My 'Project Runway' Challenge

Fall made a brief appearance here a couple weeks ago, but just as I was getting ready to put my shorts and sundresses away, we were hit with a heat wave. This schizophrenic weather makes it hard to decide what to wear from one day to the next.

So to get a new perspective, I gave myself a little challenge. While watching Project Runway last week, I decided to create a look based on that episode's inspiration, Governors Island. My initial idea was to start with a sculptural gown, based on the artwork on the island.

But then I spotted this dress, and that was it. Graphic and steely, it evokes the city as seen from the island. Purple and gray is one of my favorite color combinations, so I chose a plum boot, and the studded clutch is just big enough to hold the essentials. Of course, the woman sporting this ensemble is enjoying an after-work cosmo.

PR Challenge by bethc featuring long sleeve dresses

Happy dressing!

It's in the Jeans

I finally found a pair of jeans leggings (which I refuse to call jeggings) that are comfortable, aren't binding at the knees and look pretty flattering. And best of all they were only 37 bucks.

I plan to wear them mainly with boots, but lately I've seen some really cute outfits with skinny jeans and pointy-toe pumps. So I dreamed up an outfit with items I already own that looks something like this:

Casual fall outfit by bethc featuring a brown leather tote

I could actually try on the pieces, but it's so much more fun to do it this way. What are you dreaming about wearing these days?

Sweet Summer Outfit

This lovely (and very affordable) retro dress has me dreaming of picnics by the river and long walks in the evening (although for that I might consider different shoes!). The earrings are perfectly me—I could wear them with just about anything (if only had I had an extra $2,500 to make them mine). And soft pink makeup is so pretty and summery.

Sweet summer outfit III by Beth C featuring a duffle bag

Where would you wear this outfit? Shopping with the girls? Lunch in the city? Do tell!

Stripes and Denim: An American Classic

I bought a versatile striped T-shirt at Gap recently. It's navy and white, fitted, with a V-neck—very flattering and comfy! Of course it will look good year round; it's light enough to wear in summer and can easily be layered for cooler months. Right now I want to wear it with denim shorts, but I'm having trouble finding pair I like.

This makes a nice polished, casual outfit for a summer date:

An American Classic by Beth C featuring peep toe heels

Change out the wedges for white Keds or silver flip-flops and it would be perfect to wear to a baseball game, amusement park or carnival. I love the gold locket—it adds just the right feminine touch.

Are you wearing stripes this summer? What are you paring them with? I'd love to know!

A Fashionable Time-Suck

I've found yet another way to waste time (I really need more work to keep me busy!). It's Polyvore, a site that lets you shop for clothes and create sets—basically outfit mood boards. I haven't spent too much time there yet, but here's my first set, based on a similar outfit that I have (but have yet to wear):

Summer shorts and top by Beth C featuring silver hoop earrings

Pretty cute, if I do say so myself (the outfit, not the board—that could use some dressing up).

This is a pretty basic set. Polyvore has templates to make your layout look like a magazine spread. I know I'm going to have fun playing around with it—and I promise to share the results.

What are you wearing this summer?