Project Couture Vintage

Kelly has another great tip for everyone: Project Couture Vintage. The clothes are really different and affordable. The styles actually remind me of the kinds of things I saw all those hip ladies in Tokyo wearing. Thanks Kelly!

fresh finds

This pretty tunic (Eddie Bauer, $49.50) offers so many options: wear with jeans, shorts, cropped pants, even a casual skirt. Also comes in white and brown.

And if you are still on the lookout for stylish, versatile sandals that not everyone has, how about these flashy flats by Athena Alexander?  (Nordstrom, $89.95)

shoes for a good cause

TOMS shoes donates one pair of shoes to a needy child for every pair you buy, like this coral and natural canvas pair, $42.

Too unique for you?   Try this cool TOMS t-shirt, $28, and they will donate a pair of shoes for this purchase as well. 

Or check out this hot tote, $65.  Buying it will feed one child for one school year.Another great option:

Whole Foods has teamed up with FEED and are offering a grocery bag..."Each bag purchased for $29.99 will help provide 100 nutritious meals to hungry school age children in Rwanda through the United Nation World Food Program’s (WFP) School Feeding Program."

Style that helps save the world is a beautiful thing.

Found it!

Right after I published the previous post, I found what I was looking for...

the topless undershirt by Blush.

Available online at Luca Bleu, $15.

Essentials No. 7

Layering undershirts.  I wear them with just about everything, just about every day.  

While I have worn shirts by Shade ($17.50 each or 3 for $48) for the last couple of years and I still like their brand, I was a bit frustrated by how easily my son was able to pull at the neck opening and completely ruin the elastic, which looks kinda stupid.  Last week a friend recommended On the Hip...I ordered three white layering shirts for just $10 each.  I was a bit worried about the quality at that price, but they got here super fast and I've been loving them.  The quality is great.  Very soft, nice length, and the neck has thicker binding that my one-year-old can't seem to stretch out.

There are several other brands available online.  Undertease is actually the first one I tried. They are a bit pricey, $29 for one, but they do have some lovely colors.  Their fabric in my experience is super stretchy.  I prefer a slightly looser fit, but I have friends who love this brand.

Now here's a new idea:

If you only need more coverage around your neck and arms, Mia Bellina has cropped layering shirts, $10.95.  Has anyone tried this one?  

I have a vague memory of a band of fabric someone sells, something like a tube top so you can just add length if if you prefer.  However, I have been unable to locate that product.  Anyone know more about this?

Another online brand available is Down East Basics.

Their prices are always low, just $9.99 per shirt.

Next, we have Layers.  Classic, $17.

Here's another brand, ModBe.  

Their Second-Skin capsleeve is $18.

Coverwear also offers a capsleeve for $18.

And finally, Divine ModesTee has a capsleeve basic as well.  One for $18.95 or 3 for $52.

So, do your wear layering shirts?  Which brand do you prefer?

Kelly gets Pic'd

(Short for "Style Picnicked") I spotted this lovely lady at the Green Leafe Cafe in Williamsburg, VA...looking so so hot in her black embroidered Michael Kors tunic with flattering pleats in both front and back, paired with jeans for an excellent casual outfit. Well done, Kelly.

Who's getting Pic'd next?

Esprit

I recently rediscovered the clothing company Esprit. They've got an abundance of fetching apparel on their website. Here are my favorite picks for spring/summer:check babydoll shirt, Esprit, $50. I love the colors in this subtle plaid.

mix cardigan, Esprit, $80. Now that is a cute sweatshirt.full needle hood cardigan, Esprit, $40. So is this. I like the way they call them "knit cardigans."
laura summer skirt, Esprit, $80. Attractive silhouette combined with useful basic.
stripe voile skirt, Esprit, $70. Love the pockets.
madras check dress, Esprit, $60. This is probably too short on its own, but I still think it's lovely.
easy print dress, Esprit, $60. Dazzling.
cute cargo dress, Esprit, $80. A great way to wear leggings with a dress.
print silk dress, Esprit, $110. Incorporate the Safari trend into your wardrobe.
Jersey roundneck top, Esprit, $25. I like the color and the cut of this top.

G-Star Raw

"G-Star is a style of all times. Futuristic and cautious. Far-reaching and experimental. Alternative and traditional. G-Star is about making eccentric combinations, and maintaining authenticity. Never one to follow the crowd. Just the product."

Here are three inspiring looks from their current collection...I want to wear all three! The womens' line is so amazing, but unfortunately is hard to find online. This is the store locator.
Great recommendation, Leah. Thanks!

cold and wet outside...

It feels like it has been raining for weeks here in Williamsburg. Rainy weather makes me want to get cozy...so today's post is all cottony comfort. Featherweight V-neck tee, JJill, $15. (Just ignore the creepy expression on this lady's face.)
French terry tee, JJill, $49. Laughing it up by the pool.
Sheer jersey scoop neck t-shirt, Bella, $21. Simple.

Mossimo Hoodie, Target, $18. Beach bum is better than just plain bum, am I right?

rugby stripes

I remember raiding my dad's closet and shopping in the boys' department for rugby shirts in the sixth grade. I think rugby shirts were kind of uncool for a while, but my closet is full of rugby stripe inspired t-shirts. (Believe it or not, I was even on a rugby team for a bit in college!) Lately, I've noticed a resurgence of that classic, preppy-ish look, much to my delight... just can't get enough of that thick, juicy stripe.

You too?Taffeta Rugby Skirt, JCrew, $175. Dress 'em up...Rugby striped terry tunic, Gap, $44.50. ...or down. This one looks so comfortable.

This would be so cute over a little Shade shirt. Love the colors. Rugby Babydoll Cami, Forever 21, $9.90.Rugby Hooded Cardigan, Forever 21, $30. A cute spring sweater.Xhilaration Square-Neck Stripe Baby-doll top, Target, $20.Rugby Stripe Tankini, Urban Outfitters, $48. Pretty swimsuit.
Nike Three Quarter Sleeve Stripe Hoodie, Nordstrom, $40. The wide bands of white are so flattering.Short sleeve rugby stripe shirt, Free People, $98. Hmmmm...green or yellow?

Cardigans, part II

Thanks for the comments and keep them coming! I love feedback, it makes me feel like I'm not just talking to myself!
Next up: short sleeved cardigans, like this one. Lattice-print Short-sleeve Cardigan, JCrew, $88.Issac Mizrahi for Target Sparkle Cardigan, Target, $28.A cardigan can be worn buttoned up like a shirt, (obviously). I like this stripey one from Juicy Couture, Nordstrom, $148.Eileen Fisher Linen Cardigan, Nordstrom, $158.
You may have seen these drapey cardigans around. I think I'd have to get used to not having buttons or a belt to cinch in my waist, but it looks so comfortable.Here's another one by Lauren Conrad (the girl from the Hills). Sorta like a super-sexy yoga instructor. Katherine wrap, Lauren Conrad, $140.

More cardi's...Rain-or-Shine Cardigan, Anthropologie, $220. Machine wash cotton. Online-only.Sailboat print cardigan by Sparrow, Anthropologie, $98. Super soft and surprisingly versatile. Only available in stores.Theory Vance Cashmere Cardigan, shopbop.com, $335. Digging this monochromatic look.
Citronella coat, JCrew, $198. Wow.

And lastly...transform old and baggy into fresh and fitted with this tutorial from Sweet Sassafras.