Alert: New Diffusion Line at JC Penney

MNG by Mango has designed a diffusion line for JC Penney and I really like a lot of the pieces. This sportswear line has visual interest, but also versatility and the prices aren't bad, either. Some of my favorite pieces so far:

Corazon Bowler, $79.92

Bow Neck Blouse, $35.94

Trench Coat, $127.92

You can check out the rest of the line here and then leave a comment telling me what you think of it! Happy Saturday! 

Favorite Trend: Tie-neck Blouse

Vintage and retro styles have made a comeback like you wouldn't believe. Shoe clips and gloves are two all-the-rage accessories that are incredibly hot right now. 50's and 60's silhouettes were all over the runways a couple of months ago, so we know we'll be seeing them for a while. One vintage/retro trend that I am thrilled to see come back is the tie-neck blouse. When done the right way, it can be a really fabulous look. When done the wrong way, you can end up looking like your grandmother (which may or may not be a bad thing, I suppose). Here are some tie-neck blouses that I think are fabulous:

MNG by Mango Tie-Neck Blouse, JC Penney, $29.94

Michael Kors Camel Cotton Voile Tie-Neck Blouse, Bluefly.com, $245.99

Malinda Silk Tie-Neck Blouse, Ashro, $24.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs Merlot Floral Tie-Neck Blouse, Bluefly.com, $149.00

Sleeveless Silk Charmeuse Tie-Neck Blouse, Spiegel, $59-64

As you can see, this style of blouse is available in a variety of colors, fabrics, prints, and price points. I like this type of blouse because it is a great layering piece. A simple cardigan or blazer can really pull a look together and help this unstructured style have a bit more shape to it. Do you love the idea of this kind of blouse, but you aren't quite sure how to create a look around one? Here are some outfit ideas to get you inspired: 

RetroGlam by Rtboo featuring a pencil skirt

I love this look- it's very sophisticated and has the retro-glam vibe while still feeling fresh and modern. The muted tones of the outfit make it appropriate for this time of year as well. Top it off with a dark overcoat and wear it to a chic dinner party or even out to a swank bar with the girls. 

Not-so-basic Basic by Rtboo featuring oval jewelry

I love this "Not-so-basic Basic" outfit. It's a perfect all-day outfit- and yet SO much cuter than just a t-shirt and jeans. This top and the accessories create an outfit that makes a fun, quirky statement. Who says you have to look boring when you go to the grocery store anyway? I love the boldness of the red top, and the structure of the frame bag- it's just such a sweet overall look. Add the oversize cocktail ring and the animal-print shoes and the outfit suddenly has just a touch of edge that helps balance it all out. 

Monochromatic Miss by Rtboo featuring a crepe skirt

I love this monochromatic outfit- in fact, I love a well-done monochromatic anything- a well-designed room, an outfit, even artwork or advertising. I think when it is well-done, it can be sophisticated, but fun. It is a bold endeavor, wearing these bright shades of coral and red, but so fun, too! However, if you're not quite ready for such a bold color statement, try the same concept in a neutral: 

Monochromatic 2 by Rtboo featuring pumps shoes

Now, aside from look #2, most of these are pretty dressy looks, but that's not to say all tie-neck blouse looks need to be dressy. This layered version is effortless and simply lovely: 

Layered and Lovely by Rtboo featuring knit tops

I hope by now you're starting to get a knack for putting together an outfit with a tie-neck blouse. They really are versatile and incredibly feminine. And just because I used mostly slim silhouettes like pencil skirts and fitted jeans, doesn't mean that a full or a-line skirt or a wide-leg trouser wouldn't work just as well. It's all in the mix and how you put the pieces together to create a flattering silhouette for YOUR body. So why not try this fabulous trend? You just might like it! 

Forget blondes- it's the red heads who have the most fun

Or at least look the most stunning on the cover of a magazine (or two):

While just about everyone the world over is raving about Joanie's cover of British GQ, I'm more of a fan of her look on the cover of Health Magazine:

I like that it's a more natural look. The GQ one is so stylized, not to mention completely designed with men's preferences in mind. The Health cover is not only stunning, but Christina's look is one most women would be thrilled to achieve. I also appreciate that a woman with real curves is all over the media these days. Sometimes the fashion magazines talk about Beyonce or J.Lo as being "real women" because of their curves. As if.

The Health magazine cover is also a good lesson for all you women out there who may have doubted the amazing qualities of the wrap dress. Many many moons ago, I wrote a post about DVF's invention and its virtues. They hold true, still. And if you're interested in the Health magazine interview, you can find it here. And if you're interested in some of my other favorite Christina Hendricks/Joan Holloway (Harris) looks, enjoy:

(My fave!!! Love love love the asymmetrical hemline)

And since there's just too much to focus on for fashion for all of YOU, I've decided to finish this post with fabulous wrap dresses a la the Health Magazine cover for you AND fabulous fitted sheath dresses a la Joan Holloway. Enjoy!

Aqua Zebra-Print Wrap Dress, JCPenney, $34

Short-sleeve Wrap Dress, Target, $39.99

BCBGeneration Wrap Dress, Zappos, $78

Maggy London Ruched Sheath Dress, Nordstrom, $78.90

Black Halo Shannon Sheath Dress, Saks Fifth Avenue, $390

Knit Tweed Sheath Dress, Ann Taylor, $148

Have a great Sunday, everyone!

Crochet Chic

Do you ever find yourself in summer, putting on a cute strapless or spaghetti strap sundress and for whatever reason, you wish there was just a little more coverage? It may be a modesty thing, or maybe you just prefer a layered look, even in summer. Unfortunately, in 80 degree, humid weather, a cardigan- even the lightest cotton or jersey type- is too much.

Whatever the situation or reason for needing another light-weight layer, I have the solution for you. And it's actually quite a popular trend right now: crochet. Yup. Bet you never thought you'd hear that word in a sentence without"grandma" right nearby. Well, the thing about crochet, is that when it's done with a delicate pattern and light-weight yarn, it's actually almost like lace. Very cool, chic lace. Next time you're shopping, grab a cardi, shrug or vest in a cool, open crochet pattern and you'll find you've made a great investment. Because although you may be purchasing it for summer, you'll find that it will be a great layering piece for all four seasons. Stick with a neutral color and you can't go wrong.

A few options:

Crochet Vest, Victoria's Secret, $29.99 (Sale price)

Oversize Crochet Vest, Free People, $81 (Sale price)

Crochet Shrug Cardigan, JC Penney, $24.99 (Sale price)

Lacey Crochet Cardigan, Spiegel, $20 (Sale price)

I actually think the final option from Spiegel would be a great top layer if you had a more formal event to go to. I hate trying to find a top layer that is dressy. I've never been a fan of wraps and pashminas- I think they tend to look matronly and awkward most of the time. This long, lacey crochet cardigan is a great alternative.

So what do you think? Would you wear a crochet piece? What about learning to crochet and making one yourself? I've been a pretty decent knitter for a few years now, but crochet has always baffled me. Maybe I'll give it another shot one of these days.

Reese's Style for Under $100

I love Reese Witherspoon. I have not seen a movie of hers that I didn't enjoy, or at least her performance. I loved Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama, Pleasantville and Election, but I thought she was especially good in Walk the Line. She is also one of those celebrities who nearly always manages to look great- on the red carpet and off. Two of my favorite looks of hers:

And here are those same looks for under $100 each- just for you. Yes, you can leave a comment to thank me.

Stretch Tank, Old Navy, $10

Print Skirt, JC Penney, $19.99

Cross-Body Bag, Nine West, $29.99

Oversize Sunglasses, Sunglass Shack, $17.99

Total: $85.98

For this outfit, I chose to focus on the shape of the pieces and the overall color scheme. The navy scoop-neck tank is pretty spot-on, (in my opinion) and while the skirt is not the same type of print, the silhouette is still flowy and breezy, like Reese's. For the bag, I chose to depart from Reese's white color choice because of how much white is in the skirt in my set. Unfortunately I couldn't find one with brown detailing like hers (which helps off-set the white), so I chose to go with a metallic instead. White would have been too matchy-matchy for my set. Finally, the oversize sunglasses finish off the look and there's enough left in our $100 budget for an inexpensive pair of flip flops or ballet flats. Next!

Organic Tee, Fair Indigo, $15.50

Skinny Ankle Jean, NY & Co, $14.95

Oversize Sunglasses, Forever 21, $5.80

Slingback Flat, Payless, $17.99

Large Hobo Bag, Target, $24.99

Branscombe Necklace, Aldo, $20

Total: $81.23

This look was deceptively difficult to recreate for under $100 because it is actually a LOT of pieces. At first glance, it's a charcoal grey top and a pair of white skinny jeans, but when you look a little closer, there's a necklace, a large handbag, sunglasses and shoes. There's also an iPhone, but I didn't count that towards the fashions. It would have put me WAY over budget!

Happy weekend, everyone!

Don't fire till you see the whites of their eyelets...

Yesterday was Memorial Day, so for those of you still following the rule of "No white between Labor Day and Memorial Day," consider yourself liberated from your self-imposed wardrobe prison. I say "self-imposed" because that rule is basically no longer a rule. Wear white all year if you like and definitely don't stop yourself from putting on an outfit that makes you feel great just because some antiquated rule says it's too early. (Just please don't EVER wear white to a wedding unless you are the bride. That rule still applies.)

Anyway, while June 1st may not be the official beginning of summer, it certainly has that feeling of, "It's time for summer clothes!" It was 90 degrees here over the weekend, so it certainly feels like summer outside! In honor of both summer weather and the passing of Memorial Day, I'd like to share with you one of my faorite summertime fabrics: white eyelet. There is something so summery about not only white, but white eyelet. It also feels very romantic to me for some reason. When I made my white sundress a few months ago, it was to fulfill my need for a white eyelet dress. Unfortunately, the fabric was not eyelet, but rather a pretty lace-embellished cotton and at the time, it put a band-aid on the open wound in my wardrobe. Unfortunately, now it's true summer weather, so that need for an eyelet dress is back. I'm not sure if I'll buy one or make one- it sort of depends on a few different factors. But if I decide to buy one, there are plenty of options out there right now. If you're interested in an eyelet piece to add to your summer wardrobe, here are some fabulous options:

Eyelet Textured Dress, JCPenney, $49.99

This is perhaps my favorite eyelet piece that I've found. I love the neckline and the silhouette of the dress. Also, the straps are wide enough that there would not be any issues hiding a bra strap. (Speaking of undergarments, please, please, please wear beige or nude undergarments with white clothing. For some reason people still think that white undergarments go under white clothing, but that is not the case. White under white will ALWAYS show. Beige or nude under white will not. I promise.)

Double-Layered Eyelet Skirt, Gap, $69.50

A tad pricey for a skirt, if you ask me, but this one is oh-so flattering and just screams, "breezy and light." It will be a staple in your summer wardrobe for years to come.

Flutter Sleeved White Eyelet Top, Etsy, $24

Isn't this top gorgeous? I love that it's vintage, but looks modern. You would absolutely find something like this in shops today, so vintage doesn't always mean "old-fashioned." It is the perfect top for basically any summer outdoor activity- from an outdoor concert to a backyard barbeque to a walk in the park or on the beach.

Eyelet Romper, C&C California, $127

I know some of you are loving the return of the romper, so for you I found this fabulous white eyelet version. It's actually really cute and could absolutely be dressed up or down, or even used as a beach cover-up. It's incredibly versatile.

One of the difficult things about white is that it can get dirty very easily. No matter the garment, always wash it after every wear even if it doesn't seem to have gotten dirty. And always follow the washing instructions on the label- that's what they are there for! Whites also tend to get yellow with time, so to avoid that, try the following:

1.) Hang your white outside in direct sunlight- the sun acts as a natural whitener

2.) Never use chlorine bleach as over time this will cause yellowing

3.) Send your white through an extra rinse cycle in the washer to ensure all detergent has been completely rinsed away. Over time detergent deposited in the fabric will cause the garment to yellow. Products like Oxi-Clean are better for washing whites than regular detergent.

4.) Always remove stains immediately

Happy eyelet shopping and wearing this summer!