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 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
Spring is in the air - I received three separate requests for help picking out sandals! So let's get to it. Here are the three e-mails - they each have slightly different needs/desires, but I'll try to find them all something. Each request is looking for something a little different - but there might be some overlap. But either way - if you're in the market for new sandals (and who isn't this time of year) - this is the post for you! Miss Mystery writes: Hey! I'm looking for some comfortable summer sandals that aren't flip-flops or those gladiator things. Something dressy enough for church but comfortable and practical as possible. Preferably in a neutral or metallic color. I'm a size 8.5 and don't have more than $75 to spend. Preferably a good return policy too as I'm not an easy fit. If there's anything you can find, please let me know! I love Softwalk shoes a lot but most of their styles are either too expensive or too matronly. Thanks and have a lovely day!So I'm going to start you off with these Cobb Hill Gisele sandals in Taupe (though they are available in brown as well). I like that at heart they are basically very sensible sandals - but I think they look relatively stylish (relatively) and the addition of the bling is kind of fun. They are a bit above budget - but Zappos has an excellent return policy and the Cobb Hill brand gets generally excellent reviews on Zappos (actually - Cobb Hill has several pairs of sandals that may meet your general needs, but the budget is a bit off.) Generally I try to avoid sandals that have really thin flat bottoms, like the gladiator sandals that you mentioned as disliking. I don't think they provide enough support and I find them generally really uncomfortable. But I like these Fitzwell Berry sandals, which indicate that they have extra padding for arch support. The reviews are also good - though one review notes that the additional arch support really only gets it up to normal amounts of arch support. Since you mentioned like a metallic option, I thought I'd point to these Naturalizer Cadence sandals. They come in a variety of colors, including this mixed metallic version. Naturalizers generally have a good reputation and I think overall they're okay looking. For an option that is a bit off the beaten trail, I weirdly like these Blowfish Cha Cha sandals. The low wedge would probably be easier on your knees then true flats and they are kind of cute (and the linen would probably be nice and cool for summer). The one review on Zappos is positively glowing. An interesting option I think. So - there are actually lots more options out there. And I may post more periodically in the next couple days (come back and check it out). Though I'm sure when you look at these over at Zappos you'll also see some others that you like!
Reader M writes: Hi! I'm looking for a pair of going out and also office appropriate brown buckle-y/strappy heeled sandals, for going with things that aren't black (since that's the color of most of my clothing). Since most of my wardrobe is black and therefore brown shoes are a sometimes shoe, I'm looking to spend $40-50 or less. I'm also looking for the heel to be slightly thicker for maximum walking capability (I live/work in Manhattan). Some shoes I've been coveting are: http://tgt.biz/Zd1Cr9 The heel was a bit too thin and unstable and http://bit.ly/17PcfDj Somewhat out of my price range/I like to try on shoes before purchasing and I haven't been able to find them in store. If you have any interest, I would appreciate any help! So - for you, I'm going to start out with this Gabriella Rocha Kakra sandals over at Zappos, they are a little above budget, but they are definitely in the same overall look you like (thanks for the examples, that was helpful) but the wedge is going to make them way more stable. Not sure how you feel about the cork wedge though - I know some love it and some hate it. So for something a little bit different (and admittedly, not traditionally in the "sandal" genre) - I really, really like these Kenneth Cole Reaction Roll Offshoes on-sale at 6 PM and thus in your price range. I think they give off a pretty cool vibe and the stacked heel look like they would make them really comfortable for walking in (my biggest worry would just be the fit around the ankle.) From Nine West, I like these Fanciky sandals for you (they come in two different shades of brown and a cool bronze metallic for anyone interested). Again the stacked heel is going to give you more support and I think the way the straps wrap around the ankle is cool. These are the best three I found for you - let me know if none of them are what you were thinking. I can always look again. NOLA writes:
Hey TCFKAG, you know I'm a big shopper but there's something I cannot find. I need some new casual sandals for summer but it seems like most of them this year have a strap or band across the instep. I have a very high instep so that style either doesn't fit me or is very uncomfortable. The kind with the triangle in front with a thong is particularly bad. My favorite summer sandals are a pair of Bandolino beaded thongs (straps in a V shape) with a sliver wedge (not quite flat but not high at all). I have worn them so much the beads are coming off. I prefer a sliver wedge or something with a little build-up in the back because I have damaged knees. Also, the flat ones like what I'm describing from, say, Kenneth Cole, are so ugly. Preferably in black or pewter but I could be convinced to buy other colors. I wear an 8 in sandals/flats and I'd prefer to keep it under $100. Thanks!So - as you probably guessed you're my hardest match - since you're right, almost everything has a strap over the in-step this season. But I've tried to find you a couple options that (a) avoid the instep and (b) provide you the support and wedge I think you'll like. One suggestion that are a bit different than what you described but that I still like are these Anne Klein Cerisler sandals. They have a low wedge and I think the strap in the front should land in front of your in-step. They come in black, but I also really like the colorful option. For a flip-flop sandal that's shaped a bit like the ones you described in your letter, I like these Born Kornelia sandals in Black. They get great reviews and are pretty cute and it looks like the v of the thong should stay below your in-step. For a final pair, and going completely off the rails here, I like these bedazzled Steven Tippsy sandals in black. Not sure if they're too blingy for everyday life for you - but thought I'd throw them out there in case you'd like them. They also come in a sparkly silver if anyone is looking for a formal near flat sandal for the summer. And that is all she wrote for sandals today folks. I'll probably post more in the coming days - not necessarily just responsive to these requests but just in general. What I have learned today is that there are a lot of *really* ugly sandals in the world. Its much harder to seperate the wheat from the chaff when shopping from sandals than when shopping for regular shoes. Anyway - I hope these options appeal to you ladies. Happy shopping and may the odds be every in your favor.
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