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

Pastel dress, $43
Lime green jacket, $63
N Y L A platform wedge, $40
Straw handbag, $28
Twist jewelry, $24

Packing the Basics for a Long Weekend

On Friday I will be heading out for the weekend to attend my cousin's wedding.  The airline that I am flying with is the only carrier to fly direct to the destination. While it is convenient flying non-stop, the airline has lots of fees not included in the ticket price.  One such fee is for carry-on luggage, they charge you a flat fee each way for a carry-on bag.  I haven't flown in while, so maybe this is standard practice now.  Trying to save money and my back I decided to fit everything into one tote bag.  I brought mix matchable basics as well as the dress and shoes I am wearing to the wedding.  To give you an idea of what I brought I created a set of pieces (all under $100) that can be mixed and matched to create a multitude of looks to last a long weekend.  One of the outfits would be worn when traveling and can be reused in other looks.

What do you think? What do you pack when you are going away for a long weekend?

Dress for the Occasion

I know I write a lot about fashion and style, but I'll be the first to admit I don't know everything.  There are times where I don't know what to wear, especially when it comes to special occasions.  In this post I am calling on all my lovely readers to help me out with a clothing conundrum.

Mid October I am going to be attending a wedding out of state. I am really looking forward to it, since I will get to see family who I haven't seen in over a year plus I also get to dress up and celebrate a happy occasion (you know how I love to dress up). The one thing that has been nagging me lately is what to wear.  Do I need to buy a dress for the wedding or do I wear something I have? I have been trying to watch my expenses so if I could wear something I already own than all the better.   Last weekend I took a survey of what I own and all I came up with was one dress that would be seasonal and appropriate. However I am just not sure it will work for the occasion. The wedding is in the early evening it will take place at a Bed & Breakfast, the venue is upscale, but still casual (if that makes sense). Now that you know the deets here is the dress:

This is the dress I wore to the IFB conference back in September.  I was thinking that with the right shoes and accessories I could dress it up to make it wedding guest appropriate.  I don't know, I am on the fence about it, I need your help.  Here's where you come in, I need you to vote below on whether I should don this dress or shop for another.  Also leave me a comment on what you like, don't like or think would work better.  Thanks readers, you are awesome!