April 30, 2012

Wedding Guest Garb: The Semi Formal Wedding



The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous.

The ceremony is scheduled in that weird time between afternoon and evening, (nooning, or evennoon) the reception immediately follows. The reception is held at an upscale restaurant or a posh hall, but the dress code does not call for black tie formal wear. With this tricky dressing scenario it's easy to be confused, it's semi-formal, but what does that mean. In these situations I personally always ere on the more formal side (think: you would rather be overdressed than under dressed). Look for fabrics with a sheen, satins rather than knits or cottons and embellishments such as beading or crystals. The length can still be short, but keep it classy (nothing too short gals). Here is the 3rd look in my summer wedding series, I pieced together for a special semi-formal wedding.
Wedding Guest Look 3: Semi Formal

April 25, 2012

Wedding Guest Garb: Look 2

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous. The second look in this series is tailored to a traditional church service wedding. For attending a church service, keep the look fairly conservative (as in more covered up), but have fun with colors and accessories. You can wear a sleeveless dress, but bring a jacket or cardigan for the nuptials, you can always whip the jacket off when you hit the dance floor at the reception.
Going to the Chapel

April 23, 2012

Wedding Guest Garb: Look 1

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple of weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous. This week's look is tailored to an outdoor afternoon wedding. Be it in a backyard or in a lavish manicured garden, this look is a bright and sunny complement to the natural surroundings. Keep the dresses light and floating leave the form fitting frocks for the after hours. Floral prints are perfect, but if you detest prints you can easily choose a solid color that is light and bright. Don't forget to bring a little jacket or cardi for the outdoor reception when the sun dips and temperatures can drop. This is a perfect starting point for attending a friends afternoon nuptials.
In The Garden: Wedding Guest Look 1

April 4, 2012

Denim Shirt Take 2

The title isn't exactly accurate since I have worn my denim Madewell shirt more than two times since buying it.  However this is the second outfit post (first one is here) I am doing featuring my new favorite piece. The weather was a little chilly at the start of the day so I chose to wear stockings instead of bare-legging it, that and I don't feel that the blogosphere is quite ready for post-winter pasty stems.  The skirt is the vintage Yves Saint Laurent number I wore to the IFB conference in February (here).  The bright belt was my way of adding a pop of color to some classic pieces. 







What I am saying I don't know. I think this would be my diva face, if I was a diva.


What I'm Wearing:
Shirt: Madewell (current season)
Skirt: vintage
Stockings: Nordstrom (fall)
Belt: Ann Taylor (current season)
Shoes: Repetto
Necklace: LOFT

April 1, 2012

Fresh Pressed Shirt Dresses For Spring

                                                                                          Source: google.com via Jennifer on Pinterest


In my mind there is nothing so quintessential iconic in 1940's fashion as the shirt-dress.  It's at once utilitarian and chic. Masculine and feminine, perhaps it's the dichotomy that makes it so interesting to me.  The shirt-dress is an all in one fashion powerhouse and because of that it reappears every season. Sure there are slight variations of pattern, color and silhouette, but it essentially remains the same, classic.  If you don't already have a shirt-dress in your wardrobe I highly recommended adding it to your fashion arsenal and if you already do I am sure you wouldn't mind adding another.  Here are some flirty shirt-dresses that are sure to put a little "spring" in your step.


Fresh Pressed Shirt Dresses For Spring