September Wedding

It seems relatively easy to think of a pretty outfit to wear as a guest during "wedding season."  You know, June through August when it seems like you have a wedding to attend almost every weekend.  Just throw on your prettiest sundress and your strappiest sandals and you are ready to go!

Now fall weddings, that's another story entirely...especially in September!  First of all, there is the weather to contend with.  The temperatures could soar into the 80s or dip into the 60s (here in Michigan at least).  And weather aside, I know that I'm ready to look a bit more ready for fall.  So what's a girl to do?!

It's a good thing my friend Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood invited me to collaborate with her and two other lovely bloggers to feature our favorite fall-transition wedding guest looks!

So what's my answer to the September wedding-wear conundrum?  Two things: light, pretty layers and fall colors!  I know I've discussed my trouble with kimonos before, but I do love this one!  Not to mention its floral print gives it a feminine and romantic vibe-- exactly what I'm going for at a wedding.  On the practical side, it provides a bit of extra warmth on a chill almost fall evening but can be easily removed for a night on the dance floor!

Using the quintessential little black dress as a foundation, I've added elements in colors that make me think of fall!  Vibrant orange heels and floral print plus a deep green clutch take this basic dress into the cooler months.

And did you notice that my clutch speaks French?  Le Tote sure knew the way to my heart with this one!

And now let's take a look at how Ada, Carrie and Jennie dressed-up for a September Wedding!  Make sure to stop by their blogs to read about their beautiful choices!

Looks like I missed the pink memo!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet (similar, similar)

Kimono: Ruche (similar, similar)

Heels: DSW (similar, similar)

Clutch: Le Tote (exact)

Where I'm linking-up!

Maxi Dress-ed Up or Down

So, I’ve finally done it!  I’ve finally found a maxi dress that I absolutely love!  I know that maxis have been a chic and comfy trend for a few years now, but I have had the hardest time finding maxi dresses that work for me…they have been unflattering, too revealing up top, too long, too tight on the bottom…you name it, I’ve struggled with it!

But my struggles are over!  This weekend my mom and I took an outlet mall trip that we have been planning for months.  I LOVE outlet shopping and a trip to my favorite outlet mall with my favorite (and only) mother made for a spectacular day!  I’m looking forward to sharing all of my lovely finds with you, starting with this marvelous maxi!

The fit of the dress is what makes all of the difference and the empire waist of this dress really works for my body.  The print is really fun and almost animal-esque without being too crazy!  I like that the print is done in neutrals because it provides a fun base for some creative remixing.

My first maxi dress look is a bit dressy with coral heals and a chunky coral necklace.  The second look is more casual with black sandals and a jean jacket.

Have you ever been frustrated because you can’t quite make a look you love work for your body?

What I'm Wearing:

• Maxi Dress: Banana Republic Outlet (similar, similar, similar)

• Coral Necklace: Premier Designs (similar, similar)
• Coral Heels: DSW (similar. similar)

• Jean Jacket: Hand-Me-Down (similar, similar)
• Sandals: Bata (similar, similar)

Let's Link Up! One Piece Many Ways

Today I am oh so excited to participate in my very first link up hosted by Audrey at Putting Me Together!  Audrey has challenged her readers to choose one piece of clothing and incorporate it into several outfits…”one piece many ways!”

For my featured item of clothing, I chose a knee-length navy and white printed skirt with an elastic waistband and pockets (who doesn’t love a skirt with pockets?!?).  This skirt has been one of my favorite purchases of the summer because it is super comfy!  Also, navy is one of my favorite neutrals and I have been having fun remixing it with different tops.   Here are a few of the outfits I’ve been wearing!

This first look is a casual, every-day ensemble.  This is also one of my first experiments with pattern mixing.  I find pattern mixing to be pretty scary because I’m worried I will do it horribly wrong and consequently will look like a crazy person.  I think this skirt works with the purple, striped tee because the print on top is big and bold while the print on the bottom is smaller and subtle.  What do you think?  Does my pattern mixing attempt work for you and why?  I’ve added a jean jacket, cognac sandals and my amber necklace to accessorize the look!

I think that my second ensemble would make for a fun summer date-night outfit!  I’m wearing a slim-fitting pink tank top and a pink bubble necklace for a monochromatic look.  Add some fun printed wedges (mine are covered in tiny pink flamingos), and you are ready for a hot night on the town!

My third and final look can be worn on breezy summer days and into the fall.  I will definitely be wearing this outfit to work when I go back to school!  I’ve combined my go-to skirt with the ever-versatile chambray shirt.  I added the belt to lend a different structure to the skirt and the coral heels for a pop of color!

Don’t forget to visit Putting Me Together to see lots of ways that readers have worn “one piece many ways!”

What I'm Wearing:

• Navy Printed Skirt: Target (exact)

• Striped T-Shirt: Old Navy (exact)
• Jean Jacket: Hand-Me-Down (similar, similar)
• Amber Necklace: Gift (similar, similar)
• Cognac Sandals: Target (exact)

• Pink Tank Top: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)
• Pink Bubble Necklace: Francesca's (exact)
• Printed Wedges: Gift (exact)

• Chambray Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
• Belt: Eastern Market D.C. (similar, similar)
• Coral Heels: DSW (similar, similar)