Rate My Look- Sunday Best (Yesterday)

Often when I get dressed on Sunday morning, I'm not only taking into consideration the fact that my outfit needs to seamlessly transition from church to work, but also that it's the day after Saturday when I'm required to wear all black. Sometimes I spend more time in my closet, just trying to avoid wearing black. This Sunday I think I was pretty successful in avoiding the color while still looking chic:

Skirt: Second Time Around

Blouse: TJ Maxx

Shoes: Payless

I wish I'd taken the time to get a good shot of my hair- it really cooperated with me this morning and the half-up/half-down look was very soft and elegant looking, which it NEVER is on me. My hair rarely cooperates and I usually end up letting it do what it wants. I'd much rather be able to style it in a way that always complements my outfit, but it doesn't often work out that way. On the rare occasions that it does, I really ought to put more effort into documenting it- if only to remind myself that sometimes there is hope.

As for the outfit itself, I actually bought this top in two colors- grey and cream. The price couldn't be beat especially considering it's far from a basic "basic." The neckline is interesting and asymmetrical, the fabric is soft, sheer and feminine and it's also a very comfortable blouse to wear. It really can't be beat, if you ask me! You haven't seen the skirt before on the blog- I purchased it on consignment at Second Time Around and although I've worn it a few times, I never snapped a photo of any of the outfits. Which is strange, really, because the skirt is awesome. It has red buttons on the front a la sailor-style pants. And I love me some sailor-style pants (and skirts)! I've worn it with black blouses mostly, so it was a nice change to pair it with the grey instead. Overall, I think this outfit is a nice twist on a classic look.

Accessories Anonymous: Straw Hats for Spring

It's the FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!! I don't know about all of you, but I'm feeling the spring fever pretty bad this year. Maybe it's because it's my first New England winter to survive in four years and I'd forgotten how harsh they can be, or maybe it's just that I'm beyond ready for my first pedicure of the season, but the point is this: the temperature will soon be rising and I can't wait for my wardrobe to reflect that.

I have very fair skin, so if I plan to be outdoors for any length of time in the spring or summer, I not only need some type of SPF on my skin, I also need some protective covering- literally. I have started wearing hats more in the warmer weather as a way of protecting my skin. And I've realized that there isn't much better than a light-weight, but stylish straw hat. Whether it's a trilby style or wide-brim, I find they are comfortable, stylish and neutral enough that they work well with many different outfits.

Straw Hats by Rtboo featuring a fedora hat

Try pairing a floppy, wide-brim hat with a cute, floral sundress and oversize sunglasses. Or a fedora with linen trousers, a structured top and some aviators. Or even a prim skirt and blouse with a cute straw cloche. Having trouble visualizing it? Lucky for you, I've done the work creating these outfits:

Straw Hat Outfits by Rtboo featuring sleeveless tops

Try to have fun with it when you're putting these outfits together- something unexpected like a straw hat might just transform an outfit into springtime perfection.

New Etsy Item

Last night I finally finished working on a dress that I started sewing about 2 months ago. All I had left to do was to sew on the lace waistband, install the zipper, serge the inside seams and hem it- about an hours worth of work in total. Why I procrastinated so long, I really can't tell you, but the good news is that it's finished and in the Etsy shop for whomever would like it!

The dress itself is made of a cream-colored cotton sateen/spandex blend. Don't be scared by the word "spandex," though. It's actually in a lot of clothes you wear and you probably don't even realize it. Most jeans these days come with a touch of spandex in the mix. We're talking about 98% cotton, 2% spandex, just enough to give the fabric the tiniest bit of stretch. Ultimately, it just makes the garment a smidge more comfortable since it stretches as your body moves. 

I decided I didn't want to make just a simple cream dress, so I added the gorgeous black trim. It's a lovely crochet lace with a satin ribbon. I found both the trim and the fabric at Mood when I was there in December. How shameful that it's taken nearly 3 months to finish such a simple dress! But I digress... where was I? Oh, yes, the trim is just gorgeous. For details on sizing and whatnot, visit the listing in my Etsy shop by clicking here. You'll notice that a lot of items have been removed from my shop. I decided to take out most of the "custom" items and just start stocking the store with actual items that can be bought as is. However, if you are interested in something custom, the option is still there, just email me at reneetbouchard at gmail dot com and we'll chat!

I Need More Jenny Packham In My Life

One of the most obvious perks of my new job is the fact that I get to see and touch some incredibly beautiful, often over-the-top-gorgeous gowns on a daily basis. Designs by Monique L'Huillier, Kenneth Pool, Sassi Holford and others are hanging amongst the collection of samples at Madeleine's Daughter. But it doesn't end there. Just about every month for the first half of the year, the shop hosts a trunk show with a different bridal gown designer. This month is Jenny Packham. You may think you're not familiar with her work, but the truth is that her designs adorn many a red carpet celebrity including:

Miley Cyrus

Sandra Bullock

Eva Longoria Parker

Ashley Tisdale

Jayma Mays

Jenny Packham's designs are ultra-feminine and stunningly beautiful, but what these pictures can never convey is the quality of the materials used. I've touched some of these gowns and I can say first hand that they are light as air and silky soft. My favorites are the ones that channel that "old Hollywood" vibe and not in a cliche sense, but in a truly timeless, elegant, stunning way. Slinky silk charmueses, ethereal chiffons and beadwork that sparkles like the top of the Chrysler building are each signature elements of these designs and it's so exciting to see them up close and in person. Pictures, even runway videos will never do them justice. But even so, I still encourage you to click on over to the official Jenny Packham site and view not only the bridal collections, but the ready-to-wear as well. 

And if you're wondering which gown that is currently in our shop is my favorite? It's this one: 

"Ceres"

Rate My Look- New Etsy Necklace Purchase

I was SO excited to put an outfit together sans tights this week. I wore it on Monday when the temperature was just starting to creep upwards. I kept boots in the mix, but it still felt liberating. I'm very fortunate to have such a large assortment of separates to mix together and create outfits with and it's a fun part of getting ready in the morning. There is, however, a new piece I'm wearing in this outfit- my necklace. 

A couple of weeks ago, BBBellezza had a sale in her Etsy shop and I used the opportunity to score one of her necklaces made out of vintage keys. There's something romantic about the keys- the patina on the metal that I know isn't artificially manufactured, and in the case of this particular necklace- the scrap of lace that complements the old metal pieces- the key and the escutcheon (keyhole cover). Here's a closer look at the necklace: 

I like how the necklace works with the sweater, too- the lace-y knit pattern on the top half of the sweater is also quite romantic and works well with the slim pencil skirt and tall suede boots. Lately, I've found myself keeping my outfits fairly neutral because of my new glasses. They are so bold and colorful, I find myself avoiding big earrings and clothing that might clash with them, but the key necklace and neutral outfit worked out perfectly and still look interesting and put-together.

St. Patrick's Day Fashion

On a day where so many proudly wear obnoxious green outfits, I'm here to tell you that you can dress in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day without looking like a fool. Last year, I incorporated all the colors of Ireland- green, orange and white, into a fun spring outfit. You can do that, or stick with just green, but regardless, try to do it in a stylish way that  maintains the spirit of the day, but also keeps you looking chic. 

Gardens of Versailles Dress, Modcloth, $119.99

Clover Cadence Dress, Modcloth, $57.99

BCBGMaxAzria Print Top, 6PM, $58

Cooking Show Top, Modcloth, $39.99 

Organic Zip-Front Jacket, Fair Indigo, $44.95

Cuff Bracelet, Etsy, $15

Orange Flower Cuff, Etsy, $8

Handmade Chrysoprase Teardrop Necklace, Etsy, $110 

I didn't forget the men, either: 

Poplin Shirt, Old Navy, $20 

Chill Cap, Life is Good, $20 

Of course, the choices for women are a lot more varied than for men. I love simple green and white printed clothes- they look so bright and summer-y. Of course, St. Patrick's Day in New England this year will likely be in the 40-degree range, maybe as high as 50 if we're lucky, but I'm skeptical. The point is, I just might need a bright green print to keep the winter doldrums away! What about you? How did you dress on this St. Patrick's Day? 

Online Shop Review: ASOS

A friend and coworker hosted a fabulous holiday party this past December and she wore the most fabulous dress- a dress I envied quite a bit. She looked so amazing- it was a truly unique LBD. Months later, I asked her where she got it and she excitedly told me about ASOS- an online store for all types of fashions- clothes, accessories, shoes, etc. She was excited to tell me about it because she had noticed a day or two before that her dress had been heavily marked down. I was so excited at the possibility of not only getting that dress for myself, but getting it at a bargain to boot! Minutes later, I'd registered with the site, added the dress to my shopping cart and checked out. I was so excited to know that dress would be on its way to my house in a matter of days. Check out how cute it is:

It also came in red: 

Honestly, I die for this dress in either color, but the red happened to be available in my size, so that's what I ordered. A few days later, I came home from work to find a package waiting for me. I ripped it open, only to find they'd sent the wrong dress entirely. It wasn't even the same brand, color or size. In fact, they sent a dress about 6 sizes bigger than what I'd ordered. Honestly, the fact that it was a dress was about the only thing it had in common with the dress I'd ordered. Disappointed and dejected, I went to bed. 

The next day, I woke up and researched the ASOS return method for when you receive the wrong item. Apparently, they have an email address "wrong@asos.com" for just this type of situation. I found that a bit odd. I emailed my predicament, hoping they'd simply switched my order with someone else's and that it could be resolved. Unfortunately, all I ever got were automated form-emails explaining the return process and offering me 10% off a future purchase in the next couple of weeks. The thing is, I know it may seem like an isolated incident to you, but the entire situation felt very contrived to me. Because my dress had "sold out" in the meantime, there's no possibility of exchanging the wrong dress for the right one. Explain that one. 

Basically, even with online companies, I expect the highest level of customer service, particularly when something has gone wrong. I've never felt less taken care of than I did with ASOS. And as for my friend who recommended the site? Well, it turns out she's had similar problems with the company, too- they sent her a leather bomber jacket when she'd ordered a trench coat. And then gave her a hard time about returning it. So while she may have gotten a fabulous dress from them a few months ago, their performance is far from stellar for her as well. 

Have any of you tried this company? Have you had good or bad experiences with them? I'm curious to hear what your experiences have been (if any). In the meantime, I suppose I'll have to make do with the other red party dresses in my closet.