Kacie emailed me with this: “I was thinking you should do some posts of “how to wear it” so like in my case I have this little cardigan that I got a few years ago at Anthropologie but I have never worn it because I have NO IDEA what to wear it with. I think it would be cool to show people how to take things they already have in their closet and add to them to get a cool look”

Kacie, I think that is a great idea! So, I put the outfit below together for you. Now, make sure you read what I wrote about the items, or else, just by looking at this outfit you would never trust my judgment again!

Okay, so here is what I think. First off, unless you can find a really good cap sleeve (which after a long time of searching, I couldn’t!) than you will want to wear a tank with this sweater. I would choose one that has a wider strap than the one pictured, and without any detailing on the neck line. However, the one thing I liked about this tank was the fit. I think a loose fitting, wide strapped, and gray or blue colored tank would be best. Secondly,  skinny jeans… check. With the loose fitting tank, I think skinnies would look best. And last but not least…and I’m sure you guessed it, flats. But I would definitely choose a fun color from the sweater for your flats, so either yellow or that orange-y red color would look great!

What do you think readers? Would you wear this outfit? If not, what would you do differently?

Even if I could afford it… I’m too frugal and don’t think I would ever allow myself to do it… but it is fun to dream.

Red swimsuit, Polka dot swimsuit, Red swimsuit, Black swimsuit, Purple swimsuit (my sister in law has this one and it was SO cute on her!), Gray swimsuit

Oh yeah, and I googled “old fashioned swimwear” and got the image below… I feel slightly embarrassed for this guy But if you like it, you can purchase it here.

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.

Target has a great selection of modest dresses right now! And, BONUS… all of them (besides the orange one) are under $25!!! Woot!

From left to right: Black tiered dress, purple dress, green dress, black wrap dress, orange dress (it’s still only $39.99… not bad)

Have a great weekend! I’ll meet you back here on Monday… with a sweet little giveaway!

Seriously, who doesn’t love a good floral print hanging in their closet? One thing that I love about florals is how feminine they are. I also love that each pattern is so different, yet give off the same feminine feel. (minus the dress on the bottom left… that is definitely a different look than the others)

Clockwise from top Left: Dress, Top, Dress (Thanks Heather!!!)  Skirt, Swimsuit, Dress

AND here is an awesome offer from Charlotte Russe (Is this what you mean Beth???)

Get an extra 30% off sale styles! Valid from Thursday, 6/24 through Wednesday, 6/30. Enter promo code: Extra30 at CharlotteRusse.com

So… for our 3 year anniversary we just went out to eat at a place downtown called Root Down. And let me tell you… it was delicious! Then when we got home I made Zach watch Dear John with me and there were two rules: no complaining, and act like you like it! And surprisingly he followed them! ahha I of course forgot my camera so this is a picture we took after dinner. Like Zach’s outfit? Maybe I can get him to put a post up about where to find his clothes… oh wait. I know, it would go like this: Goodwill, Crocs. That’s what my husband wears, and I love it. Anyways, if you care, here are the links to my outfit.

Top, Pants, Headband, Shoes.

p.s. this is the haircut I gave myself. And after I cut my hair, Zach decided to shave his own head (first buzz cut of our marriage). We are cool like that.

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)

Tunic, Yellow Sandals, Pink Swimsuit, Straw Hat, Colorful Bag.

We decided that this week we would showcase some outfits that would be great to wear to the beach because we have had several swimsuit giveaways lately. I love the idea of wearing a tunic as a cover-up with a straw hat, something about straw hats sings: BEACH! I would probably go shoeless, but you need something on your feet from the car to the sand… Enjoy!

-Natalie

So, if I can be real here, I need a swimsuit with serious support. I have a large bust, and after having twins I have a smooshy stomach that just doesn’t know what to do with itself. Tankinis are great, but not really for me anymore. I don’t want any spillover. This swimsuit isn’t the vampiest I’ve ever seen, but it gets the job done while being decently cute.  Plus, it has an underwire in it and it comes in bust sizes D and up (as well as short torso/long torso/plus size/mastectomy/you name it). This cover-up is so lightweight and easy, and after your beach time you could add some breezy linen drawstring pants and make it a tunic.   I think this hat is so cute, and Target has a cute line of hats right now to choose from.  Of course, the most important thing here is the sunscreen.  Seriously, I saw an older lady yesterday who looked like she spent many days of her youth laying out in the sun.  I don’t want to look like that when I’m 70, so I’m going to do my best now to minimize sun damage.  If you come to central coast California, I’d love to meet you at the beach!

-Emily

swimsuit, cover-up, pants, hat, sunscreen, sandals

DON’T FORGET: the DownEast Basics Swimsuit giveaway ends tomorrow! Click here to enter.

I realized that lately I have been posting a lot of ridiculously expensive items in my Tuesday posts. So, today is different. There isn’t one item in this outfit that is more than $44! Yay for affordable clothing. I really wanted a scarf with this outfit, however this one looks a little off. Maybe a different shade of purple would do it? I also think Yellow would be cute. Anyways, enjoy!

-Natalie

Purple Scarf, Striped t-shirt, Toms Shoes, Denim Leggings, White Bag.

I wanted to pick an outfit that would be comfortable and easy to take on and off while you’re trying things on. I also wanted something cute so that you could feel put together enough to stop by the Cheesecake Factory or something for dinner. I recently had the Santa Fe salad and the Key Lime cheesecake and I wholeheartedly recommend both. Hope you have a girls’ shopping day in your near future!

-Emily

top, wide-leg pants, mary-jane flats, bracelet

Another great outfit from Jessica!!! Total cost: $101.99

Top, Sweater, Shorts, Sandals

This dress has spring written all over it. I LOVE it!!

Dress, Cardigan, Shoes, Hair Clips

Another really cute dress from Target. Looks like it may be on the short side. Geez, I wish they would just post the length!!!

At Target for $24.99!

This dress looks perfect for spring and summer!

At Target for $39.99. Thanks for the link Caitlin!

Cute, cute swimsuit. Sent in by Jessica with this review:

I was a bit skeptical when I ordered it, but it fits great, looks great, and made me feel great on the beach – which isn’t easy! It comes in so many pretty colors and has straps that you can put on like a halter strap if you’d like!

Thanks Jessica!

At Target for $34.99

I think this dress is super cute, it looks like something that would come from Shabby Apple.

At Target for $39.99.

Brittany from Tangled and True put together her ideal Thanksgiving outfit for us! I love the turquoise and mustard colors that she used! Thanks Brittany!

tanktop
jeans
purse
shoes
belt
earrings
cardigan

I love everything about this dress. Seriously… it is a perfect fall-winter dress!

At Target for $44.99

This dress is perfect for the expecting mom who wants to be comfortable and still look put together. And also for anyone else who isn’t preggers and wants to be comfortable and cute. Looks like a win-win situation…

At Target for $24.99

After a couple months of debating I decided to buy a pair of these adorable rainboots. I live in the Northwest (where it rains non-stop) and was sick of the bottom of my pants always getting soaked. I figured for $25… why not add something different,fun and functional to my wardrobe? Target.com has a HUGE selection. You should check it out!

Cute dress sent in by our reader Shannon B. Thanks Shannon!

At Target for $39.99.

Shannon, when you receive this in the mail… let us know how you like it!

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.)

Our reader Beth T. wrote:

Beth, I love this dress and how bright and cheerful it is! For day use I would wear the belt around the waist without the cardigan. And for the evening I would add the cardigan and the belt over the cardigan. Hope you have a blast!

peace.natalie

Sateen Floral Dress at Barrie Pace on sale for $99.00 (Thanks for the tip on Barrie Pace Whitney!)

Verla Peep-Toe Ballet Flats at Target for $24.99

Adi D Leather Belt with Floral Buckle at Target for $21.99

Cropped Cardigan at Charlotte Russe for $18.99

Hi Beth!  I found a few dresses that would work and would be easy to accessorize with black shoes and accessories (I particularly love the dress that looks like a top and skirt – it’s the comfort of a dress with the chicness of the blouse/skirt combo!)  The first dress would look great with a cardigan for the evening, and I would put a wrap with the black dress.

But, then I saw the blue floral dress on Charlotte Russe and fell in love with it.  Unless you’re petite and/or have a supershort torso, then this dress will be too short so I put a white eyelet slip underneath from Vintage Hem and a J.Crew cardigan on top.  I love white in the summertime, and I love how this look is fun and flirty, and would be crazy comfortable.  The shoes may not be comfortable for when you’re having fun out on the town, so stash a pair of cute flats in your bag for that.  Have a great night, it sounds like so much fun!  Love, Emily

Cap-sleeve Belted Shift Dress, JCPenney, $19.99 (yes, you read that right, under 20 bucks!)

Black Plaid Dress, JCPenney, $49.99

Floral Dress, Charlotte Russe, $26.99

Eyelet Tower Slip, Vintage Hem, $36.00

Georgia Cardigan, J.Crew, $29.99

Striped Espadrille, Endless.com, $65.95

Dear Natalie, I am so proud of your site and how you make dressing modestly so chic! My only dillemma? I’ve been on bedrest for 12 weeks and have at least another 5 to go. I am uncomfortable wearing all of my cute maternity tops and jeans as I am laying down. It is so frustrating as I feel very frumpalicious in these pajama bottoms. Could you help me to find some cheap, comfy, and cute loungewear that I could wear now and after baby?  This is my 3rd and I know I will be not getting into jeans for at least a month! The help would be greatly appreciated.
-Annie

Annie,

for the lower half… I would DEFINITELY stay away from jeans! They are so uncomfortable at the end of pregnancy, especially in the middle of summer! When I was in the end of my pregnancy I loved skirts! They are so much cooler (as in the degrees) than jeans and even shorts for that matter and even though it’s just a skirt, it makes you feel put together! However I added some shorts because shorts are still amazing (just not as amazing as skirts…) Also, these will be great for the month that you won’t be able to fit in jeans! Congratulations!

peace. natalie

Katie Skirt Black at Target for $25.00

Liz Lange Smocked Cover-up Skirt at Target for $19.99

Liz Lange Stripe Bermuda- Yellow at Target for $19.99

Liz Lange Bermuda Shorts-Ebony at Target on sale for $13.98

As far as the tops, I would stick with simple tees, this far into your pregnancy you probably don’t want to be spending too much moolah!

This is a STEAL!

Find it at Target for $15.00!

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

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

How cute is this?

Find it at Target for only $24.99!

I go to Target about 3 times a week. I usually end up spending the majority of my time in the baby section (I have a one year old) and I forget to check the women’s clothes! I was in tonight though and they had 5 or 6 CUTE modest dresses in stock! They had some shirtdresses, a black and white chiffon dress along with a couple other styles. They had sleeves and they went to my mid-knee (I’m 5′4.) They were all priced at about $24.99- worth checking out!

Shorts: ‘Flat Pocket Bermuda Shorts’ at Wet Seal for $24.50

Top: ‘Pearl Flower Blouse’ at Charlotte Russe for $22.99 UPDATE: No longer available… BUMMER!

Shoes: Mossimo Supply Co. ‘Odell Ballet Flats’ at Target for $12.99

Bag: Angie & Lola ‘Hobo with Rings’ at Target for $29.99

Bracelet: ‘Grooved Bracelet Set’ at Forever 21 for $5.80

Earrings: ‘Painted Laser Cut Earrings’ at Forever 21 for $3.80

I tried this one on at Target and really liked it! The floral pattern is bright and beautiful! I am 5′4 and it hit me right at the knee.

Find it at Target for $39.99