The reasons I love this perfect LBD are apparent right in the title.  Matte Jersey is a great summer fabric for an LBD:  it is easy to wear, comfortable and travels well. 

I love a simple LBD in the summer.  But sometimes just a little detail here and there are needed.  This LBD accomplishes the need for detail with a little ruching, a little cowl and just the right draping to be elegant with looking like a toga. 

The ruched cap sleeves frame a matte jersey dress with a drapey cowl neckline are perfect for flattering body features from the neck to the waist. Ruffles that trim the back yoke are elasticized to create gentle gathers.  This LBD is fully lined, which gives a luxurious and no worry look to a sheath dress.  Comfort and style are what I require for the perfect LBD. 

Are you unsure about shopping for a dress online?  Nordstrom.com offers great videos that help you measure for and select the perfect LBD (or any dress, for that matter) for you.  Click here to learn more. 

Click here to learn more about the Donna Ricco Trim Matte Jersey Sheath Dress at Nordstrom.com.

For some reason unknown to me, I stopped doing the LBD of the week.  Well, the LBD of the week is back and better than ever.  As always, I will cover all kinds of LBDs:  from swim coverups to formal gowns.  The thing that they will all have in common is that they will be glamourous and easy to wear.   So to begin, I will start with this amazing little  Denim Shirtdress from DKNY Jeans.  It is classic with a modern twist, easy to wear and oh-so-versatile.  According to the accessories you choose, this fabulous LBD can be worn very casual through work and out  to  dinner.  This shirtdress would be great for travel and can be worn just about any day except Christmas and the Fourth of July.

What’s not to love here?  I love the fabric and wash.  I love the self belt that falls at just the right place to frame just about any body type perfectly.  The shirtail hemline with the ever so subtle side slits.  I love the snaps.  I love the zipper pockets that add style without adding bulk.  And I love the sleeves that are just the right length to be flattering.  And the rounded neckline is easy to wear and works well with lots of accessories.  And speaking of easy, I love the fact that this LBD is machine washable. 

Oh, and its Zappo’s.  So free overnight shipping and free shipping both ways.  Sah-weet.  Click here to easy order and get it tomorrow!

Now that its May, thoughts turn to being outdoors and exposing our faces and skin to the elements.  I love the fresh air but I don’t leave the house without SPF protection for my face and skin.  What I used to think made my skin young and glowing I now know is a prescription for wrinkles and age spots! 

Fortunately, Sephora be with us!  For the next few weeks, I am going to be talking about hot-off-the-press and other favorite products for keeping our skin and hair healthy. Starting with the beginning…a healthy moisturizer. 

I love Philosopy products.  And this oil-free SPF moisturizer is perfect for my skin, which is combination.  That means I can have peeling skin and acne at the same time! 

Here is what Sephora has to say about Hope Oil-Free SPF

What it is:
An ultra-light daily moisturizer for normal to oily skin with SPF 30.

What it is formulated to do:
This gentle, fast-absorbing daytime lotion provides optimal hydration to revitalize skin and strengthen its natural moisture barrier, while preventing sun damage. It is infused with multiple antioxidants for superior protection against environmental attack and visible signs of aging. The oil-free formulation leaves an invisible matte finish that suits all complexions.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

 Click here to check out Hope Oil Free SPF at Sephora!

Last night, I was catching up with two friends and the conversation turned to wardrobe.  More specifically, what we don’t like about our wardrobe. 

The first challenge is how to make our wardrobe versatile. One of my friends is a business law professor and runs the business side of an interior design firm.  Can’t get much more diverse.  One job very conservative, one very creative.  And both are positions where image is very important.  The best solution is to build the wardrobe on very elegant and well constructed essential separates in neutral colors.  It is then very simple to change accessories and jackets to gain the desired look. 

The second is how to look the best when our weight is higher than we would like.  The best solution is to dress for the life you want in the body you have.  Today.  I would not recommend that you buy a lot of clothes in the size that is not desirable.  Instead buy a few pairs of pants that are well tailored and comfortable to get you through the weight transition.  But do not settle for loose and sloppy clothing.  Your eye will get used to seeing you as the larger size and it will become increasingly difficult to shed the unwanted pounds. 

The third challenge is how to look your best on a tight budget.  My recommendation is to spend money on the basics:  pants, a good jacket, one or two pairs of comfortable shoes of excellent quality and at least one good blouse or sweater.  And foundation.  Never skimp on foundation because a cheap tee shirt can look great with the right foundation but an expensive blouse can be lost in bad foundation.  Good basic pieces will go a long way when stretched with less expensive pieces.  Just be careful to avoid pieces that look inexpensive. 

When wardrobe is limited because of budget or travel, one of my friends had a great idea:  note in your daytimer what you wore to work that day so that you are certain to alternate when you are going to see a business associate more than once!  Brilliant…

Keep it simple, properly fitted and emphasize quality over quantity.

In honor of Earth Day, why not wear something earthy?  And not Birkenstocks… 

Love these cute cork wedges from Van Eli.  Here is what Endless.com says about this great sandal…”Fancy a modern sandal with an organic-looking edge? Dorlisa from Vaneli delivers just that. The strappy upper features a contemporary shape, while the wedge is covered with cork and woven fiber for an earthy finish.”

These wedges will go well with skirts, dresses, pants and capris.  And of course Jeans.  Wear them now and well into the summer.  And have enough left in your wallet to get a Starbucks!  Just make sure you have a pedicure!

Click here to learn more about the Dorlisa Sandal at Endless.com