Pink & White Floral Blouse - Cato, on clearance for $8 (June 2009)
Black Cardi - NY & Co, on sale + coupon for $20 (April 2009)
Black/White Linen Pants - TJ Maxx, $20 (April 2009)
Belt - NY & Co, on sale + coupon for $10 (May 2009)
Heels - Nine West, $55 (November 2008)
It's back - another month of outfit inspiration. I pulled together some ideas for July based on pictures and ideas in magazines I had laying around. If you click on the idea you will be directed to my Flickr account for a picture of an example. I hope it helps you "shop your closet" and possibly utilize some items that haven't been worn in a while. Also, don't forget to join the Fab Finds Under $50 group on Flickr and see what many other fashionable ladies are wearing.
Week #1 - July 1 -3:
Wednesday, 7/1 - LBD and Fun Shoes
Thursday 7/2 - Patterned Top and Black Skirt
Firday 7/3 - Pattern: Stars
Week #2 - July 6 - 10:
Monday, 7/6 - Go Simple and Classic with a White Shirt
Tuesday, 7/7 - Pattern: African/Ethnic Print
Wednesday, 7/8 - Pattern: Paintbrush
Thursday, 7/9 - Cropped Jacket & Wide-Leg Pants
Friday, 7/10 - Mix in a Jean Jacket
Week #3 - July 13 - 17:
Monday, 7/13 - Preppy Bohemian
Tuesday, 7/14 - Color Combo: Black, White & Green
Wednesday, 7/15 - Pair an Embellished Top with a simple bottom
Thursday, 7/16 - Pair a White cardi or blazer with a pretty dress
Friday, 7/17 - Add a summer weight scarf
Week #4 - July 20 - 24:
Monday, 7/20 - J.Crew & Pearls Look
Tuesday, 7/21 - Eurochic Bombshell
Wednesday, 7/22 -Plaid or Gingham
Thursday, 7/23 - Color Combo: Black & Khaki
Friday, 7/24 - Your take on a crisp blue shirt and white pants
Week #5 - July 27 - 31:
Monday, 7/27 - Bow Blouse
Tuesday, 7/28 - Vest
Wednesday, 7/29 - Bold Black & White Pattern
Thursday, 7/30 - Color Combo: Orange and Gray
Friday, 7/31 - Tunic with Skinny Crops or Pants
P.S The Google Calendar has also been updated, so feel free to print July or sync with your PDA!
Sample Cardigans shown are Left - Banana Republic's Long Linen Cardigan, $89, and Right - Target's Long-Sleeve Open Wrap Cardigan, $20
Personally I think you have almost limitless options as to what to pair the cardis with, but here are a few ideas in particular:
Drawing upon inspiration from First Lady Michelle Obama's Inauguration Outfit and a recent stunning combination in purple that she wore to a ribbon cutting, I think the white cardi would be fantastic left unbuttoned and layered over a dress as these two looks demonstrate.
Floral-print dress - Newport News, on sale for $39
Betsey Johnson Heart Charm Stretch Bracelet - Nordstrom, $50
Preston & York Interlock Belt - Dillards, $26.60
Two Lips Talina - 6pm.com, $36.23
Print Boatneck Dress - Target, $39.99
Forever Flower Brooch - Forever 21, $3.80
Metallic Belt - NY & Co, on sale for $11.86
Oh Deer! Marilyn - 6pm.com, $40.25
Create a streamlined, crisp look for work by pairing with white pants. Once again leave the cardi unbutton and you can either belt the shirt and cardi or just the shirt leaving the cardi loose.
Classic Button-Front Shirt - Old Navy, on sale for $15
Merona® Collection Twill Pant - Target, $32.99
MICHAEL Michael Kors Wide Prong Suede Belt - Nordstrom, $45
Gabriella Rocha Cayden - 6pm.com, $43.70
Pair the cardi with a simple tank and cropped pants and use a brooch to gather the cardi together (similar to what I did here).
Lattice-Crochet Top - Old Navy, on sale for $10
Slim Stretch Capris - Old Navy, on sale for $15
Bejeweled Floral Brooch - Spiegel, on sale for $34
Nine West Jape2 - 6pm.com, $42.55
Lastly, toss the cardi on with jeans and fun pops of color with accessories and great shoes for a casual day or evening out!
Boyfriend Lace Tank - American Eagle, $17.50
Artist Jeans - American Eagle, $29.50
Coleen Dangling Earrings - Forever 21, $4.80
Audrey Scarf - Alloy, $16.50
Soho Lab Hayden - 6pm.com, $28.75
As for winter time looks with the long-sleeve cardi you can do many of the same types of looks, however, it is hard to give examples given the availability of off-season clothes. I hope there are some looks you like and can coordinate with your wardrobe here.
I must say after putting these together I really want a long white cardigan!!!
I have to admit, my casual wardrobe lacks a bit as I usually focus on buying "work" clothes. Also, I've always struggled with summer-time outfits given my love of layering and the hot temps. So, when I spied this outfit in July's issue of InStyle I made a mental note of it for when I needed a casual yet chic out. Well, today my mom and I were headed out shopping so it seemed the perfect time to put my spin on this look.
And here it is! I didn't wear a straw fedora and I carried my usual LV Neverfull MM Purse, but other than that I had similar items.
Blue Oxford - Old Navy, clearance for $10 (Fall 2008)
Scarf - won from the fabulous Sara of Unwrap Life and xoxo Closet Girl
White Pants - JC Penney, sale for $18 (Spring 2008)
Belt - Target, clearance for $4 (2008)
Sandals - Target, $25 (Spring 2009)
Hi there,
I am so glad, I found your blog, I have been following for about 3 weeks and I just love it.I am an apple figure; I look 4 months pregnant, thanks to my fibroids. I am going to the Caribbean next month and don’t know what to wear. Also, finding swimsuits is getting harder and harder. My style is eclectic.
Please help.
Emely
First let me say, I'm so jealous of your upcoming vacay! Time on the beach soaking up rays while sipping a pretty drink complete with umbrella sounds right up my alley!
With the body-shape and figure concerns you have outlined I think going with looser fits on top and playing up your assets a.k.a your legs and bubbies (as the NJ Housewives say) is the way to go. Luckily, right now tunic tops paired with skinny crops, cigarette pants or bermuda shorts, and flowy dresses and maxidress are all the rage.
Check it out:
Sheer Drawstring Tunic - Old Navy, on sale for $14.99
Breezy Printed Tunic - Chadwicks, $19.99
Alma Stone Bead Necklace - Forever 21, $10.80
Low-Rise Perfect Khaki Bermudas (White)- Old Navy, on sale for $10
Jersey Cami - Old Navy, $8.50
Split Neck Linen Tunic - Spiegel, on sale for $29
Shandy Faceted Bead Necklace - Forever 21, $6.80
V-Neck Layering Cami - Old Navy, on sale for $5
Low-Rise Perfect Khaki Bermudas (Yellow)- Old Navy, on sale for $5
Poplin Ruffle-Neck Dresses - Old Navy, $29.50
Dip Dye Sleeveless Dress - Target, $29.99
Beaded swing dress - Newport News, on sale for $39
Printed Caftan - Chadwicks, $12.99
Lustrous 2-piece halter suit - Newport News, on sale for $49
Brightly colored floral-print tankini - Newport News, on sale for $29
Shape fx® All-over Control Bandeau Swimdress - Newport News, on sale for $49.99
Have a great time, Emely, and hope these picks help a bit.
Happy Friday! I'm off to the outlet mall for a little shopping with my mom. I'll be back later with today's outfit. Speaking of shopping, if you need (a.k.a. want) something from a Coach Factory Store between now and Sunday, click here for an additional 20% off coupon! Have fun!
I recently had a baby (she'll be five months on Thursday) and I'm still in between clothing sizes. Will you please help me find affordable outfits, shoes, and accessories that will hold me over in the meantime? I'd like to spend no more than $100-$150 if possible.
If this helps, I love, love, love anything safari/ethnic and I'm still nursing so I need tops/dresses that aren't cumbersome to lift up :)!
Lana
Congrats on the addition to your family, Lana! I wasn't sure what kind of looks you were hoping for - casual? professional? But opted to go more casual with a few pieces that you can dress up for a night out or for business casual.
With that I have pulled together 13 items to create 13+ looks for less than $147.79! The items:
1/ Fab Slub Scarf - Forever 21, $5.50
2/ Cap-Sleeve Slub Fashion Tee (White) - Walmart, $8
3/ Long-Sleeve Pintuck Jersey Tee - Walmart, $8
4/ Sleeveless Knit Dress - Walmart, $15
5/ Braided Thong Sandals - Old Navy, $19.50
6/ Bermuda Shorts - Walmart, $10
7/ Print Pleat Skirt - Walmart, $12
8/ Roll-Up Utility Capris - Old Navy, on sale for $20
9/ Organic Cotton Blend Asymmetric Skirt - Walmart, $10
10/ Cap-Sleeve Slub Fashion Tee (Purple)- Walmart, $8
11/ Short-Sleeve Scoop Tee - Walmart, $5
12/ Spot Dye Scarf - Forever 21, $6.80
13/ Olivia Ring Slingback - Payless, $19.99
1 + 4 + 13
10 + 12 + 4 + 5
You coul also layer the dress over #2 or #11
2 + 7 + 5
I know the looks don't have a strong safari or ethnic vibe, but I am betting you have some accessories already that you can mix in for those looks. Hope you see somethings that will work for you!
Kathryn, since time is of the essence with you leaving next week I'm going to keep this post pretty simple. You are right, cruises can be a bit overwhelming to pack for since you have so many different types of events to pack for. However, if you choose items that are color coordinated you can get a lot of bang from the items in your suitcase.
For the most part cruises are very casual as you spend the majority of your day in pool gear or casually strolling around your port of call. Here are 11 pieces that you can mix and match to create 7 different looks.
Left Look:
Great for a day of traveling -
Norma Kamali Sleeveless Jersey Dress - Walmart, $20
Fancy Fringe Scarf - Forever 21, $6.50
Embroidered Slub-Knit Tanks - Old Navy, $12.50
Seychelles déjà vu - 6pm, $32.30
Right Look:
Transform the dress into the perfect LBD for dinner.
Dress - above
Scarf - above, but different color
Stone Strands Necklace - Forever 21, $8.80
Chinese Laundry Kailani - 6pm, $34.50
Left:
Turn your swim suit cover-up into a totally chic tunic with a pair of white bermuda shorts and metallic sandals.
Metallic-Gauze Swim Cover-Up - Old Navy, $24.50
Mid-Rise Canvas Bermudas - Old Navy, $19.50
Sandals - above
Middle:
Scarf - above
Tie-Dye Tank - Walmart, $4
Right:
Tank - above
Necklace - above
Sandals - above
Ombre Jersey Maxi Dresses - Old Navy, $34.50
All other items - above
Also, don't forget to pack a light weight tote (or use as your carry on). This will come in handy for carrying with you while in port in lieu of a purse to keep your suntan lotion, personal items and any little souveneirs you may purchase handy.
Faded Glory Canvas Tote Bag - Walmart, $7
Peace Tote - Victoria's Secret, on sale for $8.99
Circle Print Tote - Target, on sale for $12.99
Have a wonderful time! I'm so jealous!
White Shirt with detailing reminescent of a confederate soldier and marching band - Burlington Coat Factory, $13 (Spring 2009)
Skirt - Thrifted, $0.69 (Spring 2009)
Scarf - Vintage Vera Thrifted (June 2009)
Nude Patent Pumps - Kohl's, on sale for $16 (Spring 2009)
I just found your blog a week ago and have been spending hours combing through your posts. You've given me so much help and inspiration! But convention with my job is coming up at the end of July and I'm already in a panic about what to wear. Could you help me out?
-Katie
Katie and I emailed a bit after this initial question and I also found out the following:
*The first day is all on my feet getting ready and I don't usually have much time to fancy up for the (somewhat casual) reception that evening. The next day is a bit more calm working at the registration desk while meetings are going on. And I have a little more time to change and refresh before the (somewhat dressy) banquet dinner in the evening. The following day I'm back at the registration desk until noon and then cleaning up in the afternoon with a board meeting following. On this half day, most people dress a bit more casually than the full day of meetings the day before.
*I try to dress modestly and prefer dresses and skirts that cover the knee (24"-25" from the waist), sleeves in my tops and dresses and modest necklines.
*I wear scarves as headbands most of the time. I have black and white and a few printed ones but feel free to throw one in for each outfit if you want.
*My style (style?) has ADD most of the time, but I really like a classy, traditional look with some fun/trendy mixed in.
*I love the layered look and want to learn how to accessorize (especially with belts) in a more classy, put together way (your blog is helping!:) and I want to find, buy and wear more heels.
*She also linked a couple of dresses that she has contemplated buying recently.
With that, here are my suggestions, Katie. Have a great time at the convention!
The first day I selected two dresses that can be worn during the day and with a couple of changes with accessories can be worn straight to the reception. The black/white patterned dress wouldn't need to be worn with the cardi, but I fear it may be a bit shorter than you like. Unfortunately, Target didn't provide measurements on their website. The polka dot dress is plenty long, but you will need to layer with the lightweight cardi for the coverage you prefer.
Day #1:
Dresses:
Merona Collection Printed Dress - Target, $39.99
Bias-cut polka dot tank dress - Newport News, $49.99
Day Look:
Crystal Button Cardigan - NY & Co, on sale for $29.95
Layered Crocheted Bead Necklace - Target, $14.99
Basket Weave Belt in Red- NY & Co, on sale for $13.96
Shellys London Cleo - 6pm.com, $25.88
Faux Reptile Headband - Forever 21, $2.80
Evening Look:
Cardigan - Same as Day
Basket Weave Belt in Black - NY & Co, on sale for $13.96
AK Anne Klein Savvy - 6pm.com, $42.55
Satin Woven Chain Bracelet - Forever 21, $4.80
Day #2:
Short Sleeve Shirt - NY & Co, $26.95
Grecian Drapped Pencil Skirt - Target, $9.99
Sakura Satin Scarf - Forever 21, $8.80
Belt - same as First Day Evening
Nine West Polla - 6pm.com, $38.53
Evening #2:
The Charlotte Dress - Chadwicks, $49.99 (dress selected by Katie, and I choose to base the look on selecting the dress in the bright green color)
Crystal Button Cardigan - NY & Co, on sale for $29.95
Peacock Bangle - Charlotte Russe, $4
Heels from Day Look or Nine West Luminous - 6pm.com, $42.55
Day #3:
Clinton Kelly for Denim & Co. Crosshatch Denim Shirtdress - QVC, $30 (Dress selected by Katie)
Bracelet - from Evening #2 Look
Faux Leather Braid Twine Belt - Forever 21, $7.80 (I always prefer swapping out tie belts for a more structured look)
Jessica Simpson Wedge - 6pm.com, $46
Super simple today, but its Monday and I really didn't want to get up and ready this morning. I did decide to grab a pair of "blast from the past" heels though. I bought these Oh Deer! knock-offs of the super popular Christian Louboutin style three years ago. I was on a waitlist for over a month before I finally got them and it was so worth it. With that while they aren't the "must have" shoe anymore I still enjoy wearing them occassionally.
Also, check out these earrings! I won these great earrings in a giveaway that Sara hosted over at Unwrap Life in honor of her one year blogiversary (she is so funny - add her to your list of must reads! Also, she has a great daily wear blog too, xoxo Closet Girl). Just look how great these earrings go with my beloved necklace that use to be my Grandma's! I'm positively giddy!
White V-Neck Tee - Target, $10 (Feb. 2009)
Black Cardi - NY & Co, sale + coupon for $25 (Spring 2009)
Necklace - Estate Auction (Spring 2009)
Turquoise Belt - NY & Co, on sale for $10 (Spring 2008)
Scarf - For Love 21, $8 (Winter 2009)
Black Maxi Skirt - Grandma Judy Collection
Sandals - Target, $24 (May 2009)
*I am aware that Indian Style isn't the most PC to say, so I googled alternatives and found that Criss Cross Applesauce is a synonym. I learn something new every day!
Thanks so much for all of the great reader questions I have been receiving. I try to tackle a couple of each week and still have some I am trying to get to. In order to make submitting questions, thoughts and ideas that much easier I have added a simple form powered by kontactr to the bottom of the page.
Simply fill out this form and I will receive an email from you!
Also, I will be creating the July Outfit Inspiration Calendar soon, so feel free to submit any ideas that you have for it! Don't forget we would love to have you as a member of the Flickr Group showcasing your inspired outfits also.
