So my closet purge wasn’t as successful as I planned (Dirty Sexy Money marathon got in the way), although I did get about a third of the way through my closet just in time to realize that my LBD obsession might just be a little out of control… How many is too many? (more than 20?) I haven’t quite decided, but I’m officially banning myself from buying any more… (at least for now). I managed to purge a few from my collection, but here are a few shots of ones that made the cut!
I actually forgot I bought this ruffled LBD a couple months ago, but it’s fun and was an impulse <$20 H&M purchase that I have yet to wear… I love that it’s a bit ballerina inspired with the light, layered skirt and would LOVE to be able to pair it with these McQueen ballerina pumps (oh if only)!
This is the LBD I previously mentioned “accidentally” buying before the holidays. I did end up wearing it to a Christmas party and love the way the bow detail is waist-cinching and the mesh layer on top gives the illusion of being a little more covered up.
My very fashionable mother found this St. John Collection dress when she was shopping and loved it but they only had it in my size – so yay for me! It’s really so much prettier in person and can be worn strapless with the ribbon tied in a bow at the bust or as a halter. I only wish I had an occasion to wear it!
This amazing MaxStudio dress has Grecian draping at the bottom and really flattering ruching along the bodice. I don’t wear it often, but I feel like its one of those timeless pieces that I might grow to love even more some day.
I firmly believe that every woman should have at least one LBD that always makes them feel great. This BCBG dress happens to be mine… Something about the symmetrical deep V in both the front and back + banded high waist + origami pleating just does all the right things for my body type.
Do you have a go-to LBD? Or a particular outfit that you know always works? I’d love to know 
Happy Snow Day! Oh wait… I didn’t get one. When the stock market is open, my office is open – and the stock market doesn’t shut down for inclement weather. Anyway, the snow isn’t even bad in the city yet, so I don’t know what the whole “snowpocolypse” business is about…
Apparently its been the week of white dresses (here and here if you missed them), so why not keep it up with my Etsy picks of the week from the shop We Love Yu/ Parson’s grad designer Ee-Lyn Tang:
(same dresses in plain light)
How pretty are these custom-made wedding dresses? The sleek and modern and she can make them in other colors for other formal events! Draping is one of her specialties and I just adore the clean, feminine lines of her pieces. There are only a few in her Etsy store, but she also has a website and online shop with other gowns and cocktail dresses (the Campbell bowtie dress might be my fave).
Since I’m supposedly going to be snowed in tomorrow, I’m planning a big closet purge! I have a number of things that I’ve worn 0 to 2 times that I’d love to find another home for, but they fall into the “a little too nice to just give away” and “not quite nice enough to make the effort to consign” categories… (mostly dresses from Trina Turk, Abaeté, Milly, BCBG, etc. that originally retailed from $200-$500) Does anyone else have this problem? I’ve seen a few people use their blog to try to sell some of their unworn or gently used items for a lot less, but I’ve never personally bought anything from them. How you yall feel about this? Any other thoughts about giving clothes away other than taking them to Goodwill? I’d love to hear any ideas… Have a great weekend ladies!
Filed under: Destination Inspiration, dresses, romper | Tags: coverup, dress, Greece, hotel, Mykonos, romper
Since it’s snowing (again) in DC tonight, I’m thinking a little virtual getaway is in order… Instead of harsh winter white, I’m craving calming, airy neutrals – perhaps inspired by the Mykonos Grand Hotel?
From the moment you walk into the lobby, clean lines and tranquil space invite you in… such a contrast to my busy/stressful life and subsequent not-so-organized apartment right now!
Any of these light coverups would be perfect for throwing over a swimsuit or just lounging around (thought I’d probably suggest adding shorts for actually walking around) – Kushcush Beaux Cover Up ($162), Juicy Pleated Ruffle Cover Up ($173), Brette Sandler Alexis Voile Cover Up ($210)
How sublimely serene is that bedroom?! And a bathroom with a hot tub AND a view… it doesn’t get much better than that.
I love the idea of a long, white flowy dress for resort attire – it’s such a great canvas for layering big, bright accessories and showing off a tan! Geren Ford Rope Gown ($398), Rachel Pally Long Cutout Dress ($238), Theory Zaira Long Dress ($335)
I’m pretty much picturing myself (insert drink with superfluous fruit garnish) admiring the view from this patio…
For a getaway with the girls, you could head to the bar in any one of these casual cocktail dresses – Mason Drape Shoulder Tank Dress ($265), Twinkle Greek Goddess Dress ($319), Shoshanna Ruffle Cami Dress ($305)
I have such a design crush on this bar – so sleek and modern but welcoming at the same time!
Or for a Valentine’s Day getaway, these would all be fun date attire options – Madison Marcus Glossy Dress ($280), ISSA Kimono Dress ($418)
My Valentine’s Day plans will unfortunately not include dinner on the beach… sigh… one day!
So girls’ trip or romantic vacation, who’s up for a getaway to Greece?
Filed under: My Style, dresses, heels, skirts, tunic | Tags: Burberry, dress, heels, lace, Louboutin, outfit, Theory, Topshop, Tory Burch, Trinity, tunic
(via NY Mag)
I’ve been smitten with this little black dress from Akris’s Fall 2009 collection (the back is even more amazing) and this lace dress from Philip Lim’s Resort 2010 collection since I first saw each of them. Anything lacey has been catching my eye lately, so I was really excited to find this dress while “accidentally” shopping a couple weekends ago…
(Blazer – Theory, Dress – Trinity Organic, Pumps – Burberry)
Throwing a fitted blazer over a pretty dress is my go-to outfit for work/play/life these days… I love that this dress looks great with tights and boots now but is totally made for sunny, spring days (which i really, really can’t wait for)! I randomly found it at Filene’s marked down to a ridiculous price of something like $16 so of course, I couldn’t resist. It’s fairly shapeless but a skinny belt will fix that. It doesn’t matter under a fitted blazer anyway and the lace is so pretty that’s all that I care about!
A few other lacey pieces I wouldn’t mind having in my closet right about now: Urban Outfitters Thistlepearl Lace Dress ($30) / Christian Louboutin Candy 85 Pumps (on sale for $643 here if you’re a 35.5) / Tory Burch Lace Tunic ($495)
Filed under: Etsy Find Friday, earrings, necklace | Tags: earrings, Etsy, Ezza Exclusive, necklace
Oh man am I ready for the weekend! The past few weeks I’ve been feeling totally wiped out by the time Friday rolls around that I don’t want to do anything but catch up on all the TV I missed during the week and crash early. (ugh I feel old) Anyway, my lease is up next month so I’m thinking about moving to another apartment – or at least using that as an excuse to look at some pretty real estate this weekend! And maybe some pretty jewelry too…
Abstract Coral Cabashon Statement Necklace ($89) / Abstract Turquoise Cabashon Statement Necklace ($89)
Like these goodies from the Ezza Exclusive Etsy shop! I love that her pieces are all unapologetically big and bold. They’d be great at spicing up all the those little black dresses hiding in my closet and they’re pretty affordable too! 
Studded Statement Necklace in Azure and Violet ($49) / Embellished Earrings in Ebony and Silver ($49) / Embellished Earrings with Peacock Blue Motif ($39) / Studded Statement Necklace in Pink Glamour (with matching earrings) ($69)
At first I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about the “crafty” quality of the pieces, but I think that’s what makes them seem more special than some other costume jewelry options.
Bejeweled Statement Necklace in Gold ($89) / Bejeweled Layered Statement Necklace ($79)
These last two are my personal favorites! They aren’t as brightly colored as the others but they still pack a big punch! And I’m all about mixed metal layered necklaces… Thoughts, ladies?
I also wanted to say thank you to Nina of Ballerina’s Closet Obsession for giving me me the “You’re a Doll” award! Please stop by her blog and say hi – she’s giving away a gorgeous turquoise ring that I’m sure yall will love! Have a fabulous weekend!
(Do you or anyone you know have an Etsy shop? I’m always on the lookout for new shops to feature. Please drop me a line at wonderfelle [at] gmail [dot] com with any ideas!)
Forget the ski chalet idea, don’t you wish you were here? Well I certainly do. I’m packing my suitcase now, so head over to Outblush for my Special Guest Post to see a gorgeous garment that’s definitely coming along with me!
And if you found your way to A Wonderfelle World via Outblush, welcome! I hope you’ll stay awhile
Filed under: Comfy, Destination Inspiration, Leggings, cardigan, coats | Tags: cardigan, chalet, Coat, earmuff, hotel, Leggings, Sagittaire, ski, slipper, sweater, Switzerland
My hotel stalking endeavors rarely lead me to places with snow on the ground, but on cold nights like this I really wish I had a cozy fireplace to curl up in front of – complete with smores, a bearskin rug and the whole cliche, of course… Unfortunately my tiny city apartment isn’t furnished with such luxuries, so my thoughts have wandered to the Swiss alps this week…
Nestled in Verbier, known as the sunniest resort area in Switzerland, the Sagittaire is a stylish chalet with all comforts of a cozy ski cabin. I should preface the rest of this with the fact that I am in no way a skiier – I’ve only been a few times (in Europe and South America, oddly enough, never in the U.S) but I don’t particularly enjoy it and would much rather sit by the fire with a stack of fashion mags and a glass of wine!
I’m pretty sure I could spend the whole day lounging around in this den, but in case I get bored there’s always the massage room, gym, or indoor pool all on location to keep me occupied!
A girl’s gotta eat on vacation too, but that won’t be a problem seeing as… wait for it… there’s a personal chef on staff to cook up anything I might desire (and a fully stocked in house wine cellar, of course). I am a huge fan of all kinds of cheese which is convenient since fondues are popular in this region. I’d also suggest rösti – local Swiss potato cakes that are often combined with bacon, onion or herbs. Yum.
And of course, what chalet would be complete without warm goose down duvets, crisp Egyptian cotton sheets and Jo Malone toiletries in the bathrooms. Yes, please. Now on to the packing of course!
Since I’ll just be lounging, I think plenty of cozy sweaters are in order… I’m feeling a tranquil, neutral palette at the moment – perfect for a relaxing getaway! Pictured are: Rebecca Taylor Wool-blend Double Breasted Cardigan ($275), Juicy Couture Faux Fur Trim Wool Cardigan ($280), Elizabeth & James Double Layer Wool Blend Cardigan ($225), Topshop Knitted Textured Cardigan ($70), New Scotland Hand Knit Cardigan ($199), and Haja Oversized Jumper in Cream ($60). Any of these would be perfect over a J. Crew tissue tee.
This is one (very rare) occasion where I’ll actually wear pants (this is a “ski trip” after all) but only comfy pants allowed! The Haute Hippie Silk-cashmere Riding Pants ($195) are great for dressing up or down, the Bundle Up Leggings ($12) are a great cheap option and for a skinny jean alternative I love the J Brand Light Weight Denim Leggings ($145).
I’ve been trying to justify some fuzzy pink earmuffs for a while and this would be the perfect excuse. And of course some sheepskin slippers and a chic, puffy jacket are essentials for a chalet getaway! So who’d like to join me?
Filed under: My Style, camera, rings | Tags: ABS, boots, Bounkit, bracelet, heels, Iosselliani, Marta Per, Noir, rings, watch, YSL
I had a little bit of an epiphany this weekend when I was getting ready to meet Christen for lunch at Zaytinya – apparently, I’m sort of lazy when it comes to my outfits… No, not lazy in the “sweatpants and Uggs” kind of way (never!) and not even in a “jeans and a t-shirt” kind of way… I simply gravitate toward dresses, usually comfortable dresses, because they’re easy to throw on and don’t need to “coordinate” with any other piece of clothing.
This idea of being “lazy” about dressing was a little bit perplexing at first and I immediately thought “Oh no! Do I need to go out and but a whole new wardrobe full of separates?!?” Maybe it’s the result of 15 years at an all girls prep school in the south. Or the fact that I’m 5ft tall and have to get every single pair of pants altered. Or the fact that I’m not a morning person and want to expend the least amount of energy possible picking out what to wear. Whatever the reason, so be it. Hi, my name is Elle and I don’t wear pants. I almost always wear dresses, and maybe that’s boring, but I do, however, wear a ton of accessories and pretty, pretty shoes…
(Bracelet – gift from aunt, David Yurman Waverly Diamond Cuff Watch, Cluster Rhinestone Ring, Rhinestone bracelet)
(Stewart Weitzman ankle boots, Prada velvet studded pumps)
(Coral and gold wire cuff – Prima Donna NY, Faux pearl and crystal ring)
Above photos and artwork via Wonderfelle
I’m still learning how to use my new camera so I spent some time taking pictures of random things in my apartment to practice this weekend. Which sort of lead me to the recent decision/goal/life plan that I want to amass a ridiculous collection of cocktail rings. Like one day I want to be a little old lady with a whole room creepily full of thousands of big, bold cocktail rings from all over the world. Why cocktail rings? (Why not?) I almost never leave home without one. They’re fun little statement pieces and they don’t wear out the same way that pretty shoes do…
I’d love to add any (ahem, all) of these to my collection! ABS Black Magic Pave Ring ($85), Noir 2 Small Shells Connected Ring ($42), Iosselliani Mixed 5 Stack Loose Ring Set ($460), YSL Arty Metal Ring ($160), Marta Per Swarovski Pearl Cluster Ring ($108), Bounkit Multi Stone Vermeil Ring ($625)
Filed under: Etsy Find Friday, dresses, jackets | Tags: awards, dress, Etsy, Liza Rietz
It’s finally Friday and I’m super excited about the heavy rain and “wintry mix” we’re supposed to get in DC today (kidding, obviously)! But in the spirit of celebrating this dreary day, my Etsy find for the week is Liza Rietz’s shop full of garments in dark fabrics. Per the designers profile, “sueded silks and wools in muted neutrals, asymmetry, sleek and voluminous accents define this collection” and I’m happy to break away from my recent pattern craze to feature some basic black pieces for a change (like lovely Leah who always looks fabulous in her favorite color)!
Fin Dress ($168) / Backless Dress with Flared Hip ($281)
Points Dress ($321) / Capelet Dress ($221)
I also wanted to take a moment to say a big thank you for a few awards I’ve received over the past few weeks:
Thank you to Kristie of The Society of Style and Pearl of Fashion Pearls of Wisdom both for the Glamourous Blog Award! If you don’t visit their blogs already, check them out!
I’ll pass this one on to Jessica of Style Obsession, Christen of La Rue Neuve, and Lacey of Vogue on the Range
Thanks to Katy Mary of Tangerine Hearts for the Best Blog Award! She’s a sweetheart and always has stylish picks so stop by her blog as well!
I’ll pass this one on to Erika of Cafe Fashionista, Rebekah of Shell, and Elaine of Clothed Much
I hope everyone has a great weekend! I’m looking forward to sleeping in, a lunch date with Christen, shopping (and maybe “accidentally” buying) and catching up on Dexter
(Do you or anyone you know have an Etsy shop? I’m always on the lookout for new shops to feature. Please drop me a line at wonderfelle [at] gmail [dot] com with any ideas!)
Filed under: Destination Inspiration, dresses, heels | Tags: capiz, DC, dress, heels, OYA, restaurant, Washington
I’m changing things up a bit with this weeks Destination Inspiration and sharing something a little closer to home! A few nights ago Z and I had a delicious dinner at OYA, one of my favorite restaurants in DC. It had been a couple months since the last time I’d been there and though nothing had really changed, I was struck by how much the interior design of the restaurant called out to me… Maybe it’s because I’ve started following more design blogs in the last few weeks, but for whatever reason I find myself paying more attention to things like the lighting in a room or the textiles of the furniture.
I love the pops of red in the entryway against the textured metallic walls surrounding the hostess area. This Marc Bouwer Strapless Dress paired with the CL Glitter Slingback Platform Pumps would be a killer fashion translation don’t you think? Ohhhh those shoes! (insert shameless plea for shoes. they’re so prettttty)
The bar/ lounge area has a beautifully bold pattern on the walls and stunning chandeliers with crystal accents. Apparently I have a thing for patterns these days, because I am seriously considering doing something similar in my dining nook right about now… For less effort you could channel the look in this Nicole Miller Scroll Print Dress and the Miu Miu Jewel Heel Sandals (yes, jeweled heels… add them to my lust list)!
Of course the dining areas are also ultra chic – I am obsessed with capiz shell lighting fixtures and would happily trade my capiz shell Target lamps for the floor to ceiling capiz light in the center of the dining room. Oh and the fireplace? I’ll take one of those too please! The Shoshanna Metallic Jacquard Dress is vaguely reminiscent of the subtle glow reflecting off the all-white furniture at night and the Kate Spade Lucia Flower Slingback Sandals are inspired by the textured petal embellishment surrounding the flowing water on the back wall – it’s really much prettier in person!
And FYI, the food’s pretty yummy too
