Besides finishing off my 101 in 1001 goals, I think this will be one of my mottos for the new year:

{via Making It Lovely, a new addition to my Reader}

More dresses that aren’t right for the wedding but would look just right in my closet. Because I can’t get enough, clearly.

All from Modcloth, and all (all!) under $100.

And mind you, this is me making that declaration. I have this vision in my head of what the maids should wear at Kate and Cormac’s wedding, and I think Kate vaguely agrees with me, but I’m not exactly sure. I’m guessing the two other ladies will have some opinions, as well, so really, this is just me doing my own research.

Or trying to do research, as it turns out. The image in my head is of a navy and white patterned dress, knee length, in a summery, more casual sort of fabric. A fancy sundress. Or else something like this:

(Image by Brooke Schwab)

Cute, no? That’s what I thought.

Well.

So far I have looked at the online sites of:

J. Crew
Ann Taylor
LOFT
Banana Republic
GAP
Old Navy
American Eagle
Coren Moore
Jenny Yoo
Melissa Sweet at POB
Thread Bridesmaid
Queue
Vineyard at POB
Anthropologie
BCBGMaxAzzria
and Shoshanna

Whew.

Unfortunately, I really didn’t find anything, except for this frock at Old Navy:

Then I remembered Modcloth. And whoa. I didn’t exactly hit the jackpot (as in, the perfect dress for the maids), but I sure did find some cute possibilities, and way too many dresses that I just plain want in my life. Here are some I found that could possibly work for the wedding:

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

So tell me, which Modcloth option is your favorite? Or do you like the Old Navy one better? Or do you have another source for cute summery dresses that I’m forgetting to check?

P.S. I’m thinking maybe the situation will improve once designers/companies debut their spring/summer lines. Thoughts?

After Monday’s post, I received a reader mail request from Alyssa, who wrote:

I’ve recently become obsessed with sweater dresses and am determined to purchase one/wear one for Christmas (and beyond). I like the idea of long-sleeves, no turtleneck (to facilitate scarves), and a nicely-fitted shape (if that makes sense). I’m looking for guidance in terms of color (I get super pale in the winter and my hair gets significantly darker), style (casual is good), and price. I’m willing to spend up to $50 but would prefer to spend more like $30 (haha). Also, tights?

In terms of color, I think a navy, gray, or cream dress would be the best choice for Alyssa’s complexion — black might be too severe for a casual look, especially with her pale skin. Working (mostly!) within Alyssa’s budget of $50, here are a few of my finds:

Old Navy Striped Sweater Dress ($24.99, available in pink and black)

Forever 21 H81 Novelty Sweater Dress ($26.90, available in black, gray, and pink)

Old Navy Scoop-Neck Sweater Dress ($29.99, available in black and cream)

Old Navy Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress ($36.50, available in white, black, and plum)

American Apparel Knit Sweater Crew Neck Dress ($65, available in heather gray and black)

Banana Republic Wool-Blend Sweater Dress ($98)

I hope this helps, Miss Alyssa! A sweater dress is a very versatile outfit base, so I’m sure you’ll be happy with whatever you choose.