>

WHERE TO BUY AFFORDABLE DRESSES

If you're shopping for affordable dresses for an upcoming party or wedding, you know how hard it is to find something cute that won't break the bank. And for some reason, these dress needs always seem to sneak up on us. If you've been that girl (ahem, hi) who's texted her girlfriends on a Thursday night begging to borrow something — anything — for a destination wedding that Saturday, this guide of affordable dresses is for you. Do yourself a favor, check out the selections below, and scoop up a few options before the eleventh hour. You'll feel more prepared and you'll have money left over for cocktails and presents.


The selection can be overwhelming but there are definitely deals to be had. Try searching "skater dress" for flattering fit-and-flare numbers or shopping ASOS Collection for pretty embellished options. My picks: bow dress ($53), pink backless ($104), chic ruffle ($72).

All the dresses in the graphic above are Dorothy Perkins finds. Not familiar? I wasn't either until I stumbled upon a veritable treasure trove of wedding-appropriate dresses under $100. My picks: embellished dress in fuchsia and lime ($69), navy halter dress ($89), and striped fit-and-flare ($57).

Their assortment skews a little more casual and you'll have to do a little digging but the juice is worth the squeeze if you're looking for a dress that no one else will be wearing. My picks: blue bow dress ($69) and green stripe dress ($79).

Yes, they carry higher end labels like Alice & Olivia and Kate Spade, but the juniors section has a surprising number of age-appropriate picks for ladies in their twenties and thirties. One line to look for is Lush. My picks: chic shirtdress ($88), pretty in pink ($46), and preppy stripes ($38).

If you're on a serious budget, this is your spot. You'll have to sift through lots of bodycon don'ts but the dos are worth the wait. My picks: the perfect party dress ($27), sweet stripes ($27), and scarf print ($23). 

I usually shop Piperlime for shoes but they have a ton of dresses under $100. My picks: this dress in every color ($79), backless with a bow ($89), A-line mini ($49), and nautical stripes ($83).

Heavily discounted designer wares ranging from super casual to wedding-ready. My picks: geometric navy ($94), jersey wrap ($96), and T by Alexander Wang stripes ($85).



WEEKEND READING


1. 6 foods that you never knew were gluten-free. I'm just glad macarons made the list ;)

2. Did you know you can shop my entire wishlist here?

3. Don't forget about the Nordstrom anniversary sale! Check out my picks here.

4. Happy girls are the prettiest girls. Love these looks on Molly and Sally!

5. I always like scrolling through InStyle's look of the day feature for outfit inspiration.

6. I love the navy trim on this skirt. So chic with a blue oxford shirt and pointed toe pumps.


7. In case you missed it, an artist pop-up shop and a new career spotlight.

8. Literally freaking out over J.Crew's new arrivals. I have my eye on this designer collab, these scalloped ballet flatsthis sweater, and these tassel loafers.

9. The five most versatile pieces of decor you'll ever own.


10. This dress is practically begging to be worn to a summer wedding.



BAHAMAS BOUND

I love an excuse to shop as much as the next girl and an upcoming vacation usually does the trick! I'm so excited to be heading to the Bahamas in August for our friends' wedding in Lyford Cay. I've never been and I can't wait to soak up some time in the sun and spend some quality time celebrating Jane and Scottie! In the mean time, I've got quite the shopping list: bikinis, cover-ups, sandals, and — oh, right — whatever I'm going to wear to the actual wedding! Here's what I'll be wearing on the beach during the day (with SPF 10,000, obviously)...






Old Navy cover-up c/o  //  Old Navy bikini c/o  //  J.Crew sunhat (similar)
Kate Spade sunglasses c/o  //  Elizoebeth Jensen monogrammed necklace c/o
J.Crew clutch  //  Essie "Fancy Delancey"  //  Old Navy flip flops c/o

Now this is the kind of print mixing I can handle: a striped cover-up and a subtle floral print bikini, both in the tried-and-true combination of neon pink and bright white. The bikini is lightly padded, true to size, really flattering for the price. I know it's a little hard to see in the pictures but it has the cutest thistle print detail that I'll be wearing to the Bahamas, Nantucket, and everywhere in between (and let's hope there are lots of in-betweens!). If you're beach bound this summer, Old Navy has a great assortment of affordable tops and bottoms that you can mix and match to your liking. Oh and did I mention this one is $8? Not a typo. Shop to it!

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy's latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.