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 love the floral pencil skirts that are all over the place this season.  I think they're feminine and whimsical, while still appearing sophisticated.  However, most of them are way {waywayway} out of my price range.  I'm glad DownEast Basics has a skirt that echoes the feel without copying the price tag:


Watercolor Floral-Print Slim Skirt, $99, Lord & Taylor {link}
Elie Tahari floral poplin pencil skirt, on sale $109.99, Bluefly {link}
Watercolor floral pastiche pencil skirt, $110, J. Crew {link}
Breathtaking Beauty Skirt, $29.99, DownEast Basics {link}

What do you think?  Are you into floral pencil skirts this season?  Do you like the one from DownEast? Would you buy it at this price, or will you wait for it to go on sale?  How do you think it compares to the more expensive skirts?

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. :)

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!

I noticed a wonderful sale going on at The Limited and thought I should share.  {Mostly I only noticed because Chloe pointed it out to me, so I feel it's only fair that I pass the tip along.}  Currently, all trench coats are 30% off, all skirts are $39.50, and you can get 20% off your entire purchase, including sale items, by entering coupon code 774 at checkout.  {Definitely check out the sale section, even if you pass up the regular-priced items; discounts upon discounts add up to some very low prices!}  Additionally, you'll receive a free umbrella with any trench coat purchase.  Zing!  Here are a few items I would love to own:


1.  Belted Trench, $71.68 {link}
2.  Folded Flowers Coat, $94.08 {link}
3.  Red Trench Coat, $82.88 {link}
4.  Elastic Sleeve Trench, $71.68 {link}


1.  Petal Pencil Skirt, $31.60 {link}
2.  Black Reign Skirt, $31.60 {link}
3.  High Waist Straight Skirt, $31.60 {link}
4.  Wide Pocket Pencil Skirt, $31.60 {link}


1.  Pleat Turtleneck, $7.99 {link}
2.  Embellished Flower Top, $23.99 {link}
3.  Grosgrain Flower Cardigan, $31.99 {link}
4.  Ruched Squareneck Sweater, $23.99 {link}

That red trench is really amazing -- I love the gathers at the shoulder seam.  On the other hand, the yellow trench is also drool-worthy; I love that color!  It's a good thing I don't need to decide between them {my budget and self-restraint currently won't allow me to purchase either}, because I think I would give myself a headache.  What about you?  Do you have a favorite item?  Do you think you'll buy anything?  Thanks for reading!

I got my new DownEast Basics catalog in the mail today, and I'm excited about what they have in store for spring!  Here are some of my favorite items:


1.  Fancy Tee, $16.99 {link}
2.  Pearl Bib Necklace, $14.99
3.  Union Square Top, $19.99 {link}
4.  Silver & Black Jeweled Bib Necklace, $12.99
5.  Frosted Flowers Cardigan, $34.99 {link}
6.  Satin & Bead Necklace, $14.99
7.  Impressionist Skirt, $29.99 {link}
8.  Top Tier Skirt, $34.99 {link}
9.  Outside the Box Top, $24.99 {link}
10.  Chiffon Flower Necklace, $12.99

One reason I'm so excited for these new designs is that I feel like I've seen them before.  The Impressionist Skirt reminds me of this adorable pencil skirt from Kate Spade, the Fancy Tee looks like something straight out of J. Crew, and the Silver & Black Bib Necklace resembles almost exactly this one {that I blogged about here} from Max & Chloe.  I love the direction in which DownEast Basics is moving, and I'm going to scoop me up one of those Fancy Tees as soon as they get some in stock!

Which item from DownEast Basics is your favorite?  Are you {like me} waiting with bated breath for some items to become available?  If you could ask DownEast to make a more affordable or modest version of something, what would it be?  Leave a comment!

NOTE:  Not all of them items I've featured in this post have corresponding links because not all of them are posted on the website yet; I took the pictures, names and prices straight from the catalog.

DownEast Basics is currently offering 30% off all items in their clearance section; just enter coupon code THIRTYB1 at checkout!  DownEast has come out with some very cute items recently, so I'm excited to see them at such low prices.

Here are a few of my favorites, all under $30*:


1.  Festive & Fancy Top, on sale $13.99 {link}
2.  Perfect Portrait Top, on sale $10.49 {link}
3.  Eye Candy Cardigan, on sale $24.49 {link}
4.  Gallery Coat, on sale $24.49 {link}
5.  Classic Cord Coat, on sale $27.99 {link}
6.  Over the Top Dress, on sale $14.50 {link}
7.  Jetset Skirt, on sale $17.49 {link}
8.  Alpine Skirt, on sale $17.49 {link}
9.  Matchstick Cords, on sale $18.89 {link}

I especially love #3 and #5.  Which ones do you like best?  Are you going to take advantage of this sale?  Let me know what you think!

*The prices I post reflect a 30% discount -- they're the prices you would receive after using the coupon code, not the prices posted on the product pages.

One of my all-time favorite blogs is The Rockstar Diaries.  It's not a fashion blog, but I'm mentioning it because Naomi has some amazing style.  She never really talks about it, but you can see from the pictures she posts that she is a fashion maven {seriously, I want to be her when I grow up}.   Naomi recently had an interview with 21st & Ivy and talked about where she shops.  I'm always on the lookout for great clothing resources, so I was very interested in what she had to say.

I stop by my favorite Etsy vintage shops on a regular basis to check out the new stuff. I love DearGolden, Thrush Vintage and Sally Jane for awesome dresses, blouses, and skirts.  Urban Outfitters, Zara, and Anthropologie are always a good bet too (especially the sale rack).

The news about UO, Zara, and Anthropologie was no big surprise {get in line for the sales rack, sister}, but the vintage Etsy shops?  You all should know by now how much I love Etsy.  Bing!  It was time for some research.  And here's what I discovered: I love Thrush Vintage. She has a great selection, most items are very reasonably priced, and she organizes all items by size, which I think is perfect {because what's the point of falling in love with a gorgeous top at first sight and then realizing it's not going to fit you?}.

Here are some of my favorite items from her shop:


Clockwise from top left:

Houndstooth pencil skirt, $26 {link}
Vintage 1970's blush pink shirtdress, $39 {link}
Seaside garden blouse, $28 {link}
Mustard messenger bag, $57 {link}
Vintage 1970's blue day dress, $43 {link}
Apple orchard fedora, $36 {link}
Vintage 1950's canary yellow party shoes, $43 {link}
Pink hearts sweater, $39 {link}

What do you think?  Does Thrush Vintage sound awesome, or what?  Would you buy something vintage without being able to try it on first?  {I think I might...}  Do you know and love The Rockstar Diaries as much as I do?  Leave a comment!

Have you seen the new arrivals at Shade?  I love their Straight Skirt:


It's so cute!  I especially adore the pockets.  It reminds me a little of Shade's Double-Pocket Tulip Skirt, which I discovered only after they were sold out in my size.  I was very disappointed that I didn't snag one for myself, and my disappointment has only increased as I've watched Elaine of clothed much look so cute in hers over and over and over.  {sigh}

This skirt is 23 inches long, which is a little short for me, but you can clearly see a nice wide seam allowance at the hem -- just perfect for tailoring.  You can find it online here, or click here to find a location near you.

As stated in this post, I'm going back through some of my recent posts and putting outfits together around certain items. {And as stated in this post, I have nothing better to do right now than post on my blog and wait until my husband comes home.} This outfit was created around the skirt from this post, in which I drooled over the new arrivals at Anthropologie.

Here's what I came up with:


1. Lacemaker Skirt, $148, Anthropologie (link)
2. Boat Neck Top with Charmeuse Bow, $21.90*, Loft (link)
3. Herringbone Tweed Jacket, $38.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
4. Lacquered Flower Jewelry Set, $4.80, Forever 21 (link)
5. MIA Michelle T-Strap Mary Jane, $32.97 (link)
6. Yellow Heart Wallet, $25, Harmony Lane (link)

total: $271.66
{Or $123.66 without the skirt, which is gorgeous, but way too pricey for my budget.}

The Charlotte Russe website describes the jacket as being a black and gray tweed, but it looks navy to me, which is why I put it in an outfit with a navy shoe. I love navy and yellow together -- the combination is so crisp, so clean, so refreshingly sunny and nautical. And don't you just love the bright egg-yolk color of that clutch?? Let me know what you think!


*Today {Saturday, December 19} only, Loft is offering 40% off all regularly priced styles with coupon code PRESENTS.

1. Wool bomber jacket, on sale $89, Victoria's Secret (link)
2. A-Line Box Pleat Skirt, on sale $49.95, Martin + Osa (link)
3. Pleated Flutter-Sleeve Top, $24.50, Old Navy (link)
4. Coloured Over The Knee Socks, $6.80, Asos (link)
5. Merona Solid Wrap, $12.99, Target (link)
6. Basic Flat Boot, $29.50, Wet Seal (link)

total: $212.74
{Or $123.74 without the jacket, which would be a major investment piece.}

What do you think? Do you like the outfit? Would you ever wear knee socks with knee-high boots? And will you forgive me for my blog-wrongdoings? {I hope so.}


Your internet friend,
Mary

I found a beautiful black and white top on sale this morning, and it got me thinking -- what if, instead of wearing a cute dress to holiday parties, I wore chic separates? I loved the idea, and put together an outfit:


1. Calvin Klein Jeans Top, on sale $41.65 (use coupon code SHOPTOME at checkout to get it for $31.24), Macy's (link) (similar here, here, and here for less)
2. Snow Leopard Pump, on sale $59.99, White House Black Market (link) (similar here for less)
3. Ecru Ottoman Skirt, on sale $29.99, White House Black Market (link)
4. Pearl & Rhinestone Bracelets, $4, Charlotte Russe (link)
5. silver winter rose ring, $7.99, Ruche (link)
6. Mossimo Black Lace Flat Frame Wallet, $9.99, Target (link)

total: $153.61

Throw on a coordinating trench and some textured hose {like these}, and you're done! I think the details, the contrasting patterns and textures, keep it interesting.


What do you think? Is the black and white look something you might rock at a holiday party this year? Do you plan on wearing separates instead of a dress? And is the gorgeousness of those WHBM leopard pumps worth the price tag?


UPDATE: As Rachel pointed out, the WHBM pumps have recently sold out! If you're desperate for them, take a look at these, which are similar style and come with a similar price tag.

I was looking over the new arrivals at Anthropologie this morning...

{...as a sidenote, why was I looking at the new arrivals at Anthropologie this morning? To torture myself? Usually I confine myself to the humble sale section, knowing that anything I could even hope to buy will be there. Today, however, I slipped up, and am now paying dearly for my mistake...}

...and I saw two things that just made me catch my breath. The first was this:


Unlike the cardigan, I have no idea what I would wear it with... {...white top and cardi, maybe? with navy pumps and a tweed trench? none of which I own...} ...but it is gorgeous. The intricate detail is delicious, and the yellow is so sunny.

What do you think? Is there anything that you are hopelessly longing for this holiday season? What would you wear these items with?

I got this in my e-mail this morning:

If I hadn't banned myself from shopping until the New Year, I would be all over this! I love the super chic vintage feel of Tulle. I usually stay away from all stores on Black Friday because I'm afraid for my life, so online shopping would be the way to go for me. Are any of you big Day After Thanksgiving shoppers?

I'm assuming that "site wide" means that everything is 50% off, but I've been burned by Tulle promotions before, so if you're planning on taking advantage of this sale, I would advise you to proceed with caution.

Here are some of my favorite things (prices reflect a 50% deduction):


1. Chambray Pencil Dress, $20.70 (link)
2. Denim Canvas Pencil Skirt, $35 (link)
3. Striped Twill Pencil Skirt, $27.50 (link)
4. Tone-Tone Pullover, $19 (link)
5. Scallop Knit Cardigan, $18 (link)
6. Diamond Knit Belted Cardigan, $15.60 (link)
7. Tweed Shawl Collar Sweater, $15.75 (link)
8. Ruffle Tee, $16.50 (link)
9. Vintage Wool Ruffle Coat, $42.50 (link)
10. Double Breasted Houndstooth Jacket, $31.50 (link)


So, are you going to buy anything at the Tulle Black Friday sale?

If you haven't already figured it out, then let me tell you something about myself: I'm a major Ann Taylor Loft fan. In fact, my favorite cardigan is from ATL. No other clothing line pairs sleek menswear with soft, feminine details the way they do. My favorite thing about ATL at the moment is the wonderful sale they've got going on. As my sister-in-law Catherine would say, I. love it. I've created a few outfits from wonderful ATL pieces that are on sale. I like the first one the best -- have I mentioned that gray is my color this season? Let me know which is your favorite!


1. Chiffon Bow Trim Tee, on sale $9.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
2. Merona Beaded Sunburst Flap Clutch, $16.99, Target (link)
3. Double-Faced Synthetic Pencil Skirt, on sale $39.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
4. UO Chain Fringe Earrings, on sale $9.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
5. Wrap Cardigan with Inset Waist Tie, on sale $29.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
6. Lace Suede Pumps, $24.99, Charlotte Russe (link)

total: $131.94


1. Leopard 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan, $22.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Stripe Pleated Collar Button Front, on sale $29.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Merona Large Hobo, $24.99, Target (link)
4. Oxford Denim Pencil Skirt, on sale $39.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
5. Twisted Rope Bracelet in Pewter, $9.99, Ruche (link)
6. Patent & Suede Maryjanes, $24.99, Charlotte Russe (link)

total: $152.75


1. H81 Striped Cardigan w/ Tie Belt, $32.90, Forever 21 (link)
2. Refined Jersey Ruched Mock Neck, on sale $19.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Belted Patent Flats, $22.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
4. Exclusive Wash Marisa Trousers, on sale $49.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
5. Mossimo Flower Hobo Bag, $19.99, Target (link)
6. Ocean Charm Necklace, on sale $14.99, Urban Outfitters (link)

total: $160.85

Ann Taylor Loft is having a great sale, up to 60% off some really cute items! Here are some of my favorites:

1. Lace Trim Cardigan, on sale $14.88 (link)
2. Knife Pleat Bib Front Top, on sale $19.99 (link)
3. Marisa Cotton Twill Pants, on sale $29.99 (link)
4. Cotton Jacket, on sale $29.99 (link)
5. Convention Check Tulip Skirt, on sale $39.99 (link)
6. Modern Flare Leg Trousers, on sale $39.99 (link)
7. Denim Jacket, on sale $39.99 (link)
8. Bow Tie Scoopneck Tee, on sale $19.99 (link)

www.anntaylorloft.com

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)