Lookbook: Neutrals and Metallic

Ann Taylor Blouse; Anne Klein Pencil Skirt; Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Leather Pumps; Banana Republic Factory Necklace; Kathy Van Zeeland Bag; H&M Earrings; Vintage Bracelets

I've been wearing a lot of color lately, but sometimes it's nice to play with neutrals (black, brown, gray, navy blue, tan, white, etc.). Oftentimes, I find that wearing all neutrals makes me feel more sophisticated. It's a very understated but classy way to dress. I generally like to jazz up neutrals with some sparkle―above I chose a mix of gold and silver metallic.

There's nothing tall about this outfit. I bought the regular-sized skirt from Marshalls and the regular-sized shirt from Ann Taylor. With skirts and tops, I rarely ever have to buy tall sizes. Maybe that's why I wear so many pencil skirts! It's dresses and pants that I always have trouble with.

Tall Readers - Do you ever have trouble finding skirts and tops that fit?

Monthly Style Obsessions: July

I'm currently loving everything anchors right now. Here are some of my picks for this month:

1. J.Crew Anchors Aweigh Tee
2. Dogeared Jewels It's The Little Things Anchor Studs
3. Nine West Handbags One Stop Shopper Large Tote
4. J.Crew Postage Stamp Skirt in Mini Dizzy Anchors
5. J.Crew Mona Anchor Printed Pumps

Elevated Style Tip of the Week: Try Something Nu!

Yes, we're talking about the NuBra here! I bought this one from Amazon for $30 and was very skeptical at first. I mean, how long could a sticky bra last? Would it actually provide any support?

Surprisingly, this sticky bra works wonders! It does look a bit awkward and it certainly feels a bit awkward at first, but one you get used to it, there's no turning back to regular strapless bras. And no, that's not me in the photo!

I bought my first and only NuBra last August. I've worn it about 40 times and it still has a bit of wear left. I'm an a-cup, so I can't speak for women with larger cup-sizes, but the NuBra provides plenty of support and coverage. This one in particular doesn't have any extra padding, so if that's what you're looking for, I wouldn't recommend it. It does, however, enable you to enhance your cleavage. All you have to do is stick the cups further apart and use the clasp to pull them together.

I guess my secret's out! Here are some outfits where I'm wearing the NuBra. Can't tell, can you? It's perfect for strapless and backless dresses/shirts.

I'll definitely be purchasing another one. It's totally comfortable and feels like you're not wearing anything!

Lookbook: Tall Banana Republic Ikat Strapless Dress

Banana Republic Ikat Strapless Dress (on sale!); Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps; Express Blazer; H&M Bracelets & Earrings; Vintage Bracelets from Grandmother

I couldn't wait to try on this tall banana republic dress, but I will admit, I was a bit nervous. It's the first tall sized dress I've ever tried on from Banana Republic. 

• Size: I was happy to find that the dress fit me like a glove! It's a size 4T (I usually go for a size 6 or 8) but if you remember from this post, I decided to size down because it's better to have a strapless dress that's too tight than one that constantly falls down. While the dress fits me perfectly, I'm not sure it would fit anyone much taller. At 5'10", I'm definitely on the shorter size of tall. The waist falls in the right place and the length is just above my knees, which is right around where I like it. 
• Material: The material feels expensive even though it's made out of cotton and polyester. Additionally, the dress is fully lined. Not bad for only $28!
• Function: This is a perfect example of a dress that can go from work to date night. For work, I would add a black, white or tan blazer. I went with black because I'm still on the hunt for the perfect summer white or tan blazer. Let me know if you have any recommendations!

Overall, it's a fun, flattering dress that I'm sure will get a lot of use. What do you think?

Lookbook: Another J.Crew Pencil Skirt and Pair of Pointy Flats

J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Deck Stripe; J.Crew Tippi Sweater; Forever 21 Bag; H&M Bracelets and Earrings; J.Crew Viv Printed Patent Flats

Above, I'm wearing yet another pencil skirt from J.Crew. They've really become a staple for me this year. This one in particular seems to run larger than the double-serge cotton material, but that's okay because it still fits. It just doesn't hug my curves as much.

Below are all of the other J.Crew pencil skirts I own (except for a grey one that I haven't posted about yet). Which one is your favorite?

Lookbook: J.Crew Perfect Shirt Regular vs. Tall

J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe (Tall); Gap Shorts; Bauble Bar Necklace; Jack Rogers Basic Navajos Sandals; J.Crew Bracelets; H&M Earrings

J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe (Regular); Gap Shorts; Banana Republic Necklaces; J.Crew Viv Printed Patent Flats; H&M Earrings; Tommy Hilfiger Sunglasses; 

Can you guess which shirt is the tall size? 

It's the pink one! 

• Overall Length: In the first photo, you can see a clear difference in overall length. The tall size is a good two inches longer than the regular size, even though both shirts are a Medium. The extra inches give me a longer, leaner look whereas the regular size cuts me short. The tall size is also easier to tuck into jeans and skirts.
• Sleeve Length: I always wear my button downs with the sleeves rolled, so sleeve length doesn't matter much to me. I just wanted to show you that the tall size has sleeves that are plenty long!
• Shape: The tall size has a better overall shape to it. It looks less baggy and more tailored. I'll definitely purchase tall size shirts from J.Crew more often!

Recent Tall Purchases: Banana Republic

Above are two of my most recent tall purchases from Banana Republic—a retailer that never fails to have great options for taller women (if you order online!).

1. The Ikat strapless dress. With coupons and a gift card, I managed to buy it for only $28. Score! Hopefully it fits—I ordered a size down (4T) because in my opinion, it's better to have a tight strapless dress than one that constantly falls down! I've only owned one other strapless dress and I remember having to constantly adjust it. Lookbook post to come shortly!
2. Classic trench in black. I've had my eye on this black trench coat (perfect for fall), even though I own the Almond color already. I purchased the Almond one a few years ago when I started my first job out of college. I love it so much; it's a classic style that has lasted me over two years. The only problem? The sleeves are a bit short. I roll the sleeves up most of the time, but it will be nice to try this trench in a tall size. You can see the Almond version on me here. 

Newport, RI: Day 2

Ann Taylor Cotton Sateen Sunbaked Illusion Print Split Neck Sheath Dress; Jack Rogers Basic Navajos Sandals; Ann Taylor Perfect Exotic Skinny Belt; Forever 21 Anchor Necklace

Day 2 of the Newport, RI trip involved more mansions! In total, we toured nine. I can safely say that I'm all mansioned-out for a while.

I wore a regular-sized Ann Taylor Dress all day and found it to be quite lightweight and comfortable in the hot sun.

Typically with regular-sized Ann Taylor dresses, the area where the butt is supposed to be ends up on my back. It's a horrible problem! Luckily, by sizing up one size, I was able to get this particular dress to work for me. It's not perfect, but I fell in love with the color and print—way too cute to resist! I wouldn't recommend this dress to anyone over 5'10" since the waist will probably not fall in the right place.

I've never tried tall dress sizes from Ann Taylor before because they're not sold in store. I'd love to hear feedback if any of you have tried them.

Readers - What's the fit like on tall-sized Ann Taylor dresses?

*Thanks again to my Sister, Kelly who took these photos!

Newport, RI: Day 1

Ann Taylor Bright Horizon Skirt; J.Crew Perfect-Fit Tee; Forever 21 Anchor Necklace

I just got back from a quick family trip to Newport, RI. I had a fantastic time—it was not only great to catch up with my family and vacation in a beautiful area, but also showcase some of my recent finds from Ann Taylor.

The skirt I'm wearing above is regular sized. There's a tall version available online, but the sizes are limited. At 19" long, the regular version surprisingly fit me! And the skirt was perfect for touring the Newport mansions in—lightweight, low maintenance and fun.

 *A special thanks to my Dad and my Sister, Kelly, who took these lovely photos!

Newport Bound

Tomorrow I'm heading to Newport, RI with my family. Here's a sneak peak of what I packed. Bright colors, lightweight fabrics, fun prints and nautical stripes. The weather is supposed to be in the 80's. Hopefully I'll be able to get a couple of posts out of these outfits!

Stay cool and happy 4th!