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!

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 know I shouldn't indulge my thoughts about summer weather and swimsuits right now.  For one thing, it's supposed to snow this afternoon {although, since the temperature was in the mid-60s two days ago, my best guess is that it won't even stick}, and thinking about warmer weather is almost torturous.  For another, as my husband will quickly tell you, I don't need any more swimsuits.  I have two cute ones in good condition {one one-piece and one tankini}, and I have an unflattering but practical back-up.  I'm covered.

But, as the title of this blog attests, I love to dream about clothing of all kinds.  {Besides, if you didn't stock up on swimsuits for this year when they were on sale last fall, now is definitely the time to do so -- you can still find some great ones on sale!}  And so, while I'm fantasizing of spending warm weeks at the beach getting freckled and tanned, I'm picturing myself wearing one of these swimsuits:


1.  Solid Underwire Halter Tank Swimsuit, $89.50, Land's End {link}
2.  Monroe halterneck swimsuit, $74, Fig Leaves {link}
3.  Merona Bandeau Shirred One Piece, $34.99, Target {link}
4.  Boyleg Swimsuit, $68, Boden {link}
5.  Solid Boy Short One-Piece, on sale $39.50, Delia's {link}
6.  Pindot underwire tank, $80, J. Crew {link}
7.  Luxe très bow tank, on sale $59.99, J. Crew {link}
8.  Juicy Couture Bandeau Swimsuit, $98, Bloomingdale's {link}

Also, a few tips on buying swimsuits:

1.  Know your body and how to flatter it.  For example, I love halter-neck suits because they show off my shoulders; I love sweetheart necklines because they emphasize my {rather small} chest.  And, I usually buy tanks in long torso sizes, because I have a disproportionately long torso.  If you're not sure what shape is most flattering on you, check out these posts from Cardigan Empire: for Hourglass, for Upper Figure, for Middle Figure, for Lower Figure, and for Linear Figure.  {Not sure what body type you have?  Start here.}

2.  Make sure a suit is also practical.  We all want a cute swimsuit, but you should confirm that it's fully lined, and that it has the support you need before purchasing.  Many suits are adorable {like this one from Anthropologie}, but would be more appropriate for a little girl than a woman; while smaller busts may be able to get away with only a shelf bra, padding and underwire is safest for {oh-so-lucky} larger-busted women.  If you're shopping online and a product description doesn't contain all the information you need, call the customer service number and ask.

3.  Invest wisely.  You may decide that you want a swimsuit of very high quality, one that will last you for many years to come.  If this is the case, buy a style that's classic; five years from now, you don't want to be wearing a swimsuit that was only fashionable for one or two seasons.  On the other hand, if you want an in-the-moment suit, go inexpensive.  That way, you don't pay a lot for something that won't last very long.

Well, what do you think?  What's your favorite style of swimsuit?  Are you dreaming about the beach {or lake?  Or pool?  Where do people in Utah go to sun themselves?} already?  Do you have any more advice for potential swimsuit buyers?

Christian and I went to see the movie Valentine's Day about a week ago.  While I didn't think it deserved an F from Entertainment Weekly, it also wasn't nearly as good as Love Actually, which it was clearly trying to imitate.  {Side note: I heart Love Actually almost as much as I love watching edited movies.  It's my second-favorite movie of all time, and my second-favorite Christmas movie, and I just now realized that my two favorite movies are both Christmas movies.  Yikes.}  Mostly, I thought it was equal parts entertaining, amusing, and completely ridiculous.

One of the best elements of the movie was Jennifer Garner, who I think is just so gorgeous.  I love her dimples, I loved her hair {I'm now thinking about getting highlights of my own}, and I loved her character's personal style.  Between Julia Fitzpatrick {see pictures here} and Meg of Fresh Brownies, I am now finding myself in desperate need of a red cardigan.  And that brings me to the point of today's post, which is my re-creation of Julia's airport look.  I thought it was too cute:


Catrina Cardigan, on sale $29.50, Delia's {link}
Ditsy floral ruffle blouse, $42, Fred Flare {link}
Mossimo Black Large Hobo, $22.99, Target {link}
Lasting Finish Professional Nail Polish, $3.99, Ulta {link}
Delicate Initial Necklace, $18, Urban Outfitters {link}
Braided Wedges, $29.99, Charlotte Russe {link}
The Flirt Boot-Cut Jeans, on sale $19, Old Navy {link}

total: $165.47

What do you think?  Did you see Valentine's Day, too?  Thoughts on the movie?  What do you think of the outfit?  Do you think you can find a ruffly, button-up, floral-printed top for less?  {I dare you!}  Thanks for reading!

Here is a version of the outfit from earlier today for less:


Clockwise from top left:

Women's Boyfriend Cardigan, on sale $15, Old Navy {link}
Geometric Floral Top, on sale $9.99, Charlotte Russe {link}
Merona Satchel in Red, $26.99, Target {link}
Short Linked Leaf Necklace, $10.20, Asos {link}
Beverly Bracelet Set, $6.80, Forever 21 {link}
Betty Oxford Pump, $24.80, Forever 21 {link}
Crystal Flare Jeans, $29.99, Charlotte Russe {link}

total:  $123.77

I feel like I've seen a purple geometric top almost exactly like the one from Ruche, only with shorter sleeves -- if anyone has seen it, knows what I'm talking about, knows where to find it, if you could send me the link so I don't think about it all day, I'd appreciate it.  What do you think?  Do you think I came close?  Do you prefer this outfit, the more expensive version, or would you mix and match between them?  Leave a comment!

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 don't remember exactly how I came across this necklace on Etsy, but I do remember that I instantly fell for it. I love the bright, happy colors -- it seems like such a fun accessory!


1. Military Patrol Jacket, $37.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Textured jersey satin-trim tee, on sale $19.99, J. Crew (link)
3. Merino Wool Felt Necklace, $40, Crafts2Cherish @ Etsy (link)
4. Merona Large Hobo, $24.99, Target (link)
5. Artist Jean, on sale $39.95, American Eagle (link)
6. Kimchi Blue Linen Skimmer, on sale $19.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
7. Small idiom bangle, on sale $29, Kate Spade (link)

total: $211.72

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

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

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

I love white t-shirts. *Love* them. They're easy, classic, and go with absolutely everything. This post is inspired by my love of white t-shirts. I created four fall outfits around a simple white scoopneck tee from Ann Taylor Loft. (Remember, these are fall outfits for North Carolina -- it doesn't get really cold here until January!) I love them all! I'm also working on getting the outfits I create to total under $100; I'm not quite there yet, as evidenced by the price tags in this post. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!


1. Ringspun cotton cardigan, on sale $19.99, J. Crew (link)
2. Fab Skinny Patent Belt, $2.50, Forever 21 (link)
3. Je Te'Aime Necklace, on sale $19.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
4. The summer skirt, on sale $19.99, Gap (link)
5. Essential Scoopneck Tee, on sale $6.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
6. Mossimo Valda Ruffle Flats, $24.99, Target (link)

total: $94.45


1. Lightweight knit scarf, on sale $14.99, Gap (link)
2. Essential Scoopneck Tee, on sale $6.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. English Beat Vest, on sale $24, Christa Taylor (link)
4. Mossimo Odell Ballet Flats, $12.99, Target (link)
5. Faded Blue Flare Jean, on sale $39.99, Calvin Klein Jeans (link)
6. Quilted Double Breasted Jacket, $34.99, Charlotte Russe (link)

total: $133.95


1. Turnlock Clutch, $7.49, Target (link)
2. Essential Scoopneck Tee, on sale $6.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Textured Stitch Cardigan, on sale $39.99, Calvin Klein Jeans (link)
4. Beads and threads necklace set, $9.99, Ruche (link)
5. Xhilaration Stasya Mary Jane Pumps, $22.99, Target (link)
6. City-fit cotton Bistro pant, on sale $49.99, J. Crew (link)

total: $137.44


1. Fab Belted Jacket, $15.50, Forever 21 (link)
2. Short-sleeve cotton cardigan, on sale $39.99, J. Crew (link)
3. Essential Scoopneck Tee, on sale $6.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
4. Multi-Bead Necklace, on sale $29.99, Fossil (link)
5. Mysterious Message Skirt, on sale $39.95, Anthropologie (link)
6. Mossimo Vonnie Pumps, $29.99, Target (link)

total: $162.41

I feel the need to shop (I mean, really shop) two times during the year: halfway through spring, and at the beginning of autumn. My back-to-school-shopping instinct is definitely kicking in right now, and even though I'm not going back to school, I'm having a hard time restraining myself. Here are a few things that I would love for fall:

1. A scarf -- I think white would look crisp and clean with almost anything. Fab Dotted Swiss Scarf, $5.50, Forever 21 (link)
2. A new coat -- I need a long, neutral coat that could be dressed up or down. Vintage Wool Coat, on sale $72, Tulle (link)
3. A white t-shirt -- Again, white just looks good with everything, and you can never have too many white t-shirts. Perfect-fit short-sleeve scoopneck tee, on sale $14.99, J. Crew (link)
4. A drapey cardigan -- I love buying new sweaters for fall, and this one looks so comfy. Drape Front Cardigan, $38.50, Shade Clothing (link)
5. A new pair of jeans -- I have a tradition of buying a new pair of jeans every fall; like white t-shirts, you can never have too many pairs of dark-wash jeans that fit you perfectly. Perfect boot jeans, $69.50, Gap (link)
6. An easy pair of flats -- These shoes will go great with jeans. Mossimo Supply Co. Ondria Flats, $16.99, Target (link)

Based on Sensibly Styled's post today, and this article from Gwenyth Paltrow's website GOOP, I have collected items that I think would look great in a uniform-type outfit. Earlier this year I discovered the value of such an outfit, and often toss on my dark jeans, heather gray t-shirt, and black cardigan when I don't want to think too much about what I'm going to wear. It's such a classic and easy ensemble, and adding jewelry instantly kicks it up a notch. I usually just slip on my Rainbows to finish, but I think flats are a great way to go for the fall. Here are my picks:1. Favorite V-neck T, on sale $10, Gap (link)
2. Drapey Ruched Scoopneck, $32.50, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Perfect-fit short-sleeve scoopneck tee, on sale $14.99, J. Crew (link)
4. Perfect-fit three-quarter sleeve henley, on sale $19.99, J. Crew (link)
5. Pure body T, $16.50, Gap (link)



1. Short-sleeve cotton cardigan, on sale $39.99, J. Crew (link)
2. V-Neck Cardigan, $39.50, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Short-sleeve cashmere cardigan, on sale $59.99, J. Crew (link)
4. Super fine cardigan, $44.50, Gap (link)
5. Shawl wrap sweater, $58, Gap (link)

1. Filigree Bib Necklace, $7.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
2. Layered Rosette Necklace, $5.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
3. Royal purple leaf pendant necklace, $14.99, Ruche (link)
4. Bug Charm Necklaces, on sale $14.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
5. Silver Initial Necklace, $18, Urban Outfitters (link)
6. Beaded Chain Necklace, $6.99, Charlotte Russe (link)


1. American Eagle Carter T-strap Skimmer, $19.99, Payless (link)
2. Mossimo Supply Co. Ondria Flats in Gray Flannel, $16.99, Target (link)
3. Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Embellished Ballet Flat in Tan, $12.99, Target (link)
4. Women's Hidden-Heel Mary Janes, on sale $20, Old Navy (link)
5. Fiona Ballet Flat, $16.99, Payless (link)