Monday, September 28, 2009

CK White Dress & Outfit

I found this dress today, and I have to say, I think it's the best. Even though it's on sale, it's still $89.99, but I think it's a great investment piece -- versatile and classic.


Here's how I would accessorize it:


1. Fine Gauge Cardigan, $10.50, Forever 21 (link)
2. Sweet Chestnut Necklace, $35, FashionTouch @ Etsy (link)
3. Women's Herringbone Tights, $5, Old Navy (link)
4. Belted Boots, $34.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
5. Calvin Klein Pleated Neck Belted Dress, $89.99, Smart Bargains (link)
6. Mini Bow Clutch, $8.49, Target (link)
7. Open Line Leaf Earrings, $2.80, Forever 21 (link)

total: $186.77

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Etsy Find: Modest Apparel

I usually use Etsy as my go-to for unique jewelry and other gifts. Mostly I stay away from the clothes on Etsy, because it seems ridiculous to buy something non-returnable when you can't try it on first (a lesson I learned after the horrible yellow dress incident). Clothes on Etsy also tend to be more expensive.

If, however, you find yourself craving a unique or handmade top, dress, or skirt this fall (I have forever sworn off buying pants online), here are some modest selections that I think are absolutely gorgeous:


1. Tissue Wrap Top, $69, flowersun @ Etsy (link)
2. Very romantic blue dress, $48, miablaz @ Etsy (link)
3. Lucy in polka dot, $110, myblackdress @ Etsy (link)
4. Champagne Ruffle Blouse, $45, dyanahar @ Etsy (link)
5. Jennifer Skirt, $75, myblackdress @ Etsy (link)
6. Laced Vintage Dress, $20, anachronisticapparel @ Etsy (link)
7. Electric blue Yogui, $40, crystalindumentaria @ Etsy (link)
8. Wide Diagonal-Pleats Skirt, $63.50, MoonCircus @ Etsy (link)
9. Pretty Birdie's Belted Jacket, $215, stephanieteague @ Etsy (link)
10. Handmade high-waist skirt, $38, TigerVintage @ Etsy (link)
11. The Decadence Skirt, $40, necessityisthemother @ Etsy (link)
12. Snow Flower top, $69.99, flutter @ Etsy (link)
13. The Lone Poppy Top, $42, modestmaven @ Etsy (link)
14. Cropped Lace Cardigan, $50, ellainaboutique @ Etsy (link)
15. Little Bits Tee, $40, ellainaboutique @ Etsy (link)
16. Short Sleeve Corsage Tee, $46, ellainaboutique @ Etsy (link)
17. Pleated neckline dress, $117, Lirola @ Etsy (link)
18. English rose ruffle dress, $124, Lirola @ Etsy (link)
19. Fiorello top, $85, Lirola @ Etsy (link)
20. Romantic flower top, $85, Lirola @ Etsy (link)
21. Aviatrix Wrap, $82, Ureshii @ Etsy (link)

Monday, September 21, 2009

Catherine's Request

Last week my lovely sister-in-law Catherine wrote me an e-mail to tell me that she bought this dress recently, and she was wondering if I could help her accessorize it. Um, yes. Love to, yes. First of all, it's one awesome find of a dress. So flattering, such a great color, and such a steal. Second, I love taking one piece and showing how versatile it is. I put together four different looks, and even though each is labeled for a specific occasion, I think they're all very adaptable. Catherine said she didn't really have a budget in mind, so I let myself splurge a little bit (although all four looks came in under $200). Let me know what you think!

A romantic night out look:
1. Cropped Knit Cardigan, $13.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Wrap shirt dress, on sale $17.99, Fashion Bug (link)
3. Clou Strand, $38, Anthropologie (link)
4. Dahlia bunches ring, $9.99, Ruche (link)
5. Xhilaration Sydney Mary Jane Pumps, $22.99, Target (link)
6. Merona Large Classic Clutch, $16.99, Target (link)

total: $119.76

A sunny church look:
1. Safari Jacket, on sale $24.99, Calvin Klein Jeans (link)
2. Wide-Eyed Daisy Ring, $7.99, ModCloth (link)
3. Windflower Necklace, $38, Anthropologie (link)
4. Merona Tote, $26.99, Target (link)
5. Wrap shirt dress, on sale $17.99, Fashion Bug (link)
6. Anna by Fabulaire, $24.99, Rack Room (link)

total: $140.95

A sassy work look (because Catherine's husband likes her sassy):
1. Doki Geki Ruched Sleeve Boyfriend Blazer, $48, Nordstrom (link)
2. Wrap shirt dress, on sale $17.99, Fashion Bug (link)
3. Circa 78 Knot Necklace, on sale $19.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
4. Herringbone hobo, on sale $34.99, Gap (link)
5. Mossimo Veanna Platform Pumps, $29.99, Target (link)
6. Brass paisley disc earrings, $6.99, Ruche (link)

total: $157.95

A fun lunch-with-friends look:
1. Petal Trim Cardigan, $26, Forever 21 (link)
2. Mossimo Black Hobo, $19.99, Target (link)
3. Mercury Headband, $38, Anthropologie (link)
4. Lora by Limelight, $29.99, Rack Room (link)
5. Wrap shirt dress, on sale $17.99, Fashion Bug (link)
6. Repurposed Fabric Necklace and Earring Set, $47, kangas @ Etsy (link)

total: $178.97

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Wishlist: J. Crew Pleated Galleria Dress

I found this dress while perusing J. Crew this morning, and I absolutely adore it. It's gorgeous, it's modest, and the description states that it "falls below the knee," which in Mary-size terms means that it hits right at the knee -- perfect. The reason it's marked as an item on my wishlist isn't the price tag this time, it's the color. At $188, this dress would be perfect as the little black dress I'm looking for. If only, if only J. Crew made this dress in black, I would buy it in a heartbeat! Half a heartbeat, even! Everything about it is perfect, except for the fact that it only comes in navy. Blerg. It is beautiful, though, isn't it?



Wool pleated galleria dress, $188 (link)

Since I was already wishing for things I couldn't have, I went ahead and created a ridiculously overpriced outfit, using accessories that are also from J. Crew:


1. Crystal lattice necklace, $325 (link)
2. Molly flannel platform peep toes, $225 (link)
3. Satin derby clutch, $59.50 (link)

total: $797.50 (yikes!)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Down East Basics Fall Skirts

I've been meaning to do this post for a while, because ever since I first saw the Secret Recipe skirt, I thought it was the cutest of all time. My guess is that most people have already seen these, but I just wanted to share my love of the skirts Down East Basics has for fall!


1. Turning Colors Skirt, $28.99
2. Composition Skirt, $26.99
3. Feelin' Fall Skirt, $29.99
4. Secret Recipe Skirt, $29.99
5. Bees Knees Skirt, $29.99
6. Wildflower Skirt, $29.99

www.downeastbasics.com

(Fall Outfits) x 4

I know I've mentioned it a few times before, but for me, fall is one of the most shopping-craze-inducing times of the year. It's worse than the week leading up to Christmas. It's worse than the day after Thanksgiving. It's worse than the first warm day of spring, when I feel the urge to throw away all my grays and browns and buy every yellow-colored thing in sight. So far, I've been pretty good about keeping myself in check (keep your fingers crossed for me!). Thankfully, Internet window shopping is free. The first outfit is my favorite -- which one do you like best?


1. Crochet Open Top, $18.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
2. Yellow Heart Drop, on sale $19.99, Fossil (link)
3. Quartz Boot Cut Jeans, $29.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
4. AE Croc Flat, $29.50, American Eagle (link)
5. Scoopneck Top with Puff Sleeves, $29.99, Calvin Klein Jeans (link)

total: $128.46


1. Belted Yarn Sweater Cardigan, $24.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Hydraulic Boot Cut Jeans, $39.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
3. AE Plum Chandelier Earrings, $15.50, American Eagle (link)
4. Flutter Sleeve Top, on sale $29.99, Calvin Klein Jeans (link)
5. American Eagle Cecil Button Flat, $19.99, Payless (link)

total: $130.27


1. Dapper Trench Coat, $29.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Gold Chubby Bird, $24, Fossil (link)
3. Puckered Scoopneck, on sale $29.95, Anthropologie (link)
4. Optic White Trouser Jean, on sale $23.99, Calvin Klein Jeans (link)
5. Mossimo Vonnie Pumps, $29.99, Target (link)

total: $137.73


1. Double Breasted Wind Jacket, $29.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. AE Fleur-de-Lis Cluster Necklace, $15.50, American Eagle (link)
3. Charcoal boot cut jeans, on sale $54.99, Gap (link)
4. Merona Madalena Suede Ballet Flats, $19.99, Target (link)
5. Corolla Sweater Tee, on sale $39.95, Anthropologie (link)

total: $160.23

Monday, September 7, 2009

Red Skirt Outfit

I found this red denim skirt on sale at Victoria's Secret this morning, and fell in love with it. It measures 23" from the waist, which means that it's too short for me, but I thought I would create an outfit around it anyway. Let me know what you think!


1. Rose Cropped Cardigan, $19.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Knit Trim Front Extended Tee, $15.99, Papaya (link)
3. Mossimo Kady Boots, $34.99, Target (link)
4. Bronze antique bracelet set, $8.99, Ruche (link)
5. Pleated denim skirt, on sale $16.99, Victoria's Secret (link)

total: $96.76

Friday, September 4, 2009

The Big Flower Pin

I love the idea of a big flower pin as a vibrant fall accessory. It might seem a little counter intuitive, flowers for fall, but let's face it, multi-colored leaves can be a little cliche (they remind me of elementary school craft projects and embroidered denim vests... ugh). Flowers add a gorgeous pop of color -- I especially adore reds, corals and pinks for fall -- while adding femininity to an otherwise possibly menswear-heavy fall wardrobe. Pin one to your bag, in your hair, at your shoulder, or (my favorite) at your waist. Enjoy, and let me know what you think!


1. Felted Flower Rose Brooch, $23, BigFrozenMelon @ Etsy (link)
2. Carmine Tulle Brooch, $16, MadameVu @ Etsy (link)
3. Peach Satin Brooch, $24, VieModerne @ Etsy (link)
4. Red loopy corsage, $20, seventyseventyone @ Etsy (link)
5. Ribbon flower pin, $15, inamaterialworld @ Etsy (link)
6. Kara flower pin, $6, AllyJoysFlowers @ Etsy (link)
7. Rose felted brooch, $28, jezek @ Etsy (link)
8. Felt Flower Brooch, $20, vaivanat @ Etsy (link)
9. Burgundy Pink Cactus Bloom, $21, vaivanat @ Etsy (link)
10. Velvet flower pin, $29.50, J. Crew (link)
11. Royal Poppy Flower Clip, $16, FlowerClip.com (link)
12. Full Bouquet Clip, $18, Anthropologie (link)