Necklace: Lacquered Link Necklace (Forever 21, $11)
From Left, Earrings: Urban Dessert Earring ($24) Shoes: Oasis Wedge ($75) Sunglasses: Claremont Sunnies ($95) Belt: De Palma Belt ($75) Bag: Fold Over Bag ($58) Dress: Ralph Lauren Shirtdress ($199)
From Right, Earrings: Serenity Earring ($34) Clutch: Invitation Clutch ($138) Sandal: Tibi Brazilia Sandal ($206) Dress: Marielle Cotton Dress ($178)
For Casual Monday. It feels a bit odd calling this a casual outfit. I suppose it’s more of an in-between outfit–not completely relaxed but not very conservative either. But I love crisp, white, cotton shirtdresses for summer.
I like to pop the collar on my starched shirts. I know, some people hate it. But I like to iron the collar so that it stands up in the back and the points fold down slightly just in the front. It’s preppy, and not for everyone, but I like it. And I’d unbutton the dress just enough to show off the necklace and a little skin without being vulgar.
For this dress, I would also switch out the belt. I think most summer dresses, whether they be poplin or jersey, look better if you swap out the belt they came with. Having another belt adds structure and style. I also added a slouchy leather tote (looking back I would have gone for a color, green, maybe), the wedges from last week and a simple pair of gold studs.
For the hair, I would wear it in a bouncy ponytail. For the makeup, I would wear a shear red lip, a lightly applied blush, some bronzer and a red pedicure.
For a Date. I love yellow and cobalt together. Love. So I wanted to pair them together in this outfit. I love that the dress has a classic shape and a bold color. Though, I’m not sure how that sleeve would look in person. I might have it removed entirely.
I wanted to choose an earring that complimented the shape of the necklace with its small, pyramid-like construction. This might be too much blue, looking at it again, but I still think the shape is right. I also added a sandal that skirts the boundary of casual and a simple envelope clutch in gold. You could also choose a tan or cork clutch.
For the hair, I would wear it in a loosely pinned, wavy updo. I would also do a side part to avoid the harshness of some updos. For the makeup, I’ve play up my eyes with a navy eyeliner and some slate-colored shadow. And I’d wear a gloss in whatever color complimented my skin best, but no really bright hues. That would be a little too much color.
I actually have that yellow dress, but in another color. I was a little wary of the sleeves when I ordered, but in person the cut of this dress is actually very flattering. It's the kind of dress that skims one's curves in a way that looks sexy and ladylike at the same time.
What about an alternate color for the date dress? I really can't stand yellow. I think it sears the eyeballs. Would a nice green or not-too-loud coral work?
I clicked on the link to the Forever 21 necklace, and their site is only showing the necklace in emerald green, not cobalt. Is there another link to the cobalt one? If not, I'm still considering getting the green—can't beat $11 for a great necklace.
Valerie- Went to the F21 website. The search results bring up the photo of a blue necklace, but when you click it's green.
Jenn: I think either the blue or green necklace would be pretty with coral or orange or a nice mint.
I like a white stand-up collar. It's very flattering to have a white collar reflecting back onto your face.
One year I bought a tinted sunscreen/moisturize, never again. That stuff rubbed off on every collar I owned, ruins the effect.
You're doing a good job of moving down the priceline. After the post about Capital Hill salaries it seems totally appropriate.
I actually bought the green version of the necklace yesterday. Wasn't sure about the quality of an $11 necklace from Forever21, but even though it's lightweight it looks a lot better than a lot of the more expensive stuff I've gotten from BaubleBar. I'm wearing it today under a crisp white button-down.