Monthly Style Obsessions: August

Lately I've been loving bags with chain-straps. Something about them adds a bit of elegance and interest to any outfit. It may be time for me to get one!

1. Rebecca Minkoff Ikat Mini Minaudiere
2. Kate Spade New Bond Street Sawyer
3. Rebecca Minkoff Line Quilted Large Affair
4. Forever 21 Structured Faux Croco Shoulder Bag

Recent Tall Purchases: J.Crew Dresses

Above are two of my most recent office-approriate tall purchases from J.Crew. I had to order them online since J.Crew does not carry tall dress sizes in store (so lame!) and I'm still waiting for them to arrive. I ordered size 4T after trying on the regular sizes in store. Hopefully they fit—fingers crossed!

1. The Tall Memo Dress in Super 120s in heather flannel (on sale). This dress is perfect for fall and I'm in love with the pretty heather gray color.
2. The Tall Emmaleigh dress in Super 120s in black. I've had my eye on this dress for quite a while. It's the perfect black office dress that I never had. It's such a classic style and I'm hoping that the tall size will be flattering on me. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Lookbook: Little Black Dress

American Eagle Black dress; Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Leather Pumps; Iman Clutch; Forever 21 Bracelets; J.Crew Factory Earrings

Everyone needs a little black dress. My little black dress, however, is VERY little! Borderline too little. I purchased it from American Eagle last winter and wore it out once with black tights. I felt a bit black swan-esque (not that it's a bad thing!), but it was fun dress to wear out on the town. I don't think I'd ever wear anything shorter than this, though. As is, I have to be really careful not to bend down!

I'm on the lookout for a slightly longer, slightly less ruffled little black dress and also some more club appropriate heels. I've tried the bodycon dresses, but they just don't look good on me. Any suggestions?

Elevated Style Tip of the Week: Don't Go Over the Top!

I don't always feel as feminine as I'd like because of my height. I've discovered though, that you don't need to wear excessive make-up, pile on the accessories, or flaunt a shorter skirt to look and feel more feminine. To look more feminine, just be subtle and elegant. A few smart pieces can go a long way.

I tend to avoid piling on the jewelry. If you look through my posts, you'll see that my signature style for bracelets is very minimalistic!

READERS - Do you like to pile on the jewelry or do you feel comfortable wearing only a few key pieces?

Lookbook: "Midi" Dresses and Tall Women

ASOS Midi Dress in Stripe With Scoop Back; J.Crew Factory Jean Jacket; Ralph Lauren Zabrina Pumps; Bauble Bar Sparkle Anchor Studs; H&M Belt

ASOS doesn't have a tall section but does have a nice selection of midi dresses. Midi dresses = PERFECT for tall women.

Midi dresses are supposed to reach well below the knee or to mid-calf. Because I'm tall, the "midi" dress I'm wearing above falls just below my knee. Not a problem! It's perfectly long enough and I don't have to worry about bending over! Win!

Here are some tips on how to wear midi dresses (or any below-the-knee dresses, for that matter):

• Pair with a pump or wedge to look less frumpy
• Layer with a cropped jacket or cardigan to keep a long leg line
• Add a belt to define the waist

Readers - Have you tried wearing midi dresses?

Elevated Style Tip of the Week: Try Essie's 'Really Red'

A true, classic red nail polish like Essie's Really Red is a great way to instantly add drama and sophistication to any outfit. It's the perfect pop of color without looking too crazy.

I try to explore other colors, but I always find myself coming back to Essie's Really Red! If you're looking for a truly rich red color, look no further. The name says it all!

Lookbook: Military Jacket and Bold Pencil Skirt

Gap Military Jacket (similar here); J.Crew Factory Printed Pencil Skirt in Stretched Cotton; Ralph Lauren Zabrina Pumps; Banana Republic Tank; Banana Republic Necklace; H&M Bracelets; Bauble Bar Sparkle Anchor Studs

I went outlet shopping last weekend in Kittery, ME. I found some great deals including the military jacket, skirt and tank top pictured above.

The sleeves on the jacket are a bit short, so I rolled them. The skirt is from J.Crew Factory. I love the color, but it fits about an inch shorter than my No. 2 Double Serge Cotton pencil skirts from J.Crew. If this skirt was an inch or two longer, it would make all the difference proportionally.

I did feel a bit Christmassy in these colors, but I felt equally as bad-ass in the military jacket so I went with it! In a weird way I think it works. What do you think?

Lookbook: Kate Spade Dress

Kate Spade Dress (from Marshalls); Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Leather Pumps; Bauble Bar Sparkle Anchor Studs; Express Wristlet; Forever 21 Bangles; Vintage Bracelet

I was so excited to find a huge selection of Kate Spade dresses at Marshalls the other day. I tried on quite a few and landed on the one shown above. It was one of the only styles that fit me properly. The other Kate Spade dresses were more fitted through the hip area, which didn't bode well on my taller frame. Such a common problem for me when dress shopping! This dress, however, cinches in at my waist and flares out at my hips. Being tall, I normally have better luck with these 'fit and flare' dresses. 

I can see myself wearing this dress to work or out for a date night. I kept the styling simple—a classic black and white color combo can go a long way.