Style By Numbers » purple

WTWWYE: 3rd Trimester Easy Work Wear

laurendare — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:21:17 +0000

♥ Purple and black dress: Mamas&Papas ♥ Gold ruffle cardigan: A|Wear ♥ Leggings: Gap ♥ Shoes: Rocket Dog ♥

@28weeksΞ This dress has been a great investment (found on sale for around €30). I picked it up at around 18 weeks and have been able to wear it since 20 weeks, though it fits the best now. M&P had different size bumps to try on in the dressing room, which was great to see how the dress would stretch. But my real bump has turned out much different than the artificial. On these bright sunny Dublin days, I just couldn’t bear to wear lots of black so I through on my bright gold cardigan. I really like the purple and gold together, very regal.

This dress is very, very simple. There’s no waist, just a sash and a gathered collar line, lending it to lots of growth. If I were to wear it post-maternity, I might add some darts and shorten it a bit. The crepe fabric is a refreshing change from jersey and feels much more refined for business meetings. Why isn’t there more on the maternity racks?

Golden Girl

laurendare — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:19:07 +0000

I wore this dress to a recent wedding in Glendalough. I really love this dress–it’s definitely a lesson in thrifty style. I picked up the dress during the Christmas sales for €200 off and added the deep purple sash from another dress. Just a few days before the wedding I found the wrap that matches perfectly in Pennys for €4. My taupe patent heels are from DSW and were purchased with the proceeds of a wardrobe purge/eBay sale last year. I already had most of the accessories, including a very pretty gold and turquoise bracelet from the husband and my grandmother’s handbag from her school years. Not including the items I already had in my closet, this outfit cost me under €100!

Dress: Monsoon (on sale–always buy Monsoon on sale!)

Wrap: Pennys

Shoes: Elizabeth Arden at DSW (Boston, DTX)

Peacock Clip: Lulu*s

Bracelet: Etsy (gift from hubby)

Love Ring: Accessorize

Black Clutch: Vintage, gift from grandmother

Not including the items I already had in my closet, this outfit cost me under €100!

Lu-Owl Vintage on Market Publique

laurendare — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:19:44 +0000

Recommended tunes for reading this post – Endless Summer

I finally got my darling purple dress from Lu-Owl Vintage on Market Publique. It’s my first (and definitely not last) purchase from the amazing online vintage marketplace. It is officially summer, but the sun isn’t quite cooperating. Nevermind that, this vibrant dress in navy, purple and hot pink more than makes up for the grey. I love that this dress has a bold print on a conservative silhouette, making it appropriate for work or play.

The stripes and big floral print remind me of photos of my mom from th 70’s when she said “good bye Oklahoma, hello Hawaii!” So there’s a bit of secondhand nostalgia too. I paired the dress with my favourite grey flats and bright pink Lacoste hobo bag. This outfit will make repeat appearances for sure! Thanks Market Publique and Lu-Owl Vintage!

If you’re into vintage, Market Publique should definitely be at the top of your online shopping list. Check out their blog too for more style inspiration.

Dress: Lu-Owl Vintage on Market Publique

Shoes: Berks

Bag: Lacoste

Watch: Puma

Purple Haze

laurendare — Sat, 23 May 2009 19:35:28 +0000

I’m wearing a purple cardigan and keep browsing purple clothes online. It must be inspired by my violas in full bloom on my balcony.

I’m loving a few items on the all-too-tempting Market Publique site. I’ve put a bid on this Endless Summer frock

And am debating purchasing this great belt. I have a similar belt in gold, and love the shape and versatility. It adds loads of style to the most basic silouettes. I have a fab dress on the edge of purple and grey that needs a belt.