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!

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!