Black & White Ponte Dress, Killer Shoes, and the Fashion Police

"I've got a code 9 here... curvy girl wearing horizontal stripes. Send back-up immediately!"

Ok, I think by now we all know there are no real laws of fashion anymore. But at one time, being curvy and wearing horizontal stripes was a big no-no. And in a body-hugging material? Forget it!

Thankfully, we are learning that the silhouette and cut of a piece are just as important as the print. We can wear body-hugging or body-skimming clothing instead of shapeless tents and (gasp!!!) look good in them!

This black and white stripe, a-line ponte dress is fitted on top then skims over the lower half of my body. I can wear it with flats for a more casual look or dress it up a little for Fall/Winter with tights and heels as I did in this post. It works well with booties and riding boots too.

I added a thick belt to define my waist a little more. I feel like I tried every colored necklace I had but either the shape or length was wrong so I went with good old basic black.  I think this look would be great with a pop of color somewhere. Any ideas?

Black and White Stripe Ponte Dress: (old) via Old Navy - similar, similar // Black Satin Calvin Klein Shooties: (old) via TJ Maxx - similar, similar // Black Beaded Necklace: via Bealls Outlet - similar, similar // Black Beaded Bracelets: (old) via a local boutique, similar, similar // Sequin Earrings: (old) via New York & Company -  similar, similar

Pssst!!: Old Navy has 25% off online through Oct 30

 

 

 

The breakdown:

 

Ponte Dress: Old Navy, $10

Heels: TJ Maxx, $40

Necklace: Bealls Outlet, $8

Earrings: New York & Co, $10

Bracelets: Local Boutique, $1

 

Linking up for:

Leopard, Camo, Steel Magnolias, and a Pin-up Girl

No, not the Army Green kind of camo, but just as effective. The A-line shape and leopard pattern of the dress help to camouflage some of my curvier spots. I'm not trying to hide them, just enhance them.

Although the leopard pattern makes it difficult to see, there are some fun details on this dress. The top is a faux-wrap style with a ruffle along the edges. There is a bit of a poof to the cap sleeves and a cute little hook and button closure. The skirt of the dress has a subtle flare and ruffle around it too.

I think the best compliment I had all day was that I looked like a pin-up girl! I have been growing my hair out and it is finally long enough to curl. I have super-thick hair and a lot of it. I was a little worried this morning after curling it because I was pretty sure I would have fit right in on the set of Steel Magnolias... Thankfully, it all settled a bit!!

 

 Leopard Faux-wrap Dress: (old) via Ross - similar, similar // Tan Metallic Snakeskin Heels: (old) via Shoe Carnival  - similar, similar //  Gold, Black, and Champagne Bracelet: (old) via New York & Company - similar, similar {LOVE these Etsy options!!!}

 

 

 

 

The breakdown:

 

Dress: Ross, $17

Bracelet: New York & Company, $15

Heels: Shoe Carnival, $30

 

Linking up with Mix & Match fashion for:

Kick it in neutral

Nude Blouse, New York & Co (old), other good options here and here; Black Ponte Pencil Skirt, Lane Bryant; Black and Champagne Stone Necklace and Bracelet, New York & Co (old), other good options here and here; Nine West Giraffe Print Heels (old) via Ross, other good options here and here. 

 

 

 

 

 

Neutral colors can look very polished and sophisticated when you add some interesting elements like a long necklace and unique pair of heels.

 

The breakdown:

 

Nude Blouse (actually a tunic tucked in): New York & Co, $35

Black Ponte Pencil Skirt: Lane Bryant, $26

Long Necklace: New York & Co, $15

Gold Bracelet: New York & Co, $15

Nine West Giraffe Print Heels: Ross, $15