Cute top. (too short for a dress in my opinion) I think this would look cute with leggings and boots!
At Forever 21 for $22.90, 32 inches long.
I mean, seriously… what were they thinking? I think the skirt itself is actually decent, but the second they put that “belt” on there, it ruined the whole thing. What a bummer. Anyways, ran across this this morning and had to share. (Also, it’s at Forever 21 and it’s $32.00!!! That’s like the most expensive thing in their store… Man, I’m so confused…)
Leave a comment with a link to other items that you just cannot understand! This will be fun!
LOVE this dress! It would be perfect for work, or church.
At Forever 21 for $29.80, only 33.5 inches long…
Reachel from Cardigan Empire put together this lovely outfit! I’m pretty sure I will die without at least half of these items! Thanks Reachel!
If Elaine from Clothed Much could choose anything to wear on Thanksgiving… this is what it would be! Thanks Elaine for putting this outfit together!
Old Navy Trench
Old Navy dress in blue
Forever 21 cardigan
Forever 21 belt
Forever 21 tights
Charlotte Russe knee-high socks
Forever 21 knit hat
Kohl’s leather gloves
Old Navy bag
Brown boots
We get a lot of emails asking us for ideas on how to cover up an early stage pregnancy… well ladies, I think this sweater would be perfect!
At Forever 21 for $24.80.
I bought this the other day and really really like it!!!! I think it will be fun to wear over different solid colors.
Find it at Forever 21 for $19.80.
Quick disclaimer… I know in the picture that the black jacket and the black skirt look like two different shades, however, I still put them both on there… don’t judge! It’s the idea of the outfit that counts anyways… right?!
Belted Satin Blouse at Charlotte Russe for $21.99
Ruched Back Pencil Skirt at Wet Seal for $21.50
Vida Peep-Toe Pumps at Target for $26.99
Beaded Vintage Necklance at Forever 21 for $5.80
OR a little lower key: Jeweled Vintage Necklace at Forever 21 for $6.80
Add this jacket for a cool fall day! Flocked Wool Jacket with Neck Tie on sale at Tulle for $51.50
Our reader Jenna emailed me the link to this “shirt”. Okay, so it’s supposed to be a dress… but seriously… it’s short enough to be a shirt! Thanks Jenna!
At Forever 21 for $13.50
Our reader Kristen S. from CA wrote:
I love your website – thank you so much for doing such a fantastic thing.
I am due with baby #2 in a few weeks – or basically any time now. I plan on nursing this baby and need to find tops, and dresses that will work easily for that, even comfortable bottoms that can shrink with me (I hope the shrinking part does come eventually). I am fairly average/petite at 5’5 – and my pre-pregnancy size was a small to medium or 4/6 – but, with this ever changing bust and hips, you never know!
I especially need things to wear to church and other dress nicer events. Baby #1 is only 13 months old so washes well and comfortable for lots of running around is a must.
Thank you so much,
Kristen S.
California
Hi Kristen! SO. I totally know what you mean! I am currently a nursing mother and let me tell you. I hate having things in my wardrobe that I know I can’t wear right now… unless I want to wear it for a total of about 2-3 hours… lame. So I put together these outfits for you. I’m not sure how well these items wash, however, with the exception of the Shabby Apple dresses, everything is under $25.00, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world if you got a stain on them. Button down blouses are the best way to nurse, and dress up an outfit from the regular t-shirt and jeans. And, just because you are nursing doesn’t mean you can’t wear a dress! You just have to find one that buttons down in front. And the two I put up from Shabby Apple are just darling! Also… all three blouses are great for hiding the after baby tummy… and the high waisted skirts can go with all of them (to view the two I put skirts with click on the links below…) and will also help with tummy coverage.(oh yeah, and all the blouses would also look cute with a pair of jeans… even cut off shorts would look cute!) Oh, and Bella Bands are awesome for allowing your jeans to grow and shrink with you! Enjoy and have fun with your little ones! -Natalie
Pleated Tie Blouse at Charlotte Russe for $19.99
Ruched Pencil Skirt at Charlotte Russe for $22.99, 23.5 inches long
Pleated Ruffle Blouse at Charlotte Russe for $19.99
Button Tab Blouse at Charlotte Russe for $19.99
Dotted Swing Skirt at Forever 21 for $19.80, 20 inches long
Madison Ave dress from Shabby Apple for $78.00
Jackie O dress from Shabby Apple for $89.99
Our Reader Kristen wrote:
My sister Kim had you help her a few weeks back and LOVED your input so I thought I would give it a try.
I have a business making sparkly hair clips (www.lexikatedesigns.com- not currently updated) and I am attending my first tradeshow in Vegas (KIDShow) at the end of the month. I am all about sparkle and need help trying to make sure I look professional yet show off me and my product.
I will be on my feet all day so need to be comfortable and want to make sure I look stylish (for cheap of course). I have white jeans, some new denim Citizen jeans, some cute new silver flats sandals and some gold strappy wedges. My business colors are hot pink, black and white (some silver mixed in too). I was trying to get some t-shirts made with my logo on the front and my tag line of “Life Is Better With Sparkle” on the back, but think they may be too expensive and not look right for where I am going.
Are dresses appropriate? Pants better? layers? Not sure. I am a size 10. Shoes 9-1/2. Height 5’8″. You guys are amazing BTW! Thanks for your help!!
Well Kristen, I volunteered for this one because it sounded like a lot of fun! Pink and sparkles… sign me up! I tried to keep the outfits fun and glitzy! Considering you are all about ‘sparkle’ I most definitely think you should dress up with a skirt. (Not that skirts sparkle, but sparkles are dressy.) I think your white pants would work, but if it were me I’d go for the skirt. Any white or black skirt would go cute with what I put together!!! I wasn’t able to find any sparkly tops that went with the color scheme.. but I do love the big blingy necklace (is blingy a word?) Anyways… whatever you wear, I would go for the necklace ANNNDDD of course one of your fabulous sparkly hair clips!
Good luck with the big show.. and have fun in Vegas!!!!!
Love, Ashley
Worthington High Waist Skirt on sale at JCPenney for $24.99.
Striped Slub Cami at Forever 21 for $5.50.
Ruffled Rib Tank at Forever 21 for $7.80.
Women’s Pointelle Cardigan on sale at Old Navy for $20.00.
Izzy Cardigan at Delias for $44.50.
Snake Belt Ballet Flat at Wetseal for $18.50.
Studded Ballet Flat on sale at Wetseal for $10.00.
Clustered Jewels Necklace at Forever 21 for $12.80.
Patent Chain Belt at Forever 21 for $9.80.
Okay, how cute is this?
Forever 21 for $24.90.
This is one of my favorite plaid tops I’ve seen.
Find it at Forever 21 for $19.90.
Our reader Jill S. wrote:
Hi girls! I have a serious fashion problem for you. I have 2 boys, ages 1 and 3, that I’m home with but I also work part time with developmentally delayed infants and toddlers. So I spend the majority of my time on the floor playing with toys, either with my own kids or someone else’s. Problem #1, I’m cheap. Problem #2, I have no style. Problem #3, I’m not tiny. I am 5’8″ and wear size 10-12. My hips aren’t small but my boobies are. :) Problem #4, I live in Mesa, AZ (suburb of Phoenix) and it’s 113 today. It’s over 100 degrees pretty much all the time. It’s too hot to layer, it’s too hot for cute little cardigans (even with short sleeves) and it’s too hot for jeans (at least until October). So I beseech you, hook me up with cheap, modest, comfortable, very stylish and grown-up looking outfits that wont make me sweat anymore than I already do on a daily basis! I want to look good when I take my kids to the museum. I want to look professional when I go to client’s homes, even if I’m going to just play with their kids. I have got to get out of my shorts and t-shirt mode. (And dont even get me started on accessories… Do flip flops count as accessories?)
I know you’ll do me proud, so I thank you in advance!
Alright Jill!
Well I do not live in Arizona and don’t have multiple children to care for, but I do understand where your coming from! I have a 14 month old and am constantly chasing him around. I love to take him on bike rides, walks and trips to the park.. and yes even here in Vancouver it gets hot and sweaty! Yes, layering can be cute, but it is just not practical during the hot weather! Everything I posted is light and airy and requires NO LAYERING! I tried to keep the prices low, and I made sure to make selections that are available in your size!
I tried to choose tops that are simple but not boring. I too have a small chest, so I love (and own!) the sophomore top from DownEast. It emphasizes the chest area… and we need all the emphasis we can get! I also chose the poplin shirt at old navy because the drawstring right below the chest also helps us out. Placing a belt there does the same thing as well on any top.
Now I don’t know about you but I’m not a big fan of wearing necklaces in the summer. They look great, but when it is already hot and sweaty I don’t love having anything extra against my skin. (That’s just me, some people may not mind.) For this reason, I posted a few pairs of darling earrings that will add style to any outfit! I recommend pairing the tops with the skirts or a pair of khaki shorts. The skirts are nice and airy so they will be your best option. As for the shorts, the pair that I used from J CREW are called the ‘stretch summerweight burmuda shorts’ that sounds good doesn’t it? Stretch is a must when your chasing around kids! The khaki will dress up your outfits a bit (without overdoing it.) The sandals are super cute and practical since they are brown and go with just about anything. They will add much more to your wardrobe then any pair of flip flops would. Hope this helps.. and have fun shopping!!!
Love, Ashley 
Tops:
Ruffled Slub Top at Old Navy for $14.50.
Poplin Empire Top at Old Navy for $14.99.
Sophomore Top at DownEast Basics for $19.99.
Sonnet Top at DownEast Basics for $24.99.
Ruched Scoop-Neck Top at Old Navy for $14.50.
Bottoms:
Embroidered Skirt at Old Navy for $26.50.
Cabana Skirt at DownEast Basics for $24.99.
Stretch Summerweight Bermuda Shorts ON SALE at J Crew for $29.99.
Shoes:
Mossimo Wanda Flat Sandals at Target for $14.99.
Accessories:
Wild Daisy Disc Earrings at Forever 21 for $5.80.
Mia Dangling Bead Earrings at Forever 21 for $4.80.
Cicely Earrings at Alloy for $12.90.
Woven Jean Belt at Wetseal for $7.50. (Shown in brown and white.)
Alright, so I think I have my wedding outfit down to 3 choices (hooray!) However, after looking at these pictures… I’m second guessing myself! (bummer…) I never like taking pictures of myself but I TOTALLY need your opinion. (However, as you can see… these pictures are very poorly taken… and I am sorry about that, so try to ignore the bad angles and such. Also, I always feel silly posing for a picture… so please forgive my awkwardness.) So, what do you think? Which outfit should I wear this Friday to my Sister in Law’s wedding? Help me decide!!!
[poll id="2"]
Outfit number 1:
Tracy ruffle front shirt from Forever 21 for $17.80
Winston skirt from Anthropologie on sale for $59.95
Eleora sandals at Target for $17.99 (THANKS JANESSA! I would have bought the Steve Madden ones if it weren’t for you!)
Outfit 2:
Same top as outfit 1
Linen knee length skirt at Forever 21 for $17.80
Heels, bought at Target like 2 years ago… my only pair of heels! YIKES! But, these are similar… and I think even cuter!
Outfit 3:
Top from Anthropologie (THANKS EMILY! She sent it to me for my birthday! I just got it last week!!!) But it is no longer available…
Skirt, same as outfit 2.
Can you tell a difference? I sure can’t! Which makes me angry because I bought the one onthe right from Forever 21 for $34.50 (plus shipping) And I just found the one on the left for $17.99! Too bad it’s too late to return the one I have! When I bought it, they didn’t have it showing on a model… so it looked long enough. (and it’s not) If I would have seen these pictures, I would have known better!
(I actually just looked in my closet and the tags are still on! Do you think Forever 21 will cut me any slack? I don’t have a receipt… but not only is it too short, the sleeves are what I like to call, fake sleeves! Non existent!)
On left: Make Me Chic for $17.99, 34 inches long.
On Right: Forever 21 for $34.50, 34 inches long.
This is a great blouse. (needs to be paired with a different necklace…)
At JCPenny on sale for $17.99.
From our reader Katie G.
Alright, my friend Alisa just emailed you and asked for help with an outfit for her 10 year reunion. I’m in the same boat, can’t figure out what to wear. After seeing those great outfits I thought I’d contact you ladies. I’ll be going with Alisa so I’ve got to look just as good as her I’m thinking dark trouser jeans (I’ve got a pair from Banana Republic) but don’t know what else to wear. PLEASE HELP!!!
Hi Katie! Alright, I’ve made two outfits for you… the one on the left is less expensive, but super cute. And the one on the right, I wasn’t being price conscious at all! (I know, there are still sale items, but I don’t think I can really not be price conscious at all!) I couldn’t find any trouser jeans at Banana Republic or I would have put those in here! Both outfits can definitely be worn with heels. But I don’t know if any one has noticed… if it’s not specified, I always go with flats. I love flats! Have fun at your reunion and you and Alisa are going to look amazing! You should definitely send us a picture afterward!
Peace, Natalie
Outfit on the Left:
V-neck Cardigan at Alloy on sale for $9.99
Charleston Trouser Twill at Alloy on sale for $19.99
Ruffle Blouse at Charlotte Russe for $16.99
Clevverr from Steve Madden on sale for $24.98
Motif from Steve Madden on sale for $29.95
Brass Cuff at Alloy for $14.90
Cicley Earring at Alloy for $12.90
Outfit on the Right:
Rinse Flare Jean at Calvin Klein on sale for $59.99
Tuxedo-front Solid Cotton Cami at JCrew on sale for $49.99
Cotton Cadeau Cardigan at JCrew on sale for $79.99
Crunchh from Steve Madden on sale for $29.98
Butterfly Floral Filigree Earrings at Charlotte Russe for $4.00
Filigree Rhinestone Bracelet at Charlotte Russe for $4.00
Hi there-
I love your ensembles and am looking for “Back to School” attire for ME as I am a teacher. I teach 10 year olds, so I don’t need crawl-on-the-floor friendly pieces. I find a lot of appropriate dresses and skirts, but have a hard time completing my looks with pants. I can wear denim trousers or jeans once a week, but need some cute alternatives. Also, comfy but fashionable shoes are a must. I’m on my feet all day. I don’t want to look like a “teacher” or like a college kid. I just want to look fabulous-please help!
Natalie’s Outfit (for Natalie…):
Alright Natalie, I have a lot of stuff for you here! All of the tanks are meant to go under the cardigans below. I wanted to put a white tank on there… but it wouldn’t show up so that is where the peach tank comes in. (Imagine it white) I love mixing cardigans with tanks because it allows you to use more colors. Also I love when shoes can add a pop of color to your outfit. Those red shoes are awesome and would look good with ANY of those cardigans. I am also showing you three pairs of slacks. None of which are jeans (obviously) but I think throwing a nice pair of slacks into the mix is nice too. However, any of these tops will pair great with trouser jeans.
Stretch Wool Bootcut Pants at Calvin Klein on sale for $49.00
Wide Waistband Pants at Calvin Klein on sale for $34.00
Classiques Entier® ‘Phantom Mélange’ Pants at Nordstrom on sale for $99.90
Classiques Entier® ‘Bella Lana’ Open Front Cardigan at Nordstrom on sale for $89.90
Susina® Raised Seam Cardigan (Juniors) at Nordstrom on sale for $28.90
Plenty by Tracy Reese Appliqué Cardigan at Nordstrom for $174.00
Toni Crochet Yoke Tank at Delias on sale for $22.50
Scattered Petals Tank at JCrew for $88.00
Textured Ruffle Blouse from Charlotte Russe now on sale for $8.99!
Tama from Steve Madden for $69.95
Me Too ‘Limit’ Ruffle Ballet Flat at Nordstrom on sale for $59.90
Jessica Simpson ‘Edison’ Flat at Nordstrom for $68.95
Emily’s outfits for Natalie: 
Hi Natalie! I’ve worked as a reading teacher at an elementary school before, so I know a little bit about how it is to wake up and have about 30 minutes to get yourself pulled together for a day on your feet. Comfort is KEY! My best advice is to buy the most comfortable slacks you can find (which for me are usually wide leg trousers), easy tops that you won’t have to fuss with, simple skirts, and comfortable dresses. I would keep your clothes in simple colors so you can mix and match tops with your skirts and slacks, but use accessories to liven up your outfits. Jewelry at Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe is so inexpensive and right on trend. And, of course, a belt and/or a scarf is always a simple way to add interest and style. Lastly, the shoes that I picked for you are both Born shoes. I bought my first pair of red Born Mary-Jane flats in 2002 and then just replaced them with a new pair a few months ago. I’d say seven years of wearing them everywhere is getting my money’s worth! They are so comfortable and you’ll find yourself wearing them all the time. I wear my red flats with everything! And I would definitely invest in the boots for the days when you want to wear a skirt but you don’t want to shave your legs. For that purpose alone, I’d say they’re worth it. Have a great school year! clockwise from top left:
Khakis, Old Navy, $12.99-19.00 (a simple pair of slacks in tons of fun colors)
Trousers, Anthropologie, $118.00 (click the link to see the back of these super-cute trousers. I love them!)
Pencil Skirt, Banana Republic, $59.50
Denim Pencil Skirt, Gap, $54.50
Red Dress, Shabby Apple, $62.00
Gray Jersey Dress, Old Navy, $24.50
Faux-Wrap Dress, Shabby Apple, $55.00
Pintuck Collared Dress, Shabby Apple, $78.00
Patterned Scarf, Fossil, $17.99
Fashion Belts (in red or gold), Old Navy, $14.50
Chiffon Blouse, Forever 21, $11.50
Ruffled Top, Forever 21, $17.80
Red Mary-Janes, Zappos, $98.95
Black Boots, Born, $170.00
Ashley’s Outfit:
Everything on here can be mixed and matched! The tops can be worn alone or with the belt, or better yet with the cardigan and the belt! The Chandelier earrings and ring will coordinate well with everything. Chandelier earrings are great because they instantly dress up any outfit, and they add a lot of style! Have fun shopping!!!
Love, Ashley
Banded Cardigan at Mod Bod for $38.95.
Pencil Skirt at Mod Bod for $44.95.
Colored Denim Pencil Skirt at Gap for $54.50.
215 Martin Classic Grey Trouser Pant at Banana Republic for $98.00.
Dahlia Floral Chiffon Top at Forever 21 for $17.80.
Solid Ruffle Top on sale at Aeropostale for $19.99.
AK Ann Klein Flats on sale at Piperlime for $69.99.
BCBGIRLS Flats at Piperlime for $79.00
Stud Quad Braid Wide Belt at Forever 21 for $8.80.
Wrapped Faux Pearl Ring at Forever 21 for $4.80.
Filigree Chandelier Earrings at Charlotte Russe for $4.00. (Free Shipping!)
Our reader Kim:
Okay, major dilemma! Just found your blog from Cardigan Empire and I just signed up to do family pics next week (7/23) with Blue Lily. In addition to that, we’re going to my husband’s 20 year reunion next weekend as well. Unfortunately, I don’t have a CLUE what to wear. I’m 5’5″ and size 14. I don’t want to spend a ton of money, but I want to look great of course. I know it’s short notice but ANY help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Kim
Emily’s outfit:
Okay, so there are some options here, so use your imagination to visualize the outfits. I’ve created a core group of items that can work for the family picture and your husband’s reunion coming up. Bonus! Most of the items are either on sale or pretty inexpensive, or both.
Wear the cardigan over the blouse, and then wrapped around with the belt on top (like the “successful” outfit by the gorgeous Reachel Bagley. Darn right, that outfit’s successful! She looks amazing.) The shoes would look killer with any of the jeans or skirts.
For the family picture: the core group A-F with either white wide-leg jeans (G) or straight-leg denim (H).
For the reunion: the same core group with either a more casual brown corduroy skirt (I) or a sleeker white sateen pencil skirt (J).
My vote? Totally the white jeans and the white skirt. I love white in the summertime and think it would look so fresh and breezy for a family picture and for lookin’ white hot at a high school reunion. Gold accessories along with white? Even better. (And a savings tip: if you bought the shoes, white jeans and/or patterned blouse…you would qualify for free shipping. And if you bought the white cardigan and the belt, you’d be about $5 away from free shipping from Target.)
a. 3/4 Sleeve Open Cardigan, Target, $27.99 (Hopefully at your local store)
b. BCBGirls “Polands” Brown Sandals, Piperlime, $89.99 (they’re on sale!)
c. Sparkle Disc Dangle Earrings, Forever 21, $5.80
d. Dania Metallic Cuff, Forever 21, $6.80
g. White Flare Leg Jeans, Gap, $29.99 (on sale and in your size!)
h. Zipper Straight Leg Jeans, Gap, $69.50
Natalie’s Outfit:
Looks like I missed the memo… (that you don’t want to spend too much money… oops!) However, a lot of my items are on sale… But here is a pretty outfit for your liking. Family photo is everything except the ring and the jacket. And for the reunion you could wear all of this except the cuff (doesn’t make sense to wear it under the jacket, plus would look kinda weird with the ring at the same time!) Hope you like it!
A Frenchie Slicker at JCrew on sale for $89.99
B Multi Bead at Fossil for $38.00
C Flower Filigree Ring at Charlotte Russe for $4.00
D Trimmed Trousers from Anthropologie for $88.00
E Sanfrann at Steve Madden on sale for $34.98
F Perfect-Fit Corsage Scoopneck Tee at JCrew on sale for $19.99
G Textured Cuff at Charlotte Russe for $4.00
Ashley’s Outfit:
Since it is still summer I wanted to make sure to use plenty of color! The gold belt will look best worn over the shirt around the waist… and by the way, the belt is my favorite part- it adds a touch of BLING that this outfit needed. I geared this outfit more towards the reunion, but it would look great in a family picture as well! I tried to keep the items from stores that you (hopefully) have access to.
The shoes may be more then what you would want to spend.. but I just put them there for an idea. I think you could wear this outfit with any pair of cream (preferably) or white sandals. (This is Natalie, hey, I’m sorry Ashley’s outfit is pixelated (sp?)! My photo-shop wasn’t cooperating!)
Eyelet-Sleeve Top on sale at Old Navy for $17.99
Merona Two Tone Satchel on sale at Target for $14.98
Faux-Leather Fashion Belt at Old Navy for $14.50
Bernardo Madonna at Piperlime for $109.00
Elisa Flower Bangle at Forever 21 for $6.80
Okay, so these are the same dresses right? I mean… if they aren’t, they look pretty dang similar. The only difference that I can see is that the Charlotte Russe one is 35 inches long whereas the one at Forever 21 is only 33 inches long. Weird. I guess the lack of fabric is the reason the one at Forever 21 is $5.00 cheaper… Even though everything looks pretty similar, it’s funny that I think the Forever 21 dress looks nicer… What do you think?
(the one on the left is from Forever 21, the one on the right is from
Charlotte Russe)
Pretty Dress.
Cute sweater for fall through winter!
Great skirt for work, church or play! I love the tie!
I love the pretty oranges and reds!
Great top for fall! Would look great with leggings!
Love this top. Love the color!
A Cardigan with a vintage flair.
I love a cute cardigan. This one is hard to resist!
Cute, cute, and cute! I really like this dress!
Pretty color for fall!
Fab indeed!
Satin.. how fun!
This would look great with jeans and heels for a night out!
Comfort and Style combined!
