THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Every gal wants…actually, every gal needs that little black dress. Whether it’s little, long, casual or formal, that “little” black dress always goes a long way toward making us feel fabulous. My good (male) friend Al used to wear all black and chuckle while saying, “Cosmo says all black makes me look thin!” Let’s get real, Al, you weren’t reading Cosmopolitan for the fashion tips. But a black dress goes beyond just creating a slimming effect. Black is classic. Black is sexy. Black is sleek. And it can also be somber. Black will never steer you wrong. It’s always a safe bet. So when I find a great black dress that can stand the test of time, I buy it. Especially if it’s at a great price point.

When I saw this little black dress, I was instantly reminded of a Givenchy black dress worn recently by the Duchess of Sussex. Yes, my obsession with her has yet to wane. It only grows stronger with each day that passes. The midi length and the sheer sleeves of the dress I’m wearing reminded me of Meghan’s. In addition, I thought her dress was conservative and classic, which made it sexy all at the same time…much like this dress I recently found at…Zara…which means it’s accessible.

This dress is perfect for that cocktail party or function when elegance is your goal. It’s also great when you want to feel sexy but a strapless, mini dress, or dress that hugs your body, wouldn’t be appropriate. It looks and feels much more expensive than $69. It fits beautifully and is true to size. I’m wearing an XS. It’s effortless. Throw on a great pair of black pumps. The shoes I’m wearing are about 10 years old, so invest in a great pair of classic black pumps—they can elevate almost any outfit. Keep the jewelry simple. I’m wearing my Deco Drop Earrings that are a Cartier knockoff, and it’s fairly difficult to tell the difference. My bag is vintage, but I’ve provided a similar style below.

And finally, I have to say that playing dress up is so much fun, and this particular shoot was a blast, complete with a passerby blasting Drake, which really got me moving. A sequence of enthusiastic twirls also produced a few revealing shots, showing a bit too much leg (and perhaps a little bit of tush), but my photographer thoughtfully deleted those before sending. (Or maybe he’s holding onto them for blackmail one day!) Regardless, we laughed a lot. I’ve worried a bit about doing these posts and what people might say. “Oh, please…does she think she’s a model?” No, I don’t. Far from it, in fact. But we don’t need to look like a super model to be our own version of fabulous. Most importantly, we shouldn’t compare ourselves to unrealistic standards of beauty. I’m learning to do more things that bring me joy, without fear of criticism or judgment from others. Fashion has always been a passion of mine. I think wearing something beautiful can do wonders for our confidence, especially on days when we need an extra lift. Yes, of course, confidence has to come from within. But when you look in the mirror and you see fabulous, that certainly adds a little pep to your step, even if it’s only temporary. I think it’s difficult for some to look at clothing online or even on the rack and envision how it will look on their body, how to accessorize it, how to wear their hair, etc. So my hope is that these fashion-oriented posts will make dressing easier for those following along. I also want women to know that while you can certainly spend a fortune to look great, you don’t have to. I think this featured dress is a perfect example of that.

Click on the images below to Shop the Look I’m wearing here and for a few additional little black dresses currently available. I’ll admit that I don’t have the figure to wear some of these, but I can still appreciate great style when on the right person.

SHOP THE LOOK

Featured Dress

Lace Dress

Sheer Yoke Sheath

Off Shoulder Sheath

Balloon Sleeve Sheath

Sweater Dress

Stretch Jersey Dress

Boat Neck Sheath

Crepe Boat Neck/Off Shoulder

Off Shoulder Knit Lace

Ribbed Off the Shoulder

Wrap Slit Midi

Black Strapless Gown

Convertible Gown

FEMININE FLORAL FROCK

Summer is winding down. Just a few more days left. Can you believe it? I feel like I’ve been gone from this blog forever. That wasn’t part of the plan, but the last month has been more than busy. We had lots of visitors, and I feel very fortunate for that. My boys were out of school and camp for the month of August. I also feel blessed to have had that time with them, even if I felt like I was going to lose my mind on a few (okay, maybe more than just a few) occasions. So as the kids get back into their routine of school and activities, I’ll be attempting to resume my old routine, even if it is a little slow.

While Summer is coming to a close, there’s never a bad time to wear beautiful florals. They were definitely popular this past Spring and Summer, and fortunately for me, they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. One of my favorite affordable, ready-to-wear dress designers is Shoshanna (Lonstein) Gruss. She debuted a new line of gorgeous, feminine dresses during New York Fashion Week Spring 2019. You’ll see one of my favorites, along with a sketch of another, featured below.

Image via Shopshoshanna Instagram

Image via Shopshoshanna Instagram

The good news about the dress I wore not once, but twice, last week, is that it looks and feels beautiful on AND has an equally beautiful price tag. It’s from Target’s Who What Wear Collection, and it’s not the only dress I’ve purchased from that line recently. It’s 100% cotton so your body can breathe, and it’s easy to care for. The ruffled collar stands up well, and the chest stays open, for a structured and a little-bit-sexy look. The waist ties to give definition and keeps it perfectly fitted. What more could you ask for?

My shoes are by Schutz from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Unfortunately, they recently sold out. I’ve listed a few similar styles (unfortunately not as pretty of a price point), but honestly, almost any feminine heeled sandal (or even a sleek pump) will do. You might think black is the obvious choice, and it will work, but having tried both, I’m partial to nude or perhaps a gold metallic to lighten things up. CLICK ON THE PRODUCT IMAGES BELOW TO “SHOP THE LOOK”.

SHOP THE LOOK

Floral Dress

Metallic Sandals

Metallic Sandals

Gold Hoops

Gold Bangle

CRAZY FOR CARDIGANS

It's summertime, and it's hot, at least where I'm spending the rest of my summer. So how can I be thinking about sweaters? I'm definitely not contemplating putting one on during the day anytime soon, but Fall will soon be upon us, and I want to be ready. I snagged this fabulous cozy cardigan during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and it's one of the many reasons I'm looking forward to the season of hay rides, pumpkin patches, football games, and cooler temps. It's by Free People, and they also made my favorite cardigan from last year that I've just about worn out. I love the color of this one, as it adds spice to an otherwise plain (and perhaps boring) camisole and jeans and screams "fall."

Although big, comfy, cozy cardigans happen to be my favorite, there are so many others. Dusters look fabulous with leather leggings (I have mine on repeat year-round). And although they have the potential to have an unfortunate bathrobe look, if worn correctly, those that wrap and tie can be a wonderful option to a blazer or jacket. I love to wear a fitted cardigan with a pair of skinny jeans for a cleaner and more stream-lined look while still keeping it casual. But in the end, I love a cardigan because they can typically be thrown over jeans and a t-shirt, throw on a few cute jewels, and voila!...easy outfit of the day without spending much time in my closet thinking, "What should I wear today?" CLICK ON THE PHOTOS BELOW TO SHOP. And many of these come in multiple colors, so don't overlook that when clicking through.

TO ACCOMPANY...

similar camisole to one I'm wearing that is a few years old

(A FEW) FAVORITE FASHION FINDS FROM TARGET

Who doesn't love a bargain? Better yet, who doesn't love a bargain when it makes us look and feel good wearing it? Target is one of the best places for this, and I've found a few things there over the years that I've loved and would have paid a few times more than I did because they were that good. My first fabulous find that I can recall was about 20 years ago when I purchased a corduroy jacket for $15 and paid $15 to have it tailored. I wore it everywhere, and even a Barney's employee asked where I got it when I donned it on a visit to one of NYC's greatest shopping destinations.

I met one of my friends in downtown Southampton this afternoon. We are both busy moms of two young kids, and I joked about my 15-minute online "shopping spree" this morning on target.com. I'm putting out the disclaimer that I haven't actually tried any of them except for two of the dresses, but with Target's free shipping and free 90-day return policy, you can't go wrong with ordering them and trying for yourself. I feel the two dresses I have tried look much better on and styled than the photos on Target’s site. Maybe there's a job in Minneapolis in my future. :-) I'll try to wear the blue dress again this week/weekend and have it photographed for you. It's definitely worth the $28 price tag. 

Keep in mind that shopping for clothing online is sometimes like looking at an old house with peeling wallpaper and filthy carpet. You have to see beyond what you see...imagine it on you and how you could accessorize and style it. Jewelry, shoes, and/or a great bag can do WONDERS for an otherwise ordinary piece of clothing. Finally, if you're getting the piece for a bargain and it doesn't fit perfectly, consider spending a little extra at the seamstress. Shorten the dress, have the waist taken in a bit, etc. Play with it when you try it on, and if you think, "I wish it was _______," maybe that just might be possible. CLICK ON THE PRODUCT IMAGES BELOW TO SHOP. 

I have the blue dress below, and I promise, it looks MUCH better on and styled. I'll try to post later this week if I can get it photographed (I'm alone in the Hamptons with my two boys). The white dress below FO isn't really available online any longer, but I found it in an XS locally. Unfortunately, my bust is too small for even an XS, so I gifted it to my nephew's girlfriend who looks like a J. Crew model (not kidding), and it looked so perfect on her!

And for any of you who are lovers of Loeffler Randall's bow shoes that seem to be hot right now, Target has several knock-offs. I just can't seem to bring myself to make the purchase on some of them because I think too much about Aunt Jemima. Just sayin'...

GET DOWN WITH THE BUTTON DOWN

I love dressing up. But the reality is that my life doesn't really permit me to walk around in a dress and stilettos most days. I'm often in leggings, an oversized sweater or sweatshirt, and sneakers. But there are some days when I want a more polished and "neat" casual look. For those days, I've been a big fan of the button down lately. It's classic. It will never go out of style. And it can be worn a few different ways depending on my mood and what's on my agenda--tucked in, tied in the front, and even out over a pair of leggings. My favorite way to sport the button down is with jeans and a belt, finished off with a few classic and simple pieces of jewelry. 

This particular button down is by Madewell and is part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It's the perfect cut and it's a light weight fabric that doesn't wrinkle.  I'm in love with it, and apparently many others are, too, because depending on when you check, it may be sold out. But check back, as they often restock. Or perhaps Madewell will carry it later in the season. If not, I've provided a few additional options. If you're looking for a basic white button down, the options from Zara and Theory are perfect, as they also have a great cut, and Zara has a terrific price point. The jeans are Madewell (you've seen them a lot), and my jewels are on repeat, as well. I love wearing my engravable disc with a "K" that keeps my little loves close to my heart, even when they're not around, and it just takes the button down up a notch. The belt is a classic. My wedge ballet loafers are Lanvin and over five years old so no longer available, but this look can be completed with your favorite loafer, ballet flat, or wedge. CLICK ON THE PRODUCT IMAGES UNDER "SHOP THE LOOK" TO GET YOURS.

SHOP THE LOOK

PRETTY IN PINK

Today is the first day that the public has access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Nordstrom's biggest and most anticipated sale of the year. Those with a Nordstrom card got early access. But I learned that next year, I need to set my alarm. So many things I loved were already sold out when I finally got to their site two days after the sale opened. 

The good news for you is that this dress is fully stocked in all sizes at the time of this post. The photos on Nordstrom's site don't do it justice. I was drawn to it because of its simplicity, its feminine color, how fitted it appeared on the top, and the flow of the skirt. To me, it screamed Duchess (of Sussex or Cambridge). I imagined how beautifully it would swing and flow as I walked down the street. And I was right. I had so much fun wearing and shooting this dress. I envision wearing it to church (whether a normal Sunday, a baptism, or day wedding), to a business dinner, to a baby shower, or just out to dinner to a restaurant that's a bit more conservative and formal. Best of all, this dress has a very accessible price point. Run, don't walk, to purchase it (and the entire look). The earrings and bracelet are available, as well. The shoes are ages old, as is the vintage clutch, but I've posted similar pieces that will look fabulous with the dress. CLICK ON THE INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT PHOTOS UNDER "SHOP THE LOOK" TO GET YOURS.

SHOP THE LOOK

Simply click on the images below to shop.

SUMMER GARDEN PARTY DRESS

Perhaps it's because white jeans, shoes, and possibly dresses, are forbidden before Easter and after Labor Day, is precisely why I can't get enough of white during the summer. I LOVE this dress. It's so feminine and effortlessly light and airy. It just screams "beach" to me. As silly as it sounds, the moment I put it on, I imagined how beautiful it would look next to the hydrangeas I'm obsessed with, so I walked outside and asked my husband to snap a few shots. (No, this isn't what I typically wear when I garden and pick flowers.) The dress has a partial liner under the skirt so you don't have to worry about it being too transparent. And I love the "sleeves" because they actually look great when they fall a little, so they're not annoying like many off-the-shoulder pieces that have you constantly adjusting the arms. 

I've paired the dress with a few of my favorite summery/beachy jewels that I can't get enough of. When I wear off-the-shoulder pieces, I often like to forego a necklace and opt for a pair of statement earrings to allow the clothing to show off your body, as it was designed. These earrings definitely make a statement and are fantastic because they can also be worn as studs simply by unhooking the part just below it. I'm wearing three bracelets...because why choose if you don't have to, but one or two would be just as beautiful. My hat is ages old, so I've posted a few wonderful alternatives.

In addition to the dress I'm wearing, I'm also posting a similar piece that's a little shorter in length in case you don't want a full maxi dress. CLICK ON THE PRODUCT NAMES BELOW THE IMAGES TO SHOP THE LOOK.

SHOP THE LOOK

Shopbop -- Size Large Only
Mulberry and Me -- Sizes XS-Medium

White Statement Earrings

Courage Bracelet

Strength Bracelet

Gold Stretch Bracelet

Shorter Dress Option with Button Front
Second Source for Shorter Dress with Button Front

Woven Hat

Floppy Hat with Metallic Band

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE PICKS

Holy cow! The early bird really does get the worm. I finally sat down last night to complete my review of the "early access" to Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, and I can't tell you how many of the items I love are already sold out! Last year, they restocked some items, so I'll be keeping an eye out. "Early Access" is through July 19, and you can only purchase the items with a Nordstrom credit card, which you can conveniently click through to open when you attempt to purchase a sale item. There are so many great things. If you like them, grab them now or they'll be gone. With Nordstrom's flexible return policy, you can send them back without hassle if they don't work out. There were so many jackets and at least three pairs of shoes that I adore that are completely sold out.  I'll keep watch and update you if they become available again. (Apologies if something is sold out when you try to access.) CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO SHOP.

SUMMER WHITE PARTY

I found this dress in white linen at an affordable price and decided to take the plunge. I typically don't go for white because I have young kids. No further explanation needed. And I typically don't go for linen because I hate looking like I slept in my clothing. But this particular dress passed the excessive wrinkle test in that it doesn't wrinkle more than expected of linen. I've come to appreciate that attribute of this beautiful summery fabric. Before this photo, I loaded my 3-year-old into the stroller, pushed him to the park, and then played with him a little (which included bending over, picking him up, etc.) to get him settled so a few photos could be taken. And I'd say it held up pretty well. Of course, if you don't have all of the action I had that afternoon, you'll look even more stunning wearing it. White is so easy to vary the look simply by changing shoes and accessories. For this dress to look its best, I feel the belt should be tied tightly, even tighter than I have it in the photos. It needs definition at the waist.

If you don't love this dress, I've featured a few other white dresses. Let me say up front that I, personally, could not wear them all, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate that someone else with a better figure and/or who is younger could rock the look. And yes, the last two are not truly white, but they're light, and I couldn't resist.

SHOP THE LOOK

SHOP OTHER BEAUTIFUL WHITE DRESSES

WEEKEND TRAVEL BASICS

Summer weekend getaways. I have yet to really start taking mine because my oldest has had baseball on Sunday mornings in the city. But yesterday was his last game. It's been a terrific season, and he has played with his whole heart and soul, and that has been so wonderful to witness. Although I have loved being a little league mom (I even coached third base two weekends ago), I'm looking forward to weekend mornings waking up to birds chirping and evenings sitting on the back porch drinking a cold glass of rosé or porto. 

If you're a weekend traveler, it's good to have a few basics. And in the summer, that should always include white tops because they're light and versatile.  Everyone needs one pair of casual jeans and a flat sandal so you don't kill yourself in transit. The shoes should look good with everything and be anything but boring. Same goes for your jewelry. Finally, you need a travel bag that pairs well regardless of what you're wearing, and black and white is always right for that. CLICK ON THE INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS BELOW TO SHOP THE LOOK.

SHOP THE LOOK

This top is so fun and light. I like to do a small half-tuck with it to keep it a little less boxy, but it would also be fine untucked.

This basic white button down is affordable enough so you don't fret when it eventually starts to yellow, as all white blouses do. It has a great fit in that it's not too boxy and not too tailored.

Best jeans ever because I wear them all the time. They're more of a mid-rise even though they're labeled as a high-rise.

I featured these shoes a few weeks ago on my Instagram Stories. I wear them with everything. Things I didn't even think I would wear them with, but they just work with it all. There are a few sizes left. It seems I'm not the only one who's in love with them.

If your size isn't available in the animal print slides, try these from Steve Madden. They're affordable and come in many colors like this rose gold and cognac, both versatile neutrals.

This "Getaway" bag expands if necessary. It's perfect for someone like me who always returns from a trip with more than I had when I left. I just love how it goes with everything. There is also a smaller version called the Daytripper.

You've seen these jewels before. They're on repeat for me. Makes my life so easy.

Fortunately, there are tons of affordable white tops available. Stock up because they're perfect for summertime!