The Tiered Ruffle Dress

Kathy Glitter Stripe Tiered Ruffle Cocktail Dress The Population Dress

I don't know why but thinking about spring and summer makes me want to wear tiered ruffle dresses. Perhaps I'm just so happy and gitty that our balmy sunny seasons are right around the corner, or maybe it's when outdoor temperatures rise, our coats can come off to show tiers of ruffles! So in anticipation of spring, I'm doing a Roundup of Adorable Tiered Ruffle Dresses. They come in an array of lengths and styles from everyday wear to office-appropriate to party-on dresses. Remove your coat, Sister and imagine how much fun twirling in them are!!

1) Tommy Hilfiger, 2) INC, 3) Endless Rose, 4) Betsy & Adam

1) Vince Camuto, 1) Betsy & Adam, 3) Rachel Parcill, 4) CeCe

1) MSK, 2) MSK 3) Taylor, 4) DKNY

1) Lulus, 2) MSK, 3) Lauren Ralph Lauren, 4) Chio's

1) City Studio, 2) Lauren Ralph Lauren, 3) City Studio

A few of the featured tired ruffle dresses are offered in several colors and sometimes a hue changes the mood of the dress from fun and flirty to night out on the town glamourous!

Farm Rio - Nordstrom - the length, not the color of my skirt.

I have a navy and white floral tiered ruffle mid-length silk skirt I brought on sale at Banana Republic years ago that I pair with a solid navy blue GAP t-shirt. It's easy on and I feel like a million bucks happily jetting around Manhattan wearing it! It's a playful mood-lifter!!

Which tiered ruffle dress strikes your fancy? Do you have the style in your closet?

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When I came to help my mom, who took a fall fracturing her fibula, I packed all winter clothes, including leggings, t-shirts, and two cardigans since I only thought I'd be away for about 4 weeks, but she is undergoing physical and occupational therapy and I'm still here. Spring has arrived and all my spring and summer clothing is at home. I only packed one dress (this one) that I can wear on a chilly, early, spring day, but not on a balmy, global warming-created day.

So in anticipation of 80 degree F days (in fact we had one today), I bought 2 Sub-Knit Short Sleeve Tiered Swing Dresses in hot pink and medium-navy blue from Old Navy, as well as, a black pair of $2 flip flops to wear around the house. Old Navy's flip flops are great, no need to pay more elsewhere, and I'm happy the retailer once again manufactures 100% cotton dresses. Not polyester, not rayon, no blends, all-cotton dresses!!! ON is forever offering deals. Wait for one to get a dress dirt cheap!

Hopefully, between my ballet flats, Nike sneakers, and the new flip flops I won't lack shoes to wear as the weather warms up. The all-weather mocs I also brought with me will soon be retired until early autumn. 

The thought crosses my mind I'll be wearing the same style of dress over and over like a uniform, but I bet real money the majority of people rarely notice what we wear when we encounter them. They sense if we are disheveled and not coordinated, but can't recall our particular outfits. What do you think?

My life as a minimalist-want-to-be is being tested and frankly, I'm enjoying the noble less-is-more experiment. So far, I'm managing!

Moreover, ladies, look at this handsome guy! Hubba, Hubba!! Posting him fits into our spring fashion topic. Colorful shirts in a breezy linen blend have just arrived at L.L. Bean for men. The fabric wicks moisture and dries fast. 

Get ready, Betty ... Freddy for cotton dresses, linen shirts, and shorts season. 

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Photo: Yahoo News

Although I don't go out of my way to dress trendy nowadays, I still follow what's new and in vogue and if I happen to have a piece in my closet which becomes a fad, I'll make an effort to wear it. You?

Two of several styles fashion editors tell us will become big this spring are (1) outfits consisting of 2 pieces exposing a bare midriff or waist; and (2) matchy-matchy outfits. Now I've always been somewhat of a matchy-matchy dresser stopping short of buying shoes and purses cut out of the exact same pattern as my dress. In the 1960s women often bought shoes and handbags that matched 100% in the exact leather and color; or fabric, texture, and pattern as one another ... so everything old becomes new again!

I think I could pull off a matchy-matchy top, trousers and blazer in the same solid color, it's when you wear patterns you must be careful not to overdo it. It can look juvenile. I also don't mind a little peek of a waist as it's not too revealing, especially in a warm climate.

Vintage matching shoes and bag

What are your thoughts on either fashion trend?

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Best Leggings Updated

Photo: LL Bean

My Best Leggings Roundup is my 6th most popular blog of all time, so for sure leggings are a staple in many wardrobes. The list I comprised then is still relevant. I continue to get my leggings from Old Navy and Express, but today I'm adding 3 new retailers to my original list. Old Navy and Express have the fantastic deals, often selling decent quality leggings for as low as $5 - $15 each. You can't beat either company's promotions, and you get at least 2 years of wear out of the leggings so if you need to replace them more often you still come out ahead in savings. At $15 or less per pair, you'll get your money's worth for a good length of wear.

The 3 new leggings I'm adding today to my original list cost more and are a tad more durable ... a financial wash to a Savvy Shopper. If you buy and wear new leggings without paying more money, the money you spend is a wash:

1) Uniqlo leggings - Since I comprised my Best Leggings List, the innovative Japanese retailer has stepped up its leggings game now offering a variety of legging styles designed for different climates and purposes. Moreover, the exciting development is the company's sizes now fit tall women over 5'5"! (The retailer's petite sizing kept it off my original roundup.) Best price point for lasting leggings bar none!

The next two are more expensive retailers. Recently each of them has expanded its legging styles + offers better sales:

2) LL Bean leggings - (top image👆) - The merchant has launched what it calls perfect fit leggings for every type of body, and there are styles galore this season. My favorite fabric is jersey smooth cotton with a touch of spandex, but you can also get fleece-lined leggings if you live in an arctic climate. There are 4 fits (or cuts): 1) original (relaxed); 2) straight-leg; 3) slim; and 4) legging. They won't cling, fade or stretch out.

3) Landsend Starfish leggings - The link leads to all of Landsends' styles of leggings for women, but the only one I'm familiar with is its Starfish leggings which are soft jersey cotton with lycra. Excellent quality leggings, but usually more expensive than I think consumers need to pay. However, when you catch them at their rock bottom sale price of $22, grab them as they are then a fantastic value!🎉

LL Bean's and Landsends' apparel is comparable. From season to season, one retailer will have a better selection, so before buying, I always look at both. 

Uniqlo is usually the better-priced retailer for good (or good enough) and unfailingly innovative clothing -- including its pants and leggings. Toss Old Navy and Express into the mix and one of the 5 retailers will offer you a perfect pair of leggings at a steal of a price!🎯

You are set for the fall, winter, and early spring!

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Slip On Lands' End Comfort Summer Shoes

As warm weather approaches sensible shoes with arch support and stable heels are a must! Recently I ordered the perfect spring/summer shoes: Lands' End Comfort Mary Janes. 

They have leather uppers with sneaker-comfort footbeds and durable rubber outsoles with sturdy traction. Taking them on a test drive, I walked from Manhattan's Upper Eastside to Midtown (a distance of several miles) to find they protect my feet from taking a harsh pounding on concrete. I love them! They're practical and cute!

Moreover on foot, the Lands' End Comfort Mary Janes don't look juvenile and are versatile to wear with pants, leggings, skirts and dresses. Another beneficial feature is their velcro-like strap closures, for easy slip on and off, as well as, hassle-free adjustments. 

The Woman's Comfort Elastic Ballet Flats are trickier. The sizing is off so you have to order up from your regular shoe size. They are not for walking long distances on concrete pavement but for bouncing around your house, garden and neighborhood. Soft leather uppers have insoles that are foam cushioned. An elastic edge molds to your feet.

Lands' End Women's All Weather Closed Toe Sandals let some air in. They have soft suede uppers, shock-absorbing footbeds and sturdy rubber outsoles fit for hiking.

For hanging out at the swimming pool or boating dock, there are several styles of quick drying water shoes, water sandals and lightweight flat Comfort Slider Sandals in several colors.

The offerings are priced attractively before adding 40% off promotions and free shipping. This summer, let's get comfy in quality and style without going broke!

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Stylish Sun Protection: Hats

For Trish, a link to this two-tone hat.

Skin doctors are always advising us to wear hats to protect our face, ears and neck from the sun's UVA and UVB rays, but how many of us do it? Beginning in the spring, I wear visors, but they don't shield all of these important areas, so I must do better! 

Australian hat company, Wallaroo makes it easy by offering a wide range of fashionable and functional sun hats in cotton, paper and other natural fibers. They are designed with a 3-4 inch brim you can turn up. Made for men, women and children, the hats are flexible, crushable and travel well. 

Scala makes an adorable 4-inch brim cotton hat in 11 colors that also offers superb protection from the sun's ultra violet light. It has a hidden drawstring so the hat can be adjusted to fit all head sizes. Like Wallaroo's sun hats, they can be rolled up to pack for trips. They are hand washable too.

Not only do sun hats protect us from skin cancer, they shield us from wrinkles and premature aging. So now that we've sprung forward, I will start wearing them. 

Are you already in the good habit of wearing hats?


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My Spring Wardrobe Haul

By nature I'm a mindful (not an impulsive or compulsive) buyer. Lately I try to be a minimalist ... buying only what I need, not more than what I need. Despite hauling in less, clothes wear out. So recently I added 3 new wardrobe basics:

1) L.L. Beam Tee, Crew Neck, Short Sleeves - I bought 3 teal colored, combed cotton t-shirts to replace my blues that are tattered. But I had to check several retailers to find the bright colors of spring. Surprisingly, Old Navy, GAP and Uniqlo are only carrying neutral colors this year, namely white, black, gray, navy and very pale pink. What's up with only neutral colors for spring tees?😮 When are we supposed to wear bright colors???

Next:

2) Uniqlo Geometric-Print Short-Sleeve Bra Dress - In Summer I adore Uniqlo's bra dresses. A full support bra is built-in for comfort. The cut and fit are ladylike. The dress is flattering yet easy-to-wear just like shorts. I have 4 sleeveless bra dresses in different floral prints and colors. But I need at least one with short cap sleeves for early spring. LIVE, this dress is an off-white light shade in a super cute geometric print. The style is crisp and casual smart. 

And finally ... the last item I bought was a pair of shorts:

3) Uniqlo Cotton/Linen Relaxed Shorts - How adorable, with details like a stretchy, elastic waistband, 2 side pockets and a feminine tie-bow. They are relaxed but slenderizing, just what I need for a summer barbecue!

Thankfully, I have sneakers, comfortable walking shoes, cozy sandals, light scarves and cotton sweaters that are in great shape, so I am set for the warm temperatures to begin!

What's on your shopping list for Spring and Summer? And Aussie friends, you have Autumn ... any goods you need?



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Let's Talk: What's In Your Makeup Bag?

Photo: iStock

Wow, look at all the stuff in this cosmetic bag! Full size makeup brushes, creams (of some sort) and nail polish. Where does a woman do her fingernails on the road? I mean ... would she polish her nails at work? In a public bathroom? On the subway? Hopefully not while driving!

I use moisturizers too ... but at home. On the job, I keep chapstick and hand lotion in my desk.

Certainly, I carry far fewer items on a daily basis than the above image shows. Just for fun, let's share what we keep in our makeup bag, one that fits inside our purse. Short of an overnight trip, here's what's in mine:

1) a compact case of pressed powder
2) a lipstick (Need a little blush? Doubles as one.)
3) a tube of sheer lip gloss
4) Erase stick for under eye circles
5) a soft crayon eyeliner
6) A small hair comb with wide teeth

That's it. My makeup bag is small. I hate being weighed down with too much stuff. And yet, I have everything I need for touch ups. Forget oil blotting papers to wipe my t-zone. I just blot an oily complexion with Kleenex, or in a pinch, toilet paper. What? It works better, in my opinion, because it's bigger then blotting papers.

I can understand carrying mascara, but I rarely wear it to work to avoid raccoon eyes. Usually I don't wear eye shadow during the day either, but many women do, and it's all good.

Spring is the perfect time to clean out your cosmetic bag. Take out any items you never touch. Also, remove makeup if it would upset you to lose it. I never carry one of my Max Factor Pan-Stiks in my purse. Ever! Pan-Stiks have been discontinued in the USA. Heaven forbid, it falls out or melts!!!

Not my Pan-Stik, nooo!

It's better to travel light whenever possible. Simplify your life!

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Happy 5th Birthday To THE SAVVY SHOPPER

It's a busy week. Yesterday ... the Academy Awards ... and today THE SAVVY SHOPPER turns five years old.

Over the past year the blog gained more page views, but lost a loyal reader, Ms. Loretta G, who passed away in late June. Time has a way of marching on, but I will always miss Loretta, who was lovely and generous with her support. I am grateful for her comments and emails.

Thanks to all of you for stopping by.

Here's to another year of new topics, practical tips and entertainment. Let's aim for good writing mixed with fun stuff for eyeballs to make your stay worthwhile.

I hope you continue to find some wisdom and humor here.

***** *****

Not only is today THE SAVVY SHOPPER's birthday, it's the time of the year when *spring* is around the corner. We will spring forward next Sunday, March 9th, gaining an hour of daylight.

Lent is fast approaching on the Christian calendar. It begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, the day after Mardi Gras. Although I am not a religious person, I have a thought. What if in lieu of giving up something, people add something during Lent? Something to make the world a little bit better ... like public service, volunteering for a worthy cause or simply helping a neighbor. 

You can think of it as giving up your time, but don't just give something up. Do something for someone else. Add kindness. Let's try to make a difference in another person's life. I'm not a scholar of theology (far from it, believe me), but isn't that what Jesus did? 

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