Reader Question - Add Some Color!!

Looking in my closet I notice that my go to clothes are black. Black cardigans, tshirts, dresses, ect. Even some of my friends have commented on how much color is missing from my wardrobe. I feel like I wear the same outfit going out all the time: Black tank top, cardigan, and jeans. I'm currently a size 16 and feel like color is scary! In my mind color accentuates tummy pudge on me yet I've seen it done well on other people. Can you help me start to incorporate color? I recently bought a bright green cardigan from old navy but it's been glaring at me from the closet ever since! Any advice you could give would be amazing! -Kelly

Kelly, I can totally relate to this!! I went through a spell right after college in which I bought everything in black. A friend/co-worker used to tease me almost daily about my "black wardrobe" and would practically dare me to wear color. It got to the point I had to force myself to buy color.

I would walk into a store, spy a black top, then stop myself from buying it and look for the same style in a different color. Now, this did result in months of standing in front of my closet thinking, "man, I wish I had this shirt in black!". However, as time went on I was glad I had more color in my wardrobe. After all 95% of the time when you see a woman sporting a "great outfit" it will be filled with color ~ not black. So shake it up and start looking more like Rainbow Brite instead of Elvira!

Oh yeah, about feeling like color accentuates certain pudges you would rather camoflauge - I think this is more about the fabric and the cut of the clothing item than the color. However, if you are still feeling a bit self-conscious start out by adding deep purples, navys, grays, emerald greens and browns. They are still dark colors, but will add a nice change from all of the black.

However, color is still key, so here are some baby steps to adding color to your wardrobe!

Step #1: Start by adding a couple of accessories in a bright color to your black ensembles.

Lorraine Dress - Delia's, $44.50
Plastic Rose Necklace - Urban Outfitters, $18
Quilted Stretch Belt - Buckle, on sale for $6
Nina Fidelma-NL - 6pm.com, $46

Step #2: Add a layer of another bright color and a fun patterned accessory/pair of shoes for a fantastic dose of pizzazz!

Items from above, plus
Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan - Old Navy, $24.50
Chinese Laundry Barca - 6pm.com, $33.35

Step #3: Continue to get use of all of your black accessories, but add them to outfits whose core items are colorful.

Lorraine Dress - Delia's, $44.50
Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan - Old Navy, $24.50
Calvin Klein Grommet Belt - Bluefly, $30
Nina Fidelma-NL - 6pm.com, $46

Step #4: Soon you be using black minimally in your wardrobe and feeling like a knock-out in color!

Lorraine Dress - Delia's, $44.50
Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan - Old Navy, $24.50
Calvin Klein Grommet Belt - Bluefly, $30
Geometric Swirl Platforms - Charlotte Russe, $32.99

Daily Outfit 07/14/09

I really wish I had a green belt, so I could have participated in the Inspiration Calendar today. I feel a bit off that I haven't done it much this month, but with the new job I have selected my outfits more on what my day's schedule looks like - meeting, property tour, outside/inside, etc. However, in looking at the remainder of the week's "inspirations" I just might be able to do them all!

Polka Dot Dress - Dressbarn/Thrifted NWT, $5 (May 2009)
Black Shirt - NY & Co/Gifted (2001!!!)
Purple Belt - Steve Madden, clearance for $6 (Spring 2009)
Necklace - Thrfited, $4 plus chain (to lengthen) and ribbon I had already and inspired by J. Crew (Spring 2009)
Heels - Unisa/TJ Maxx, $35 (Summer 2006) and bejeweled by me (get your embellishments here)

Daily Outfit - 07/13/09

When I spotted this sweater last week while making a lunch time TJ Maxx run (that store is dangerously close to my office!) I knew I had to snatch it up!! A ton of outfit ideas popped into my head. At first I was going to go with a red belt and a pair of polka dot heels, but opted to give this great Michael Kors belt some more love!

Black Dress - Target, clearance for $15 (Jan. 2009)
Scarf - Vintage Vera/Thrifted, $1 (Spring 2009)
Black/White Cardigan - TJ Maxx, $17 (July 2009)
Yellow Belt - Michael Kors/TJ Maxx, clearance for $15 (Summer 2009)
Heels - Nine West/6pm.com, super sale for $20 (Feb. 2009)

Hope you all had a great weekend! Did you score any Fab Finds? I did - I finally found a great pair of white jeans for . . . get this only $4 and they are in mint condition!!

Daily Outfit - 07/11/09

Yesterday was super rainy, so I didn't even bother to do my hair. I did throw this on though to hit a church rummage sale, Goodwill and Hobby Lobby. Later in the evening I cleaned up a bit more to go to a friend's house for dinner, but didn't get a picture of that though! I might repeat the outfit (or something similar though) so I will share it then. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Black Tee - TJ Maxx, $13 (July 2009)
Wide-leg Jeans - Lane Bryant, clearance for $18 (May 2008)
Necklace - Jewelry Expressions, $13 (June 2009)
Scarf - Yves Saint Laurent/Thrifted, less than $1 (Spring 2009)
Shoes - Nine West, clearance for $25 (Winter 2009)

Daily Outfit Wrap Up

I didn't plan on taking such a break from blogging, but the week was action packed. I am hopeful this coming week I will have my new routine down pat which will include back to blogging on a regular basis! Here's a little catch-up:

Tuesday, July 7:

Black Blazer - JC Penney, clearance for $18 (2008)
Dress - Target, clearance for $15 (2007)
Necklace - QVC/Gift (2009)
Heels - Nine West, clearance for $25 (Feb. 2009)

Wednesday, July 8:

Purple Satin Blouse - Lane Bryant, sale for $15 (Spring 2008)
Scarf - H&M, $8 (Spring 2009)
Black Belt - NY & Co, sale + promo code for $10 (Spring 2009)
Pants - Jones New York/Thrifted, $4 (June 2009)
Black Heels - Nine West/6pm.com, $20 (Feb. 2009)

Thursday, June 9: I did a repeat of this outfit.

Friday, June 10: I combined this teal lightweight sweater vest with a white v-neck tee, necklace, jeans and leopard flats.

Reader Question - Plus Size Options for an "Artistic Interview"

Since you're so amazing at putting together things for people, and I have a dilemma, I thought I'd ask for your advice.

I have an interview coming up at a private boys' school in DC. Not normally a quandary, but I'm not a teacher or administrator--I design & construct costumes for a living, so a cute lil suit isn't going to cut it. I need something that's artistic, but still professional, and chic but approachable. Plus, since it's been so warm lately, and I'll be traveling for the interview, I don't want to go with anything too fussy. And just to add a little more challenge, I'm a size 20. :-)

Any ideas?

Thanks for the help!

-Jessi

Jessi, good luck on your upcoming interview. I think the key to creating a successful look is professional basic with trendy accessories to show you are just that - professional, yet artistic! Here are a couple of looks that I pulled together.

The first look is a colorful linen sheath with linen-blend blazer and two different sets of fun accessories.

Linen Cotton Sheath - OneStopPlus.com, $39.99
Linen Cotton Blazer - OneStopPlus.com, $29.99

Option #1:
Satin Bead Rope Necklace - Forever 21, $10.80
Type Z Aeren - 6pm.com, $63.48

Option #2:
Princess Acrylic Necklace - Forever 21, $14.80
Dimpled Side Oval Ring - Forever 21, $3.80
NaNa Bamboo - 6pm.com, $37.84

In my opinion vests offer a great alternative to blazers in the warmer months. By pairing a vest or blazer with these black/white marled pants you are a going to get a great professional look with lots of pop of color!

These three looks are all based around a great pair of pants:
Linen-like trouser - Lane Bryant, $59.50

Option #1:
Linen-like two-fer vest - Lane Bryant, $59.50
Tribal Painted Bangle - Forever 21, $5.80
Faux-Patent-Leather Belt - Kohl's, $9.90
Patent Colorblock Wedges - OneStopPlus.com, $29.99

Option #2:
Cropped Linen-Blend Jacket - OneStopPlus.com, $34.99
Printed Ruffle Blouse - OneStopPlus, $29.99
Moonlit Bud Necklace - Anthropolige, $38
Nine West Vishnu - 6pm.com, $48.00

Option #3:
Short Sleeve Stretch Sateen Shirt - Avenue, $16.80
Menswear-style vest - Lane Bryant, $49.50
Jeweled Flower Drop Necklace- Forever 21, $24.80
rsvp Crysta - 6pm.com, $15.96

Daily Outfit - 07/03/09 & 07/06/09

I hope all my domestic readers had a fantastic holiday weekend (hopefully it was a great 3-day weekend too) and all my international readers had a great weekend also!!

I was still totally in holiday mode this morning and apparently hit my alarm off while still sleeping. I woke up an hour later and while shuffling to the bathroom realized this! Luckily, I had picked out my outfit (including my new super bargain dress) last evening and was able to make a mad rush to get ready in 30 minutes! I even had time to snap these pics!

Dress - Thrifted (NWT and originally priced at $72), on sale for $3.50 (July 2009)
Cardi - NY & Co, on sale + coupon for $20 (Spring 2009)
Belt - NY & Co, on sale + promo code for $10 (Spring 2009)
Necklace - ??
Shoes - Shoedazzle.com, $39 (May 2009)

This past Friday I stopped by a thrift store that I just discovered last week that was having a 50% off clothing sale in honor of the holiday weekend. I scored this great dress for $3.50, a black blazer that still had the $170 original price tag on it for $2, a Kenneth Cole Navy Wool Coat for $3 and a Larry Levine Purple Wool Coat for $2.50 (similar to this one). I couldn't believe my luck!!

This is the casual outfit I threw on to go thrifting and out to a super casual lunch with my aunt and uncle.

Purple Shirt - Brooks Brothers/Thrifted, $2.50 (June 2009)
Cropped Jeans - Lane Bryant, $40 (Summer 2007)
Scarf - H&M, $8 (Spring 2009)
Black Bow Flats - Target New Stock @ Goodwill, $4 (June 2009)

P.S. Don't forget to scroll down and check out my answer to a Reader's Question about Maxi Dresses!

Reader Question - Plus Size + Maxi Dress = Good Look?

First just let me say I love your blog. I check it daily. I'm looking for some fashion advice. I'm about 5'4" and a size 22/24. I love the maxi dress trend. But I'm just not sure if someone my height/size can pull it off. What do you think? If it can be done can you make some suggestions? I would really prefer to have some kind of sleeves on my dress. Also, what kind of shoes exactly go with maxi dresses? Thanks!
-Jenni

Jenni, thanks so much! Glad to read you are lovin' Fab Finds! Ahh, the maxi dress - it can be such a great, fun look especially for summer. I have to admit that I have avoided maxi dresses so far simply because I don't think they are the "best look" for me. I prefer sleeves as well and have been fearful I will end up looking like I had a muumuu on! However, I found a couple of dresses that I think could totally be great on you (and maybe me too)!

Before I gave a recommendation on if a maxi dress would look good I utilized My Virtual Model and created a gal with your height and similar size. I think it looks super cute!

With that, I pulled together some maxi dresses that I think could definitely be great additions to your wardrobe.

Items clockwise from top left:
Gauze maxi dress - OneStopPlus.com, $34.99
Knit Maxi Dress - OneStopPlus.com, $39.99 (layer the Linen Blouse over the dress and tie at the waist for arm coverage - similar to what you see here)
Linen Blouse - OneStopPlus.com, $19.99
Color Block Maxi dress - OneStopPlus.com, $49.99
Smocked Maxi Dress - OneStopPlus.com, $54.99

As for shoes, I think Maxi Dresses look best with flat sandals or chunky platform sandals. Here are a few pairs of both that I love!

Left Row (Top to Bottom):
BC Footwear Pixie - 6pm.com, $20.70
Nine West Jerrie - 6pm.com, $42.55
Type Z Casey - 6pm.com, $42.32

Right Column (Top to Bottom):
Gabriella Rocha Iara - 6pm.com, $43.70
Nina Dolls Rosy Cheek - 6pm.com, $40.25
Nina Charliz-YL - 6pm.com, $41.40

Hope this helps, Jenni! :-)

Reader Question - Champagne Shoes

First, thank you for all the inspiration, and advice. You've really helped me with my daily wear. Although I can wear jeans each day to work. . .that can still get boring! Its really fun to dress up my general nice t-shirt and jeans look.
However, my question is about shoes for a wedding I'm in. The bride has requested for us to purchase "champagne" colored shoes and boy am I having a really tough time finding a pair. A lot of the shoes I'm finding are either not the right color, not a good style for me, or just out of my price range.
I would like a pair to be around the $30 range, but I'll pay more if I know I'll wear them more than once. I really want a simple pair of pumps, or maybe a classy strappy pair.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my question.
Have a great day,
Kristen

Thanks, Kristen!! Ahh, the elusive champange shoes - - - this is a bit difficult as so many people use that color name to refer to so many different shades ranging from bone to taupe. I pulled up Wikipedia's champagne color swatch to use as my guide. I was able to find a couple of options, but wow, Kristen, you will be in my thoughts as this is definitely more difficult that I originally thought!

Left Column (Top to Bottom):
Haven Asymmetrical Satin Shoes - Target, $19.99
Nine West Razz - 6pm.com, $36.80
Lumiani P7930 - 6pm.com, $49.84

Right Column (Top to Bottom):
AK Anne Klein Christa - 6pm.com, $44.85
Maryam Slingback Pumps - Target, $26.99
J. Reneé Fenora - 6pm.com, $41.98

Reader Question - Accessorize LBD

Hi, Kimberly!
I've procrastinated but am finally getting around to asking my question. My anniversary is this weekend (the 4th! Woohoo!!) and I want to try to use what I have. Hubby and I will be going to see a broadway show on tour and then dinner at a nice restaurant. I want to look sexy and be comparatively comfortable. I'll be wearing the trusty LBD but want to add some color somehow. I'm 5'7" and a size 24. I'd like some help with accessories because I'm completely lost. From the shoes I have, I'm considering silk green wedges, or strappy taupe heels and also some beige silk slingback heels but I don't know which to wear. I don't want to wear the same black heels I usually pair with this dress. I have a green scarf (square) and a bunch of jewelry that I could use but I was hoping you could give me some suggestions? Basically, I need inspiration and I love your style so I thought I'd turn to you. If you could put together some outfits with a plus size lbd and green or nude accents I would be so grateful!

- Kilika

Happy Anniversay, Kilika! Since time is of the essence here, I pulled together two quick combinations utilizing some of the items you shared that you have along with a couple of things I'm betting you have too!

Enjoy your night out on the town with your hubby! You are going to look fab!!