Dresses: Modcloth, Asos, Oasis, Tobi

So lately I'm either busy, tired or both. Heels slow me down so I don't wear them these days and the case is more or less the same with dresses unless they're the ones I wear as long shirts (haha). But I miss wearing dresses and heels. I also miss wearing shorts now that I think of it but weather can't always be accounted for.

Coach Tour Dress in Rouge - $47.99
That collar is beautiful. I don't have much red in my wardrobe. In general I'm very selective with the colors that go in my wardrobe and red is bright whereas I go for dark rather than bright. This however, I wouldn't think twice about. Wait, it's 50 bux. Right.

ASOS Cap Sleeve Skater Dress - $44.76
If you follow my blog, you're probably thinking, ...seen this before. Not this exact one ;)! I like this type of dress a lot. I feel like it works really well if you're going for grungy and cutesy at the same time. It's a very good basic dress. I love pieces that are versatile; prevents me from getting bored.

Preena Dress - $49
I am so torn because this dress is velvet but still it's so cute! The lace neckline and sleeves are so pretty and then ruffles! I think we're leaning towards win.

ASOS Skater Dress In Spot Print With Belt - $50.13
I guess the theme of the day is cutesy.

Mystic Collared Lace Dress  - $50
Where to begin... first off, that shade of purple always wins. Then there's the Peter Pan collar... this dress is just a necessity :O

A shoe post when I'm being less neurotic. Ciao!

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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 :)

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She had style! She had flair! She was there!: Fashion from The Nanny

I don't even remember actually ever sitting down and watching half the random episodes and parts of various 90's shows I remember growing up. But then when they show reruns I'm all, "Oh, I watched this one before." When?!

Anyhow, here are a few staples from Fran Fine's closet :)

A-line Skirt/Shorts
Preferably short and fitted. Fran usually wore skirts/shorts that hit mid-thigh but closer to upper mid-thigh (the upper middle-class of skirts? haha).

LOVE ADY/Necessary Objects Mod Zipper Mini Skirt - $15
This a perfect example of the shape of most of Fran's skirts and even her shorts to a certain degree. They tend to be worn at waist and end as soon as it's safe (haha).

Zebra Foldover Waistband Tube Skirt - $12.99 (@ Rue21)
I'm not a huge fan of this one but I think Fran did wear either a dress or a skirt in this print on the show.

Dragon Inn Silver and Pink Shorts - $51
I posted about these in a recent post and I believe Fran wore something like these on an episode too though probably with a higher waist.

Zigzag Inset Mini Skirt - $19.99
This is more pencil than A-line but the print and the fit are still very Fran Fine. The zigzag pattern and the contrast of black and white are definitely a plus.

All Saints Aztec Skirt - $299
While I don't think America's Favorite Nanny would drop 300 on a skirt (I would! Not... until I start making the $$$ ;P) she likes her prints so this mini works. I saw the dress version in action and it looked awesome. My friend and I were trying to figure out if the girl got a discount cause she worked there or not.

Aryn K Orange Creamsicle Silk Skirt - $75
I like stuff that looks artsy. Though now I'm thinking about a those orange sherbet ice creams my mom used to eat...

Paperbag Skirt - $32
Hm... it doesn't look that much like a paperbag... maybe a little. I think it's a cute paperbag with a nice wide waistband and pleats on the side. It's a bubble shaped paperbag, very endearing.

Les Prairies de Paris Little Monta Skirt - $50
This one has the token A-line shape with military buttons and cute slit pockets and thin stripes. You get the picture...

The Sun Skirt in Pink Multi by Lucca Couture - $33.95
I sort of get why she stuck by this shape of skirt. I don't really like the print yet the skirt is cute. It's the shape, it makes any print wearable. Well, not any...

High Heels
I don't pay too much attention to her heels because they don't do too many close-ups on them but she's rarely without them. Though since I don't pay that many attention to her heels... just the one :)

All Saints Suede Celestine Shoe - $90
Classic, I LOVE IT! And of course I'd have no problem justifying this purchase. "It's half off and it's a classic pump. It's an investment, it'll pay for itself. It's hot, just buy it, etc..." But yes, I should pay more attention to her shoes. I think in the 90's there was less pointy toe but I'm not sure.

Wait, wait... This is probably more appropriate.

Colin Stuart Almond Round-toe Pump - $29.99
Oh, these are perfect and they come in a lot of different colors and prints. I think the area allotted for shoes in my closet is going to be renamed the Official Clubhouse of the Pump Collection.

Fitted Dress
I think the difference between this and the skirt/shorts ensemble is that the top and bottom are connected, lol.

Motel Gina Dress in Cream and Black - $75.60
Again, she wore something like this, I believe, in red with similar lace detailing. But the fit is typical Fran in long-sleeves.

Turquoise Fitted Cotton Dress - $48.90
This would be more of a going out dress though sometimes she wears stuff like this at home which is a little puzzling. But I guess you can play it up and dress it down, it is after all a cotton dress and very cute too. It'd look nice under a blazer.

Animal Bodycon Dress - $29
Another Fran favorite. Well a combination anyway. Animal print + bodycon. I mentioned "Bom fit" dresses in I think my last post... or the post before that? This is a "Bom fit" dress.

Black Zebra Mesh Dress - $28.90
I love sheer sleeves. They make your arms look good and give a dressy feel to a simple dress.

Maggie
Maggie wears a lot of A-line dresses as well though hers tend to have a more relaxed fit and a wider, sometimes swingy skirt. Though this was supposed to be a more Fran post, I found a lot more of Maggie. Oh wells.

Sparkle & Fade Basic Knit Swing Dress - $9.99-$39 (depending on the color)
This is a very Maggie fit. She tends to wear a shirt under a jumper style dress but once in a while something like this will pop up. A simple scoop-neck and somewhat pleated skirt, very cute-little-girlish. Somewhat like Quinn from Glee but a lot nicer.

Live Muralist Dress - $47.99
We're focusing more on cuts here so this dress is perfect. In terms of material and color, Maggie goes for a lot of blues and pastels and cottony materials. This dress is very cutesy without being nauseating so it's perfect for me too, haha.

Across the Deep Blue Sea Crossover Dress by Tulle - $47.99
Yes, I can picture her wearing this with a long-sleeved white basic under it. I keep meaning to buy basic long-sleeve shirts and it just doesn't happen. It's on my shopping list for real this time.

Coincidence & Chance Sundress - $44.99
I'm assuming we get the picture. And I didn't make that name up, it's actually called that.

ASOS Waisted Seam Detail Dress - $29.31
I believe Maggie wore something very similar to this in powder blue. I think one of my friends would like Maggie's dress style...

Motel Gypsy Playsuit in Sapphire Blue - $86.40
It's a playsuit but it's basically a dress with convenience. I thought the button detailing on the top was very Maggie-esque.

Jitterbug Red Dress - $39
Somehow I can't find any of these in Maggie's favorite colors, blue and... pink :)

Ok, hope you enjoyed that :) Night.

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90 degrees and up: Summer dresses/skirts/shorts

So, the past three days have been insanely hot. Like hot to the point of me going for lunch and coming back a different color. That's insane. Day one I checked the weather and thought, hell, I'm wearing a skirt. Yesterday, I saw a high of 98 degrees, laughed, and pulled out a cotton dress. I want to wear pants and jeans but I'm remembering how gross I felt day one when the bottom of my skirt was like sticking to me (it's a fitted skirt, somewhat pencil) and I don't want to anymore. I mean yesterday it was raining and there was thunder and the lowest it got was 74 degrees. That's still hot. Hot enough to give me allergies, mind you. This has been a good season, I barely got hit by allergies. Thought, it thunders and of course I get allergies. I wish there was a method to this -_-

So, you know the drill. Oh right, maybe you don't. Here're my picks. I'm also putting some tights and socks since it's no fun being bare-legged everyday. Why not mix it up with some awesome hosiery (i hate that word)? My choice for thursday was grape colored knee-highs.

Placement Floral Tube Dress - $29.99
I'm picky with my florals but I like the combination of almost nautical stripes with flowers on this dress. This is also a very cute cut for a dress and the cut paired with the print give a very springy vibe. Or a garden party vibe. Regardless, it's hot. Hot = greenery. Though flowers are a spring thing. That is why they are now on this dress. You can carry forth spring's legacy into the summer. Though this is more of a summer dress since bold colors like navy are more of a summer thing and the flowers are less delicate.

Striped One Shoulder Maxi Dress - $39.99
This is definitely a summery dress. I'm talking about the vibe by the way, you can wear it in the fall and winter but you probably won't... but yeah, go ahead and wear your $5 Halloween shirt in June (haha, I had one of those) if you want. If you can rock it, work it. I like how this dress is one shoulder since I feel that maxi dresses have a tendency to look like nightgowns and with one shoulder it gives it more of a beach or vacation look rather than an i'm about to hit the sack look. I also like that its waist is at waist rather than being right under the chest. A lot of maxi dresses are like that and I feel like it makes you look like a tube or a curtain or something. I mean you can look like a nice tube or curtain but I personally prefer not to look like either. The diagonal stripes are nice and thin, nothing loud and the colors are similarly easy shades. The chiffon also gives it a nice touch.

FP ONE Banded Florals Dress - $108
They have this one in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I liked how the top is smocked up to the hips as well as the uneven hem. The print is not too loud but floral and the dress overall can be worn many ways. The lighter prints could be worn to the beach or this one could be worn under a blazer and paired with sandals.

The Bomb Summer Dress by Apliiq - $44.10
This dress is not a skin-tight fit but it is snug enough to be cute. Minus the white stripe, you could probably wear this dress cut to work, though you might be able to wear the stripe; it might be the color that's a little too bold. The cut is classic but the color and diagonal stripe make this a very bold and fun dress.

AllSaints Aphrodite Dress - $130
My friend and I have already set a date like 5-6 years in the future to shop at the AllSaints store in Soho. Why 5-6 years? Because that's when we expect to be making the big bucks, hehe (though with this economy, who knows). I think I wouldn't mind shopping exclusively from Uniqlo, AllSaints, Lulu's, Asos, and Karmaloop. But I like having my options as well, heh.  I love everything about this dress. I like how it's drapey and resembles a toga (hence the name), and I do like that it's grey jersey. It's a fairly plain dress aside from that drape but it's simplicity is what makes it so nice.

Devon Shorts - $70
Also from AllSaints. They have this cute sort of pencil drawn look on the seams. I also like the turn up hem on these and on most shorts.

Motel Paloma Dress: Black/Bronze Bolt/Net - $75.60
In my opinion, Motel is one of the best companies to get your staple dress from. It has a lot of cute and unique cuts all in many different prints. I've posted dresses from them before and I've found that I usually like the cuts even if I can't find a print in it that I'm attached to. UPDATE: Anyone who follows the stuff 2NE1 wears, Motel is a good place to pick up a "Bom fit" dress. This dress in particular has a nice fitted (or bodycon) cut with an awesome thunder bolt across the front. Nice way to make a little black dress pop.

Motel Nina Dress: Black - $86.40
I forgot to mention it above but if you live in the UK, Motel is a UK company so you can just switch to their main site for UK currency. Again, just reiterating what I said above. A simple little back dress made unique with the cutout shoulder and back design.

Tulle Sidney Sailor Shorts - $29
Another preference I have in shorts is a wide waistband. I think it's very flattering and cute. This pair also features a flap with button detail and is a little longer than the staple denim shorts people tend to wear in the summer. Those are fine but I tend to prefer shorts that don't flash cheek -_-. I also like shorts that have a little dressy or formal look to them even though it's likely you won't be wearing them to work, haha. These shorts are wool and with the buttons, waistband, and color manage to look somewhat formal but very cute and casual as well.

Real McCoy Cobalt Blue Dress - $34.50
Aside from Cobalt being an awesome color, I really like the ruffle that goes around the skirt of the dress. Also the way the straps gather in a sort of racerback way is a nice touch.

Paisley Haze Black Print Shorts - $31
I'm usually incredibly picky with shorts and tend to avoid printed shorts altogether. Not because the idea offends me but because I usually don't find any I like. That said, these are really cute. I like the black paisley, it's so much fun :). And the shorts are a nice casual fit, something you'd find in Urban Outfitters probably.

Frida's Artistry Black Lace Dress - $49
I'm a big fan of lace. This dress in particular with it's ruffled and tiered skirt coupled with the lace has a very doll-like effect. And because of the lace you have a bunch of options of how you choose to wear it in regards to what you wear underneath.

Eve the Explorer Olive Green Dress - $32
Amusing isn't it that it's called Eve the Explorer? I love the color on this dress as well as the slightly relaxed look on top. It looks kind of like a crop top worn with a belted high waisted long skirt.

Elphaba's Escape Lace Black Dress - $34
I love Wicked! One of my favorite books though I just realized the dress was called Elphaba's Escape as I was adding it to this post. I really like the lace sleeves and the somewhat high waist.

Dragon Inn Silver and Pink Shorts - $51
Satin and Brocade. Two of my favorites. I don't usually like this shade of pink but the pairing with satin and brocade makes it look good. These are very cutesy and can go formal or casual. You can play up a fairly casual white top or tone down the shorts with a dark solid. I like having a lot of classic and plain cuts in unique prints or with unique designs and details. I find that pieces like that keep your wardrobe interesting and versatile.

Bright As a Kite Taupe and Pink Dress - $37
Garden party. I haven't been to a garden party... ever. I've been to barbecues and parties in a backyard but an honest to God garden party... not quite. Okay maybe one. I think this dress is good if you're going for a delicate, cutesy look or if you're around disapproving people who might censor you ;P. Though I took this route once for that very reason and I still got censored. Apparently it was too low cut in the neck. Yeah okay, if there's no cleavage, it's high enough in the neck for a darn pre-wedding party -_-.

ASOS Lace Insert Tights - $13.79
These sort of remind me of those Cheap Monday jeans that people have been posting about in the blogosphere lately. The lace inserts are adorable. Again, a simple pair of black tights but made special by lace inserts right at the hem of your shorts. Perfect.

ASOS Shift Dress with Cowl Back - $48.27
I love the color of this dress! I also like the cut. It has a very nice wide waistband and a bubble skirt as well as cap sleeves. You could wear this dress in a wide variety of ways not to mention it sort of reminds me of Michelle Obama :)

ASOS Floral Embroidered Shirt Dress - $68.86
I usually don't like yellow but this dress is so cute. I like shirt dresses but this one has a floral overlay print and the sleeves are sheer. It also has a pleated skirt which makes for an overall super cute and unique shirt dress.

ASOS Tribal Ladder Neck Body-Conscious Dress - $36.20
Another bodycon dress. This one has a bit of cutout neck and shoulder detail which seals the deal :)

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