Chic for Cheap: Three Looks - One Dress

Reader Katie wrote in with a super-challenge for this week's Chic for Cheap look.  Here's her dilema:

"I was wondering if you could help me out. I am traveling to the Midwest next month to visit family and friends. While there I will be attending my sister's baby shower, my other sister's high school graduation party and my ten year reunion, all back to back in the same day. I have no idea what to wear. It needs to be something that can transition to each party with as little alteration as possible. I love vintage styles and just about anything from Anthropologie (just not their price tags). Oh, and I can't wear heals all day. I love heals but I can only wear then for a few hours."

Phew...sounds like a busy day!  I decided to use a fabulous dress with a fun vintage-feel for the key piece.  By simply changing the shoes and outerwear you can create three different looks that will carry you through each event with minimal hassle.  Of course any of these piece can be supplemented with items that are already hanging in your own closet.  Add or subtract pieces as you need or want.  The main idea is to start with a strong base and build around it with accessory options.  I hope this gives you a few ideas Katie!  Have a great trip!  xo Ez

The Plan:

• Ribbon Dancer Dress - ModCloth
• Black Bag - Target
• Possible hair styles: relaxed ponytail or side pony.

Baby Shower - Dress with pointelle cardigan and black sandals.

• Cropped Pointelle Cardigan - Old Navy
• Cage Sandals - Target

Sister's Graduation Party - Dress with denim jacket and classic ballet flats.

• Classic Denim Jacket - American Eagle
• Margot Flats - Delias

High School Reunion - Dress with vintage-inspired embroidered cardigan, cocktail ring and some smokin' hot heels.

• Embroidered Cardigan - American Eagle
• Foiled Again Heels - ModCloth
• Mademoiselle Jewel Ring - Forever 21

Want to see more Chic for Cheap looks?  Check out previous posts right here.

Color Crush: Perfectly Pastel

I don't know about you, but for me the word "pastel" evokes unpleasant thoughts of overstuffed Easter baskets and the scratchy dresses I had to wear on Sundays as a kid.  Ick!  So I thought that today I'd challenge myself to try and create a new vision of pastel...one that is soft and sweet but not sickeningly so.  Of course I love all these colors individually (it's the word "pastel" that bothers me), so the stretch wasn't quite as hard as I was thinking it might be.  Oh well...challenge or not I hope you will enjoy!  xo Ez

A. Eery Enid Original Watercolor - Pop Pop Portraits

B. Exhibition Vase (available in 4 colors) - ModCloth

C. Leaf Bamboo Brooch - Noshii

D. Linden Tea Towel in Turquoise - Hammocks & High Tea

E. Fluted Ceramic Ramekins - Kate's Paperie

F. Carnival Pillow by CharmaineOlivia - Envelop (I've also posted about Charmaine's art prints here).

Today I Love: L.L.Bean Signature

I've just recently discovered the Signature line from L.L.Bean.  All their pieces look really chic...like instant classics for your wardrobe that you'll want to wear for more than just one season.  Even better they are reasonably priced!  For more, take a peek right here.  xo Ez

Guest Post: Etsy Finds and Faves in Butterscotch + Caramel

Hello everyone! This is Ange from Lushlee, here again with my second post while Ez is away.  With Spring here, dreamy and pastel things attract me more than ever. And as I was browsing through Etsy, I find myself thinking of butterscotch and caramel. Here are my Etsy finds and faves inspired by this soft color, which I can't have enough of both in my wardrobe and at home. I hope you'll enjoy these neutral finds!

• Handmade Paper Daisies - The Gilded Bee
• Vintage White Strappy Sandals - Brown Bag Vintage
• Eco Nuno Felted Top - Vilte
• Cotton 8x8 Print - Lolas Room
• Decadent Lace Necklace - The French Mouse
• Leather Shoulder Bag - Eight Seasons

See more from Ange: BLOG  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

Guest Post: Erin of Design for Mankind

If there's one thing dear Ez has taught me throughout her years at Creature Comfort, it's the power of color. Unexpected color palettes should be celebrated and experimented with to create fun, playful environments. So, in honor of dear Ez and her love for color, I'll be sharing a few of my favorite colors (and corresponding products, of course!) that can be mixed and matched in all sorts of ways to inspire your life --- and home! Enjoy!

More from Erin: DESIGN FOR MANKIND  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  SHELTERPOP  |  DIY LIFE  |  HOLIDASH

In the dining/kitchen area:
Frank Lloyd Wright Pinnacle Vase ($49), ArchitectGiftsPlus
Royak VKB Apron & Oven Mitt ($45), The Design Gift Shop
Normann Copenhagen's Collapsible Funnel ($22), Amazon
Scanwood's Salt Dishes ($7), A+R
Fusion Brand's IceOrb ($16), A+R

In the closet:
Kikkerland Money Laundry Bag ($15), Luggage.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs Pumps ($395), Piperlime
Bow Business Dress ($62), ModCloth
Lapis Necklace ($995), Vivre
Marni Fabric Frame Clutch ($770), Net-a-Porter
In the office:
Swirl Earphones ($52), A+R
Tallulah Jumping Bug ($59), The Green Shop
Receipt Catcher ($8), See Jane Work
And Furthermore Sticky Notes ($4), Knock Knock
P.S. Collection ($30), Kate Spade

In the living room:
Pop Highball Glass Vase ($18), Jonathan Adler
"The Braddock" Barn Light ($268), Barn Light Electric
Sheepskin Rug ($159), West Elm
Mellow Armless Chair ($599), CB2
Hand Quilted Velvet Pillow ($24), Urban Outfitters