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?

K Line Swimwear

Go retro in this cute French maid swimsuit, $75.

Cherella USA

Two pretty dresses from the Cherella USA boutique. Jewel colored stripe jersey dress, $76.

Aqua Ruffle Wrap, $72.

Spring/Summer Essentials No.6

I've been on the road for a couple of days, without internet access, but I'm back!

The Maxi dress. Long and billowy, these floor-skimming dresses are the embodiment of the current silhouette trend of fitted around the bust and then loose around the stomach. Romantic and charming, flattering...especially on taller women.

They look great during the day, or for dressier occasions.

Definitely pair this look with wedge heels, thong sandals, and embellished flip flops.

Shabby Apple has a new dress that follows this trend using neutral colors... Cleopatra, Shabby Apple, $59. This is a great choice because you don't need an undershirt.

All the other maxi dresses I have seen require an undershirt. But don't let that stop you!

The other great way to wear this look is to select a bold, colorful print. This incorporates two more of the season's trends...bold prints and safari influence.

I love this print (the Spring Blossom Summer Dress, $138) from C& C California: Right now they are offering Free Shipping on all C&C California orders through 5.09.08!

I also like the safari vibe coming from this one by Victoria's Secret, $55.

This orange and pink print from Delia's is my personal favorite...It's the Jaclyn Dress, $50. Delia's also has a great shipping deal going on:
Free shipping on orders $25 or more, plus new summer arrivals at d*ELiA's! Use code DWFAFF. Offer valid through 6.11.08.

I also want to add that this style is simple to sew...I made one in college that I loved. So you may want to try a little sewing adventure.

I'm dying to know: how do you feel about the long and lovely Maxi?

Anyone want new exercise clothes? Check out Gaiam's organic cotton clothing. Right now they're having a big sale:
Gaiam's Annual Spring Clearance - Save 20-60% off!This stylish Organic Cotton Dolman Sleeve Jacket is on sale for $34, down from $70.

Free Shipping - on purchases $25 or more. Use coupon AFSPR. Expires 6.30.08.

Kelly gets Pic'd

Kelly looks adorable in this beautiful bold dress she found at Ross for $12, can you believe it? She added the brown border to the bottom herself, then modified the straps with snaps for easier nursing. So clever! It's a great example of getting creative and making it work modestly. I'm impressed. Thanks for sharing, Kelly!

Spring/Summer Essentials No.4 & 5

No. 4...Braid your hair this year. Here's a great tutorial. Right here.

No. 5...Add a splash of shocking pink to your wardrobe. Try hot pink sunglasses, earrings, or other accessories with your neutral black, white, and grey outfits.Goggle sunglasses, Delia's, $10.Drop earrings, Target, $8.Melie Bianco Bow Hobo, Fashion Flairs, $50.

Springs/Summer Essentials No. 3

Some of you may have already jumped on this bandwagon...but for those of you who haven't, I'm just going to say: It's the ultimate in comfortable and stylish clothing.
Leggings. With a nice long tunic or short-ish dress.
I found a nice black pair at H&M for only $7.
Urban Outfitters has these nice long Damsel Leggings for $24.This Roxy dress from Buckle would look so cute with an undershirt and a little pair of leggings. $45.So would this one from Delias, $40. Love the bold floral.This simple tunic from Heavenly Couture, $18, looks really easy to wear.Here are two more sophisticated versions of this idea:Jacquard Lace Pima Cotton Element Tunic, $110.Pima Cotton and Tencel Julep Tunic, $118. Both from Peruvian Connection:

So, do you already wear this silhouette or are you planning on trying it?

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?

looking forward

First of all, I am so pleased and overwhelmed with the response Style Picnic has received in such a short time. I read every comment and am so grateful for your feedback. Please continue to email me, discuss by making comments on posts, and, of course, chat with me in person!

Looking ahead...there are great things in store for Style Picnic. I'm working on new features such as Style Pic'd, Shopping Adventure, tutorials, and more giveaways and Style Profiles. These will be regular and, hopefully, interesting. I'm excited!

I think looking nice and feeling confident often brings out the best in a person...makes your day brighter. If you're like me, you feel friendlier, perhaps more charitable. So don't feel shallow. Let's make the world a better place--one woman at a time.