Dress Obsessed

Necklace: Sold out, J. Crew| Dress: Sold out, Anthropologie| Purse: Sold out, Kate Spade| Brocade platforms: HERE

I recently attended a spring fashion show at my local Anthropologie store. Of course my first thought after RSVPing for the show was: What am I going to wear?! Isn't this imminently every woman's dilemma when planning to attend an event?! LOL! The day of I decided to wear this dress, which I actually purchased from Anthro last year. I have since nicknamed it "My happy dress". Yes, this dress gives off a major happiness factor. It might be categorized as a splurge-worthy purchase, nonetheless, immediately after I put it on: I feel G👀D. I topped it off with a red suede moto (not pictured here) for the night air.
The fashion show was nice, but in my opinion it was rather short. I think I was there less than one hour! I was however pleasantly surprised with the diversity in ethnicity and size of the models who walked the runway! The offerings were reminiscent of spring and summer, featuring bold colors and fun patterns.
Although my dress is now sold out, I'm sharing a few of my current favorites that are available for purchase at Anthropologie now 😉
***Photography by LETA***
__________________

SHOP Option 1, Sunshine Striped Dress
SHOP Option 2, Off-The-Shoulder Maxi Dress
SHOP Option 3, Farm Rio Marketplace Wrap Dress

Sunshine Striped Dress

Off-The-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Farm Rio Marketplace Wrap Dress

Gray Areas

Fabulous news: I teamed up with SWAK Designs for today’s blog post!!! Check out how their fantastic cardigan can be styled in not one, not two, but yes ----->THREE ways!!!
Stop the press… Isn’t it gorgeous?! When I tried it on after having it freshly pressed, I thought to myself: ‘Where have you been all of my life?!’ To be honest, "The Parker" EXCEEDED my expectations. Its soft texture, glorious flow, added with the fact that it is just short of duster length scores 4 gold stars in my book. SWAK has a variety of styles for the curvy consumer, yes plus size clothing options that are wonderfully affordable for the working class woman. Let’s review each look, starting with my personal favorite first: RED, WHITE, AND GRAY

The Parker Cardigan is the shining star and clearly steals all the thunder.  I snagged the idea of trying out this color combo from an outfit that ‘Dorothy’ of The Golden Girls wore. Do you watch that show?! I have it on DVD, so even when it’s not on Hallmark/Lifetime on cable, I can always pop in a DVD and get my GG fix! Oops, I digress…moving on... This look is great for a night out with your guy or with the gals! I believe accessories make the 'fit', so I added a wool fedora, aviators, and a faux fur collar. Notice that I’m wearing white in the winter! I’ve said time and time again that white is easily worn year round. Granted, I live in a mild climate. It does not snow in the winter, which definitely allows for greater flexibility, which may not be possible in extremely cold climates. However, imagine layering this cardigan with a ankle length coat, and swapping out the sandals for pointy toe booties. Do you see what I see? The possibilities are endless!

Hat: D&Y| Aviators:Fashion District| Faux fur collar: Old (worn here)| Top: Dress to Kill (worn here)| White denim: NYDJs (worn here, here, and here)| Sandals: Tildon

Now let's move on to what I like to call, MODERN GLAMOUR

This look targets monochrome for the win. If you’re unsure about which colors to pair with what, monochrome is a safe bet for simple slayage. This look features multiple shades of gray, which work hand in hand to generate cohesiveness. I want to keep it 100% with my readers, so I’ll let you in on something: This look was actually my least favorite. Why? It reminded me of the extra pounds that have recently joined me and have since become unwanted house guests. I keep offering them options for departure, however they love me so much that they just do not want to leave. I can appreciate their admiration. Nonetheless, they must go! To be completely clear:  Yes, I love my body. I embrace being plus size. However, I prefer to stay within a certain size range so that I can fit ALL items in my wardrobe. Buying a new wardrobe in a different size is not an acceptable option. 
Moving forward, a cardigan is a great way to add coverage and additional volume to body con dresses and skirts (see more plus size cardigan options here). I am definitely in the market for long cardigans in multiple colors!

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Dress:Komarov (also worn here)| Fur collar: Chinchilla (thrifted)| Suede clutch: Vintage| Shoes: Anne Klein (worn here)

Last, but certainly not least, take a look at THE STATE OF GRAY

A look perfect for daily wear: Think running errands, casual day at the office, or even a lunch date. I paired My Parker* with a classic pinstripe button-up, gray denim, and black open toe booties.

 Sunnies: Fashion District| Pinstripe shirt: Jones New York| Statement necklace: Nordstrom| Gray denim: NYDJs| Booties: Chinese Laundry (worn here)| Clutch & gloves: Old

Now that I've chatted non-stop, I’d love to hear from YOU! Which is your favorite look and why?
Until next time Style Lovers,
XO

*The Parker Cardigan worn and referenced above was gifted by SWAK Designs.

Interview Attire: Idea Number 1

After months of searching and applying for positions, you finally land an in-person interview! While you are elated at the prospect, herein begins the big debate: "What Should I Wear?" Everyone usually opts for a navy blue or black suit. Let's just say that you don't have a suit, or perhaps you don't like wearing suits. Guess what? There are other options!

It may be possible to select pieces from your current wardrobe that will provide a business appropriate look. 

I invite you to take a step outside of the "normal" interview attire box with me. 

I've worked in corporate America for almost two decades (Yep, I started working as an infant :-). Over the years, through three Fortune 500 companies, I have observed interview attire of every sort. I am not a traditional dresser, so it is not surprising that traditional attire rarely impresses me. I am impressed when I see someone who manages to show a glimmer of authenticity (the person that they truly are), yet still looks professional and polished.

Idea Number 1 features uncommonly considered neutral colors, grey and eggplant purple. I inserted hints of the authentic me by choosing: grey (not cream) pearls, jeweled earrings, a jeweled bracelet, and patterned tights.

Instead of purchasing a new grey blouse, I opted for a short dress, and wore it as a blouse. I added a full silk skirt, and peep toe pumps. In some places, showing your toes on an interview is an automatic "No", so to be safe I wore opaque tights.

For outerwear I opted for a classic pinstripe coat and grey gloves. 

Keep in mind that your outerwear selection does matter, as it may be the first thing your interviewer sees. 

First impressions are usually lasting impressions.

That wraps up today's post. What are your thoughts? What interview attire do you prefer?

Coat- Vintage Christian Dior, also worn here

Jewelry- Assorted

Top- Komarov Dress

Silk Skirt- Kate Hill

Tights- Hue

Shoes- Anne Klein

Handbag- Michael Kors, also worn here