Winter farewell

winter farewell

Ah my winter farewell. I remember this day well. This summer at my main job we have a day camp for kids. That means I leave the house at 6:30 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. That also means that I schedule photoshoots at 3:30 p.m. like I had done this day. The cold of the early morning told me that I needed to wear this long-sleeved black dress. It wouldn’t be so bad, I told myself. Your work building is overly air-conditioned anyway!

However it was hot. Summer was finally here and more or less, it was here to stay! So while these photos look great, I was sweating a lot. Little did I know that that day would be my unofficial winter farewell. I’m so glad that summer is here because …

  • ice cream
  • swimming
  • sundresses
  • the county fair (which is the most American thing … ever)
  • sun
  • sandals
  • the beach
  • sunglasses
  • the outdoors

winter farewell

Things I will not miss:

  • Waiting for my car to warm up
  • gloves
  • that instant rude awakening anytime you walk outside
  • ice/snow (I don’t work for a school district anymore so I have no reason to like snow)

So black dress it’s been good and real. I’ll probably wear you next in Spain. And my winter farewell …

winter farewell

winter farewell

winter farewell

Dress: Old Navy

Shoes: DSW

Necklace: Premier Jewelry

Today I’m linking up here:

Wednesday

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Shopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion, Posh Classy Mom, Living on Cloud Nine

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom, Jaymie Ashcraft

Friday

Two Thirty-Five DesignsNancy’s Fashion Style, Jeans & a Teacup, Claire Justine, Rachel the Hat, A Poketful of Polka Dots, Forage Fashion, Fashion Should be Fun, Sincerely PaulaBirdie Shoots, Shelbee on the Edge

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Female confidence from 15 women

female confidence

Female confidence is one of my favorite things. In a society that profits from our self-doubt, boldly loving who we are is such an important thing. More than anything (even my extreme love of dresses), I believe loving yourself is such a beautiful thing. When we love ourselves, that love overflows onto those around us. It’s so easy to love others when you start by loving yourself.

Last Sunday was my birthday. To celebrate I got together with a couple of my favorite female entrepreneurs and had a little black dress party. Women were encouraged to wear their favorite little black dress and join us for a drink. I wanted to have an interactive booth that embodied what A World of Dresses is all about. So I decided to set up a photo booth with chalkboard signs asking the question “what makes you feel confident?” The thing I love about this is that there are no wrong answers.

1. Whitney

female confidence

2. Beth

female confidence

3. Kendra

female confidence

4. Haley and Barbara

female confidence

5. Jenni

female confidence

6. Rebecca

female confidence

7. Tiffany

female confidence

8. Sara

female confidence

9. Liv

female confidence

10. Kaci

female confidence

11. Pamela

female confidence

12. Amanda

female confidence

13. Christine

female confidence

14. Jena

female confidence

We had such a great group of women! I’ll admit that at first, I was slightly disappointed. We did not exactly get the turnout we envisioned for our little black dress party. It can be tough when you work so very hard on something and then that happens. However we had a great group of women. Furthermore three of those women pictured above drove several hours just to see me on my birthday. Old friends are simply the best.

Today I’m linking up here:

Wednesday

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Happiness at Mid-LifeShopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion and Posh Classy Mom

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom

Friday

Two Thirty-Five DesignsNancy’s Fashion Style, Jeans & a Teacup, Claire Justine, Rachel the Hat, A Poketful of Polka Dots, Forage Fashion, Fashion Should be Fun, Sincerely Paula, Birdie Shoots

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A LBD paired with Star Wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

Yes, you saw that right. Those indeed are some Star Wars stockings that Jena paired with her classic little black dress. Jewelry designer Jena Russo describes herself as a big Star Wars fan.

Jena has also been my partner in crime as we plan this Little Black Dress party that will happen in just a week. It’s scary for sure. When you plan an event, you want for everything to be perfect and to have a good turnout. Now I know that first one won’t actually happen … it never does. But Jena has been great in all the planning stages of this event. She runs a small business herself called Imbue. She designs ethically-conscious jewelry aimed at both brides and just everyday women. Her stuff is amazing. We actually collaborated a few weeks ago to feature her new line in one of my posts. You can view that here.

The little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

What are you most excited about for the little black dress party?

I’m just excited to see everyone’s favorite little black dress. Personal style is so fascinating. I’m excited to see everyone’s personal style in one room. A little black dress is so iconic yet so simple.

What do you hope people take away from the little black dress party?

There’s so much I want people to take away from it. I want people to value caring for themselves feel pretty. Life can be so chaotic that sometimes it can feel good to take some time to make yourself feel pretty.

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

She had to have one with this sign. Well thanks for reading along. And don’t forget about Sunday, June 26th!

Linking up with:

Sunday

Beauty 101 by Lisa

Monday

Birth of a Fashion Blogger, Sincerely Jenna Marie, More Pieces of Me, Fizz and Frosting, Still Being Molly, Beauty by Miss L, Michelle’s Paige, Not Dressed as Lamb, Mahogany Closet, Color and Grace, and Not Dead Yet Style

Tuesday

Live Randomly Simple, Sandy a la mode, Two Peas in a Blog, I Do deClaire, The Fashion Canvass, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and Elegantly Dressed & Stylish

Wednesday

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Shopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion, Posh Classy Mom, The Red Closet Diary and Twenties Girl Style

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom

Friday

Two Thirty-Five DesignsNancy’s Fashion Style, Jeans & a Teacup, Claire Justine, Rachel the Hat, A Poketful of Polka Dots, Forage Fashion, Fashion Should be Fun, Sincerely PaulaBirdie Shoots

 

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5 reasons you need a little blue dress

little blue dress

Everyone talks about the little black dress. Every woman should have one, they say. Confession: I have like six. Perhaps that’ll be a post I create later. But what about your little blue dress? Blue has always been one of my favorite colors. I simply love blue. So here are my reasons why you hands down, absolutely must have a little blue dress in your closet.

*Note that this post contains a few affiliate links. All that means is that if you like and purchase, I get a small commission which goes into more fabulous creation of this blog!*

5. Who does it look bad on?

We all have colors that are just not “us.” Perhaps yellow washes us out or pink just looks too faded. Not blue. The amazing thing about blue is all of the wonderful shades. With light, dark and everything in between, blue is bound to look good on you!

DSC_0111

little blue dress

4. What color looks bad with it?

The answer to this question is all of them. They all look AMAZING with blue. The only thing I shy away from is dark blue tops with light blue jeans. That is the exception and I’m sure someone, somewhere has made that work. When styling your little blue dress, here are some color options to consider:

  • Black
  • Brown
  • Nude
  • Red
  • Green
  • Yellow
  • Pink
  • Gold

little blue dress

Hot pink shades? Check! Gold earrings? Check! Black, comfy sandals? Check!

3. What accessory struggle will you have?

None! A simple little blue dress provides you with so much canvass, if you will. You can bust out that statement necklace or bold shoes. It’s your “go-for-it” dress!

With this outfit, I opted for my Perry Street statement necklace I kept from a Rocksbox several months ago.

little blue dress

Here’s another example of some accessorizing with another little blue dress of mine. This was from a post I wrote several weeks ago on how to style a navy dress. Click here to read the full post.

little blue dress

2. Why would you not wear it all the time?

You know those pieces we all have in our closet. We thought that one sweater looked cute but never wore it because the print was too bold. Or those earrings we loved but ended up matching with none of our wardrobe? That is simply not the case with our friend the little blue dress. I promise you that it will go with everything and be oh so wonderful. I personally wear both my little blue dresses all the time.

little blue dress

little blue dress

1. Why would you not want another dress?

The number one reason to buy a new dress is to have another one in your closet. Duh. That is always the best reason and probably the reason your significant other will love. Just kidding …

Here are a few little blue dress picks for you:

little blue dress little blue dress

Linking up with these ladies today:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Shopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion, Posh Classy Mom, The Red Closet Diary and Twenties Girl Style

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom

 

 

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2 maxi dresses worn two ways

maxi dresses

Maxi dresses are one of those things that grew on me. I’ll admit that when they first became popular again, I was hesitant. Perhaps I was unsure of floor-length dresses in everyday life? Perhaps I was worried that as a tall girl, they’d end up far too short on me. Whatever it was, I kept away for close to two years.

Last Spring, I was planning for a move to Nicaragua. What I knew about where I was going was that women don’t wear shorts. When traveling, I always want to do what is culturally appropriate. Nothing says American tourist more than someone who does not do a little Internet research before visiting a new place. You’re in their land and you should always show some respect.

I knew Nicaragua would be very hot with little to no air conditioning. A maxi dress seemed like the perfect thing. You really cannot offend anyone in a floor-length dress. Furthermore a dress would allow for more breeze than some hot, stuffy pair of jeans would. So I stocked up on a few maxi dresses and skirts. This dress was a part of the collection.

Also you should check out my Pinterest board all about maxis. It’s another great place for some maxi dress inspiration.

My maxi

maxi dresses

maxi dresses

Dress: Target (similar)

 

Amber’s maxi

This was from a photoshoot we did several months back. Amber bought this dress for Easter Sunday. It really is perfect for that!

I also just love her belted look. She pulled that deep hue right out of the dress with that cardigan. The entire ensemble is complete with her necklace.

maxi dresses

maxi dresses

maxi dresses

Maxi picks

Here are a few maxi dress picks I found perfect for this season. The great thing about a maxi dress is that you can save or splurge.

Under $25

maxi dresses

Under $30

maxi dresses maxi dresses

Splurge

maxi dresses maxi dressesmaxi dresses

Thanks for reading along!

Also linking up with these ladies today:

Monday

Birth of a Fashion Blogger, Sincerely Jenna Marie, More Pieces of Me, Fizz and Frosting, Still Being Molly, Beauty by Miss L, Michelle’s Paige, Not Dressed as Lamb and Not Dead Yet Style

Tuesday

Live Randomly Simple, Sandy a la mode, Two Peas in a Blog, I Do deClaire, The Fashion Canvass, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and Elegantly Dressed & Stylish

Wednesday

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Shopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion, Posh Classy Mom, The Red Closet Diary and Twenties Girl Style

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom

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My awaited GwynnieBee dress

GwynnieBee

I was so very excited when I got the e-mail notification that this would be my next dress. I have a GwynnieBee subscription and have several dresses each month mailed to me. I get to wear them, buy them or send them back. It’s kind of like the library (minus the whole buying part) except with clothing. I wrote all about GwynnieBee several weeks ago here. Each member creates a “closet” online and puts things they want in it. This was probably one of the first dresses I put in there. I had to wait patiently and here it is!

The GwynnieBee Dress

GwynnieBee

GwynnieBee

My absolute favorite thing about this dress is the neckline. It’s so very unique.

GwynnieBee

GwynnieBee

Dress: Cherry Velvet compliments of GwynnieBee

Also, this dress has pockets! Any dress with some good pockets is a dress for me!

The weather was pretty great for these photos. My friend Cece and I found a nice, wooded area complete with a good bog. Cece kept joking “bog blog.”

 

Today I’m linking up with

Birth of a Fashion Blogger, Sincerely Jenna Marie, More Pieces of Me, Fizz and Frosting and Not Dead Yet Style

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4 gushingly cute looks created locally

Last week, we teamed up with a group of local boutiques that I’ve been shopping at since high school. Kismet OTR, a cute boutique offering clothing and accessories, is the latest addition to the I Luv That Store group. I’ve been shopping at Pangea, Kismet O’Bryonville and Toko Baru for a while now, so I was excited that another shop was joining the group. I reached out about working together and they agreed. So myself and my friend Amber headed over there for a photoshoot last Monday.

These are four fun outfits we put together with their dresses and accessories. I loved one of the dresses so much that I decided to take it home with me. But more on that later.

Also today I’m co-hosting the Let’s Make Today Fabulous link-up with Chanda from mschanda.com. The theme for the link-up is Spring florals, which is great because one of these looks is all about the Spring florals. Here she is in a lovely floral dress. She simply looks amazing. You can find more amazing photos of her and her style over on her Instagram.

kismet

Without further ado, the four amazingly fun looks we created at Kismet OTR.

1. Florals and funk

kismet

I jumped out of my comfort zone a bit with this look and enjoyed it. I generally don’t do rings or hats. I really have no idea why. Perhaps you always have to take that hat off and I figure why bother. Perhaps rings never call to me. However with this look, we just went for it.

kismet

I’m also in love with this statement necklace. All items (dress, purse, ring, bracelet, necklace, ring and sunglasses) in this look can be found at Kismet OTR.

kismet

kismet

kismet

2. The floral sundress

kismet

Everything about Amber’s look screams Spring! I honestly do not know if I like the dress or the shades better. Both are so playfully fun and girly! Also, if you pop over to our Instagram, you’ll find one of Amber mid-twirl. This dress has a fantastic spin-factor to it!

kismet

kismet

kismet

kismet

3. The orange and blue dress

This was the dress I took home with me. It’s hard to not want a dress that fits well, is comfortable and is affordable. I also must say that I love this dress with this necklace. I would not have thought to pair the two, but Amber spotted it and convinced me to try it. I just loved the way it looked!

kismet

kismet

kismet

kismet

All items pictured can also be found at Kismet OTR. That means dress, necklace, bracelet, earrings and sunglasses!

4. The maxi and shawl look

This look is a bit more risque. This is why I love featuring other women on the blog. They often come up with outfit ideas I’d never try. This is the perfect example.

kismet

kismet

kismet

kismet

Everything minus the phone can be found at Kismet OTR too!

Also linking up with Not Dead Yet Style, Fizz and Frosting, Still Being Molly and Elegantly Fashionable

Ready to join the link-up? Just add your link below!


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My size 6 behind is sticking with Gwynnie Bee

When I first saw an ad for Gwynnie Bee, I’ll admit that I jumped in a little head over heels. The sidebar ad on one of the blogs I follow (and I’m afraid I cannot remember exactly which one) advertised a month of free clothing sent right to your door. This would excite practically any woman. Yet for me, it was particularly enticing as I blog about dresses. What a great and affordable way to add a few new dresses to the mix?

The plunge

I clicked on the ad that brought me directly to the page to sign up. What questions did I need to ask? Free clothing for a month … come on! What problem could I have with that? I go through the whole process and have an account. I’m ready to start looking through clothing.

The process looks simple. You just put clothing in your virtual Gwynnie Bee closet. Once you have at least six items, they can send you your first shipment. They never send you anything that’s not in your closet, so you’ll be sure to end up with something you’re likely to like. Great!

The realization

I’m a size six and a medium. I’m basically the middle of the road and always have been. As I began looking through the dresses, I found it odd that hardly any went below a size 10 or a large. I then realized that Gwynnie Bee is made for women size 10 and larger.

We live in a society that tells us that being a size 6 is the norm and every shop should meet our needs. While I had occasionally given thought to that before, I really gave it some thought in this moment.

“So Gwynnie Bee is focused on sizes 10-32? Great! Their stuff is adorable and I’m glad so many amazing women can enjoy what they offer,” I thought.

In my sheer excitement for free clothing, I over-looked this small factoid. I’m sure it was somewhere on that original ad, but it did not catch my eye.

And now we’re friends

I decided to keep my subscription with Gwynnie Bee. Upon searching, I found that a few brands carried mediums. Furthermore, sometimes a large or a size 10 runs small. In short, I never failed to have less than six items in my closet at a time. In fact, I currently have 16.

DSC_0153

My subscription with Gwynnie Bee has given me a different perspective and for that I am so thankful. I spend so much of my life trying to understand experiences different than what I know. This is no different.

Once every few months I look through Gwynnie Bee’s new arrivals. I’ll see a cute dress, click on it and see that it does not come in my size. I then move onto the next thing I like and so on. For plus-sized women, this may be something they also experience. It really blows that we live in a world where not all women can shop at the stores they want. To be honest, though, I never really have to do much thinking on this. As a size 6 and a medium, I can almost always find clothing to fit, whether in brick and mortar stores or online.

As a blogger, I’m passionate about using my voice to change things. There are many things I do not like about the world we live in. Yet as a blogger, I get to be the media. So as the media, I would just like to thank Gwynnie Bee for:

  1. Being exactly who you are
  2. Running an awesome Instagram page
  3. Sending me amazing dresses
  4. Loving women for who they are

So in celebration of Gwynnie Bee, here are a few of the dresses Gwynnie Bee has sent me over the last few months:

Gwynnie Bee

Gwynnie Bee

Gwynnie Bee

Gwynnie Bee

Gwynnie Bee

Gwynnie Bee

Gwynnie Bee

Also linking up with:

Jersey Girl Texan HeartPleated Poppy, Pumps and Pushups, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Sydney Fashion Hunter, Shopping My Closet, Elegance and Mommyhood, Doused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom, Birth of a Fashion Blogger

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5 ways I honor my mom

honoring my mom

This past Tuesday, I got caught in a downpour. I was walking to lunch with a few friends and the place ended up being farther away than we thought. The original plan was to take photos in this cute cafe we were headed to. Then for a few moments, I decided against that considering that I was soaked. Yet after I checked myself in the mirror, I decided “eh, why not?” My blog is not about myself or anyone else looking perfect. It’s about sharing life with the world around me. Sometimes that means getting caught in a downpour.

How I honor my mom

This dress was found on sale at H & M several months back. I instantly loved how easy of a dress it is. You just put it on with some tights and boots, and you are ready to go. I’ve also always worn it with a good necklace.

honoring my mom

As many of you know, my mom passed in January. She was a big fan of the Hunger Games, so my best friend got me two Mockingjay necklaces for Christmas. She was in hospice during that time. She was buried in one of them and I have the other.

I had not yet worn it and I’m not really sure why. Yet on Tuesday, it just seemed to go with the outfit. It was such a neat way to remember my mom throughout the day. Thus it got me thinking of ways that I remember and honor my mom.

1. Jewelry

The Mockingjay necklace is not the only piece of jewelry I have that’s connected to her. Anything she gave me is something that connects me to her. I have this necklace with the letter N on it and several other things. I also have scarves and dresses that she gave me with such love.

honoring my mom

2. My dog Toby

Dogs were also one of her favorite things. She loved our dog Toby a lot. She also loved animal rescues and I’m sure would have fostered 20 dogs if she could. So any time that I spend with Toby I know is making her happy.

honoring my mom

3. Just doing what I love

My mom was always a big proponent of me chasing my dreams. She was always my biggest supporter and wanted nothing to hold her back. I know she’s looking down proudly.

honoring my mom

4. Watching all her favorite shows

We would spend a lot of time watching TV shows with her such as The Middle, The Office, Parks and Recreation and The Big Bang Theory. I can just imagine all the things she’d say.

5. Just being me

Because she never wanted me to be anyone else.

 

Today I’m linking up with:

Della, Tif, Caitlin and Katie

Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness, The Good Life Blog

 

 

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Dress picks from Fox and Fable Vintage

This is our second post in our new Dress Picks series. Basically, we pick an online boutique that we love and pick our favorite dresses. Know of an amazing online boutique with great dresses? Feel free to drop us a line at aworldofdresses@gmail.com.

This week were featuring Fox and Fable Vintage, a vintage clothing shop based in Orange, California. While they opened a brick and mortar shop in California a year and a half ago, they have been selling vintage clothing online for the past six years or more. Husband and wife Molly and Mitch Fox own the entire operation. The two of them are incredibly passionate about the vintage lifestyle. They live in a 1950’s house, drive vintage cars and dress in vintage clothing every single day. The business started so they could share their love of all things vintage with others.

I found them on Instagram. If you’re not following us yet, by the way, you should (@aworldofdresses). They are always posting the most fun vintage dresses. I myself have always been a fan of vintage clothing, so I decided to reach out. They agreed to let me make my picks.

Green Mocha Chocolate Brown Pinup Day Dress

Fox

This one initially caught my eye on Instagram. I love the pattern. Definitely a unique dress that you’d be sure no one else would have.

Blue Aqua Party Dress

Fox

My favorite part of this one is the waist line. I love how it gathers together like that. Also the high neckline allows you to add perhaps a string of pearls or statement necklace to your outfit. Lastly, I’m always a fan of bold prints.

The crazy maxi

Fox

Sometimes old trends come back around again. The maxi dress is the perfect example. This dress would be perfect any time of the year. Spring especially comes to mind with the floral print.

The elegant dress

Fox

This one is just absolutely gorgeous! So very elegant. I love the back section with the bow.

Those are our picks for this week! Thanks again to Fox and Fable Vintage!

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