Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Styling Hilary

Here is what I bought with the recent 30% off and using my rewards card:

I have tried the Hilary dress some time ago (see HERE) and I loved the fit of it, but I thought it was way too expensive for a rayon dress. However, I kept coming back to it, and the simplicity and easiness of it was calling my name, so after it went on sale and with additional percent off, I decided  that the price was finally right.

Clothes like this can be deceptively simple. Many dresses will look the same on the hanger, but when you try them on, they end up not looking that great for one reason or another. It may be just the body type issue, of course.

size 8
I am wearing it with Giraffe charm necklace, floppy suede belt and patent leopard Valentinas, all from J.Crew. 

I like the idea of full skirt and longer length but it has to drape right, I can't stand anything puffy. I also hate when the waist is too high, armholes too low or  scoop neck is too deep (or too high). Hilary dress passes all of those requirements.  Plus, blue is my favorite color and  I like the back zipper and the pockets. I would prefer that this dress was made in cotton jersey knit, but they do sometimes stretch and fade quickly.

with Paintbox Cardi and cobalt Repettos

I like that I can wear this dress on its own, or just with the belt or necklace, but it also looks good with the cardigan. Actually, my paintbox cardigan turned out to be a perfect match for it and I imagine wearing it to the office and then taking it out, to go out on a lunch break.


 Madewell belt and Talbots shoes

This Madewell belt and Talbots stingray slingbacks have became my favorite accessories this spring, they go with everything I wear this season.
best mate belt


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My other 30% off/rewards card purchase was the cafe capri in Foulard print. Again, I tried them some time ago and really liked them but the price was too high.


I took size 4, which is my regular size in city fit pants and pencil skirts. They fit me very well in hips and tights. Sometimes I wish the calves were a little roomier, but I guess they would not look so streamlined then. They are pretty long, so if you are petite, definitely order a petite size. I have once tried ordering the tall size (in another color) to see if they will work as full length, but although the length was good, they did not look right, imo.

With pink Valentinas
Pink Valentinas give me an idea that they would probably also work with a pink top and navy shoes, what do you think?

With Chambray top

with white eyelet shirt
I love to wear white tops with everything. You don't always see it, because they are so difficult to photograph.
with Madewell Academy blazer

I am sure some JCAs will come up with some more creative styling ideas and I will happily emulate them. But contrary to many 'should I buy it' rules,  I usually don't worry about having thousands of options. This would be important if I had very pared down wardrobe, where every piece has to work overtime with everything in your closet. Since I never wear anything as often as I would like to believe, the important thing for me is not that I have so many options but that the options are good.

 OOTD

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That's all folks!

What do you think of my choices?
Do you own Hilary dress or Foulard capris? How do you wear them?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!

14 comments:

  1. I love the capris and the dress is lovely, I especially like it with the pale yellow heels. Even my shoes etc are all much the same, I must embrace the world of colour more.

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    1. oh, I love those yellow slingbacks, they turned out to be one of my best purchases last year. And they are only 2" high, true kitten heels. Shoes and accessories are the easiest way to add some color imo. But how about those pink flowered capris you bought, have they survived your purge?

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  2. Hi I love the capris, I actually bought them at full price and returned them because I could not justify the price tag, but on sale and 30% off...that worked. I love them!!! You looked great in all of your styling options. Enjoy and thanks so much for your reviews, so enjoyable!!! Happy Wednesday, wish it would get a little warmer here in CT!!!

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    1. thanks MB, hopefully the warmer weather is heading our way. I actually contemplated these capris at full price but resisted and it looks like my patience was rewarded this time :)

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  3. I've been looking for both the navy Hilary dress and the Foulard capris in the store sales sections, but have not found them in my size. I don't think I'd wear the Hilary enough to hunt it down, but I like the capris enough to buy on sale when I find them. I hope the print is as neutral as it looks in pictures, since I haven't tried them on and probably won't before buying. Thanks for the great styling ideas!!

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    1. hi cate,
      I thought the foulard print is kind of neutral and subtle but after I wore them to work today I realize that people consider them 'daring', I guess just because they are printed. I did get a lot of compliments and they sounded sincere but they read edgy to most people. Granted, I do not work at an artsy/high fashion place by any means, but people do dress up and I never feel like i stick out. I did not expect to make any fashion statement but it seems like I did, I don't mind at all, just was surprised.

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  4. I've just discovered your blog in the last month and it has been great with all the reviews. I ordered the dress today and wanted to buy the belt . They have a xs and wanted some feedback from you. The dress is size 8 .I usually wear a 2 or 4 in the pencil but I'm bigger up top. What do you think.
    Also ordered with your help the Balfour jacket in blue...love it .
    Keep up the good work!
    Thanks so much,
    Marsha

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    1. Hi Marsha,
      I have 30" waist and I can use third hole from the start on this belt. I think if your waist is 28" or less you will be fine with XS, but most likely you will not be able to use it with lower rise jeans or pants. I can only use it at waist.

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  5. As you know I have the foulard capris and they are probably my best purchase this season but I only wear them with navy, white and red/orange. I think the print is already busy and I prefer to keep the top simple. I tried a green sweater and it was ok.
    Love the Hillary, I have too many navy dresses otherwise I would consider.

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    1. I agree simple is best with Foulard capris! I got a lot of compliments today. And the most surprisingly my husband loved them, I didn't think he would!

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  6. love the capris on you, is that the chambray top in the last picture? great outfit!

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    1. thanks wff! yes, it is the chambray top.

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  7. Your post reminded me that I recvd the foulards in petite and need to try them on. How could I forget? I was distracted by Valentinas that I recvd. You were right and I am a convert. Hopefully they will feel comfortable thru the day. They sure are chic. Like your Madewell belt. Me likey!

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    1. Gigi, you have to try them, I hope you love them! That little Madewell belt is one of my favorite recent purchases.

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