Dressing Young (Part 1)

Parent Cafe Parent Cafe
2101

<p>Getting ready to do my first mail order clothes purchase since ordering Hanna Anderson’s for my babies (now 20 and 16) so it’s been a long, long time.</p>

<p>Going with Garnet Hill. Thank you, Mafool, wasn’t it you who suggested I check it out for summer dresses. </p>

<p>So my life doesn’t seem to be as social as most of you. We go to dinners or parties every couple months. Mostly, I get together with my mom friends and take a class at a local college just for fun. But I’ve decided just because my life is a little dull, I can at least dress with some excitement.</p>

<p>So here’s what I’m considering. I’m blondish/grayish, medium height, slim and not much bust to speak of. Welcome any and all opinions. Can’t afford them all - maybe two or three.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.garnethill.com/cap-sleeve-swing-dress/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/dresses/10846[/url]”>http://www.garnethill.com/cap-sleeve-swing-dress/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/dresses/10846&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.garnethill.com/eileen-fisher-organic-cotton-ballet-neck-dress/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/dresses/117650[/url]”>http://www.garnethill.com/eileen-fisher-organic-cotton-ballet-neck-dress/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/dresses/117650&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.garnethill.com/knit-tank-dress/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/dresses/18035[/url]”>http://www.garnethill.com/knit-tank-dress/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/dresses/18035&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.garnethill.com/eileen-fisher-linen-twill-cami-dress/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/dresses/149925[/url]”>http://www.garnethill.com/eileen-fisher-linen-twill-cami-dress/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/dresses/149925&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.garnethill.com/gored-knit-skirt/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/skirts/121689[/url]”>http://www.garnethill.com/gored-knit-skirt/womens-fashion/apparel-accessories/skirts/121689&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

2102

<p>Sewhappy, that first dress looks like it would show every little bump and fold…you may not have any, but it wouldn’t be flattering on me.</p>

2103

<p>Gourmetmom - are you wearing it at that length? If yes, I think you can do a sandal wedge…cork, nude, beige, etc…</p>

2104

<p>How would orange look with that wool crepe dress, gourmetmom?</p>

2105

<p>Thanks for all of your suggestions. I will definitely need a new pair of shoes to go with the dress! I plan on shopping and seeing what is out there. I never wear a platform or an ankle strap, so those are out. I also like to keep the heel around 3-1/2". I like the idea of a bright - but it has to be the right shoe, so I’ll have my eye out for a muted orange or red sandal, or if I don’t find anything, a nude slingback. I do think that a pair of classic black pumps or slingbacks will look best if I wear it during the winter for a more conservative look.</p>

2106

<p>Just not the shoes that are pictured with the dress. They look awkward and clunky to me.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.zappos.com/kate-spade-plume-light-camel-patent[/url]”>http://www.zappos.com/kate-spade-plume-light-camel-patent&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

2107

<p>Sewhappy -</p>

<p>I like the second of the gray dresses - Eileen Fisher makes good quality clothing, so you may find that the fabric holds up better after a few washings than the first dress. The skirt looks versatile, but do you want to purchase two gray items, especially for summer? The knit tank dress is a good choice in black - you can dress it up or down with accessories. I have a very similar casual black knit dress from Three Dots and I wear it often.</p>

2108

<p>Great dress, Gmom. Those Ralph Lauren sandals shown are very cute with it, although I know you don’t like ankle straps (for me they would be great because my foot is narrow in the heel but wide in the toe, so I tend to fall out of high heels). I like them in the black, too. The pyramid heel is the “in” shape right now. You do see a lot of the mixing of dressy and classic with casual elements being done for a fresh take on things. </p>

<p>sewhappy - I’d be inclined to get that skirt - it happens to be a style and a length, just below the knee, that will supposedly be popular this fall, so you will be able to wear it all summer and straight through. Gray is everywhere right now - gray and orange (especially orange bags). I’m not much of an orange fan in general but have always loved wearing gray.</p>

2109

<p>The nude Louboutins are lovely. I saw them in the store. Just sayin’.</p>

2110

<p>The dress is slightly shorter on me - to the top of the kneecap, and more fitted, so it makes me look a little curvier than I really am. It looks very loose on the model, probably because she weighs 90 pounds. </p>

<p>I like that Kate Spade slingback; it’s very classic.</p>

<p>The Louboutin’s are gorgeous - I’m not sure about the interior platform:</p>

<p>[Christian</a> Louboutin<em>-</em>Peep-Toe Patent Pump<em>-</em>Bergdorf Goodman](<a href=“http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod51070013&parentId=cat10015&masterId=cat203509&index=39&cmCat=cat000000cat200648cat203509cat10015]Christian”>http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod51070013&parentId=cat10015&masterId=cat203509&index=39&cmCat=cat000000cat200648cat203509cat10015)</p>

<p>[Christian</a> Louboutin<em>-</em>Pigalle Cutout Pump<em>-</em>Bergdorf Goodman](<a href=“http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod51070020&parentId=cat10015&masterId=cat203509&index=56&cmCat=cat000000cat200648cat203509cat10015]Christian”>http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod51070020&parentId=cat10015&masterId=cat203509&index=56&cmCat=cat000000cat200648cat203509cat10015)</p>

2111

<p>I am woefully bad at colors but I will say that the nude Louboutins, while gorgeous shoes, seem too pale for the rich hue of the dress. Interested to see what gourmetmom comes up with in a burnt red or orange.</p>

2112

<p>One thought - how about a berry color?</p>

<p>[Stuart</a> Weitzman ‘Peekapoo’ Patent Leather Slingback - - Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3072856?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=advancedsearch&keyword=+Women’s+Shoes+>+Salon+Shoes&origin=searchresults]Stuart”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3072856?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=advancedsearch&keyword=+Women’s+Shoes+>+Salon+Shoes&origin=searchresults)</p>

2113

<p>Where can I find a pair of casual navy flats to wear with nice shorts? Not ballet but more Cole Haan-ish…(but they don’t have any)</p>

2114

<p>sewhappy, I like the Hummus color, too. But Gourmetmom has nixed a platform.</p>

2115

<p>The classic pumps would certainly be my preferred choice for an occasion or for a sophisticated look. I do sometimes like more substantial heel though, especially for wearing with pants - they are supposedly a good choice for someone of my figure type, and I find them much easier to walk on. </p>

<p>Lucky for me that most of the very pricey shoes do not come in widths! I can’t even be tempted.</p>

2116

<p>The benefit of wearing a nude shoe is that it elongates the leg. So, the shoe is not really meant to match the outfit as much as it matches skintone and it blends with the leg. In terms of color, it’s not meant to contrast or complement the outfit at all. With certain colors that are hard to match - navy in particular, or multicolored patterns, it can be a good choice.</p>

<p>dke -</p>

<p>Are you talking about a loafer or a driving shoe?</p>

<p>[Salvatore</a> Ferragamo - Leather Loafers - Saks.com](<a href=“http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524446234245&FOLDER<>folder_id=282574492817800&ASSORTMENT<>ast_id=1408474395222441&bmUID=1273243571412&ev19=1:8]Salvatore”>http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524446234245&FOLDER<>folder_id=282574492817800&ASSORTMENT<>ast_id=1408474395222441&bmUID=1273243571412&ev19=1:8)</p>

<p>[Stuart</a> Weitzman<em>-</em>Glazed Crocodile Tassel Driver<em>-</em>Neiman Marcus](<a href=“http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod108460005&parentId=cat13030770&masterId=cat13030734&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat000141cat13030734cat13030770]Stuart”>http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod108460005&parentId=cat13030770&masterId=cat13030734&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat000141cat13030734cat13030770)</p>

<p>[Tod’s*-*Heaven</a> Lacceto Scooby Doo<em>-</em>Neiman Marcus](<a href=“http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod97560087&parentId=cat13030770&masterId=cat13030734&index=20&cmCat=cat000000cat000141cat13030734cat13030770]Tod’s*-*Heaven”>http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod97560087&parentId=cat13030770&masterId=cat13030734&index=20&cmCat=cat000000cat000141cat13030734cat13030770)</p>

<p>I love the last shoe - Tod’s suede drivers are incredibly comfortable and they last for years.</p>

2117

<p>I love Geox flats. My everyday shoes are Dansko, Bjorn, Joseph Siebel to give you an idea about how much I value comfort. Anyway, I can tell you my high school daughter often “borrows” several of my Geox . . .</p>

<p>[-</a> Women’s Shoes - Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/SR/0~2376780~6009391~6015034~6015038?mediumthumbnail=Y&mode=pfind&viewAll=0&tuid=5ac8a3da-c3a2-4a79-9a40-46ccfcd02a6e&catID=6015038&color=Black&searchorigin=ProductFinder&findertypereqd=N]-”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/SR/0~2376780~6009391~6015034~6015038?mediumthumbnail=Y&mode=pfind&viewAll=0&tuid=5ac8a3da-c3a2-4a79-9a40-46ccfcd02a6e&catID=6015038&color=Black&searchorigin=ProductFinder&findertypereqd=N)</p>

<p>Have tried on Tod’s in the store just for the thrill and they are indeed divine.</p>

2118

<p>These are my dream flats:</p>

<p>[Burberry</a> Laser Cut Check Ballerinas (Dark Nickle) - Women’s](<a href=“The Style Room - Women | Zappos.com”>The Style Room - Women | Zappos.com)</p>

<p>I know, I can dream on as long as I wish but I’m so not getting them (using DD’s words)! LOL! I tried them on, and they are so light, soft and comfy…</p>

2119

<p>They’re on sale…if you didn’t buy so much other stuff lately, you could get them!</p>

<p>Very cute and they look comfortable.</p>

2120

<p>Those Burberry’s have the well-being factor. And hey, they’re a steal right now for just $229!!!</p>