online coupons

come one and all, it feels like the weekend...

which means shopping.

even if i don't buy anything i live to shop.

online coupon codes:

jcrew: extra30 (ends tomorrow, extra 30% off final sale items)

zooshoo.com: zooshoolove (15% off sitewide, exp. 4/3)

planetshoes.com: easter15 (15% off the entire site, exp. 4/3)

that's what i got.

wednesday webs

ahhh, the age of technology.

it's a give and a take. but i love it when it gives us great online stores to shop at.

i'll introduce you to asos.com jic you've never met.

(is it met? it looks weird)

 they have good deals on some cute things (those $17 sandals are real leather!)

and they also have things that i would never buy like, a thousand dollar purse.

but that doesn't mean it isn't fun to look at, right?

they have womens, mens, and kids clothes and accessories. 

even beauty products.

their tag line is "the online fashion store"

i concur.

happy browsing.

how to wear...

i'm starting a new segment...

how to wear

(did that look super jazzy and fancy?)

-did i just use "jazzy"...i think i'm getting old.

anyway, you can write in with a picture of something you:

own 

(but don't know how to style it)

want to own 

(but are to afraid you wouldn't know how to wear it)

clothing, jewelry, etc.

what do you think? you love it, right? knew it.

so to start off how to wear, i'm nominating a SUPER cute dress i spotted at ON.

i'm keeping it real

...like the prices...

i'm not going to pair this easy dress with $300 shoes

onward:

introducing the mock two-piece at old navy, comes in four different styles.

styling idea numero uno (that's number one for all the non-bilinguals)

don't you love the simplicity of the gold jewelry?

i know some of you out there never wear gold

...or loathe it...

whatevs, gold is here to stay (finally), i totally called it back in '93.

keeping it layered for spring:

 i love, love, love, the idea of this dress with this great floral scarf 

and then pairing it with the striped boyfriend cardi with the girly peach stripes...love.

especially with these spring months when it's still a little chilly 

(i'm totally getting old...chilly?)

or for summer nights.

the cost of this one is a bit more because the cardi is $30 (well, $29.50, i rounded up)

but i have a great coupon for you...well a link to a great coupon

(30% off one item!)

from Tracy at Just For Me and You, hurry over and print it off, it's only good till april 4th!

the shoes are both from target and they are $20 each, i love giving you options.

black and white is the perfect palette for whatever you want,
this dress could look good with pretty much any color combo
i chose orange and turquoise
(have i mentioned i'm obsessed with orange jewelry?)

i love the coordination of the stripes on the top of the dress and the straps of the sandal.
the necklace
(having most of the bulk and color on the bottom)
will elongate your line
(which helps when you're wearing horizontal stripes on top)
this ring pulls out the orangey-red in the necklace and the fun bracelts
bring together the little baubbles in the necklace and ring.
fun.
the shoes bring great shine and trend to the entire outfit.
so fun.

last but not least, mixing simple solids to make yourself pop

love this apple necklace and delicate earrings, it adds to the outfit
and allows the colors you're wearing to come through.
the leggings can be great for spring weather (and for summer too)
(i have a feeling that this dress is a bit short, so i wanted to show it with leggings)
the headband in that great bluish-turquoise color, it adds an unexpected color to make it all "pop"
and the floral shoes, are you joking me? love it.
(i'm also in love with all things granny- i know i've mentioned that)
the shoes give it a really fun twist.
clothes should be fun. especially shoes...shoes should always be fun.

ok, there you have it, my first how to wear

do you like it? send in your how to wears to [email protected]

hanging around

gray rainy skies here...and peeks of a spring sun.

here's the weather where i live translated into an outfit:

floral tanks by

i really with there were more peaks of sun...but nothing says comfort like a comfy draped cardi.

on a different note:
what's your take on flat oxfords? would you wear it? 

i think i could wear it...with something in particular 

(no idea what that is)

but it would be more of a trend buy...so cheap ones at target like these:

ox flat by enSTYLEpedia on Polyvore.com


 cute, right? i don't know, i'm willing to try it out though...
i live in flats and sandals in the spring and summer.

i hope your monday is sunny and nice.

fantasy friday

ridic prices of suits and shoes here

wishing and hoping.

it was beautiful here yesterday.

i actually got a sun burn.

which just proves to me how pale i am...lame.

today is one of those days that when it's gray outside you feel gray.

my legs, armpits and chin are super hairy. i want to get waxed, so i'm saving my money. and growing my hair. eww.

point: it's not helping my self esteem being hairy.

i don't feel like doing my hair so i have the-mom-from-the-psycho-movie bun going on.

i also have zero reason to leave the house.

a. i have no money to spend (sad, sad day)

b. i have no car to go anywhere even if i had money

don't you love my high fashion outfit?

i do, i'd totally wear this.

i'd also totally wear the sweats...hence, it's exactly what i'm wearing.

and yesterday i took my eye make-up remover out and was taking off my old mascara

only to discover as i looked at my q-tip, 

that there was no old mascara under my eyes...that's just the way i look.

do you have these days?

i have them every once in a while.

i'm ready for warm weather, spring, summer.

i'm ready for no more school, i'm going to really miss spring break.

your q's answered

budget, budget, budget.

let's face it, you're not normal unless you are on some sort of budget, right?

it's the ever going battle between spending money on what we want and on what we need.

i got a letter from a budget conscious mom (a little too conscious if you ask me...you'll see why shortly)

I am fashion challenged in the worst way. The large problem is my extreme emotional fear of spending money on anything other than basic survival. I would like to slowly (ever so slowly) ease into looking cuter. $100 a year is about all I can handle mentally. Is there a way to do it? AND, I love love LOVE styles from the 40's. But, wouldn't it seem a teensy bit weird to have only one or two pieces from that era and the rest of my clothes being obviously boring? I think some of my other problem is that I have NO idea what my style actually is. I think maybe "low budget"? 70% of my current wardrobe are hand-me-downs from friends and family, I wear them because they don't have holes in them and I didn't have to pay for them. So you can see, I need help. It's bad. 

talk about a challenge.

$100 a year...pretty sure i spent $100 a few weekends ago.

the upside of this situation is that you sound like a vintage girl at heart.

which means to find 40's inspired styles you're drawn to and, to stay within a reasonable price range you can shop thrift shops, second hand and estate sales!

ok, so first thing. you need to start wearing things that you do like...go through all your hand-me-downs and figure out the things you do like 

(hopefully it's actually a reasonable amount 

so you have clothes left over

...if not...

then at least get rid of the things you really hate)

next, find out where all the thrift shops are in your town, you'll have better chances going to smaller places rather than goodwill types (but never rule out anything when it comes to a "great find").

and look for local estate sales...there are some great clothes at estate sales.

this will help you stay within your budget.

(pay close attention to 

stains and holes when shopping used. 

just because it's old doesn't mean 

you should look dirty wearing it, 

you can find great vintage that doesn't look like it's from the garbage.)

always browse through clearance racks at your favorite stores too...

well you probably don't do that now,

so start.

you can find some unique and fun pieces at department stores

(along with great prices on the clearance rack, can you say 80% off. yeah, that good).

onto the 40's inspiration. i sent you a link here about dressing in American 1940's style. i thought it was a really great informational article.

the great thing about having a style you like, you can pick and choose what you do with it.

for the record, i think it's perfectly fine to have a few things from an era you love.

clothing deets

if it was me i'd focus on dresses and tops.

if you're petite i would keep the prints small, big prints can over power a small frame and 

make you look disproportional.

since you don't want to look costume-y i'd do one thing or the other;

for examplllllle:

if you're going to wear a great vintage dress, don't do your hair in the pin curls, keep is sleek and modern.

if you're going to wear jeans and a vintage cardigan, maybe do a couple pin curls that day.

are you picking up what i'm laying down?

be creative. if you know how to sew, look at old patterns (which can be at both thrift shops and estate sales) and then you can get fabric you like and create some one of a kind pieces.

you can also look for 40's inspired jewelry.

on the days you want to wear a t-shirt and jeans, make it pop with a necklace or earrings from that era.

jewelry deets

 90% of this jewelry is from forever21. it's cheap, you'll love it.

i hope this helps to get your fashion brain turning and i really hope you start wearing things that you love.

shabby apple

discount code.
it's only 10% but that's as big as their discounts get.

spring10off

expires april 5th.

clothing deets

it's not an everyday occurence

contrary to hall rumor, i don't think you need to look amazing everyday.

just the days you go out in public.

right now i'm wearing black leggings and a striped shirt...a shirt that's definetly not long enough to wear with leggings.

but i'm just hanging out with my youngest...blogging it up, calling friends and debating if i want to do the dishes.

(let's face it i don't want to do the dishes but...i will)

i was wearing the exact same thing on monday...

(ok, so it's technically my jammies)

and then i decided that my sweet daughter needed to go back to the doctors (ear infection)

so i made an appointment

that time came way quicker than i thought it would.

i took a quick shower (no hair washing here)

pulled on my trusty go-to jeggings

and a shirt i bought a few weeks ago but had yet to wear:

normally i would've worn a headband...and i tried to find my fav silver earrings

(but i could only find one)

so i went out plain. in my opinion.

yes, i am on the phone talking to my bff, i've learned if i'm going to take pics of what 

i'm wearing, it has to be when the kids are distracted.

do you get this shirt? it doesn't photograph well but it's sheer

and huge

and fabulous

i love that it dips down on the sides, which i don't know if you can tell in the pics

and it has huge dolman sleeves.

top: lc for kohls

tank: charlotte russe

jeggings: american rag at macy's

boots: target

this is me trying.

my hair may be unwashed (and not brushed!), and my armpit hair long

but it's better than the alternative.

plus these boots have a little wedge so when i walk it sounds like i'm wearing heels.

i use to hate it because i sounded fancy

but now i like it because i sound put together.

people think i'm that mom, you know that mom that

didn't let herself go.

a "trendy" mom.

and i like to be that mom, (or at least appear to be that mom) 

i don't want to be the stereo type.

take the time when you go out in public, that's what enSTYLEpedia is all about.

underwear, under there

we all know that any great building starts with the foundation.

your under garments are your foundation.

don't dismiss getting measured by a professional-

you wouldn't let some guy off the street lay the foundation of your dream home

so don't let a bra that's not fitted to you be what's underneath your clothes.

having a bra that fit's well can make you look 10lbs thinner.

not even joking.

go get measured. this weekend...promise?

i will too, ok? i know there's someplace downtown where i live

that will measure...i can't afford a new bra right now but

i'll go in and be up front and let them know i really want to be measured...

and when i have the money, i'll be back.

oh i will.

under info

you also need to know that most people wear undergarments that help slim them...

and you need to too. ok well you don't need to but if you want to look slimmer (come on, who doesn't?)

investing in a great girdle is what you want to do.

wow, i totaly feel like i'm in the 50's.

but it's true, 

a great girdle that YOU feel comfortable in and that is made well

can make you look amazing underneath dresses and t-shirts!

under clothes can be expensive and i think that if you know you'll utilize it, it's worth it.

you can also find great deals at places like tj maxx.

happy panty shopping! (we call them panties at our house because it's all girls...except my poor husband...who also refers to underwear as panties...it's a house of girls, what are you going to do?)

i heart new places to shop

i found a new store...

and by me, i mean i was reading someone else's blog and they put up a link to a store i've never heard of.

the site is called spool no.72

cool name, right?

they have some really unique and cute clothes.

for me, i like to wear stuff that not a lot of people have...

i don't do it very often because usually that means spending a little more.

but it's worth it to me to feel that little sense of standing out with an amazing blouse.

here are some of my favorite pieces at spool no.72

gorgeous.

your q's answered

reader request of the tall type:

Hello. First off I love your blog. Thank you.

I am 5'10. I have a hard time putting together pieces that look good and don't make me seem taller. Could you help with the do's and don'ts. I am modest so that makes it even harder.

well thank you so much-  i seriously (super) appreciate all my readers and it means so much to me.

now, the subject at hand.

i want to start by giving my small after-school special moment:

embrace your tall stature, you're gorgeous the way you are

never slouch and walk with confidence

nothing is sexier or more envy inducing than confidence.

now onto the fashion

now all we're going to be able to create is optical illusions, which will have to do...because let's face it, you're tall and that's the way you were made.
i myself am not tall but one of my bff's is 5"10 and so i get that you feel like a giant compared to other women sometimes and i totally get that it's hard to find pants that fit your long legs.

some stores that have go to extra lengths:

american eagle

delias

alloy

wearing horizontal stripes will not lengthen you...so wear them across the top. 

that can create the illusion of being a little shorter.

clothing info here

lucky for you spring is about to be sprung so i suggest lots of ankle and boyfriend jeans.

most women are told to stay away from 

capri length and 

ankle pants 

because it makes their legs look shorter and 

therefore making them look short and unproportioned. 

but you young miss will not be phazed by this.

you can pull this look off. 

i also suggest bootcut and trouser cuts, 

it could fog the length of your leg to some.

next up:

shopping info here
of course i'm going to state the obvious:

weat flat shoes.

another thing that's on your side, 

flats are in. 

you can go to almost any store and find some cute flats.

flat dress shoes, sandals and boots.

lucky you!

i also think a great way to pull attention from your body is to focus on your pretty face.

the best way to do that is to wear interesting jewelry.

great unique necklaces will always do the trick.

also:

shopping info here

fun earrings and great hair pieces.
from dangly earrings to sparkly studs.
funky hair clips and sweet headbands.
all of these will draw attention to your face.

another idea:

clothing info here
really "cutting" your body up into three sections (which all women are supposed to do)

will make you look amazing no matter what shape you are.

("cutting" your body consists of having three sections, 

top, middle, and bottom...

 a lot of us forget the middle 

and when we look to the middle to make accents 

(like a belt) it can make our bodies look better)

you don't want to make yourself look disproportional by:

wearing really long shirts to hide your legs

(you'll just look like you have really short legs with a super long torso)

and visa versa.

so mixing cardis with belts could be something new you're not trying.

you're tall and thin so you can pull off big thick belts, like the model in the yellow.

you can pull off prints too, on top and bottom, there's actually not much you can't pull off (jealous).

when it comes to skirts i would suggest below the knee,

(above the knee will really show off the length of your leggies)

and you could also try the skirts with the cute ruffles going horizontally.

(i've seen some cute ones at jcrew- just to get your ideas flowing)

well that's all the knowledge i have on this subject.

i hope you found something new to help you out on your fashion journey.

thanks for reading!!

fantasy friday

i'm out

i had a "your q's answered" to finish up today but i am stilllllllllll sick.
it's been two weeks now and i woke up this morning unable to swallow- wierd.
so i went to the doctor...got some drugs...and i'm trying to pawn my kids off at my mom's house so i can induldge in this:

until that happens, i'm putting movie after movie in for the kids and trying to sleep inbetween.
i'm hoping after a day of all sleep and proper meds i'll feel better tomorrow and pick up with some more posts.
thanks for your understanding.

i'm a dot com!!!! ahhhhh!!!!

thanks recessionista for the push!

shelter and water

the essentials.
did you ever watch Tim Gunn's Guide to Style? i love tim gunn. i wish i was in some way related to him, so i could talk to him and hear his wonderfully unique voice everyday.
anyway, in the show he presented 10 essential items every woman should own.
with these items tim suggested quality above anything else, that these 10 items can get you through your wardrobe forever.

i couldn't agree more.

there are some basic pieces that you can pair with so many different things in your closet

and tim gunn (the expert in my opinion) narrowed it down to these 10:

1. basic black dress

2. trench coat

3. dress pant

4. classic shirt

5. jeans

6. any occasion top

7. skirt

8. day dress

9. jacket

10. sweatsuit alternative

bonus: one indulgent trendy item

there you have it, essentials.

now a quick word, if you've never seen the show, click on the link and watch an episode or two

maybe they'll bring it back.

but it will also better explain some of these pieces.

for exampllllle:

when i think of "trench coat" i think khaki, over sized and manly. 

which is blah.

the trench does not have to be any of those things, the point is that it's a classic put together coat,

you search for a coat that's made well, 

maybe cinched at the waist, 

some great details

or an amazing color,

it can be what you want it to be.

these items should be tailored and fit you so well

that you feel amazing everytime you put them on.

so in the jeans category; it doesn't mean go to old navy and you've got a pair of jeans,

it means a pair of jeans that tucks what you want tucked,

makes your bum look amazing,

 and is tailored to your exact legs, 

that's what tim means when he puts jeans on the list.

here's a list i found online...

the little explanations are given by the person that wrote the article, not tim gunn.

here's my 10:

click here for details on items

the stripe shirt would be paired with my jeans as my sweatsuit alternative.

and the creamy white tunic on the end is my indulgent shirt.

love it.

so there you go. this is the skeletal structure to your wardrobe. add pieces when you can, when you see THE item you know fits you perfect get it, you need it for your fashion body.

is this too much?

now that i asked it out loud (or typed it, whatever) i realize it is too much...
that should be the same precursor to dressing, if you ask yourself even once if it's too much
it is. well it probably is but i'm pretty sure, yes, if you have to ask it...then it's probably true.

now...

i'll put up the do's and dont's of a theme

today's theme is: nautical 

here's the don't:

it's too much right?

i would wear the top and ankle jeans but 

with silver sandals,

the sail boat earrings,

and the red bobble bracelet...that's toned down. and a navy skinny headband, 

let's see if we can create that look:

actually any of those earrings would be cute with this, right?

idee geniale did this great nautical theme here.

let's face it, you never look more ridiculous

than when you go overboard with something.

are you picking up what i'm laying down?

good.

so what do you even think of the nautical theme? 

what style's do you like but aren't sure how to replicate?

is there something you've been dying to try but aren't sure what to put it with or even how to wear it?

let me know!

contact me via email, fb or comments.

thanks for reading.

omg

best. monday. ever.
shocking, i know.

as i was doing my daily google reader reading i clicked on one of my favorite company's Recessionista and was casually reading their blog post....comments...scarves...christa, from enSTYLEpedia...

what the what?

that's me. i'm christa from enSTYLepedia.

my name/blog is on THE Recessionista blog.

i screamed like a little girl, jumped up ran to the kitchen and called my bff.

not even kidding.

first i am beyond flattered that she checked out my blog and loved it AND asked me to contribute to

her blog sometime!!

second i can't believe she mentioned me on her blog. 

i can't wipe the smile off my face...

and then i did this:

wearing: cardi: thrifted, h&m to: thrifted, tank: shade, jeggings: american rag, shoe: rocket dog and bracelets: forever21 

just for you.

also, still sick and i have no make-up on so...don't look too closely.

i want each of you to know i really appreciate your support and following of this blog.

i've been wanting to do it for a while now and i've gotten such positive feedback, thank you, thank you.

and thanks Recessionista for the shout-out (is shout out too 90's?).

here are some of my outfit details close-up...i feel like a 50's housewife in this outfit

my bow:

my bling...wow i really am channeling the 90's:

i have a great "your q's answered" coming up later this week for you tall ladies out there...namely the tall lady who wrote in.

thanks for your emails and check out the discussion board on enSTYLEpedia's fb fan page, let me know what you want to see here.

bad slop,

will now and for-ev-er rhyme with flip flops, got it?

unless you are at a beach or a pool you should not wear these

ok, MAYBE running a super quick errand

...

like getting the mail.

or MAYBE for house lounging.

unless you are under the age of 18, that's ok too.
maybe 19. if you're still the typical age of a college student and you have no children.

if you answered yes to any of the above then by all means, wear the stupid things.

we're adults now, we've got kids, we've earned the right to look sophisticated, am i right?

i'd like to introduce you to the adult flip flop, it's called

a sandal.

mind. blown.

i'm not dissing the style of having something between your toes,

don't let me confuse you

in fact i love having something in between my toes, 

it makes me feel safe.

(probably something to do with my childhood)

...anyway...

i'm dissing the rubber flat flop, laziness of the bad slop.

add some embellishment

maybe a little wedge, and you've got me sold.

an example of an adult "flip flop" 

(better known to you now as an appropriate shoe for you)

the sandal:

(image from dsw)
the wedge not only gives her some height to lengthen the leg 

but 

the wedge it self makes her look stylish.

this is how you wear a sandal as an adult.

to me sandals are a place to have fun, 

have at your crazy.

seriously, you see something you like,

maybe it's a little funky

something you wouldn't normally buy

but does it remind you of yourself?

is it something you totally would have worn "before"?

if it's a great sandal, i say get it!

honestly, sandals nowadays seem to be made so we can express our inner fashionistas

for exampllllllle (phineas and ferb):

so many choices. so much beauty.

you'd be surprised how quickly you get use to it.

confession time........i'm a recent convert. just last summer was my first big girl sandal purchase.

i hated my rubber bad slops from old navy, 

they turned the soles of my feet black and they were...blahhhhhhhhhh.

also...i hate my feet.

i have total man feet (thanks bio-dad, not.)

they are ugly, my toes, my feet, the whole package...all though i do like my ankles.

MY POINT:

in the words of dj lance rock: 

"try it, you might like it"

i bought two pairs of sandals from tj maxx (totally reccomend you get sandals there, they have so many choices of awesomeness)

and they were just as easy to slip on as my bad slops. i'll never go back. ever.

even though my feet are just as gnarly as ever 

i don't care. 

and seriously, who's going to have their eyes two inches from my feet to notice the ugly?

no one. 

and even if you do notice the sheer horror of the feet,

it doesn't matter because i'm wearing cute sandals.

i'm an adult and, i wear sandals.

FB Fan Page

i did a little google research and figured how to make a fan page on facebook

which is what i wanted originally...

being a fan of enSTYLEpedia makes more sense than a group, right?

anyway, if you're on google reader click onto this post and on my sidebar is now my facebook fan page too!
thanks for reading.

your q's answered

i think a lot of us have the same problem this young momma has, the perfect dress. of course we all think of the perfect dress differently and this is what this sweet reader needs:

I'm going to a friend's wedding on May 1st and 

I need to find a cocktail or just a very nice church dress by then. 

And of course, it needs to be modest. 

I have to find something that will be

to the knees, 

with sleeves,

and not a huge plunge or 

scoop down the neckline.  

The problem with all this is that when I DO find somethingwith all these things, it usually lacks in the 

 sexiness department, 

or it makes me look too young 

or way too old. I'm 25. 

Do you know of any places I can check out that sell lots of modest dresses? 

Or even just SOME? Please help!!

i get it, i do. it's almost impossible to find something that has all the criteria we need without altering it with undershirts, long slips and cardigans.

we have to be willing to make it modest BUT there are a few companies that's sole purpose is to give us some modest fashion...shocking, i know.

since we're all from different parts of the country 

i don't know if you know about the things i know about.

whoa. that was a weird sentence, right?

anyway, to name the top three in modest dress: shabby apple, downeast basics and shade clothing.

shabby apple is at the higher end of the price range, from $50-$100 for their dresses. i have purchased a dress from them and it's great quality, it's worth it if it's a dress you love. 

because you'll wear it and feel like $$$.

downeast mostly has funky and fun church dresses, every once in a while they'll have

dresses that can fit a more formal occasion. my only issue with their dresses is

if you are taller some of their all cotton dresses hit you mid or above knee, 

which you can still get away with but you are aware of it when you're wearing it.

shade clothing has done more with dresses in recent years but they have this black dress that i've 

heard is pretty close to the perfect lbd for the modest woman.

here's a little collection of those three...and one from newport news...random, right?

the top row (including the turquoise one on the end) are all from shabby apple. i think you could find something amazing for the wedding from shabby apple, the b&w, gray and turquoise ones i think you'd like.

the pink one (comes in two other colors) are from downeast

the black one is the shade interlock dress and also comes in berry

and the orange one is from newport news, you'd probably have to wear a tank underneath

but the length is great!

now onto one of my favorite places to shop...target. i know you thought i was going to say kohls.

anyway, when shopping online it's important to read the reviews...all of them if you can...when you can't go and try something on or if your store doesn't carry it (always my issue) reviews are the best way to get an idea of fit.

here are my target finds. 

some you'd have to wear a cardi with...

(you can find some light weight cardis with the new season coming...

depending on how hot it is where you'll be at)

and some may need a little length on the bottom, read my post here about slip coverage options.

these can all be found on the target website.

the one i think you'll really like after our emails is this one (p.s. i put the pink one if because there was no room for it in my other collage...but besides being pink, it has everything you want)

i love the idea of playing up the belt of the black dress. 

you could create a really great look.

some great bracelets, 

fun ring 

and earrings...

i wouldn't do a necklace with this neckline,

especially if you're going to do a fun belt, 

(i love the idea of the sash belt! did you see the etsy belts from my previous "your q's answered?") 

both of these dresses are from target.

i hope this helps...at least a little.

don't get too down, use your creativity and make the challenges of finding a modest dress your own style pursuit. make it yours.

any more questions or concerns? 

found the dress but now you need ideas for 

hair/accessories/make-up? 

don't hesitate to write again!

happy dress hunting dear reader!!

fantasy friday

i'm still sick. this is the longest i've been sick in years...
i'm taking the weekend off and doing this...

in my imagination.

more than likely i'll try and avoid my family so i can sleep and pop over the counter meds...

let's see if the 2 year old will let that happen,
doubtful.

have a great weekend, if you do any shopping let me know how it went! i like to shop through people and visualize like i was there...it puts me in my happy place.

enSTYLEpedia's on FB!

join the enSTYLEpedia group! invite your friends, and don't forget to follow this blog- the more followers the more likely i can start getting you ladies some giveaways!! ;)

your q's answered

received some great questions on a readers lbd (little black dress):

I have a question, Oh Great Fashion-mama!  

Okay, it's actually for my sister, 

but since I've got friends in fashionable places 

and since I've got the same dress, here it goes! 

My sister's question is-

"How do I dress up the black wrap dress so that it is suitable for
eating out while we are on our trip?  Suggestions for jewelry and easy
to pack shoes are what I am looking for."

The dress looks something like this

 and she's going to Cancun in a week or so.  

I'd love some ideas just to dress it up for church, too!

Thanks so much- I'm loving the blog and all of your fantastic
real-life fashion ideas!

thank you, thank you for coming to me, any and all readers make me feel fantastic!

so, of course, my styling meter went off the charts for this one

the lbd is like a blank canvas...you can make it however you're feeling that day.

i'll answer your sister's question first,

it's been my experience that if you want to make an outfit look really dressy you wear a matching necklace and earrings combo. 

sounds simple...and well, too simple.

but i've never looked more dressy in jeans and a t-shirt when i wore a sparkly bib necklace with earrings that came with it...that were just as sparkly...i looked like i was getting ready for the opera!

for examplllllllle (that from phineas and ferb):

"dressing" the LBD by 

you can click on this picture and it will take you to my polyvore page and tell you where i got all the jewelry from

of course, this is for ideas to sprout your style.

you can walk into most any store (from macy's to payless shoes) and find matching combos.

to make it look especially dress-tastic i suggest the more sparkly wonderfullness 

(within reason...i'm not talking sequins) the better.
also consider a great statement ring and bracelets, it will add to the overall

dressing up of the entire outfit.

now for shoes, i think shoes are hard to pack no matter what so i suggest shoes with a little decor on it would be great in creating the overall effect. nothing over the top:

the shoes in order from the black ones going clockwise: payless $24.99, payless $24.99 and calvin klein $120

wearing a lacey cami underneath (cheap ones at charlottle russe) can give it a great sexy appeal too.

now onto dressing up your lbd for church.
i think making it fun is the way to go!

chunky jewelry, 

patterned or lacey tanks to wear underneath, 

fun hair accessories, 

great statement tights and scarfs!

sunday best by 

 clicking on the pic will show you where i got the pieces from.

going with a theme and having fun i think is key to sunday's. 

 so the tights is something i think could really make a splash! 

taking some great saturated tights will give your lbd a whole new life, i put the lacey tights up too because i've seen on a lot of blogs where girls are putting lacey tights over colored ones and it gives off a great visual like idee geniale. (great saturated tights from we love colors)
you could put a fun necklace on and maybe a tank of the same color.

brooches are another thing that are making a comeback...

i know it sounds super old lady 

(i do love old ladiness...at the top of this collage is all brooches)

brooches in threes looks visually pleasing 

you could also try pinning a big flower on the knot of your tie around the waist, or even some brooches.

play with the look of it. i even thought about maybe wrapping in a satin ribbon when you tie

your belt around your waist.

i know i asked you about the belt but i can't remember if it was detachable, if it is here are some other ideas if you can take out the wrap belt:

these are all from etsy shops and are a great way to change up a look. what do you think?

also here's my idea with the scarves:

pairing a nice scarf with a skinny belt over it. here are some videos for tying techniques with scarves.

well i hope you got some new ideas and i hope your sister can find some things to dress up her lbd for her upcoming trip! (sooo jealous!)

thanks for reading, i hope this gets your style buds growing!

wednesday webs

i've been a fan of this comapny for years...

i think at least 5 now...

i found out about them shortly after they started.

i appreciate modesty in clothes but sometimes it's not easy to find...ok, mostly it's not easy to find.
i love Shade because they offer great layering pieces, i wear some sort of shade product almost everyday.

within the past few years

they've started producing more fashion forward pieces

but still the same a lot of their pieces can be used in a thousand different ways.

they have some stores in utah and arizona but if you don't live there, you've got to order online.

check them out for great ideas for modest fashion.

they also do a style guide 

(found on the bottom of the homepage) 

showcasing ways to wear their pieces together or with other items

help for the style challenged.

check the out here.

your q's answered

received an email from a reader, she writes:

I am headed to SLC in 10 days to see family for my mom's 70th birthday.

I have just lost ~17 pounds (!!) and I have not been this weight in about 7 years. 

What do I wear? 

Need ideas for: 

family dinner party, 

just hanging out with my sisters/mom, etc. 

Don't want to be too over the top, but want to match my new weight in cuteness. 

My closet is pretty deflated - all blacks and navy - some cute pieces and mostly bleeeh. 

I am thinking some kind of legging with cute flats and a long top??

well sweet reader, i'm overflowing with ideas...that tends to happen with me. i'm putting together clothes from big chain stores so you have time to shop before you go...use these to get ideas, pick and choose what you like...i'm hoping to sprout fashion buds in your style imagination...

i love your idea of tunic tops with leggings and flats

can't go wrong with chic casual

here are my ideas...

i think you would look amazing in the chambray tunic from old navy

tunics and skinny bottoms by browerpower featuring Old Navy dresses

if you click on the pic, it brings you to my polyvore page and tells you where each item is from.
shoe ideas to pair with these lovelies:

and now for great hanging out tops, or for the dinner party:

i would pair these with some great dark denim skinny jeans (like from above)
or dark denim boot cuts.
any sort of trouser denim could look really dressy too
(i'm not sure how formal the dinner party is)
just make sure if you go for a wider leg trouser or jean that your top is fitted,
 for example pair it with a close cut cardigan with just a cami underneath,
or a romantic cami (2nd row far left) with an open cardigan.
(p.s. you could totally pull of the t-shirt, vest with skinny belt over it too, show off that skinny waist!)

if the dinner is more formal, here are a few ideas i threw together:

all these dresses are from kohls and accessories are from forever21, anthro, urban outfitters or kohls, cardis from old navy.

a cheap way to add some new life to your wardrobe is accessories.

adding chunky bracelets,

statement necklaces

and fun scarfs

can add a lot of pop to your neutrals.

i hope this got your style mojo reactivated for your new frame...have fun dressing it...try things on you normally wouldn't and don't be afraid to try something different.

p.p.s there are A LOT of great finds at ann taylor...especially in the clearance section (where i got that white top) but they don't allow me to copy and paste their pics :( but there are some great tops to pair with cardigans.

p.p.s.s there are a rainbow array of colors in cute cardigans at old navy