In a Cinch!

While a belt’s main purpose used to be to hold one’s trousers up, over the past few years they have become more of an accessory rather than a necessity, sported over dresses to accentuate curves. Less fitted, billowy frocks are all the craze today and a cinch in the middle flaunts a more feminine shape, creating an instant hourglass effect. Depending on preference and fit of the dress, a belt can be placed just below the bust, at the natural waist, or slung low around the hips. Thick belts create the most dramatic, waist-narrowing looks, while thin belts are a lovely compliment to a simple, feminine dress. Whether it be thick or thin, consider your body’s proportions - a thick belt may overwhelm a petite frame, while a thin belt could add weight to a fuller figure. If you decide on an elaborate belt, let it take center stage and keep all other accessories to a minimum.

Elise M. Belt Available in Black or Brown at Hadley Emerson - $42

BP. Braided Leather Stretch Belt-$18

Elise M. Belt Available at Hadley Emerson- $62

J. Crew Distressed Leather Belt - $48

BDG Stretch Metal Closure Belt- $24

Cut It Out

You may have noticed that dresses with open and sheer cutouts are making an appearance in affordable retail after Herve Leger and Narcisco Rodriguez paved the runway.  I hope you are brave enough to sport this look because this trend is likely to stick around through the fall and winter. To achieve an edgy but still classy look, stick to the more tasteful cutouts with subtle detail. 

Eight Sixty 'Body Con' Cutout Knit Dress- $78

BB Dakota Kelesea Knit Open Back Dress- $68

Antik Batik Quilted Cutout Dress - $510

Aqua Black Bow Dress - $88

Black Halo Kylie Sheath Dress - $375

Coming Soon To Hadley Emerson

Cold Shoulder?

Embellished tops are all the rage this Summer.  We are still seeing lots of tees with chain detail and attached bib necklaces.  My favorite ornamentations are military shoulder details paired with plain or striped tees.  Some even have a little shoulder pad to add shape. Don't be scared away by the addition, as our Mothers taught us in the 80s you can always cut them out if you don't like them.  Be prepared to see shoulder pads out in full force this Fall.  The tops below look great with jeans or a pair of solid shorts, even tucked into a high waisted skirt. 

Anthropologie Stripes & Light Tee - $78

Victoria's Secret Long Sleeve Slub Tee - $39.50 (solid colors) or $49.50 (stripes)

Forever 21 Beaded Epaulet Striped Top - $22.80

Remain Embellished Shoulder Top - $48

Torn Jeweled Tee - $111

Karlie Stripe Military Shoulder Tee available at Hadley Emerson - $68

Banana Republic 1-Day Sale

It has been a while since I've blogged about a great sale.  You definitely don't want to miss out on today's 1 day Banana Republic online sale offering 25% off everything using the BRSPECIAL code and free shipping on $100+ (or free shipping on any size order if you have a LUXE card).  BR has some adorable basics to supplement your wardrobe.

Crinkle Shirtdress - $90 (pre-discount).  Because every girl should have a casual throw on shirtdress that is comfortable and yet effortly stylish.

Studded Slouch Belt - $59.50 (pre-discount)
If you know me well, then you know that I love belts.  I think they are a fabulous way to dress up any outfit with very little effort.  This one is one of the more unique ones I have seen recently and I think it would look amazing over a shirtdress like the one above in the tan color option. 

Gathered Skirt - $59.50 (pre-discount).  A must-have basic to wear with just about everything in your closet and it comes in 4 colors.

Heritage Collarless Jacket - $130 (pre-discount)

Dina Gladiator Wedge - $98 (pre-discount)

Cynthia Vincent for Target

I love the idea of designers providing affordable fashion in limited quantities by partnering with big box retailers.  Unfortunately, I have been a little disappointed by the fit and quality of many of the clothing collaborations of late, but I guess that is why the clothes are retailing for a price much lower than what one would traditionally pay for that designer.  However, I have had great luck with the "designer" shoe and handbag collections offered at Target, Payless and H&M. 

The Cynthia Vincent for Target collection made its debut on April 18th and they have been selling out at stores across the country.  I am dying to get my hands on a pair of these Cynthia Vincent for Target wedge sandals.

Gladiator Wedge in Yellow - $29.99 (they only show black online but I know the yellow exists and I will hunt them down because I don't think my life would be complete without them)

The resemblance is pretty good for a tenth of the price.  Mason Wedge Sandal - $350

Strappy Ring Heeled Sandals - $29.99

Studded Thong Sandal - $24.99

White Out

I am a girl who likes to follow the rules.  I generally only wear white between Memorial Day and Labor Day but times are changing and this rule seems to be fading.  I think it is definitely appropriate to bring out your white jeans and bright whites a little earlier this year.  In fact, I am wearing my white denim today and I am feeling pretty rebellious.  However, I would let your white shoes hibernate a little longer unless you are 80 and live in Florida.  Here are some of the whites I am considering adding to my wardrobe.

Citizens of Humanity Skinny Jeans- $150

J.Crew Belted Beach Tunic- $68

Mystique Sandal- $115

B. Makowsky Leather Satchel- $258

Fumblin Foe at Hadley Emerson- $88

Aryn K at Hadley Emerson- $88

Ann Taylor Loft Studded Leather Clutch- $98

Back to My Roots

I believe everyone who grew up in Maine has a soft spot for L.L.Bean or "Beans" as we affectionately call it.  We are proud to proclaim that the Freeport store is open 24 hours and doesn't have locks on the doors.  I caught my retail bug while interning at Freeport Studio (the short-lived women's career line) one summer in high school.  Unfortunately, despite my desire to be loyal to our hometown hero, I haven't shopped at Beans for fashionable clothing since oversized plaid flannel shirts and moccasins fell out of favor in the early 90s.  As someone who considers herself pretty fashionable, I wonder did I really wear that?  I am happy to report that I will once again shop at Beans for more than just Bean Boots.  They recently launched the new "Signature" line of casual wear that is just what was needed to lure back in the younger, preppier customer.  The Signature line is a little more J.Crew and a little less tree hugger.  I have seen the ads all over fashion magazines in recent months and I truly hope the fits are on point because I think the line is a move in the right direction. 

Belted Twill Jacket - $99

Striped Sailor Tunic - $65

Chambray Shirt Dress - $79

Rebecca Fabric Wedge - $99

I think the Men's line may have even more potential than the Women's.  And, for the fashion conscious men in our lives (i.e. my husband), the fits are much slimmer than the Beans standard. 

Gingham Poplin Dress Shirt - $59

Canvas Cloth Pant - $59

Washed Oxford Cloth - $49