styling hacks for when you don't feel like going sleeveless

Picture this: you've got a tank or sleeveless dress that is begging to be worn...and you can't quite bring yourself to wear it as-is. There are many reasons why you might not want to go sleeveless this summer. Maybe the weather in your neck of the woods really isn't all that summery (side eye at Texas...), maybe you just don't like to bare your shoulders, maybe the occasion calls for more modesty, maybe you got a bad sunburn or other injury you want to conceal...my personal reasons are religious but I realize that doesn't necessarily apply to everyone so here is a quick little styling guide on how to transform that sleeveless stunner into one with a little more coverage. 

Between the pictures of me awkwardly walking away on train tracks are the 5 key things to consider when styling sleeveless to go sleeve-ful (? lol)

similar dress/similar blouse/similar shoes

Over/Under

 Silhouette

Color

Print

Style

I ranked the categories in what I consider, order of importance. Let's dive in...

Over/Under

This is honestly a personal preference...I think in a majority of cases you can't really go wrong with layering something over your main item. It just tends to look better in most cases, simply because there are so many choices ...cardigans, blazers, jackets, boleros, button down shirts, shawls, you get the picture. Layering under can prove to be a little trickier, but can be very cute when done correctly. The key I think is to consider the other factors when making your decision.

*as a general rule I don't recommend putting plain t-shirts under things, it harks back to the early 2000's styles for me and most sleeveless things deserve something a little nicer to elevate the style when adding coverage*

Silhouette

Consider the following when thinking of how to alter your dress or tank or whatever sleeveless item...

Some consider a cap-sleeve to be sleeveless, there are flutter sleeve/pinafore type sleeveless, there are spaghetti straps all the way to muscle-tank type straps.

 Next, the shape and length of the item. Is the dress flared? Fitted? Loose? Does it have buttons or a tie waist? Where is the waist? How long is the dress? These are all things to take into account because that will determine what type of coverage to add. For instance, I wouldn't put a blouse under a cap sleeve or thicker tank sleeve; too much bulk and similarity in cut of the sleeves.  

With the cherry dress, it has an adorable bustier top, and a nipped in waist with a tie back that leads to a flared skirt. I didn't want to interfere with or hide those features with either way I styled it.  I could have just as easily paired it with a cropped jean jacket or biker jacket if I wanted to add a bit of an edge to the outfit, but I chose to go with "period" appropriate layering pieces. The cherry print dress is very retro, 40s-50s, and so I chose a vintage velvet bolero in a coordinating green hue below, and a vintage reproduction silky blouse to go under the dress above. 

similar bolero (this is a one-of-a-kind vintage item)

I'm going to lump together color and print between the two sleeveless dresses I chose to feature. Colors of items should coordinate (they don't necessarily have to match). Beyond pulling inspiration from the existing colors of the main item it is usually safe to pair neutrals as your layering pieces, while considering the tones of the sleeveless item: cool tones will look better with navy and grey pairing items, warm tones with browns and tans, white and black tend to go with nearly everything. 

If the print is already loud on your main item, try to tone down the print you mix it with, small prints very neutral colors like tiny polka dots, or stripes, or keep it solid. And vice versa, if your main item is solid or subtly printed, go a little bolder with your color or print. 

I had two pretty bold prints and color palettes to start with. Hence me sticking to solid colored items... 

similar dress/espadrille wedges/similar shawl

Style

 The last thing to consider is the style you're going for. Like I mentioned earlier, the cherry dress could have been paired with so many options, but I chose to go full retro, because that was my mood that day. The second dress is much more casual and bohemian. Which is why I went a little more boho casual with the styling. I'm all for mixing styles however, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with pairing ultra-sweet feminine dresses with tough leather jackets, or super structured dresses with flowy cardigans. 

The last styling tip I have is if you like a dress, but maybe not necessarily the top of the dress...or if you want to expand your wardrobe in ways you didn't think possible, look below. You can pull a closed or buttoning top over the top of the dress to disguise the top of the dress completely and make it look like  a top and skirt. Bada-boom new outfit! I recommend putting a belt with it too, to add structure to the whole thing and accentuate the waistline. 

olive green blouse/similar belt

Creative color-blocking: goldenrod and fuchsia

dress/t-strap leather clogs/tights

You know it's a good outfit when your husband begs you not to curse his family for not carrying your old little frail self up a mountain...(if you haven't seen the movie Holes or read the book of the same name, I apologize for you missing the reference to the fabulous Madame Zeroni)

similar headband/similar earrings

 This color combination is one that was initially a huge step out of my comfort zone. I love goldenrod yellow, but I would never have thought to pair it with fuchsia (even though they're complementary colors so IDK why I never thought about it before???). I was in a huge rush to get ready today so this whole look was kind of a gamble. Having to teach on Sundays for 9 AM church is a brutal learning curve I am adjusting to, but I *think* I made it work, and managed to come out with my rat's nest hair being well hidden by the Madame Zeroni-esque velvet turban headband. 

Now that I am seeing how this dress photographed I realize that I should probably (who am I kidding...definitely) iron it if I ever plan to get it photographed again hahaha. Today was a beautiful respite from some of the cooler temperatures we have been experiencing in the DFW area. Which means I was able to wear my beloved Lotta clogs (linked above) and this whole ensemble without having ice-cubes for eyeballs and frostbite all over. 

What are some color combinations that you would like to see featured or that you've tried and were surprised that you liked? I'd love to hear from you guys!

Covering the Basics with Simply Sunday Market- modest clothing options in a modern world

dress/ similar shoes/similar bandana

Recently a small business approached me about being one of their reps, I looked through their website and LOVED what I saw. Not only is most of what you find on Simply Sunday Market  modest, it looked to be of excellent quality and has a fresh, unique style. Though the dress I am wearing went out of stock, I was able to find the same one on a similar website (Citrus and Lemon) which I will also be featuring in next week's modest clothing options, read on because I have a coupon codes for both websites :D

Another big thing that drew me into Simply Sunday's designs is that the large majority of their dressed have POCKETSSSS <3 and they're of the both cute and functional variety so I was very pleased about that.

similar live succulent necklace

I got this succulent necklace at the Magnolia Market Spring at the Silos festival from a local flower vendor who specializes in wedding bouquets, but I thought this was SO COOL. The plant lives from 3-4 weeks on your jewelry and then you can remove it and plant it and the succulent should take root and live a long happy life in a pot of dirt. You're left with a cool bronze necklace. I found a similar necklace which I linked under the photo. 

similar necklace/ dress

Here is a a different look that is more of a transitional style for those who may still be experiencing cold weather this early in spring. One downside to Simply Sunday Market (which I think is actually a testament to how awesome they are) is that they don't keep stock too long, their products move quickly due to the competitive price for the quality and look you are getting. Therefore the exact jacket I am wearing is no longer in stock on their website, but I can assure you it is one of the coziest and softest I have ever tried on. I paired it with the dress which can still be purchased on their site. 

fringed clogs/similar jacket/similar socks

I love the look of Swedish Hasbeens (and basically any Swedish clogs) but am not crazy about the high price tag. These little beauties were purchased off Poshmark, a second hand app, for a tiny fraction of their original price and I adore them. I paired them with thigh high knit socks from Target which I purchased over 2 years ago. I've linked a similar pair. If you are experiencing warmer spring temperatures, this dress is light enough that you could just pair it with some sandals and no jacket and you'd have an effortlessly adorable spring look.

I promised you coupon codes so I'm going to deliver now ;)

Use code HEIDI10 for 10% off to all my readers on Simply Sunday Market this code can be reused!

Use code TAKE15  to get 15% off your first purchase at Citrus and Lemon 

Happy Spring Shopping!!!

prevent pinching without wearing extremes

I'm not going to mince my words...I hate how most holidays are over-commercialized and celebrated here in the U.S. Up there at the top of my list of most cringe-worthy holidays is St. Patrick's Day. I am neither Irish, a drinker, nor do I believe in touching (let alone pinching) people for something stupid like not wearing green...ugh...

similar dress (mine is from H&M's spring 2017 line) /clogs/similar necklace/backpack

I know bright green is also a tough hue for a lot of people to pull off, and I really have to be in the mood to wear it. Overall I tend to gravitate toward muted colors and more earthy tones. So I present you with two options; one dressy and one a little more casual, that will keep pinch happy friends at bay while not looking like a leprechaun threw up on you. 

(I think I was smiling so hard because I absolutely have loved my Valentine's Day gift from Musashi, these amazing Lotta clogs, they're comfy enough for a day of walking around at the Magnolia Market!)

I was so excited about all the pretty floral arrangements and photo backgrounds for my first time at the Magnolia Market at the silos in Waco. I went with a group of friends for the spring festival at the silos and it was a beautiful day and a wonderful time was had by all. My dress worked well in the windy weather with its vintage cut and color, it didn't blow up and scare children, it was comfy and practical and mint green is a universally flattering color in my opinion. 

shirt/pants/similar cardigan

I recently bought this backpack purse and it is LIFE CHANGING!!! It is functional but still looks good with a variety of outfits and would suit a lot of styles. It also doesn't get in the way and hurt my shoulders the way other purses I've used do. Go get yourselves one at target. I <3 target

That's where the shirt is from as well in my casual minty green look.

shoes

H&M has been killing the inexpensive shoe game for quite some time but last spring and this spring they've done exceptionally well. These are comfy, stylish, unique and fun. The idea of wearing green on just your accessories if you really don't want to wear it on your outfit is not a new one but definitely worth revisiting to protect yourself from over-zealous pinchy fingers. 

convertible backpack purse

If people still give you a hard time for not wearing the bright kelly green shades you can just jump on a log and run away...no one needs that kind on insanity and negativity in their lives. This will be easy to do in these super comfy linen pants from Simply Sunday Market. Get your pair (or anything on their site) 10% off using the code HEIDI10. I will be doing a full review of some of their products and my thoughts on my haul from them in the coming week.

With all that said, best of luck on this my least favorite of holidays ;) 

Subtly sweet outfit for Valentine's Day

I seriously could NOT think of a better post title. I am so very tired and have a lot of stuff on my plate right now. I am going to keep it brief and just let the outfit shine. It is sort of Valentines-ish without being over the top; burgundy lace and florals go with the season without being saccharine (or so I think). 

skirt/similar cardigan/belt/similar booties/similar shirt

This is kind of like a "uniform" for me lately. I'll pull on a solid colored skirt with a patterned top OR a patterned skirt with a solid top then layer a cardigan in a coordinating shade. It has been perfect for the chilly morning, warmer afternoon weather we have been experiencing. Most of the items are thrifted/second hand but the skirt was a gift from my wonderful husband. 

Then, because I am short, I will pull it together with some kind of a comfortable heel and a waist-defining apparatus. The belt is one of my favorites and I have it in black too, if they sold it in other colors I probably would own them too because they are seriously awesome. 

What are some of your "uniform" outfits lately? 

Covering the Basics with Cleo Madison---modest clothing options in a modern world

Adele skirt/ burgundy tights/ black oxford heels/similar blouse 

My first post of the year 2018 includes my review of an up and coming modest clothing company, Cleo Madison. I love everything that they stand for and can't wait to see more of their designs going forward. 

Adele skirt/ burgundy tights/ black oxford heels/similar blouse 

First of all, I appreciate that they picked the name of an Old Hollywood starlet turned director and producer as their namesake.  When I saw this midi length A-line skirt with a velvet burnout detail I got all the vintage vibes and had to snap it up. The light dusty blue color is just beautiful and also called me back to more glamorous times like Ms. Madison's.

Adele skirt/ burgundy tights/ black oxford heels/similar blouse 

Affordability is one of Cleo Madison's selling points, and affordable they are! I can happily say that even though their prices are very low, the quality of the skirt I got is exceptional. 

Adele skirt/ burgundy tights/ black oxford heels/similar blouse 

I found that the designs Cleo Madison offers are varied and can be dressed up or down, in fact I have worn this skirt in both more formal settings and casual ones as well. It is comfortable, versatile, and cute and I couldn't ask for much else in a wardrobe item. 

Adele skirt/ burgundy tights/ black oxford heels/similar blouse 

Vintage Style Sunday: Olive green fall look

similar dress/similar shoes/similar hat/similar tights

It's been a really long time since I blogged. I am going to be honest, I really just wanted to quit. My husband has had two major surgeries for a torn Achilles tendon (with another surgery scheduled for a couple weeks from now). He tore his Achilles about a week after our disaster-riddled move to the Dallas area. That and both of us starting new jobs...it's just been one thing after another lately, but this blog is one of my ways of releasing some of that stress so I decided to jump back in and drag my poor husband out wearing his boot and toting the camera...he's a saint. 

similar dress/similar shoes/similar hat/similar tights

I will be starting a series where I feature vintage items from my wardrobe once a month with inspiration on how to incorporate pieces in a modern wardrobe. I fell in love with this olive green 1940s wool dress last year, I bought it, then remembered I lived in Houston; where there are literally no days in the year where it is comfortable to wear wool clothing. 

Today it was a beautiful fall day in Dallas, with a little chill and some wind. So I took this dress out for a spin for the first time!!! Some details I love are the flared skirt, slightly puffed sleeves, and the cute collar (concealed by my hair...ugh). 

similar dress/similar shoes/similar hat/similar tights 

 I paired it with some black oxford heels, which I believe should be a staple in every closet, they go with almost everything and add a touch of whimsy and class to any outfit. I also paired it with some fun polka dot tights and my vintage 1940s hat which I have featured on the blog before. My awesome sister-in-law got me the cute clock necklace at a maker fair in Oregon, it is pretty unique and this was the closest thing I could find that might be similar to it.

similar dress/similar shoes/similar hat/similar tights

The biggest thing I have learned when purchasing vintage is knowing your measurements and how you fit certain other clothes. I browsed many other olive green vintage dresses before coming across one that had measurements that would fit me comfortably. Some things to keep in mind is that slightly larger items can be easily tailored and/or might end up being more comfortable because they allow for movement, while items too small for you just won't do. Err on the side of slightly too big when you are making that judgment call. Don't purchase anything without knowing its measurements!!!

similar dress/similar shoes/similar hat/similar tights

I hope you all feel inspired to start delving into the world of vintage, it is a great way to add uniqueness to your wardrobe and be ecologically friendly as well. I will be providing more tips and tricks which I have discovered along the way as I continue this series. Do you have any vintage items in your wardrobe? If so, where did you get them? Let me know in the comments and have a great day :)

style across generations---le style à travers les générations

I wore this outfit on the day that the U.S. celebrated Mother's Day. I got to thinking about how my mom and her mom have inspired and continue to inspire me. 

My mom learned from her mom that you can be stylish and maintain your personal convictions and comfort zones with regard to modesty. I am thankful to my mom for then passing down this lesson, and helping me come to that conclusion on my own as I grew older and more independent.

My mother and grandmother are shining beacons of class, beauty, inner strength and light. I want to make them proud and find myself thinking of what they might say when I dress myself.

Neither my mom nor my grandma are slaves to trends. They have their own style, they are thrifty and wise with their purchases. I continue to try and consider the versatility of my purchases, if they are true to my style and if they are financially reasonable.

My grandma let me have some of her clothes when I last went to visit her; they are timeless and beautiful and I will cherish them forever. My mom and I constantly trade and wear one another's things as well. 

Most of all, they both have taught me that while what you present on the outside can help you feel confident and help you express yourself it is what is on the inside that truly matters. I love these women and love the influence they have had on my life, and for so much more than their style! 

Mamie (grandma) in the blue cutout dress on the far right, maman (mom) in the middle in the teal midi dress circa the 1980s

Maman a few years ago with my brother, all dressed up and looking lovely

En pensant à la fête des mères je pense à la manière dont maman et mamie m'ont influencé et continuent de m'influencer. 

Ma mamie a appris a ma mère qu'il est possible d'être chic en restant pudique. Ainsi ma mère m'a enseigner la même leçon, et j'en suis reconnaissante. Ma mère et ma grand-mère sont des femmes fortes, rayonnantes, et classes. Quand je m'habille je pense souvent à elles et j'essaie de faire des choix qui les rendraient fières. 

Ma mère m'a aussi appris qu'il faut choisir ses achats judiciseusement. Ni elle ni ma mamie sont victimes des tendances de mode. Je reste fidèle à mes goûts et mon style personnel car elles m'ont appris à le faire. J'essaie de faire de sages décisions financières même si j'aime beaucoup la mode. Ma mère m'a montrer à maintes reprises qu'il n'y a pas besoin de dépenser beaucoup pour avoir de belles tenues. 

Ma mamie et ma mère m'ont donner de leurs vêtements et je les porte souvent car elles ont un style que j'adore. Elles m'ont montrer qu'un ensemble peut te donner de la confiance et t'aider à t'exprimer. Mais elles m'ont aussi montrer que ce qu'il se trouve à l'interieur est beaucoup plus important que ce que tu portes. Merci à deux femmes magnifiques qui m' ont tant appris par leurs merveilleux exemples. Je vous aime!

Covering the basics with Dainty Jewell's---modest clothing options in a modern world

This lovely dress and the company which created it are some of the very few reasons why I am genuinely smiling this week. I look pretty serene in most of these shots because this was all taken before the poop hit the fan and my week turned catastrophic... anywho, read on for happier thoughts!!! :)

Dainty Jewells approached me awhile back asking if I would be willing to review their products. I agreed but I wanted to remain authentic and neutral so I did end up paying and ordering online to get the true customer experience and give an unbiased review.

Their vast selection of modest and beautiful dresses and skirts has a little something for everyone. They sell their designs usually with options to choose a unique color and print. The prices reflect the high quality product you are paying for and you truly are getting unique yet timeless pieces for your wardrobe. Every item I ordered is flattering, boasts good fabric and construction, and is comfortable. 

I LOVE that they design and create their own items in house, I always want to support small business and this is a great way to do that. I also adore the vintage vibes they infuse into their designs!!! You know me and my vintage style crush.

For younger girls I would definitely recommend them for formal and semi-formal dances as some of their gorgeous designs lend themselves to these types of occasions perfectly and the price point is actually very reasonable for formal wear. 

All of the designs have sleeves (yay!), higher necklines, and many of them come with the option of a knee-length (ends up being closer to midi on us shorties) and floor-length.

Buying and ordering were a breeze and they do offer an appealing customer loyalty program. Do expect shipping to take a little bit longer than a big box online store because they are after all custom designs and a smaller business :)  

While Dainty Jewells remains an exclusively online boutique they occasionally have pop-up shops and if you subscribe to their newsletter you can find out if they are coming near you!

Overall I was very pleased with my experience shopping at Dainty Jewells and will be featuring more outfits with some of their awesome designs in the future. I am so excited I found out about this lovely company, and while their clothes are a little more money than what I would typically spend they are well worth it and are sure to fetch you lots of compliments and get you a lot of wear and joy. I mean they did manage to keep me smiling and comfy through a torturous week, so who knows how one of their dresses could change your life! ;)

They just rolled out their spring line so go check them out! They do a 50% off mystery dress deal on occasion so make sure to subscribe to their newsletter!

Covering the basics with Shop Ruche- modest clothing options in a modern world series

Many of my readers and friends often ask me where I get my clothes from. This is a complicated question to answer for a variety of reasons. There is no one "go to" place that I use. I usually prefer shopping second-hand due to personal ethical convictions. But I understand that on occasion it is nice to buy something new and others might not feel comfortable buying used. I have started a series where I will be highlighting a retailer which provides modest clothing options in order to share some of the places I find my modest clothes. 

Being LDS means my definition of modest apparel might be different than yours. I am not here to judge, just showcase places which happen to have options which are a little more covered in the shoulder/arm and leg areas. 

Shop Ruche has been a long time favorite of mine. It is also a great comeback story and one of small business success. They started out as a tiny online boutique catering to a clientele interested in eclectic and unique styles. I happened upon them by accident, browsing one day for something very specific (I was looking for a bold poppy print, and found this poppy skirt which I wore here). 

Right off the bat I noticed a lot of their designs met my needs for more coverage, and while they were a little more spendy than what I was used to buying, they have great online coupon deals and sales when you subscribe. They even have filters you can set for longer length skirts and dresses as well as tops with sleeves.

I literally cried last spring when they announced they were going out of business. I had been asking my husband to get my birthday and Christmas gifts there for years, and I would constantly ogle and admire their cute clothes, shoes and decor. What would I do now that they were gone?!?

\

Luckily for me, others felt the same way I did, and a few months later they announced their return after enough investors and former clients had shown an interest in keeping their business alive. I was ecstatic! 

 I mean, who else would be able to fill my pleated airplane print maxi dress, silver stiletto heel dreams?

Every single one of the items I have ordered from there has been nothing short of amazing quality, stunning in presentation and fit beautifully. I adore this company and recommend Shop Ruche to all my friends, family, and readers. They have a variety of styles to suit many tastes, and while their price point might be a little higher than what I am used to paying, I can wait patiently for sales and deals and I know I am getting a one-of-a-kind piece that is worth every penny.