Dear FO Personal Stylist: Mama-To-Be Needs a Formal Summer Dress!

I am going to my husband’s brother’s wedding in August in Seattle. I will be just about 5 months pregnant at the wedding. Since you are a recently pregnant in heels fashionista, I need advice on what would look good and I’m pretty much OVER everything I’ve found at the maternity stores. I would like to wear something that’s not maternity but still looks flattering and chic. I am 5’11 and was pretty busty before I got pregnant, so as you can imagine I’m even bustier now!! The wedding is going to be pretty formal, so possible something long.

Thanks for your help!

Sarah A., Walnut Creek, CA

Dear Sarah,

First and foremost, congratulations! I’ve tried not to get all mommy blogger up in this joint, but I will say that I spit-up is currently my most worn accessory - and I could not be happier.

That being said, pregnancy (and unfortunately, post-pregnancy) can create a maelstrom of wardrobe issues. Like you, during my pregnancy I did not want to invest in a lot of pregnancy-specific items, and I certainly did not want to outfit myself in the cutesy-bland styles that seem to run rampant at some of the better known maternity retailers (more fashionista-friendly maternity collections can be found at ASOS, Unbuttoned and Topshop).

In looking for non-maternity styles that can be worn while pregnant, the elastic or smocked waist is your friend. Not only is it flexible enough to accommodate your expanding belly, but you’ll also appreciate the non-restrictive comfort. I found in my second trimester that I wanted to draw attention to the fact that I was pregnant (which my elastic waisted pieces did, since they can also kind of make you look pregnant when you’re not), as there was a transitional period where I kind of looked like I was pregnant but I also kind of looked like maybe I just had one too many tacos the night before.

Mixing in a few maternity basics is sort of unavoidable, especially since your pregnancy spans over the summer and winter months. My staples were a pair each of J Brand maternity jeans and jeggings (sadly, you’ll still need these after childbirth), Alternative Apparel tunics (one size up), maternity tights and maternity leggings (both with the built-in belly band). It’s also not a terrible idea to have one super-cute maternity dress for your third trimester - I got a black pointy-shouldered French Connection dress from ASOS last fall, and I wore the literal s*&^ out of it for every holiday party and occasion imaginable.

I think your idea of a long dress is perfect for a summer formal wedding - there is probably nothing more adorably chic than a baby bump in a maxi dress. I’ve included some of my favorite elastic waisted maxis below, avoiding any strapless shapes - the busty and pregnant situation is hard enough without trying to find a strapless bra. I’ve also thrown in one cute maternity dress thrown in for good measure. Good luck!

Martin Grant’s Striped Maxi Dress, $633 (orig. $2110)

Gianni Bini’s Helena One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $108

Topshop Maternity’s Embroidered Midi Dress, $100

Topshop’s Nude Lemon Floral Print Maxi Dress, $150

Von Vonni’s Yellow Print Maxi Dress, $98

Matthew Williamson’s Printed Jersey Maxi Dress, $675

Topshop’s Multi Feather Print One Shoulder Maxi Dress, $140

Hale Bob’s Embellished Maxi Dress, $332

Tibi’s Printed Silk Maxi Dress, $220 (orig. $550)

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Dear FO Personal Stylist: WTF With Tunics?!

WTF with tunics? When I go clothes shopping I see all these tunics. They look like shit on me. I’m 5’7” 132 lbs, curvy, and the darn things rest on my hips and are very unflattering. Is there any way to make them look good on me or just pass? I look like a sack of potatoes.

Xxoo,

Robin D., Berkeley, CA

Dear Robin,

HAAAAAAAAA. It’s not so much that I’m laughing at you, as I’m laughing (or crying) with you. Tunics are great to wear when you’re pregnant. Tunics are also great for making you look pregnant. I say this as a fellow curvy girl and yes, as someone who was recently pregnant (and who doesn’t want to continue to appear to be so).

I’m a firm believer in the fact that certain styles will never be flattering on certain body types, but I’m also a firm believer that you should wear whatever the hell you want if it makes you happy. Bearing in mind that a lot of today’s contemporary tunics were designed for a post-, and not a pre-Rachel Zoe Nicole Richie, there are some basic guidelines that you can follow to find a tunic that will actually flatter your hourglass figure.

• Length is key. A too-long tunic can easily shorten your figure and make you look unnecessarily schlumpy. Aim for tunics that more or less hit just above your hipbones - it’s long enough to cover any potential problem areas while short enough to not create new ones.

• Pair with appropriate bottoms. If you opt for a blousier or less fitted tunic, you should wear something more fitted on your lower half, like jeggings or skinny jeans (leggings only if the tunic is on the longer side). Skirts tend to be a little problematic and awkward, unless you go for a shorter tunic and a slim pencil skirt.

• Beware the elasticized/drawstring waist, my friend. It seems like a good idea in theory, right? But in attempting to define and showcase your waist, you may be dealing with billowing fabric at your hips. Create a waist by belting the tunic at your natural waist.

• Don’t go with the flow. A lot of contemporary tunics offer a more flowy, boho shape that’s not going to do any favors to your curves. Look for more fitted silhouettes and structured fabrics.

• Add some color. Well-executed patterns or color-blocking can accentuate curves.

Below are some of my favorite figure friendly tunic picks. Good luck, and remember: tunics are by no means compulsory in today’s fashion world.

Baby Phat’s Mirror Detail Tunic Top, $43.10 (orig. $86.20)

Vionnet’s One Sleeve Belted Tunic, $695 (orig. $1390)

Rebecca Beeson’s Draped V Neck Tunic, $54

Vionnet’s Colorblock Wool Tunic, $950

Max Studio’s Twisted Tunic, $78

Alice Temperley’s Tribal Print Cotton Tunic, $110 (orig. $275)

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Dear FO Personal Stylist: Find Gwen’s Earrings!

I love all things Gwen Stefani, I love her music, but mostly her style. She has these gold stud earnings that she wears often in photos and they are on her L.A.M.B. website main picture. I love them because they are small and stylish but have a little bit of punk flair, my favorite style.

I have looked everywhere and searched the internet but have not been able to find ones that are similar. Can you help? You seem to have a great way of finding wonderful styles.

Thanks,

Allison C., San Francisco, CA

Dear Allison,

I have to agree with you: Gwen Stefani is one of the very few celebrities who has managed to successfully transition into fashion. L.A.M.B. has not only invoked Gwen’s enviable style, but transcended it. Remember these heels? And this jacket? And basically everything that she wears in this video? Drooooooooool. But I digress.

Gwen’s earrings in that photo are commonly referred to as pyramid studs, and they have a nice punky yet rich look (especially since they bring to mind Hermes’ Medor pieces, which are synonymous with the pyramid stud).

I am fairly certain that the particular earrings that Gwen is wearing are the work of Bing Bang/Anna Sheffield (she also does an amazing oversized version). Since it never hurts to have choices in fashion, I’ve also included a few other similar styles. Hopefully one of them is just what you’re looking for!

Bing Bang’s Vivienne Stud Earrings, $85

Bop Bijoux’s Pyramid Stud Earrings, $60

Urban Outfitters’ Pyramid Stud Earrings, $16

Lena Wald’s Small Spike Earrings, $242

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Dear FO Personal Stylist: Wedding Officiant Needs to Accessorize

My niece is getting married this summer and has honored me with the request of being the officiant at her wedding. When I asked her what she would like me to wear for this important duty, she said that whatever I chose would be fine. Her only request was NOT GREEN (probably because she will be using a tomato red color for her bridesmaid dresses and flowers).

I purchased a champagne colored dress with lace at the hem that I really like for the occasion. It is a very neutral color and should match just about anything, but I’m wondering what exactly to do with it. Despite what my niece says, I want to make sure that I am appropriate for the wedding, and am a little concerned as the dress has spaghetti straps.

Oh, and one more piece of information…this is taking place in Ohio in July and it will be HOT!

Many thanks,

Deanna H., San Francisco, CA

Dear Deanna,

I’ve learned that in general, no matter how much you agonize over what to wear to someone’s wedding, there will always be someone a) more overdressed than you, b) more underdressed than you, and c) more inappropriately attired that you could ever conceive of being. That being said, you are in the unique situation of officiating over the wedding, and despite your niece’s laissez-faire approach, it is important that you are without a doubt suitably dressed for the occasion.

It sounds like you have a good neutral base for your outfit with your dress. I think it’s best to err on the side of conservatism in this particular situation, so given the spaghetti straps and the heat, I would strongly recommend donning a lightweight shrug or shawl over your dress.

I’ve put together three possible officiant ensembles for you. As always, they are ultimately meant to provide some inspiration to incorporate into your pre-existing wardrobe.

Potential Outfit #1

Outfit #1 is the most neutral of the ensembles. An ecru shrug corresponds to the dress easily (the shrug’s beaded texture makes it less necessary to match the color exactly). It would be nice to bring some of your niece’s wedding colors into your outfit, but unless you have an exact swatch of what she’s using, it would be difficult to match the color exactly. A skinny tomato red belt is small enough that it won’t draw attention if the color is slightly off, and it keeps this outfit from being too monochromatic. See if your niece’s florist can give you a flower to pin to your shrug or wear in your hair, and complete the look with neutral metallic sandals.

The Items

• Just Cavalli’s Champagne Gown, $225 (orig. $444)
• Ann Louise Roswald’s Crochet Shrug, $455
• Taryn By Taryn Rose’s Jewel Sandals , $106 (originally $239.95)
• Uniform’s Varnished Belt, $98

Potential Outfit #2

If Outfit #1 is too much of a vision in beige for you, consider bringing another neutral color in to mix things up. Outfit #2 features one of my favorite color combinations: grey and beige. Here a grey beaded shrug and gunmetal heels are matched to your ecru dress for a look that is rich yet muted. Vintage coral earrings match back to the wedding colors and add a little extra personality to the outfit without going overboard.

The Items

• Brian Reyes’ Corset Slip Dress, $430
• Lutz & Patmos’ Beach Shell Cardigan, $525
• Michael Kors’ Berkley Sandals, $98.50 (originally $128.95)
• Fay Cullen’s Art Deco Coral Earrings, $1050

Potential Outfit #3

If you would like to go for a slightly less structured look, Outfit #3 uses a shawl in lieu of a fitted shrug. A loosely knitted (and not-too-oversized) shawl is draped over your shoulders and fastened with an oversized statement pin. Silver-toned earrings and sandals complete the look.

The Items

• Badgley Mischka’s Isabella Beaded Tulle Dress, $477 (originally $795)
• Trendy Knitting’s Mohair Shawl, $75
• Pour La Victoire’s Enid Sandals, $249.95
• Alexis Bittar’s Anemone Flower Pin, $225
• Kohl’s Tahitian Pearl Stud Earrings, $314.99 (orig. $700)

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Dear FO Personal Stylist: Graphic Designer Needs Interview Outfit

I am a Graphic Designer looking for work and will soon be going on interviews. I want to be taken seriously but as a designer, I also want them to see a little bit of personality and creativity.

I have a black suit but it feels too stuffy and corporate, and a slew of unmatched dress pants and blazers. Is there anything I can do to spruce of a black suit or do you have any pant/blazer/blouse suggestions?

Thank you,

Lisa E., San Francisco, CA

Dear Lisa,

Picking the right outfit for a job interview is about as agonizing as picking an outfit for a first date: you want to look good, but you don’t want to look like you’re desperate and trying too hard. Interviewing in a creative industry, like graphic design, brings in a whole new level of difficulty. You may very well end up in a workplace in which tees and jeans are the norm, but under-dressing for an interview could give the impression that you don’t take the job seriously.

In general, when given the choice between under-dressing and over-dressing, I always err on the side of formality. The trick is to selectively show personality. If you have an interesting top, make sure that the paired jacket is relatively classic and plain. Unless it’s a super corporate environment, I would lay off the suit entirely, but the pieces can certainly be used separately.

Prints are somewhat of a slippery slope for interviews, but introducing some color into your ensemble is not. Darker, richer jewel tones like amethyst, dark teal, and emerald green can add a little sophisticated individuality. Of course, there are always certain absolutes, at least for the first interview: closed toed heels, skirts knee-length or longer, ixnay on the dangly jewelry, and no cleavage of any kind.

I’ve put together three potential interview looks for you. As you can tell, I am a huge fan of Chie Mihara shoes, but they are truly ideal for work-type situations - they are extremely comfortable, gorgeous but unique, and chunky enough to be taken seriously. All of the components in each outfit, however, can be altered according to your tastes and the contents of your closet. Hopefully these looks will provide a good jumping board to your winning interview outfit.

Potential Outfit #1

Remember Jerell’s winning outfit for the Working Girls challenge on Season 5 of Project Runway? I love the idea of substituting a cardigan for a blazer for a job interview. Of course, any old cardigan won’t do: a heavier weight (but not chunky) and finer quality cardigan is obviously preferable. I also think that an open cardigan (i.e. no buttons or ties) is best - buttons can be distracting, as well as a bit too casual.

This cardigan ensemble can be switched up in a number of ways. You could add a more neutral statement pin to the cardigan, or substitute a slightly bolder belt. If you opted for either, I would recommend changing the color of the top underneath the cardi to something a little more subdued.

The Items

• Hayden’s Cashmere Open Cardigan, $139 (originally $295).
• Alisha Levine’s Silk Ruffle Top, $109.99 (originally $220).
• Black Halo’s Button Down Pocket Skirt, $115 (originally $230)
• Cole Haan’s Aerin Black Patent Belt, $99
• Himatsingka’s Water Oval Earrings, $154
• Chie Mihara’s Poker Pumps, $186.42 (originally $338.95)

Potential Outfit #2

Here the basic black blazer in your closet gets paired with less matchy matchy (but still interview appropriate) wool pants and a more chic ruffled top. The color palette of this outfit is very neutral, but special touches in the individual pieces keep it from being boring or typical. If you didn’t own a suit, the well-coordinated but not matching top and bottom pieces are a good way to go (two pieces made of different materials in the same color do not a suit make).

The main individuality factor of this outfit derives from the ruffled top, so if you wanted to change things around a little you could experiment with different shirts. A tie neck poplin top that buttons to the neck could be a cute alternative.

The Items

• Sa Va’s Black Blazer, $155
• T-Bags’ Jemma Ruffle Top, $151.20 (originally $216)
• Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent’s Oxford Wide Leg Cuffed Pants, $126.99 (originally $297)
• Himatsingka’s Paper Disc Earrings, $92
• Chie Mihara’s Passion Pumps, $206.77 (originally $375.95)

Potential Outfit #3

This outfit, which is missing the extra layer on top of the two others, could be construed as the most casual of the bunch. The blouse, however, is the most formal and “professional.”

I generally loathe the typical collared “work appropriate” blouses with the fire of a thousand burning suns, but this one breaks the mold with the ruffle details and more pronounced buttons (which subtly match back to the earrings). This top could also be substituted with a crisp, long-sleeved tuxedo-type top. Little splashes of color with the shoes and earrings add individual finishing touches.

The Items

• Priorities’ Daisy Blouse, $42.99 (originally $106)
• Nolita’s Knee Length Skirt, $129
• Brian Danielle’s Pink Topaz Diamond Studs, $253
• Chie Mihara’s Ducari T-Strap Pumps, $285.48 (originally $390.95)

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Dear FO Personal Stylist: Wedding Shoe Dilemma

I really hope you can help me! I am getting married in less then 3 months, and I have not been able to find a pair of shoes for ‘the’ day.

I’m about 5’2”, and have found a wonderful dress that fits my frame. It’s a floor-length, off-white silk chiffon gown, with tonal satin stripes. It’s strapless and very airy and light looking (if that makes any sense). I was hoping to find shoes that would fit the style, but that also have a platform (a la Christian Louboutin), with a fairly high heel. I would love to find something for under $300 (otherwise I would go with Christian!).

Can’t wait to hear what you might find for me - I’m getting close to the cut-off date and getting nervous about not finding anything.

Thank you!

Julia P., San Francisco, CA

Dear Julia,

First of all, congratulations! Having gotten married myself last year, I completely feel your sole searching pain. Finding the right pair of wedding shoes is ridiculously difficult; unless you’re able to completely throw caution to the wind and eeny meeny miney mo it, even the most reasonable of brides can find herself obsessing over the most frivolous of details. Your eyes start to glaze over, all of the shoes start looking the same, yet none of them are what you’re looking for, and then you start questioning what you’re looking for in the first place. Don’t start thinking about the fact that your floor-length dress will more or less obscure your shoes no matter what, unless you want to spend the next week or so picking up pieces of your brain off the floor.

Imposing practicality on your selection helps the decision making process. I am personally biased towards non-bridal bridal shoes (no dye-to-match or cheesy rhinestones here, please), and neutral metallics. Matching your shoes exactly to your dress is sort of a hopeless and pointless endeavor, as is buying a pair of shoes that are so specific to your dress that any future use is ruled out. A neutral metallic – such as soft gold, antique silver, platino, etc – matches just about anything and is appropriate year round.

Given that you want to wear a high heel, I think your preference towards some sort of platform is a wise one, even if only for comfort’s sake. Since your wedding is in spring/summer, your dress is strapless, and by the sound of it, fairly ethereal looking, I think a dressy sandal would be your best bet.

I’ve found a number of shoes with good wedding potential, listed below and divided into various categories. The great news is that a lot of styles are on sale right now (yay, recession?). My personal favorites are the Claudio Merazzi dress sandals, the Badgley Mischka Marsilia peep toes, and the Pura Lopez Lana sandals, but ultimately you know best in terms of your own personal preferences, appropriateness with regards to your dress, and the general look and feel of your wedding.

A couple last pieces of advice that, like many sage bits of wisdom, originated from Martha Stewart. Make sure to wear your shoes of choice around the house to break them in at least several times prior to your wedding. If the bottoms are somewhat slick, take a piece of sandpaper to them to scuff them up a bit. Your feet will undoubtedly be hurting at least a little at the end no matter what you pick, so it’s good to do a little damage control beforehand.

Platforms

Stuart Weitzman’s Glo Hot Bird Platforms, $201 (originally $335).

Hale Bob’s Billie Heels, $109 (originally $136).

Betsey Johnson’s Deandra Heels, $225.

Demure Peep Toe Pumps

Stuart Weitzman’s Turban Pumps, $159.99 (originally $298).

Badgley Mischka’s Marsilia Peep Toe Pumps, $235 (originally $539.95).

Theory’s Mariel Pumps, $275.

Slingbacks

Delman’s Siana Sandals, $201.20 (originally $394.95).

Jinny Kim’s Cupid Pump, $216.

Straps Galore

Pour La Victoire’s Bethanie Sandal, $279.95 .

Michael Kors’ Wink Heels, $229.

D&G’s Gold Sandals, $245.63, (originally $399).

Channel the Inner Greek Goddess

Pura Lopez’s Lana Sandals, $179.85 (originally $359.70).

Pour La Victoire’s Ellie Sandals, $126 (originally $210).

The Rock N’ Roll Options

Strutt Couture’s Madelaine Pump, $338.41 (originally $594.95).

Claudio Merazzi’s Dress Sandal, $285 (originally $629.95).

Girlie Details

Linea Paolo’s Rachael Sandals, $139.95.

Sergio Rossi’s Bow Pumps, $273 (originally $539).

Have a fashion emergency, or just looking for a helpful hint or two? Email Fashion Orbit’s Personal Stylist!