Amazing Convertible Dress (Butter by Nadia - $246 and Up)

Internet surfing has done it again - brought me to something perfectly wonderful. Now, to be fair, I am not completely certain that it IS wonderful as I haven't purchased one for myself, but it LOOKS wonderful and some good googling research surfaced some other reviews that were extraordinarily positive.

Gorgeous drapey fabric in sumptuous colors and patterns: Check.

Looks as if it would be flattering on every single body type: Check.

Renders the ever horrifying "size chart" experience null and void because it's one size and fits all sizes up to 16: Check.

Cost can be rationalized because the dress can be configured in a multitude of ways so that you can convince yourself that you are getting 30 outfits for the price of one: Check.

There's this convertible jersey number pictured here in three of its possible configurations, and a number of other styles on the website, including a very classy version made of satin. And if you or someone you know is getting ready to go all out for a crazy wedding extravaganza, this is one dress that all of the bridesmaids can REALLY and TRULY wear again. The demonstrative videos on the website appear to give you all you need to know to look glam in a second, and the wrapping of the dress into the different styles looks like a cinch.

What can I say, I'm in love - LOVE - and if I had a few extra hundreds laying around and felt like I could splurge in this crap economy, I would. So please do it for yourself and report back. Pretty please?

Masquerading As "Professional": The Perfect Spring/Summer Jacket To Turn Comfort Into Business Attire and Also To Throw Over Your Jeans ($70)

Anyone who knows me knows that I generally favor jersey over suiting, comfort over stodgy, and am far from the buttoned up Suited Professional who tends to wander the halls of my office. However, as part of my new goal to at least masquerade as a Suited Professional (and hopefully avoid shrinking into the corner of the elevator with sheepish embarrassment when the The Suited Professional(s) With Power enter), I've been on the hunt for jackets that I can throw on over my jersey dresses, hopefully appearing more tailored and "official". Somehow cardigans, while cute, don't lend that extra level of professionalism. Enter this little number. I apologize about the lack of a picture but it wouldn't let me save it as a separate file; and really, how much effort is it to click on a link? Now, I know it is from JC Penney, but take comfort in the fact that it is JonesWear (which is part of the same company as Jones New York - I think). In my online shopping obsessiveness, you should also know that I experimented with several jackets from Calvin Klein, Nordstrom, Banana, Ann Taylor, Macys and others.

This one was a keeper and so far has shown the most use out of the few that I actually kept. The linen-rayon fabric is lined, but it is also light and tailored, and looks just as good worn opened, buttoned, or tied smartly at the waist. Though it does wrinkle a bit, it does not wrinkle anymore than a regular gabardine suit, nor does it wrinkle as much as other linen that I have owned, so don't let that deter you. The length is perfect over a skirt, dress, or slacks, and works equally well thrown over a pair of jeans for those Sunday birthday brunches where you want to look a little nicer, but don't want to forfeit your weekend opportunity to go casual. The light tan color compliments dark colors, light colors and patterns. It is truly the most versatile jacket that I've ever owned and in the last three weeks I've received several compliments on my outfits - in fact, the outfits themselves were ones that I'd donned many times in the past without the jacket and which had previously resulted in nary a peep from anyone; this has lead me to believe that yes, this jacket is magic. Also, the tan is a shade darker and not nearly as monotone as how it appears in the photo. The overall effect is chameleon-like, with the jacket appearing more casual with jeans and more suited with business wear. Just the masquerading effect I was going for. I have long arms and a long torso, so keep that in mind if you decide to order. I am not sure how it would work on someone with a more petite frame, but I do encourage you to give it a try, and if it doesn't work out for you, you can always return it via mail or to to any JC Penney location (yes, there is one at the Fox Hills Mall and I paid my first-ever visit to that mall recently - returns were easy peasy - just head up the third floor catalog department and you'll be out of there in less than seven minutes (including parking)).

Delightful and Affordable Sun Hat!

Doesn't every woman secretly want a big floppy straw hat, preferably the kind that can be adorned with a grosgrain ribbon for a garden wedding (that you will probably never attend, but must be prepared for) or left plain, as you see fit. One that imparts glamor and functionality, while at the same time allowing you a mysterious cover under which you can sip your umbrella cocktail poolside while sneaking flirtatious glances of a nearby hottie. Unfortunately, most of us end up with a visor, an old baseball cap, a towel slung over our eyes, or a random floppy canvas hat that has been crunched in the bottom of the beach bag for an entire season. No longer. This hat is delightful, affordable, appropriately glamorous and yet can be decorated with frilly flowers and ribbons should the occasion arise. I did find this a few weeks ago online and, unfortunately, the merchant has since recognized all of these qualities and recently raised the price about $10 (to $45 dollars). Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at. Ignore the skin blemishes on the model. She clearly did not get her sun hat soon enough; further reason to jump on it asap. http://www.tribalsociete.com/P1460_woven_summer_hat.aspx