what to wear: wedding attire in your late 20's

The past weekend officially kicked off this year's summer weddings. I don't know about you all, but I'm at the point in life where I have LOTS of weddings. Like, 9 this year, with one this weekend!!! With weddings comes shopping for dresses, and I personally have a tough time finding age appropriate dresses. It's the Britney Spears conundrum - I'm not a girl, not yet a woman! Although I guess I am technically a woman, just a young woman. When I'm shopping for dresses now, I want a balance of pretty but chic, appropriate but a little sexy. I don't want something too sweet, and trendy, but rather beautiful and timeless - something I can feel confident wearing year after year. Is this a challenge for anyone else, or just me?!

A few good brands I've found that accomplish that strange, mid-to-late 20's to early 30's gap: Elizabeth & James, Club Monaco, Milly, Tibi, Rebecca Taylor, etc. etc. I've pulled together a few of my favorite options below, and I actually ordered this Club Monaco dress for a wedding in June.

Club Monaco Nimah Dress 

(comes in white, too! and is on sale for under $130!)

Elizabeth & James Phoenix Dress 

(comes in multiple colors, on sale for under $170!)

Milly Modern Camo Dress 

(not as simple, but I think it's fun and could be worn year after year)

Tibi Strapless Dress 

(I think this is GORGEOUS. Also comes in red and is on sale for under $225)

Tibi Amara Dress 

(I think there's something really pretty about this. Comes in black too, would love with gold jewelry!)

What are your go-to places for dresses? I'd love to hear where you all shop!

WHAT TO WEAR: HOLIDAY WORK PARTY

Professional and classy, but cute and festive. These pants from J.Crew instantly give a great festive vibe without being over the top Christmas. Either of these looks is great in my opinion - the first a little more toned down and classic, while the second glams it up a bit. Why not look fabulous for a work function?  It's your time to shine, darling! Show the boss man why you're deserving of a promotion, starting off with an excellent wardrobe :)

By the way, have you noticed a trend in my clothing selections?? I promise I'm going to try to be more interesting and switch it up in the new year. I can't help certain retailers are just fabulous!

--

Look 1: 

J.Crew Berry Bouquet Cafe Capri

Metallic Oversize Sweater

Kate Spade Bow Earrings

C.Wonder Suede Glitter Toe Pump

Look 2:

J.Crew Berry Bouquet Cafe Capri

C.Wonder Sequin Stripe Top

Baublebar Crystal Zodiac Necklace

Sole Society Bow Heels

WHAT TO WEAR: HOLIDAY COCKTAIL PARTY

Since I've been doing so many gift guides, I thought I would switch up Loving & Lusting and do a What to Wear series for the holiday season. In the words of Sheryl Crow, a little change can do ya good!

Today, I'm all about the holiday cocktail party. Isn't one of the best parts about the holidays the parties you get to go to?! A great - and affordable - black dress with a little bit of edge, like this one from BCBG Generation is the perfect start. Adding fun jewelry from J.Crew can take you one of two ways - a little more classic, on the left, or a little edgier on the right. A purse like this one from Kate Spade is perfectly on theme; who doesn't want to be drinking champagne during the holidays?! Add a pair of heels or edgy booties and you're set. Time to go dance the night away!

--

BCBG Generation Tunic Top Dress
J.Crew Drop Pearl Necklace 
J.Crew Jeweled Penant Necklace
Kate Spade All That Glitters Clutch
Tory Burch Metallic Clutch
DKNY Cutout Booties

J.Crew Everly Heel with Patent Bow