Fab Find: The Magic Dress

It is true what they say about finding great things at unexpected times... not that I would compare this to finding the love of your life, but it is pretty special.  I happened to be shopping around Chatham, MA over Memorial Day weekend and stumbled onto a very unexpected store.  Through the thick the fog that had suddenly rolled in, I spied a very pretty dress (a maxi - surprise, surprise!) billowing in the breeze.  My radar went off as I quickly made a mad dash over to the store.

The name on the store was one that I was not familiar with... Sara Campbell.  What I quickly learned is that Sara Campbell is a very talented designer.  She has had a long career designing clothing for private labels such as Neiman Marcus.  Several years ago she went out on her own and began designing under her own label.  She now has seven stores the majority of which are located in Massachusetts.  Now living in Boston, all of her clothes are designed and made in and around the city (Yay! for supporting U.S. industry).

More importantly, let's discuss the clothes... her style is a mix of J.Crew, Lilly, Talbot's and Tory Burch and the pricing is more in the contemporary range, but not everything is $300.  In other words, there is something for everyone.  The overall tone is more that of a conservative look, but as individual pieces there are some really great finds.  She designs the type of clothes that my mom and I would both wear, but in very different ways.

A perfect print for summer...

Love the peplum...

The essential stripe dress for everyday...

One of my faves is Sara's "Magic Dress".  This is her most popular style - a ruched sheath that comes in different colors and patterns depending on the season.  The dress is very elegant and can be dressed up or down.  I absolutely love the fact that it comes to the knee (I am not a very big fan of "pencil skirts" that don't actually hit the knee - they just aren't that flattering).  Plus the ruching helps to camouflage problem areas (hips, tummy, bum).  Even if you haven't had kids, I think we all could use a bit of help in these areas.

The dress that NY Housewife Ramona Singer wore...

Seersucker for the summer...

Definitely take a trip over to Sara's website, it will be well worth your time.  She has a fab selection of summer dresses... perfect for those afternoon events that are usually so hard to dress for...  I even found the coolest black maxi dress - very simple, with longer sleeves and a thick colorful belt.  I saw it in the store that day, but haven't found in on the website.  I have been thinking about this dress a lot... I know it would be on heavy rotation in my closet!  It just goes to show that great finds can be in the most unexpected places...

*Photos courtesy of saracampbell.com.

Revisiting the LWD: A Summer Essential

As my life gets more and more hectic, I am all about simplifying my wardrobe.  I want to look good, but I don't want to spend hours agonizing over what to wear.  In keeping with my new summer theme of getting back to basics, I revisited my LWD over the weekend.

I was trying to figure out what to wear to an afternoon/early evening party and thought my white shift would be perfect (plus it had sleeves, which is a bonus on a chillier day).  I wanted my outfit to be fun, but not too dressy... I guess you would say I was going for "casual chic".

As I started to mull over accessories, it occurred to me how easy it is to change the personality of your look with a simple change in jewelry and shoes.  Just like the white tee, a great fitting white dress is the perfect canvas for many different looks.  Let's just say that the LWD is an essential piece for your summer wardrobe.

Option 1 -  I add my favorite frog necklace for some color and fun.  I will keep it sophisticated with the nude sandal.   My "luncheon look"...

 

Option 2 -  More preppy chic... navy pearls and Jack Rogers.  My "beach club look"...

Option 3 -  A tad more edgy. but still preppy... my "Palm Springs look".

I love the simplicity.  I love classic pieces that are made well, fit well and that you can wear again and again and no one will be the wiser.  Next time you are deciding between the really cool print dress that you won't be able to wear too many times or the basic dress, make sure you have the basic dress first.  Then you can add in the fun, fashionable pieces.  

                                                                                                           - Allison

Birthday Party Bonanza

Saturday afternoon I was hanging out at the bowling alley for niece's birthday party. It was a great party and everyone had fun, but isn't it funny how many of your weekends are filled with children's birthday parties? Even if you don't have kids, you probably know a handful of people with kids or you have nieces and nephews... so you understand the birthday party shuffle. Once the weather gets warm, the invitations start rolling in. Before you know it, the weekends are booked... birthday parties, bbq's, sporting events... you name it. Lots of activities and nothing to wear, right?!

It seems to be trickier dressing at this time of the year because you are just out more. You still have your "weekday uniform" but that won't fly on the weekends and you can't wear skinny jeans and boots all summer, so what are you to do? The best thing to do is find several key pieces that can be mixed and matched with things that you already own.

1. skinny white jeans (ankle length is best)
     - picture Jackie O in her cropped white jeans and a black tee. These jeans can be paired with tanks,  
       tunics, sequin tee's, you name it. They are the basis of your summer wardrobe and they can be worn
       during the day or at night.

2. sundress (can be maxi or something longer and a little loose - think flowing & comfortable)
     - a dress is so easy in the summer. Throw it on and you are ready to go... wherever. It is also looks
       great layered under a jacket or sweater or is even better on a hot day. Definitely a go-to piece on the
       weekends.

3. striped tee
     - just as classic as the white jeans. You must have some sort of representation of the sailor stripe in
       your wardrobe. This shirt is perfect when a little loose and can be worn with pretty much anything,
       including patterns...

4. fitted jacket or blazer
     - this is taking the place your leather jacket. You need something that you can throw on over a dress,
       or with a tee and jeans that will add a bit of edge to your outfit.

5. chunky knit cardigan
     - this is the kind of sweater that you could throw on over a dress, with your shorts or your striped
       shirt, even a swimsuit at the end of a fabulous beach day. It is heavy enough to keep you warm on a
       cool summer evening, but not too bulky.

6. colorful shorts
     - a cute pair of dressier, colorful shorts are a must have!  Dress them up or down, and they are much
       more functional and modern than a little skirt.... especially when playing with the little ones.

7. wedge sandals
     - these are perfect for the days you want to dress up a bit, but it is still a daytime function. Chances
       are you will be chasing after kids, so you don't want to break an ankle, but you don't want to
       wear flip flops again...

8. wide belt
     - something neutral, ligheter weight (jute)...on the more casual side. Use it on a skirt, dress, tunic...
       give your outfit some shape and more summery feel.

9. boat shoe or skimmer
     - not everyday will be sunny and warm. Days (like today) can be cooler and rainy. A cute pair of
       kicks that are not open toe are perfect for those less desirable afternoons.

10. aviators
     - a classic. Always in style and they look good on everyone - also has a cool & casual vibe.

Enjoy those weekends you are prepared to face those events with a lot of style!

Do you have a summer essential that you can't live without?  Let me know... we should add to the list!

                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com, jcrew.com, madewell.com, gap.com, piperlime.com, endless.com