Daily Archives: 9 July, 2012

styled alternatives: velvet’s marisha dress

Good morning, friends – I missed you last week! Though I tell you, it was a vacation sorely needed. But I’m back now, refreshed, and ready to get back to business. By which I mean copious amounts of online shopping, naturally.

I didn’t get a chance to tell you about my latest find before I checked out, but I’ve been wearing it nonstop, so it’s high time. Let me introduce you to Velvet by Graham & Spencer’s Marisha dress.

velvet summer 2012 1 styled alternatives: velvets marisha dress

I am beyond picky about summer dresses. I adore them, but never ever find one that will suit my many requirements. I should have known to start with Velvet by Graham & Spencer…they just always seem to get it right, don’t you think?

Besides being head over heels for that Aztec-inspired print and the cheery coral hue, this beauty nails each and every summer rule of mine. Plus, I cannot tell you how many compliments I get when I wear it. It isn’t too short (miracle of miracles), and that fitted bodice/relaxed skirt combo is hands-down the most flattering style ever. Oh! And. It has wide straps and a lined skirt. For once, bra straps and VPL aren’t an issue.

I tell you, this dress is magic. Even the hubs has commented on it several times. (At one point, he actually said “You should get more dresses from that company.” Way ahead of you, buddy.)

Styling this baby is easy as pie. It also happens to be one of those rare summer dresses that you can actually wear to the office (you know, unless you’re trading stocks or trying cases). So, I’ve come up with a couple of my favorite ways to wear the Marisha at work and at play.

velvet summer 2012 styled alternatives: velvets marisha dress

Work: Linen blazer, Olivia Moon, $88 / Raffia woven tote, Marni, $828 / Rope belt, the i heart boutique, $22 / Anja wedge, Loeffler Randall, $262 / Mix bead necklace, A Merry Mishap, $31

Weekend: Denim jacket, KUT, $69 / Oversized popcorn raffia clutch, Bop Basics, $78 / Leaf filigree cuff, Prismera Designs, $240 / Super Skinny green belt, ASOS, $10 / Andromeda flat, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, $225

And that’s just off the top of my head! Coral is such a versatile shade, you could swap the blue blazer for navy, or even a bright yellow if you have dark skin. On the weekend, ditch the denim jacket in favor of a military style, a short-sleeved cardi or go bare. Change out the dainty belt for a chunkier style (I happen to love my Wood & Faulk version), switch up the jewelry ad infinitum (just steer clear of long necklaces…I don’t love the look when mixed with a belt). Be bold, and this dress will deliver all season.

I happen to love the people at Velvet by Graham & Spencer, so buy it from them if you can. If they’re out of your size, you can also find it right here.

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elsewhere: ivillage summer challenge!

Hey friends! You know all of those huge behind-the-scenes projects I’ve been working madly on alluding to? Well, one of them launched this morning! I’m a coach for iVillage’s “Make This Summer Count” challenge – four weeks of tips and tricks to maximize your summer before it’s gone.

ivillage banner elsewhere: ivillage summer challenge!

It’s actually been pretty fascinating to work on…one of the other coaches is Charles Duhigg, an expert in habit formation (and a New York Times reporter), so I’ve been learning all sorts of useful tips on how to boot my procrastinating tail into action. Seriously, the guy is pretty damn interesting.

Sign up for the email tips, and you’ll get a little piece of me in your inbox for the next four weeks. Too thrilling to pass up, no?

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