Chic Shower Guest Outfits

I don't think I'm alone when I say that wedding and baby showers can be really hard to dress for. 

It's usually daytime, but not super casual.  You don't want to wear jeans, but a church-ish dress might be too much.  You'll probably be photographed with the bride/mom, but you don't want to overdress or show too much skin.  It's also not an occasion worthy of shopping for new outfits unless you're the one being honored. 

After being a guest at many, many showers and preparing to host one next month - I think I've finally got it down.  Here are my foolproof combinations:

stylish shower guest outfits by cardiganjunkie featuring long ankle length skirts

Maxi Dress + Cute Belt = I may be tall and have a waist!

Pick a dress with adequate coverage up top so you don't flash any boob, and a jersey fabric that it's appropriate for daytime (and so comfy!).  You'll wear this same outfit to dinner or brunch, and into the fall with a cardigan on top.

Printed Dress + Flat Sandals = I didn't try very hard, but I'm still stylish.

Screw people who say you shouldn't repeat outfits.  You find yourself a printed dress or tunic that you love, and wear the crap out of it.  It's better to be seen in the same few flattering ensembles than lots of cheap ones that don't do much for you.  You'll be comfortable, and can dress up or down with jewelry.

Full Skirt + Colorful Tank = I'm a lady, and not overdressed.

This sort of outfit is a prime combination for high/low styling.  Find a great skirt that makes you happy, and pair it with simple tees and tanks or ladylike blouses depending on the event.  You can also work in a cardigan and cute belts.  Oh, the possibilities!

Maxi Skirt + Simple Tank = Look how lean (and chic) I am, y'all.

While this combination is hard to wear if you're short waisted or large chested like me, it looks great on many other body types, especially pear and lanky shapes.  The simple tank keeps things casual and lets the skirt be the star.  You can work in belts here, or some statement jewelry or earrings.

Do you have any go-to shower ensembles?  Let us know! 

Reader Request: Business Lady Bags

Good morning!  Sorry for the silence yesterday, but after an eventful weekend and a night of HBO, I just forgot to blog.  Oops.

However, I'm excited to be back today so that I can help Catie, a reader looking for a classic, chic bag that will take her and her laptop on airplanes all over the country.  Her budget is reasonable (durable leather bags aren't cheap, people) and she needs to be able to take it from under the seat in front of her to a meeting with clients without damage.

In my personal experience, I've learned that bags intended for carrying laptops are generally much more comfortable to carry around and have straps that were made to support about 15 pounds of computer and other stuff.  I daresay many a large purse has been ruined by women (like me) insistent that a large purse can do the job of luggage.  So, I've put together some options for Catie that will do the job and look good for years to come:

First, my top choice (again) is the Alesya laptop bag.  It comes in two colors (black and gunmetal gray) and looks super comfortable with a wide strap and lots of compartments.  It's also much less expensive than many other designer options!

Some other contenders:

Do you have a bag that serves you well?  Let Catie know where to find it!

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday!  I hope all of you had a great week - I'm off to see my sweet cousin Kirby get married and enjoy another long weekend with family.

Before I go, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1.  I love this:

2. I want a $22 owl bracelet for my birthday.  Take note, husband.

3. I love this DIY table skirt, and how it looks modern and not granny.  I may try it with my vintage console table that I love, but wish fit with the room a little better.

via Calling It Home

4. Y'all have no idea how much I want more natural light in my house.  I also want a kilim rug.  I am a greedy girl.

5. It's funny, I can think of multiple reasons why I should not get a kimono but a little part of me thinks I could pull it off.  However, I hate the too-short jorts trend and would never wear mine like that.  I'd pair it with cropped, dark denim jeans and platform sandals.  And over my swimsuit.  And belted with some black shorts and flop flops.

And with that, I bid you good weekend!

Reader Request: Back to Work Post-Baby

Good morning!  Today I'm excited to help my friend Liz, who just had the cutest baby girl back in May, and will be coming to back to work next month.  She's working hard to get back into pre-baby shape, but as we all know, weight that took 9 months to put on doesn't fall off like magic.  She needs a capsule wardrobe that will give her a week's worth of outfits in a casual office, and doesn't want to spend lots of money on clothes that will soon be too big.

I gave this a lot of thought, especially since this is SUCH a common situation.  While she won't be able to avoid shopping entirely, there are lots of pieces that will transition nicely as she shrinks since they're not intended to be form fitting.  Here are some options to consider:

back to work post-baby by cardiganjunkie featuring straight leg jeans

printed skirt  |  nursing tank  |  LOFT pleated tee  |  zebra TOMS  |  maxi dress 

  necklace 1  |  necklace 2  |  necklace 3

What You'll Need:

A great-fitting pair of straight-leg jeans and/or black pants: If your early maternity jeans still fit and aren't saggy, then wear them, but otherwise you need to try on jeans until you find a dark wash pair with a straight cut that you can dress up or down.  This cut is going to look better than a flare, although you can also do a bootcut if it makes you more comfortable.  If your office isn't totally casual like where Liz and I work, you'll need some great black pants as well.  I recommend trying on different styles at TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack, or checking eBay if you don't want to pay full price.  And when you get home, cut out the label if it makes you too upset.  Nothing makes people look larger than ill-fitting pants.  

A black maxi dress: You can layer this with cardigans and a denim jacket that you already own for work, and wear alone as well.  A crossover front will work well for pumping, and you can keep wearing it as you get smaller since the cut is so forgiving.

Completer pieces: I'm talking about cardigans, blazers, and denim jackets.  You probably have these already, and they'll help you get more mileage out of basic black and white tanks and tees. 

Nursing-friendly tees and tanks: Although they're not cheap, go ahead and invest in a black and white nursing tank/tee, but also look for non-maternity styles that are intended to be flowy like the option from LOFT above.

A fun printed skirt or dress: To mix things up a bit, look for an inexpensive printed skirt or dress that fits you as you are now.  It'll make you feel girly and pretty, and you can sell it on eBay when it gets too big.

Colorful Accessories:  Since you'll be repeating outfits more than you normally would during this time, look for some inexpensive statement necklaces that will add color to your outfits as well as some fun but comfortable shoes that will make you feel good.  And, if you don't already have one, get a great diaper/pumping bag that looks good when a grown woman is carrying it around.  You'll get as much wear out of it as you will a new purse (maybe more!) and you should enjoy carrying it. 

Okay mamas, I know you ladies probably have some great suggestions for Liz.  Let us know what pieces you loved in the first few months after delivery!

5 Things Friday... on Monday

Good morning!  I hope all of you had a great long weekend.  I spent mine with N's family in St. Louis, blissfully disconnected from the internet (except for some sporadic Instagram browsing - I'm only human).  Since I didn't post my usual collection of randomness last Friday, I'm going to do it now.  Better late than never, right?

Anyway, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. This weekend at the airport I found myself in line behind a lady with the cutest pair of tennis shoes that aren't made for running marathons or crosstraining.  Since I'm about to head out on an 8-day trip full of walking in late August, I creepily stared at her feet until I could discern that they're Reebok Rhythmcity shoes and only $32 - $44 depending on the color.  [Update: I'm weak, I ordered the pair below because they're so darn cute.  Screw sensible color combinations!]

2. I think this is such a happy room.  I wish we had bigger windows!

via Cush and Nooks

3. This week I read The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England and it was so interesting!  It's a history book that is written in the form of a guidebook, and it focuses on the everyday customs and objects rather than kings and battles.  If you like history books, I highly recommend it.  Now I'm even more excited for the follow-up book that's sitting on my nightstand! (The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England)

4. I hope this becomes evident to more teenage girls.

5. It's nice to be reminded that you can eat a perfectly healthy lunch without repeating the same foods over and over.  Even though this is intended for kids, I'll be copying some of them for myself! [Update: The image is from Weelicious.com! ]

Happy Monday!

Reader Request: What to Wear for Multi-Generation Portrait

Good morning, internet!  I hope y'all are having a great (short) work week, and will be enjoying a long weekend starting tomorrow.  I will be taking the rest of the week off from blogging and being connected, but before I start that I am excited to offer some style advice to an old friend.

Katherine, who I've known for 21 years now (geez!) is having a portrait made next week with her mom and her baby daughter.  Believe it or not, they want to look their best and not dress in matching white shirts and jeans.  They also want to celebrate Katherine's mother being a 2-time cancer survivor, and I hope I've put together some ideas that will help them do that:

generational portrait - reader request by cardiganjunkie featuring a sequin embellished dress

For Grandma:  I've shown a pink top here, but any saturated jewel tone with a structured cut is going to photograph well and be slimming.  I've paired it with dark denim, chunky jewelry, and a fun shoe that's not going to make anyone's grandma look frumpy, or like she's trying to look 30 again. 

For Mom:  I love the look of a dress with a defined waist paired with a contrasting cardigan.  In this case, I picked a basic navy dress and paired it with a bright green sweater that will offer a nice contrast to Grandma's pink shirt and offer some structure and arm coverage.  A fun necklace and cute shoes round out the look.

For Baby:  Baby girls look good in anything, so this is easy.  In this case, I chose a printed dress to pick up the color in grandma's outfit.  This will also keep her from blending in with Katherine's dress and sweater.  Finally, a little headband that's not going to make her look like Chiquita Banana.  :)

Obviously, these outfits are illustrative and the colors and silhouettes can be altered to suit your tastes.  The most important thing about picking outfits for a photograph is that you're comfortable in them and they don't make you look larger than you are, which is easy to avoid.  Jewel tones generally look great on film, so they're usually a safe bet.

Have you had any photographs taken lately?  If you've got advice for Katherine, please share!

Have a great long weekend!

Bra-Friendly Dresses: Summer 2013 Edition

Believe it or not, having a large bust can be kind of a drag.  Yes, it makes your waist look smaller, but you pay for it all summer long when everyone else prances around in teeny bikini tops and little strappy tops or dresses.  Although I do have a great longline strapless bra (believe it or not, you can get the best deal at bridal stores), I'm most comfortable in the normal kind and it's always tough to find summery dresses that don't show straps.

Luckily, the rest of y'all have me to do some of the hunting for you and I've found a lot of options at common stores with prices ranging from under $20 to just over $100.

I've ordered a couple of the Old Navy ones and will be making my way to JCPenney to try a few of the Joe Fresh styles.  If you've found any great options lately, let me know!