Style Dilemma Solved: Pink Frock

Lisa from Dining in DC checked back on her style dilemma in via twitter with her new dress pick. It's a flirty, fluttery, layered number that is both forgiving and sexy (and, at $60 from David's Bridal, well, a steal! Whodathunkit?). Looking forward to seeing pics of her at the Pink Rocks the Runway event.

Shopping Spree: Updated Wardrobe on a Relative Dime

We all know that "on a dime" doesn't really mean that. Even when you score the fab vintage find (or not so) at the not-so-glamorous-but-ever-so-fabulous Goodwill (you do know about DC Goodwill Fashionista, right?!), then another, then another...well, all those $10 dresses add up.

Same goes for some inspired and spur-of-the-moment wardrobe updates, even if they are at the didn't-know-I-could-find-that-here Target and Ann Taylor LOFT. A couple of days ago, I had an hour to kill (long story about the MIA phone, Verizon's network going down, and waiting around hip cool Fair Lakes for a work happy hour), so I popped into Target to see what I could find. I'd been meaning to do a few teensy updates to alleviate the "I have absolutely nothing to wear and I hate everything in my closet" syndrome. That being said, I didn't want to spend a fortune - I'm in the process of getting healthy, remember? (Never mind that I fit into nothing in boutiques at the moment, as drapey and loose as some things are right now.)

After I tore myself away from the evil dollar bins (I can always find something - like a plastic boat for the Beans' bathtub), I went rapid-fire through the women's clothing - juniors + misses + who knows what it's all called now. I threw all sorts of possibilities in my cart - why not? And while some that I adored the idea of on the hanger worked not at all on me, I did find a couple of sweet deals to update both the "going out" and the "work" areas of my closet.

First up, the dresses. This bright orange find would be that. much. better if I could figure out a way to unstitch and remove the v-neck insert. The pretty drapey V would work for night, of course, and clean up easily for day with a brooch. But given the thin jersey, I'm thinking I won't be able to remove it without serious damage. So it'll stay.

The next pic doesn't represent the actual dress - just the silhouette. It's a classic minidress shape, but I found it in a fun black & white stripe with a non-ruffle-ruffle texture stitched in that makes it that much more forgiving and interesting. So why did I buy a form-fitting mini when I'm trying to lose weight? 1) I look good in it. True to style advice, the more appropriately fitted (appropriately being key, of course), the slimmer you look. 2) I knew H would love it. He does. He's "ordered" it for our night on the town Saturday.

Lastly, I found a pretty deep blue sheath that I thought perfect for work. H thought I could wear it out. Mine was missing the belt, which suits me just fine. I can belt or no. Without, it's MaryTylerMoore-esque. With, I can add a splash of yellow or green or red or orange...you get the picture (note to self: buy fun big wide belts).

As I tweeted earlier, I'm wearing my all-LOFT outfit. Working from home today, so I can go see Bean #1 in her music camp show. I'll post the rest of my finds after I go see my diva-in-training rock the house.

Style Dilemma Solved: First of the Season

As I wrote in Friday's posts, H had a holiday party Friday night. And I had no dress I was comfortable in. So I bought one.

I was unsure of shoes, and really wanted to accessorize, but was feeling a bit cautious. So I phoned up my sis Prettyinpink, and asked. While we came to no conclusions, we discussed options. The most daring of which was putting the new crystal necklace over the black lace minidress. Would it be too much?

Nope. Just perfect.

While H thought it "disappeared" on top of the lace, I was thrilled. I was absolutely channelling some 60s-era Mama. Jackie O I'm not, nor did I manage a bouffant 'do (unwashed tight chignon was all I could manage in the 30 minutes I had to beautify), but a girl really needs some glitz and glamour.

It was one of those rare times when Coco's mantra didn't apply: I didn't take one piece off before I walked out the door.

Rapid Returns...and the winner is...

Despite H's response that this is a "hoochy mama" dress, BlueSuitGirl and The Bean gave it the thumbs up in my post-shopping fashion show last night. BlueSuitGirl and I debated why H wasn't sold. Or sort of. He is, and always will be a fan of "hoochy mama." He loves me in a short skirt (and has, in fact, bought me not-really-in-jest-but-I'll-say-that-so-you-don't-get-mad some very interesting skirts over the years). We think there's just something about lace he's not gung ho about.

But he'll get over it. Especially when I'm parading around his holiday party tonight. I will not be wearing tights.

Style Dilemma Solved: Summer Stripes

I had my own Saturday Style Dilemma: what to wear to The Bean's 2nd Birthday Party! I needed:

• Comfort


• "Disposable" (read: who cares if it gets cake or BBQ sauce on it 'cause it washes easily)


• Chic-ness


• Shows up well in pics - posterity, you know

My solution: actually shaving my legs and donning a b&w striped minidress. Sleeveless cowlneck, it was cool and easy to move in. Can't really go wrong with black & white, either. Red toes, silver flat thong sandals stolen off my mother's feet (literally - I had forgotten shoes), and 3-day hair originally blown out and curled by Jae.

I felt good, and it made it easy to celebrate 2 years of The Bean.

Style Dilemma Solved: Being the Hot Wife at a Reunion

H's high school reunion is next Saturday.

Have to look hot for him - it's my wifely duty.

So I've been on the hunt for a dress to wear. We looked a little last weekend - hence the sweater dress post. And since the reunion is next weekend, it was today or never. So in the mom-mobile we piled, off to Nordstrom (I had a gift card to spend!).

The results? About 4 dresses on...2 liked, 1 hot.

M Missoni - amazing knit, obviously, and gorgeous color. Bottom was great, top just not so flattering on milk-producing boobs.

ISSA London wrap dress - not this exact one, but you get the drift. Lovely, but black & white, and, well, (sorry Dariaux), but a wrap dress. Just didn't do it.

Iisli cap sleeve mini - a sweater dress, yes. And absolutely f-ing amazing on. The delicate grey I bought isn't available on the website, but trust me, it's perfect. Hugs just a little more than on this model (heck, anyone has more curves than she does). Hot.

Now I just have to find the right tights and shoes. I'm thinking ruby slippers.