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I can think of any reason to put together a fabulous ensemble, but this time there really was a reason, my big 6 month anniversary! We are talking long term here folks. My dinner date was upon me, and I certainly did not feel like getting a whole new get-up (the economic state is killing me), so it was time to dig. I wanted to look pretty and sweet, not usually my M.O. Funky sexy was for another time because that night I was playing the role of the sweet and doting girlfriend. My outfit had to match my “classy” act, I had to make it believable.

I went straight for a dress that I bought at Salvation Army in Chicago around 4 years ago. Four years is already considered an older piece, now add in how many years it must have been loved by someone else prior to me. I was going vintage here. It was pretty, it was sweet, it was perfect. Plus my boyfriend seemed to like it!

I didn’t stop there. I went for one of my favorite 50’s style clutches which quite possibly is from the 50’s. I bought it at Salvation Army as well. I am crazy. I think it cost me $4. It is not in perfect condition, but it has literally seen the light of day (and night) so many times while I have owned it. Talk about cost per wear!

Now you ask, “Where did you get that amazing necklace!?!”. Yup, that’s right, Salvation Army. I have gone full-on inexpensive second hand thrift store fab for almost this entire date night look. Who says you can’t find anything at Salvation Army? What’s that saying? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure? I think I have proved this theory without a doubt. Search at your local Salvation Army, your next great treasure is waiting there for you for the bargain basement price of $5!

Do you like to shop at thrift stores? Is any part of your wedding ensemble or decor from a thrift store?

I’m always up for new and creative products, especially when they are fashionable. My wonderful and amazing film guy, Nate, sent over a link to a website full of crazy rings. Some had expandable cups, some had buildings, but in the end, they really were all pretty stylish. I was so surprised.

This “date” ring was one of my favorites. Not only can you never forget what day it is (or an important day like your anniversary) but it is also a great conversation piece. That really was the point of most of the pieces on this fun site. All of the rings are interesting, different and fun. Check out all the funky styles at a Beautiful Life.

Let’s talk recession proof wedding style. Is there any better way to look fantastic and give a shout out to your mom than with her borrowed veil? I think not! You have covered three bases in one, something borrowed, acquiring a headpiece and spending no money! I love innovative styling!

Many women have nothing to do with their beautiful gown and veil after the big day. They pack it up and tuck it nicely underneath the bed hoping that one day they will have a daughter who will wear it proudly. One huge problem, the likely hood that your daughter will not only be the same size, but actually like the dress is next to impossible! Styles come and go and trying to don a dress exactly as it was around 30 years after its original wear is a difficult task.

So, what better way to show off your mother’s beautiful wedding taste than to re-wear her veil and skip over the dress. There are options to re-work it in order to modernize it without taking away the heartfelt sentiment. Adding in a new head piece such as a broach, comb or crown is the simple way to make it your own and still show mommy that you love her.

Everyone is trying to cut corners no matter where the spending is happening, so why not think outside of the box for your wedding day as well. There are plenty of vintage pieces lurking around your grandmother and mother’s closets so jump on them fast! Work them not only into your wedding look, but your everyday look as well!

Photo courtesy of Queensofvintage.com

I present the best beach cover up for your next hot endeavor (honeymoon or other fun in the sun event)!!!

A cotton sundress is an amazing option for covering up that sexy bikini body you are exposing all over the beach. The material is light and soft, making it a good choice for putting it on your sweaty, dare I say moist, body. I hate sticky, gross feeling things when I am lathered up from head to toe and dripping like I just ran ten miles. Choosing your cover up style is completely up to you, but making sure that it is loose, easy and comfortable is a must!

The greatest thing about this cover up dress is that it is also….drum roll please….a dress! Meaning you can wear this dress past the beach, dress it up with some great jewelry and you are off to dinner! Take it home from vacation (washing necessary) and rock it out to a night on the town. This bad boy can go anywhere and that is why owning one is a must. At completely budget friendly prices, having a sundress is the biggest no-brainer of your summer days…

Old Navy Women’s Cross-Front Sundress
Starting at $15.00

During my recent trip to Hawaii, I purchased a wrap dress from one of those free standing boutique booths. The adorable sales girl wrapped it a bunch of different ways on me and said I could wear the dress a hundred different ways! She gave me a website to look up with instructional videos so I could learn the different ways to wrap the dress…reality : I find that the website does not exist, and I cannot find a good video anywhere! I was so bummed, so when I stumbled across butter by nadia I was so excited! These dresses are so beautifully made, and they actually do have videos that show you how to do the different wraps!

The array of colors available makes these the perfect solution for a bridesmaid dress.

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Ah, the morning after. It is often daunting to try and be stylish after a long night of fun (e.g. bachelorette party, wedding). It is the time when people feel it is alright to put fashion aside and just pull out what is closest and easiest to get to. Stop! Just stop right there! Simple fashion is just that, simple. So I just don’t want to hear any more excuses about how it was too difficult to find something cute. Summer is quite possibly the easiest and most convenient stylish season of all, and brunch is the perfect time to show it off! Your day-after brunch is still “your day”, so make sure to be the princess that you know you are!

The shift dress will forever be the one piece wonder that exemplifies class, elegance, trend and style. It is the brainless wonder child of designers all over this great earth. For as much as women love to fuss over their outfit, there are some days that we just don’t. Love thy shift dress. It is the answer to all of your, “I don’t feel like getting dressed today” prayers.

There is no layering, no blousing, no tucking, no anything to make this fantastic garment just that, fantastic. It is simple elegance at its best and requires nothing more than a cute pair of shoes, maybe a bobble or two and a bag. Pulling together these pieces should not hurt too much.

So don’t fret about your fabulous brunch ensemble; dress to impress in the simplest way possible, a shift dress. Your friends will quickly compliment you on how fabulous you look even though your prep time was most likely less than 20 minutes. Everyday does not have to be a fashion show even though you can always look like it!!!

Banana Republic Cotton Embroidered Shift Dress
$98.00

Now you can look P. I. M. P. without even a feather in your hat. This breathable material makes a great protector for your face from the sun and adds that kick of summer style you need. It is a realistic hat that you can feel good about wearing even outside of a city. Pull it out on your honeymoon or at a backyard barbecue, but keep the ensemble to a simple tank top and shorts.

At only $50, this hat is a great accessory choice for the warmer months because you are certainly going to get your money’s worth. Isn’t that what it is all about? Cost per wear? You can wear this with most daytime and nighttime looks so purchasing one should not pinch too much.

For an extra sassy look, add big hoops and a delicate single charm necklace. The length of the chain is optional. A flowy floral top will make a great combination for the edgier look of your straw fedora. Wear it with roughed up jean shorts or straight white pants, and you are sizzlin’ for your honeymoon.

Billy by Baily
$50.00

I love comfort. I love style. I love comfort and style. I love the maxi dress because it is comfortable and stylish. Are we seeing a pattern here?

The maxi dress is this year’s answer to last season’s shapeless moo moo dress. People will no longer mistake you for being three months pregnant, but will rather show envy for your fabulous, flowy frock. This dress is sexy and yet completely appropriate for almost any age and body shape! I love stylish ideas that work for everyone and a variety of occasions (wedding rehearsal, honeymoon).

This particular dress was passed along to me from an avid reader, and I couldn’t pass up sharing it with the rest of the world! It is earthy, it is bold, it is sassy. I absolutely love the combination of the Bohemian earth child pattern with a fifties style belt. It gives the dress a certain sophistication and defined shape while not taking away from the easy, breezy summer feel. Adding bold, bronze bangles adds to the “hippie” look. Choosing wooden accessories is also a great option, just make sure to use earthy, neutral materials. Go and be comfortable and stylish!

Alice and Olivia Maxi Tank Dress
$294

It’s great when brides think outside the box when it comes to the age old tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” I am all about promoting new and fantastic ways to be the most original (and stylish) bride possible.

Here is another way to incorporate that “something blue” tradition:

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I love a good throwback, and I definitely love it even more when it complements a real woman’s body! A la the “Mad Men” era, women were sultry, sensual and most of all, complimented for their curves - their real, round, voluptuous curves! Ah, the days of yonder.

One of the most fabulous things about this era, is that styles were really meant to fit and accentuate these oh so wonderful waves -the up, the down, the contour of every angle. With actual curves being a fad of the past, it is often hard for the rest of the real world to find beautifully tailored items that show off their ’09 curves.

Swimsuit season is certainly no exception. The one piece seems to have become even scarcer in reference to providing material. So, I did my homework ladies and found a suit that is here to protect and serve! This is a great suit to add to your honeymoon trousseau. The rouched body, sweetheart neckline and halter strap is screaming for a curvy lady to throw it on! It has all of the ingredients to be stylish and comfortable on a sunny day for any lady that isn’t necessarily a fan of the pool.

Let’s talk details here. The rouching effect is a perfect complement to anyone who feels their mid-section isn’t up to snuff. The loosely bunched material gives a distracting effect that actually draws attention away from any overt imperfections. Moving up… the criss-cross bust is a perfect support system for any woman that feels her chest sometimes has a life of its own. It actually gives the effect of a full-blown bra by having under breast support. And now that the girls are so nicely held up, it is no surprise that you would want to show off a bit of your sexy, curvy cleavage! The sweetheart neckline is a busty girl’s best friend - support, style and sex-appeal all in one! Add a halter strap for complete support and your curves have never been so happy to be on display! And of course I have to give a shout out to the coverage on the bottom half of the suit. It is rare these days to find a swimsuit that has all bases covered, but this seems to have curvy women running for water!!!

Jantzen “Vamp” Maillot Swimsuit
$100.00