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| Trying to look "mysterious" when all I can think about is the endless buffet of crab legs I'm about to eat! |
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| At the Casino: White studded blouse: H&M; Jeans: Material Girl (Macy's) Wedges: "Frida" sandals by Mia (Macy's); Gold bow purse: Target |
Studded Jeans for Date Night
DIY Maxidress
I love maxidresses and found a fabulous, colorful one at a
local boutique. Unfortunately, the boutique dress was way, way out of my price
range (upwards of $400). So, I used the dress for inspiration and decided to
make my own! Using a stretchy, jersey fabric, I left the side slits up for a sassy 2013 look.
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| A thrifted red clutch goes well with the colorful palette. |
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| Comfy and bump-friendly! |
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| I like having the higher neckline in front, but the dress is completely reversible. |
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| I'm a novice, so the dress took a bit longer than an hour. . .but was still relatively easy and fun to make. |
One Dress, Endless Possiblities
A Dress By Any Other Name. . .
Style challenge: how many looks can you get from one basic A-line dress? By changing jewelry and shoes of course, the possibilities are endless. But what if you want the style the dress to look like an entirely different item of clothing? That's where the fun really begins!
Dresses make sweet skirts. The secret is to completely cover the upper half of the dress with another top. Crewneck, v-neck tops, and cardigans buttoned all the way up can work for this illusion. Keep your outfit polished by avoiding tops that are too long or loose-fitting. My favorite way to make a seamless dress-to-skirt transformation is to wear a tie-front top.
Another idea is to convert your short dress into a tunic. All you need for this style trick is to wear the dress over a pair of leggings. Whether you choose a solid hue or a bold pattern (like florals, graphic or global prints), the comfort of leggings is an added bonus!
Want more tips? Check out my TV segment on maximizing an LBD on KSDK's "Show Me St. Louis" right here!
Dresses make sweet skirts. The secret is to completely cover the upper half of the dress with another top. Crewneck, v-neck tops, and cardigans buttoned all the way up can work for this illusion. Keep your outfit polished by avoiding tops that are too long or loose-fitting. My favorite way to make a seamless dress-to-skirt transformation is to wear a tie-front top.
Another idea is to convert your short dress into a tunic. All you need for this style trick is to wear the dress over a pair of leggings. Whether you choose a solid hue or a bold pattern (like florals, graphic or global prints), the comfort of leggings is an added bonus!
Jumpers are equal parts chic and adorable. To make your dress look like a jumper, simply put it over a button-up blouse or long-sleeve top. In warmer months, try wearing a sleeveless A-line dress over a short-sleeved blouse. Bonus style points for pairing the dress with a statement collar top.
Want more tips? Check out my TV segment on maximizing an LBD on KSDK's "Show Me St. Louis" right here!
About Me
I believe there is only one success in life -
to spend it in your own way, as fashionably as possible. My blog stays true to
that philosophy by featuring outfits created with a mixture of thrifted
clothes, unique vintage accessories, and sale finds. The Ruby Zipper also
shares style tips and inspiration. I started blogging while pregnant, so you'll find lots of posts about taking on the style challenge of rocking a baby bump. Now
that I'm sans bump and starting a new journey as mother to an adorable little
girl aptly named Ruby, I'm excited to take the blog in new directions. Look for
more eclectic outfits, coverage of local fashion events, and info on indie
boutiques in 2014!
My Style
- Solid colors make me nervous; I always worry that I look too plain. I gravitate towards crazy patterns, so monochromatic looks are my version of a fashion risk.
- The life cycle of many of my clothes is very short. An unlucky garment may only get 2-3 wears before I decide I'm sick of it or it's forgotten. Deeply discounted finds are most vulnerable to my mercurial moods, but not even full-price items are completely safe.
- I admire lots of designers (Betsey Johnson, Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney to name a few) but rarely buy or wear anything "designer." I'm more of a thrifty, hunting-through-clearance-racks kind of girl.
- While working on my bachelor's degree in psychology in the late 1990s, I was voted "Best Dressed" in my dorm. After suffering through years of school uniforms, I proudly rocked thrifted polyester 70s blouses, vintage tees, and wide-leg pants.
- My husband and I are the proud (new) parents to daughter Ruby Estelle, born 10/29/13. We also have an adorable cat, Silver.
- I would happily survive on a diet of cold cereal, crepes with chocolate and bananas, pizza, and sushi.
- I was an extra in the Oscar-nominated film "Up In The Air." I rode up in the elevator with my costar, George Clooney. The blurry woman walking the halls about 30 minutes into the movie is me!
- I'm currently studying Fashion Merchandising at a local college and pursuing creative professional opportunities.
- My all-time favorite show is Beverly Hills, 90210 (the original). This blog was almost called "The Peach Pit."
