Fashion

Like it. Love it. Buying it.

After the trifecta of Miss America, the Golden Globes and upcoming Inauguration celebrations, I’ve been reminded just how important it is for a girl to have an evening gown in her closet. It might not be used more than once a year, but trust me, you will be thankful it is there for that inevitable moment of need.

I love BCBG dresses because they just make women look good! With a lot of different styles and silhouettes, ranging from demure to downright sexy, BCBG’s evening gowns aren’t cheap, but they are much more affordable than some of the alternatives. And, since I’m always out for a bargain, I’ve bought every evening gown I’ve ever owned at a BCBG outlet. I’m still on a self-imposed shopping hiatus, but I’ve picked out my favorite BCBG evening gowns.

Like it.

Anything in the mint to aqua family is bound to be a favorite of mine. The main attraction of this dress, however, is the gorgeous lace back.

BCBG Karey Lace Detail Evening Gown | $338
BCBG Karey Lace Detail Evening Gown | $338

BCBGKareyLace back

Love it.

High halter necklines can be incredibly flattering, particularly for anyone with broad shoulders. The black and white print accented with a chartreuse panel is so darn chic. This dress is fancy enough for any black tie affair, yet still manages to be fun and unique.

BCBG Constantine Pleated Maxi Dress | $448
BCBG Constantine Pleated Maxi Dress | $448

BCBGConstantineBack

Buying it.

I love so many things about this dress, I’m not sure where to start! The bright coral accented with fuchsia is showstopping. The sophisticated, structured silhouette reminds me of the early 90s, yet also is somewhat futuristic. With a sleek updo, dramatic earrings, a detailed cuff and some gold heels, this would be quite the head-turning look for any event!

BCBG Two-Tone Cutout Evening Gown available at Neiman Marcus | $338
BCBG Two-Tone Cutout Evening Gown available at Neiman Marcus | $338
 

Like it. Love it. Buying it.

I’ve made a pact to refrain from shopping for the entire month of January. Crazy? Yes. Worthwhile. You bet. What better way to start off the year than by saving some money, making the most of the wonderful Christmas gifts I received and engaging in some good old fashioned closet reinvention?

That being said, there is no harm in sharing the items on my wishlist!

January is the best month to shop for a deal on a few specific items, one of which is the New Years Eve outfit, post New Years Eve. Anything that’s little over the top, including sequins, glitter, leather or any other type of embellishment, is going to be drastically discounted. There is no rule that says you can’t wear some of these pieces all year long, so why not take advantage of a fantastic discount?

Like it.

This metallic print shorts are an excellent buy. Add some tights, a cute top and a blazer and shorts can be a winter staple. This pair can also make its way well into summer.

Dylan and Rose Metallic Jacquard Shorts | $39.99 (on sale from $56)
Dylan and Rose Metallic Jacquard Shorts | $39.99 (on sale from $56)

Love it.

Sequins can make an outfit. I love pairing something as fancy as sequins with laid back pieces. I’d pair this cardigan with boyfriend jeans and white tee. To dress it up, try black pants and a black cardigan.

Zara Printed Sequined Cardigan | $69.99 (on sale from 189)
Zara Printed Sequined Cardigan | $69.99 (on sale from 189)

Buying it.

I complied my list of sequined skirts a few weeks ago, but I actually wore this one on New Years Eve. I wore it with a black sleeveless top, but if I’d been better prepared, I’d have paired it with a plaid shirt. Such a feminine skirt would be perfectly balanced with some lumberjack plaid.

Free People Sparkle and Stripe Skirt | $64 (on sale from $128)
Free People Sparkle and Stripe Skirt | $64 (on sale from $128)
 

Green with Envy

I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus during the holidays, but I’m back and excited for all that 2013 may hold!

It’s relatively old news that Pantone has declared Emerald the color of 2013, but I think its fascinating how quickly retailers begin pumping out the emerald-hued merchandise. As Irish as Irish can be, I’ve always been a lover of all things green, so this is one trend I am totally on board with.

GreenwithEnvy

1 – Madewell silk charmeuse shirt in dotdash for $94 (on sale) | 2 – J. Crew collection pencil skirt in tile sequin for $425 | 3 – Old Navy boatneck 3/4 sleeve shift dress for $20 (on sale) | 4 – Forever21 floral print flowy top for $19.80 | 5 – Gap printed flare dress for $59.95 | 6 – J. Crew toothpick jean in stripe for $135 |

Hunter green was one of my must-have fall colors, so I’m excited to branch out into emerald and kelly green hues for spring. The Gap dress is the perfect casual dress that will last through spring with a pair of flats, summer with some fun sandals and fall with brown riding boots. Looks like we’ll have plenty of green to choose from for St. Patrick’s Day!