What to Wear to a Fall Wedding?

I received a question from a dear friend on my Facebook page about what to wear to an upcoming wedding.   My immediate thoughts when I received the question were "Please let this be a Fall wedding!" and "Oooh, a fur cape?"  Yes, I'm really itching for an opportunity to wear a fur cape, and I think that evening weddings in the Fall will be the perfect occasions to wear one.  Here's my suggestion:

I love this strapless dress option by Adrianna Papell ($130, www.dillards.com).  Navy is a more sophisticated neutral than basic black, which guarantees that you'll stand out from the crowd.  Also, the criss-cross ruching under the bust and flowy pleats give the dress a feminine quality that keeps it from being too plain.

Touch Ups' play on the T-strap are a great complement to the navy color of the dress ($73.95, www.endless.com).  The gold-tone and the jewels will look great on darker skin tones.

And, finally, the (faux) fur cape.  I love this option from Robbi & Nikki ($325, www.nordstrom.com).  It's faux, which will keep you from being splattered in red paint, and comes with three removable brooches.  Sexy.

Have a question?  Do you want suggestions on what to wear for a specific occasion?  Email me at wearing.it.out@gmail.com.  Follow me on Twitter - @SophiaHonora

Happy shopping!

Sophia 

Fashion Crush Friday!

This one-shoulder dress from Miss Selfridge is my fashion crush for this weekend.  I plan to wear something similar to Fashion's Night Out festivities next week.

 Mink Mesh 1 Shoulder Dress - £45.00 (www.missselfridge.com)

Glittered Bangle Set - $6.80 (www.forever21.com)

Wild Diva Women's Lorane - $40.50 (www.endless.com)

 Elliott Lucca Cordoba Clutch - $98.00 (www.nordstrom.com)

Want to find FNO activities near you?  Check out Event Listings at http://fashionsnightout.com. 

Have a question?  Do you want suggestions on what to wear for a specific occasion?  Email me at wearing.it.out@gmail.com.  Follow me on Twitter - @SophiaHonora

Happy shopping!

Sophia  

What to Wear to an Evening Wedding

I accompanied one of my best friends to an acquaintance's wedding this weekend.  The ceremony was held in one of the oldest churches in downtown Atlanta, while the evening reception was held at a posh, yet understated, venue in trendy midtown. My friend wore a gorgeous black and tan chiffon dress with a sexy surplice neckline.  I chose a black Herve Leger inspired bandage dress with a low boatneck to flatter my décolletage.  We both sparkled in gold jewelry and wore subtle evening makeup.  Obviously, we were expecting to fit into an equally well-dressed crowd.  Imagine my horror when we spotted an attendee in black flip flops.  I know what you're thinking--"Maybe they were just sandals with a kitten heel."  No ma'am.  I know a flip-flop when I see one, and that was some beachy, college bathroom don't-step-on-the-shower-floor footwear.  I was shocked by that sight, but I nearly had a fit when I saw a guest in jeans.  Listen--I know we're all very casual these days. Heck, I'm all about rocking denim and sneakers to MJQ.  But, this is a wedding, folks.  This is the time to dress to the 9s and act like you've been there before.  Clearly this post is needed.  

When the bride looks like this:

then you may not wear these to her reception:

You shouldn't even wear this to the rehearsal dinner.

What are you, a hobo? Get some gosh darn shoes!

If you're not at the beach, get a real dress.

If you want an inexpensive, yet sophisticated option for attending an evening wedding, Spiegel (www.spiegel.c0m) has quite a few:

My point is that when you're an adult, you must put aside childish ways.  There is a time and a place for jeans and flip-flops.  A classic evening wedding in a metropolitan area is not one of them.

Love ya!

Sophia

Have a question?  Do you want suggestions on what to wear for a specific occasion?  Email me at wearing.it.out@gmail.com.  Follow me on Twitter - @SophiaHonora

Question: What to Wear to the Jill Scott concert?

Question

I’m going to the Jill Scott Summer Block Party concert at Chastain Amphitheater with a group of friends on Saturday.  As you know, Chastain is an outdoor venue.  We’re sitting in the terrace, so I don’t have to worry about grass stains.  I want to be cute, but also comfortable and not too hot.  I was thinking of wearing a maxi dress.   I don't want to be overdressed.  What do you think?

--Anundra

Dearest Anundra,

First, I’m super jelly, because I can’t make it to the concert, and Jilly is one of my favorites!  Ok, enough self-pity.  I’m so excited that you get to go.  For our readers who don’t live in Atlanta, Chastain is a gorgeous amphitheater.  Guests can bring in picnics and sit at front tables (très expensive), terrace seats (more affordable and fun), or rear lawn (fun, but less comfortable—basically, you’re just happy to be there). 

Second, since you’re sitting in the terrace, I think you can pull off a maxi dress with few worries.  This will give you the opportunity to sit comfortably and have a good air flow in our often-too-hot-for-words Atlanta weather.  Honestly, this is a Jill Scott concert.  If you can’t get all boho chic there, then there isn’t much hope for boho chic.  The prices run the gamut, so you can choose how much of the bank you want to break.  Here are my suggestions:

Dress at Shopbop - $247.50

Dress at Free People - $88.00

Dress at Target - $24.99

Dress at Shopbop - $129.00

Have fun!

Sophia

Have a question?  Do you want suggestions on what to wear for a specific occasion?  Email me at wearing.it.out@gmail.com.  Follow me on Twitter - @SophiaHonora

Wear It Out: Company Cruise

SETTING: Lake Lanier Islands
DRINK: Cristalino Brut Rosé Cava
SCENT: Island Palm Beach Michael Kors
 

Having a caring and fun boss makes you the envy of your friends.  This jealousy stems from the fact that as many of your cohorts work from the crack of dawn to the fall of dusk for very little pay and/or praise, you receive both in amounts that make your cup runneth over.  Then there are the perks. On this warm Saturday evening, you are standing on the top deck of the Island Princess—an 85-foot excursion yacht that your boss rented for her division to celebrate landing a new big client. Since it’s a warm summer evening, the impeccably dressed women mingling about wear everything from one-shoulder midi dresses to slinky jersey maxis.

As you head down the stairs to the enclosed dining area for dinner, one of your aforementioned jealous friends, who is also lucky enough to be your non-romantic date for the evening, compliments another coworker’s fabulous one-shoulder party dress. Your coworker returns the compliment to you and your friend, who is wearing a MAXAZRIA jumpsuit with the most amazing back details. You feel like a knockout in a tobacco colored jersey dress from Haute Hippie and gold tone Oliana sandals by Calvin Klein. 

MAXAZRIA Jumpsuit at Shopbop - $398.00

Haute Hippie Dress at Shopbop - $565.00

Have a question? Need to know where to find clothes or accessories you’ve seen posted on the blog? Email me at wearing.it.out@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter - @SophiaHonora.

Sundress Sunday

SETTING:  Buckhead Tapas Bar

DRINK:  Sangria

SCENT:  Escada Signature

Being a lady in the city has its perks: there are plenty of reasons to get girly.  Weekend plans to meet up with a few girlfriends for tapas in Buckhead transmogrifies into a themed “Sundress Sunday.”  You select a flower print dress by Adrianna Papell with a cinched waist and bateau neckline.  The subtle perfection of the Givenchy leather envelope clutch lends the outfit an almost cinematic feel.

Adrianna Papell from Nordstrom

Givenchy clutch from Bluefly.com

 

As you float about and mingle, you admire your friends’ sundresses—some colorful, some striped, some with A-line skirts and all adorable.  Classic is always in style.

Want to plan your own “Sundress Sunday” with the girls?  See below for outfit options.

Dresses from Nordstrom and Banana Republic

Dresses from Nordstrom and Banana Republic

Clutches from Bluefly.com

 

Have a question?  Need to know where to find clothes or accessories you’ve seen posted on the blog?  Email me at wearing.it.out@gmail.com.

Weekend Inspiration

I love it when a plan comes together.  A couple of posts ago on a "Fashion Crush Friday," I posted pics of a denim Helmut Lang dress, Zara sandals, and a red leather Miu Miu tote (http://bit.ly/crushonit).  This look inspired me so much that I had to try and recreate it.  Also, since I'm not a multi-zillionaire like you, I had to pull this together on a budget (read: I couldn't buy the $900+ Miu Miu bag).  Sophia keeps some tricks up her sleeve, though.  I went to Kohl's and found this chambray dress with a raised waistline and surplice neckline:

Apt. 9 Surplice Chambray Dress - $36 at www.kohls.com

The pairings:

Sleeveless Cowlneck Shirt

Leather and Brass Waist Belt

And, the accessories:

Tan Leather Franco Sarto Sandals

Medium Louis Vuitton Neverfull

What do you think?  Did I pay appropriate homage to the inspiration outfit?

Downtown Triple Date

SETTING:  Hip downtown restaurant (two $ on Yelp.com)

DRINK:  French Kiss Cocktail

SCENT:  No. 6 Mandarin & Ginger Lily by Trish McEvoy

Last-minute plans with friends leads to dinner at a trendy downtown restaurant.  Since you’re the first to arrive, you sit with your boyfriend at the bar and talk heatedly about the NFL’s hopes for a resolution to the lockout.  When the remainder of your party arrives, you hop down from the barstool and teeter on your 5-inch platform cork stilettos.   Inspired by the Asian fusion food served at the restaurant, you strut in a flowy kimono top cinched at the waist with a black leather belt.  The dark blue skinny jeans play well against the tan silk of your stilettos.  As you settle into your seat for dinner, you notice the other patrons admiring your shoes.  Don’t you love it when an evening turns out so well?

Wear It Out - Stripes

As a fashion blogger, I LOVE to read other blogs.  One of my favorites is http://szafofa.blogspot.com.  Last week, she inspired me to step out of my little insecurity box and wear horizontal stripes - a pattern I tend to avoid.  Well, the many compliments I received on Friday were a pleasant surprise.  Here are a few pics.  

Check out SZAFOFA's take on stripes: http://bit.ly/luwxID

Ciao!

What to Wear to a Housewarming

SETTING: Significant Other's Friend's new house
DRINK: Frozen Strawberry Margarita
SCENT: Givenchy Ange ou Démon Le Secret

I think that school teachers keep odd hours during the summer.  Case in point: the boyfriend tells you (insert: me) that we've received an invitation to a housewarming party that will take place during the middle of the week.  This is a big issue, because you will have to miss your weekly Zumba class and go to work the next day.  At least choosing an outfit won't stress you out.  A cotton cap-sleeve top and A-line skirt fit the bill.  Low wedges keep your feet comfortable, and the Coach tote just makes you smile.  You can waltz into the fête looking like a fancy lady in a skirt, but you'll probably be the most comfortable woman in the room.

Check out how one of the Wear It Out models wears the look.

Chic in an  A-line skirt and brown leather wedges

Chocolate Coach Tote looks yummy

I put a different spin on the A-line skirt by replacing the cotton top with a lace-trimmed cami and cardigan.  I trade the wooden wedges for cork ankle straps.  I'd still rock a tote with this ensemble.

I love cardis and skirts!

 

Cork heels are so comfortable

So, readers, what do you think?  How would you wear it out?

A Luminous Summer - Casual Workday + Happy Hour

SETTING: Your office then happy hour
DRINK: Frozen Caramel Macchiatto from Starbucks then mojitos
SCENT: Christiane Celle Calypso Chevrefeuille

You don't always greet Mondays with the relief you feel on Fridays.  You wake to the sound of your Monday morning alarm with a mixture of disbelief and irritation.  You are almost ready to press the snooze button, when you recall that you have a 10 a.m. breakfast meeting with your colleagues.   As your feet swing over the side of the bed to the floor, your memory scans your closet.  The weather man is reporting that it's already hot outside, so you decide to wear something light and white.  And, since you are meeting your best friend for drinks after work, you already know exactly what to pack to easily take your look from office-appropriate to happy hour diva.

Sleeveless top or skinny jeans are great options for drinks after work

Platform stilettos and satin purse

 Questions?  Need to know how to wear it out?  Email me at wearing.it.out@gmail.com.

Strapless + Full Bust = Impossible?

I and my fellow full-busted sistren (related to brethren) have been convinced through both experience and common sense that strapless dresses and tops were not made for us.  I have often looked with envy at my friends with less ample bosoms who were able to wear the cutest strapless jersey dresses or bikinis (are you kidding me?).  Being a member of the DD+ crowd, I thought that it wasn't meant to be, so I'd accepted my fate.  

Strapless dress from Shape FX

Shape FX (a clothing company that integrates shapewear into its pieces) has given us the cure for what ails us: the long-tiered strapless control dress.  I'm so geeked, I'm going to buy one online this week from www.shapefx.com, so I can try it out and report back on its efficacy.  What do you think?  Is it safe for a full-busted woman to go strapless?

Question: What to Wear on a Saturday Night Double Date?

OK, Wear It Out ladies, I received the following question in the WIO email inbox this morning:

"I am going on a double date with my husband and another couple tonight.  We are going to dinner at a nice restaurant and then to Intermezzo for drinks and dessert.  I have no idea what to wear.  Please help!" 

For those of you who don't live in Atlanta, Intermezzo is a fantastic European-style cafe that serves adult (ahem) beverages and devilishly delectable desserts.  It 's all candlelight and close-talking.  Quel romantique!

Here are a few options from the WIO models.

DRESSY

Cotton print sheath and metallic sandals

Silver charm bracelet, circle diamond necklace, and silver sandals

 

With black bolero jacket

HOT

Strappy zip-front dress with pockets

Dress with rhinestone waist detail

Metallic gladiator sandals and clutch

SEXY

Sheer drop-waist blouse, bootcut pants, and large clutch

Leather clutch options

 

 

Black leather peeptoe slingbacks with crisscross detail

With smaller clutch

What do you think?  Is this how you would wear it out?

A Luminous Summer - The Sheath Dress

\ˈshēth\ \ˈdres\

A sheath dress is designed to fit the body tightly (YUM!) and can be strapped, strapless, or have adorable cap sleeves.  The skirt, which typically falls around the knees or lower thighs, is usually a pencil with a slit. Personally, I love the ones that are made of cotton or silk and have little embellishments, like sequins or buttons, to keep them from being too plain. 

One of our Wear It Out models, Nicole, gives us her take on the sheath dress for work.  She's wearing a brown, midi-length sheath with a jean jacket and drawstring leather tote (tassel!).

Can I say how much I love that she's rocking the dress with those boots and the leather bracelet?

Here are some additional options for work:

And, of course, the shoes:

Questions?  Want to know where to find something?  Just comment or email me at wearing.it.out@gmail.com.