Friday, September 30, 2011

Wardrobe Essentials: Long(ish) Sleeve Bodycon Dress

UPDATE: I started this post a million years ago (literally. ok, i'm kidding obviously) but blogger wouldn't let me upload my pictures and I was tired so I kept putting it off and blogger still wouldn't let me upload the pictures -_- and here we are today. It's actually my dumb browser. I have to close the browser then open it again login again and then it let's me post -_- I am going to say that while I'm going to try for once a week, I may not post often. If you harass me in the comments I really will keep to my schedule though lol. Harassment works. Ahem, not that kind though -_-

So since I've discovered the joys of shopping from a list (I'm a neat freak, ignore me), I've established a list of my own wardrobe essentials. Some of these might differ from the typical cause obviously everyone has their own style, me included ;).

First Up: ...
The Long-Sleeve Bodycon Dress
Long sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, elbow length are all good but long sleeve is good because you can always push the sleeves up. This is an essential because, like most staples, it's incredibly versatile. It can be worn alone like in the picture above (from Yesstyle.com) and accessorized or it can be layered under vests, cardigans, and button-downs like this:

 This is actually my favorite look using this dress. Dara, I think, also throws a belt over the vest in this dress. Very sleek and very pretty.

It can also be worn alone simply paired with a pair of pumps and... hair. Lol, I'm kidding. Well not really, hair is totally an accessory ;) This one is from ASOS and it's in a silkier material while the staple version will likely be jersey. But the silkier version, especially in this bright blue, is more dressy and a very easy (and lazy) solution to more formal occasions.

She is totally wearing a dress under that skirt and vest. I know because I asked her. I'm kidding. Obviously. This dress can also work as a top. A lot of people will ask, why not just wear a normal long sleeve top. Well, using a dress for that purpose gives a smoother profile, less shirt tucking and riding up. It's a form-fitting dress. It also can sort of act as a safety... skirt if you don't want to flash anyone. If you do, then you must not live in NYC. I'm kidding (maybe). Lol.

Where to get one (or 5! One in all your favorite colors hehe):
For cheap! We're in a recession, my loves. Well even if we weren't, cheap means you can buy more stuff ;) I don't like sacrificing quality either so I'm a total shopping brat. Hence, why it's a sport for me. Finding cheap stuff that won't die on you immediately is work.

Dress - $14.95 (in stores in the U.S.)/£9.99 online in the UK
It looks pretty funny doesn't it? Haha, but it's a basic dress, it's supposed to be funny looking when you're not wearing it. But I have this and it performs all the wonders that a basic dress should. Well I suppose I'm the one performing the wonders since I decide what to do with it but whatever. The material is nice and the dress is incredibly comfortable. I've worn it plain and also with a skirt for my birthday (which was a blast, btw, I'm legal! :) I recommend



ASOS Body-Conscious Dress with Scoop Neck - $36.59
If you hate long-sleeves with a passion (or no passion or hate at all haha) you can opt for something like this. Elbow-length sleeves are actually one of my favorites as far as sleeves are concerned. My number 1 is of course, none ;) Work those toned arms. Or whichever you have, I don't know what it is with me and arms. But elbow-length sleeves work very well under vests and other forms of layering.



Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress - $18
...And a short-sleeve version. This looks incredibly cute, I'm about to head over to Target (my love) and check it out.



Ruched Tunic - $24.50 or 2/$40
That's a steal, btw, if you haven't noticed. Well, I guess it is, 20 bux a dress, not bad. They have this in other colors of course. I have the elbow length tunic from victoria's secret but I like their stuff so I would go for one of these. I might actually do that since I'm used to their clothes. It's ruched which is cool because if you're... petite, you can pull the dress up to where it would fall if you were 6'11" or whoever they make these clothes for, and it'll look normal and cute.

Until next time :)

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More