My good friend Mary contacted me for a look for an upcoming cocktail party. The event is in honor of her very good friend's brother who passed away at a young age from cancer last year. The event will raising money for lymphatic cancer. A good friend and a good cause.
Now, Mary didn't give me much to go on. And, although we traveled to Europe together after college (oh the memories) and we shared the contents of our backpacks back then, I am not clear on her style nowadays. I do know, however, that she is a stylish gal and that, unlike my A+/B- cups, Mary has been blessed in the boobage department - she is one of the rare species of slender girls with real (!) assets. This can limit dress options if the right undergarments aren't included in the mix.
She did indicate a budget of "around $100" if possible so I kept all of the options under $150. (Under $100 is tough for dresses - especially ones that can go cocktail) I also tried to select dresses that could be dressed down for other occasions since cocktail parties are not the most common event -- at least not for me. And, I steered clear of the LBD -- I know the dresses that stand out to me at an event are the ones that aren't common and I wouldn't have thought of on my own.
Below I put together some diverse options for Mary and the other Stylish Dishers who will also be attending the event. Click on the individual dresses below -- some need a closer look to do them justice.
It would take forever to compile a complete look (shoes, bag, accessories,) for each of these dresses, so here is the challenge for you...
Readers (including you Mary), Please leave a comment below and let me know which dress you like the best!
I'll take the winner (and Mary's selection if it is not the same) and complete the look(s) in a future post.
Also, can you "guess" which is my favorite?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Vegas Baby!
So, my first overnight trip away from my baby boy will be a goodie. A trip to Las Vegas! 29 hours of fun (yes, I am counting)...and hopefully sleeping in past 7:00 am. It is my sister Jen's birthday (a landmark birthday) and I am so excited to celebrate with her and her friends. Not only because my sister is truly my best friend (no, that is not pathetic, it is actually pretty cool), but because it is fun to spend time with the people she cares about most.
One of those people is Brandi. Brandi will be a partner in crime in Vegas and she asked that I style a look for her. I was happy to but I apologize in advance if we show up in the same exact outfit, because I love this look. Wwell, I love pretty much every lookon Stylish Dish because I post what I like and would wear.)
Because this is just a one-nighter (let's face it -- how often do we get to hit the town Vegas style) I tried to keep this look within a budget. I also tried to add a little sparkle and bling because if you can't be badazzled in Vegas where can you be?
The top is under $30! And all pieces are under $100. I have also included even lower priced alternatives at the end of the post. Viva Las Vegas!
Click an item in the look below to browse or buy.
The sequin tank is from Express. There are a bunch of cute ones for good prices at Express right now, so if you like the look above, you will want to browse Express for sequin tanks. (Click the link below)
And, some budget alternatives...
One of those people is Brandi. Brandi will be a partner in crime in Vegas and she asked that I style a look for her. I was happy to but I apologize in advance if we show up in the same exact outfit, because I love this look. Wwell, I love pretty much every lookon Stylish Dish because I post what I like and would wear.)
Because this is just a one-nighter (let's face it -- how often do we get to hit the town Vegas style) I tried to keep this look within a budget. I also tried to add a little sparkle and bling because if you can't be badazzled in Vegas where can you be?
The top is under $30! And all pieces are under $100. I have also included even lower priced alternatives at the end of the post. Viva Las Vegas!
Click an item in the look below to browse or buy.
The sequin tank is from Express. There are a bunch of cute ones for good prices at Express right now, so if you like the look above, you will want to browse Express for sequin tanks. (Click the link below)
And, some budget alternatives...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Take that Twi-hards!
I admit it. I have not read any of the Twilight books. I haven't seen any of the movies. I don't really have the desire. And, I think it is because I will always have Ponyboy and The Outsiders.
Yea, that movie dates me, but I don't care. How can something with characters named Ponyboy and Sodapop be wrong? Not to mention it started the career of virtually ever actor worth knowing in the 90s. If you have not seen The Outsiders, rent it....now. (I will make no claims of good acting. All I can tell you is that movie was heaven for an 11 year old girl.)
This is a fashion blog so I better get to the point. Since some gals want to wear their Twilight garb, I will be sporting the T-shirt below wherever and whenever the urge takes me. Stylish? To me, oh yes!
Or, here (the one above that I prefer is Out of Stock...man. I am going to keep checking.)
Do it for Johnny!
Yea, that movie dates me, but I don't care. How can something with characters named Ponyboy and Sodapop be wrong? Not to mention it started the career of virtually ever actor worth knowing in the 90s. If you have not seen The Outsiders, rent it....now. (I will make no claims of good acting. All I can tell you is that movie was heaven for an 11 year old girl.)
This is a fashion blog so I better get to the point. Since some gals want to wear their Twilight garb, I will be sporting the T-shirt below wherever and whenever the urge takes me. Stylish? To me, oh yes!
Or, here (the one above that I prefer is Out of Stock...man. I am going to keep checking.)
Do it for Johnny!
Monday, September 20, 2010
FALLing for Love (Fall Day Wedding Look)
Come on single friends of mine…get married! This gal needs a wedding to attend. For someone who loves occasions like me, a wedding is Shangri-La. Love, dresses, flowers, champagne, wine, food, dancing, gossip, drunks, embarrassing speeches…I love every moment.
If I can’t style myself for a wedding, styling a reader is almost as fun. Michelle contacted me for a look for an upcoming Fall daytime wedding. Michelle is on a budget since all her money is going into her home (I live in Southern CA too so I hear you sister!) And she recently had a baby so wants something that flatters her “still in recovery mode” figure.
Click on individual item in the look below for more details or to purchase.
I love the silk dress featured in the look above. Not only is it silk luxurious, it is comfortable. I love the contrast of feminine silk and ruffles with exposed zippers and an origami print. Michelle’s is a daytime wedding but gone are the days of wearing only peach or pastels to a wedding. The wedding is in November so Fall colors are totally appropriate (plus I am a big fan of chocolate brown and graphic prints). I was hoping for under $100 to meet Michelle’s budget guidelines but this dress is just a smidge over and the fact it is silk, on a great sale, and wearable for other occasions (dress up/dress down) makes it a major deal.
I kept the accessories simple and affordable with a suede peep toe pump, black clutch, and fabulous cocktail ring – all under $50 and all great finds for Fall.
Hope you like it Michelle! Keep in mind that a UK size 8 is an American size 6 – the size the model is wearing. (As a rule, for sites like Asos, take your American size and add 2 – that is your UK size.) Cheerio! Mmmmm a pint and some fish and chips sound good right now.
If I can’t style myself for a wedding, styling a reader is almost as fun. Michelle contacted me for a look for an upcoming Fall daytime wedding. Michelle is on a budget since all her money is going into her home (I live in Southern CA too so I hear you sister!) And she recently had a baby so wants something that flatters her “still in recovery mode” figure.
Click on individual item in the look below for more details or to purchase.
I love the silk dress featured in the look above. Not only is it silk luxurious, it is comfortable. I love the contrast of feminine silk and ruffles with exposed zippers and an origami print. Michelle’s is a daytime wedding but gone are the days of wearing only peach or pastels to a wedding. The wedding is in November so Fall colors are totally appropriate (plus I am a big fan of chocolate brown and graphic prints). I was hoping for under $100 to meet Michelle’s budget guidelines but this dress is just a smidge over and the fact it is silk, on a great sale, and wearable for other occasions (dress up/dress down) makes it a major deal.
I kept the accessories simple and affordable with a suede peep toe pump, black clutch, and fabulous cocktail ring – all under $50 and all great finds for Fall.
Hope you like it Michelle! Keep in mind that a UK size 8 is an American size 6 – the size the model is wearing. (As a rule, for sites like Asos, take your American size and add 2 – that is your UK size.) Cheerio! Mmmmm a pint and some fish and chips sound good right now.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Are You A Sale Stalker?
I am! I am a bargain hunter, deal watcher, and shopping ho too. (Yea, I said "ho", what are you gonna do about it?)
There is nothing like the rush you get from getting something fabulous for less -- or at least thinking you did. Even if you get a great bag for $400, if it is marked down from $950, didn't you just save $550? My husband would argue "no, you just spent $400. You would have never bought it at $950." OK, he has a point, but I am not going to let him rain on my parade.
I already posted about some of the many designer discount sites out there. Click here to visit that post and sign up.
A friend Melissa introduced me to a new fabulous and dangerous website (It's not "new" as in just launched new, but it's new to me): Shop It To Me!
This site allows you to find great items, ON SALE, from YOUR favorite brands/designers, in YOUR size and it comes straight to your Inbox (you choose the email frequency).
I must say, I only select 5 designers to start and my emails are a bit overwhelming. That means tons of deals to be had. But, do yourself a favor and start out slow (just pick a few) or the targeted search capabilities will be thrown out the window by the quantity of stuff.
Check it out and sign up with this invitation from yours truly.
There is nothing like the rush you get from getting something fabulous for less -- or at least thinking you did. Even if you get a great bag for $400, if it is marked down from $950, didn't you just save $550? My husband would argue "no, you just spent $400. You would have never bought it at $950." OK, he has a point, but I am not going to let him rain on my parade.
I already posted about some of the many designer discount sites out there. Click here to visit that post and sign up.
A friend Melissa introduced me to a new fabulous and dangerous website (It's not "new" as in just launched new, but it's new to me): Shop It To Me!
This site allows you to find great items, ON SALE, from YOUR favorite brands/designers, in YOUR size and it comes straight to your Inbox (you choose the email frequency).
I must say, I only select 5 designers to start and my emails are a bit overwhelming. That means tons of deals to be had. But, do yourself a favor and start out slow (just pick a few) or the targeted search capabilities will be thrown out the window by the quantity of stuff.
Check it out and sign up with this invitation from yours truly.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Hot Date
Last weekend was my wedding anniversary and we had a hot date planned. I didn't have time to shop so I borrowed some great skinny jeans from my sis (that's what sister's are for, no?), the nude strappy heels I bought last month, and spiced up a simple sleeveless top with a black statement necklace . Fun evening with my wonderful man.
But, had I had the time, I would have shopped it up and followed my "men like skirts and dresses" rule (although they like tight pants too so I passed the test.) So, I decided to style a "hot date" look so my readers out there can take advantage.
Click on an item below to browse or buy.
Nothing says "fun night" like some sparkle, so this metallic mini (but not too mini) skirt from French Connection caught my eye. When wearing metallic, sequins, or sparkles the key to avoiding the bedazzled cruise ship lady look is to balance it out with a simple solid or more casual top. Since I am still dreaming of jersey, this v-neck tunic with reverse seaming is perfect. And, long enough so the sparkle of the skirt peeps out from below.
And, yes, that is another bootie. They have definitely grown on me and you can't go wrong with a grey suede one like this one from Guess for Fall. Add a colorful clutch and accessories and you are ready to hit the town! I don't think I will wait for my next anniversary to snag some of these items.
If the bootie is growing on you too (or you officially dig them) I have included some other options below at various price points.
But, had I had the time, I would have shopped it up and followed my "men like skirts and dresses" rule (although they like tight pants too so I passed the test.) So, I decided to style a "hot date" look so my readers out there can take advantage.
Click on an item below to browse or buy.
Nothing says "fun night" like some sparkle, so this metallic mini (but not too mini) skirt from French Connection caught my eye. When wearing metallic, sequins, or sparkles the key to avoiding the bedazzled cruise ship lady look is to balance it out with a simple solid or more casual top. Since I am still dreaming of jersey, this v-neck tunic with reverse seaming is perfect. And, long enough so the sparkle of the skirt peeps out from below.
And, yes, that is another bootie. They have definitely grown on me and you can't go wrong with a grey suede one like this one from Guess for Fall. Add a colorful clutch and accessories and you are ready to hit the town! I don't think I will wait for my next anniversary to snag some of these items.
If the bootie is growing on you too (or you officially dig them) I have included some other options below at various price points.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...
...well I'm not (I have a 9 month old, who knows when I will see the inside of a 747 again...especially with the prospect of an umbrella drink when I reach my destination.) But, maybe you are. And, I know that some of you may be taking it to the skies soon since this look is a reader request. A look for travelling - air travel specifically.
Obviously comfort is top of mind when travelling. Who ever feels fresh after a 3, 5, or 10 hour flight? No one. Something about being at 20,000 feet makes your feet swell, hair droop, and lipstick wear off. Not to mention the furry lining it creates in your mouth. So, pack your Evian, apply the color stay lipstick, and do your self a favor by wearing jersey. I love jersey. So soft, so comfortable. I would take a tip from babies and wear feetsie pajamas made of jersey on a regular basis if I didn't care more about fashion then comfort.
Luckily, you can find some very stylish pieces made of jersey like this plum flutter top. Who knew looking good could feel this good? Jeans are a good option when traveling, especially if they are soft denim with a higher waist like these Hidden Hills jeans from Paige. (With all that sitting, no one wants a really low rise which can be uncomfortable and at time indecent in a plumber sort of way.)
Add some stylish accessories and a large cool bag and voila - travel chic with comfort. Use the links below the image to browse or buy.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Slip Up
Soybean Jersey Flutter Top in Plum
Paige Hidden Hills Jeans
Voodoo Shopper Bag from Lucky
Gold-Tone Filigree Cuff
Obviously comfort is top of mind when travelling. Who ever feels fresh after a 3, 5, or 10 hour flight? No one. Something about being at 20,000 feet makes your feet swell, hair droop, and lipstick wear off. Not to mention the furry lining it creates in your mouth. So, pack your Evian, apply the color stay lipstick, and do your self a favor by wearing jersey. I love jersey. So soft, so comfortable. I would take a tip from babies and wear feetsie pajamas made of jersey on a regular basis if I didn't care more about fashion then comfort.
Add some stylish accessories and a large cool bag and voila - travel chic with comfort. Use the links below the image to browse or buy.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Slip Up
Soybean Jersey Flutter Top in Plum
Paige Hidden Hills Jeans
Voodoo Shopper Bag from Lucky
Gold-Tone Filigree Cuff
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