What I'm Wearing: Winterizing a Summer Dress

In the survey, a lot of you said that you preferred photos of me instead of collages when I post these "What I'm Wearing" posts, and I'm here to serve!

This was one of my favorite dresses this past summer. I wore it all the time, and was kind of bummed that I'd have to give it up now that it's chillier. So I said, eff it, I'm not giving it up - I'll layer with it and wear it year-round!

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Dress: Urban Outfitters (similar here) // Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar here, here) //
Scarf: Unknown (similar here, here) // Tights: Unknown (similar here) //
Shoes: Seychelles (similar here) // Bracelets: Ruche (similar here)

Personal Shopper: Niece's Sweet Sixteen

Reader Request


I have my niece's sweet sixteen birthday party coming up. It’s going to be outdoors - DJ, dancing, family, friends, etc. I’m stumped on what to wear. It’s not going to be fancy at all and I’m just having trouble with finding the right thing. It’s hot during the day but at night, it’s getting cold. Jeans are completely appropriate to wear, and I want to look my age (32) and not feel like I’m trying to be trendy. Any ideas?

This look is casual but still festive, and it's stylish but not trendy, not to mention comfy enough to dance in!

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Cami $12 // Cardigan $55 // Earrings $20 // Bag $25 // Pants $35 // Bracelets $8 // Shoes $23

Celebrity Copycat: Katherine Heigl Style

It's been a while since I've seen Katherine out and about. I'm loving her cape/booties combo, although I have to say that the 'do really ages her. I'm crossing my fingers that she grows it out soon. So while I won't want to copy her hairstyle, you can nab her look for less from Piperlime, Zappos, Amazon, GoJane and Forever 21.

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Cape $119 // Sunglasses $6 // Top $39 // Shorts $15 // Booties $28

Sunday Splurges: Feelin' Blue

I've been getting a lot of good useful information from your survey answers so far (have you taken the survey yet? Please do!) and it's going to take a lot of time to weed through all the data. But one trend that was easy to spot was that many of you don't really dig the Sunday Splurges. You'd rather that I posted affordable items, not expensive ones. But there are still enough readers who enjoy them that I don't want to stop posting them. And honestly, I enjoy them too!

So, from now on, I'm going to post the Sunday Splurges as usual, but also link to similar items for less. Whaddaya think?

I recently reorganized my closet and was shocked at how much blue is in there. I guess I'm a bigger fan of blue than I thought. So I was inspired to post some pricey (and not so pricey) blue items today.

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Marc Jacobs Bag (similar here, here) // Erdem Skirt (similar here, here) //

Nanette Lepore Coat (similar here, here) // Rachel Roy Necklace (similar here, here) //

Giuseppe Zanotti Booties (similar here, here)

What I'm Wearing: Tomboyesque

I woke up late one morning this past week but and didn't feel like making the effort to put together a decent outfit, so I just threw on a button-down, a pair of my trusty Levi's, and a pair of boots I bought last year but never wore.I felt really tomboyish so I asked the Mister if I looked like a boy (he looked at me like I was crazy). Well, wouldn't you know, I got to work and got so many compliments on my outfit!

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Shirt: Urban Outfitters (similar here) // Bag: Anthropologie (similar here) // Necklace: Jewelmint // Belt: Anthropologie (similar here) // Jeans: Levis // Boots: ASOS (similar here)

Ask Me Anything!

I'm on Formspring now, so please, ask me anything you like!

Well, except for personal shopper requests, that is. I prefer that you email those to me at whatthefrockblog@gmail.com because it's easier to keep track.

But anything else!

Bonnie Parker Halloween Costume

Faye Dunaway as Bonnie Parker in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde is one of the most fashionable characters in the history of cinema.

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Sweater $42 // Wig $20 // Beret $25 // Skirt $38 //

Shoes $34 // Scarf $46 // Gun $17

Personal Shopper: Cowboy Chic

Reader Request

I'll be attending an American Cancer Society benefit at the beginning of November and am freaking out about what to wear!  The attire is "cowboy chic."  I have nothing resembling cowboy anything so I need ideas for the whole ensemble!  Please help!

My first kiss with my now-husband was at a cowboy-themed party, so I've got a soft spot for these types of things! Anyway, my advice is to wear something that is sort of cowboy themed, but not too costumey. I hope you like this look!

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Dress $54 // Belt $24 // Hat $13 // Boots $40 //

Necklace $4 // Bag $20

Celebrity Copycat: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Style

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Sweater $59 // Hat $15 // Bag $35 //

Jeggings $40 // Boots $48

Lisbeth Salander Halloween Costume

Lisbeth Salander, the heroine of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, is definitely a fun costume to put together, and a fun departure for any girly-girl.

Noomi Rapace - Swedish film version

Rooney Mara - U.S. film version

Shop Now:

Fake Hoop Piercings $7 // Stud Earrings $24 // Wig $7 //

Jacket $40 // Pants $36 // Belt $20 //

Dragon Tattoo $3 // Boots $20

Inspired By: The Twin Peaks Dream Room

When I was in high school, Twin Peaks was one of my favorite shows. The Mister and I have been watching it again on Netflix streaming and it's gotten me all nostalgic for the early 90's again.

If you haven't watched the show before, it's very, very strange - very David Lynch-ian. One of the most famous scenes from the series was a dream that FBI Agent Cooper had. The full 6 minute video clip is below, but if you don't feel like watching the whole thing, I've included a still of the room in which the dream takes place.

As we watched this episode over the weekend, I realized that the room included two of the biggest current trends: chevron and red. And so I was inspired!

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Clutch $35 // Skirt $40 // Earrings $34 // Blazer $60 // Necklace $22

Wishlist: Pink

It's still is Breast Cancer Awareness Month for a few more days, so I can't think of a better time to feature some of my favorite pink items. I've said before that I'm not usually a fan of pink, but it's definitely growing on me. Here are some of my favorite pink items.

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Clutch $32 // Bracelet $55 // Dress $58 // Ring $3 // Sunglasses $8 // Shoes $76

Kate Middleton Halloween Costume

My favorite thing about this costume is that most of it can be worn again on a regular day. I tried to capture Kate's engagement day outfit, but I added the tiara just for fun!

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Dress $45 // Shoes $20 // Tiara $16 // Ring $20 // Wig $35

Personal Shopper: November Wedding

Reader Request

My cousin's wedding is next month and I realized I have no idea what to wear. All of my dresses are summery and would be way too cold for Michigan weather in November. I've never been to a late fall or winter wedding, so I don't even know what the possibilities are wardrobe-wise. And to complicate things, I'm not a huge fan of shawls. Do you have any suggestions for a great outfit that will keep me from freezing while still looking elegant and wedding-appropriate?

A heavyweight dress with sleeves may seem fairly casual, but when paired with fancy tights, hot shoes and sparkly jewelry, it's perfect for evening - no shawl necessary!

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Dress $60 // Necklace $16 // Tights $11 // Clutch $43 // Shoes $38

Celebrity Copycat: Kristin Cavallari Style

Shop Now:

Top $17 // Sweater $88 // Jeans $50 //

Bag $35 // Boots $55

Katniss Everdeen Halloween Costume

I can't wait for the Hunger Games movie to come out, and I know I'm not the only one. I have a feeling that Katniss, the heroine of the trilogy, is going to be a very popular costume both this year and next.

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Jacket $36 // Braid $16 // Tee $8 // Pants $24 //

Mockingjay Pin $30 // Bow & Arrow $17 // Boots $50

Fashion Redemption: Jennifer Aniston

If an outfit is unflattering enough to make even Jennifer Aniston look thick, well, there's no hope for the rest of us.  Here's a look that would show off her hot bod like it deserves to be shown.

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Dress $90 // Shoes $45 // Clutch $30

Girl Crush: Chloe Sevigny

I love a woman who takes risks with her style, and Chloe Sevigny is one of the biggest risk-takers in fashion. She's got the confidence to pull off anything.

Here are some items that I think Chloe would love to wear.

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Dress $60 // Blazer $34 // Shorts $15 // Shoes $70

Marcia Brady Halloween Costume

I've already admitted my Brady Bunch fan-dom, but what I haven't mentioned is that I totally wanted to be Marcia Brady when I was a kid. No, I'm not that old, but the show was in heavy re-runs in the early- to mid-80's.  And Marcia was pretty and popular with a great wardrobe and an enviable head of hair.

You can always find a vintage dress at a thrift shop or online, but I used a vintage-inspired dress that can be worn as part of your regular wardrobe. And if you really want to get into character, use makeup to make your nose look bruised and swollen:

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Dress $20 // Wig $24 // Shoes $50 // Makeup $6

And just for fun, there's this:

You're welcome.

Personal Shopper: Courthouse Wedding in Winter

Reader Request

Hi! I was hoping you could help me. We're having a simple courthouse wedding in New Jersey in February, and it's going to be cold! But I'd really like to wear a dress and look feminine and romantic without turning into an ice sculpture. I'm 5'2 and less than 110lbs. I'd like to stray off white/offwhite dresses and opt for blush pink or any pale color that can be worn on our special day. Thanks so much in advance! 

This soft, romantic look has sleeves and tights to keep you warm, and you could always top it off with your nicest winter coat!

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Dress $73 // Earrings $20 // Headband $7 //

Tights $15 // Clutch $25 // Shoes $45

Enter to Win a Pair of Military Button Earrings

I was so excited when Liz from the Etsy shop Craft to the Radio offered up a pair of earrings for one lucky What the Frock? reader. Her jewelry pieces made from vintage items are absolutely adorable.

(Also, because her store name reminds me of this kick-ass Joy Division song).

These earrings are made from vintage military buttons and they're just amazing. I almost want to keep them for myself!

Enter using Rafflecopter below. Contest is open to residents of the continental U.S. only. Contest ends Sunday, October 30 at 11:59 PM EST.

If you're reading in Google Reader or something similar, click through to access the contest.

Celebrity Copycat: Jessica Alba Style

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Top $17 // Sweater $30 // Scarf $9 // Bag $40 //

Jeans $20 // Booties $50

Sunday Splurges: Leopard

It's no surprise that I've been heavily into leopard lately (exhibit A, B, C, D), so today, I want to look at some leopard pieces that I could never, ever afford.

Shop Now:

1. Valentino Skirt $3,400

2. Agent Provocateur Gloves $500

3. Milly Coat $695

4. Dolce & Gabbana Dress $2,080

5. Tory Burch Booties $425

6. Diane Von Furstenburg Handbag $1,200

What I'm Wearing: New Dog Park

There are so many things that I miss about the city since we moved to the 'burbs - and one of the biggies is having a dog park nearby. I feel like our guy has been pretty lonely since we left the city. But last week, I did some research online and found a baller park just a few miles from us. Our dog loved it and the Mister and I did, too. 

I just threw on a bunch of old comfy clothes to wear to the park, and I ended up really loving my outfit. My favorite part? The vintage loafers I recently snagged for two bucks!

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1. Shirt: Urban Outfitters (similar here, here)

2. Sunglasses: Ray-Bans (similar here, here)

3. Handbag: Urban Outfitters (similar here, here)

4. Jeggings: Hue (similar here, here)

5. Loafers: Vintage (similar here, here)

Dorothy Gale Halloween Costume (Wizard of Oz)

Sure, you could spend $50 on a tacky bagged polyester costume, but why not buy a more flattering dress, one that that you may actually wear again, instead? Either way, Dorothy is a quick, easy and iconic costume. If you don't want to spend money on sparkly red shoes, take an old pair and DIY them with glue and glitter, or sparkle spray paint.

Shop Now:

1. Dress $43

2. Wig $13

3. Top $10

4. Shoes $58

5. Socks $8

6. Toto $10

Personal Shopper: From Work to Work Gala

Reader Request

I work in philanthropy and recently received a complimentary invitation to one of our grantees' fundraising galas.  Their invitation lists the dress code as "camera-ready." Being familiar with the organization and the price per ticket (the cheapest ones go for $750 each), I'm anticipating a crowd heavily sprinkled with the very wealthy and celebrities.  Needless to say, I'm a bit intimidated and have convinced myself that nothing in my closet will do. To further complicate matters, I'll be heading to the event straight from work, and there is a high likelihood that peers and colleagues will be at the event. Can you help me find something "camera-ready," yet classy (so many dresses these days barely cover your butt!)? Something that I can either wear to transition from work to the event, or that would be easy to change into at the end of a work day?

This dress can easily transition from day to night when paired with the right accessories, so I've provided guidance for both work and the event.

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Dress $61

For Day:

Earrings $20

Blazer $40

Bag $40

Belt $7

Shoes $20

For Night:

Earrings $32

Bracelet $48

Clutch $30

Shoes $35

Celebrity Copycat: Jessica Alba Style

My favorite thing about Jessica's outfit is that top - it looks great with her skirt but would also look amazing with something casual, like skinny jeans or leather pants. Get Jess's look for less from Nordstrom, 6pm, Charlotte Russe, ASOS, and Forever 21.

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1. Top $78

2. Bracelets $7

3. Ring $32

4. Skirt $28

5. Clutch $44

6. Tights $11

7. Shoes $30

Rosie the Riveter Halloween Costume

Even if you've never heard of Rosie the Riveter, I'm sure you'd know her if you saw her.

See?!

Rosie represented the American women who went to work while the men were off fighting in World War II, and even today, she's still considered a symbol of feminism. 

So we can do it! Do what, you ask? Put together a crazy easy Halloween costume (that's what Rosie meant, right?) This is another one that can be thrown together at the last minute.

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1. Shirt $32

2. Wig $15

3. Lipstick $3

4. Scarf $8

5. Pants $20

6. Shoes $15

Inspired By: The Black Apple

If I ever have a little girl, I want to decorate her room with artwork from The Black Apple, a talented Etsy seller from Portland, OR. Her big-eyed waifs are sweet and a teensy bit creepy, but downright adorable at the same time. I really like this print, entitled "The Pale Carousel," and I think that the outfit the little girl is wearing can be translated easily to an adult look.

Source

So, here is a more grown-up and casual version of the outfit in this painting.

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1. Top $36

2. Necklace $10

3. Belt $24

4. Skirt $60

5. Shoes $40

6. Bag $35

Wishlist: Plaid

I like to wear plaid year-round, but the pattern is quintessentially fall in my opinion. Here are some of the plaid items that I've been jonesing for this week.

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1. Shoes $55

2. Dress $58

3. Tights $12

4. Top $58

5. Scarf $11

6. Coat $40

Site Survey - Pretty Please

It's been about three months since I stopped blogging on Fashion Under $100 and have started up What the Frock?! I've already made a few changes to the site based on user feedback (less pop culture posts, more fashion posts) but would really like to hear your opinion.

Source

It's a short survey - just 10 questions, most of them multiple choice. I'd really appreciate it if you took a few minutes to contribute, because there would be no blog without you readers!

Click here for the survey.

And don't forget the contest to win a Philosophy Gift Set!

The Dude (The Big Lebowski) Halloween Costume

I love dressing up as a man for Halloween - my favorite costume that I ever wore was Edward Scissorhands. And the best thing about a Dude costume is that it is SO COMFY! Or, maybe the best thing about a Dude costume is that you can drink White Russians all night.

If you don't want to spend the money on the cardigan (although it's totally in style now and you can wear it with anything), buy a grubby old robe at a thrift store instead!

Shop Now:

1. Sweater $83

2. Sunglasses $25

3. Wig/Beard $24

4. Shorts $32

5. Flipflops $15

6. Tee $14

Personal Shopper: BMX Premiere Party

Reader Request

 I was invited to a BMX Premiere Party. My boyfriend is friends with a group of people that ride BMX bikes and they are having a party to celebrate a film they have coming out. My style is casually trendy (aka: lazy trendy.) I wear a ton of t-shirts and dresses and I love fall boots/colors. The event is being held at a bar with live bands playing all night. I think my outfit would need to be cute, but edgy. HELP! :) 

This outfit is cute and comfy but sexy with a boho/rock & roll edge at the same time, perfect for your party.

Shop Now:

1. Cardigan $29

2. Earrings $18

3. Dress $69

4. Bracelets $7

5. Tights $15

6. Bag $37

7. Boots $43

Celebrity Copycat: Selena Gomez Style

This is a very hard look to pull off; any of the Kardashians would look desperate in it. But Selena is so adorable and fresh-faced that she looks sassy, not trashy, in little sequin hot pants. Go, Selena! Get a similar look for less from Last Call, Express, Charlotte Russe and Jessica Simpson Collection.

Shop Now:

1. Top $30

2. Bracelet $23

3. Shorts $60

4. Shoes $36