From Summer to Fall

It’s no secret I am dress obsessed.  I have told you countless times that I have a closet dedicated to them (addiction problem I know).  Anyway, so I hate that I can only wear most of my dresses in the spring and summer months, that is until now.  I decided to shop my closet to see how I could easily take my summer dresses into the fall and straight into my office attire.

While at work, I dress conservatively.  This entails cardigans, blazers, and avoiding short, bar armed dresses.  That rules out a lot of my spring and summer clothing.  For instance I really love this target dress I picked up.  It has a great pattern on it and pockets, but being sleeveless I don’t feel like its office appropriate without something over it!!  That got me thinking…The cut is perfect for work and since I am sick of wearing cardigans I decided to mix it up and add a nice plaid button down under it.  Instantly dressed for the cooler temps, and I avoided bearing too much of myself.  I added a necklace, blingy belt, and some leopard flats with a dark berry lip to welcome the fall.

Another option is to throw on a sweater over the dress to give the illusion of a skirt and top.  I found that this is a great way to layer a dress especially if it’s a thin dress you might get cold in during the winter.  I have even added a button down over the dress and under the sweater when it was really cold.

Lastly try taking the button down and adding it over the top of the dress, tie it at the waist for another great look, like I did here.  I like how this gives the illusion of a smaller waist, plus it adds some detail to the outfit, while toning down the neon dress.

By layering your dresses you instantly give life to your closet and wardrobe without spending money.  This is a really good trick if you ever participate in a “NO BUY” month!  This is super fun to do, and quite challenging if you are a shopaholic like me!

Outfit Deets:

Dress: Target
Plaid button down: J. Crew Factory (old), similar
Shoes: Nordstrom rack (old), similar
Necklace: J. Crew Factory, similar
Belt: Loft (old), similar

Fall away from Summer (OUO)

I am really craving the fall hues right now.  I love the earth tones and deep rich fabrics that I often associate with fall; unfortunately for me Texas has decided that it still wants to be summer with 90 degree temps, so I will be joining the fall party pretty late this year. While on the hunt for a faux fur vest I stumbled across this mustard yellow dress at H&M (and it was on sale).   I decided it was a keeper for two reasons other than it being on sale: 1.) perfect for fall to layer with tights and chunky sweaters, and 2.) perfect for Baylor games.  I am always looking for cute game day attire.  Another thing I am always on the lookout for are leopard print cardigans.  I swear I buy 1 or 2 a season because I wear the crap out of them, and I always end up needing to replace them by the end. This one is another H&M find and can we talk about how freaking soft it is!  It seriously feels like being wrapped in a blanket!!  

I really wanted to rock this dress before fall so I paired it with the sweater for a more office appropriate look.  I love how easy it is and with the right accessories looks well put together.  I like how it has the fall hues but still it is still appropriate for the warmer temps. To finish off my outfit I added a felt floppy hat to complete the look.  To get my look shop my links below!! 

Outfit Deets:

Dress: H&M (no longer on sale or available, but sign up for their email alerts and you can save 10% off your entire purchase), Similar
Sweater: H&M (sold out), Similar
Shoes: Target (on Sale)
Necklace: T&J design (bought on Groupon for around 20.00), similar, bargain
Hat: target(20% off right now)

Love Always,
Amelia B.

Vintage vibe

So this past weekend I hit the mall in search of one thing, what I have no clue but I ended up with some great fall pieces.  It's hard for me to think fall when it's still in the 90's but I learned my lesson last year when I wasn't able to find key items that I coveted.  One big thing that I am loving are midi skirts!  This one from H&M is only $36.00, the fabric is heavy and has a great structure to it (plus pokets..eek)
I decided to go for a retro vibe since midi skirts remind me of a poodle skirt I channeled my inner 50's girl for this updated retro look, my coworker said I reminded her of Minnie Mouse, I laughed since I totally did with red lips and a red belt, all I need is a pair of mouse ears, haha!
I am super glad that we are one day away from the weekend, it can't come soon enough.  This short work week seemed to drag on forever!

Outfit Deets
Sunnies: Karen Walker (ON Sale)
Top: J. Crew 
Skirt: H&M (if you sign up for their emails you get 10% off your first purchase) see site for details
Shoes: BCBG(old), Similar, love
Belt: (borrowed from another dress), similar

DIY Circle skirt mini

I am not quite ready to welcome fall as you can tell with this super summery floral fabric I found at Hobby Lobby.  I wanted to make a midi skirt but clearly I under estimated the amount of fabric I would need so from midi to mini it was.  I did a really poor job of documenting a "how to" but all you need to do is find a circle skirt pattern (pinterest) and find your measurements.  Just to give you an idea.  I am 5' 7" and my pattern length was 24in.
I love how it turned out and am over the moon with how girly it is, I want to twirl in circles but that won't be happening since I do not want to provide a show for my neighborhood.  Even though Fall is swiftly approaching I am going to hold onto these warm Texas days for as long as I can.  I like sandals and girly dress, not ready to embrace tights, boots, and layers!

Outfit Deets:
Skirt: DIY
Shoes: Target (onsale)
Top: forever 21 (old), similar
Necklace: Kendra Scott (onsale)
Bag: Tory Burch (no Longer available)

Love Always Amelia B.

A Party Dress without a Party

I fell in love with this dress many months ago.  I was so sad when it was sold out at Nordstrom, but when I set my mind to finding something I tend to find it (even if it takes me 6 months).  I searched Amazon, Dillards, Poshmark and finally found it on Ebay for over 65% off the retail value.  This made me a little hesitant but my desire to own this dress won out and I bid on it and won! I have worn it only a few times because I couldn't find a pair of shoes that I liked, in my mind I was thinking something bright and pink. Working next to DSW pays off, especially when you can hit the clearance rack once a week to scoop up the best sale.  I scored these Barbie approved shoes for almost 75% off retail price, which I couldn't pass up!!  Now if only I had a party or some place to actually wear this super cute dress besides the office!

I am also linking up with Sarah from Tucker up for the Lovely Lookbook this month.  I am 5' 7" and this dress is a size 8P I can wear anywhere from a 4-8 it just depends on the cut (I even try on petits).  I bought it a little big (because I couldn't find a 6) and I am happy I did because the petit made it fit a little better on me.  I tend to gravitate towards a fit and flare style dress as it gives me the illusion of a smaller waist while hiding my hips and thighs.  I feel like I have thick thighs so I try to accentuate other parts of my body that I really like and this dress with bright pops of color draws the eye to other places.  I feel like this style dress is good for all body types as it's not restricting, I think that is the thing I hate most about clothing is it feeling tight.  When I feel restricted I instantly don't feel confident, if you're not comfy how can you look confident?

Happy Tuesday, I hope everyone has a great short week!

Outfit Deets:

Dress: Eliza J(No Longer Available),In love with this one, love

Necklace: Harlow( Kendra Scott)

Earrings: Forever 21 (really old), Similar

Belt: Target

Shoes: BCBG via DSW

Love Always,
Amelia B.

Linking up With Tucker UP