Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Something Different

I was recently browsing for deals at my favorite boutique, Mint by Sandpiper, when I came across this sweet long-sleeved dress. I loved the color, but wasn't sure about the silhouette (shift) or the size (two).

A shift dress doesn't have much shape to it, so this silhouette doesn't usually look good on me. The dress was also only available in a size two, a size smaller than I usually wear, so I didn't think it would even fit me.


Then I saw the price.

The store was getting rid of a lot of old inventory, so the dress was CHEAP. After hearing just how much the dress would cost, I decided to take a chance and try it on. I'm so glad I did, because the dress actually fit me!

Outfit Details

DressShoshanna Ruffled Hem Studded Melina Dress

Original Price: $360

Price I Paid: $30

If you're getting a deal as good as this one, it never hurts to take a risk, whether on a size, style, etc. Things look so different on a person versus a hanger, too.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Max 120 Multicolor Suede & Metallic Leather Ankle-Strap Platform Sandals

I also love an opportunity to wear these fun Jimmy Choose. I always get so many compliments on them.

Monday, January 29, 2018

One Bare Shoulder

I'll be honest: Until recently, I had never considered wearing a one-shoulder dress to work.

But few months back, while watching Jane the Virgin, I noticed that Petra wore one-shoulder dresses on a regular basis, and they didn't look that out of place in an office setting. Granted, she's a fictional character who is supposedly running a hotel in Miami, but I'll take my justification where I can get it.

Even with my "Petra clause," though, I really debated whether or not today's dress was work worthy. But there is not too much skin showing, and the total look is quite professional. I even played up the fun factor with my triangle dangle earrings, a present from my sister, Gail, a few years back. Most of the time, with my hair falling in front, you probably couldn't even tell I had one bare shoulder.

So, what do you think? Would you wear a one-shoulder dress to work?


I actually got a lot of compliments on this dress when I wore it to the office today -- from people who normally don't pay my clothes much attention. I also got a "Michele's got guns" comment from someone, which I don't think I've ever heard before (from anyone other than my husband).

Today's Outfit Details

Dress: Black Halo Beckham One Shoulder Floral Dress

The dress is mostly sold out online, but it's still available at Amazon (and on sale, too).

Shoes: Sophia Webster Boss Lady Pointy Toe Pumps

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Chinoiserie Garden

Asian influences are again apparent in today's dress, a mock neck jersey sheath dress from Alice and Olivia. The dress is a little different for me, a total body print that manages to be sexy while barely showing any skin. Even my arms are covered to my elbows!


Dress: Alice and Olivia Delora Fitted Mock Neck Dress

The print is called Chinoiserie Garden, a definite nod to the inspiration here. The dress is not only comfortable, but professional, and I feel so confident walking around in it. I also love the bold collection of colors; I played up the blues with my eye makeup and the more subtle golds and oranges with my shoe choice.

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Specchio BB Pumps in Bronze

The dress must have been popular, because Alice and Olivia has released the same dress in a different print for Spring.

The dress was originally $330, but I snagged it on sale for under $100. You guys know I love my good deals. It's pretty much sold out everywhere now, but you can definitely find the new print at stores like Neiman Marcus. The dress comes lined, but I recommend adding some Spanx underneath for a little added confidence.

As Seen on TV!

The dress recently appeared on two soaps: one in the daytime (The Young and the Restless) and one in prime time (Riverdale).


My sister, Gail, and I used to love to watch soap operas like The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. Our cousin later got us hooked on General Hospital during the Robin/Stone years. It's amazing to me how many actors are still on the same shows, 20 years later.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Drowning

I feel like this Trina Turk dress can't decide if it's a form-fitting sheath dress or a boxy shift dress. Even though I sized down -- to a size 2! -- there is still too much material at the waist, and after seeing these photos, I may have the dress taken in at the waist and up at the hemline. I'm just drowning in all that fabric. Thank goodness for Gill's Alterations in Buckhead.


The fit may be a bit off, but there is still a lot to love about this Trina Turk dress:
  • The red and purple color combination is vibrant and eye-catching, and I tried to play up the cooler undertones by wearing purple pumps.
  • The floral and lace material is simply beautiful, and the sleeves aren't lined, letting a little skin show through.
  • The Asian inspiration makes the whole look truly unique. Is it Trina Turk's version of a modern day kimono?
Outfit Details:


Find the dress online at TrinaTurk.com or Neiman Marcus.

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Ankle Strape Suede Pumps


Monday, January 22, 2018

Fit to Wear?

I was so excited about today's dress -- which I ordered on Black Friday during an amazing Saks sale -- until I put it on. (I had already taken the tags off, or this dress most likely would have been returned to the store.)

Whomever designed the dress may not have been thinking of a real woman, with real curves, during the design process, because the fit is a mess, and it's almost impossible to wear undergarments without them showing.


First, the design of the top is beautiful, made to show off the shoulders... but also part of your chest. It would be much easier to go bra-less in this dress, but that's not an option when I'm going to work. I settled for a strapless bra that wouldn't show on the sides, but still makes me look lumpy on top. It was the best I could do.

Second, the drop waist design means the dress will be tight down through the hips, then fan out. You basically need invisible underwear here; even my commando briefs were showing through, and forget about Spanx.

I did what I could to minimize the fit issues here, but I was really disappointed with the dress, and most likely won't wear it to work again. At least the color (Raisin) got me some compliments.

Outfit Details

Dress: Parker Luana Keyhole Drop Waist Dress

You can also find it at Revolve Clothing and on the Parker brand website.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Baxen Chain Fabric Peep-Toe Wedge Pumps

If I look tired today, it's because I haven't been sleeping well the last few nights. I'm under a lot of pressure at work, and George has been on my mind quite a bit. He passed away three years ago today. It's so hard to believe it's been that long.



I still miss him... every single day.

At least it was nice to have my sister, Gail, in town from Chicago. We had a lot of sister time -- bowling, going out to dinner and eating my Mom's Italian food. Here are a just a few photos from our adventures:





Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Silky Does It

I'm wearing another great find from Mint By Sandpiper today. I bought this beautiful silk Rebecca Taylor floral dress, which retails for $350, for just $45! What a steal!


Sure, the dress is a few years old... but that's fine by me! Kelly Ripa even wore the dress on her show (back when she had long hair).


Dress: Rebecca Taylor Hawaii Print Floral Silk Dress (no longer available)

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB 105 Metallic-Striped Leather Pumps

It's in the 50s here in Atlanta today, but apparently the temperature is supposed to drop tonight. We may even get some snow! I guess we shall see...

Monday, January 15, 2018

Boogie Ooogie Oogie

Where are my go-go boots? I'm getting some distinct 1970s vibes from this Milly mini dress.


Dress: Milly Bridgette Brocade Chevron Dress

With such a bold color scheme -- gold, orange, black and blue -- you can't help but think of the disco decade. This dress is very playful and fun... and also a little short! But I could not turn down the incredible price I got on it: just $35 at Mint by Sandpiper. (The dress retails for $495, so that is quite a deal, even for me.)

If you're in Atlanta, you have to stop at this little boutique in Inman Park. I have gotten some incredible deals there on new designer dresses and tops. I probably never would have looked at this dress if not for the price, but I really love it on, and I have gotten so many compliments on it.

I think Chapin liked it, too. He took me out for lunch today at Eight Sushi Lounge -- he is off for MLK Day, while I am working -- and that in itself is a rarity. (He is not the biggest sushi fan.) I think it helped that Eight Sushi is highly rated for its ramen bowls as well as its sushi rolls.

Shoes: Schutz Cadey-Lee Dress Sandals

These light blue shoes are so cute and really go with a lot of dresses in my closet. Schutz is quickly becoming my favorite lower priced shoe brand.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Plum Crazy

Plum -- and its close sisters on the color wheel -- are so fun to wear. I like playing with matching eye  makeup colors, complimentary lip colors and more. Today, I really focused on my eye makeup, which is from the Urban Decay Heavy Metals Metallic Eyeshadow Palette. (It's on sale now at Sephora, so hurry if you're interested in buying it!) Let me know what you think in the comments or on Instagram!


Dress: Trina Turk Vitality Lace Sheath Dress in Plum

In addition to the delectable plum color, this dress has a lot of other great features:

  • Although it requires a strapless bra, the see-through neckline, cut just right to show off the shoulders, is sophisticated and sexy.
  • The scallop hemline adds an extra unexpected detail to the bottom of the dress.
  • The sheath fit is so flattering, perfect for showing off curves!

The dress is lined, and I'm wearing a size four for reference. It's actually a little big on me.

You can find the dress at a variety of retailers, including:


Bag: Aldo Dwydia Top Handle Bag

I get so many compliments on my Aldo bags, and they are so inexpensive compared to brands like Kate Spade. This one is a new favorite. You can find the design on Amazon, at DSW and on the Aldo website. It also comes in a nude version, but I prefer the black with its pops of color.


Shoes: Jimmy Choo Nude Tallow Sandals

Since the dress is so long, hitting me mid-calf, I wanted to go with shoes in a natural color to help make my legs seem longer. You can never go wrong with nude shoes!

Monday, January 8, 2018

Time's Up

I was not invited to the Golden Globes last night (of course), but I'm doing what I can (from a fashion standpoint) and wearing black today to show my support for the Time's Up Anti-Sexual Harassment Movement. You may have seen the hashtag, #whywewearblack, in many posts straight from the Golden Globes red carpet; as most outlets are reporting, it was a virtual "blackout." (Even with all the talk about this movement, though, the male winners from the Globes remained silent, which really says a lot.)

As someone who has inevitably faced different forms of sexual harassment throughout my career, I am so proud that people are finally standing up and calling attention to this issue. I try to do my part  by hiring qualified women to work at my company, encouraging them to go after advanced degrees or pursue certifications in different types of marketing, and by ensuring that they always have a safe and responsible workplace to come to each day. Hopefully, that's enough for right now.


As for the fashion today...

Dress: Parker Silk Chrissy Dress

The dress is available in black, green and in a floral pattern on a variety of different websites. I'm wearing a size four for reference.

Find the dress at these retailers:


I really am in love with this dress. The fit is flattering, the beaded details at the wrists, neck and hemline are so chic, and the dress flows so nicely when I walk. I just hate silk because it wrinkles so easily! Ugh.

Shoes: Valentino Soul Rockstud Mary Jane Pumps


I'm also wearing ruby earrings (red/black) to show my support for UGA in tonight's National Championship game. Go Dawgs! Did they really have to cancel school for this event, though? Sheesh.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

The Elusive Long-Sleeved Dress

It's 2018, also known as "The Year I Turn 40." Eek!


Today I'm wearing a Christmas gift from my sister, Gail. We didn't get to see her this Christmas, but she, Rich and Max were definitely with us in spirit.

This dress is a little different for me, since it doesn't have a lot of structure to it. It's the perfect dress to wear on a freezing cold day right after the holidays. I've definitely been eating more sweets than usual the past few weeks, so  I don't mind the shift silhouette.

I love the ruffles, the neck tie, and... the SLEEVES. So many of the dresses I own don't have long sleeves, but it's really nice to have a dress that covers up my arms when it's so cold out.

Dress: NANETTE Nanette Lepore High Tie Neck Dress With Ruffle


NANETTE Nanette Lepore is the designer's lower priced line. Dresses generally retail here for about $150-180, as compared to the main label, where dresses are priced $250 and higher. The dress is still extremely well made, with buttons, ruffles and other details that show how much work was put into it.

You can still buy the dress on Amazon, or check out this similar style on Belk.com.

Shoes: Prada Bow Tie Platform Sandals

I know I'm crazy to wear sandals today, but we all suffer in the name of fashion... right? ;)