Do More w/Your Money: Three Ring Dress

What's better than a handmade dress ($75) in a cheerful, playful print for warm weather? How about a dress where 20% of the proceeds go to fight and prevent human trafficking? Yes, I think that might do it! In fact, with every purchase you make from The Velvet Bird, you'll also be making a small contribution that might make a huge difference. It's a win-win situation.

Convertible Wrap Dresses

These handmade convertible wrap dresses ($79-98) by Coralie Beatrix are not only practical but they come in the prettiest colors and the dress lengths are customizable. In case you're like me and are wondering how a single dress converts to create these different looks, the designer provides helpful videos to show us how it's done. So smart.

Tank Dresses by Thief & Bandit

New tank dresses by Thief & Bandit starting at $58. I'd wear one over a bathing suit or on the hottest of days running errands around town. Thief & Bandit just released their Spring/Summer lookbook and I want ever single piece. I mean that. Every.Single.Piece.

Wish list 3.6.12

1) pretty in blue pleated dress ($46.99) via ruche (I added this dress to my wish list last week but can't seem to find it on the site anymore. Hopefully, they'll bring it back though, it's too special not to.)
2) LC-A+ silver lake camera $399 via lomography (it's a splurge but oh my goodness is it pretty!)
3) archer sandal $69 via dolce vita
4) don't give up the ship ivory throw pillow $58 via high street market
5) veda scarf ($59) via ash and archer
6) come sail away print dress $44.99 via ruche
7) striped caravan mailbag $82 via madewell

Wish list 1.26.12

1) Do you see those little blue shapes on the top of that dress ($80.57)? They're cats and they're awesome! Cheeky but still very wearable. I need this dress.
2) Nautical never gets old for me and this anchor bracelet ($60) by Miansai is the perfect blend of casual meets chic. I'd wear it to dress up a plain tee and jeans.
3) What's better than a pair of comfy, colorful oxfords ($148) to transition out of boots for Spring? The little tassels on the shoelaces adds the perfect finishing touch.

Can you tell that I'm getting ready for warmer weather?

Under $100: Long Sleeved Dresses

printed dress w/fringes $79.90 via zara; 60's midgauge shift dress $90 via oasis; early reservations dress $67.99 via modcloth; pussybow shirt dress $71.88 via asos

split neck dress $89.50 via lands end canvas; stripe slash neck tunic $45 via topshop; boat neck sweater dress $42.50 via old navy; carly dress $74 via need supply

gemma wrap dress $98 via banana republic; quirky mini dress $62 by sophie brady;  two toned dress $59.90 via zara; colorblock sweater dress $79.50 via loft

I wear dresses more than anything and just because it gets cold doesn't mean my dress wearing habits cease to exist. Although I layer my warm weather dresses so that I can wear them year round, I like to have a few long sleeved dresses for when I have to stay warm and want to keep it simple. I've rounded up some of my favorite options under $100. This one and this one are my top picks. See any dress you wouldn't mind wearing?

Wish List 9.8.11

1) green woolen tank dress $83.99 via romwe

2) heartsmith rings $50 via kiel mead

3) the petite briefcase $118 via madewell

4) vintage tweed jacket $198 via jcrew

5) loafer heel $98 via marias usa

6) modern madelint top $37.99 via modcloth

7) pale peach braid necklace £35 via a alicia

Anything new on your wish list this week?

Zara Online Shop

Zara's online shop is finally open for business as of today! Here are my favorite picks for fall:

1) boat neck dress $79.90 2) shirt with shoulder gathering $59.90 3)  biker ankle boot $99 4) bell bottom jeans $59.90 5) large motera bag $129 

As you can tell, I'm still thinking about my work wardrobe (or lack thereof). My last office was wonderfully casual but I think it's about time I took it up a notch. These staples seem like good affordable options to get my fall work wardrobe started, don't you think?

Get Cutie

I mentioned earlier that B and I attended a wedding this weekend. I met a woman there, the groom's sister to be specific, who was wearing the cutest retro style dress. It was designed to fit like a glove, but not too tight and was similar to a 60's style wiggle dress. Well, being the ever diligent blogger that I am, I asked her about the dress and she told me all about Get Cutie.

Get Cutie is a shop in Brighton that allows you to pick the silhouette and then pick from a selection of fabrics. Many of the patterns are quirky and fun (um, hello Elvis and cat heads). They range from £62.00 to £145. I think I can say with confidence, after seeing one of these dresses in person, they are worth the splurge.

Tomato (to wear)

1) necklace no. 5 $58 via lacoli & mcallister

2) dixie trousers $98 via anthropologie

3) fold over clutch in orange $130 via need supply

4) espadrille wedge tomato $105 via mariasusa

5) stretch woven vintage swimsuit $125 via jcrew

6) reality bites dress $75 via need supply

7) necklace no. 3 via lacoli & mcallister

8) red sleeveless tie front shirt $48 via topshop

9) pleated chiffon mini skirt $49 via uo

10) worishofer 251 sandal $59.95 via endless

All the toe-may-toe-y goodness makes me happy. It's the kind of color never fails to brighten my day. See anything you like?

Sexy Back

low back multi colored cotton dress $168

open back multi colored dress $169

sleeveless lowback black and white striped summer dress $68

Pretty handmade dresses by Lana Stepul. Kind of sexy and sweet all at the same time, don't you think?

Shop: Joy

There are some really cute and reasonably priced dresses over at Joy. The pilot shirt dress is my favorite, no doubt about it. Oh, and Joy ships to the U.S.! 

D&OC Loves: Peter Pan Collars

savannah tank dress via nasty gal $58/ the golden afternoon dress via red velvet $60/ orange lace peter pan dress via dorothy perkins £35.00/ lace peter pan dress via new look £28.99/ peter pan shift by rare via topshop $90/ cherbourg dress by dear creatures via ruche ($124.99 currently out of stock)

cooperative conversational peter pan blouse via uo $39/ vintage 1950's embroidered sleeveless blouse via in perpetuity $48/ lace peter pan collar blouse via asos $53.79/ short sleeve peter pan blouse via french toast $9.98 (seen here)/ petite stripe peter pan top via dorothy perkins £18.00/ tulip print peter pan blouse via topshop $66/ white lace insert peter pan sleeveless blouse via topshop $60

The Peter Pan collar became popular in the early to mid 20th century having been donned by women and children alike. Since then, it's mostly been worn by children but that doesn't deter me from loving it or wearing it for that matter. I realize this look isn't for everyone but I welcome the cheeky, girly, retro Peter Pan collar with open arms. What do you think? Is this a trend best left behind along with your school girl uniform?

Vintage: Awoke on a whale heart

nucleus dress $65 / swiss dress $65

ellington blouse $28 / cavic blouse $32

heroine dress $69 / harper dress $65

I'm not sure I have the words to describe the pure awesomeness that is Awoke Vintage. I think it suffices to say that I would be totally content with my vintage clothing collection by simply scooping up everything this shop has to offer. Awoke is an Australian based vintage shop that ships to the U.S. (for under $10) and it has so many amazing dresses, I'm not sure which one to choose from and the fact that almost all of the dresses are elastic waisted makes them even more attractive. If you're a wear a lot of vintage dresses, you'll know what I mean. Normally I don't get stumped this badly, but seriously- I want this one and this one and this one and this one...

(in case you need help with conversion sizes for clothing, check out this chart)

Wishlist 2.28.11

splendid belted voile shirt dress $105/ tribal dance maxi dress $90/ jackie dress in blueberry by effie's heart $79.99

deena and ozzy elastic wedge sandal $39/ lr rain bootie $165 (via modish)

copper ladder necklace $40/ wood rings $60

What I NEED is a new pair of running shoes (snore), but what I WANT is everything you see above. At the tip top of my list (after the stupid running shoes, of course) are these rain booties that received rave reviews from Miss Modish. They're the kind of rain shoes that would work all day, rain or shine. I suppose I could say I NEED them too?

Vintage: Old Age

I'm pretty sure I could buy all of my vintage dresses this season at Old Age Vintage alone. This shop has a fantastic selection of dresses in all sizes so if you're in the market for a new vintage dress (when am I not in the market?) you should definitely check this shop out. See a style you like? This black and white number is on the top of my list.

Vintage: Na Nin for Need Supply Co.

Have you seen the recent collaboration between Na Nin Vintage and Need Supply Co?  It's a little match made in heaven if you ask me.

3/4 length sleeve with stripes $30 / oversized knit cardigan $44

wooden strap heels (size 37) $60 / navy station bag $70

S/S Ribbed floral dress (sold out thanks to me)

I sure do hope that Need Supply Co. continues with these vintage collaborations. It's an interesting idea to partner with a vintage buyer who has experience curating items.Obviously the idea worked for me since I purchased this dress without much deliberation (the back corset tie sold me). Check out the full selection of vintage items here. 

Wish list 2.2.11

If, somehow, these items could magically appear in my closet, I would be very, VERY happy.  I especially need the shoes.  It's always about the shoes, isn't it?

Fletcher Dress $84; Chieftain Necklace Gold $68; Olive Blue Leather Clog Sandals $110; Tweed Classic Cuban Style Fedora $11

Oasis (Holiday) Dresses

Floral Laser Cut Dress $107; Print Full Skirted Dress $107; Rose Lace Shift Dress $107; Bow Corsage Dress $99; Organza Shift Dress $116; Pleated Rose Chiffon Shift $91 

I've searched high and low and I think I've found my perfect holiday dress.  But then, I found all the others too.  Aren't they pretty?  I could see myself wearing every one of them, for every day of my holiday vacation.  If only.  What do you think?  Which dress do you like? 

Wishlist 11.16.10

I'd really to wear like a touch of gold this holiday season...

I'm thinking this holiday stripes dress ($114) and mega pyrite chunk ring ($92) are just the right amount of bling.  Aren't they pretty and wouldn't they be even prettier together?