DD's Style File - A Little Unusual

First things first...I hope you all are having a fabulous week and if you haven't yet entered the Holidays on Chic Holiday Giveaway, click HERE for your chance to win a pair of Kate Spade earrings and other gifts!

Now, on to fashiony things...

I don't consider my style picks to be "stuck in a rut," I just know what tends to work for my body and I gravitate toward those shapes. Often. I do, however, tend to feel like I go through "seasons" with retailers. I shop any and everywhere, but whoever is my retailer of choice becomes my go to place to shop, so I usually head there first and often. Eventually, I either find that their offerings become stale or something about their quality changes - like sizing or fabrication.

I recently started trying some things from Loft. Unfortunately, we don't have one locally, so I did an online shopping adventure (which is what I call running the risk of paying for shipping and returns).

One thing that I find myself not finding enough variation in, are prints. I adore leopard print (obviously), love polka dots, and have a thing for stripes, but I needed something else.

I've only made a couple purchases so far, but I picked up a couple of dresses, including this one, which I'd consider very different from my standard choices. The large striking print on the loose, breezy fit of this dress was a tad unusual. But I really, really liked that it's different and that it's a dress with sleeves! Because of the softer weight fabric it can also be worn through the seasons.

Dress: Loft - sold out (similar styles in different prints here, here, here, and here and this is super cute too)
Bag: H&M - sold out (almost exact match here and similar, similar options)
Booties: Amazon

The last three months I've worn A LOT of black. Probably more than I ever have. Ever. Which was because I was wearing the same pair of black leopard print New Balances every day. And I just didn't feel quite right covering myself in softer colors until your eyes reached my ankles.

Now that the doctor has given me the go ahead to slowly transition into regular shoes (flats, of course), I am uber excited about shopping my closet and wearing some things that I haven't in a while.

DD's Style File - Statement Lace

Ok, so I am going to keep it all the way real in this here post today...

First, I have abhorred lace (on me) for as long as I can remember.

It was my opinion that it looked old ladyish and made me look dated.

Well, I figure I must be turning into an old lady...

And it was this very dress that changed it all!

Ain't a thang old about this right here!

I literally passed this dress over on the rack several times, insisting that it just was not "my style." Until I ultimately ran out of options and saw that it was one of the only remaining dresses left in my size, so I tried it just for giggles (since the color was all pretty and whatnot).

Imagine my immediate surprise when I stepped into the mirror and LOVED it. Like getting compliments from strangers, despite your polka dot ankle socks, had me wanting to strut out of the store wearing it kinda love.

Dress: c/o David's Bridal (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: The Limited - old (other options here and here)

Shoes: INC for Macy's

I got the dress back in the spring and finally had a chance to wear it to a wedding this past weekend. Which because of my newly acquired appendage, I almost changed my mind about going to. In the end, I put on my Cinderella shoe and obviously went. I saw some old friends, did some chair dancing and had a nice time. 

Now, as I mentioned in the post opening....I'm keeping it extra real today. So, with that....below is a shot of what my blogging shoots are really looking like these days:

Yes, divas, me and the Frankenfoot are not only keeping it fierce at social functions, but I'm pushing forward capturing blog photos for all you lovelies!

And I'd say today's post definitely could teach all of us (myself included) a little something:

Lesson #1: Don't pass over something until you give it a try. You might actually surprise yourself.

When doing personal style outings, I would always say to my clients - just try it first - but it wasn't something that I necessarily adhered to for myself.  Because I felt I already had a firm grasp on what worked for me. Yet since wearing this dress, I'm expanding my fashion horizons, and I actually purchased two lace tops that I plan to wear soon.  

Lesson #2: Don't let a bump in the road ruin the entire road trip.

Ok, so I totally just made that up. What I mean that to say don't let something unexpected (like a fugly orthopedic boot) ruin the big picture. After getting this boot, I felt like social plans were put on hold, mostly because I felt clunky and clumsy (98.9% of the time, I have a sneaker on my good foot). Even though turning into a hermit felt really tempting, I just decided to make different plans instead. So, sure, I didn't get to wear the birthday dress I picked out, but I still put on something that made me feel good and had some very nice dinner outings with friends and family.

In short, if the road gets a little bumpy, just try an alternate route.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend! Will anybody be bringing out those fall wardrobe pieces??  

DD's Style File - Bold Gold

It is getting to be about that time, y'all... The summer is winding on down and we're heading into the final warm days of summer.

The end of summer for me was always marked by my birthday (which is right around the corner) and I consider any other warm days after that to be a seasonal anomaly in my book!

I got the chance to pull this lovely skirt out one last time. I don't wear it nearly as often as I'd like, but it's still one of my favs.

I thought the floaty chiffon paired perfectly with the feminine detailing of the top. And to add a bit of edge, I topped the look off with bold gold accessories.

Top: Kohl's - old (similar, similar, similar)

Skirt: Forever 21 - old  (similar, similar)

Belt: ASOS (I'm also selling one on Poshmark)

Shoes: Kohl's - old (similar, similar, similar)

There's no question that the star of the show is this eye catching gold belt. I want to wear it with everything! I think it's going to look amazing this fall over an all black ensemble. It's certainly one of those pieces that I consider an investment, because of the sticker price. In my opinion it's totally worth it, as due to it's versatility you can wear it with all kinds of things, which balances out the CPW.

I've been doing some reading about capsule wardrobes and will be delving into that in the upcoming weeks. And although I don't think the minimalist wardrobe is for me, personally, I do believe that having statement pieces like this to incorporate can certainly bring a dash of something special to a capsule collection or a hoarder's closet like mine!

I'd love to hear your feelings on the minimalist capsule wardrobe, do you love them or are you a fellow hoarder at heart??

Have a wonderful weekend!!

DD's Style File - Polka Dots & Tulle

On those occasions that I head out with purely the intent to browse or return items, instantly evolve into the days that I end up buying stuff. Good buys, but unintended, none the less.

But, trust me, if I head out for the purpose of buying some new pieces and looking for something special, that is GUARANTEED to be the day that I spend hours roaming aimless and bagless.

Skirt: Forever 21 - sold out (similar)
Dress worn as top: ASOS - old (similar, similar, similar)
Pumps: Kohl's - old (cute options: here, here, and here and a flat option)
Belt: old (other options: similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Macy's

I happened upon this skirt on one of those non-shopping occasions. I had returned some items to one store and just stopped off in Forever 21 to take a looksy. And there was this darling skirt in on a rack by its lonesome in a section in which it did not even belong.

My size and $20. Sold!

The salesgirl even told me this was the only one they'd received and us fashion girls know how special that is!

It is simply one of the cutest pieces I have in my wardrobe and I've held on to it for some time waiting for just the right kind of top to pair with it. That "perfect" top never came and I ran out of patience, so this time I wore a dress as a shirt for a more casual feel. Re-purposing items in your closet to do double duty is always awesome, right?!


I hope your week is off to a great start!!

DD's Style File - Sweet as a Peach

Can you believe that summer is actually winding down to a close?! At least here in the northeast, August and the start of the new school year signals one last "official" summer weekend. With that being Labor Day.

I mean it's seriously sad though! We get what feels like nine months of winter and consistent summer temperatures don't even seem to want to make an appearance until July

The sun decided to play games with me when I pulled out my gear to take these photos. Not only does the sun want to run away sooner in the day, but as I pulled out and set up all my gear, it decided to hide behind the clouds. Give me a break!

 But I pressed on, in hopes of catching what sunlight I could. I didn't want bright light because it completely washed out the warm peachy color of this dress and made it appear lighter than it really is. So I wanted more golden sunset lighting.

Seriously though, I can't say what it was that I really ended up with, but it wasn't anything "golden." But my pup was in his car seat being super well behaved, so I took that as a sign to capture what images I could (is anyone else's dog more like a clingy fur child? No? Just me?... Oh...ok :-/).

But about the dress - totes adorbs, right?! I found it during my trip to Puerto Rico last fall (where I had NO intention of shopping and was dragged to the mall against my will). And as soon as I saw this, I loved, loved, loved the soft summer peach shade. As much as I love shift and trapeze style dresses, I have a long spanning affection for maxi dresses. I do feel our summers here don't give me nearly enough opportunities to wear them as often as I'd like.

Like this one, they are a great way to dress up in flats for a nice dinner on the patio or a quick way to look like you put in more effort than you really did when running errands. I would easily rock this to the grocery with oversized hoop earrings and toss on these same sandals or a basic metallic flip flop and I'm out the door.

Dress: Macy's (similar, beautiful option)
Sandals: NY&Co - old (similar, similar)
Necklace: gift from my mommy (similar, similar)

And, divas, let's not forget that maxis hide a multitude of things that we'd really like to hide. I would just suggest that if you're going to be with small children that still require picking up, don't go with a strapless dress like this, lessens the chance for an accidental peep show.

If you're a more petite height your can still do a maxi length. It's an asset to find a great seamstress, but if you'd like to avoid that expense, I'm sure YouTube can show you tons of ways to hem a dress without needing a needle and thread (as seen here).

This post is also a part of Mix & Match Fashion's Summer Style Link Up!

DD's Style File: Fashion Fairy

I have no problem whatsoever wearing tulle, sequins and sparkly jewelry in my every day life. I, of course, consider where I'm heading and what's going on that day, but I basically feel like the unintentional Carrie in my little city on the lake.

I can't bring myself to pass up pretty things just because I can't think of when or where I'll get to wear them. Now, of course, there's a meter to this, and some stuff just doesn't make for a budget friendly sensible buy. So I mourn my loss and leave it on the rack for the next diva. But I enjoy incorporating whimsy into my life, and I'm certainly not going to pass it up because of what someone else might think. And that goes for a decadent, delectable treat when I'm on a mission to eat right or this Cinderella-esque skirt right here in a world of khaki.

And tulle is having one heck of a moment right now. I personally think that it all started with amazing and talented personal style bloggers, like KTRStyle, a while back then just caught on like wildfire. Which why I was able to troop into Kohl's a few months back and find a rack of $50 tulle skirts. I know it's not for everybody, but I'm here for it, at least for this moment in my fashion journey.

Top: ASOS - old (similar, similar, similar) 
Skirt: Kohl's (similar, similar)
Shoes: Michelle K. - super old (similar color, a bow option, similar style)
Purse: JCPenney - old (similar, similar, similar print)

Before I head off, I'm going to leave you all with the struggles of a personal style blogger. First off, on photo shoot day it got too friggin' bright out once I had my gear set up. But I was there and decided to snap what I could despite the blinding sun and ferocious heat making perspiration trickle down my back. On top of that, my heel tip almost got snatched off in between the boardwalk planks. And if the picture below looks like I lost something....I nearly did. My shutter remote slipped out of my hand and almost slid into the lake! So this is definitely a candid outtake, but my outfit angles looked good though! So I kept it in! 

Ok! I'm done with my whining!! 

The last day of my summer university course is tomorrow and I can finally get back on a regular schedule after five weeks. I'm off to do the Nae Nae in celebration!!

DD's Style File - Tulips & Florals

According to the fashion gawds, florals are in for spring and summer... So let's chat about one of my fav floral inspired shapes - the tulip cut.

Tulip cuts offer a sexy, covered alternative to more revealing tops. Where you only get a peek of skin if the wind blows just the right way. I honestly think that one part of the appeal is that the top itself mimics the shape of a swing tops and dresses. They just have a certain kind of sway to them.

I thought the cut and length of this top worked perfectly with these pants, which I don't get to wear nearly as often as I would like. And pairing complimentary solids with a busier print is a great way to highlight the print in a cohesive way.

Top: Marshall's (similar, similar)

Pants: Forever 21 (similar)

Shoes: Kohl's (similar)

Clutch: The Limited (similar)

Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory (old)

Watch: ALDO (similar)

Like I mentioned in my previous post about paisley, I'm honestly not typically a floral girl, but the right print done the right way can really work. But neither is a print that I think you'd find much of in my closet.

If you know a brand that really executes floral prints well, I'd love to hear about it!

DD's Style File - Perfect Paisley

I have been a baaaaad blogger lately... I'm so behind it's terrible. But I blame it on the nice, suddenly summer weather! It doesn't help that I've been taking a summer college course since the end of June and by the time my "day" ends, bedtime approaches super quick.

Daily demands aside, you would think that sunny days would be all the encouragement needed to head out, tripod in hand, ready to take some blog photos. On the contrary, lately I've felt more prompted to simply enjoy those days. Especially since, as luck would have it, they seemed to fall on the weekend.

And I won't let my guilt eat me up about it. As much as I love blogging, here in the northeast we see waaaay more gray, dreary, cold days than we do hot summer ones. And in December, I'd rather not look back and think that I missed out on a walk with my pup and playing at the park with my nieces because I was taking photos.

But I'm working it all out! Even if at times, to me, it feels more like clumsy juggling!

While on the topic of those summer days, this dress seemed to epitomize that whole summer chic thing!

I, personally, never went gaga over Lily Pulitzer, even with all of her girlish whimsy. But for whatever reason, the blue/pink paisley print of this dress kinda gave me that lightweight perfect for summer in Capri feeling that Lily gives off. The fabric is breathable, the fit is comfortable and it is easily one of the most stylish things I've probably ever snatched out of my closet.

Dress: The Limited

Shoes: Seychelles - old (similar color options here, here, here, & here)

Bag: The Limited - sold out (similar style)

Necklace: The Limited - old (similar, similar length, longer style, another option,)

I'm sure I've gone on about my love for the shift dress before (as a matter of fact, I'm positive, here and here), so it's obviously an easy outfit recipe I stand by. But if shift dresses don't quite work for your figure, have no fear! An essential wrap dress could certainly stand in it's place.

The point is truly all about having a dress with a silhouette which you find flattering to your shape, and having that work as a tried and true piece to build an outfit around - shoes, bag, statement necklace/bracelet or earring and you're done! Seriously!

For me this dress was just plain fun! It wasn't a print that I would typically gravitate too, and it was actually something really different from any other pieces in my closet.

On the flip side, I also recently got a fab-u-lous staple wrap dress in black that I think you all would love too. I plan to do a post about that just as soon as I can get some good photos (black can be hard to photograph). It's a super dreamy weight, but it has sleeves, so the day I actually wore it had that what-kind-of-summer-is-this type of weather. Which was not at all optimal for photos! But stayed tuned!

DD's Style File - Urban Jungle

Have you ever seen an item that was so stunningly lovely that it instantly incited the grabby hands?

Case in point: This maxi skirt.

It arrived in my mailbox on the cover of a store mailer and I rushed to the site immediately. I had nothing like it in my closet and the vibrant yellow screamed summertime beach vacation (or city street staycation) and I had to have it.

Once it arrived, it was it was bright, flowy, ethereal elegance... *sigh* And I couldn't wait for my first chance to wear it! But since I bought it in the spring, the weather in the north is just starting to cooperate.

I try to steer clear of color pairs like straight black and yellow, or even green and red, because they can create distinct object or seasonal symbolisms. Instead I'd create color combinations versus color pairings, by adding in a third color.

Now, black aside, I certainly could've easily paired this skirt with something white or ivory which is fine, but I do really like unconventional color and print combos. And both of these happen to be two of my favorites! I'd like to think of it as feisty meets fanciful lol!

Top: Forever 21 (similar)
Skirt: NY & Co. (similar, similar)
Shoes: Kohl's (similar)
Necklace: JCPenney (similar)
Earrings & bracelet: The Limited (similar)

But I gots to be frank with y'all... For my shortish frame (about 5'3"), it IS a lot of fabric to carry. Especially in flats and when getting in and out of the car (wrinkles be damned!). But when wearing it, I strut like these legs are five feet long on their own - so for me to feel that fabulous, it's worth it! ;-)

Hope you've had a amazing week!

DD's Style File - Moody Blues

Rain, rain go. ah. WAY!!

This weather in the northeast is trying to seriously trying to put a stop to my fabulousness... I can barely catch the sunshine out long enough to take photos, luckily there was a bit of a break is the dreary weather so I had a chance to snap these.

I'm pretty sure a downpour moved in about an hour afterward...

Now, this top is one of those items that almost didn't make it home with me. I picked up, thought it was unique and kinda cute. Then put it back down. Circled the store, came back to it and picked it up again. Decided it was a maybe and bought it. Then it sat in the closet for a while.

I purchased this in late fall/early winter so they first time I pulled it out I put it a blazer on top and found that it added the perfect amount of sparkle. Since this "summer like" weather has been a bit cooler, I was able to pull it out now to, and it's like a dressed up t-shirt - comfortable, with minimal effort. Perfect!

Top (old): The Limited (similar style, similar style, similar, similar)
Skirt (old): The Limited (similar, similar, similar)
Pumps: Nine West (similar)
Necklace (old): (similar, similar) 

The dressy t-shirt. It's an item I now firmly believe every closet should have. It is a way to zhuzh up your basic top and pencil skirt. Offering a modern twist on the whole matchy-matchy thing, by creating clean lines while the pops of metallic serve as visual interest.

I would suggest keeping the foundation outfit color neutral - navy, black, tan - which will allow the splashes of metallic to sparkle.


So, what say you, are we loving daytime sparkle for the office??

DD's Style File - All Striped Up: An Ode to Ms. Kate

It's really funny that I've never heard myself say that I favor a black and white color palette and if anyone ever told me that it seemed like one of my favorites, I would've responded with a "really??"

But apparently I've been quietly oblivious to my own styling activities, despite the fact that my dining room, kitchen and upstairs hall are all punctuated or completely centered on black and white.  And recently I've found myself reaching for bold black and white more often than usual (like here and here), often punctuating with pops of color, like today.

This dress is more of an ivory and black than starch white, but the bold structured lines offer the same crisp clean feel.

I really love the classic whimsy that stripes offer, but they can sometimes be dangerous. Vertical stripes especially, if not properly proportioned they can over accentuate areas like busts, hips and bellies. Along with the stripe spacing and sizing, the cut of the dress or top can make all the difference. There are no hard and fast rules, just make sure you wear what you love and that it's not wearing you!

Dress: The Limited (sold out)
Belt: The Limited (similar)
Necklace: Target
Pumps: Amazon

Because I like to conceal the areas of my body that I don't love as much, I am typically drawn to dresses that are flowy or, like this one, have a feminine A-line shape. Adding a colorful belt allows me to still highlight my waistline.

I have a unwavering love for Kate Spade (as I expressed in Monday's easy, peasy DIY post) so I was delighted to find that my dress was likely inspired by one of Kate's lovely dresses....and I ain't mad at that!

Both of these dresses are from previous seasons, so they aren't available, but if you like the look this is a super similar style and here are a few other cute options that are similar, found here, here, here and here!

DD's Style File - Outfit Inspiration from Jamie Chung

I saw this super cute image of Jamie Chung in June's edition of People Stylewatch, I cut it out and pinned it to my actual inspiration board. Then I immediately thought, "Hey, I've got that stuff in my closet!"

image credit

I love when I can get inspiration to pull pieces together that I already own! Especially when it gives me an idea that I hadn't thought of. 

As much as I love scarves, instead of going with a scarf, I added a leopard print tassel and gold monogram letter to my bag.

Dress:JCPenney (similar)

Bag: Gap via Poshmark (similar)

Shoes: JCPenney (similar)

Tassle: JustFab

Where adorable Miss Jamie's dress came from Banana Republic, I snagged mine at an end of season sale at JCPenney last year for about $7.

Perfect little ensemble for weekend brunch!



This post is also a part of the Mix & Match fashion linkup!