Sometimes a dress just isn't enough

Pretty dresses are always a nice change of pace to the monotony of every day clothes but the occasions that require them are sometimes few and far between. Our alternative pick-me-up when an evening dress just isn’t appropriate is new jewelry! Jewelry can absolutely make or break an outfit, change the vibe of your style, and even alter moods. Our newest find and favorite obsession right now is Stella & Dot. With affordable trendy jewels how can you go wrong? Their jewelry is quickly becoming a celebrity must have and has been on the red carpet recently. They’ve even been featured in fashion magazines like Vogue.

So all of us at Petra are jumping on the Stella & Dot bandwagon and we suggest you do too! Our first order is on its way and we can’t wait to share it with you. In the meantime, we’ll leave you with some pictures from their spring look book and links to the website in case your dying to purchase already!

Shop Stella & Dot

Shop Stella & Dot

Classic black pumps that don’t bore

Every woman needs a pair of black pumps that can be paired with all things not brown. We look for a style that isn’t too dressy (all over patent leather) and a style that isn’t too boring (all over matte black leather) and usually end up with something too funky to “match” what we’re wearing on any given day. I’ve found a pair that has a little personality but not too much that they overwhelm any outfit. And they’re comfortable to wear all day – commute and work included!

Tesi Pumps by Ivanka Trump, in black/black suede
available at Macy's, $140

Tesi Pumps by Ivanka Trump, in black/black suede
available at Macy's, $140

Tesi Pumps by Ivanka Trump, in black/black suede
available at Macy's, $140

Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it

When shopping for a dress, the number one rule should always be “Try it on before deciding it’s not for you.” People tend to use this as a mantra when they go wedding dress shopping but for some reason it is rarely applied to other circumstances. This is a great way to find out what really looks best on you rather than just finding something similar to what you have worn in the past. Styles change every year, designers have little undetectable nuances to their pattern making and every dress is slightly different. So don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.

Dress by Theia, in black
http://www.shoppetra.com/theiadress

Here’s a great example of a fabulous dress. On the hanger it looks like nothing. The folds in the fabric look unflattering, you can already tell by the way it’s shriveled up that it’s going to be too tight, and the extra fabric around the neck is just awkward. But humor me… try it on.

Dress by Theia, in red
http://www.shoppetra.com/theiadress

When you get it on and you see the way it hugs your body but hides your imperfections, it’s perfect. The way it’s sexy but it shows off your collarbones, cleavage, and accentuates your neck is just the right amount of sexy. Not to mention it actually covers your arms without having to wear a jacket or shawl… genius. It’s young, sophisticated, sexy and not too revealing.

So maybe it’s not always love at first sight and it’s not the obvious choice but try it on anyway. You’ll be amazed at what flatters you the most and you’ll be thrilled at how gorgeous you look.