Can I just say that I never, in a million years, expected anyone to ever read my blog? I’m even surprised to hear that my mom reads it every once in a while. She’ll call me up and say “Good stuff….looking cute…” so I’m not actually sure if she is reading it now that I think of it. I might have to start quizing her on my outfits. So when I was contacted about a style challenge from Talbot’s Red Chair Confessions blog I pretty much had a heart attack. A heart attack of joy, of course.
The challenge? Style this dress from Talbots. I said “is that all you’ve got?” And they said no and sent me their catalog.
Silly me, I thought that this black dress would be a no-brainer to style up. But this shirt dress is so completely classic I was afraid of messing with it at first. It’s like the Jackie O of dresses — chic, classic, and possibly married to a former president. But once I decided that it’s hard to mess up classy, I let out a sigh of relief and reached for my wide brown belt and black heels. Then I threw on my sunglasses just for good measure.
I must say that this might be the most flattering dress I’ve ever owned. It’s so nice and tailored and let’s be honest, you can never go wrong with a button down or with a black dress. This will most likely become my go-to dress when I need to look nice and polished. If there is one piece of advice you take away from me it’s this — throw away your fat jeans and buy a black dress and some spanx. A little black dress can go a long way.
46 Responses
Wow, that's beautiful, and nice styling! I am always on the look-out for dresses that are work-appropriate, and since you look like you are miles tall, it would probably be knee length on me (perfect for work). I want it! 🙂
love your belting!
That dress is perfect for so many things!! Interview, happy hour, sassy date night, cocktail parties at home, drive in movie, etc etc. Love how you styled it, classic and current. Good things all around.
http://www.morganandlua.blogspot.com
You better get used to the fame, I name drop you everywhere I go 🙂 Then I pick it up and dust it off and say no really she's adorable and stylish!
On a fashion related note, I wonder how that dress would look with the ruffle top from yesterday, or layered over your AE floral dress? So many possibilities!
Love the wide brown belt! Where are you sunglasses from? They are fabulous!
I JUST found this site. That's so sad because I've been missing out on SO MUCH. You are beautiful!
What? I sound like a stalker? Let me buy you ice cream to make up for it.
Love Talbots. Have for a long time, I feel like my secret is out.
You styled is fabulously.
I think Jackie would be jealous. LOVE that necklace!
I love this outfit, and how such a simple, classic shape can look so sophisticated. Looks great on you!
oh oh oh classy!
i love the brown belt with the black dress. the contrast looks so great and i'm sad that i missed out on so many great outfits because i thought that was a cardinal sin to wear brown and black together. making up for it now!
omg that necklace!!
Killer outfit! And that necklace…..
fabulous and sage advise. dresses hide a multitude of sins 🙂 such a classic look – loving the baubles!
xo.
princesspolitico.blogspot.com
I've decided the thing I'm most impressed with is your astonishing array of poses – honestly, how do you come up with so many! Also your writing. And your style. And to quote a comment on a youtube video I once saw, I like your face the most of all.
Very secretary chic! I love that the buttons go almost all the way down to the hem. I hate button down dresses that stop mid thigh and cause embarrassment for everyone when I sit down or something.
I think Jackie O would be proud – you look gorgeously timeless!
You look great, what a fun challenge! I absolutely love that dress.
lovely dress — looks like you've got a rep in the fash blog world for accepting and conquering challenges now! 🙂
It is, indeed, a marvelous dress. And so perfect with that chestnut belt.
I love the brown belt with the black dress! It's not something I would initially (OK, ever) think to do, but it works so well. Love the necklace too!
You are adorable. There, I just had to put that out there. Your blog is pretty much my favorite fashion blog right now b/c not only are the outfits great, but your writing style sounds like you're just writing a little email to your best girlfriends, and that's awesome. Love it.
Nicely done! Very Jackie O., indeed. I'm totally jealous of the picture where you're leaning against the wall…you look like you're 10 feet tall and I mean that in the best way possible.
Melanie @Unravelled Threads
Don't forget to enter my custom elastic waistband skirt giveaway!
Lucky girl! you look adorable, and I love the brown on black
Classic dress, but you've also styled it in a fabulous way. That necklace is fantastic! Congrats on your fame. 🙂
OMG you left me a comment!!!!! I've been telling everyone, although they're not appreciative as I.
Anywho, I love this outfit and the 60s look to it. Kudos to you for the challenge. Ya succeeded! Wahoo!
You look AMAZING in this number. Well played, my friend, well played.
You did really well on styling this. Nice job Miss Lady!
I gave you an shout out. http://thickthighfashion.blogspot.com/
Love it with the necklace and belt!
I like your blog!!
I'm the writer of "El Ropero de Julieta" and I'm starting a new blog called Hunter-Cool. If you want to participate you can send my photos of your different looks. This new blog will have styles, fashion and looks from all over the world.
http://huntercool.tumblr.com/
You can send me as much as 3 photos of the same look each day.
*Send me the Pictures at: luluwears@gmail.com
Don't forget to mentionate where are you from!!
Thanks!
El Ropero de Julieta
Totally agree! I just posted a basic maxi t-shirt dress in black from Free People. I was hesitant as it's a little clingy, but a nice tight slip underneath, and I feel/look 10 lbs lighter! Not to mention, it's super comfy and adorable.
Funny that you should mention Jackie O, 'cause that's exactly who I think you're channeling in this outfit! Loving the pearls and shades!
One of my favorite looks from you. You look both classic and hot. Nicely done.
love how classic this is with the added pop of the necklace…j'adore!
Love the belt. I love it when you smile on your pictures, you're simply one of the prettiest girl in the blogosphere (and yet you're not actually paid for being just that).
One thing though: I'm now addicted to your daily posts, it's going to be hard to readjust! You're addictive, Kendi!
Hey there. You look fantastic! I added your link to my post on Talbot's dresses. 🙂
Daaannnnnggggg, you're a foxy lady! 🙂
very classy. love it on you.
I never imagined that I would shop at Talbots at 20-something, but I picked up a pencil skirt at a thrift store a few months ago and now I'm kinda hooked. The pieces are so classic, and can live in your closet forever without losing their quality, style, or appeal. I love this dress. In fact, I think I need it…
I just came across your blog, and I love your petite "photo-shoots".
I will be back for sure:)
So great!
Love the way you put it together Kendi. BTW, your baby [aka blog] is adorable!
Who knew Talbots would be all cute and cool!? So sexy.
Where did you get your necklace? I've been looking for one just like it!
I totally have that same belt!
Wow, I feel, like, a scoonch cooler. Just a scoonch. I'll get there one day.