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Guest Post - Melissa of A Working Mom's Closet

I'm cruising the Caribbean this week, but don't worry!  I haven't abandoned y'all!  You're in the capable hands of a few of my favorite bloggers.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do as they share their vacation inspired looks.  

Well hello, readers of Mad Dress Game! My name is Melissa and I blog over at A Working Mom's Closet.

When Miss Frances Joy asked us to guest post while she's on vacation, my first thought was, "Sure! I'm honored!" (Okay technically, my first thought was, "Oh, I'm so jealous!" but whatever.)

My second thought was, "Wait, you want me to write something vacation related? What's a vacation?"

I haven't been on a "real" vacation in YEARS (and by real, I mean one that requires time taken off from work longer than half a day. Typically my "vacations" are long weekends.)

There have been a few times when I've left work at lunch to start my long weekend early. Since that's the closest I've come to a vacation, I figured I'd share my "from work to vacation" outfit!

Now I know there are some people who argue that a maxi dress is too casual for the office. However...since my boss usually wears slacks with a plain tee every day, I don't think a maxi dress is a stretch. Especially because for work, I paired it with a blazer! 

Honestly, this outfit was like wearing PJs all day. I need to find more maxi skirts so I can do this more often.

Those of you who read my blog know that I wear a belt pretty much EVERY single day. I love belts. However, I tried this outfit on with a belt too and really felt like it looked just as nice (and was more comfortable) without it, so for ONCE, I went beltless.

Sure, I felt naked all day with that belt. But that might have been in part due to the comfort of the dress itself. 

When the clock is punched and you're gone for the day, take the blazer off and bask even more in the coolness of a tank maxi dress. What's perfect is that not only is this dress easy for long car rides (yeah, all of my vacations are usually just a few hours' drive away) but when you get there, you're still lookin' good for a night out.

Mostly because the black doesn't show the wrinkles from the car ride. But whatever. No one needs to know ALL your secrets. 

Just let them think you're that gorgeous all the time.

What do YOU wear to go from work to vacation?

Late Feature

Y'all, I meant to post this way earlier (way, way, way earlier....) but you know how life is - especially life with limited Internet connectivity.
Anyway, I was featured over on Weesha's World as part of her "What makes me feel beautiful" series. It's such a great idea, y'all. Anyway, you should check out my humble contribution....

Almost famous

Y'all - I'm being featured over on La Rizada today and y'all should check it out because I said some terribly clever things. Also, pretty pictures that you've (probably) seen before.

Oh, and if you're not reading La Rizada, you should be: great style and commentary.

Guest Post: Raindrops on roses with Iris

Hey y'all! While I'm getting settled in Costa Rica, some of my favorite bloggers have been kind enough to share their thoughts and wisdom. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do. For today's post: channeling the Sound of Music with Iris.

Hi, it's Iris from 260 Days, No Repeats stepping in for Frances Joy while she is getting settled into her new routine in Costa Rica. Good luck with everything! When I asked her for a ideas regarding what my focus should be on in this post she suggested talking about a few of my favorite things. Thankfully, that's a no brainer; raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens no wait, that's not right...

Well, as you might know (or have gathered) I am trying to go one year without wearing a repeated outfit to work. That challenge has definitely impacted what I would consider a "favorite". I don't have the option of leaning on one or two safe outfits because that would be breaking the rules. Additionally, wearing the same few items over and over again would be silly considering how many options I have. There are, however, a few key pieces that I find very useful when putting my copious amounts of clothing combo's together. Interestingly enough they're a bit unexpected and have taught me valuable lesson about style...

 First I don't know where I would be accessory wise without my silver bead earrings from Tiffany & Co. That is a bit surprising because I always used to wear long dangly colorful earrings or sets of matching necklaces and earrings; these new simple and classic studs were so not my style! They came as a gift from BF or more specifically his company as an anniversary gift for 5 years with them. He wasn't going to pick anything from the list of options they gave him because they were all very corporate (AKA not his speed) and I thought, "What girl is going to say no to free Tiffany's!?" And they came and they sat in my jewelry box for quite some time but, now that I have been wearing them more frequently I just can't stop! They go with everything. I've learned classics are always in style!

While you might thing jewelry is my favorite accessory, you would be mistake. Not that I don't love it but, I would take the same pair of earring everyday if I could have an endless selection of handbags. The purple tote that I use all the time is probably one of the best purchases I have ever made! It was shortly after I started my current job and had taken a grown up look at my finances deeming myself severely economically challenged and making shopping out of the question!  But, my style eye wandered and I had been looking for a purple patent leather bag (yes, that specific) for months.  at that point and caved when I found this one buried under other tote bags in less awesome (read: outlet only) colors. I hemmed and hawed over it while I stood in line but, took the plunge, it was mini panic attack ensuing but, it was exactly what I had been looking for and while it wasn't cheap ($100ish) it was a steal compared to the retail price ($550+). It has been worth every penny I splurged on it that day! I've learned when you find exactly what you want at a great price it will probably be worth the splurge!

The last (new) favorite of mine is the super skinny pant/jean. That's right people, I am a jegging convert! I'll be honest though, I used to scoff at the idea of wearing those spandex infused bottoms. I thought they wouldn't work for my body type (I am busty and have full hips) but, for some reason when I put them on the comfort sucked me in and I found that (to my surprise) lots of different things in my closet that worked well with them! O and they didn't look that bad on me either. I've learned if a trend is comfy and works for you then go with it!
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Well those are some of my most favorite things although bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens almost made the cut... Maybe these selections won't be what works for everyone but, hopefully you can take a thing or two from what I have learned! Thanks so much for checking out my guest post, I hope you enjoyed! If you have any questions you can email me or stop by 260 Days, No Repeats. I look forward to seeing you there!

Guest Post: Skirting the issue with Lydia

Hey y'all! While I'm getting settled in Costa Rica, some of my favorite bloggers have been kind enough to share their thoughts and wisdom. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do. For today's post: a hand made red skirt and the ever fashionable Lydia.

Hello friends of Frances Joy! I'm Lydia from Chic on the Cheap and I'm so excited to be guest posting for Frances Joy while she's making her move to Costa Rica!

Frances asked that I talk about one of my favorite pieces in my closet, and while I many that I love and rely on to get me through the week, the piece I'm choose is the little red skirt.

I'd been wishing for a red skirt for a while and decided one day to just make it myself. I didn't even use a pattern - just followed some simple instructions on creating a shirred waistband and hemmed it.

Since its creation, I realized just how starved for a red skirt I'd been. It goes with everything (I swear!) and if I ever had to pare down my closet for a big move, this would be the first thing in the suit case.













I hope Frances's move is going smoothly and stress free, and I can't wait to see some fabulous photos from Costa Rica!

Guest Post: Liz's Jacket

Hey y'all! While I'm getting settled in Costa Rica, some of my favorite bloggers have been kind enough to share their thoughts and wisdom. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do. For today's post: a student with loads of style shows off a fabulous jacket. 

Enjoy!

Hello lovely readers of Mad Dress Game!  I'm Liz from lizzypunch!

I was so honored when Frances asked me to share some info on a favorite item in my closet.  It took me a while to narrow it down but I  decided to go with one of the most recent additions to my closet and show you some examples of how I've incorporated it into my wardrobe.

The Item: Faux Leather Jacket

Source: Christmas Gift from my Mama

Reason:  A faux-leather jacket has been on my wishlist for the longest time.  Although I've recently decided to avoid chain stores and turn to more ethical shopping, I can't pass up a gift given with lots of love.

Outfits: I've worn the jacket non-stop since the holidays so here are a few different looks you can try if you have a similar jacket in your closet!

Outfit #1 - Hip

For this outfit I paired my jacket with skinny jeans, a boyfriend tee (literally), flats, a chunky scarf, and bright earrings.  I named this a "University Uniform" since it made me fit right in with the students on the UW campus when I visited my boyfriend last week.  You can read more here.  I think this look is easy to pull off because who doesn't have skinny jeans and plain flats in their closet?  If you want to step it up a notch try wearing some combat boots and concert tee!

Outfit #2 - Dressy Casual

For those of you in the working world, imagine this look with slacks and pumps.  This outfit could have worked great with a blazer, but wearing the faux-leather jacket really changes the vibe of the whole look and adds a more relaxed feel to the ensemble.  So next time you're inclined to get all dressed up, consider mixing in an unexpected element like leather or hardware. Read the original post here.

Outfit #3 - Tough Girl

Who says you can't mix girly pink polka-dots with a biker jacket?  I tried it on New Year's Eve and loved it!  This "skirt" is really a dress over a pair of black leggings.  Without the jacket this look would have been very girly and sweet but the jacket gave me just enough edge for a day around the city.  Read about my NYE here.

I hope I inspired some of you to try new looks with a faux-leather jacket!  Thanks again to Frances for inviting me and I think I speak for all of us when I say we can't wait for you to settle in Costa Rica and get back to blogging!

Guest Post: Favorite things with Danie

Hey y'all! While I'm getting settled in Costa Rica, some of my favorite bloggers have been kind enough to share their thoughts and wisdom. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do. For today's post: some of Danie's favorite things.

Hi everybody! My name is Danie, and I write the blog No Guilt Fashion. I was really excited when Frances Joy I asked me to guest post for her while she is settling things in Costa Rica. Since, she has to pair down her wardrobe and take only her favorite pieces she asked me to write about my favorite items. I also want to show you how they can be worn multiple ways.

My first item is my black moto jacket from Target.

It can be tossed over a t-shirt and jeans, or over a dress or skirt combo to toughen it up.


Next up is something every woman should have in there wardrobe. The quintessential little, black dress.

My LBD is a simple sheath number from Maurice's that I picked up at a thrift store this summer. Since, it isn't a cocktail dress or anything overly formal I have been able to dress it up or down quite easily. Oh! Look there is that jacket again.


My next item is my Gap straight jeans.

I wrote a post about jeans, and out of all the pictures I included these are my favorite jeans. I love pretty much everything about them. The way they fit, and the wash can easily be styled for various occasions.


Last but not least, is my most worn pair of shoes this summer/fall.

I won't bore you with a bunch of pictures of outfits worn with these shoes. I'll just invite you over to my blog, because, if you look at pictures from the last 5 months you will see plenty of them.

Guest Post: Refashioning with Shey

Hey y'all! While I'm getting settled in Costa Rica, some of my favorite bloggers have been kind enough to share their thoughts and wisdom. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do. First up - a refashion from a blogger who leaves me boca abierta (she makes my jaw drop) with her refashioning and thrifting skills.
Enjoy!

Hi everyone, I'm Shey from Modesty is Pretty and I'm delighted to do a guest post for Frances while she gets her things ready to move to Costa Rica! I can't wait for all the wonderful pictures she has promised to take when she's already set there. Today's post is a quick and simple refashion, it's so easy you don't even need a sewing machine, anyone that can use needle and thread can do this refashion. I bought this vintage jacket at a church sale for .50 cents, I loved wearing it but it was a little blah, the other day I was browsing through an old magazine and I saw a similar jacket with lace detail on the collar. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to try my own version. All you need for this refashion is a simple jacket, some lace or ribbon, thread, needle and scissors.

Start by setting the lace on the border of the jacket, you may pin it in place if you wish so it won't wiggle while you stitch.

Start stitching the lace in place. This is how mine looks from the back.

Stitch all around the border of your jacket like so.

I didn't add lace to the bottom border because I always button this jacket, however if you wish you can add the lace to the bottom border too.

Stitch the lace to the border of the sleeves.

And voila, your jacket is done. This took me about 15 minutes to do, it's very easy and I like the Chanel look that my jacket has now.

I hope you all liked this mini-refashion, it's the little details make a lot of difference. Enjoy your new jacket! =)

Guest Post: Chantele from Daisy Dayz

Hello Mad Dress Game readers, it's Chantele here from Daisy Dayz. I am so happy to be swapping posts today with Frances Joy as part of this weeks FBFF. We have decided to style outfits for each other for our swap post so here is mine for Frances.

Although I am thinking about my winter wardrobe Frances Joy is moving to Costa Rica very soon so I thought I would put together a nice summer outfit for her. Plus looking at summer stuff is always fun when it's really cold out. Ok onto the items I chose. I think Frances looks great in full skirts and they are my favourite skirt too. This purple one is cute and colourful. Paired with this bright red body to show off Frances' great figure, she will look super hot but be nice and cool. I have edged up this outfit with flat zipper sandals, chunky bracelets and spiky earrings. I couldn't resist the cute little mouse ring (just wish it was silver not gold). Lastly the perfect outfit needs the perfect bag. This leather bag is smart and big enough for her to be able to carry all her things whilst out shopping.

Hope you all like my outfit!
Daisymay X

Outfit for Frances Joy by daisymay_chantele featuring chain jewelry

Closet purple colour skirt
20 GBP - dorothyperkins.com
Mid length skirts »

Zigi Multi Zip Flat Sandals
$72 - asos.com
Flats shoes »

Lipsy Mixed Stack Bangle Set
$21 - asos.com
Chain jewelry »

ASOS Extra Long Spike Earrings
$14 - asos.com
ASOS earrings »

Pieces | Pieces Bag With Plaited Strap at ASOS
32 GBP - asos.com

ASOS | ASOS Mouse Ring With Hanging Tail at ASOS
7,46 EUR - asos.com

red tie neck rouched body - bodies - tops - women - River Island
riverisland.com
Red tops »

Pop of pink

All remixed except scarf
Turtleneck: Express
Skirt: Gap
Belt: Target
Scarf: H&M
Earrings: Turkey
Pumps: Steve Madden

Y'all, I love this outfit. LOVE IT. I was looking for a jacket in our coat closet and found this scarf mixed in with my winter scarves. I don't know how it got mixed in there, but it's like I have a new scarf all of a sudden. And - bonus! - it's got some hot pink in it (even if it photographs a little more on the coral side) so I can work it for BBCA. (Check Melissa's site out for more BBCA looks.) I knew I wanted to wear it with all black, so I did.


I pulled out one of my favorite fall shirts - this short sleeved turtleneck from Express which is super, super old. I searched for a replacement a couple years ago, but they only had some with cut outs in the chest which just confused me, because why would I want to cover my neck and bare my chest? So this top is one of a kind; it's irreplaceable. Or something.


Add my trusty black skirt and this fabulous scarf, and I'm good. Well, that and shoes. You know what I love about black? That it lets me play so much with shoes and accessories. Grey pumps and turquoise earrings work perfectly well together if they're pops of color against all black. I mean, all black and a wildly printed scarf.


I think I've worn square scarves styled this way three times in the past eight days or so. I like wearing them this way to the very conservative office where I volunteer because they're just funky enough. The woman I volunteer with actually complimented my accessories today, which was nice. I don't get a ton of that in real life besides B. saying I look beautiful. But he's my husband and that's his job; he needs to say that; my coworker totally doesn't have to and that makes it totally different.



Oh, and y'all should check out my guest post over on 260 Days, No Repeats for ideas on what to do with special occasion pieces.