Reverse It

I first featured this dress styled simply and somewhat casually with beige booties and a chocolate clutch. 

The Dress Worn as Designed

When first trying this dress on, my seven-year-old said that I had the dress on backwards.  I explained that it was the design to have a lower vee back. 

She then suggested that I wear it reversed.  What a great idea!  I knew my baby was a genius!  :-)

Dress:  ASOS (Available here)

Dresses are wonderful, but they usually offer rather limited styling possibilities.  

As designed, this dress is versatile enough to style for casual days and evenings, as well as for work, but the fact that I can wear it reversed for another evening possibility gives this one bonus points.

Reversing the dress created a deep v-neckline that was stunning for an evening out with the man.

Jacket:  Torrid (Available here)

Boots:  Target

Clutch:  Target

Earrings:  The Limited

I really played with textures and patterns in this look, mixing an unexpected straw clutch, wood watch, and faux leather jacket to the weaved texture dress.  Lace print glasses added another subtle print.

Watch:  c/o JORD Wood Watches (Available here)

Glasses:  Valentino

Have you ever worn a dress backwards?  How did you like it?

For the dress in another look, see here.
For the jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Kaleidoscopes

I saw this dress while shopping at Target, and I just had to grab it.  The neon kaleidoscope print is so cool.  It also has a cute cutout back detail that will be great for when I wear this for more casual occasions.

Dress:  Target (Available here)

Since I wore this to work, I added my trusty blazer to give the dress a little more professional polish.

Blazer:  Eloquii

Booties:  Target (Available here)

The neon necklace helped pull the look together and added a fun touch.

Necklace:  The Limited
Ring:  Torrid

Cuff:  New York & Company

I didn't snap a before look, so I'm posting the photo of the dress from the web site to show you the alterations I made. 

Source:  Target.com
BEFORE:  Has double-layer hem

It's difficult to see, even on the web site photo, but the dress had a double layer, which created almost a ruffle effect at the bottom hem.  I wasn't crazy about this part of the dress, and since the dress was a little too long, I simply cut the bottom "ruffle" out of the dress.  I prefer the simpler silhouette of the dress, and I'm all about free and easy alterations!!

Never be afraid to change how a piece is made to suit your own preferences and to get the right fit.  If you're willing to take those steps and trust your gut, you can really make mass-produced clothing your own.  While shopping, I often think about how I can change pieces to accomodate my needs or preferences.

I can't wait to wear this dress with sandals for a easy summer look!

AFTER:  One layer - easy, peasy alterations

Do you have any tricks for making your clothes and accessories work for you?

Satchel:  The Limited

For the blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Honorable Mentions 7

It's time again for some honorable mentions - looks that didn't make it to a full blog post of their own but that I wanted to feature.  These are all looks that I've worn over the past few months, and a lot of these photos have been sitting on my desktop waiting to be posted.

I really love romantic looks, but I also don't like to look over-the-top girly.  This first outfit provided a good balance.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Clutch:  Torrid

The crop top and jacket give this look an overall casual feel, while the lace and pink feel sweetly romantic.

Top:  ASOS Curve (Available here)
Skirt:  Ann Taylor Petites

Bracelets:  Paperdolls Boutique and Ann Taylor
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

I just loved how this zip-front dress looked with a moto jacket and ankle booties (as seen here), but I wanted to style it for work.

Dress:  ASOS
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tights:  New York & Company

Rings (right hand) and bracelet:  LOFT
Ring (left hand):  Torrid

To keep it conservative, I kept the zippers zipped.  Since I wore this outfit back in March while it was still cold, I added opaque black tights and a black suit blazer.  I don't love this look quite as much as the more casual look, but it's an option that allows me to wear this dress for work, making it a more versatile piece.

Booties:  Target
Satchel:  The Limited
Necklace:  LOFT

Shirt:  Torrid (Available here)
Pants:  LOFT Petites

My tendency is to want to dress these brocade pants up, but pairing them with a chambray shirt made for a super easy casual Friday look.   Bad hair day though.

Booties:  Target

Ring:  Vintage (gift)
Bracelet:  LOFT

Sometimes, my favorite looks are very simple and basic.  They're not the most exciting of outfits, but they are easy, comfortable, and sleek.  I am NOT a morning, so on those mornings when I need to grab something quickly, I often choose an outfit like one of these.  In fact, I just wore this next look yesterday!

Pants:  The Limited
Sweater:  Gap (Available here)

Camisole:  LOFT
Ring:  Torrid

Satchel:  The Limited
Sandals:  Payless

Pants:  The Limited
Jacket:  Eloquii
Clutch:  Target

Camisole:  LOFT
Booties:  Target

Amethyst ring:  Purchased at local jewelry show
Silver ring:  Earthbound Trading Company
Cuff:  The Limited

Which look is your favorite?

Outfit #1
For the lace skirt in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For the top in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For the jacket in another look, see here.

Outfit #2
For the dress in another look, see here.
For the blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Outfit #3
For the pants in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.
For the top in another post, see here.

Outfit #4
For the black pants in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, and here.
For the black blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.

Outfit #5
For the pants in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

For more honorable mentions, see here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Casual Formula

I love oversized robes and kimono-style jackets.  Working in an office, I don't have the chance to wear them a lot, so I've tended to stay away from buying them. 

Jacket:  Target (Available here)

This one just seemed to be super versatile.  I like the longer length, and I immediately imagined this one with both denim and silky shorts for casual and dressier occasions.  Throwing on jeans with it, as I did today, was an easy option.  And, I think this will make a fantastic swimsuit cover-up come summertime.

Jeans:  Torrid (Available here)

Tee:  LOFT (Available here)

Shoes:  Kohl's (Available here)

I wore this outfit with a black top to work for last week's casual Friday.  Since I work in an office, this is more casual than I normally would wear to work, even on a casual day, but sometimes you just have a lazy day where you feel like being super comfortable.  Also, I couldn't wait to break in my new jacket!!

Yesterday, I decided to throw it back on with a white tee for a casual dinner with the family.  This formula is so simple:  jeans + tee + completer piece.  If you're ever at a loss for what to wear for a casual situation, this is a safe bet.

I realized that I haven't featured a denim look on the blog since December.  I'm really not much of a jeans person, but I didn't realize it had been that long!

Necklace:  Target

Clutch:  Target

Do you wear jeans often?  Do you like kimono-style jackets? 

For the jeans in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Maxi Dresses for Spring, Part Two

Did you catch this morning's post on maxi dresses for spring?  If not, you can catch up here.  Now, I've got a round-up of spring maxi dresses for your shopping pleasure!

It can sometimes be hard to find maxi dresses that allow you to wear a regular bra.  This one, in red or black, with a sexy side split, is casual perfection.  It's available in sizes 12-20.

Boohoo.com Layla Side Split Slinky Maxi Dress

Eshakti has really been hitting it out of the park this past year.  The crisscross detail on the straps gives this maxi dress a lot of visual interest.  I would dress this one up with a bold cuff bracelet or dress it down with flat sandals.  This dress is available in sizes 0-36W or custom fit.

eShakti Crisscross Strap Crepe Maxi Dress

This ruffled number from H&M is pretty in pink. Available in sizes 14-24.

H&M+ Long Dress

Land's End offers straight and plus sizes AND petite and tall lengths.  This maxi is available in three print options and sizes 0-26W (petite sizes available in sizes XXS-XL).  This floral print is just perfect for spring!

Land's End Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Have you checked out the Milly line for Kohl's?  This dolman sleeve maxi dress is available in sizes XXS-XL and in this fun print or sapphire.

MILLY for DesigNation by Kohl's Dolman Maxi Dress

This maxi dress from Eloquii in versatile scuba fabric is available in navy or a fiery red-orange color.  The strategic and interesting seaming elevate this dress from simple maxi to a a beautiful, structured showpiece.  Size 14-24

Eloquii Studio Cutout Scuba Gown

Available in sizes small to 4X, I would wear this one from Rebdolls as resort wear, or if I was feeling especially daring, for a fashion event or special night out with the man.

Rebdolls Grisel "Lost in Paradise" Gown

For when I'm feeling a little less daring, this white crochet-trimmed gauzy dress from Forever 21 is such a pretty and easy spring/summer option.  Available in sizes XL-3X.

Forever 21+ Crochet-Trimmed Maxi Dress

From Target's new plus size line, Ava & Viv, this graphic striped maxi dress is one of the few winners from this otherwise (in my opinion) dull and disappointing collection.

Ava & Viv Plus Size Maxi Dress

This option from LOFT, available in regular, petite, and tall sizes, has such a gorgeous print.  The laid-back vibe is perfect for road trips, casual outings, and backyard barbecues.

LOFT Wanderlust Maxi Dress

What do you think?  See anything you like? Do you wear maxi dresses?  If so, do you wear them as casual wear, for dressy occasions or both?