Another good legging top option! This saddle colored sweater dress from JCrew is perfect for fall.
Try it with skinny or flared/boot cut jeans.
Also – make sure to check out the modest dresses on sale at JCrew here here here and here.
Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!
Most of this stuff is on sale – score!
Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!
Livi thebrightbit.com
white skinny flare {plus} blue harem {plus} quarter sleeves dress jeans suede sandal bangles belted dress {plus}
cap sleeves dress jewel ring
I may be a little late in the day but I have lots of finds for you!!
Something for every style, budget, type of shop.
Click around.
Lots of great long shorts, skirts and dresses with sleeves.
AND some carazzy deals -
anthro skirt – $30
zara fedora – $4
french connection skinnies – $118.00 $35.00
Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!
Livi, thebrightbit.com
gold earring multicolored belt mustard scarf sunglasses black and gold belt gold earrings blue clutch lipstick bracelet
{PLUS SIZE}
gold ring teal top pattern and bow dress bathing suit shimmer top white dress gold watch salmon shorts lavender dress striped top bracelets brown belt {not pictured: Levis}
skinny jeans tee shorts yellow skirt pink and gray top floral skirt
nude + pink pumps teal flats madewell bracelets fedora gold ring shoes orange bracelet LAMB bag sunnies
striped dress LAMB shorts LAMB skirt skinny jeans green dress peach skirt white shorts teal top jean shorts stripe skirt flare jeans
I have been on the modest hunt today. So many good finds!
Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!
livi : thebrightbit.com
plaid top stripes bright skirt dress white pant earrings bathing suit trousers brooch lipstick
{plus size}: hair clips peach dress tan dress teal dress black trousers black & purple top gray stripe top two tone bracelet
slap watch ring red bracelet
necklace mustard sweater bootie gold ring black dress sandal sunnies pink trouser leggings blue dress nail polish
Hi guys!
I’m been on the hunt for a great deep navy bridesmaid dress. The wedding is in SLC, UT in June… aka its gonna be WARM!I want something sensibly priced, short sleeved and adorable! It doesn’t need to be ridiculously fancy but I don’t want anything cheap. Perhaps a simple A-lined dress? Or wrap-around? Any good finds?
You guys are the best!!!
Amy
oh, the navy bridesmaid dress…this was my dilemma two years ago. There are definitely a lot more choices now! I’m kind of jealous…Congrats!
navy bridesmaid by nkershaw featuring a taffeta dress
I definitely wouldn’t mind having both of these tops in my closet… pictured: on left, Urban Vibe Top from DownEast Basics, on right, Sailor Sweater from JCrew.
This weeks DownEast Basics Blog posts by yours truly:
How to wear DownEast Basics Statuesque Top, Get Sandra Bullock’s Look!, and 3 fan reviews!
Also, I was spotlighted on the Lime Ricki Blog… they are starting this confidence campaign and I think it’s really neat, so I submitted what makes me confident. If anything, you should take the time to read about the confidence campaign because I think it’s uplifting. Have a great weekend!
Who doesn’t love stripes? And, no. I’m not a dog person… but I thought that sweater was too cute not to post.
Sweater, Top, Skirt (I’m in love with this skirt) Dog sweater.
Okay, so maybe it’s because I just painted the whole main level of my house gray… but gray is the only color I could think of doing today! I love me some grays and blacks! However, I had a little bit of a hard time finding things, so if you know of something that is cute, and gray… leave a comment and let us know!
Top (kids section:)), Dress, Top, Cardigan
p.s. My photoshop is being a little funky… I’ll have to ask Zach to fix it!
Alright ladies! Today we had Livi guest post what she thought would be a great outfit to wear to a picnic! Check out Livi’s blog for some more awesomeness!
Top (Plus size), Pants (Plus size), Vest (Plus size), Shoes, Necklace, Headband, Scarf, Ring, Earrings, Bracelet, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Sunscreen!
This outfit would be perfect for a picnic in a city park or a country meadow. I prefer jeans to skirts and thats easier to picnic in anyway!
The vest is perfect to cover up and slim. I’m all about the layering, its so convenient to pull something out of your purse when it gets cold or put something back in.
The key to this outfit is the accessories: they can be a symphony of organization if done right. Go Big or Go Home I say. If its a little much for you, pick and choose.
Don’t be scared by the two finger ring either, they’re all the rage right now. My good friend just sent me this ring and I keep it on a chain. It can be worn either way.
My friends will all be surprised that I chose such small earrings but with so much going on, they would be the perfect thing. And of course, above all, a scarf.
If I had to pick one accessory to take with me for the rest of my life it would be a scarf. Its possibilities are endless and it can be removed if needed. The model on target.com is totally wearing it wrong, (I would wrap it in a v shape bandanna style around my neck.) The red of this scarf would look perfect against the dark denim and stripes.
Don’t forget your lipstick: Sephora Brand Lip Attitude. I live by it.
And since you’re not wearing a hat, don’t forget the sunscreen!!! I like Bare Escentuals sun screen powder that can go right over face makeup.
Have fun! -Livi
Top, Jeans, Bracelet, Headband, Shoes.
Hey ladies! I don’t know about you, but I am super excited to have some fun picnics this summer! I am a plain jane when it comes to clothes, I’ve decided. But here’s my outfit! Enjoy! -Natalie
I love picnics, and my little ones are getting to the perfect age for picnics. One of the reasons why I love picnics is that I love picnic quilts! I love quilts of all types and although I don’t think I’m super-skilled enough or prolific enough to call myself a “quilter”, I’m someone who quilts and marvels at handmade treasures. Did you know that on ebay there are hundreds of finished quilt tops just waiting to be purchased and made into a perfect summer picnic quilt? I’m talking handsewn here people! Check it out, search any combination of the words: quilt top, vintage, antique, handsewn, etc. and find yourself a treasure.
-Emily
top, pants, sandals, necklace (I love this etsy shop!)
quilts (top, middle, bottom)
I love coral, although I usually refer to it as “salmon pink” because my husband has a rad thrift store shirt that is very clearly pink but he calls it salmon. Anyway, this is a great spring color. I love it paired with gray, tiffany blue, or with red in a monochromatic look. I’m a little obsessed with that wrap cardigan at the bottom, and I’m A LOT obsessed with Emersonmade‘s crazy awesome flowers. Maybe the perfect Mother’s Day gift? What’s your favorite?
swimsuit, maternity dress, wrap dress, scoop-neck dress, thong sandals, wedge sandals, cardigan wrap, sunglasses, scarf, espadrilles, swimsuit, wrap cardigan, boyfriend cardigan, necklace, printed heels, blazer, ruffled jacket, flats, flower pin
While Scarlett Johansson’s dress isn’t so much modest in my book, I think the print is just gorgeous. I remembered seeing pictures of this Oscar de la Renta gown she wore to the “He’s Just Not That Into You” premiere way back when, but then when I saw this Talbot’s skirt recently my tired brain grapes were trying to figure out why I loved the print already and where I saw it before. I kept thinking it had to do with Scarlett Johansson, so I googled “Scarlett Johansson pink dress” and pictures of this came right up. Maybe 1/3 of her fashion choices are modest, but I always seem to like her style. Anyways, here’s our chance at what looks to be a copycat print of her gown. Works out better anyhow, since I don’t really have a red carpet event coming up to wear a gown to, but I could always use a pretty and springy floral skirt.
I like how Talbot’s styled the skirt with a nude colored shoe. The print is awfully busy and colorful, and I think it looks beautiful with the nude pump. I have the skirt styled with a pretty silk blouse (I’d wear a slim tee underneath of the same cream color) and a gold belt with a pretty orange beaded necklace. This would be a great look for a spring wedding or formal event.
For most of my life I hated the color navy. I thought it was just about the most boring, nondescript color ever. Lately, however, I’ve been warming up to the idea and find myself drawn to navy clothes quite often. It’s a perfect neutral, and pairs itself so well with tons of great colors.
Want to add more color to your wardrobe? Use navy as a neutral base and then add pops of color. Ballerina pink and bubble gum pink look great with navy, as do lime, a soft tangerine or salmon color, and golden yellow. For example, look at the pretty tank with the floral collar. The coral rose just pops right out at you and then later you notice the navy top. I like that.
Navy is also a great color to use when you’re sick of wearing black, but want the chicness of black. That navy pump is a perfect replacement for all the times when you’d probably wear your good ol’ black pumps, but want something just a little more interesting.
clockwise from top left:
loose cardigan, necklace, dress, sweatshirt, yoga pants, blouse, scarf, belt, swimsuit, silk pullover, pumps, shawl cardigan, floral tank
Okay, I know it’s not Spring yet… but these are a few things I couldn’t help but post anyways!
He Loves Me Dress , $34.99 @ DownEast Basics
Fab Chiffon Flower Bobby Pins, $1.50 @ Forever 21
Perfect Fit Cascade Tee, $29.50 @ JCrew
Frosted Flowers Cardigan, $34.99 @ DownEast Basics
Floral Fixation Headband, $2.50 @ Forever 21
Scalloped Leaflet Cardigan, $19.80 @ Forever 21
Fergie ‘Kappa’ Sandal, $69.95 @ Nordstrom
Still Life Skirt, $29.99 @ DownEast Basics
Although I normally wouldn’t spend this much on a sweater, this sweater would be a classic piece for me, and I would totally get my money’s worth! This is the type of sweater that I would wear with everything. Totally my style! (Just imagine it paired with skinny jeans and some cute flats… yum…)
At J.Crew on sale for $79.99
Seriously, this dress is so perfect. I LOVE it!
At J.Crew on sale for $119.99
Love this dress. Perfect if you have a wedding to attend!
At JCrew on sale for $99.99.
My husband and I are taking an anniversary (lucky 13) trip to Maui in a few weeks. We will be hiking, chilling on the beaches, going to great dinners, etc. I would love a few outfits that would look great for our different activities. This time of year makes finding warm weather clothes especially challenging. Any ideas you have would be great.
Thanks,
Julie
Hello! I am loving your blog and was hoping you could help me. My name is Lynette W. and I live in West Virginia. My dh and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary with a fall trip to Maine. Our last couple only trip was 10 years ago, so this is a very special trip for us. We will be doing everything from a windy boat cruise, to hiking along rocky shorelines, to eating in nice restaurants. We are also going to be Bed and Breakfast hopping, so I want to pack light, if I can. And I want to look, well, you know, HOT! Can you help me find some interchangeable pieces that will help me do that? Pretty please?
Thank you!
Hello Ladies! How exciting! Both of you are soon going to be celebrating your anniversaries with a much deserved vacation! I put together the most basic things needed for a vacation. (In my opinion at least) I always pack at least one of each: pants, capris, shorts. That way I can have some variety and can choose depending on weather. One great thing about taking summer trips in fall… everything is on sale! I found you guys some awesome sale items at Jcrew that will be perfect for the beach, and walking along the rocky shoreline! Super cute swimsuits matched with a super cute cover up or linen pants and a cute tank are perfect for the sand! Also, Lynette, when it is windy you can pair your linen pants with a tee and a sweater. (Oh gosh, this makes me want to take a trip out to the Oregon Coast ASAP!) These sandals from Ocean Minded, make we want to die… I think they are SO cute! Enjoy your trips and congratulations on your anniversaries!
And for a night out on the town… our reader Catherine S. sent me a style board that she made for her 5th anniversary… Thanks Catherine! It came right in time for this anniversary post! If you would like to see where to purchase these items, please visit Catherine’s blog! THANKS!!!
Links to top outfit:
Perfect Boot Jeans at Gap for $69.50
Classic Capris at Gap on sale for $9.99
Hip Slung Bermuda Shorts at Gap on sale for $9.99
Solid shirred bandeau tank on sale at Jcrew for $49.99
Solid Ruffle Tank on sale at Jcrew for $49.99
Lightweight Gauze Ruffle Cover-up Dress on sale at Jcrew for $24.99
Linen Getaway Pant on sale at Jcrew for $29.99 (Perfect name!)
Women’s Striped Toggle-Front Sweater Coat At Old Navy for $44.50
Women’s Fleece Zip Hoodie at Old Navy for $15.00
Women’s Button-Front Drop-Waist Tops at Old Navy for $14.50
La Jolla sandals from Ocean Minded for $30.00
Our reader Crystal F. sent me the link to this SUPER cute dress! Thanks Crystal!
At J.Crew on sale for $59.99, 25 inches from natural waist.
Such a pretty dress! My friend Almira sent me the link to this one and I love it!
At JCrew for $225.00.
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.)
Love me some bermudas!
At JCrew on sale for $29.99.
Cute, and simple.
At JCrew on sale for $39.99, 21 inches from natural waist.
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
So many gorgeous dresses on sale at JCrew!
At JCrew on sale for $59.99, 22 inches from natural waist.
Cute. Cute. Cute. Nuff said.
At JCrew on sale for $79.99, 19 inches from natural waist.
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!)
Here’s an email from our reader Emily (I swear it’s not from me Emily, although I would love to see Wicked):
“Next month I’m going to see Wicked for my birthday. I’m so excited and I would like to get something new (I’ll take any excuse to buy a new outfit)! Wicked is well known for it’s bright green color and with that being my favorite color I would love to find a cute green dress or something else to wear. Any ideas?”
Okay, Emily, when I first saw this email I was like, “what? How am I going to find a cute green dress?” But actually, this has been my favorite outfit to put together so far. Having the specific constraint of a green dress made it pretty easy to narrow things down. I’ve got a couple options for you, and then, just because I can, I’ll throw in my vote.
options 1 and 2:
1. Leading Lady Dress, DownEast Basics, $29.99 (very comfortable, very cute, and a perfect addition to your wardrobe. This is definitely something you’ll be able to wear often.)
2. Dressy Jersey Cinched Dress, J.Crew, $78.00 (so pretty, I love the waist and tie. You’ll need to wear something underneath, and a classic tee from DownEast is always a great option, as would be a camisole underneath with a cardigan on top.
shoes: Steve Madden Passta Platform, $62.82 or Steve Madden Witney T-strap Slingback, $99.95 (both styles are from Endless.com. I couldn’t decide, so I just showed both options. Sometimes it’s hard to make a decision when I’m play shopping for someone else.)
necklace: Mirrored Disk Necklace, Charlotte Russe, $6.99 (looks pretty darn close to the expensive one the J.Crew girl is wearing. I’d buy a few and layer them at different lengths.)
options 3 and 4:
3. Pleated Cowl Neck Dress, Nordstrom, $91.90 (I love the cute stand-up cowl neck and the 60′s mod-ish detail in the back. So cute.) Put it with these great patterned heels from Endless.com for $45.73. Top off the look with this fantastic head piece. I remember putting this etsy.com seller in my favorites a while back, then I saw that Anthropologie had picked up her Fascinator piece. They don’t carry it any longer, but I was excited to see someone’s handmade company doing well. You’ll look hip and stylish and I think it will add to the fun and fancy of the night. For accessories I would just add a fun cocktail ring, and you’re all set!
4. Lastly, my favorite look, Caranday Dress, Anthropologie, $178.00 (this dress would just be so much fun for a special night out. It’s 35.5″ long, so it might be a little short. Even if it’s not, I’ve put with it a slip from Vintage Hem. It’s the Effie’s Dessert style in vanilla, for $60.00). Then the cardigan to wear over it is from J.Crew for $49.99. The necklace ($38.00) and earrings ($18.00) are both from Anthropologie. To finish it off, you have three shoe choices. The Slingback ($43.42), the Peep-Toe Slingback ($49.76), or my pick, the Espadrille ($79.95).
You’ve got a very hard and very fun decision ahead of you. Options one and two are more casual and less expensive. But you did say this was a special occasion worthy of spending a little money…so…options three and four are a little less casual, more festive, and…more expensive.
Have a great birthday Emily, and I hope you enjoy the show!
Love, Emily
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
This dress is absolutely gorgeous! AND it’s on sale… rare I tell you!
At JCrew on sale for $79.99, 20.5 inches from natural waist.
Natalie’s outfit for Alisa:
Striped Ruffle Top at Charlotte Russe, $18.99.
Gentle Current Cardigan at Anthropologie, $88.00
Kut Button Stretch Trouser at Buckle, $78.00
Steve Madden Partiee Sandal at Nordstrom, $89.95
Stone Flower Earrings at Charlotte Russe, $4.00
Ilene Flower Bangle at Forever 21, $5.80
Emily’s outfit for Alisa
Sophia ruffled tank, Fossil, $29.99
Ruffle-trimmed cardigan, Gap, $49.50
Yoked hip slung jeans, Gap, $59.50
Abalone 4-strand Necklace, Fossil, $97.99
Steve Madden Tayla, Piperlime, $100.00
Ashley’s outfit for Alisa:
Authentic Dark Straight Jean at American Eagle Outfitters, $39.50
Short-sleeve Cashmere Cardigan on sale at J Crew, $79.99
Picot Ruffle Tank at Charlotte Russe for $17.99
Jocelyn Platform Stiletto at Forever 21, $26.80
Jewel Ellipse Bracelet at Forever 21, $5.80
Flower Shield Earrings at Charlotte Russe, $4.00
Need help planning an outfit for an event coming up? Email us! Every Tuesday we will post your requested outfits! HOLLA!
Love the pleats in this skirt!
At J.Crew on sale for $49.99, 24 inches long.
Okay. Seriously? Can I have them all?
At J.Crew on sale for $39.99.
Love the simplicity of a T-shirt but the fun detailing of the ruffles on the sleeves.
At J.Crew on sale for $24.99.
