I can accept the fact that instead of enjoying my morning coffee on the patio overlooking the ocean I will be fighting rush hour traffic in the muggy subway; but what I can’t so easily throw away is the easy style of a beach getaway. I refuse to put on anything other than breezy dresses and floaty tanks while I am away and while I love my skinny jeans to death, my legs got some much appreciated breathing room.

I know I can’t skip into the office wearing a linen mini dress and some flip flops but I also refuse to stuff myself back into my snug pencil skirts and flats. Which is why Anthropologie’s Baby’s Breath Dress is really exciting me right now (seriously, I can barely keep myself from putting it in my shopping cart and paying  for it to be overnighted).

The moss-green silk fabric with white flower bud detail is so delicately feminine and the shape only plays up the girlish vibe. The faux-wrap plays up our womanly curves, accentuating the ladies and our waists, and flows seamlessly over the nether regions (hitting none of the bumps or dimples along the way). And we can’t forget the best part: it is elegantly comfortable. A perfect combination of that beach-easy comfort while demure details like the flutter sleeves and longer hemline make it totally office appropriate.

I can already see this dress transitioning amazingly from day to night. For day, a thin gold belt, a pair of flats and a thin, white boyfriend cardigan; then with a quick switch of some accessories- a chunky belt, layered gold necklaces and a pair of t-strap heels- the dress is happy-hour ready.

Finally, after a long day of work and play I know I’ll love the pullover style; forget annoying zippers and clasps, I’ll just slip this baby over my head and crash (I may take the time to actually hang it up, though, since it does carry a price tag equal to a month of 4am diner visits).

Shopping for your size and specific body shape can be extremely difficult, especially since fashion mags, advertisements, and even in-store displays usually push outfits that look great on girls who are relatively tall and skinny. For petite girls, it’s hard find clothes that are both flattering and stylish – especially when you don’t have the body of shorty celebs like Nicole Richie and Hayden Panettiere!

If you’re petite and need a little help finding the perfect pieces to complement your pint-sized frame, there are a few things you gotta keep in mind.

Tops – Pick tops that hit mid-thigh. Anything shorter or longer will emphasize your lack of height. You also want to steer away from things that are too loose, or you risk losing your body in a sea of fabric. Anything that is draped, asymmetrical, or has long ruffles will elongate your torso and flatter a petite frame. Here are some chic picks from the petite section:

From top left to bottom right: Petite Open Cardigan with Chiffon Trim $68 – Ann Taylor, Petite Ruffle Striped Tank $45 – Banana Republic, Nygard Collection Petites Petal Scoopneck Tunic $69 – Dillard’s, Filtre Knit Boyfriend Blazer (Petite) $88 – Nordstrom, Style&co. Petite Tunic, Sleeveless Two Tone $46 – Macy’s, Petite Skinny Strap Vest $50 – Topshop.

Jeans - Petite girls need to wear petite pants. It’s annoying, since so many of your favorite stores don’t carry them, but it’s just a fact of life. Hemming long pants often ruins them, since the cut of the pant wasn’t meant for a petite frame. And cuffing is just not acceptable (in most cases).

If you’re willing to splurge, Joe’s Jeans Provocateur are the best in the business for short girls – they have a higher knee break and shorter inseam for an elongating effect. If you’re on a budget, head to American Eagle Outfitters – if your local store doesn’t carry short sizes, you can order them to the store without paying for shipping.

J brand 3 Star Wash “Petite Pencil Leg” Jeans $119 – Bluefly, Petite Jamie Skinny Jeans $80 – Topshop, Joe’s Jeans Skinny Provocateur Petite Jeans $176 – Piperlime, ASOS Petite Iggy Indigo Skinny Jeans $47 – ASOS, Artist Jean $49 – American Eagle, Skinny Jean $49 – American Eagle.

Skirts and dresses – When dressing for your petite frame, the goal is always to make your body seem longer. Therefore you should go with extreme hemlines. Skirts and dresses that hit at the knee or just below will make your legs look stumpy (and your outfit frumpy). Obviously, when you’re dressing for work or a formal setting, a mini won’t do, but don’t go longer than 2″ above the knee to avoid the frump-effect. Here are some fab dresses that are on the shorter side.

One Clothing Dress Nautical Striped Mini $39 – Macy’s, Sequined Mini Dress $29 – Forever 21, Jack by BB Dakota Ollaberry Dress $58 – Boutique To You, Petite Poplin Shirtdress $69 – Ann Taylor LOFT, Petite Drape Collar Dress $98 – Ann Taylor, Petite Cascading Ruffle Dress $39.99 (on sale from $132) – Banana Republic.

Footwear – Opaque black tights + black heels = a petite girl’s best friends. For everything else, go for heels and flats that are low cut. Avoid ankle boots that cut you off mid-calf, t-strap or Mary Jane shoes, and other strappy heels (unless, you’re pairing them with same-color tights), because they’ll make your legs look stumpy. For boots, go for knee-highs (over-the-knees are tough to pull off, and shorter boots aren’t flattering). Here are some shoes, most of them on sale, that work.

Lifestride Alicia Platform Pump $39.95 – DSW, Bandolino Serece Platform Pump $44.95 – DSW, Etienne Aigner Amber Leather and Stretch Riding Boot $74.95 – DSW, Enzo Angiolini Women’s Rachey Bootie $99.90 – Endless.com, Helena Peep-Toe Wedge $98 – Banana Republic.

I am in total freakin’ party mode right now. Not that I blame myself; actually, far from it. Instead I am rewarding myself for delaying Senioritis until the last 3 weeks of the year by downing bottles of wine with the girls on weeknights and stumbling into morning class with barhead and underye circles.

So obviously instead of getting my notes together for finals I’m just perusing the Internet for additions to my summer party dress lineup. The minute I grab my diploma, I’m strippin’ off that gown and hitting the clubs hard.

The first night will be a little black number, skyscraper heels, chunky jewelry. But the subsequent nights, I’d like to mix it up a bit. Enter The Sailor Button Dress from New Look.

I never really got into the whole nautical trend, but this dress is too tempting to resist. The vibrant red only pops even more with contrasting white stripes and the split detail is totally sexy, while till having a demure, girlish quality.

The cut couldn’t be any more flattering with a cinched waist and forgiving pleated skirt. And the nautical style embossed buttons draw the attention up to your shoulders having a totally slimming effect. Added bonus? It has one of my favorite features in a dress: pockets. Giving a comfortable, laid back vibe to an otherwise sophisticated and refined mini. I can already seem myself out on the town, one hand in a pocket, the other daintily holding a martini (or making a beer pong shot…either way).

And of course it meets my strict, wearable rule. Ankle strap heels, some mismatched bangles and a bare neckline make it nightlife ready. Then the next morning you can slip out of bed, throw on a white linen blazer and some flip flops for brunch. Not to mention that when fall weather hits a pair of black tights and a leather jacket will carry it through the season.

I’m hittin’ the town sailor style…
Bon Voyage ladies!

I’m in one of those (very sad) stages where I don’t actually need anything. I know it’s hard to believe. But with months of winter buying under my belt, I have leggings and cashmere cardigans and sweater dresses everywhere (no seriously, I sleep with at least three articles of clothing every night).

And with spring yet to have shown us a glimmer of hope that it’s on its way, it’s just depressing to purchase anything floral and skimpy, catching a glimpse of it as you trudge out of the house in snow boots and a down filled jacket.

But then that amazing little thing creeps into my agenda pages, the one thing none of us college girls can resist shopping for, and which totally warrants the purchasing of, at minimum, a new bathing suit and a super sexy party dress. Spring Break, baby!

This being the last of my Spring break’s ever (I know, I am most definitely in mourning right now), I am going all out, spending 7 glorious booze-and-sun-filled days in Cancun, the spring break capital of the universe.

Which means I am now in need of something again (whew!).

Of course, I’ve already found the perfect dress. And it’s sitting in the display window of Express. Their Escalating Ruffle Strapless Dress is pure sex. The perfect combo of spicy vixen and flirty girlishness.

This mini-dress screams tropical (I’m talkin’ mojito in hand, waves lapping at the sand), exactly the vibe we’re all dying for after months of frigid cold.

Plus, this mini is the one thing that happens in Cancun that doesn’t have to stay there. I can see myself rockin’ it to a party or a bar while waiting for spring with a pair of boots and a leather jacket. The strawberry color is sweet enough that it can even be toned down for the office with a belted cardigan, tights and flats.

It’s the spring break gift that keeps on giving. And it’s going to look amazing with my sun kissed tan.

When you’re on a budget you can’t spend your money on just anything. You need items that are versatile, timeless and just plain pretty. And this beautiful dress from ASOS is all that and more.  It is short enough and reveals just enough skin with its strapless design for hitting those clubs on Saturday night. Put on some sexy, strappy heels and you are ready to conquer the dance floor.

When the party’s over, work this dress in a different way. You got a holiday party coming up? Slip it on with a pair of pumps and clutch. A nice family dinner to attend? Put a blazer over the top and you’re good to go. Wanna rock it out? Add a leather jacket, tights and a pair of ankle boots.

Unlike most mini dresses, this ASOS design is anything but typical. I really love the contrast created by the light drape, especially how it crosses the bust to the waistline and then back over again on the bottom. It’s not only flattering and elegant, but gives the dress a bit of intrigue as well. If you’re into the classics, go with the black and white version.  For a chic yet edgier look, choose the black on black. And if you’re all about the show stoppers, the red dress is for you.

With this dress in your closet you’ll have the solution to every wardrobe dilemma. Whether it’s a birthday party or a wedding, this dress is the answer.

As that hint of crisp air creeps into the weekly forecast every couple of days, all of us are looking towards winter, packing away a few more tanks each week and investing in a new winter coat for the season.

But while many girls consider winter wear to be a pair of Uggs and some cashmere sweaters, I go about the fall/winter wardrobe a tad differently. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love both of these things, but my fall shopping is fueled by an unhealthy obsession with the mini-dress-tights-boots combo.

So unhealthy, in fact, that my closet has at least 40 dresses in it. I always find a reason to pick up another one. So it’s no surprise that what I am craving right now is – you guessed it – a mini dress.

But believe me this isn’t just any dress. It is a freaking amazing Free People printed mini with embellishment up the wazoo. The neckline is encrusted with studs. The shoulders and back are covered in amazing sheer lace. And the waist is cinched with an elastic banded belt.

I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a dress so effortlessly achieve a balance between delicate and flirty, able to be equal parts sexy as it is girly. And believe me when I tell you I’ve been around the block a couple of times when it comes to dresses.

I can already see myself in it. With a chunky knit sweater, cream tights and flats for class or with my brown motorcycle jacket and some heels for a night out.

Finding the money to purchase it is not a problem; I’ve accepted the fact that I will be paying off credit card debts until I die. What’s really stressing me out is deciding on a color: a cool palette of creams and blues or a moody mix of black and violet?

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/10/05/wardrobe-wish-list-free-people-seracina-tiger-lace-dress/feed/ 3 Brianna-Fordham University free people 1 free people 2 http://collegecandy.com/2009/08/14/budget-stylista-you-dont-need-the-bf-to-roack-the-bf-blazer/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/08/14/budget-stylista-you-dont-need-the-bf-to-roack-the-bf-blazer/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:00:17 +0000 Jill - University of Wisconsin http://collegecandy.com/?p=37887 ]]>

If it’s one thing I love for fall, it’s the boyfriend blazer. (Note: not the boyfriend…cuz I don’t got one.) Sure, cardigans are great, but sometimes you don’t want to look like your MOM. This season’s boyfriend blazer is a great option for those August-October months when it’s chilly out at night, but you don’t want to be schvitzing in a heavier sweater or coat. And with it being such a huge trend, there is NO need to shell out the big bucks for an awesome looking one. I’ve seen them everywhere from Saks to Delia’s and everywhere in between.

The BB (which, should be worn open in most cases) looks effortlessly cool, pulls together almost any outfit, and, might I add, gives a perfect balance to your ‘fit when you’re sporting mini-dresses and skirts. I.E. the BB makes the outfit and – duh – you look sexy and not like a hooch.

There are so many ways to rock this badboy – great for class with a pair of jeans and motorcycle boots, paired with a cute dress, a skirt, boyfriend jeans and heels, shorts and a tucked in tank- the options are endless! I think I might even love the boyfriend blazer more than any boyfriend I’ll ever have.

Here are 3 ways to wear the trend… and to wear the trend for cheap!

Boyfriend Blazer:

With: V-neck tee, pumps and a boyfriend jean

Boyfriend Blazer:

With: high-waisted mini, tucked-in tank

Boyfriend Blazer:
(roll up the sleeves!)

With: Mini or shift dress

[Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.]

Dresses are to me as naked ladies are to boys: irresistible. And sexy. And the pictures I look at most on the internet. Though they are often associated with special occasions – probably due to the puffy versions with crinoline underskirts young girls were forced into – they don’t have to be.  In fact, dresses are pretty much the easiest piece of fashion around: just slip it on and go.  They have been quite popular for a few seasons now, which means there is something out there for everyone…or a million different somethings out there for each of us. Get your drool on below:

A mini dress is one of the most versatile pieces in your closet since it can be worn as a dress or a top. Therefore buying one is like a double investment, right? (Right?? because I just bought six.)

The mini dress can be worn dressed up or casual, and can easily go from day to night. And if you never made it home last night? Well, go you! And lucky for you, it’s pretty simple to transition back to day as well, so no one has to know about your late night tryst.

This Sky mini dress is available at Fashion Chateau for $123, but you can get one of these puppies in any style, color or budget.  Here are three ways to wear this one (or yours!).

1. As an actual dress. Rock this look with sky-high heels and a sparkly clutch when you’re heading out for a special night out, such as your girlfriend’s 21st.

BCBGirls Shoes – Piperlime.com $110
Foldover Clutch – Charlotte Russe $7.49

2. With leggings and boots. While it’s still a little chilly (and perhaps windy?), you might want to skip the bare legs in favor of leggings with a hot pair of boots. On the way to your destination, pair it with a leather jacket.

Black leggings – Forever 21 $13.80
Black/Gold Cinched Clutch – Target $16.99
Unlisted by Kenneth Cole Black Boots – Piperlime.com $49.99

3. With jeans, flats, and a casual jacket. Tone down the glam factor of your dress for daytime by pairing it with casual yet chic pieces. This look is perfect for a day of shopping or getting lunch with friends.

White Denim Jacket – Old Navy $29.50
White bag – meet mark. $30
Bullhead Jeans – Pacsun $39.50
Mossimo Flat Sandals – Target $19.99

For more fashion tips, follow me on Twitter or read my blog!

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

My style idol this week is none other than Ms. Halle Berry, whom I think is one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. You gotta admire the fact that she is 40 years old and a new mom, yet still manages to look phenomenal while playing at the park with her baby, or posing for photogs on the red carpet.

Berry’s got a classic style that puts emphasis on her sex symbol status (and really shows off those amazing…er… assets of hers) without looking trashy or “40 year old who’s trying to relive her 20′s.” With that gorgeous skin tone and megawatt smile, she can wear a variety of colors, which she is adept at. Her shapely legs and perfect cleavage only give her more room to experiment with different cuts and shapes, and her body always looks smokin’, whether making a political statement in jeans and a tee, donning a floor length gown while preggers, or rockin’ a mini dress.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Halle’s been one of Hollywood’s best dressed for years now, and it’s no wonder why: she’s the woman other women want to be, and the one that every guy wants to have on his arm. And on top of it all, she makes it all look so effortless.