In Search Of: An Inexpensive, Summery Work Dress

My weight tends to fluctuate like the weather. Therefore, quite expectedly, last year's summer work dresses are no longer cutting it on my body. Fortunately, the dresses are too big this time around, rather than too small. Unfortunately, after being laid off back in November and now temping for about 50% less than what I once made, I don't have the funds to purchase what I really want.

That's one reason why I've cast my sights on none other than GAP and Ann Taylor Loft. The other reason is these are the two stores I pass by every day on my way home from work. Lately, I just don't have the time to go far out of my way for fashion. Yes, my situation really is quite tragic.

Truth be told, neither the GAP, nor Ann Taylor are my type of place, in general. The GAP is too basic basic for my style, and shopping at Ann Taylor makes me nervous about turning into my mother about twenty years too early. Still, I can always manage to pick out a few items from either place that will work for me just fine ...provided that I pair them with the right accessories.

However: A quick website review has led me to believe that the GAP seems to have few work appropriate items in stock these days. Why bother attending the place in person, then?

Hello, Ann T. Loft only, it is!

Here's what I'm considering right now:

I'm not totes comfortable with wearing a sleeveless dress to work (my place of work is pretty casual, but I always like to dress for a bigger role). However, this dress will work just fine if paired with a short-sleeved cardigan. There's something snappy and modern-refined about it that makes it work appropriate. What I really love about it is:

• It's ridiculously versatile
• It has pockets
• The V-neck and folded tulip skirt would work well with my pear shape (the V-neck lengthens and the skirt would help to balance out my hips)
• I gotta say, I look good in cranberry
  

Now, this one...I'm not too crazy about the coloring, but the bohemian pattern appeals to me, and the square neckline is flattering in that it would widen my smaller upper body, thereby balancing out my thicker lower half. Plus, this dress has sleeves. Sleeves come in handy when at work.











I really am into graphic prints lately, and I like that, while sleeveless, this sheath dress is sophisticated enough to wear to work minus a cover-up. That said, an article of clothing containing this much white is normally not great for my already pale skin tone.











Now here's a print/color combination I like. Cooler tones like these are better for my pale, yet rosy complexion. This garment would need a little sweater to make it A-OK for work, but the chiffon fabric helps it to be more formal and sophisticated.











Of course, here's an option that includes the same color, yet remains a little more demure. The ruffly detailing works to draw attention away from the lower half, a.k.a. my not-so-good area.











Which one do you like?

Cleaning Out Your Closet

Fashion mags, Tim Gunn, and an embarrassingly girly girl section of my home library have convinced me that when it comes to your closet, less is more.

In NYC, closet space is especially hard to come by, so cluttering your closet with things that don't fit right or that you may or may not wear once in your lifetime is not a bright idea. Instead, it's ideal to have a streamlined space containing just a few perfect pieces that look nothing short of exquisite each time you put them on.

Does this ideal describe my cramped closet? Not quite. But I'm doing my best to purge and upgrade! Unfortunately, I was laid off in November, so while the purging part is still quite possible, all upgrades are currently on hold.

My current closet, in all its smashed up, unmanageable glory

My husband doesn't understand my need to clean out my closet. "What a waste!" he exclaims, each time I set aside a piece to donate. Well, I say it's not a waste if you're never going to wear it! And some garments, while they may have seemed fabulous upon purchase, are simply not meant to be worn.

I do a major closet overhaul about once a year, and I think it may be time for another. Rehanging any item is always a game of push and shove at this point, and I even have a sad section of space reserved for pieces I know, deep down, have seen their final days.

So how does one clean out their closet? Well, here's my practiced routine:

1. Get everything out. Toss it all on the bed. Even remove the hangers and lavender pouch thingy that was supposed to keep things smelling sweet.
2. Evaluate each piece, one by one, asking yourself: Does it fit? Do I wear it? Do I love it? If you don't answer "yes" to all three questions, get it off the bed. It has been downgraded to the floor.
3. Rehang the remaining items, keeping the above three questions in mind. Sometimes an iffy number or two will try to stay in the game. Don't let them. Really, it's not worth it.

Now, some people choose to store those items that aren't in season. Because we have no storage space, almost everything stays in my closet year-round. I usually order my items like so:

1. Coats, from bulky to lightweight
2. Pants
   
3. Dresses, from winter to summer, work to play
4. Skirts, ordered like the dresses
5. Jackets
6. Sweaters, with cardigans at the end
7. Work tops
8. Fun tops
9. Casual tops other than T-shirts

Jeans, T-shirts, and anything that can get mussed up a bit either gets placed on a shelf or in a drawer.

Discarded items get donated, although I must admit I tend to procrastinate in this area. Currently, I have a big bag of items stored away for this purpose. Must. add. to. to-do list.

That's really all there is to it. I used to do the whole color-combo arranging act, but have since convinced myself that not only is this a total waste of time, it makes my closet look as if the circus has come to town.

So, the plan is I'll be doing another purge ...and you'll be coming along for the ride.