To Belt or Not to Belt

I adore trapeze style dresses. They are so super comfortable.  I also love red dresses.  A red dress is inherently bold, but in this easy shape, it still feels very conservative.

Dress:  Eva Mendes for New York & Company (Available in other colors here)

Clutch:  Similar here

I added red heels for a head-to-toe matching look. 

Shoes:  Target (old)

Belt:  Torrid

I debated whether I should add a belt.  While I love the loose shape, a belt that defined my waist seemed a little more polished.

I sit in an office all day, so in the end, I opted for comfort and chose to go without the belt but added a navy military blazer to give the look more structure.  Sorry, I didn't get any photos of that look, but it is similar to this look previously featured.

Necklace:  Ann Taylor

Bracelet:  LOFT

Which styling do you prefer?

For the dress in other looks, see here and here.
For the other looks from Dress Week 4, see here, here, here, here, and here.

Winter Bites

So, it's March and there's snow everywhere.  Not.Cool.At.All. 

Dress:  Eva Mendes for New York & Company

But what are you going to do?  

I decided to make the most of it and have a little fun with a few blog photos.

For today's look, I'm taking the bite out of winter with my fang clutch from Halloween.

Clutch:  ASOS

Boots:  Target

Tights:  The Limited

I'm looking forward to wearing this dress with heels or sandals for a breezy springtime look, but for now, I've paired it with printed tights and booties to stave off the chill.

Necklace:  The Limited

The web design on the necklace complements the tights, and I kept my hair easy with a low pony.

Earrings:  New York & Company

What's the weather like in your parts?  For those of you feeling the brunt of winter, how are you staying fashionable in the cold?

For this dress in another look, see here.
For the clutch in another look, see here.

Sundress Spectacular: 24 Dresses for Summer Fun!

My mind is on fall fashion, but summer is far from over!  Now is the time for airy sun dresses that take you from day to night with ease.

Being curvy and petite, it is always a challenge to find a proper fit.  I wear mostly straight sizes and buy petites when I can.  I also wear a few plus-size brands. I know that many of you can relate to this! 

For that reason, I'm open to shopping just about anywhere and alter as needed.  I've been doing a ton of "Windows" shopping lately to bring you a round-up of fun sundresses and other casual sundresses in a variety of sizes. 

Here are some of my picks for dresses that are perfect for those dog days of summer, when you just want to throw on something easy and breezy.

The plus side?  Many of these dresses incorporate trends that will be big this fall, such as botanical and animal prints and shades of cobalt, royal, and navy blue.  Add jackets, tights, and/or boots, and you're sure to get a lot of wear out of them come cooler weather.

Trapeze Artist
Airy, flowy trapeze dresses are the ultimate in summer ease and comfort!

Asos Petite Printed Indie Halter Dress

Lane Bryant Asymmetric Colorblock Dress

Myrda J abstract peplum tent dress

Stripes Ahoy!
Striped dresses have a slight nautical vibe that is always summertime chic.

This petite dress from Target goes up to a 2X, and it also comes in plus sizes (not petite plus) up to a 4X here. 

Or, try a striped body con dress for sexy summertime fun!

Merona Petites Ponte Dress by Target

Eloquii Striped Body Con Flounce Dress

Maximize Summer
Pretty maxi dresses with special details like beading or a backless silhouette are perfect for summer weddings and other special events, but they also work for day with flat sandals!

Forever 21+ beaded maxi dress

LOFT Petites wallpaper floral maxi dress

The Limited Printed Hi-Lo Maxi Dress

Made for You
Customizable options allow you to get the perfect length and perfect fit!

eShakti tie-dye print cotton hi-lo dress

Smart Glamour Arianna Convertible Dress

Prints Charming
Have fun this summer with quirky or sweet prints sure to put a smile on your face!

Mod Cloth Pull Up A Cherry Dress

Asos Curve zebra print dress

Keep It Easy
Sleeveless dresses with wide straps provide enough coverage to cover bra straps.  No need to fool with strapless bras!

Torrid Butterfly Mesh Skater Dress

Old Navy Cross-Front Jersey Dress

Peter Som for DesigNation by Kohl's Solid Eyelet Dress

Flirt Away
Want something playful?  Flirty little dresses in florals, fuchsia, or polka dots are just the ticket!

Wet Seal Floral Knot Back Dress

AX Paris Floral Print Camisole Dress

Lane Bryant Lane Collection Zipper Back Dress

H&M jersey dress

Artsy Prints
Artsy prints were a big trend this spring and will continue into fall. Express you inner Kahlo or Van Gogh with some cool painterly prints.

Mod Cloth Down To A Fine Art Dress

Target Junior's Sharkbite Printed Dress

Vince Camuto Sleeveless Watercolor Print Dress

Strap Happy
Interesting straps provide interest and edge to summer dresses.

Eloquii Strappy Flare Dress

AX Paris Animal Print Cami Dress

So, what do you think of this round-up?  Have a favorite pick?

Dress Week 3: Leopard for Spring

Dress Week continues today with a leopard print trapeze dress.

Dress:  Eva Mendes for New York & Company

I always think of leopard print and other cat prints as more for autumn and winter; however, there is no real reason that they should just be for the cooler seasons.

Safari-inspired clothing and accessories are back for spring, so I decided to take this big cat print into that direction by adding a camel messenger bag and neutral booties. 

Booties:  Target (Available here)

Bag:  The Limited (old)

Bracelets:  The Limited

I kept accessories fairly minimal adding a couple bangles and an orange beaded necklace with gold coins for just the tiniest pop of color.

I love the easy breezy feel of this look - I think it's perfect for the more laid-back vibe of spring and summer!

Necklace:  The Limited

Are you a fan of leopard prints for spring and summer?

For this dress in other looks, see here and here.

Singin' the Blues: Cobalt and Cognac

Blue was a huge trend on fall runways, and cobalt was everywhere!

I've always considered green my favorite color since early high school, but in the last few years, I think cobalt has replaced it.  It is such a vibrant color, and it looks amazing with so many other colors.

Dress:  Eva Mendes for New York & Company (Available here)
Blazer:  New York & Company (old) (Similar here)

Shoes:  Target (old)

For some reason, I usually pair this particular blazer with black and white.  I don't wear a lot of browns, and I never really considered mixing cognac with cobalt, but I decided to give it a try.

I'll admit that I prefer cobalt with black, white, or grey (and a ton of other colors), but I don't mind this color mix and it's nice to try something new once in a while.

Tote:  Target (5+ years old)

Bracelets:  The Limited (Available here)

I love trapeze dresses, but they are super tricky to wear if you're curvy and petite.  The longer length blazer helps tone down some of the volume of the dress, making it a little more work-appropriate as well as a little more flattering.

Necklaces:  The Limited and Target (Available in silver here and available here)

Do you like trapeze dresses?  What shade of blue is your favorite to wear?

For this dress in another look, see here.
For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.