Showing posts with label dresses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dresses. Show all posts

Friday, June 10, 2022

Old Navy's Summer Activewear

Sleeveless PowerSoft 2-in-1 Performance Mini Skort Dress for Women

Old Navy is working overtime with another affordable launch of cute summer activewear. You can't beat the quality at this price point for pieces offered as low as $15 on special promotion days! The activewear has 4-way super stretch fabric that is soft and made with go-dry moisture-wicking technology that not only keeps you dry, but comfortable during all your summer activities.

Most of the selections are available in at least 5 colors, and some of the dresses offer the support of a built-in bra. The colors are soothing and I think subdued enough so you can wash and wear the same garments over and over without other people noticing it as the same attire. This launch is sporty compared to Old Navy's other dress-up-or-down summer dresses, yet is ultra-stylish to play tennis, golf, bike, or jog in around the neighborhood. 
Sorry, Ralph Lauren (whom otherwise I adore!), Tommy Hilfiger, and Atheta, but summer-and-activewear clothing is not what I'm going to drop a ton of money on, and thanks to Old Navy (and Uniqlo) I never do!
Uniqlo's Hana Tajima summer dress ($19.90 - a little more than Old Navy) is a soft jersey fabric of mainly cotton with modal, rayon and spandex. Also machine washable for walks.

At $15 bucks, or less for an outfit, I can look polished, as well as, mindlessly machine wash and dry my casual clothing many times over all summer long. What's more, I can add something new to my wardrobe without breaking the bank! Win-win-win!


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Saturday, April 23, 2022

Old Navy's Summer Wear

Every year one clothing retailer seems to have the edge over others with their spring/summer clothing launch, and this year the distinction goes to Old Navy. The merchant's winning casual summer wear is a combination of style, quality and value. Everyday warm weather attire need not cost an arm and a leg. You need reasonably good, not the apex of quality in summer clothing.

Old Navy's offerings include active-wear fabric (a cozy polyester-spandex blend to wick away moisture) shorts and dresses or 100% cotton dresses priced from $10 - $20 that are soft, cute, cool, easy-to-machine wash and dry and won't fall apart like fast-fashion. For the buck you get a few seasons of wear out of garments (with pockets!😍you can mindlessly wear and clean ... without emplying your wallet. Look for the steals and deals! The $20 SuperCash is a dream come true!


My elderly mother desires something sleeveless she can sleep in, so I'm ordering a few of these dresses for her as they are perfect as nightgowns. Using my supercash promotion brings them down to an unbeatable $9 each!
A loyal costumer, I love Old Navy's casual and sports wear despite the brand's inconsistant sizing. Without gaining a pound you may be a medium one year, a large the next. If a dress fits you perfectly in extra-large, it's Old Navy's use of various vendors, not you! 

Speaking for myself, the size can be called jumbo as long as I know what to order to fit me. Customer reviews are great about telling us to go up or down a size, and when several reviewers say a dress runs short, consider ordering it in tall especially if the dress is 100% cotton to anticipate a bit of shrinkage in the wash. Due to my mom's age, I order her t-shirt dresses in a tall and large to be roomy and long enough for her to feel comfortable sleeping in them.


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Sunday, March 27, 2022

My Favorite Oscar Dresses 2022

All photos: People.com here. Kirsten Dunst is wearing Christian Lacroix.


It's 8:30 pm and all but one of the major awards are yet to come. Here are my favorite Red Carpet Oscar dresses of the night. My picks are always the timeless classics, and as you know from previous years, I'm not a big fan of ultra-low-cut cleavage so those gowns never make my list. These ladies stand out simply by looking polished and beautiful from head to toe.


Lupita Nyong'o in Prada, Alana Haim in Louis Vuitton, Jessica Chastain in Gucci

Demi Singleton in Miu Miu, Aunjanune Ellis in Atelier Versace, and Rose Perez in Christian Siriano

How many of my favorite Oscar 2022 gowns make your list? And who steals your eye at the 94th Academy Awards?

I'm adding one more: On camera, I see the sparkle and shimmer of the embellishments on Tiffany Haddish's dark green Dolce & Gabbana gown, and she looks stunning in it.

If selecting a gown for myself, I'm practical so it would be Demi Singleton's Miu Miu dress because it doesn't reach the ground and I wouldn't need a handler to arrange my train as I stand. Dress trains don't magically fall into perfect formation for a photo opp so a celebrity's handlers come with them to the Oscars to arrange their dresses for the photos you see. Once upon a time, the night was more carefree and fun with actresses wearing their own clothes from their closets. Nowadays gowns and jewelry are sent to them by well-known designers, and usually, a stylist is hired to curate their choices and put it all together. As a non-attress I would not be working and be able to observe celebrities, party and have fun! Think anybody would talk to me? Oh, I'd better take a friend along.😎



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Wednesday, January 5, 2022

The French Slip Dress

Revolve

The French Slip Dress is a classic. Rumor has it every stylish French woman has a slip dress in her wardrobe and thus the name. The dress comes in different lengths and necklines ... and can be cut or styled to look elegant or playful.

VIR Girl

They also come in different colors and fabrics, although the most classic color and fabric are probably black silk ... with white silk a close 2nd.
ASOS 

Old Navy has its version of the French Slip Dress (below) which unfortunately I didn't see until it was no longer available in my size. I first spotted it online Christmas week, then went to the store to find it, and asked the manager: How did I manage to miss this dress when it arrived? He said the brick and mortar store only got a few of the dresses in and therefore hid them in an obscure place before they ended up in the discounted section for quick sales. What?!? Oh no!

Old Navy calls its version a Loose Vintage T-Shirt Midi Shift Dress, but it looks like a French Slip Dress to me. Instead of 100% silk, it's 100% cotton, and you can dress it up or down with shoes and accessories if your size is still in stock. Sorry I missed it. Next time around! The good thing about a classic is, it never disappears.
Uniqlo

Uniqlo's slip dress in its signature Airism fabric and built-in bra is a collaboration with fashion designer, Mame Kurogouchi, but I'm not a fan of a deep plunging neckline. It is simply a matter of personal taste. I tend to like more versatile necklines you can wear anytime and anywhere. Of course, a sweater or stole would hide a plunging neckline.

So it seems a classic is making a restyled comeback in 2022.


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Friday, October 1, 2021

Summer Sale On Dresses And Swimsuits


Three blogs ago I featured two end-of-summer sale dresses I added to my wardrobe for next year. Here are the dresses and swimsuits I passed on buying to be financially responsible. They are equally stylish and excellent buys! 

Nowadays I try super hard to buy everything I need without giving in to purchasing lots of other things I simply want! Far from fretting, I fully expect the following cute pieces to return next year, perhaps slightly tweaked or in new colors, but I'm sure I'll get another chance to acquire them if I have a true need. Meanwhile, if you (unlike me) require new clothes for next summer, you can't beat the following in vogue dresses and swimsuits at fabulous reductions:

1) Landsend Cotton Jersey Sleeveless Swim Cover-up Dress (top image👆) - The 100% soft cotton jersey is a thick fabric with a notch neck and neatly finished armholes that you can wear as a summer dress when not covering up a bathing suit. Why not, it's adorable!

2) Columbia Freezer III Dress - The  Freezer III dress made its feature debut on THE SAVVY SHOPPER in early July and now it's on sale! Its wicking fabric pulls moisture away from the body to keep you dry and cool. In addition, the ultra-dapper summer dress has UPF 30 in its fabric to block UVA and UVB rays. Some of the patterns are gone, but not all, and the classic dress should return again next summer.

3) Swim Solutions - Macy's has tons of chic swimsuits marked down. A brand I especially love, Swim Solutions offers ultra-flattering designs, full support (in the bust, waist, and bottom), plus minimizer-sliming coverage. The brand is of top-notch quality for less -- and since sizes are going fast, I'll link 2 places you can find them -- at Macy's and Amazon.

The devil is tempting you, my lovelies!👅👺 Take advantage of the sales if you need something for next year. The dresses and swimsuits will return next season at their full retail price. Me ... I'm trying to be a good minimalist. 😇

Here's the swimsuit I selected in 2020. It came back in 2021 but has sold out again. As you can see, I wouldn't have lost out as there are plenty of gorgeous suits on sale now!


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Monday, September 27, 2021

The Swing Dress Is The Bomb

Retailers are now running their end-of-summer sales, so I bought 2 new bargain swing dresses for next year. Moreover, I could still wear at least one of them during our Indian summer, early fall days.

IMHO, the swing dress is very stylish on most figures, and on hot summer days with no seam grabbing you at the waist it's cool and comfortable too.

So without further ado, let me tell you about the 2 dresses I bought. From Landsend and with a swingy-silhouette, the two dresses are 100% linen, machine washable, above-knee in length, and have pockets! All features I love! Regularly $68 bucks, luckily reduced to under $30! A steal considering how long they'll last with proper care. 

Ordering from a catalog can be tricky, especially with a swing dress. You don't want a swing dress that is too boxy or long, as it will look like you're wearing a tent or sack. Fortunately, these two do not disappoint. They are cut to flatter, a perfect fit, and feminine. In fact, they look much cuter trying-it-on than they photograph! What a relief!! I am glad I ordered them!

Can you guess which of the two, in my opinion, might take me into the early fall?



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Monday, June 7, 2021

Trendy Maxi Dresses For Summer

Currently I see very long -- to-the-ankle -- maxi summer dresses for sale in all the shops. At every price point the maxi dress is making a comeback as the newest fashion trend of 2021. 

I don't mind if other people wear the long length, yet as a gal who walks all over Manhattan, I'm not embracing it. It's too confining, and I don't like the feel of my knees hitting fabric as I walk all over the city. Plus, I'd clean the sidewalks with a maxi dress. 

Furthermore, I'm not a fan of a sleeveless, backless long, long, long dress. It's a personal quirk of mine as I dislike the unbalanced look of it. Also if it's hot enough to wear sleeveless and backless dresses to cool off, is it not too hot to cover up your legs to the ankles? Doesn't the season and temperature dictate uniformly whether to cover or uncover all of you? Why would you want legs covered with a clump of fabric on a sizzling August day, or a bare back on a nippy one? Wouldn't the cloth be wanting or not airy enough on the top or bottom ... one of the areas, um insufficient half of the time? Just asking.
Photos: Right - Vineyard Vines; Left -  Marimekko for Uniqlo

On the bright side: The new maxi trend is great for my budget; there's no temptation to add the dress to my summer wardrobe. The only one of the examples posted, I'd likely not be bugged wearing is the Vineyard Vines dress ... it looks to be a tad shorter than ankle length although one customer returned it, saying the bottom was too much dress for her. So it's risky too as I trust her review! You want to wear a dress, not have a dress wearing you!
Photos: Old Navy

Another fear of mine is these very long dresses will look dated by next summer. I don't see the pioneer ankle length lasting beyond 2021.

Why do you think everyday dresses are going to the ankle now? Are you a fan of the summer maxi dress?

👗👠🩳🥿👅

Just for fun, I'll list 5 wardrobe pieces you'll never see me buy or wear (not to be mistaken as judgment of others. Fashion is subjective.):

Photo: Soft Serve
1) Everyday summer sleeveless and backless maxi dresses (the subject of today's blog👆).

2) Loungewear/terrycloth/sweats - Are you kidding me? Where exactly do they look good? Not at home. Not at the gym. Not in a supermarket. Not at Walmart. Nowhere. These are nothing more than thick pajamas worn after your day should have already started!

Photo: Ugg
3) Ugg Fluff Yeah Slides - So popular I see women wearing them up and down 5th Avenue. Who began this fashion trend out in public? $100 house shoes, people! Wouldn't you rather spend the money on Ugg boots or a proper pair of walking sandals for running about New York City? You're wearing your house shoes outside the house, people!

4) I'm very much alone with this next one: Although I don't mind a feminine dipping neckline in a dress or ball gown, I would never, ever wear a gown with the cleavage split down past my breasts. Another personal quirk since the open, deep, V-cut, missing cleavage style is so prevalent on red carpets with the made-to-measure couture Oscar dresses. I don't understand it ... where's the missing front of the dress? 
Don't get me wrong! I love Amanda Seyfried, the image I'm using. Mega talented; and on talk shows she's delightful with a great sense of humor and down-to-earthness in her interviews. Although I dislike the deep dive of her gown, she still looks beautiful! For the cost of the dress though, she should  have gotten all the fabric!🙂
Photo: BBC

5) Ripped, torn, worn out denim - No, no, never, ever, un, un, un! This is when I replace blue jeans. I'm not paying good money to buy 'em this way.

Feel free to chime in with your style likes or dislikes. Agree or disagree?


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Thursday, July 2, 2020

Fabulous Deals Now At Macy's, Old Navy And More

Macy's emerald tennis bracelet (20 ct. t.w.) in sterling silver 
Great news: Retailers are opening their doors and offering sales to welcome customers back! The following deals are too good and tempting to pass up:

1) Macy's is offering a 50% - 75% epic summer sale on apparel, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. What a lovely 20-carat emerald tennis bracelet above, which is also offered in certified rubies. The sale includes more expensive necklaces, bracelets and rings. As an example, I selected a lovely budget-friendly piece that won't break the bank! In sterling silver (a precious metal), plus real emeralds for the price of costume jewelry. If you miss this particular sale, put the item on your wish list on Macy's website, then wait for the sale to come around again. Count on it happening!
2) Old Navy High-Waisted Slim Boot-Cut Yoga Pants - I'm letting my secret out of the bag. In the fall and winter I wear these substantial cotton and spandex yoga pants with a top and blazer for events -- the combo looks like business attire, and nobody is the wiser! The pants are jet-black, opaque and smooth, and they are so comfortable! The high-waisted slim boot-cut suits me, but there are several styles of yoga pants for every~body. Best deal for the quality in town. None better!
3) Crew-neck t-shirts - This year it was time for me to replace old, weathered t-shirts. Based upon quality alone, the t-shirts from L.L. Bean, Landsend and Uniqlo in the order listed are what I like buying. Although L.L. Bean is my top pick for high caliber t-shirts, I buy t-shirts from all 3 merchants based upon the price, sales, and colors available. All 3 retailers have good quality cotton t-shirts to last for several seasons of wear. A few weeks ago, I went with Landsend. In years past I also purchased t-shirts from Old Navy, but this year they only have neutral colors (white, black, grey), and I love t-shirts in vivid colors! 
4) Old Navy Swing Dresses - I highly recommend buying O.N.'s swing dresses to wear all summer long. Frankly I favor cotton because the fabric lasts longer, but Old Navy makes these practical and cool (knitted) rayon dresses so cheap, it's quibbling. Every spring the retailer returns their swing dresses in new colors and patterns. I got the above floral red dress at the store today for $10.93 on sale! How could I not bring it home!

Certain stores (including Ulta and Uniqlo) are not yet ready for in-store shopping, but you can go to their websites for details on ordering, then can go to the store for "curbside pick up" of the goods. Moreover some merchants offer both in-store and curbside side pickup services (like Macy's, Saks, Bloomingdales, Old Navy, H&M and Sophora). Check the websites of your favorite retailers ... and support them if you can. They want you back and are showing it with sales and extra services. Show brick and mortar stores some love! They were hurt by the shutdown. Let them know you're glad to be back!


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