Hi TCFKAG! I'm a new BigLaw associate and got my ears pierced a few months ago. It is now time to move beyond the starter studs and buy some earrings. For now, I'm looking for workhorse earrings I can wear over and over (my goal is to make it until Christmas on a handful of pairs, then let the relatives do the rest), but that aren't just plain studs. Here are a few ideas I had: JC Penney Love Knot Earrings Sterling Silver Earrings, JC Penney Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings, and Love Knot Dangle Earrings on Etsy. But I bet you can do better. I'm open to any design and any metal. I'd like to stay under $50 per pair. -- A Blog Admirer Hey! Thanks for the question - and those are all really cute. I'll try to find some similar options for you. I might throw in a couple ones with some pretty, neutral gemstones (just in case you're interested.) For those shopping along at home - here are the three that Reader E likes (I think the love knot dangles are my favorite.) These are all so cute! The love knots are super nice (I never knew that design was called that) - and of course a little huggie silver hoop is a nice basic. So these are great options. But lets see what other options I can find for you.
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!
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. :-)
Reader TS fulfills her filial duty:Hi TCFKAG! I love love love your tumblr page - keeps me going through the workday, especially when you post pictures of Matt Bomer :)
I am a longtime lurker over at Corporette and was wondering if you are open for a shopping challenge. For Mother's Day, I would like to buy my mum a scarf she can wear this summer. She has said repeatedly that she is in the market for a thin (as in fabric, not width), light (again, fabric) thin-striped scarf - sort of like the one here: Stripe Dot Bow Silk Scarf - but just the stripes, no polka dots. Black and white, black and gray, gray and white, red and white or yellow and white combinations will work.
Any ideas? I would like to keep the price under $100. I'm in Chicago and have access to the major retailers. If I have to purchase it online, I would need to receive it by this weekend. OMG! First of all - I OWN THIS SCARF!!! I got it when Ru (Hijabeng) brought me to the whole-sale stores in the Garment District in New York City and I got it for $15. Yay! I got a good deal (and its super cute in real life - its my new favorite thing ever.) Anyway - I know exactly the type of scarf you're thinking of. And I'm sure I can find you some options. (Also - I will endeavor to post more Bomer for you soon - I've really been slacking on my love of the Matt recently.) So - below - here are a few options. And for my other readers, scarfs make a great Mother's Day present. Or really a great present for lots of occasions birthday presents for the difficult to shop for friends, secret santa presents, graduation gifts for friends, or just scarves for yourself if - like me - you have a substantial collection. So I will try to give a range of prices so everyone can use this post as a reference for future gift-shopping needs! (TS - I may include some scarfs that don't fit your exact needs for other reader's reference - but I'll make sure you get lots of options for your mom.) EDIT: Thank you to Ru for pointing out to me that I spelled scarves wrong THREE times in this post alone. That is mortifying. Seriously. I may hide in a cave for a week (probably not.) Sorry for the most embarrassing spelling error ever. Please...if you see other similar errors in the future, feel free to hit me up-side the head in the comments and let me know. Thanks!
I've gotten a couple questions about maxi dresses recently - so I thought I'd do a bit of a master post. So here goes.
Reader Kumquat Weekend asks:
Oh illustrious TCFKAG, can you please advise? I just bought two lovely maxi dresses. Solid colours. Cap sleeved, U-neck... they look like really, really, really long t-shirts. T-shirts that flow and drape and make me look like a queen. How on earth can I accessorize these for work? Sweaters? Blazers? Shoes? Belts? Necklaces? Any/all of the above? (I know maxies are often considered a workplace no-no, but my environment is business casual and I'm willing to risk it.)
Hello Ms. Weekend! So, I will address this first - and I will start with a confession, if you had asked me six months ago I would have said "I really don't think that maxi dresses are work appropriate, even at a biz casual office." But then I joined Tumblr and started following some hijabi and otherwise conservative dressing fashion blogs and realized I had been so-so dumb! I've seen so many women absolutely styling maxi dresses in awesomely stylish and beautiful manners. I'm a big fan. A few ideas with the dresses you've described based on what I've seen on those websites. (1) I would probably pair them with a blazer - something fitted and maybe with those sleeves that role up and reveal another fabric or are scrunched up (not too formal but still adding a little structure.) (2) I think adding a belt, something wider and leather or perhaps with a design, would be a really nice way to add structure to the dress and add some formality without too much weight or a ton of cost (plus it adds definition at the waist, which is nice with something like a maxi dress.) (3) For scoop neck dresses, I think that substantial, statement dresses are really nice for work. Not only does it add interest to the neckline, it covers up a bit (which is nice). You could also add a scarf if that's something you like. I think that big bangle bracelets would also be nice (especially with a three-quarter-sleeve jacket.) Finally (4) in terms of shoes, I think the key is to wear either closed toe pumps or a formal sandal - not something flat like gladiator sandals or something that reads "beachy." You don't want people to think you're going work to beach to night (no matter what Lucky Magazine says you should do.) Here are some pictures with inspiration, if you're interested.
Here are the sources of the images above: Mango Chutney (Archive - the 70s)Simple Modesty (Archives)My Dress Ways (Archives)All are cute outfits that I think are super work appropriate (don't read into two of them being green - just random chance.) Reader B questions:Hi TCFKAG, I am looking for a long (or 3/4) sleeved maxi dress. I prefer a printed chiffon, but I am not really committed to a specific fabric or print. I need it for a wedding in Indiana (I'm expecting hot and humid) in June, so something wedding appropriate (not a lot of white). I've looked at my usual haunts, and am coming up empty. Since I need it by the end of this month, I have to either be able to get it in store, or shipped within a two week timeframe. Any ideas for me? I'd like to keep it under $100, but definitely under $150. I'm looking for a L/XL or 12/14. I love this one, but its out of my budget: Rachel Zoe Silk Maxi Dress. I also fell in love with this and was going to buy it, but its not available: Rachel Pally Aurora Print Maxi Dress.For those shopping along at home, these are the dresses that Reader B is inspired by.Those are both lovely - I especially love the Rachel Pally dress - lets find you a few options.
Reader ML inquires: TCFKAG,
Love the blog and submitting yet another shoe question. I am getting married and want to wear a wedge. The only thing I've seen that appealed to me is the Jimmy Choo Tweak or the Steven Tippsy you just posted (it's a little low). I really would love a non cork heel and not to spend $700 on a pair of shoes.
xoxoWell, Reader ML, if there is one thing that will always get me interested, it is wedding shopping challenges. I love wedding shopping (especially for other people, I didn't enjoy shopping for my own wedding nearly as much...though actually...shoes and the dress were pretty fun). So - the Steven Tippsy's ARE pretty fun (but I understand the desire for a non-cork wedge ... though the tapered wedges are a bit more discreet). I actually HAD Jimmy Choo sparkle shoes for my wedding (not wedges but a kitten heel) and though my beloved fiancé nearly blew a vein about the price, I have never really regretted the expenditure (though mine did not cost $700). The Jimmy Choo Tweak wedges are lovely, though I'd worry they'd get uncomfortable by the end of the day. For those shopping along at home, here are the two shoes in question.So - I think I see some definite trends here. You like sparkly, silver ankle strap or t-strap sandles with a wedge (preferably covered). Higher the better. And under $700. That gives me some room to work with. Here are a few options.
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.)
Mamabear asks:Hi TCFKAG, love you xoxo I am invited to a wedding in a hot climate over Memorial Day weekend. I'd like to wear a dress, but the candidates are all sleeveless and I don't care to expose my upper arms (combo of flab and keratosis pillaris.) I am looking for a very lightweight half- or 3/4-sleeve cardigan/shrug/topper that reads summer to wear over a sleeveless dress. This dress (which I already own) is the main contender: Eileen Fisher Plus Size U-neck Calf Length Dress. But I am not seeing anything at EF that I would like to wear as the topper. Any suggestions?
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.)
Reader S asks:
Hi TCFKAG! I've been searching for colorful spring shoes and keep coming up short. Loved some of the Ann Taylor "perfect" pumps (great corals and greens), but they've sold out in my size. Most of the cute colorful shoes I've found are in suede, but I'm just not a big fan of suede. Here's what I'm looking for: Pumps/peeptoes/slingbacks Heel height: 3.5-4" (Not wedge) Size: 7.5 Colors: Spring-y yellow, orange, green, maybe blue? Under $200. Thank you
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