I recently received an e-mail from my friend Ashley, who had an adorable little boy last month:

Soo....I thought you could help me :-)  My friend from high school is getting married in October.  The "problem".... She is having an engagement party on May 1... aka 7 weeks after giving birth.  I need a dress!!  or skirt and top.  Something that hides the belly and something that is easy to wear while breastfeeding.  I've been looking but no luck yet!  No pressure, but if you see something cute...let me know!!!!

Love~Ashley

I got an e-mail from Jes last week {sorry, Jes, it's taken me too long to get to your request; just know that I'm super-excited about it, because you're the first person to send me a request that I don't know in real life, and that's awesome for me}:

hi, mary
i'm just a random person in the midwest who wandered onto your blog one day. you have wonderful style and such a fresh and pleasing sense of blog. and i'm wondering if you can use your fashion brain to help me. i bought the textured gauze sundress from tulle and i adore it. link here.  my problem is, however, that i bought it in carrot. and, wow, the dress is carrot. i've worn it a couple times, but i just don't think i'm getting it right. can you think of any suggestions for styling this little carrot? i need it to be modest, so i've paired it with a few different cardigans and shrugs, but... everything i've tried just looks like i'm trying to camouflage the color instead of enjoy it. i would really appreciate any sort of help.  thanks!
jes

Wow.  I've never had the courage to purchase anything so bright, so kudos for breaking out of your comfort zone!  My suggestion would be to pair your dress with soft neutrals like khaki, white, and warm browns.  I think gray and navy could also work in small doses, like as a shoe or accessory.  {Just please, to avoid Halloween associations, never wear your dress with black!}  Definitely let the dress take center stage, and choose pieces that compliment it.

I created two outfits that I think would work great with your dress {the first is inspired by this outfit featured on What I Wore; Jessica is rocking her neon yellow dress}:

Outfit A:
1.  Textured Gauze Sun Dress, on sale $26, Tulle {link}
2.  Totes Stick Umbrella, $12.99, Target {link}
3.  Twill Trench Coat, $39.80, Forever 21 {link}
4.  Solid opaque tights, on sale $9.99, J. Crew {link}
5.  Lily Suedette Shoetie, $24.80, Forever 21 {link}
total: $113.58

Outfit B:
1.  Textured Gauze Sun Dress, on sale $26, Tulle {link}
6.  Short Ruched Sleeve Cardigan, $18, Charlotte Russe {link}
7.  Orange U Glad it's Summer Nail Laquer, $7.50, Ulta {link}
8.  Zebra Skinny Belt, $24.50, The Limited {link}
9.  Mossimo Valonia Pump, $29.99, Target {link}
total: $105.99


Jes, I hope this helps!  What does everyone think?  Would you wear the outfits I put together?  Do you have any more suggestions for how Jes should style her dress?  I appreciate your comments!

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.

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. :)

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!

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