Dresses on the Mind

I love dresses. I used to wear them all the time in the summer. I am so happy to see them everywhere--and in every style--this spring.

I just ordered a black maxi dress and a navy tulip hem dress from Avenue.

Even though both are sleeveless, by adding a little shrug, I will be able to wear these even on one of our many chilly spring days. Plus think of all of the possibilities you have with jewelry!

Oh, and to save you some $$$$ enter code JLE5229 to save $20 off plus free shipping on a purchase of $75 or more. The total cost for both dresses was $57.18 including tax.

Bargain Spotting

I had to get the pooch some more dog food at Petco yesterday, so I stopped into Avenue while I was there. For me it is hit or miss there. I really cannot wear their pullover tops because the 14/16 is big at the shoulders and some styles of their jeans are big in the waist of the 14s, but I am telling you that the cardigans and shrugs are perfect for me in a 14/16. 

Like many of you, I have an issue with things that button across the chest. I think that's why I adore shrugs and flyaway cardigans so much--they fit perfectly in the bust at Avenue for me and I found some great deals yesterday.

Almost everything winter is 50-60% off the ticketed price. On top of that, until closing today, you can take another 30% off of that price. In other words, a $36 item would be $10.08 if it was on the 60% off rack, then take an additional 30% on top of that. Nice!

The deals aren't nearly as good online and then you have to add shipping, so this is a case of it being better to go shopping in the store. Plus, I love to try stuff on before I buy to make sure it fits.

I came home with 3 pieces yesterday for under $30. I'm going back later for jeans and I am thinking about this faux fur 3/4 sleeve coat, but am not sure....

My finds:

I also have to say that of all the Avenue stores in the Rochester area, the one in Irondequoit is the best. They have a great selection and I always find a deal. The ladies who work there are really sweet, too.

The woman who rang me out yesterday said that the 50-60% off sale is ongoing as they make room for spring merchandise, but that the additional 30% ends tonight. That doesn't mean more markdowns won't happen, but I just wanted to give you a head's up.

Bejeweled: Teal Finds for Fall

 By Excessary

$30

From Coldwater Creek

$38.99 (clearance!)

Bag from Etsy's NzL Bags

$55

Cami from Torrid

$34

I love these glass earrings from Kristin Perkins!

$45

Shimmer cardigan from Chico's

$89

Boots from Avenue

$59.99

I adore these! From Afra

$30

One Dress: Three Looks

I love this dress from Faith 21, the plus line of Forever 21. One thing I must note--the sizing here runs small and it is not true to size. For example, as a typical 12 or 14, I need to go up 1 to two sizes here as they run very small. Just wanted to give you a head's up! Oh how I wish for universal sizing--one brand's 12 would be the same fit as another. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

The dress sells for $19.80.

I should also note that the Faith 21 name will soon be going away, as the company plans to just use the name Forever 21+.

While the dress is fun and flirty on its own, you can also create completely different looks with it.

 LOOK 1: Weekend Chic

Click image to enlarge.

Where to Buy:

Denim jacket, Avenue, $39.90

Leggings, Avenue, $16.90

Boots, Avenue, $59.95


LOOK 2: Date Night

 Click image to enlarge.


Where to Buy:
Strappy heels from Target, $19.99
Dangle earrings from Ess's on Etsy, $15.99
Necklace from Chico's, $54



LOOK 3: Dress Over Skinny Jeans

Click image to enlarge.

Where to Buy:
Skinny jeans from Faith 21, $24.80
Booties from Forever 21, $34.80
Bracelet from Forever 21, $10.80

{we love leopard}

Leopard fleece gloves by Jessica London for Avenue, $9.99

Wrap dress from Lane Bryant, $59.95

Mesh brief from Torrid, $12

Tunic from Fashion to Figure, $28

Boots from Shop Style, $37.99

Leopard vest from Nordstrom goes up to a 16-18, $98

casual. chic.

I told you not long ago about my favorite new shrug from Fashion to Figure. FTF is a great shop online and in select areas featuring clothing for sizes 12-26. If you're like me and typically find your clothes in the Misses section, please consider FTF as you may be pleasantly surprised at the fit. I love their clothes and they are cut for the curvy woman. If you generally wear plus sizes, you also must check out this brand because they will cater to your curves as well.

Anyway, I have this great shrug and I love it. I wear it with a black tank or on extra cold days, over a fitted long sleeve black tee. Today I decided to follow my own rule of going outside my comfort zone to try something totally new. I wear jeans on most weekdays and typically go for a dark wash trouser or flare leg cut. The wider leg balances my wider hips. I decided to take advantage of a 40% offer I had for Avenue. Sometimes I can wear a 14 in their jeans. Jeans are so tricky for me. I am a 12 in Not Your Daughter's Jeans and most trouser cuts. I need a 14 at Old Navy. Sometimes those even seem snug. My hips get in the way sometimes....or the waist is just way too big. I have to try, try, try.

We have an Avenue nearby and I decided to stop in there. I found these super cute jeans on the clearance and tried them on. I remembered seeing a 40% online offer, so ended up ordering online today. Now, these are not my typical style. They are boyfriend fit, are slouchy and also have a narrower leg.  I thought they'd look awful and I was actually wrong. These will look cute with a ballet flat and my Fashion to Figure shrug. Add some bracelets and a pop of color, and you'll be effortlessly chic in no time. Here's the look:

Shrug is from Fashion to Figure for $22

Art 2 Wear slim boyfriend jeans from  Avenue $14.96 (use your Visa and coupon code JLA4030 to save another 40%)

Clutch from Let's Glam Up, $21.50

Ballet flats from White House Black Market for $88 (of course, you can find similar ones at a lower price elsewhere if you look!)

{jeans for $40 and under}

Avenue

$34.90

Fashion to Figure

$40

 

Straight leg jeans from Faith 21  (plus sizes from Forever 21)

$15.80

Flares from Old Navy

$24.97

Skinny jeans can be for curvy girls, too, if they fit properly!

From Faith 21

$22.80