Navy Wrap Dress

So after much waiting and searching i finally found a great version for the Issa engagement dress! The only down side was the price. But, now that I have a real job and am out of grad school--and need a proper wardrobe--I decided to get the Michael Kors navy wrap dress. I found my size at a slightly cheaper price (at Neiman Marcus's website of all places!) and ordered it for in store pickup. As it turned out, the dress runs rather long and I had to get it altered several inches, which is unusual for me. (I'm 5' 7".) Anyway, I just love the dress and got a lot of compliments on it! Now enough talk-- here is the dress:

The pictures don't do it justice really since they don't pick up the navy color, but at least you can get the idea. My coat for that day was the Via Spiga repliCate of the Odele coat that I just love. A great outfit for today!

New Finds!

So I recently got a couple new investment pieces. One I had been wanting for a while, the other one I never thought I’d find in a reasonable price range. I’m going to be part of a wedding this December that will have an Old Hollywood look/theme. My dress is a long navy gown with a very flattering drape-effect, side slit, and lace-effect top. I love it and can’t wait to wear it! But what about jewelry? Shoes?? Well, I’m still looking for shoes, but here are the earrings I finally got myself:

 

I’ve always loved the “originals” (worn with a silver Jenny Packham gown and also an ivory Roland Mouret gown) but obviously can’t afford them. When I came across these on etsy.com I was so excited, but still not sure about spending the money. Anyway, I figured the art-deco look would be perfect for the wedding and ordered them. They look quite beautiful in person, so I recommend them!

The only downside is that since I have small-ish ears, I need to wear different backs to compensate for their weight. They aren’t heavy, but on my ears I need those different backs. But that’s an easy thing to do! J

 

As for my second find, I came across it one day while browsing ebay. I’ve always loved the DVF wrap dress with both the Patrice and Batik prints. Well, when I saw it for less than half the original price and brand new, I thought about it for a few days just to be sure about it. After I ordered it, I received it a day sooner than expected and am super happy I got it. J

 

I really really wish I had the Corkswoon wedges in navy suede to go with it, but sadly they will remain outside of my budget. Oh well. I have other shoes that work quite well with it, too. There really is something nice about wearing quality clothing and having a couple investment pieces that you love and can wear always and be wardrobe staple.  

 

So those are my two recent fun-buys! Good luck with your own hunting!

 

"Casual Kate"

So you might have noticed that the Duchess has a pretty straight forward, casual look that doesn’t change much. That has its perks, so I started to keep a look out for items that would work for me but follow that style. Here are a few I’ve come across the last several months/days:

As you can tell, these are suited for fall weather (at least in Texas, when we get it). While I don’t wear skinny jeans that often, I do like the tops with my regular boot-cut jeans (that are the Curvy Boot version from Levi’s—highly recommended!) and I like the overall effect. It’s casual but easy to make a bit nicer with a blazer and change of shoes (if needed), or stay low-key in tennis shoes. Perhaps the best part is that I feel like I’m “grown-up casual” and not “college t-shirt casual” in this style! And since blue is my favorite color, this color pallet works for me!

As to what the pieces are, here you go:

L.L. Bean’s Sailor Top in navy/cream—very comfy! LL Bean French Sailor's Shirt
Lauren Ralph Lauren Navy boatneck top with shoulder buttons (very Kate!); bought yesterday at Macy's!
Banana Republic Silk/Cotton long sleeve, V-neck sweater—light and cozy
Lauren Ralph Lauren Black Cotton Cable sweater—on sale! Cable-Knit Crewneck Sweater
Banana Republic Navy blazer

I’ve found BR and LRL to be great options for repli-Kate’s and/or very similar to pieces she has worn. What about you?

Finding that "Perfect Jean"

Everyone needs a pair of jeans that fits just right, but finding that pair can be a total nightmare as many of us know. Almost every time I went jean shopping, I gave up and left frustrated. Bigger thighs and hips but a smaller waist means I have at least a 2 inch gap in back just so they cover me. As you curvy women know, this is very common when jean shopping (and pants in general). Until, that is, I discovered that Levi's makes jeans for curves! (Take a look at these: Levi's 529 Curvy Bootcut Jean) Seriously, they do! Now, I'm also 5'7" so I need the long length which isn't always as easy to find, but I have and I love them! :)

To give you an example, here are my skinny jeans (Levi's 535 Legging Jean ) that give me--finally--the look I've been wanting and are so comfy I actually lounge in them:

 

 I did here my own take on a pre-wedding outfit. Living in Texas means I don't wear sweaters much . . . or jackets either, but for the sake of the post I put this together. Previous pictures and posts will give you more ideas.

 

By now you are familiar with my low budget when it comes to clothing, even Kate-style. Jeans are an item that I flat-out refuse to pay more than $45 for, period. There is just no need to spend more on denim, regardless of designer. This is especially true when most designer brands, like Zara and J-Brand that the Duchess wears often in jeans, are designed with straighter-lined women. Well, my bottom half either a.) just doesn't fit into those things or b.) looks 10 lbs bigger. They are also over priced (in my own opinion). If they work for you great, just be aware that cheaper versions are out there and even better quality. :)

We all know how the Duchess loves her skinny jeans, but as a curvy woman there are certain exact looks that just don't look right on me. :) But that does not stop me from having fun with the style! Like any other piece of clothing, you find the looks that flatter. Kate has very slim hips and almost no waist so she has to emphasize those in order to create curves. We ladies that already have curves are trying to do the opposite (basically). This is why it is so important to find versions that fit you and not Kate (unless you're built like her, then go for it!). Her casual/jean style is simple and classic, which is what we all can achieve with clothes that fit us the way they should.

Do you have any looks you'd like to share?

Shoes--Pumps!

I recently realized that, as a blog about the DoC's style (albeit for curvy ladies), I cannot overlook her fabulous shoes! So, I thought that since she has quite the collection of various styles, I would start with her pumps (called "courts" in some countries). Her choices tend to be classic (of course!) and able to go with all sorts of outfits for all occasions. Since I do not have her budget, however, I have had fun finding similar options without breaking the bank. So here we go!

To begin, I thought it appropriate to show my version of the LK Bennett Sledge pump in taupe:

They go with just about everything! I actually have another pair by Nine West that are a lower heel, just in case (got them for a steal). In this picture I've paired them with a favorite "original," the Jaeger yellow dress from the 2012 tour.

The Duchess is also quite fond of suede pumps--she has many colors, even various styles within one color! My blue and gray ones are from DSW, and found on major sales!

 

These are actually a purple-blue color, depending on the light. :)

 

 

Navy suede and super-comfy!!

I know these may not look comfortable, but they really are!! I can also see why the Duchess has worn hers so often--they make an outfit look really nice without having to do too much. :)

Another pair of suede pumps that I have enjoyed from a Nine West sale:

Seen in one of my earlier posts, the Hobbs Albini pumps in cherry red are an absolute favorite of mine! Hobbs' 38 is a bit big on me, but slipping in some ball-of-foot cushions has helped with that.

And as for black pumps, you might remember that shopping trip I had a couple weeks ago when I had received a nice gift and was able to buy some nice shoes. Here they are:

I love these Coach pumps! Thank you, DSW, for providing them!

So there you go! It's no wonder the Duchess wears pumps so often--they're stylish, keep your toes dry, and when you invest and keep on the look out you can even find comfy ones!

 

A-Line Time!

Greetings! As I’ve thought about the Duchess’ fashion and the looks I’ve “copied,” I decided to do a post about those A-line skirts/dresses that so many are able to “repli-Kate.” As many of you may already know, a-line skirts and dresses flatter ALL figures for one simple reason: they flatter the waist then fall gently over the hips, creating a soft shape. So, here’s a look at the look at some of those skirts and dresses of my own. Some are “repli-Kates” and others are simply because I like them—although I could easily see the Duchess doing the same! J (Several are also looks that I’ve posted here before but for different reasons.)

Below are the dresses:

 

 See how the shape of the dresses is all the same? You’d never know that I’m two different sizes on top and bottom! And when you need something comfy after that “vacation weight” you’re all set!

As for skirts, the same idea applies. Pleated skirts are pretty much a safe bet, as we’ve seen on the Duchess several times. Below are some of my a-line skirt looks:    

 

 

By now you should see the common theme of why this style is so great. I’ve gotten to where I wear skirts and dresses a lot to work—partly because it’s hot right now in Texas, but also because of how comfortable they are. (Dresses also make outfit choices easy. J )

So the next time you’re out shopping for some Duchess-inspired looks, I highly recommend the a-line skirt/dress! Go out and have some fun!!

Pied a Terre "Natural" Imperia Espadrilles

Well, I finally was able to get those natural Pied a Terre Imperia wedges!!! I have always liked them and have been kicking myself for not buying them a couple years ago when they were on sale. Oh well. Though I do not like spending over $50 on shoes—and avoid that when I can—I have LOVED my black Imperias that I bought a couple years ago, so I knew I had to have the white ones. Plus, I’ve wished many a day that I had them for my outfits. Enough talk, let’s get to the pictures! J

I was so excited when they arrived! I ordered them on a Thursday and got them the following Monday! Talk about super-fast shipping!

 

For any of you wondering, I bought them from the Dune website, but they are still Pied a Terre, and it’s the “natural” color. It’s an off-white color, almost ivory but not quite. Here are some close-ups:

 Since the foot bed is kind of a burlap-like material and rough, I bought some no-slip pads for the balls of my feet. It took a lot of wear to get my black ones to the point they didn’t rub me raw, so I’m glad this time I went ahead and got those pads, too. J

And here they are on:

 

So there you go! If you’ve been on the fence about getting a pair, I highly recommend them! I’d say they run true to size. I’m a solid US 7 and that’s what both pairs of mine are. The adjustable strap allows to make sure the fit is what you want. They are well-made and will last a while, as well as being quite comfortable. I get lots of compliments on them! Enjoy!!