J. Crew is currently offering 30% off all sale items with coupon code EXTRA30.  {Shop all sale items here.}  This promotion is only good online, only through tomorrow.  If you're interested, you'd better hurry and start your online shopping!


1.  Dream crewneck cardigan, $34.99 {link}
2.  Perfect-fit cascade tee, $13.65 {link}
3.  Neon necklace, $13.65 {link}
4.  Tissue garland tank, $24.49 {link}
5.  Dogwood cocktail ring, $13.99 {link}
6.  Toothpick ankle cord, $13.99 {link}
7.  Hand-cut flower art tee, $13.99 {link}
8.  Tissue tuxedo tank, $17.49 {link}
9.  Tissue rosette bouquet tee, $20.99 {link}
10.  Stained-glass drop earrings, $28 {link}
11.  Jane suede ballet flats, $34.99 {link}

Is it weird that I'm really into the Neon necklace?  At first I thought J. Crew was going nuts, but after seeing it around for a while, I think that I might really want one.  What's on your J. Crew wishlist {or hate list}?  Do you think you'll take advantage of this sale?

I got this Facebook message from my friend Kelley last week:

Dear MWL,
I have a clothing issue. And since I love your blog(s), I would like your blogtastic advice on my issue. I am going on a cruise in May and one of our dinners is formal and I am really excited to buy a new dress for the cruise. But, being Mormon, it really limits me on the available dresses. And why does it seem that modest dresses go down in cuteness level? Can you recommend stores/sites that typically have a better selection of modest formal/cocktail style dresses? In my searching, I've realized just how little I know about where to even look for cute clothes. You don't need to go find me a dress or anything, just maybe point in the right direction. I am looking for something cute and trendy and flattering. I'm fine with something strapless/sleeveless if it can be reasonably covered with a cute shrug and won't ruin the look of the dress. Oh, and preferably under $100. What do you think? Any thoughts? Thanks Mary!
-Kelley

First, going on a cruise for your anniversary sounds like so much fun!  Christian has a thing with boats {as in, he hates to be on them}, so I don't think I'm ever going to get the opportunity.

Second, when I was searching for a LBD last year, the two best resources for modest cocktail dresses I found were department stores, and modest clothing stores.  I specifically like Nordstrom, Dillard's and Macy's for department stores, because they have a great selection {with a lot of dresses on sale}, and great tools to help you find just the right dress for you.  Shabby Apple and eShakti are good modest clothing stores for finding cute cocktail dresses, too -- I would definitely check them out.

For a limited time, Loft is offering 30% off all full-priced dresses.  No coupon code is necessary; the discount is taken automatically at checkout.  I especially love the dress seen in the promotional photo, below:


1.  Breezy Petals Dress, $55.65 {link}
2.  Empire Knit Dress, $48.65 {link}
3.  Tie Neck Shirtdress, $55.65 {link}
4.  Sparkle Sheath Dress, $62.65 {link}
5.  Seamed Dress with Pockets, $55.65 {link}

If you're interested in something at Loft other than their dresses, remember that you can also take 25% off your regularly priced order with coupon code SAVE25.  {Just keep in mind, because of the automatic 30% discount on all spring dresses, the dresses are no longer considered "regularly priced," and don't qualify for the 25% promotion.}

Since I am a J. Crew fanatic, and my J. Crew cravings must be satisfied, I frequent the blog J. Crew Aficionada.  Alexis, blogger behind JCA, has an amazing network of J. Crew fanatics that inform her when, say, J. Crew sends out an e-mail, or has a promotion.  And it's nice, because even though I'm signed up for J. Crew e-mails, I sometimes get them four or five hours after they come up on the JCA blog.  {You might wonder why.  It's all because J. Crew plays favorites -- they know that whoever owns my e-mail address will only buy maybe $100 worth of clothing in a year, and most of that on sale, and so they send e-mails to less thrifty customers first.}

Alexis will also occasionally mention other stores her readers might be interested in, and early last month she blogged about the arrival of Lands' End Canvas.  Lands' End Canvas is a trendier line from the original Lands' End -- same quality, authentic inspiration, but modern interpretation is what they're going for.  I checked out the site last week, and I am now a fan.  It's definitely reminiscent of J. Crew, with a nautical, preppy feel and traditional silhouettes, with slightly lower prices.  I love how they've updated Lands' End clothing while keeping it classic.  {I also love this model's hair.  Can I have it, please?}

Here are some of my favorite items from their site:


1.  Cotton Lawn Campshirt, $39.50 {link}
2.  Fit and Flare Dress, $59.50 {link}
3.  Leather Sandals, $69.50 {link}
4.  Super Slim Jeans, $59.50 {link}
5.  Print Cotton Linen Scarf, $29.50 {link}
6.  Paisley Halter Tank Swimsuit, $69.50 {link}

If I had to choose just one, I'd go for the dress.  It's too cute!  It also looks really simple; does anyone know how to make a dress like this?  Which item is your favorite?  Do you think you'll be purchasing from Lands' End Canvas any time soon?

P.S.  Right now you can get $10 off your regularly priced purchase of $50 or more with the coupon code 3552.  {Thanks to Chloe for the tip!}

My friend Britt sent me this message {on behalf of our friend Christa} via Facebook yesterday:

Mary.  Christa has been looking for a denim pencil skirt for a while now, with no luck.  One that not only looks cute and stylish, actually is a pencil skirt, but is also long enough.  I thought maybe you could be able to save her ;) Not only is your blog awesome, but you and Christa both have the same amazing long legs, and a keen fashion sense.  So by any chance have you come across the perfect denim skirt recently?

The perfect denim skirt?  That's a pretty tall order, but I've done my best to compile a collection of skirts, in a variety of price ranges, that I think are adorable:


1.  Tailored denim pencil skirt, $69.50, J. Crew {link}
2.  Denim skirt, on sale $39.50, Victoria's Secret {link}
3.  Scalloped Sailor Skirt, $88, Anthropologie {link}
4.  Denim Skirt, $42.50, Shade {link}
5.  Denim Pencil Skirt, on sale $28.99, Old Navy {link}
6.  Merona Refined Denim Skirt, $24.99, Target {link}
7.  Merona Denim Skirt, $19.99, Target {link}
8.  Lauren by Ralph Lauren Stretch Denim Pencil, $59.50, Macy's {link}
9.  Chelsfield Stretch Denim Skirt, on sale $49.99, Ralph Lauren {link}

Still not what she's looking for?  Here are a few more links to try: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

I can completely understand if Christa is frustrated trying to find a skirt that's long enough for her.  I have the same problem all the time.  Even sites that specialize in modest clothing don't always provide skirts that hit my knees.  My best advice is to find a good skirt that fits well and has a good seam allowance at the hem, so that even if it's not long enough, a tailor can let it down.  {Tailors can also sew up slits to make a skirt more modest.}  If you're shopping online and the item description doesn't have all the information you need to make a good decision, e-mail the store's customer service department; they should be able to tell you anything you need to know.

Britt, I hope this helps!  I was lucky enough to receive my own denim pencil skirt as a hand-me-down from my sister; I actually dreamed last night that I went into my closet and I had two identical skirts, one for me to keep and one to give to Christa. :)

I've been scouring the J. Crew website quite a bit this weekend {if you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that I'm planning a trip to my nearest brick and mortar store today, and I like to go prepared}, and among their many drool-worthy items, I particularly love this blouse.  It epitomizes summer for me, but I can still think of twenty ways to wear it for spring.  After gazing at it for a while, I realized that it reminded me of a top from this post, which also comes in white:


Philo Eyelet Blouse, $78, J. Crew {link}
Embroidered Linen-Blend Top, $24.50, Old Navy {link}


I think it's a dead ringer.  What do you think?  Do you love the top from J. Crew?  What would you wear it with?  Do you think the Old Navy version is close enough?  {Do you want to come shopping with me today?  I'm leaving in half and hour.}  Leave a comment!

I found this vintage ring on Etsy yesterday, and even though it's super-huge {click here to go to the product page and see more images}, I'm kind of in love with it.  I kind of want to wear it everywhere and have people look at me and I kind of want to say to them, "Jealous much?"  Because it's kind of awesome.  And I kind of think I need to own it.  Thoughts?


Vintage Crystal Flower Cocktail Ring, $30, readornment @ Etsy {link}

Back in August, I said that there are two times during the year that I go shop-crazy: fall and spring.  Something about the changing seasons feeds my already intense desire for new clothes.  After reading this post from Uber-Chic for Cheap, I starting thinking about the gaps in my wardrobe and items I would love to have for spring.  Here's my shopping list:


1.  Printed Ruffle Sleeve Blouse, $47.86, Asos {link}
2.  Classic-stripe tissue tee, $32.50, J. Crew {link}
3.  Full Bouquet Clip, $18, Anthropologie {link}
4.  Corso Como "Festive" Ballet Flats, $59.99, Bloomingdale's {link}
5.  Scoop Basic Tee, $24.50, The Limited {link}
6.  Leather Zip Around Crossbody Bag, $59.95, DSW {link}
7.  Nostalgia Nail Lacquer, $2.80, Forever 21 {link}
8.  Neon necklace, $28, J. Crew {link}
9.  BC Oh Sailor Sandal, $49.50, Delia's {link}
10.  Bubble bow skirt, on sale $122, The Outnet.com {link}
11.  Faded dark flared leg jeans, on sale $39.99, Gap {link}
12.  Floral Printed Full Skirt, $58, Urban Outfitters {link}
13.  Featherweight cotton long cardigan, $69.50, J. Crew {link}

I went with gray and silver neutrals, with pops of bright coral and yellow, which is my chosen color palette for spring.  Most of these items {with the exception of the Neon Necklace from J. Crew, because I haven't been able to find anything else like it} stand more for ideas of what I would like to have.  For example, I'm not really going to spend over $100 on a tweed skirt, because I found one at a consignment shop last week for $10 and I love it.  {Like, I really love it; it's totally adorable.}  Similarly, I purchased a new pair of Gap jeans on that same shopping trip for $8, and I'll probably pick up a new white t-shirt at Ross the next time I go instead of buying this one from The Limited for $24.50.

Do you have a favorite item?  Are you thinking of filling some gaps in your own wardrobe?  What would you love to own this season?  Leave a comment!

Have you ever been browsing through a collection of clothing, either online or in-store, and you saw something so gorgeous you literally felt your jaw drop?  Have you ever felt so shocked by your emotional reaction to a piece of clothing that you gasped out loud?  I have.  {I've even created a blog on which to post these items, so I wouldn't empty my bank account in order to possess them.}  It's not often that I have this reaction -- more likely I'll do a double-take, or just gaze longingly at something for a prolonged period of time.

This Anthropologie dress, however, got both the jaw-drop and the audible gasp.  It's just so gorgeous.  {I don't think I've mentioned it on this blog before, but red poppies are absolutely my favorite flower.  Stick them on anything and I'm guaranteed to love it.}  I created an outfit around it, just for fun:


1.  Homegrown Dress, $158, Anthropologie {link}
2.  Featherweight cotton long cardigan, $69.50, J. Crew {link}
3.  Braided Claudette necklace, $16, Fred Flare {link}
4.  Colin Stuart T-strap wedge, $29, Victoria's Secret {link}
5.  Fossil Latigo C-Buckle Belt, $28, Dillard's {link}

I think a boyfriend cardigan, with the sleeves scrunched up to the elbows, would look great with this dress.  Add in the shoes, though, and it becomes a little too Grandma's garden party.  I added an edgy necklace and menswear belt {which I would wear over the cardigan} to make it feel more modern.

What do you think?  Am I crazy for my intense reactions to clothing?  Are you a little afraid of me now?  What about the dress?  Breath-taking, isn't it?  And do you have any thoughts about the outfit -- is it something you would wear for spring?

Congratulations to lucky number 28, Vittoria!  You won $40 in gift cards to eShakti!

For any disappointed readers, remember that you can get a $15 gift card to eShakti just by registering as a new customer.  Thank you all for participating and making my first giveaway such an awesome one!

{I feel that I should mention, just for full disclosure and future reference: Vittoria's number was actually the fourth to come up on the Random Number Generator -- the first three didn't leave valid e-mail addresses in their comments, and were disqualified.  I'm sorry that had to happen.}

My friend Teri sent me this e-mail today:

Oh wise one!  I need help!  :)  My sister-in-law is getting married in May and has asked me to be a bridesmaid.  We're buying our own dresses and I need some help!  The dress needs to be black with some white (more black than white) and modest.  Since it's an outdoor wedding, I'd like it to be made from a lightweight material, knee length and have a short sleeve.  Please guide me!  Ideally, I don't want to spend a whole lot on the dress and shoes (think 250 or less for the dress, shoes and accessories).  I'm mostly worried about being too hot as it will most likely be an all day thing outside and I'll be doing a lot of the work. I think a happy medium between formal and casual would be ideal.  Thanks!

-Teri

Here's what I came up with:


1.  Swirling Villages Dress, on sale $49.95, Anthropologie {link}
2.  Stretch Rose Buckle Belt, $8.99, Charlotte Russe {link}
3.  Helium Petals Necklace, on sale $39.95, Anthropologie {link}
4.  Rosette Purse, $48, Harmony Lane {link}
5.  BDG Suede Pumps, $48, Urban Outfitters {link}

total:  $194.89

I love this black and white dress from Anthropologie; it's modest, cute, practical for a summer wedding, and effortlessly re-wearable.  I exchanged the removable multicolored belt it comes with for a black one, and paired it with neutrals so Teri will fit right in with the rest of the bridal party.  Mixed metallics in the necklace and a gray shoe keep the outfit light, fun, and summery.  The different flower motifs give it a sense of whimsy.  I also threw in a bright clutch to add a pop of color to her outfit without ruining the bride's color scheme.

What do you think?  Do you think I struck the right note?  Do you love that dress as much as I do?  Leave a comment!


Don't forget to enter my giveaway for your chance to win $40 in gift cards to eShakti!

I got an e-mail this morning about how Banana Republic is in love with coral right now:



I was instantly smitten.  I checked out the stuff they had at BR, and frankly, was not impressed.  I decided to throw together my own collected of tantalizingly coral pieces.  Coral is such a springy color, and I love to see how different brands interpret it -- orangey salmons, rosy pinks, and everything in between:



1.  Embroidered Linen-Blend Top, $24.50, Old Navy {link}
2.  Elegant Spread Cropped Cardigan, $17.80, Forever 21 {link}
3.  Robert Rose Hinged Enamel Bracelet, $20, Lord & Taylor {link}
4.  Filigree Flower Earrings, $4, Charlotte Russe {link}
5.  Dotted Woven Top, $17.80, Forever 21 {link}
6.  Canvas Pump, $48, Urban Outfitters {link}
7.  Essie Nail Polish, $8, J. Crew {link}
8.  Asymmetrical Ruffle Tee, $32.50, J. Crew {link}
9.  Here & There Dress, on sale $79.95, Anthropologie {link}
10.  Solid Embossed Beach Dress, $98, J. Crew {link}
11.  Coloured Super Skinny Waist Belt, $8.55, Asos {link}
12.  Lucy Bow Detail Ballerina, $25.64, Asos {link}
13.  Origami Applique Cardigan, $26.50, Old Navy {link}
14.  Windswept Floral Skinny Scarf, $29.50, Loft {link}
15.  Basket Plaid Scarf, $29.50, Loft {link}
16.  Poppie Jones Selma Satchel, $34.95, DSW {link}

I do agree with BR about the idea of pairing coral with neutrals, and especially lighter neutrals like sand and gray.  Navy would also be great with coral, I think.  What do you think?  Are you all over the idea of coral for spring?  Which item is your favorite {and what would you wear with it}?


Don't forget to enter my giveaway for your chance to win $40 in gift cards to eShakti!

After writing this first post about eShakti, an online store that offers customizable clothing in an array of sizes and styles, their marketing department contacted me and asked if I'd like to do a review of their site.  To be honest, I could barely contain my excitement!  They sent me a dress similar to this one, but as you can see,  mine is mustard instead of canary yellow.


The things I like about the dress:  For the most part, I absolutely adore the dress.  It's made of cotton satin, which is light, machine washable, and has a subtle sheen.  {It's also not as wrinkly as it looks -- it was very windy outside the day these pictures were taken.}  It's fully lined, which I love, and of very good quality.  The details are truly beautiful; I especially love the way the pleats around the neckline and the empire waist give me an hourglass figure.  I plan on wearing it almost constantly.

The things I like about their site:  Although I have touched on some of these points before, I wanted to mention again the amazing policies that eShakti has, including the fact that all styles are available in all sizes {0 - 26W} at all times.  All orders {even custom orders} ship within three days, and even custom orders are returnable.  New visitors to their site can receive a $15 gift card, just for registering.  Truly, a very customer-friendly store.

The one thing I dislike:  The item description stated that my dress had a cap sleeve, but when I received it, it was more like a very wide strap.  In general, the website offers several ways to customize each item, but little information as to what those customizations actually mean.  For example, I wish that they had more specific descriptions {and pictures} of how the sleeve types differed from one another, and that each product page linked to that information.  If you plan to buy from their website, and you're unsure of how you would like to customize an item, I would suggest calling their customer service number and asking.

And now, I'm pleased to announce my first-ever giveaway!!  One lucky reader will win $40 in gift cards to spend at eShakti!

Rules:  Each entry to the giveaway must be in the form of a comment.  The winner will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning number.  Anyone can enter, and everyone has eight opportunities to enter.  Just comment below {one entry per comment}, and be sure to include your first and last name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win.

Mandatory entry:

• Visit eShakti and leave a comment, telling me your favorite item from their site.

Bonus entries:

• Become a follower of my blog, and comment to let me know {or let me know you're already a follower of my blog}.
• Post about the giveaway on your blog, and comment with a link to the post.
• Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway, and comment with your username.
• Become a fan of my blog on Facebook, and comment to let me know.
• Add my blog to your blogroll, and comment with a link to your blog.
• Become a fan of eShakti on Facebook, and comment to let me know}.
• Follow eShakti on Twitter, and comment to let me know.

Note:  If you comment more than eight times, or leave invalid or irrelevant comments, your comments will be deleted and you will no longer be eligible to win.  If your comment is selected as the winning comment, but your e-mail address is invalid or you don't respond to my e-mail within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway will end Sunday, March 7th, at Midnight {ESTime}.  Thank you all, and good luck!