I’ve got the Blues

Blue Blooded

This week, a dream of mine came true.  I accepted a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as Director, Executive Communications and Press Secretary to CEO Daniel J. Loepp.  I’ve had the pleasure of working with BCBSM as a vendor partner for six years and couldn’t be happier to be starting this new chapter as an official member of the Blues family. 

In honor of my exciting news and my new company, I am dedicating this post to the color blue - my favorite color. 

I adore this strapless “Obelisk” dress.  The pattern is fun and flirty and the A-line skirt falling just above the knee is flattered further by the inverted front pleat and side pockets.  It’s the perfect summer dress, with a structure that makes it a great transition piece for the office too.  The best part – the unexpected bamboo buckle at the waist.

I first discovered Milly (designed by Michelle Smith) while working for Jacobson’s Stores in 2001.  We were one of the first stores to buy her line when she was starting out.  I had the pleasure of managing press for her debut at our stores and a personal appearance in Florida.  I’ve always been drawn to her youthful take on classic silhouettes and the feminine touches that make her pieces stand out. 

 

Another charmer from Milly is this apron style “Betriz” day dress.  It’s so easy to wear with it’s simplicity, yet wonderful attention to detail.  The dress features a unique double breasted button detail and ties to flatter the waist.

This piece is sophisticated and charming and perfect for a summer barbeque or night out with the girls.  

 

 

 

 

 

Anthropologie never disappoints by offering pretty, whimsical dresses for any occasion.  I am so enamored with this brilliant blue cotton dress, swimming with colorful butterflies.  I think I must have this just to see the sweet smile it will put on my niece Lilly’s face. 

What makes this dress special is it’s pencil shape and black sash at the waist - the features make the dress really versatile.

 

 

  

 

This is my favorite shade of blue and mixed with this pretty floral pattern it is so eye-catching. 

Found at Anthropologie, the “Vokko Dress” boasts an oversized Finnish anemones design.  The strapless silhouette has a unique slouch-pocketed, breezy style with a keyhole closure in the back. 

So cute.

 

 

 

     

Over at Anthropologie’s BHLDN there is no end to pretty, unique dresses. 

How great is this little navy tuxedo bib style dress?  I love it’s endless ruffles which add romantic interest and would flatter any figure.  The racerback style is perfect for the girl that wants to highlight great shoulders and arms.

As a wedding party dress, this playful piece is perfect for the young bride who wants to have a little more fun with her maids.

 

 

   

I’m usually not a fan of the maxi dress, but this one looks so fresh and comfortable. 

The “Elizabete Hostess Dress” is perfect in navy blue and accented with a thin brown belt.  I like the rounded neckline and fitted band waist.  The back also has interesting detail with a large keyhole opening. 

This is another timeless piece that would be a staple for any women’s closet. 

 

 

 

I’m totally wowed by this feminine take on the shirt dress by Derek Lam.  With it’s flirty bow and neckline detail, this silk navy dress is both girly and modern.  It’s so hard to find cute dresses with sleeves these days too – this one is just the right length to allow the full sleeve to flatter. 

Great dress.  

 

 

 

Ruche is one of my favorite places to find cute, inexpensive pieces.  I was thrilled to find this adorable mod blue dress with vertical cream stripes.  The lace trimmed sweetheart neckline adds interest at the top and the two laced trimmed pockets bring great detail below the waist.  It’s A-line skirt and matching blue belt complete the look. 

 

 

Jumping away from my love of dresses…who can resist the pretty pattern mixing in this top? 

The “Blue Pansy Sweater” by Markus Lupfer is made of merino wool, has a crew neck and features a beautiful blue floral pattern in the body, along the length of the sleeve and cuffs and is trimmed with cool striped panels along the outside of the sleeves. 

The attention to detail makes this garment so interesting to look at and is also finely constructed.  Worth the investment. 

 

     

Last but not least, I admit to being obsessed with this jacket.  In fact, I can’t be sure I haven’t talked about it in a post before – but if so, it deserves another nod. 

Smythe is known for their exquisitely tailored jackets and I have admired them for years.  I tried this one on during a recent trip to New York and fell in love.  As I said, this is my favorite shade of blue so it has that going for it…but it also has such great shape.  It’s the coolest feminine take on equestrian chic – the sleeves feature perforated tan patches on the elbows.  I love the way Saks styled the jacket here with a great J Brand skinny jean and tan booty.  I really must figure out how to make this jacket mine – I’ve already got the jeans!