Black & White Dresses

Black & White dresses are amazing because they can be used during any season by simply changing the color of your tights & lipstick.  Plus, they can be used for any type of occasion (barring the fact that they aren't velvet or satin) - dress them down with a denim jacket and flats or pair the dress with some sexy heels, clutch and dangling earrings for an art gallery opening or fancy dinner.  

Color-block dresses and shirts have been trendy for a few years now, and there are definitely a few here that  fit that category but my favorites of the looks below include #1 & #8 in the first picture - the sleek black lines add such a modern touch on the white dresses, really making them special.  For everyday, #2 & #5 in the second picture are perfect - comfortable and stylish.

Either way, here are 14 dresses (from $50 - $1k) sure to make you stand-out at any function.  Happy Shopping!

Ps. Can you tell the bargains apart from the high-end dresses?

1. Jamila Dress 2. New Della Sheath 3. Made to Border Dress 4. Audrey's Lace Dress 

5. Walk a Divine Line Dress 6. Party Dress 7. One Shoulder Dress 8. Aphrodite Dress

Left to Right: One Two Three Four Five Six

Darling Thursday begins

My biological clock is ticking. There, I said it, Mother.  And because it will probably still be a few years before I decide to start the child-rearing process, I've decided to start Darling Thursday.  It will be a day dedicated to all things adorable for the little lovebugs that surround us. Okay, let's face it, I'm self-soothing.  Hopefully this will keep me from acknowledging the boisterous sound of Tick..Tock..Tick...

To kick-off Darling Thursday, here are the things for boys & girls that I'm crushing on right now.

dress / heart-shaped sunglasses / striped shirt / sparkly-pink flats / cardigan

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button-up / bicycle tie / wayfarers / skinny jeans / happy socks / bandit watch / suede boots

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dress / kitty mary janes / polka dot trench / tights / neon fedora / rabbit sweater / yellow jeans / chuck taylors

Great Sweaters for the Winter Season

According to one particular site, the above sweater is a stylish choice for the winter season.  Although I love adorable & furry animals, I would not wear this sweater unless it was to an Ugly Sweater Party.  Yes, it's whimsical.  Yes, it will give you a major moment.  But those two traits do not necessarily qualify this sweater as chic.

As a result, I set out to find a few sweaters that do make you want to dress up for the holiday season.  What do you think?  Do you prefer these or do you love the knit sweater above?

 

J. Crew "Heart Me" Sweater

 Marc Jacobs "Gladiola" Sweater, my personal favorite :)

Ruche's "Cafe Verona" Sweater

 Top Shop

Cozy Winter Clothes from Anthropolgie

These clothes from Anthropologie's December catalog look so cozy and chic.  I want to put them on and indulge in a big cup of hot cocoa next to the fire.  Isn't it amazing how such a simple outfit can transform you to another place and make you think such warm & fuzzy thoughts?

Winter Clothing Essentials - Ruche

Excellent examples of why you should stock up this Fall/Winter with outfits from Ruche.

Great Fall Skirts

Skirts are a huge wardrobe staple this Fall season, and why not when temperatures range between freezing and 90 degrees across the US.  If it's a little cold outside, just slip on a great pair of tights with your skirt in either a similar color for a classic look, or a contrasting color for a more fun & eclectic look.  Here are a few skirts I found at Piperlime that are sure to be great additions to anyone's wardrobe.  Happy Shopping!

 
Left to Right: Houndstooth Mini Circle Skirt, Silk Pleated Maxi Skirt, Pleated Tulle Mini Skirt, Chiffon Maxi Skirt in Merlot

 

Left to Right: Silk Chiffon Asymmetrical Skirt, Silk Zipper-Front Skirt, High Waisted-Panneled Maxi Skirt, Silk Pleated Skirt

Etsy Tuesday: Vintage Dresses

Etsy is amazing, and searching through its pages for this week's post, I could not stop gawking at all of the fabulous finds.  I had an incredibly hard time editing my picks down this week and as a result, this week's post is long.  So, it's a great thing the holiday season is approaching and you'll be in need of a few dresses.  Enjoy and have a great Tuesday!

Dresses L to R:
Top Row: 50s Lace Front Chiffon Dress, Sheer Polka Dot & Velvet Dress, One Shoulder Dress with Beading, Organza Dress with Layered Side Sash
Bottom Row: Black Velvet Cocktail Dress, 60s Dress with Scalloped Skirt, 50s Cocktail Dress with Polka Dots & Embellished Cuffs, Black Pleated & Sequined Dress

Dresses L to R:  Fringe Cocktail Dress, 60s Black & Ivory Dress, 50s Polka Dot Dress,
Animal Print Dress

Dresses L to R (Top Row) 60s Polka Dot Dress with Peter Pan Collar, Red Velvet Cocktail Dress, Vintage Striped Day Dress  (Bottom Row)  Sassy Red Dress with Gathered Waist Line, Silk & Chiffon Dress with Bows,  Red Silk Dress with Accordion Pleats

Fashion Spotlight: Amazing Fall Outfits from Ruche

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How amazing are these three looks from Ruche?  So romantic & easy, that I feel one step closer to a picnic in the park amongst the changing trees with my love.  Bottle of red wine and hot food truck fare?  Yes, please.

Design Fun: Outfit to Room

I won't pretend to be a great designer in fashion or interiors, but I do know that in both, styles are constantly changing and evolving.  It takes a great eye to mix colors and patterns, but when you get it right, it feels so good.  Inspiration for both can be drawn from anywhere - old fashion magazines, fabric stores, or trips around the globe.  Below are three outfits that can easily inspire a room, or vice versa.  Hopefully you'll get just as excited as me to start decorating your room or mixing up your wardrobe.

{Dress by Anthropologie, Room by Domino Magazine}

{Dress by Anthropologie, Room by Jonathan Adler} 

{Dress by Cynthia Vincent, Vest by Sabine & Boots by Dolce Vita; Room by Elle Decor} 

Chic Halloween Costumes for Women

 available here

  available here

 available here

available here

Not only are these chic costumes, but they are 4 reasons why I love Ruche.  If you haven't shopped there, you should definitely visit the link now and start.  The owner has impeccable taste and always chooses just the right items to sale on her website.

Ruche aside, I really love these costumes, especially the Wise Detective.  They are a huge departure from the normal costumes you see for women during Halloween - the sailor, maid, pirate, fairy-tale princess which always include a skirt just below the tush.  These costumes remind others that Halloween isn't just another reason to look like a Playboy bunny, but that you actually enjoy Halloween....and have a brain.

3 Cocktail Dresses under $50

Who would have thought Old Navy had such cute party dresses?  I absolutely adore these and have just placed my order for all three.  They are perfect for the upcoming holiday season and won't put a dent in your wallet.  Also, they are the perfect dresses to do the high-low style.  Below, are three high-low looks featuring the Old Navy dresses for a fashion forward holiday party.

Look #1:

Beaded Old Navy Dress, $45

Judith Leiber Clutch, $2495

Christian Louboutin Suede Pump, $945

J. Crew Bracelet, $68

Look #2:

Old Navy Embellished Dress, $35

Smythe Puff-Sleeve Blazer, $695

J.Crew Pave Link Bracelet, $118

Sparkly d'Orsay Louboutins, $1795

Stella & Dot Chandelier Earrings, $49

Look #3

Embellished Old Navy Dress, $35

Tinley Road Art Deco Earrings, $20

Bejeweled Heel Satin Pump by Jimmy Choo, $1695

Judith Leiber Ritz Fizz Clutch, $2995

Urban Outfitters, what?!

It has been a really long time since I received an Urban Outfitters catalog I didn't feel too old to look at.  In all sincerity, I was beginning to think I had outgrown them and was only restricted to J. Crew and the like.  Everything looked like it belonged on a Hipster in their teens and early 20s.  AND THEN, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but an unbelievable Fall 2011 catalog that boggled my mind.  I absolutely loved some of the looks they put together for this season.  Also, I noticed the prices were a bit higher, which may mean they finally employ a designer of a reasonable and reputable age.  Either way, Bravo, Urban Outfitters for really getting one right.  Aren't these looks chic?  They are feminine and classic - perfect for a date night, grocery shopping, or even a girl's night.

Do you know when to wash your clothes?

I thought I did, but the last two issues of Real Simple I received in the mail, both had articles titled "Do You Wash Your Clothes Too Often" and the overwhelming answer for me, was yes.  Yes, I do and I am not afraid to admit it.  Apparently, I way over wash them too.

For instance, skirts.  I thought 2 wears more than qualified as dirty but according to Real Simple, you can wear skirts 4 -5 times before chucking them in the washer.  Sweatshirts I washed every 2 -3 wears, depending on whether or not I was just lounging around in them after work during winter, but Real Simple says every 6 - 7 wears.  It's a good thing they agreed with me on swimsuits (after every wear), or I would have assumed the good people at Real Simple were a smelly bunch.

How do you fare with Real Simple?


Photos courtesy of Real Simple