Personal Shopper: Pool Party

Reader Request

I've gained a lot of weight over the past couple of years and went from a size 10 to a size 16. I'm working to lose the weight now, and have lost a bit already, but in the meantime, I'm tired of feeling frumpy. I have a pool party to go to next month, and it's making me panic. I've gone all over trying to find a cute plus-sized one-piece suit but every suit I find is frump city. I decided that I'm willing to spend more money than usual on a suit, but I still haven't been able to find one that's cute. And then, even if I do find a suit, I don't feel comfortable walking around in it at the party, so I'd like to find a nice cover-up as well. Can you help?

Modcloth has some really cute plus-sized suits, so I built an entire retro look around one. I hope you love it!

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Swimsuit $90 // Coverup $50 // Shoes $40 // Hat $21 // Sunglasses $16 // Bag $33

Personal Shopper: Luau

Reader Request

I have a luau themed party in mid July and don't know what to wear. I'd like to go along with the theme in a chic way without looking cheesy in a grass skirt and coconut bra. It will be hot and the party will be mostly outside, so something cool and comfortable would be preferred, too. Do you have any suggestions?

Luckily for you, tropical prints are very in right now, so this should be no problem at all!

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Dress $57 // Shoes $25 // Clutch $30 // Hairpin $14 // Necklace $12

Personal Shopper: Leopard Shorts

Reader Request

I bought these leopard shorts from Forever 21, but they're a little bit out of my comfort zone so I don't know what to wear with them. I'm going to an outdoor concert in a few weeks. Do you think these would be appropriate? What should I wear them with?

These are actually perfect for an outdoor concert. Here's how I'd recommend you wear them.

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Tee $20 // Shorts $20 // Sandals $25 // Bag $44 // Necklace $8 // Earrings $30

Personal Shopper: Minidress

Reader Request

I bought this dress to wear to a wedding, but then decided not to wear it after my friends convinced me that it was too short and tight to wear (it was a Catholic wedding). So I wore something else, but I loved this dress so much that I didn't want to return it. Now, I have this dress and have never worn it because it's too revealing for everyday life, and my nights out are usually spent at casual places, not clubs. In the winter, I could wear it with tights, ankle boots, and a cardigan, but I'm trying to figure out how I can wear it now, to a casual bar, without looking overdone. 


Good call on not wearing that to a wedding, but I think it could be cute for a casual night out with a lightweight shirt tied over it (unbutton the top buttons), and simple flat sandals. Check it out...

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Dress $27 // Shirt $24 // Sandals $50 // Bag $28 // Earrings $25 //

Bracelets $8 // Necklace $24

Personal Shopper: 4th of July Barbecue

Reader Request

My husband and I are having a July 4th barbecue at our brand-new house. It's going to be pretty casual but I'd like to look nice, since I'm the hostess and it's the first time that many of our friends and family members are going to see the new place. It's going to start in the afternoon and go into the evening. What can I wear that's barbecue-appropriate but cute?

I went kind of literal on this one, what with the stars and stripes, the red and blue. But it's subtle, and fun. Congrats on the house!

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Dress $26 // Shoes $40 // Necklace $10 // Headband $8

Personal Shopper: Mixing Patterns

Reader Request

Can you give some advice on mixing patterns?

I've actually posted about this twice before (here and here), but I'd love to put together another outfit example, and re-post my tips:

1. Match a color or two, or at least keep the palettes somewhat similar.
2. Combine a small scale print with a large scale print, or a geometric print with something more natural.
3. Anchor the prints with similar colored accessories. 
4.  Most importantly, wear it with confidence! You can pull off anything if you believe that you can.

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Cardigan $35 // Top $15 // Shorts $48 // Sandals $15 // Bag $30 // Earrings $15 // Bracelets $6

Personal Shopper: Beer Festival

Reader Request

The guy I've been dating co-owns a small brewery with his brother, and they're throwing their annual beer fest in a few weeks. It's an all-day outdoor thing with bands, barbecue, etc. My problem is that it's going to be SO HOT and I never know how to look cute when it's hot. Also, I'm going to be meeting a lot of his friends and family for the first time, so looking cute is even more important. I'd wear a cute dress but apparently, everyone sits on blankets on the lawn to watch the bands and I'd rather not do that in a dress. All I can think to wear is shorts and a tank top, but that sounds so boring. Do you have any ideas for something I can wear?

Shorts and a tank doesn't have to be boring! Just wear some cute, summery accessories and you'll stay cool while impressing everyone you meet.

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Top $26 // Shorts $35 // Sandals $45 // Bag $22 // Hat $9 //
Necklace $15 // Sunglasses $18

Personal Shopper: Overall Shorts

Reader Request

I just got a pair of denim overall shorts that I just HAD to have. I can't wait to wear them, but how on earth should I wear them so that I don't look like A) a 12 year old, B) a farmer, or C) a Cabbage Patch doll?

Here's a look that's super-casual and cute - and you won't look like Daisy Mae or a little girl.

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Tank $34 // Overalls $30 // Sandals $69 // Bag $40 // 

Headband $2 // Sunglasses $32 // Bracelets $6 // Earrings $5