one good customer review). Now...clearly....if you are buying a cute dress for bumming around in the summer...you need cute new sandals, yes? Here are a few options!
SFBayAssociate asked:Hey TCFKAG, So the TPS Tory Burch Walsh dress is the awesomesauce. LOVE IT OMFG. However, the belt that comes with it (basically a self-belt) is a fail. Too thin, too boring, too bland/hard to see. Would you like to find me a better belt to complement this dress? It must be with free shipping and free returns. I'd prefer to spend under $50, but under $100 is max. I would really like something I can wear with other dresses or such. I am lucky to have a naturally defined waist, but am very much a pear, if that helps. Size 2, generally speaking. I plan to wear the dress with gray or nude-for-me heels, and my jewelry is all white gold. If you're feeling particularly inclined, I'd be curious as to what necklace you would suggest too. I don't own any costume jewelry, just a couple simple fine jewelry pieces. Maybe this is another question for another day - basic costume jewelry pieces that aren't expensive but aren't cheap looking. I find the idea of building a fashion jewelry wardrobe completely overwhelming. Thanks! SFBayAFirst of all, I hate you and your ADORABLE dress owning. Seriously, that's one of my favorite things that Kat has posted in, possibly years, and I wish desperately that it was in my budget right now. For those shopping along at home who don't follow Corporette or who don't remember this particular TPS item, here it is (its available elsewhere in red as well I believe). As an initial matter, I think generally a silver or gold belt would look great (silver for you probably since you stick with white gold jewelry) - or perhaps a bright yellow or green (if you could find it cheaper), maybe a nice purple or gray, or in leather a nice light tan or brown or possibly ox-blood (though maybe with some sort of designs.) I also have a navy dress that I got from Asos that I wear with a light blue/teal belt that looks really pretty together. I'm going to give you a few options below. These three are a little more out there or don't work for you for one reason or another...but I'm throwing them up here because its my blog and I can! Maison Bonet Leopard Print calf hair belt from Bluefly ($76 - I think this would look great with your dress with the nude shoes, but its not free shipping...maybe consider being flexible?) Mossimo Supply Co. Skull Embossed Belt ($16.99 - Because SKULLS!) Halogen Beaded Stretch Belt at Nordstroms ($52 - might be too sparkly for work but would look lovely with this dress). Hope these ideas help SFBayA! Let me know what you go with or if you want more ideas. As far as jewelry, with this notched neckline, I think an opera length necklace in a bright color or a silver or gold would look lovely. Here are a few options just to wet your palette. I would also definitely wear some nice colorful or chunky bangle bracelets to add some interest with this dress if you wear it to non-work functions or without a jacket.
Reader L needs help getting ready for wedding season:Hi TCFKAG, I am looking for two dresses - one for a rehearsal dinner and one for the wedding. I am not in the wedding, but my SO is the best man. The wedding is in July in an area where it can be quite hot and humid, though everything is thankfully inside. The rehearsal dinner is at a restaurant. The ceremony and reception are in the evening at a hotel. It is not black tie. The bride and groom are more fun than formal, but I do not want to be too casual since my SO will be in a tux. Typically, I wear black for evening weddings, but after a recent discussion on Corporette, it appears that may be bad form?! That was news to me. (Eek.) I feel like I am stuck in a wedding-guest-dress rut. I always end up buying similar things - black or navy, strapless A line or classic sheath, and recently lace. I would like something fresh, and young, and fun, and new! But I am not seeing anything online that inspires me. Could you help? I am fair skinned, so blues, pinks and greens look good on me, though I'm not opposed to other colors or prints. I think short would be better than long, but I would try either. Price range: Under $350 for the dress for the wedding, and under $150 for the rehearsal dinner dress. (Less expensive is always good!) Size: either a US 4 or 6. I am an X shape. Also, I am 32. So, I don't want to be running around in a dress that the groom's 16-year-old cousin might also wear, nor one that the bride's 60-year-old aunt might have on. Could you help inspire me? Sorry for such a long note. Love your blog, and always love your comments to the 'rettes! Thank you, LSo, first I will quickly address the whole "no black as a guest at a wedding" rule. I think that, traditionally, it was considered bad form to wear black to a wedding, since it was the color of mourning. But, at this point, I think it is really only the "rule" for very traditional wedding (hell, my bridesmaids wore black). *But* - on the other hand - you're going to weddings in a hot, sticky area in the middle of the summer - might as well mix it up and add some colorful dresses to your wardrobe right? As an initial matter, I'll direct you to this post (for red dresses - the Adrianna Papell might be lovely for the rehearsal dinner) and this post (the Kate Spade, the canary yellow Kay Unger, or the blue paisley Anne Klein would all be lovely options). Now - for some new options just for you!
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.) 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!
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.) 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.)
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!
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