Something New?

Finding a dress to wear to a wedding can be a daunting task.  I try to stick to the following rules of thumb when choosing an appropriate dress for a wedding.  The first rule of thumb is to NOT wear all white to a wedding, some white is acceptable but be careful about the amount of white.  There is no sense in competing with the bride for attention.  I generally try to stay away from wearing black during a daytime wedding, but it is perfectly acceptable for an evening wedding.  If a wedding invitation says "black tie," I opt for a long evening dress and heels.  Beads and sequins on a dress can also be a great way to create a dressy look.  At a "black tie optional" wedding, it is appropriate to wear a cocktail-length dress but it should be something more formal than a cotton sundress.  Bright colors are fun for the summertime, but try not to steal the show with something too flashy.  Lastly, when in doubt, choose a fancier dress over something more casual.  Below are some of my favorite dresses that I think would be perfect for a variety of weddings.  Hopefully you can buy a few classic dresses and wear them to more than one wedding.

Available at Hadley Emerson - $110 (Great for a day/evening wedding)

 

Available at Hadley Emerson - $338 (Great for day or evening wedding depending on accessories)

Laundry by Shelli Segal Silk Chiffon Dress - $124.95 (Perfect for a day or night wedding depending on accessories)

Available at Hadley Emerson - $180 (Also available in pink, both are great for an outdoor or daytime wedding)

Milly Ruffle Wrap Dress - $350 (Easy to dress up or down)

Black and White Gown Available at Hadley Emerson - $208 (perfect for a black tie wedding)

The Beat of a Different Drum

You don't have to play the drums to sport the tribal trend this summer. You can look just like the celebrities in these exotic fashions. Pair with simple accessories to make the designs standout.  Don't get too crazy, a single piece will be a great fashion statement by itself.  These bold patterns and crazy colors are sure to make your friends roar.      

Strapless Dress available at Hadley Emerson-$268

Charles by Charles David Motif Sandal - $80

Brown Ikat Dress available at Hadley Emerson-$118

Ann Taylor Loft Animal Print Smocked Button Down - $44.50

Tibi Spiral Zebra Dress - $190

How to Stand out in a Crowd

Construction workers are starting the trend this summer, but luckily I am not talking about orange vests. Neon is taking center stage as a wardrobe must-have.  Add a little punch of brightness to an everyday outfit, but make sure not to bring the 80's back.  Pair your brights with something neutral, so I would suggest not overloading and only wearing one neon item at a time to avoid hurting the eyes.  If you have fair skin I would stick to the fluorescent pinks, but every color looks great with a summer tan!  Wear neon this summer if you want to be seen and not forgotten.

American Apparel Jersey T-Shirt- $28

J.Crew Neon Cotton Bling-Button Cardigan- $62 

J.Crew Chino Short- $29.99

Rachel Roy Strapless Pleated Dress-$99

Victorias Secret Sliding Halter Top Bikini-$15 and Bottom - $14.50

Kate Spade Tote- $195

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)