Betsey Johnson and My Dream Dress

I'm always impressed by how accurate the ads on Facebook are. It's always Modcloth ad, book ad, dating ad. Congratulations, Facebook, you've got me completely figured out. Anyway, this dress was in the most recent Modcloth ad, and I thought, "How adorable! And since it's Mod, it will probably be affordable!"


Alas! This dress is by Betsey Johnson, and the Iona Dress costs a cool $485. But oh, it is so fun! Betsey Johnson is not known for her restraint, which I identify with--when I was a kid, my mom felt compelled to make an extra large donation to the class arts and crafts supplies, because she knew I would cover any project with glitter, glue, markers, stickers, and dried macaroni. This dress is the equivalent of my early artwork, with the embroidery, lace, tulle, and big old sash with a bow in the back. It's totally over-the-top, but sometimes a girl needs a dress like that. Just ask Miley!

Alex and I went to see The Last Song... for the lulz, I swear! We spent the whole movie making snarky comments about Miley's "acting" and Nicholas Sparks's "writing," but we both agreed that this dress was a winner. It's a tea length, around the shins, and it looks so fresh and young that I can't help but be jealous of Miley for getting to wear it (and also for getting to hang out in Tybee Island, Georgia, which looks absolutely gorgeous). It reminds me of that giant poofy dress (Oscar de la Renta?) that Carrie wore when she went to Paris with Aleksandr. And so, while I will not be buying the Betsey Johnson dress, I will continue to dream of the frilly confection of a dress of my dreams.

Grey Work Dresses

I've been doing some temp work this week, and I have to confess that I've been enjoying the challenge of dressing for the office. I am sure that I won't feel this way when I have to work five days a week, but for now I'm having fun trying new combinations of pencil skirts, button-down shirts, and heels.

But in this office, there are all these devastatingly fierce women strutting around in power suits and perfectly tailored dresses. Today, it seemed like everyone was wearing grey dresses, which is a smart way to bring feminine fashion into the workplace, without offending any dress codes. A Little Black Dress at work can, with the wrong accessories (too high heels, too glittery a necklace), look too fancy or sexy--as if you don't know the difference between cocktail hour and lunch meetings. A Little Grey Dress, however, is just right: more conservative than a colorful or print dress, but still with enough personality. Here's how I want to imitate the look when I'm a corporate HBIC.

You can't do much better than this Magaschoni Wool Dress, $129. The bateau neckline is sexy/modest in that Jackie Kennedy way, and the pleated skirt with pockets makes this more interesting than your typical shift dress. If you have buff arms, the cap sleeves are insanely flattering; if you'd rather cover up, add a cropped cardigan or jacket and then layer over a thin belt in a statement color like red or yellow.

Speaking of belts, this Banana Republic Wool Sheath Dress, $149, is the ideal blank canvas for a hot corset-style belt or a trendy double-wrap leather belt. The slightly exaggerated shoulders also give you an hourglass silhouette (without going full-on 80's, which, I don't care what the fashion press says, is not a good idea). This dress is good for offices that are a little more creative--it's a big short, especially if you're on the leggy side. On the other hand, it gets colder everyday, and once it's tights season you can get away with a little bit more, length-wise.

Now for a slightly cheaper option, if you're more of a cubicle-dweller than mistress of the corner office. From Modcloth, the Hold My Calls Dress, $84.99, practically screams, "I'm young, I'm ambitious, and I'm not afraid to look good while I work harder than anyone else." This dress is a bit of a combo between the two previous: the pleating and pockets of the Magaschoni, with the shoulders and wasp waist of the Banana Republic. In the Modcloth lookbook, they added a brightly-colored pin to the shoulder--that's the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon combing through vintage and handmade brooches on Etsy!

At this temp job I'm currently in, I spend the entire day sitting behind a receptionist desk. It's a mixed blessing--since I'm not running around, I can wear uncomfortable-but-hot heels, but since I'm sitting, no one ever sees them but me. But sometimes that's enough, as I expect would be the case with these Chunk of Change mary-jane heels, $56, from Lulu's. The grey suede body will match your dress quite nicely, while the teal heel and oversized strap adds a lot of personality. These shoes deserve to be shown off--maybe I can answer the phones and greet guests standing up?

Vintage-Inspired Plaid Dresses

You know how much I love plaid? And how much I love Mad Men? The twain have met!
Ok, so this is a pretty old photo--from the end of season 2, even. But it's been on my mind thanks to Modcloth's awesome new Look Book, titled "A Mad Affair." It's all Mad Men-inspired outfits, some of which are vintage and some are just vintage-inspired.
The Kenley Dress, $199, is named after the former Project Runway villain who had great vintage style but a bad attitude. But it really reminds me of something our favorite female copywriter, Peggy Olson, would wear (although she would never go that low-cut, being a good Catholic girl).

Here's another fantastic plaid dress by Anna Sui:The bright colors are a little more "bored housewife" than "working woman," so this dress reminds me more of Betty. The Wilcox Dress is $289.95.

Badass Gladiator Heels

If you haven't already noticed, my taste in shoes tends towards the extremely girly side: I want bright colors, soft fabrics, delicate heels, and bow, if you don't mind. I see something like these J.Crew Lyla Suede Peep-toes, $119.99, and I just swoon.

But lately, I've noticed a shift in shoe trends. Girls have been stomping around in gladiator sandals for a few years now, and it was over a year ago when Carrie Bradshaw spent 80% of the Sex and the City movie wearing those killer Dior heels. True story: I went to see the movie with my mom, and everytime Carrie wore those shoes, my mom would lean over and say, "Ugh, I hate those!" And then afterwards, when we were discussing the movie, she said, "Yeah, I liked it a lot, but Carrie's shoes were so ugly!"

And I admit, when I first saw these last summer I didn't quite get them. But this summer? I'm dying for a pair of over-the-top, aggressive, mean, extreme gladiator sandals for myself. No more ladylike pumps or slingbacks; I need a pair of badass shoes. But--since I'm pretty sure that this trend won't last more than a few more seasons, I don't want to pay more than $100 for a pair. Here are the options I've found:

Nine West Balboa heel, $88.95. I think these are a good place to start because they're not too extreme. The stacked platform and cone heel make them look tough, but Nine West is great at making shoes you can actually walk in. And the gladiator design is almost like a modified T-strap, with just a few extra straps of leather added.

Boutique Nine Vivacity, $69.99. The oversized silver buckles make these shoes stand apart from the crowd; I'd love to wear them with one of those exposed zipper skirts or dresses that are so popular right now.
Athena Platform Pump, $26.80. Forever 21 never met a trend it didn't like, and the gladiator heel is no exception. The leather wrapping around the ankle reminds me of a motorcycle jacket--that's a lot of toughness for such a small price. And that 4.5 inch heel isn't fucking around either.
Miss Sixty Clara Heel, $99.99. From Urban Outfitters, this shoe is probably the closest to the Dior heels Carrie Bradshaw wore. It looks a lot like a bootie with cut-outs, but I think it shows just enough skin to qualify as a heel, instead. I'm obsessed with that architectural cone heel--it's so cool without trying too hard. And the silver studs on the leather are rockin', as well.
Also from Urban Outfitters, the Sweet Life by Dolce Vita Lace Heel, $69.99. Are you a wallflower? Well then, get the fuck out of the way before I smash your toes. That is a five inch heel of pure fierceness right there, and I don't even have the words to describe how hot the corset-like lace-up front is.

Nine West Valenka Boutique 9 Heels, $59.99. These are a little more my style. The contrasting colors of leather are funky but not too wild, and the criss-crossing straps add just enough interest without looking like bondage shoes. I'm not crazy about how high up the back ankle support section goes, though--it's cut like a bootie but the rest of the shoe is decidedly sandal-like.

Modcloth Liz Sandal, $39.99. Here's the gladiator trend with a bit of a vintage twist. The basket-woven leather straps are fun and bohemian, and the caramel brown color is naturally less intimidating than black leather. But these are still guaranteed to get you attention; even if they're not maneater shoes, they're at least man-nibbler shoes, right?

Peasant Dresses

When I was in high school, I had a peasant top that I wore constantly--it's cute cap sleeves and gathered keyhole neckline made me feel like the hottest babe. I grew out of that top, and that trend, but I think this summer might be the time to bring it back, in dress form, of course. What better outfit could there be fore sipping sangria at a sidewalk cafe?

My favorite is the Smocked Squarefront Dress, $69, from Ann Taylor Loft. The basic navy is livened up with light blue and white print, and I like how the top half is relatively simple (so it doesn't compete with your glowing face) while the bottom has more flair. The simple shape--just an A-line dress with a square neckline--is universally flattering and classic, but still very youthful and night-out ready.

Thisi next dress might be a bit too costume-y for me; I don't want to look like an extra in West Side Story (I want to look like Maria, obviously). From Modcloth, the appropriately named Chiquita Bonita Dress, $49.99, has the same keyhole neckline, smocked waist, and fresh white color as my favorite high school shirt. It's pretty much summer personified (or dressified?), and it looks perfect for hot, sweaty days in July, when all you can to do is eat Flavor Ices and catch a breeze.

You know, as I search for dresses to fill this post out, I'm having a heart time defining just what a peasant dress is. Anything with a vaguely Latin American influence would probably fit the bill; more specifically, some sort of ethnic print or embroidery, maybe some smocking at the waist or neckline, a fun, breezy shape and bonus points for cute little ties or bows. Any other qualifications you'd like to add?

This dress is solid-colored, but I think the details on the top half qualify it as a peasant dress. From Anthropologie, the Bungalow Gables Dress, $138, is lighter than air and comes in the freshest of summer colors. I love the little ruffles on the neckline, and the gathered waist would give you a killer hourglass figure. This is also a good dress if you have Michelle Obama-worthy arms, as everyone will want to reach out and touch your shoulders.

Here's a similar dress, also from Anthro. The California Iris Dress, $148, deftly avoids the black/yellow bumblebee connotations by embroidering black flowers along the outlines of the dress, and topping it all off with some statement-making thick black straps (which criss-cross in the back for extra cuteness). This dress embodies the bohemian spirit that Anthro often does so well, even if it's out of the price range of a real bohemian.


Ah, here's a dress that undoubtedly fits in the peasant category. From Victoria's Secret, the Embroidered Dress, $85, has a boring name but a really original look. The big blocks of blue floral embroidery look especially fresh against the loose white dress, and the open neckline is nicely contrasted by the voluminous sleeves. Accessorize this dress with a nice tan and you'll be good to go.

ModCloth Buenos Aires Dress

Oh, man, I was just thinking to myself, "Self, you best be saving your money right now," and then Modcloth had to go and put the Buenos Aires Dress on sale, $118.39 from $147.99. I want it, I need it, oh baby, oh baby.

Just look at that pleated chiffon bodice in the front! So ladylike, with such a girly ruffle around the neck. I usually try to avoid ruffles so close to my face (because they seem to end up acting like napkins), but I'd make an exception for this. And the low back with thin crossed straps is so unexpected and sexy!

You know what it sort of reminds me of? Michelle Williams's yellow Oscar dress from a few years back. On hers, the chiffon is gathered around her crotch instead of at the waist (downgrade) and it also has a sexy v-neck (upgrade). Luckily for me, the turquoise color of the Buenos Aires dress is way easier to pull off, and I have absolutely nothing like it in my closet. Plus, I think it's one of those dresses that is versatile enough for both fancy dinners and casual class sessions--I bet I'd never want to take it off.

Classic Black Dresses

If you need a bit of a palatte cleanser after all those crazy floral, geometric, and painterly prints, I have just the thing: the Classic Black Dress. I'm not really talking about the Little Black Dress, the one you wear on first dates and clubs with $18 cocktails. I'm thinking more like the dress you wear when you want to look chic, poised, and pulled together-- not just sexy.

I'm completely enamored of this Ports 1961 Stretch Sheath Dress, $381.50. It's the sort of dress that you'll wear again and again, for decades and maybe forever. It's the sort of dress you love so much, and feel so confident in, that you politely request to be buried in it. The little cap sleeves, knee-length skirt, and demure neckline make it appropriate for more formal occasions, but there's also nothing prudish or cold about this dress. The girlish bow will emphasis, or create, a tiny waist, and add a flirty, youthful touch. This is such a ladylike dress... and did I mention that it's 50% off?



If you're not ready for Ports 1961, try Bailey 44. This Clipper Dress, $78, is a simple shift dress with some sporty details-- like if Twiggy spent summers playing tennis in Maine. The little clips under the bust are subtle but very chic, and help avoid the straight-up-and-down look that sometimes comes with wearing shift dresses. I also like the sophisticated boatneck top-- pair it with a loose chignon and some dangly earrings, and you'll be the personification of effortless grace.


This Loeffler Randall Double Stud Belt Dress, $223, has a definite edge, perfect for the girl who can go straight from a four course dinner to a dive bar. The shape brings to mind a basic t-shirt dress, but the black wool gives it an upscale twist. The double belt is fierce but not in-your-face, and takes this dress from "nice, but forgettable" to "hotter than Hades."


One of the best things about a great black dress is how instantly it conjures up Old Hollywood glamour. It'd be impossible to wear this Modcloth Wishing on a Star Dress, $157.99, and not feel like Grace Kelly reincarnated. That butter-colored sash is the perfect compliment to the slightly shiny black fabric, and the faux-knot at the hip is a nice touch. This dress is so lovely that you might only be able to wear it once, because everyone will instantly remember the last time they gushed all over your timeless style.




This dress is so on sale it's sick: originally $625, and now $187.50! You can't afford not to buy the Barron Duquette Beatrice Dress! You will never go wrong with a Grecian-inspired dress, because a trend that predates modern civilization will always come back into style. 100% silk, this dress has some incredible draping on the top and pleating on the skirt, with a slightly-contrasting band at the waist. I love how the back is draped too, but just a few inches lower than the front: so sexy. The little subtitle Shopbop gave this dress is, "Yes, we'd love to dance," which I think sums it up nicely.

Printed Dresses

The vast majority of the dresses I own are solid colors-- I have a bit of a fear of prints. But I'm trying to mix it up, maybe with some florals, geometrics, or painterly prints.

I think a good way to ease into this world of prints is with a skirt. An bold skirt is easy to play down with a solid fitted top, so you don't have to worry about looking like your Grandma's couch. I really like this Ecote Silky Watercolor Skirt, $58, from Urban Outfitters. The wide band at the waist helps disguise any possible food babies, and the circle cut of the skirt gives it a fun 50's vibe. The print, of course, is a hipper take on demure florals--the watercolor effect is very arty.

Is the sort of dress that I own 8 times over in solid shades--cap sleeve, jersey, v-neck, empire waist, mid-thigh length. Also from Urban Outfitters, the Kimchi Blue Print V-Neck Dress, $58, has all of my favorite features but also a great vintage-like print. I love the swirls and swoops of the vines.


The Sunner Vanderbilt dress, $97, reminds me of two things I like very much: Blue Crush and this Proenza Schouler for Target dress. I think the fuchsia hibiscus flowers would look sort of ridiculous in New York (especially in February), but if I lived someplace with palm trees I would definitely rock this dress. The big ruffle sleeves are a fun contrast to the very simple cut of the body of the dress, and shiny teal silk is always a fun choice.



I really like this printed dress because it's not entirely printed--the solid portions work as a nice palate cleanser. It's available from Modcloth for $54.99 in a small, or Lulu's for $48 in a large. I like the Lulu's name better-- Iris Eyes Are Smiling--so I'm using their photo. I also like how the dress is made of two distinct parts, because sometimes, if a print is too overwhelming, you kind of look like a giant blob of colors.

If you're feeling really bold, try this Fred Flare Painterly Leighton dress, $64. Part eighties, part MOMA, completely fierce. The banded waist and tank top shape make it easy to wear, but be sure to keep your accessories super minimal.


This is definitely my favorite printed dress: from Corey Lynn Calter, the Tamara Pleated Tank Dress, $209, is ladylike in a completely fresh way. The paint-splattered spots are super fun, and you know I go crazy for accordian pleats. I also appreciate how the gold waist sash is included, since it's essential to dress like this. I want to wear this entire outfit on every first day I go on, from now until the end of time.

Blogiversary!

For some reason I was convinced that February 10th was the big day, but when I check today I saw the truth: Oh My God, Where Did You Get That was born a bouncing baby girl on February 8th, 2008-- which makes today our blogiversary. I still have the yellow legal pad on which Danielle and I brainstormed possible blog names, and some of our rejects are cracking me up. For example, the titles inspired by J.Lo (Don't Be Fooled by the Rocks That I Got) and Miley Cyrus (My Best Friend Leslie Said...) are pretty embarrassing, but also reveal a lot about what sort of music Danielle and I blasted during dance parties. I also like "Our empty, consumer-driven lives," and "We may be broke but we look fabulous." When we started ruling titles out, it came down to OMG or "The Style Section," although now I see that there is a blogspot with that name, although it hasn't been updated since January 24th, 2008. But it's probably good we didn't go with that, because the NYT Style Section has gotten increasingly annoying in the last year, with all this talk of "recessionistas" and how hard it is to live in Manhattan when you're making less than 5 million dollars.

Anyway, we posted 175 times in the last 12 months, which is about every other day. There were busy months and slow months, but thanks for coming by and checking us out anyway. We started with just a handful of readers (pretty much just the contributers, really) and now get around 200-250 people a day, which is mostly thanks to being part of J.Crew Aficionada's blogroll. This is how warm and fuzzy I feel towards J.Crew Aficionada:

J.Crew Cashmere Dog Sweater, $59.99

And here are some more random pieces that sum up how I feel about spending a full year blogging about online shopping:

Catherine Malandrino Chiffon Tank Dress, $620


Quartz Pinata in gold, $135 (I've always dreamed of adding a shiny gold pinata to my Cinco de Mayo parties)

Prada Metallic East-West Tote, $1,760

Bandolino's "Shari" Slingback Pump, $51.75, at Macy's (I love that suede flower!)

Alice + Olivia Asymmetrical Ruffle Skirt, $220

Modcloth's What a Wonderful Coat, $107.99

Hygge and West Gold Dot Ring, $25 (originally $50, on sale until 2/14)

Again, thank you to all our readers, especially those of you who make my day by leaving comments! Also, thank you to my fellow contributers: Danielle, Alex, Andrea and Emily. And thanks to Mindy Kaling, for being our inspiration.

Things I Want Right Now

Back in June or July, I asked Julia to add me to add me to this blog as a contributor. She kindly obliged, and I promptly and epically failed to do anything that could actually be considered "contributing." What I did do, however, was amass a collection of wishlist items that I'd get around to posting someday. Well, it's a new year, and I'm going to be a good little shopper and share my wishlist with all you patient readers.

First, an example of what I consider the perfect dress, from my style icon, Rachel McAdams:

This dress is ideal for flattering curves, or for creating curves where none exist. It's hourglass without being too vampy -- the fullness of the skirt is balanced by the boatneck, and the red sash is perfect for highlighting a tiny waist. I also love that the sash sits a bit above the waist, creating the illusion of a long torso and long legs. It's hard to go wrong with the classic black/white/red color palette, and this is a fresh and clean take on it. I covet this dress -- one in every color, please!

The closest thing I've been able to find online that even comes close to falling into my price range is ModCloth's Best of Both Coasts Dress, $129.99:


How cute is this dress? A lovely, muted nautical palette, a flattering shape, and the same high sash. It's even got pockets! My only complaint is that I find it very hard to accessorize navy clothes. You'd need navy or gray tights to go with this -- maybe ModCloth's Regalia Tights, $13.99?


The other dress I keep revisiting but can't quite convince myself to buy is LuLu's Siren's Net Wrap Around Dress, $63:


I love wrap dresses (accentuate those curves, ladies!), and, like Julia, I have a weakness for nautical details like the net pattern on this dress. The only reasons I haven't ordered it yet are that a) I'm broke, and b) I'm not sure that this wouldn't look a little like a bathrobe on my frame. But I'm sure that could be avoided with a pair of cute heels and some strategic accessorizing.

Is it terribly impractical of me to want to buy ModCloth's Ribbons and Bows Boots, $59.99, and design all my outfits around them from now on?


Julia blogged about fabulous green boots in this post, and I'm totally with her. These are just about the only boots in the world that could make me tuck my jeans in. I mean, how could you wear these without showing them off? I'd love to throw these on with my trusty black H&M wrap dress, some black tights, and green jewelry -- I love a monochromatic outfit with contrasting accents!

Anyone who knows me knows that my true love is jewelry, and I have quite the assortment: $4 H&M brooches, funky statement pieces my dad picks up for me here and there (my favorite being a pair of earrings made of cut-up rulers that say "Beyond Measure"), gold and diamond jewelry from my mom, who gets it on sale at work, and antique bangles inherited from my grandmother. But when I'm shopping for myself I tend towards whimsical and offbeat pieces -- earrings with interesting shapes, my H&M articulated fish necklace, flashy fashion rings, and the like. This Forget Me Knot ring ($54 at Fred Flare) is exactly the type of jewelry I'm drawn to, however impractical it may be:


I know it would get caught on everything, and it'll probably turn my finger green, but it's just so damned fanciful!

Also wonderfully fanciful are these necklaces (Forever, $34, and Spouts, $26) from designer Marc Poulin on Etsy:



All I'm saying is that if anyone happened to be looking for a gift for me... well, subtlety's not really my strong suit. I want these. Badly. That is all.