Summer Wedding Necessities

To be honest, the title of this post is a bit deceiving. Some of these items are more likely perceived necessities but a girl has to dream. We have four weddings on our calendar between May and July. I've lost weight over the last year and all of my dresses are too big. That's a beautiful thing but it's also challenging. Most of the weddings have some sort of outdoor element to them, which means stilettos and long gowns are out. Weather can change from warm to cool at night, so I will need some versatile options. In addition to the wedding, there will also be a few events surrounding some of the weddings. I'll be traveling to all of them. Three are out of state. I want outfits that pack well and will still look great. Challenge accepted. I went searching for some inspiration.

 photo credits: Fashion Vibe, Gal Meets Glam, A Little Dash of Darling


None of the weddings are formal but some are dressier than others. Some are extremely casual and frankly, those throw me a bit. I want to be dressed appropriately, per the couple's guidelines but I also want to look good. And I always err on the side of dressy. It never bothers me to be a little more dressed up than other guests. I prefer it over being overly casual. I found these three options.

Lane Bryant (sold out online, available in stores) / Asos / eShakti

Each of these dresses will look great dressed up with heels and statement jewelry or dressed down with flats or flat sandals and more simple jewelry. Versatility is always important to me. 

Jewelry by Stella & Dot / Shoes available via Saks Off 5th

Inspiration - Kimono Styling

About a month ago I snagged two great kimonos from Forever 21.  They were inexpensive and a great way to fuel my obsession without spending tons of money. The different styles of the two kimonos give me lots of options. The black embroidered kimono is my favorite. The embroidery makes it look like a much more expensive piece.

Forever 21: Down to Earth Woven Kimono / Tropical Floral Chiffon Kimono (no longer available)

I have worn them a few times already but I'm stuck in a styling rut. I paired them with a thin, solid color t-shirt and jeans (white and blue). There are tons of other ways to wear them and I went in search of inspiration. I found some great new ideas that I will be trying soon.

photo credits: Life with Emily / Macarena Gea / Jag Lever / Free People Blog / The Sartorialist / International Street Style / Song of Style / Hello Fashion

Wishful Shopping - Casual Spring Chic

The weather is getting warmer. This week the DC area is supposed to hit 90. A little hotter than I'd like for spring but I'm still happy for warm weather. Spring has made me start packing away my winter duds and thinking about fun summer purchases. I did a little wishful shopping over the weekend and picked out a few items that I'd love to own.

Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

I've been in love with these copper flash Ray-Ban aviators since I first saw them. I love Ray-Bans and especially love the classic styles like the aviators. These are a fun new twist but still classic. This top totally my style, flowy, deep color and an embroidered skull. I own a pair of straight leg white jeans but I've been dying for a skinny pair. The rose gold Renegade bracelet has been on my wish list for some time. I'd pair it with the Tribute bracelet that I have already. My black and leopard slip-ons have both been getting tons of wear. This silver pair would be a great addition. A pink suede bag would round out this look and still be versatile. A fun but casual outfit for spring.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Casual Sparkles

Fridays always make me think of versatile outfits that I can wear while I'm out doing errands and then go out to dinner and drinks later.  This outfit is just that. It combines casual day time elements with night time sparkle. You don't have to limit your sparkly pieces to evening.  My favorite way to wear sequins during the day is by dressing them down with tough and casual pieces.  Today I'm also doing another link up with Friday's Fancies on {long distance loving}. The challenge today was chambray and it fits perfectly with the casual sparkle of today's outfit.

The tunic style and roll up sleeves on this chambray shirt from Target, give it versatility.

I love the rose gold color of this sequin skirt by Lela Rose for HSN. 

Frye 8R Engineer boots are a classic. I love how they lend a casual rocker vibe to the sparkly skirt. They are a bit on the pricey side but these boots will last for many years and you know I value quality and cost per wear.

Mixing metals, sparkles, and adding tough spikes and a snake are a compliment to the boots.

Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Necklace

Stella & Dot Sidewinder Ring

Stella & Dot Revival Bracelet

A lady like bag with motorcycle boots is fun and this Twist Lock Crossbody bag from Forever 21 will make running errands or standing at the bar easier.

I'm loving Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter. Sweet Tart is my favorite color.

With temps in the mid 70's lately in DC, this outfit will be perfect from day to night. I can't wait to wear it!   How do you wear chambray?

I'm sure you noticed that all of the jewelry I picked for this outfit is from Stella & Dot.  They have great jewelry and the quality is fantastic. I've just partnered with stylist Kristin Biggs of Stella & Dot to bring you some great new jewelry and some surprises.  I can't wait to share them with you.  Check out my instagram feed followgram to see the Femme Fatale necklace and Nouvelle ring I was sporting yesterday.  I'll be featuring them in an outfit post soon.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Weekend Casual

This weekend I was thrilled to attend my first plus size clothing swap. Thanks to my blogging buddy, Curvy CEO for hosting such a wonderful day. As you know I love going to clothing swaps.  Unfortunately, many times, my choices are limited.  I think most curvy girls stay away because they think they may be the only girl bringing plus size clothing. It was a treat to have so much to choose from.  I'll be posting my great finds later and I'm sure I'll be wearing items in future posts. When I picked out my outfit, I wanted something chic, comfortable but easy to shed if I needed to try on something. I picked one of my favorite weekend casual outfits, a tweed blazer, cargo pants, a gray t-shirt, flats, and my trusty Coach Willis (cross body bag).  I added my tiniest cubic zirconia studs, a chunky chain necklace and my silver monogram necklace.  I also threw on a couple of rings for good measure. I took a few photos with my camera phone but as you can see the quality (due to lighting) isn't the best.

Jacket - Kasper, T-Shirt - Target, Cargo Pants - Avenue, Shoes - Marc Jacobs via Saks off 5th, Bag - Coach, Earrings - ??, Necklaces - gifts

I wanted to add pictures of some of my blogger friends from the swap but I only took three photos. They went like this.  First one Bisi looks great, I look drunk.  Second photo, I look pretty good and Vivi has her eyes closed. Third photo, Vivi looks great and I have my eyes closed.  It's an unwritten fashion girl rule that you don't post "not so great photos" of your girls.  But you can see photos of the beautiful Bisi and Vivi in the Curvy CEO post. Bisi blog is Fatshion and Fattitude.  Vivi's blog is Heart, Print & Style. She won the Goodwill giveaway I ran a while back.


Many of the items I'm wearing are no longer available but you can wear similar items. I pulled together this little collage on Polyvore for your viewing pleasure.

J Crew crew shirt, $39
Tweed jacket, $59
Jessica London cropped tweed jacket, $31
Cargo Pants, $69
Flats, $70
Coach Willis bag, $298 (I paid $40 at Goodwill)
Monogrammed jewelry, $210
Cubic Zirconia earrings, $12
Chain necklace, $5.80

If $298 is out of your price range for a Coach Willis bag, never fear.  I found mine at a Goodwill store in NYC.  I've found several Coach bags at Goodwill stores in the DC area.  You can also search on ebay.  There are lots available in every price and quality. It's a great investment bag. I use mine often on the weekends and love that it has a shoulder strap and a top handle. The monogram necklace is also a pricey piece but I found it in lots of sizes and price points. Mine is sterling silver but I've seen them in other metals.

I love this outfit combo because it's easy and chic.  The tweed jacket and jewelry elevate the casual cargo pants and t-shirt.  The flats make shopping and errands comfortable and the bag keeps your hands free.

What's your favorite weekend casual outfit?

Evening Wear For Day - The Versatile Tuxedo Jacket

Even though Sex and the City aired it's final episode years ago, the fashion of the series still resonates with me. The stylists, including Patricia Field gave us so many great looks to desire and emulate.  Carrie's quirky fashion at times was a head scratcher but other times I wanted everything she was wearing.  One of the looks that I loved then and still love today is a Mickey Mouse t-shirt, white tuxedo jacket and black pants.  It was such a cool casual look and seemed so chic but also effortless.

Ever since I have been searching for a white tuxedo jacket.  I prefer the style with black lapels as opposed to all white but either would be great. I have a black tuxedo jacket (seen here) that I love and wear often.  I've had friends and readers tell me that they can't justify purchasing a tuxedo jacket because they don't have the social life where they would wear one.  When I tell them that they can wear it during the day too, with a casual outfit, they are surprised.  Just take a look at these celebrities and how they wear their tuxedo jackets during the day.

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Michelle Williams wears hers with a Breton striped top and blue skinny jeans.  Anne Hathaway wears a graphic tee and wide legged pants.  Jeans and a mandarin color blouse are Kate Bosworth's choices.  All of them took this polished evening jacket and dressed it down with their own version of casual.  The jacket makes their daytime basics look more polished.

I just found a great white tuxedo jacket at SimplyBe.  My February fashion budget is going to this great piece.  At $98 it's more than I'd like to spend but judging from the wear I get out of my black tuxedo jacket, I know this one will be worth the money over time.

Tuxedo Jacket by realgirlrunway featuring low pants

Lauren Conrad tuxedo jacket, $49
Charlotte Russe shiny jacket, $40
Tux jacket, $28
Victoria's Secret low pants, $70
"Bespoke" Bespoke Editors Pick Tuxedo Jacket at Simply Be, $98

If white isn't your style, try a bright color.  This hot pink version might be just the ticket. You could also go for classic black. Dress it down for day and you'll have a versatile piece in your wardrobe. It can also be a go to item for holiday parties or a night out.

tuxedo jacket