In Search of..... The Perfect Silk Dress

All I want for spring: the perfect drapey silk dress.

That doesn't seem so much to ask, does it?

Madewell has some pretty smashing stuff. But, it's so pricey. I'm crushing on the lush, green print in this silk number. This is my dream dress. Can't find it on the Website anymore. See what good taste I have? It's sold out already.

Possible, less expensive options:
• The Palm Prints dress, $128, which is actually rayon.
• Tinley Road Pleated Slash Dress, $74. This Piperlime exclusive gets a demerit for polyester construction, but I like the more fitted look and cute butterfly pattern.

Not So Awkward

Middle Child's latest habit is to trill "Awwwwkward!" at, well, awkward moments. And, sometimes moments that really aren't awkward. We're working on that.

These jeans are dubbed the Awkward Straight — even though they aren't the least bit awkward. In fact, they're pretty fab.

A scary "final sale" item from Piperlime.com, the Current/Elliott jeans have that luxuriously comfy boyfriend fit but with a more tapered, cropped leg. Love. I dressed them up with a recent swap party find, a short Gap trench; an Aqua silk/rayon blouse and my favorite, barely walkable Me Too "Locket" pumps.

A Yee Haw Outfit

It's rodeo time here in the Old Pueblo.

That means no school (seriously), the world's longest non-motorized parade (read horses clip-clopping and plopping in the street) and ..... lots of overly done cowboy outfits. We're talking boots, denim-on-denim (shiver — I don't care what Jenna Lyons says, that is not a good look) and plaid button-downs with pointy pockets.

Homey don't play that.

But, I do think that Sandra Bullock in "Hope Floats" pulled off a good western look without going overboard. Side note: She also had the best movie hair ever — thick, wavy — in that flick.

Here's my "Hope Floats"-inspired imitation: Current/Elliott denim hoodie; thrifted floral dress; Forever XXI leggings; Jessica Bennett boots and Target necklaces.

Friday Shoe Haiku: Come to Mama

Chunky, cool platfoms
Boy I have a thang for Wang
Or, Herman Munster.

Shoe 'n Tell: Just spotted these Alexander Wang Claudia platform booties on Shopbop.com. They look tough and edgy. The peep-toe front and vented back show enough skin to keep the shoe from being too clunky. But, who am I kidding? They're $600. Here's hoping for a 98 percent off sale.

Having Another Go At the Target Collections

So, when Target recently announced it was celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Go International collection with dresses from past designers, my initial reaction was...."Meh."

I mean, I took a pass for the most part. Amazing what a difference time makes.

Things I didn't pay attention to before, I certainly am now. How could I have missed that color-blocked, spaghetti-strapped Tara Jarmon number? It's so perfectly springy and summery and layerable with a cardi. And the green-blue plaid strapless Lella Bartley number? Sasssssy.

Prices range from $24.99-$44.99, affordable. Dresses are available March 13-April 10 at most Target stores and online. So, it's likely our Target stores will get bypassed. Again.

Why, Target, why must you turn up your nose at Tucson?!? We matter! We like to dress well and affordably!

If that is the case — that they're only available online in our neck of the woods — then I'll likely pass again. These really aren't the kinds of dresses you can order online. You must try 'em on to feel the material and figure out the fit (such wonky sizing, ya know).

But, I'm not going to despair just yet. I'm going to be optimistic, as in "the dress is half-zipped up!" rather than writing the sitch off as an "I've gained so much weight the dress will never zip again" scenario.

Don't let me down, Target.

Dresses:
• Jovovich-Hawk, $39.99
• Paul & Joe, $24.99
• Thakoon, $39.99
• Luella Bartley, $44.99
• Tara Jarmon, $29.99

Currently Coveting: Casual Coverups

Loosely woven coverups keep catching my eye these days. I see 'em and think, 'Now that would be perfect for the beach!'

This is stupid because A) I live in the desert and B) I haven't been on a beach vacation in two years. Now that we're facing private school tuition, that number might stretch into five years. Or 10. Sigh.

But because a good shopper can always rationalize, the desert (like the beach) does get chilly at night. And, we are entering that transitional time of year when it's good to have some coverage but you don't need to be completely swaddled for warmth.

Some fun looks:

• Ever Adak Blanket Throw Sweater ($245). It had me at blanket. And throw. I love a good, loose wrap.
• Eternal Sunshine Creations Sergeant Pepper Long Cardigan ($106.40). The gauzy texture is so lovely and the longer length gives this a dressier quality.
• Textile Elizabeth & James Cable Boxy Pullover ($325). My favorite, of course, because it's freakishly expensive. That mish-mosh of textures sure is wonderful, though. You can practically feel it just be looking at it.
• Patterson J. Kincaid Crochet Capri Shrug ($198). Definitely more on the summery side, the playful boho vibe adds spark to jeans or cut-offs.

As Seen on eBay

EBay is a real treasure trove. Sometimes, it's just fun to read the listings, even if you're not remotely interested in the actual items. Check out this gem. You gotta love the guy's truthiness:


Chann Luu
Type: Scarf
Color: Light Lavender (see picture)
Design: floral with sparkly things (see picture)
Condition: Brand New with Tags from Bloomingdale's
Description: I don't know much about this item since I'm a guy, but it measures around 5 1/2 feet long and seems like a scarf like item. I will start the bidding like all my auctions at .01 and hopefully someone can find some use for it.