Outfit of the Day, Vol. 4: Black and White for My BFF’s Baby Shower

Sat, 07/30/2011 by Karen | Posted in: Just For Fun

Tags: fashion

I’ve been feeling kinda chunky and bloated all day long (damn you, PMS!) and came this close to wearing sweats and a tank top to my BFF’s baby shower this afternoon, but I didn’t want to break any unwritten party etiquette rules like “Thou shalt not wear stretchy pants to events celebrating major life changes,” or anything like that, so I nixed the idea, as tempting as it was.

Instead, I pulled out one of my favorite dresses, a black cotton strapless A-line I picked up years ago at Gap.

I how forgiving it is. Ah, sweet, wonderful A-line… Fitted at the top, it gradually widens toward the hem to form the shape of a capital letter A. They’re one of my favorite cuts — so great if you’re trying to disguise your tum and/or bum but still want to show a little bit of shape.

I think the black makes it a little more slimming, too, and the color never really goes out of style.

Here I’m dressing it up with some Chanel-inspired accessories from Forever 21, an ivory lace sweater and black wedges. I considered dressing it down with a denim jacket, hoops and flip-flops but decided against it this time around.

Dress — Gap (it was years ago…)Sweater — Nordstrom (I found it in the junior’s section)Shoes — Franco Sarto (I’m not sure if they still carry these…)Necklace — Forever 21 (check the store for availability)Purse — Kate Spade (check the store for availability)

What’s your favorite flattering/forgiving outfit or dress?

Well, my Giant Pet Hair Roller and I bid you adieu (this dress picks up cat fur like crazy!). See you after the shower, hopefully with some loot from the games.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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Outfit of the Day, Vol. 2: Comfy and Casual at the Museum

Sun, 06/26/2011 by Karen | Posted in: Beauty Tips, Just For Fun

Tags: fashion

Because I got up a little late yesterday and didn’t have much time to get reader for my de Young museum date with Cindy, I went with an outfit that 1) I could comfortably walk around in for a few hours and 2) I wouldn’t have to iron.

This light pink dress by Soprano, another brand from the Juniors section at Nordstrom, got the job. The material, a rayon-linen blend, resists wrinkles, and because it’s soft and stretchy, I can move around in it without feeling constricted.

I knew Cindy and I would be covering a lot of ground, so I traded my usual high heels for a pair of comfy sandals. These t-strap wedges by Jambu have a manageable 2.5-inch heel, and I think the bronzy color plays well with the oversized brown belt by H&M.

You never know what the weather will be like in SF, not even in the summer (it turned out to be overcast and cool), so I topped the dress off with this cropped olive green jacket by Therapy. A blue scarf from H&M (a gift from my brother and his girlfriend last year) with pink, green and yellow flowers ties the outfit together and provides a little extra warmth and texture.

A little bling never hurts, so I added a necklace from Kate Spade and a sparkly bee ring from Cara Accessories. If you prefer simpler pieces, I think a big pair of gold hoops would also work really well with this outfit.

Dress –Soprano (check availability at Nordstrom stores)Shoes — Jambu Camden Wedge (now available online)Jacket — Therapy by Lane Crawford (no longer available)Belt — H&M (no longer available)Scarf — H&M (no longer available)Necklace — Kate Spade Shimmer Short Necklace (available now online; also check Kate Spade and Nordstrom stores for availability)Ring — Cara Accessories Critters Bee Crystal Stretch Ring (available now at Nordstrom stores and also online)

When you go sightseeing or spend a day at a museum, what kind of clothes do you like to wear?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Gotta give special props to my BFF, Cindy, who not only did a great job as my photo assistant yesterday (thanks, Cindy!), but I think she also looks great in Evolution Revolution Lipglass.

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