The comfiest and cutest dress you can buy

Over the past couple of winters I have discovered how much I love a long sleeve jersey dress. I bought one a couple of years ago that is so comfy and multi-purpose that I don't want to imagine a winter without it! The thing about this kind of dress, a basic black long sleeve jersey dress, is that it can be worn totally casually with a denim jacket and flats, or with opaque stockings (or a fun patterned pair) patent pumps and some serious jewelry for a fun night out. And, it feels as comfy as an old sweatshirt, perfect for a cold morning when you can't bear putting in the work to get dressed up but you don't actually want to wear sweats.

This 12th Street dress, with dolman sleeves and a gathered waist is a great example -

It's like a blank canvas, meant to be brought to life by accessories. And fat days? not in this dress.

This is an ABS version (for a really low price), with a defined empire waist and a v-neck top that will flatter everyone -

I also really like this one for either showing off curves, or creating them should you need the help!

And a thick cozy sweater dress, equally as easy to wear, from Old Navy -

Now all you need are those tights and some fun necklaces...

Fall Colors and Sample Sales (AG Jeans, Splendid and Gustto)

We came back late Sunday night from Cleveland where Grandma Shirley's big birthday celebration was. I'm still a little behind from being away, so not much to blog about. Cleveland was pretty, it was fun to see fall colors - we don't get much of that here and my outfit choices all worked out really well (phew).

So...for now all I can give you is some sample sales.

Gustto bags again at Rue La La, it looks like they have at least one bag I haven't seen before and boy is it cute! Also find AG jeans at Haute Look.

Tomorrow Billion Dollar Babes will have Splendid and Splendid Littles.

Happy Shopping!

What to wear to a family lunch

Greg's grandmother is turning 90 on Saturday. It's a big deal, so of course we have a big weekend planned with a fancy lunch for the extended family on Saturday. So, of course I've been thinking for weeks about what I'm going to wear. In fact, it's a little like a wedding weekend with another event Saturday evening and a brunch on Sunday. It's also in a colder climate so we have to unearth our Midwestern warm clothes, and I will be dragging out the tights for the first time this year.

I'm guessing I will go with my daytime event uniform, a sleeveless sheath dress with a white button down shirt underneath, stockings or tights and heels.

THis would be a perfect example -

And I would wear it with a shrunken black cardigan, black tights and



This is a really cute option that is wearable all year here, you can wear layers underneath or over and because it's more plain, you can do colorful layers and big jewelry -

I love this hot D+G sheath -

This one isn't a sheath, but it is PERFECT for a family event like this one -

I've posted that Mint dress before, but now it's on sale for an even better price. I love the demure neckline, the defined waist, it really is perfection for a daytime event like this one.

These well-priced pumps (less than $70!) would look sharp with these dresses -

They come in the brown above, as well as a gorgeous shiny black.

I think Grandma Shirley's big birthday bash deserves hot shoes like that.

The Great Yoga Pant Mystery

After a hiatus I have gone back to Pilates. I'm totally addicted and when I get lazy and skip a few months I feel like I get shorter. I know, I know, it's my imagination but it does such great things for my posture and back...so, there I was, rushing to class and lo and behold, the yoga pants I like to wear are nowhere to be found. During the search I discovered I have several pairs of sweatpants that I never wear, they are too heavy for working out. So...what am I going to replace my yoga pants with? I checked out Lululemon since they are all the rage, but ahem, their pants are $98. That is INSANE. I decided to check out the new Gap Inc store, called Athleta. Everything has free shipping.


I found these two pairs, they are my favorites out of the many choices -

They are pretty simple and sleek, one has more of a flared leg than the other, but I really like them both. The second pair has that crossover waistband which should prevent any muffin top effect, not something you want to think about when you are bent every which way either on a reformer or a yoga mat. Both pairs also come in regular, petite AND tall, so there is something for everyone.

This style, called the Remedy Pant, has a zipper pocket on one leg so you don't have to take your bag with you -

Some colors are on sale for really great prices.

I should have plenty of options for my next class,

Fun Rain and Snow Boots, for you and the kids

Last week the rains came. It was earlier than usual, so many of us were caught totally unprepared. whoops. In case you and your kids need a few ideas, a few of my faves -

How cute is that toddler option? This one is also really adorable -

Or maybe you have more of a little fashionista at home? Then this may be just right -

I have both warm boots, and wellies, and I use them both a lot. My warm boots are La Canadienne, they are great in rain and snow, they really keep me warm and the leather is really nice. This is one of their many styles -

It's a great riding boot style.

I love these brightly colored Cole Haan waterproof boots -

Both colors are so cute! They also have it in black.

This Week's Sample Sale Highlights (Matthew Williamson, Bulga, Lee Angel, Catherine Malandrino, Milly, Tibi, and many more...)

Monday - Matthew Williamson at Gilt; Amrita Singh and Black Halo at Gilt Fuse; Bulga bags at Rue La La; Janna Conner Designs jewelry at Haute Look;


Tuesday - Lorelei at Gilt Fuse; BCBG clothes and bags at Haute Look;


Wednesday - Lee Angel Jewelry, Theory Accessories and Carlos Falchi bags at Gilt; Noir jewelry and Corey Lynn Calter at Gilt Fuse; Handbags by Furla, Kate Spade, Francesco Biasia and Rafe at Rue La La;


Thursday - Amrita Singh jewelry and Stuart Weitzman shoes at Gilt;


Friday - Final Sale for women at Gilt which includes Alexander McQueen, Carolina Herrera, Catherine Malandrino, Mischen, Rachel Roy and many many more; Juicy Couture and Riller and Fount at Haute Look;

Cool Flat Boot

I am so into these boots from Belle by Sigerson Morrison -

They have the biker vibe that is so hot right now, without actually being biker. The zipper is the only hardware, and it's a really nice touch. They look more refined and have a narrower shaft, but there should still be plenty of room for tucking your jeans into if you want. They also come in this lovely light brown color, it's really beautiful.

Your new go-to top

Oh how I love silver...



This may look a little scary to add to your wardrobe, but I actually think it could become a go-to layer for even the most subdued dressers. Imagine it under all of your cardigans and jackets, my favorite look would be under a cropped jacket with either skinny or wide leg jeans. This is the kind of tank I would reach for every time I go out. Just give it a try!

Really?

I'm not sure what to think about these pleather skinny pants -

On the one hand, they are pretty fierce, and I wanted something like these years ago. On the other hand, really? I think this is something that requires a specific kind of body, and even more so - attitude.

Revolve, the site where these are available says these are a bestseller. I have a little trouble believing that, but oh well.

The New Cardigans

Draping cardigans and interesting shapes abound among new sweaters this fall. If you are like me, you probably still have a lot of sweaters from seasons past, in that case I would suggest just picking out one or two that are really different from anything else you've got, and sticking with those. No need to duplicate what you already have. These are a few of my faves -

This Autumn Cashmere cape is a gorgeous shape, perfect for casual dates or even with trousers in a chilly office -

This cozy looking cardigan also looks great either worn casually or to the office-

You could also put a belt over it at the waist and make it look very different.

I have been in love with this adorable Free People caridgan since I first saw it -

It doesn't look like much maybe, but it strikes the perfect casual note with it's shape and color, and the stripe and scarf. Can't you imagine this for a fall apple-picking outing?


I also really like this Smitten chunky lambswool sweater coat,

Its a little pricy, but this is something you will have for years, and even better, if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, since the buttons are only at the neck, you can wear this throughout your pregnancy. As your belly grows, the sweater will just hang open. Very cute!


For a lovely and very inexpensive cardigan check out this adorable option from Old Navy -

It is very cute on, and comes in several colors including purple and navy. It also only buttons at the neck, so again it's great for pregnant women.