Dressed to Impress

We all have those occasions where we know we will see and be seen by many. Some we admire, some who admire us, others we don’t care for and a select few that may not care for us. We go to these occasions with the knowledge that opinions will be formed about us and there’s nothing we can do to stop that, save not going. These are the type of events that inspire some of us to lose weight, chop our hair or simply buy a new dress. We require ourselves to look fierce at these affairs. We either look our best or we don’t go. So…what does that entail?

You can make a statement by staying simple. Simple is classic, classic is chic. But, it has to be done right. When you choose a simple sheath, you may seize the opportunity to showcase jewelry, shoes or make-up/hair. When you choose an elaborate or complex ensemble, your accessories must be toned down. You don’t want everyone at the party to know you’ve been planning your outfit for weeks. You want to look effortlessly chic, don’t you?

I have put together 9 options for such an event based on three pairs of shoes. I decided to start with shoes because I found a pair at Bakers, which comes in a plethora of colors and look quite similar to the Louboutins every it-girl is rocking these days. Case-in-point Diane Kruger.

On to the outfits…

Three paths from which to start

Blue Suede Shoes

1st Option – The shoes & dress make the statement: Blue suede shoes with Dress #1 in a different/bright shade of blue that is sure to impress. Pair with minimal jewelry (earrings), bright eyes and simple hair.

I Saw the Cyan DressI Saw the Cyan Dress

Hip-notic Earrings

2nd Option – The dress makes the statement: Blue suede shoes with the girlyish Dress #2 should be accented with big hair and simple earrings.

Scavenger Hunt DressScavenger Hunt Dress

Edie Earrings in Muse

3rd Option – The shoes make the statement: Blue suede shoes with Dress #3 should be paired with hair up (to accent the back) and statement earrings like these, these or these.

The Poise is Back in Town DressThe Poise is Back in Town Dress

Spectacular Clip-onsAnimal Print Mesh Earring

Blush Patent Shoes

1st Option – The dress makes the statement:  Blush Patent Shoes with Dress #1, sleek hair, perhaps a cuff or some bangles and of course…red lips.

It's Getting Haute in Here DressIt's Getting Haute in Here Dress

2nd Option – Understated makes the statement:  Blush Patent Shoes and Dress #2 with sweet accessories (like this necklace or these earrings) & soft hair.

First Dance DressFirst Dance Dress

Herring-bow-ne NecklaceBead and Suede Dusters

3rd Option – The dress & the jewelry make the statement:  Blush Patent Shoes with Dress #3 and bold earrings (like these, these or these).

Aurora Skies DressAurora Skies Dress

Jeweled Feathers EarringsStone & Dagger ChandelierOnly Room For One Cowgirl Earrings

Black Patent Shoes

1st Option – The dress makes the statement: Black Patent Shoes with Dress #1 and lots of jewels (this ring, this necklace and these earrings).

Parade Watching DressParade Watching Dress

Rock Around the Block RingFuture Reflections NecklaceMixed Media Pleat Drop Earrings

2nd Option – The whole look makes the statement: Black Patent Shoes and the glammed up Dress #2 only need a little more black & gold to be golden. Try earrings like these, these or these. *Side note* This is totally what I would wear to a party at Drew Brees’ house!

Sweet Little Lines DressSweet Little Lines Dress

For Star-ters EarringsStark Raven Mod Earrings

3rd Option – The dress makes the statement: Black Patent Shoes + Dress #3 will make everyone turn canary yellow with envy. Try with a headband, some poof at your crown and smoky eyes.

Look on the Sunny Side DressLook on the Sunny Side Dress

Where to find it:

The three shoe options

Blue Suede:  I saw the cyan dress, Hypnotic earrings, Scavenger Hunt dressEdie EarringsThe Poise is back in town dress, Spectacular clip-ons, Painted Flower earrings. Animal print mesh earrings

Blush PatentIt’s getting haute in here dress, Laquered wings cuff, High polish bangle set, First dance dress, Herring-bow-ne necklace, Bead and Suede dustersAurora skies dress, Jeweled feathers earrings, Stone and dagger chandelier, Only room for one cowgirl earrings

Black Patent: Parade watching dress, Rock around the block ring, Future reflections necklaceMixed media pleat drop earrings, Sweet little lines dress, For star-ters earrings, Tassel drop earrings, Stark raven mod earrings, Look on the sunny side dress, Woven satin headband

For more outfit guides, look here (for blush) here (for wedding) here (for red/white/blue) here (for LBD)

This Wednesday I’m loving

Summer in bloom

beach umbrellas

simple white tee/jeans combo

bangin’ bangs

girly dresses

Thayer-allyson-gowdy

the lake

gold

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Chloe Resort

Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6, Image 7, Image 8

Independence Day (Dress)

Stereo-typical, I know. But I couldn’t resist! RED, WHITE or BLUE for your holiday!

RED

Paint the Town Red DressStrawberry Shortcake DressFree Flying DressElectric Coral Dress

(1) Anthro Compeer Dress $248 (2) ModCloth Paint the Town Red Dress $64 (3) ModCloth Strawberry Shortcake Dress $49 (4) Topshop Plain Bubble Sleeve Dress $80 (5) ModCloth Free Flying Dress $62 (6) ModCloth Electric Coral Dress $54

WHITE

No One Can Take Your Lace DressSugar and Cream DressA Study in Contrasts DressBlush and Bashful DressWho's That Girl Dress

(1) Forever 21 Shoulder Dress $27 (2) ModCloth Lace Dress $89  (3) ModCloth Sugar & Cream Dress $79 (4) ModCloth A Study in Contrasts Dress $89 (5) ModCloth Blush and Bashfull Dress $99 (6) ModCloth Who’s that Girl Dress $84

BLUE

Repeating Dream DressIn the Blue Light DressAegean Sea DressSweetheart to Sweetheart Dress

(1) Modcloth Dream Dress $84 (2) Forever21 Strapless Dress$24 (3) Anthro First Dance Dress $168 (4) ModCloth In the Blue Light Dress $79 (5) ModCloth Aegean Sea Dress $71 (6) ModCloth Sweetheart to Sweetheart Dress $57

Otherwise Festive & Fun

No Occasion Needed DressInto the Wildflowers DressYou Must Zip It DressCommunity Organizer DressRosie the Riveting Dress

(1) ModCloth No Occasion Needed Dress $107 (2) Anthro High Seas Dress $138 (3) ModCloth Into the Wildflowers Dress $49 (4) ModCloth You Must Zip It Dress $74 (5) ModCloth Community Organizer Dress $47 (6) ModCloth Rosie the Riveting Dress $69

Have a fabulous fourth!

*If you couldn’t tell, I’m completely obsessed with ModCloth! They have the CUTEST things for extremely reasonable prices. Thank you bestie Lauren Ortego for introducing me*

Pretty Ponies

Isn’t Natalia breath-taking? I hope you’re rocking the pretty pony during these sweltering summer days.

Natalia Vodianova, Christy Turlington, Karen Elson for Louis Vuitton via Smile

Hey Beautiful!

I am wedge-obsessed and I want you.

Dolce Vita wedges. Click here for giveaway from Le Fashion.

Some recently enjoyed sites

Adorable Style Blog: Sterling Style

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Vintage and more: Shop Nasty Gal

Shop Jeffrey Campbell Shoes and Boots

Photo Inspiration: Every Second Counts

(via ohmygodprettypictures, wearspyglasses)

Amazing Ebay Store: Thrifted

Another fun shop: Planet Blue

Angel Trend

Scalloped Shorts

Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere posted about these scalloped shorts and I am trying to talk myself out of buying them. They can be purchased online at Queen’s wardrobe.

Umm, can I say “right up my alley”?

Weekly Wishes: Forever21, Madewell & Anthropologie

Forever21 – All from New Arrivals

Madewell – I love that they have a shoppable website now!

Moto Sweatshirt JacketLegère Ruffled VestSummerweight Cashmere CardiganGingham Getaway BlazerBriolette Cami DressOlympia DressTank RomperLizzie Fortunato Jewels for Madewell Pendant NecklaceTwisted Metal & Crystals BraceletFreehand Scarf

Anthropologie – It’s so hard to go wrong…

Mullany DressVestiges DressHoneysuckle Silk DressDimpled CardiganMossy Atoms SkirtBarcelona VestHermosa SetHermosa Set

Model Crush: Isabeli Fontana

isabeli fontana7 Isabeli Fontana for <em>Vogue Paris</em> June/July 2010 by Mikael Jansson isabeliforvogueeditorial7 Vogue Brazil Feb '10 | Isabeli Fontana by Fabio Barteltsandrocampaign1 Sandro Spring 2010 Campaign | Isabeli Fontana by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadinisabelibeauty Morning Beauty | Isabeli Fontana by Sølve Sundsbøsandrocampaign Sandro Spring 2010 Campaign | Isabeli Fontana by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadinisabelisonphoto Photo of the Day | Mother & Sonisabeli fontana01 Isabeli Fontana for <em>Muse</em> Summer 2010 by Terry Tsiolisisabeli fontana2 Isabeli Fontana for <em>Vogue Paris</em> June/July 2010 by Mikael Jansson isabeliphoto0 Photo of the Day | Like A Movieisabeli fontana2 Isabeli Fontana by Jacques Dequeker | <em>Vogue Mexico</em> April 2010birthday boy7 Isabeli Fontana by Karim Sadli in Birthday Boy | <em>Man About Town</em> Spring 2010isabeliforid9 The Eco Warrior | Isabeli Fontana by Richard Bush for <em>i D</em>

There really are no words. She’s stunning. She’s exotic. She’s even a mom.

Images via Fashion Gone Rogue

A few lovely things

I have been inundated with new and intriguing things all day today! I am so excited to share…

A yummy new sushi place in Fayetteville: Meiji. Their spicy crab salad ($5) changed my life today! They use only fresh ingredients – mostly local – and are very reasonable!

spicy-crab-salad

Adorable pieces from Maude Shoppe, most under $100!

A very cute new blog: Harper and Harley

Photobucket

A really exciting workout recommendation. The Brazilian Butt Lift. It’s by the same people as P90x. Apparently the models use it to get in shape before runway shows. Is this worth trying?

Carolyn B.Karen S.

Two SUPER cute guides to NOLA. I love them because they are recommending places that are actually great. I know because I’ve been to them! The Perty South and The Comeback Kid. Seriously, who doesn’t love New Orleans?

All photos via listed websites.

Blazing Black

Image and video hosting by TinyPicImage and video hosting by TinyPicalasdair mclellan Go Figure | Lara Stone by Alasdair McLellanlaraphoto Photo of the Day | The Mondays

A little inspiration because I wear black in the summer.

The Glossy, Stardust and Sequins, French Frosting, Le Fashion, Studded Hearts, Fashion Gone Rogue