A girl at work asked me what she should wear with her newly purchased red pants. It got my brain going with some ideas…

Greetings,
First of all, I just wanted to say I absolutely love your site! I was wondering if I could make a request. I will be starting rotations in the summer time. That means, I will be on my toes all day long in the hospitals. With that said, I am terrible with fashion, so I could really use some suggestions. I need to look professional. I believe I can wear ‘dresses’ and professional skirts and pants. I am clueless when it comes to what to do with my hair and make up for a particular outfit. I am really into that whole ‘ruffle and romantic’ look but I don’t know if that’s appropriate. As for shoes, like I said, I will be on my feet all day long so I would need really comfortable shoes. If you could put together some suggestions, I would forever appreciate it. Thank you so much!!!

Sincerely,
Student.

Dear Student… we broke your request into a few different posts… so keep your eyes out for more posts throughout the week!

wear to work: where to shop by nkershaw featuring a banana republic

I recently was one of the lucky few to have gotten tickets to a taping of the Oprah Show in April! This is a dream come true for me! Anyway, I was wondering what you would recommend to wear on the show? I was reading on the website and it said to stay away from white and black. I’ve heard bright colors are best. Also, I’ve heard that the better your outfit the better chance you have of getting an awesome seat in the audience! So I want to look my very best! Ok so I’m 30 years old and petite, 5’0, 100 lbs so I have trouble finding age appropriate clothes that fit.
Thanks so much for your help!

Take care,
Janee

oprah outfit by nkershaw featuring a scoop neck tee

Have you started thinking about what you’re going to wear for that Valentines Day Date?  I have put together an outfit together for you!!

I tried to find super inexpensive and on – sale items.

p.s. stay tuned for a giveaway Monday!

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

www.thebrightbit.com

pearls bow peep shoes top earrings skirt bracelet lipstick (this is the lipstick I use)

Urban Outfitters regularly features “Trend Reports”.  I really liked this one on the 70′s.

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

clog, headscarf, bellbottom outfit, boots, shirt top

love this shop.  basic, cute clothes.

how about this outfit?

alternative apparel.

I saw this “Athena” dress at William Riera and just knew I had to make a Goddess Outfit fit for the Ancient Greeks!

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

headband dress lipstick gold hoops shoes headband

Reader Question:

I could really use some outfit help!  I have no idea what to wear with these boots.

THANK YOU!!

Sarah

Sarah:  As soon as I saw these boots, I thought of a riding outfit. Mango and Zara are perfect for that.  I hope you enjoy your selection!

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

blouse belt vest boots trousers red purse

We also have a question about boot height:

So I absolutely am loving the over the knee boots, but I am short 4’9″ to be exact.  My husband told me that those boots would only make me look shorter.  Anyway of getting around that?  Is it a true statement?

Thanks,
Kayleigh

Kayleigh- I am a short girl too!  I am not sure however, because I actually don’t wear boots that high (they just dont look right on me).  I would say they would be fine as long as you balance it out.  Lets get some more help, though:

CALLING ALL READERS: What do you think?

Did you know Maurices carries plus size?   They sell it online AND in store as far as I can tell.  Here is a cute outfit for you:

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

pant

tank

shrug

shoe

hair clips

Reader Question:

I work in a very casual office and would love to wear my leggings more often. However, I never know what’s an appropriate top to wear. I definitely want to keep my bum covered and preferably my upper thighs (yikes!). Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

I have wondered the same thing as you!!   I LOVE wearing leggings but to be modest it can be kind of tricky.  I suggest shirt dresses, long menswear shirts and button up sweaters.

Hope you enjoy your selection!  Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

plaid, brown and blue, gray

black, floral, pattern

red stripes, blue stripes, salmon

blue, camel, salmon, gray sweater

pink, neutral, white

Hi there,

I am in school to become an elementary teacher. I’ve recently stumbled upon your site, and have loved every single one of your posts. I was wondering if you had any outfit ideas for a young teacher who is passionate about what she does. I want to be the functional yet fashionable teacher.

Thanks,
Samantha

Samantha, last year we had a reader with the exact same question! Ashley, Emily, and I all put together outfit ideas for last years reader, and I think what we did will help you with your quest to be a fashionable yet functional teacher! To read the whole post go here, and be aware that a lot of the links probably don’t work anymore but the ideas are the same nonetheless! Good Luck!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Holiday Season! If you want, head on over to the DownEast Basics blog to see this weeks postings by yours truly (me… duh.) including a skirt giveaway!

See you next week!

Natalie

Check out Brittany from Tangeled and True’s ideal Thanksgiving outfit from last year!

And Reachel’s ideal Thanksgiving outfit from Cardigan Empire…

And Summer of Eliza Magazine and the Girls With Glasses Show’s outfit from last Thanksgiving…

Also, check out Elaine of Clothed Much’s (sp???) ideal Thanksgiving outfit from last year…

And last but not least…

Check out the oh so fashionable Naomi of Rockstar Diaries ideal Thanksgiving outfit from last year!

I hope you enjoy these wonderful outfits that our blogging friends put together last year! I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving weekend with lots of shopping! See you back here next week!

Our reader Jami, said:

I am sure you are getting a TON of family photos, but here is ours as well.  We chose bright colors instead of muted and I think it represents our family well.

Love the blog!  Thanks for all the ideas on cute modest clothes!

One question…  Do you have any ideas for a cute winter boot that I can wear on a day to day basis?  So nothing with a big heel that I can’t chase my kids around in. Something that will go with most casual outfits, but still be stylish?  I am having a hard time finding something.

Jami

Jami: Love the photo!!  As for your winter boots question, go HERE there are options with and without a heel and it will get your on the right search.

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

for family photos that is!  (or so says Jill!)

Our reader, Jill, sent in her family photos and said this:

i sent mine in last year and thought i’d do the same again this year.
i was so pleased with how they turned out and thought your readers might want some “outfit ideas.
all are extremely budget friendly/modest, which your readers will surely appreciate.
i think everything came from either old navy, gap or banana. all my stuff was old navy {maternity}…we’re expecting #3 in march!!
we went with jewel tones for the most part and just added the rusty red flowers for a pop of color from the opposite end of the color wheel!

thanks again for all the fantastic ideas on your site…..

Congrats, Jill!  Thanks for sending in your beautiful family pictures.

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

so I say Hall – o – ween.  Like, I am walking down the Hall o ween.  Any way you say it – one things for sure:

HDAY is F. U. N.!!

Here are some of my personal favorites from my weekend:

my gorgeous red headed mother as Mary, Queen of Scots

Cute Cute Cute Ashley as Bo-Peep from Toy Story (her husband was Woody)

and me, once again dressing up as a man – Sherlock Holmes.

I thought I would throw in some of our Halloween party decorations.

I was totally trying to (unsuccessfully be Martha Stewart!!!)

Thanks for all the modest Halloween Submissions!!!  Hope your H Day was every thing you dreamed of and more.

Next up: family pics!!!

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping

We get a lot of requests for what to wear for engagement/family photos.  We had our great previous post about what to wear for family photos – so here comes the time for family photo submissions!!

We invite you send in your family/engagement photos and we will post them on SS!

One of our readers said, I’m stuck. I have no idea what to wear for my engagement photos. I want them to be fun and semi casual (jeans would be fine, but so would a dress with flats). I don’t even know where to start… help!

I think engagement photos run along the same line as family photos as far as rules go (see previous post on family photos)

However, I think you need to take in consideration what your personal style is. When I got my engagements done, I had hardly ANY time to think about it.

We got engaged and married in .2 seconds and had to get our photos done ASAP. I just decided on dark jeans and black tops because I knew thats what I would be most comfortable in.    (I really liked those jeans, black is slimming and it looks great against my white hair.) I chose not to wear my standard bright red lipstick because I knew that would be too harsh and not as classic as I would want (would I like that look in 5 years or be embarrassed by it?)

As far as what the then fiance’ would wear, we were at a loss.   I just told him to wear black because I feel like black doesn’t count for matchy-matchy because it comes across very classy.  (I mean, I’ve always worn a lot of black and living in New York just solidified that)

It also helped that our photographer, Cyndee from Ashki Photography, was very talented and good at finding different scenes and bringing in the background color and variety to our photos. We went all over downtown so we I wasn’t really able to change outfits, but if you can do that, I would highly recommend it.  That way it gives you a variety.

Also, I brought a lot of scarves and accessories that we took on and off throughout the shoot.

**all photos done by Cyndee Wanyonyi of Ashki Photography

Our reader, Collette, sent in some of her modest Halloween costumes.  Here is what she said:

Here are just a few I have done in the past few years. Generally the costumes were put together with things around the house and a trip or to to the thrift store for missing pieces (Savers is especially good around Halloween because they have new items too). I sew, so some of it has required that. I love dressing up and often hope I get invited to more than one party a year so I have an excuse to dress up more.

I just wanted to note that I have been pregnant twice on Halloween. One time I dressed up as a black widow, using my belly as the spiders’ abdomen. And the other time I was a mail-lady (see below).

My favorite is BY FAR the MJ Costume!!!  How about you?

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

HALLOWEEN!! and that means pumpkin spice, spooky decoration, scary movies and trick or treating.  Some of my greatest memories are from Halloween (see pics below)

pumpkin sculptures in Tarrytown, upstate New York, circa 2007

And for us SS kinda gals it means another thing to: the hunt for a modest Halloween suit.

Our reader, Becky, said:

I love your blog. I’ve been so frustrated lately trying to find a cute Halloween costume that is modest. Why must all costumes be more appropriate for the bedroom than trick-or-treating with your small children? What are your favorite modest but still cute dress-up options for costume parties?

We might have to ask our readers to help with this one!!  What do you all think?  I think the best thing to do is find a modest dress or top and bottoms and then go OVER the top with accessories.

I tend to always be men.   I have been:  Charlie Chaplin, Professor Plum and I am being a certain man this HDay as well.  (Will not reveal now…….mwahahaha) {I’ve also been a dead camper and a homeless bum in college. not. cute.}

me as a gypsy, circa 2008

But as women we want to feel pretty at Halloween without feeling uncomfortable and most costumes out there are not. appropriate.

my mother and me next to the Headless Horseman Bridge circa 2007

I think taking a classic costume, like a witch, nerd, period costume, anything (easily made dead with white makeup and red lipstick), diva, hippie,  grecian goddess, native american or something, and making it interesting with different accessories and a cute dress would be a good idea.    PLAY UP ON THE MAKEUP!

Of course, LEGGINGS and SHRUGS may be required!!

Here are some of my finds.   Readers what do you think?

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

tights, moccasins, blue pumps, wig, cheetah dress, eye lashes

southwest dress, black outfit, glasses, shoes, floral dress (shrug required, obviously)

shirt dress, mustache kit, hand bling, feathered mask, sequin dress

witch hat, skeleton necklace, plus size dark dress, love top, heart sunnies, seashell hair wear

venetian mask, ghost costume, striped dress, fur coat, black bow

Our Reader, Tessa, wrote:

Don’t make fun of me… but I have been having this fantasy of wearing something peter pan inspired. The dusty colors, cool collars you know…  ?How could I pull off this look without looking like a “lost girl”?

Tessa, the first thought I had when I read this was to look to a previous post for the long shirt dress.  I think some leggings would be perfect and I found some very organic looking accessories at Urban Outfitters!  I think the whole outfit is very Peter Pan.  You could dress it down for every day or add some glitter and make it a Halloween outfit!

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

leafy headband, brown headpiece, nature headband, green shirt dress, leggings

Our reader Melissa said,
I need help! My 20 year class reunion is coming up in October.  I have no idea what to wear.  I graduated from a small school and live in the Midwest so the weather will be cool.   I am open for anything, but I am not a very flashy person.  I would like to look great without standing out or blending in.  Thanks! Can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Melissa – thanks for writing in.  I hope what I have come up with helps!  Remember not being flashy doesn’t mean not using all the “fashion tools”, it doesn’t mean dressing plainly, necessarily.  In this instance I chose dainty lovely accessories that go together really well.    The striped top is a timeless look that classes up an outfit in a instance and makes the dark jeans perfect.   I think wearing a heel will make you look more dressed up with the jeans.

Enjoy!  Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

watch, necklace, earrings, jeans, top, shoes, bracelet

I loved this combination! (Especially those adorable Chevron earrings)  Thanks for the bag suggestion, Kayleigh, it’s so cute!

top, earrings, trousers, eyeshadow, shoes, bag

I’m in Love.   This Pixie Market Green Shirt Dress would look divine with a pair of dark jeans and this Bow Cuff and pair of LuLu shoes.  Don’t you think?

shirt, bracelet cuff, shoes

Hey guys! I know. I know. Long time no talk. I have been extremely busy lately! (More on that in a week… It’s kinda a secret right now… and I can’t wait to tell you!) So, I apologize for my lack of posts, but I will be posting at least every Friday.

Anyways, I put together what I think is going to be my fall staple look. And I’m thinking that I need to invest in a black pair of skinny jeans pronto. I love the style of looser fitting tops paired with skinny jeans and flats. Every time I see it, I think it’s cute. And I think I need to buy each color of these flats from Target! Maybe you’ve noticed, maybe you haven’t, but I put them in posts all. the. time. (this entire look is only $47!)

Alright, see you here next Friday, and I will then tell you my little secret

What’s your fall staple look?

Our reader said:

I have a wedding coming up and I found this dress which I love but I need help finding a cardigan and some flats to wear.  The colors we are supposed to be in are light grey, lilac, ivory and muted gold so any suggestions you have would be super great!!

Wow!  This wedding sounds really pretty.  I was so excited when I got your email, I knew it would be fun to put this outfit together.

I found a few options for your in soft lilacs and gold.  Hope your enjoy your selections.

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

lilac shrug, gold ballet flat, gray dress, lilac cardigan, light blazer, metallic flats, gold necklace

I saw this skirt and immediately began crafting an outfit for it in my head!   I think it is so stylish and simple – leaving a lot of room for accessory action!

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

t shirt, skirt, headband, ring, necklace, shoes

Big glam piece + neutral tones = ready to rock or ready to slowly sway at any concert all while looking fabulous.

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

beanie, bangles, toast top, shoes, pants

This is one of my favorite fall seasons EVER.  I love all the Fall trends right now: velvet, animal print, chunky heels, hats, knits, stripes, military, southwest colors, leggings, menswear as womenswear, colorful hosiery, sparkle embellishments, lace, leather, fur on and on!!  I have highlighted a WHOLE bunch of my favorites right now:

Ciao Ciao and Happy Shopping!

black dress, green dress, velvet dress

plaid shirt, striped dress, red dress

military vest, military tee, plus embellished dress, southwest sweater, bow belt

fur collared coat, gray leggings, animal print purse, black plus leggings

gray poncho, blue fleece jacket, mustard knit

yellow knit, leather bag, black dress

maternity leopard top, mng slacks, mng menswear top

black plus embellished dress, purple knit, black plus embellished vest

plus fur vest, embellished shoes, cardigan, plus cardigan

lace top, green trousers, striped tee

fur vest, hat, black shoes, colored socks, ring, tights, earrings, fur hat

We got this email from one of our readers:

Ok, so I used to be a cool LA girl who bought far too expensive clothing and worked out.  Flash forward 4 years, a temple wedding, 2 kids (and the weight that comes with them) annnnd an invite to my coolest LA girlfriends Beverly hills wedding in October.  Black tie optional AND 3 months postpartum?  I could just die! Rule out anything empire waist.  I have been subscribing to your blog for several months now and really enjoy it.  If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Thank you,

Katy
is fashionably frustrated.

Well Katy, I don’t know your exact size but I found a few ideas for you!   My suggestion for you is wearing a solid color and play heavily (and strategically) on the accessories!   They can glam up an outfit and make you look more present and put together in an instant!

Dress Ideas:

From Left to Right:

Asymmetrical Dress, Gray Shabby Apple, Gray Jen Clothing, Daydreamer Wrap Dress

From Left to Right:

Necklace, Bracelet, Hair Piece, Ring, Stud Earrings

Yay for awesome husbands who know how to fix websites! Since I am going to Hawaii in two weeks, I thought it was only appropriate for me to post accordingly.

I think if we go to a luau, I will definitely have to wear a summer dress, paired with some stellar sandals, and of course, a lei!

I agree, that the shoes are the wrong color. Okay?  Today I was at the Library with Jane and this lady who was probably about 65 or 70 walks in with so much style! I wish I had my camera. She even had the cutest haircut I’ve ever seen on a lady her age. (no offense) So, this is me trying to re create the look of the super stylish lady. (And yes, she was wearing over sized sunglasses. I want to be her when I’m older…)

Cropped Pants, Top, Sunglasses, Belt, Shoes.

I’m kinda digging this bohemian look. And I think it would be perfect to wear out to lunch with your girlfriends! Thanks Ashlin for sending me the link to the top!

Top, Trouser jeans, Sandals

Okay, so I know this is more of a fall look than a summer look… but I’m just so excited about Forever 21′s maternity line that I wanted to put together a look. However, I must say that the girl pictured in the skinny jeans must not be pregnant! She is too skinny! (maybe I’m just being jealous)

Top, Pants, Sandals

So, ALL of these clothes are from Old Navy. I was pretty impressed with their new arrivals.

Okay, so when it is SO hot that you don’t want to go outside… but at the same time need to get outside or you’ll go crazy, I like to wear skirts. A lot of the summer you will see me in a skirt, basic tee, and flats/sandals. This summer would be perfect for me to add a cute hat to my routine. I just feel like skirts are so much breezier and don’t stick to my body like jean shorts. So… walking around the zoo… this is what I would wear. (with the tee tucked into the skirt)

Top, Skirt, Sandals, Hat

ALSO: Today we have a guest post by Lisa Byrd Thomas who is a fashion stylist based out of Memphis, TN. Take a look at the outfit that she thinks would be perfect to wear to the zoo.

Depending on where you live, a trip to the zoo this time of year can be VERY hot!  So, you need to dress appropriately.  A single layer of loose fitting, cotton clothes in a light color is a perfect choice.  But that doesn’t have to mean sloppy, as you can see here.  I’ve paired these khaki, oversized cargo shorts with a loose, ¾ length sleeve tee in lime sherbet, a white, skinny leather belt, and comfortable, woven leather sandals.  I’ve kept accessories to a minimum.  A long, natural stone necklace adds a shot of color.  Check the boys/men’s department for cargo shorts that are looser and longer than those usually found in the juniors/women’s department.  But make sure they fit well in the rear.  For us girls with fuller hips and thighs, avoid shorts with big pockets that fall at your widest point.  And try zippered pockets instead.  The longer sleeve, loose tee is a must to balance out the fullness of the shorts.

Throw on a cute bucket hat for protection from the sun, a small messenger bag for your necessities, and you are good to go!  (Don’t forget the sunscreen!!!!)