outfit: the blues

Do you ever have one of those days where you go through three or four outfits before finally finding something you're comfortable in that suits your day? It seems to happen to me more often than not, which is why I have a healthy collection of easy shift dresses for summer work days. Sidenote: I need to start taking photos in the morning, when I don't look exhausted from the work day.

Someone really wanted to be in the pictures. Here's the look he got after pawing at my hand, to which his face said, "What? I'm important."

Calvin Klein dress (similar) // Anne Klein cap-toe pumps // Old Navy scarf (old, similar here and here) // essie "Sunday Funday" // Cape Cod bracelet

Her Style: Amanda

Today I'm introducing you to Amanda, my younger sister by three and a half years. A fashion buyer in NYC, she has a unique style that is a blend of current trends and what she likes, trendy or not. On this day, I didn't warn her that I was going to take photos until we got together for lunch. She wore an effortless dress for her upcoming flight back to NYC but threw in some sparkly accessories and her favorite purse.

My sisters and I spent some time in Boston before Amanda headed back to NYC from a busy weekend at home. They accompanied me on my first wedding venue visits and remembered to ask the questions I forgot (that's what sisters are for!).

I'm the shortest of our pack of three, especially when we're all in flats.

On Amanda:

Topshop jacket (old, similar) // Milau dress // nameplate necklace (similar) // coyote tooth necklace (similar) // Chanel bow ring // Mimi So bow ring // Ray-Ban sunglasses (limited edition, similar) // Modern Vice shoes // Chanel bag

fall prep

It's been feeling like Fall lately here in New England, and I could not be more excited. I have always loved the fall more than any season, so I'm excited to swap out my summer wardrobe of thin tanks and cotton skirts in exchange for leather accents, knee-high boots, and scarves. (Sidenote: I own more scarves than any woman should.)
Here are a few items on my radar as we move from humid summer days to changing leaves and cool nights.

Budget-friendly day dresses

Transitional jackets    

Boots you'll wear all season

Do you have any key Fall pieces you gravitate to?

ombre perfection

I was perusing the latest from Monique Lhuillier and cannot even handle how much I love these dresses. Talk about ombre perfection!

The first one has an incredible over-the-shoulder wing detail that I would love any day of the week, and the third is an interesting mix of a black and blue combo that would have been a faux pas but I'm glad is now on-trend. They're all out of my budget, or I would snap up all three and find an excuse to wear them all. 

blue and white ombre // green and white ombre // black and blue ombre

Sex and the City fashion favorites

After watching Sex and the City for what has to be the millionth time, I was thinking about why I love it so much. I was a big fan of the show, so it was a natural extension for me to also love the movie. There are so many fashion moments that I can't get over. Here are 3 of my favorites.

The angel-sleeve dress, which was actually a vintage Emma Domb dress (from about the 1960s) that Patricia Field altered to be this gorgeous angel wing mini. There's a version available for $280 that doesn't do this justice.

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So Carrie went on her honeymoon with her lady friends after being jilted at the altar and somehow managed to look way better than I have ever looked on a vacation. Ever. Maybe I just need a fedora and some white linen pants and that will totally fix everything?

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Can't even handle these shoes. In the movie Carrie says they cost $525, but they're available for almost double that price at Bergdorf's. For $965 you can have your very own pair. (And if for some reason you're feeling generous, I'll take a pair too.)

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new favorite: scalloped shift dress

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I recently purchased this Philosophy by Republic tiered shift dress in two colors, and I've been wearing it everywhere, from brunch (the gray version with a simple gold necklace and flats) to a graduation reception (the black version with a statement necklace and colorblock pumps).

Do you have a go-to that you've purchased in multiple colors?

easy summer pieces

Hot summer days call for easy-to-wear pieces that have style but that you can be comfortable in. It kills me when I see women who clearly got way too dolled up and then limp in their too-high heels or are clearly sweltering in whatever they put on. (Especially if they're just at the grocery store. Don't get me wrong- I don't condone wearing pajama pants, even if it's just for a gallon of milk, which I unfortunately see way too often in the 'burbs.)

I recently purchased this blue J.Crew Factory dress and plan to wear it everywhere, from a daytime soiree to an impromptu brunch. Wedges will ensure that I don't sink into the ground at an outdoor bridal shower- have you ever had that happen? It's a great way to ruin a new pair of heels. (Unless they're black... grass stains hate the color black. But who wears black in the summer?)

Summer errands call for an easy tee dress, like this one from Old Navy, that can be worn on its own. I seriously live in these during the hot summer months. Another great pair of Nine West wedges, these with a shorter wedge, will make it easy to run around. Wearing signature studs from BaubleBar- I'm a sucker for anything monogrammed or with my letters- and a mani with Essie's "Boom Boom Room"- and I'll be able to tackle my ever-growing to do list.

Do you have a go-to for those sweltering summer days when you can't just stay in front of the a/c?

getting shifty

In honor of last night's Mad Men premiere, a duo of shift dress outfits for both day and night...

day

shift dress // heels // sunglasses // handbag

night

shift dress // heels // clutch

I have a clutch like this night version from my mom, and I love the feel of it. These dresses and shoes - I wish my budget would allow for them!

weekend wedding recap

This weekend we went to a fabulous wedding in downtown Boston for one of T's close friends. It went by so fast that it made me think about the months and months that go into planning (in this case, almost a year) for a jam-packed 48 hours of family, friends, and fun to celebrate a couple. 

This Ali Ro dress is unlike anything else in my closet for semi-formal events, and due to a snowstorm on Friday, I decided to pair it with black tights. I fully appreciated that one of T's friend's dads noticed that my purple shoes matched his tie and pocket square. Color blocking success.

A few details this weekend that I loved (aside from the view from cocktail hour of Boston Harbor, which I tweeted on Saturday)...

Some tables had tall centerpieces, but the flowers were atop clear vases so you could see who was across from you. The accompanying short arrangements were gorgeous as well and made an appearance the next day at brunch- and one is now sitting on my bar cart at home.

Every other table had a short centerpiece, which I fully appreciated. We were sitting at a table of good friends (when we weren't on the dance floor), so it was nice to be able to talk and take photos across the table. And a short centerpiece was not by any means less elegant than the tall arrangements. The gorgeous roses and hydrangeas looked incredible.

Shout out to the Sultans of Swing, who had everyone on the dance floor from the bride and groom's first dance to after "one last song". Erika (a Top 10 American Idol contestant from Season 11) rocked everything from Celine Dion to Carly Rae Jepsen.

Oscars 2013 style recap

Happy Monday, everyone! Let's talk Oscars...

My favorite looks of the night were on Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Garner, Sandra Bullock, and Jessica Chastain.

- Jennifer Aniston looked stunning in a red Valentino Haute Couture gown, and while she could have gone for something more exciting with her hair, I thought it was appropriate for the look to say red carpet rather than prom.

- I love the back of Jennifer Garner's custom Gucci gown, which was a fun twist on the otherwise simple silhouette.

- Sandra Bullock's Elie Saab Haute Couture looked gorgeous on her. I was waiting for someone to do the lace and beading trend right!

- Jessica Chastain, a fellow redhead, rocked a subtle chevron print on her Armani Privé, looking like a subtly sexy version of Jessica Rabbit. Bonus points for bringing her grandmother to the show!

And on my "what were you thinking?" list:  Kelly Rowland and Anne Hathaway.

Kelly's dress reminded me of Angelina Jolie's 2012 Oscars gown so much that it seemed to scream,  "I hope my leg goes viral too!". Meanwhile, Anne looked like she was going to a prom in the late 1990s. Just...why? I've seen these ladies dressed far better, like Anne here and here.

style inspired: Oscar style favorites

I'm excited to see what gorgeous gowns show up on Sunday night's Oscars broadcast, so today I'm looking back at some of my favorite looks - and how you can recreate each of them.

1. Penelope Cruz looked amazing in this Atelier Versace gown in 2007, and you can copy her look with a feminine bandage dress from Herve Lager. Bonus- you don't have to have a black tie event to wear the A-line Lager. (Romona Kaveza has a similar bridal gown- with less bandage, more chiffon-, which the new Mrs. Hefner chose for her New Year's Eve nuptials.)

2. Mila Kunis's 2011 choice from Elie Saab is one of my all-time favorites. This red lace gown is a more dramatic- but still boldly feminine- option.

3. At first, I didn't think Hilary Swank's 2005 Guy Laroche gown was anything special - until I saw it from the back. Gorgeous! I'd copy this look any day. This black Nicole Miller, available at Rent the Runway for a steal of $125, is a still-dramatic but safer option for those of us who don't walk a red carpet on the regular.

Follow me on Twitter to find out my thoughts on this year's red carpet wonders.

ready for vacation

That vacation I talked about has finally been booked, and even though it's not soon enough, I'm mentally planning what to bring for our Mexican vacation.

tried and true Old Navy flip flops

Essie "Absolutely Shore"

an easy t-shirt dress

colorful dress from the Prabal Gurung/Target collaboration

blue sunnies

convertible cover up

"out of office" laptop case

I'm also looking at a new bikini (with ruffles, of course) and an easy beach tote.

brushstroke dress: do I dare DIY?

This Amy Matto Brushstroke Jacquard Dress showed up on ideeli today and I immediately thought to myself, "That is awesome. Can I recreate it?" It definitely looks like something that Jen would be able to make. I'll keep you posted if I decide to take the leap and paint up a dress!

style inspired by Downton Abbey

I was loving this look on Lady Mary in the Season Three premiere of Downton Abbey. A simple, burgundy maxi shift would look great on anyone. And is that a long necklace she is wearing backwards? 

White shift dress from Neiman Marcus // BaubleBar Gold Button Lariat // BaubleBar Onyx Tassel Pendant // Theory Silk Maxi Dress

Create a modern version of the 1920s style by pairing a maxi shift dress with a long necklace - and why not wear it backwards, so that the tassel piece hangs down your back, especially if your shift has a low back or a gorgeous deep V? I wouldn't go with a 1920s hairstyle, unless you are heading to a costume party, so keep your locks long and wavy or maybe tied back in a low bun.

White eyelet and orange silk - clearly, I am ready for the start of summer!

Downton images via 1, 2

Tom Ford zipper dress

I'm (close to) drooling over this Tom Ford zipper dress for sale today on Rue La La. If only I had an extra $2800 just sitting around, waiting for a dress like this to come along.

long sleeved dresses

1 Theory $235 // 2 Milly $295 // 3 Pencey $282 // 4 Rebecca Minkoff $328 // 5 Joy Cioci $418

I'm going to be completely honest here - I don't look good in strapless dresses. That's why I'm so excited that long sleeved dresses are in for everywhere from the office to a cocktail party. #3 above would be perfect for New Year's Eve, while #4 and 5 would be perfectly acceptable for me to wear to work - with tights, of course. #1 and 2 would be great options for a wedding or cocktail party.

dressing for a fall wedding

Option 1: dress // necklace // faux fur wrap // black heels

Option 2: dress // necklace // bow ring // nude heels

We have two weddings this Fall, both in mid-November. All of the weddings I have been to thus far have been in the summer, so I've been seeking out appropriate outfits for these two Saturdays. 

With option 1 I'd wear opaque black tights and a classic bun. With option 2 I'd go for a sassy teased ponytail to offset the ladylike details of the bow ring and pearls.

bridal in color

I made a comment the other day that I'm not sure I would ever wear a white bridal gown because of how fair my skin is (and, therefore, how horrible I look in white). I got a few incredulous looks, but then this week I started seeing colorful gowns, like this plum Vera Wang creation. Apparently I'm not the only one who shies away from white.

Vera isn't the only one plunging into color. Enzoani also has quite a few dresses in pastel hues, like these two below, as well as some ornate black versions and more traditional white gowns with embroidered blue and black overlays that look less like prom dresses and more like modified bridal.

And then there's this stunner, also from Enzoani, which has that "love to watch you leave" effect and is unlike anything I've seen before. I wonder if the red skirt is detachable.

As more of my friends start (and get farther into) wedding planning, I'm excited to see what other trends in bridal pop up.

bridesmaids dresses you'll wear again

a) How many times has a bride said to her bridesmaids, "And you can wear it again!"? 

b) And how many of those dresses have seen the light of day after the reception is over?

Answers: a) too many b) very few

Colorblock // Black lace with sash // Black lace // Gray chiffon

Two of the JLM Couture brands, Noir by Lazaro and Jim Hjelm Occasions, have dresses available that you might actually take out of your closet again. I love the colorblocking, lace detail, and less traditional styles. They stay away from taffeta, lime green, chocolate brown, ribbon sashes, and other typical bridesmaidsy characteristics.

If you don't care so much about what your girls do with their dress after the event, or if you're paying for the dresses (and aren't expecting them to shell out hundreds of dollars for a one-time-wear gown), by all means choose a pastel, bubble hem, or spaghetti straps.

But if you 100% want your girls to be able to wear their dresses again, pick a short or long black, gray, navy, or other neutral in a cotton, cotton-silk, chiffon, or other light fabric. (J Crew has some versatile options on the more simple side.) Taffeta and heavy polyester do not lend themselves well to versatility - even from the aisle to another event.

And if JLM Couture is out of your budget, find budget-conscious options at David's Bridal or your local boutique shops.

style inspired: j.biel's "in style" cover

Kudos to the fashion editors at In Style - Jessica Biel's Fall cover has an amazing outfit, featuring Gucci heels and an embellished Ralph Lauren blazer. Here's my take on a dressier version of the outfit, keeping the velvety texture of the jacket and some embellished black/gold detail.

alice + olivia pleated dress

Rupert Sanderson booties

splurge jacket from Alexander McQueen // save jacket from J. Crew