TOS: Day LBD

Black dress, London Times. Yellow cardigan, Mossimo. Black belt, Steve Madden. Aqua peeptoe pumps, Wild Diva. Bangles, from an import store.



In many of those books that list a little black dress as an essential wardrobe item, the reader is further advised to own both a day and an evening LBD. Being on a limited budget, and only scoring my evening LBD after weeks of searching, I dismissed a day version as a luxury. When I spotted this dress at Marshall’s I was attracted to the tie neck, puffed sleeves, pleats, and swingy shape. That it was black was actually a drawback. (I don’t wear much black.) I looked for it in another color, but found none. So, without meaning to, I ended up with a day LBD after all.

While I like the trapeze dress shape, I belted it for wear today. The pleats form the most charming gathers when belted.

TOS: Green and Citron

White blouse, Bebe. White cami, NY & Co. Black skirt, from my USMC dress blues uniform. Green and citron silk scarf, Old Navy. Bracelet and bangles, Xhilaration. Green platform peep-toes, Wet Seal

I think updating a classic combination, like a white top and black skirt, to reflect current trends is a fun wardrobe challenge. Last summer, I added red and leopard accents to a white blouse and black trousers to rev up a basic ensemble. After purchasing this bold scarf last weekend, I thought a black and white outfit would be the perfect foil for the citron and green. I added a few matching, bright bracelets and my green (clown) shoes to take a black skirt and white blouse from stale to fresh.

It’s raining today and peep-toes + puddles = wet feet! I wore my leopard print boots in to work to keep my toes dry. My roses umbrella was done in by 50 mph gusts while I walked over the 6th street viaduct this fall. I replaced it with a collapsible, leopard-print umbrella (not pictured).

TOS: Gray with Brights

Cropped green jacket, London Jean. Gray and white floral dress, Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Fuchsia beads, Xhilaration. Yellow pumps, Victoria Spenser. Silver/gray belt, Luxury Divas.

I told you I’d wear the yellow pumps more than once this week!

I LOVE this dress. It’s a great cut for my figure: fitted bodice, boatneck, full skirt, belted. However, it seemed both too precious and too formal for work. I replaced the self belt with a wide silver one and introduced some color with a mixture of brights.

I’ll be honest. Many days I take picture after picture before I get one that looks flattering (like yesterday). I know that an outfit is especially good when I like every picture, from every angle. This is one of those outfits. (And now you know the secret behind multiple picture days.)

TOS: Too Casual

Short-sleeved trench dress, Forever 21 (thrifted and dyed by me). Yellow belt, Xhilaration. Brown strapless dress, Newport News. Navy sandals, Forever 21.

This is the fourth time I’ve worn this dress to work and the fourth time I’ve felt underdressed. It is just too casual for the office. I am going to retire it from my work wear. It will still make appearances on evenings and weekends.

When I put this outfit together, I thought it was best with no jewelry. The yellow belt seemed bold enough on its own. However, looking at the photo, I think the look is too spare. What do you think? What would you have added to this ensemble?

Touch of Sun: Mostly Black and Navy

Navy and black jacket, Forever 21. Black top and navy skirt, Moda International. Yellow pumps, Victoria Spenser. Yellow “crystal” brooch, Burlington Coat Factory.

Close up of the brooch:

You’re going to think this is horribly trite, but I’ve got another theme this week. This one is born of necessity. Our spring has been so cold, dark, and rainy that I’m desperate for a bit of sun. If the weather gods won’t give it to me, I’ll incorporate some sunny yellow into my wardrobe each day. Of course, the yellow pumps will make a few appearances.