gap maternity jeans

We've had a request for more maternity, and since I am currently in the market for maternity clothes, here are two outfits from Gap to start off with...
Gap maternity, jeans, $68, cami, $28, cardigan, $60.
Gap maternity, three quarter sleeve crewneck, $38, tank, $16.50, wide leg jeans, $68, scarf, $20.

Project Couture Vintage

Kelly has another great tip for everyone: Project Couture Vintage. The clothes are really different and affordable. The styles actually remind me of the kinds of things I saw all those hip ladies in Tokyo wearing. Thanks Kelly!

ELIZA magazine

"Eliza Magazine is created for women who want to be stylish, sexy, and engaged in the world while retaining high standards in dress, entertainment, and lifestyle. Eliza strives to bring you the best of fashion without any of the trash."

I recieved my copy of the Spring issue a couple weeks ago, (after ordering it in April, my only complaint)and I give it a thumbs up. Beautifully photographed fashion editorials, professionally presented graphics, well-written articles, covering a range of topics. At four quarterly issues for $16, I encourage modest and modern women to support Eliza magazine!

sensible strappy heels

Darcey said, "I want a pair of somewhat strappy, yet comfortable, sandals - with an ankle strap - in either black or tan, with a short heel 2-2½". Oh, and it's gotta be under $40. Preferably under $30."

These sandals below are Anissa by Clarks, but they are $84.

Here's the good news. I found a pair of Clarks very similar to these at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago for just $30. And they are extremely comfortable. Finding quality shoes on sale is the ideal situation, but here are a couple other finds for you just in case...

Some super inexpensive ones by Payless, Hoffman sandal, $23. Or how about these from CutesyGirl, just $17. A lot higher heel than you asked for, but they are an attractive low-cost option.

style pic'd

Anonymous in Atlanta. Love the whole look!

fresh finds

This pretty tunic (Eddie Bauer, $49.50) offers so many options: wear with jeans, shorts, cropped pants, even a casual skirt. Also comes in white and brown.

And if you are still on the lookout for stylish, versatile sandals that not everyone has, how about these flashy flats by Athena Alexander?  (Nordstrom, $89.95)

and the winner is...

It was so fun to read all of your comments. I wish everyone could win! This time, the lucky gal is: #22, Michelle! Congratulations! Just email me with the specifics: style, size, and shipping address and it'll be on its way...

And a big thank you to Lime Ricki Swimwear! Keep checking Style Picnic for more exciting style news...

Lime Ricki ***giveaway***

Lime Ricki Swimwear offers an amazing selection of funky prints, pretty colors, and trendy styles...all with a modest twist. They are also affordable and each one has a padded shelf bra. Have you been to their website recently?

Lime Ricki Swimwear is all about exposing your style while keeping you comfortably covered. (That means no tugging, pulling, adjusting or otherwise worrying about anything hanging out.) The sisters of Lime Ricki have designed these suits for YOU! They are high quality swimwear made for swimming, lounging, playing, and most importantly, looking hip.

Check out a few of the hot new styles just in for the summer:

Addy Sporty Tankini Top, $35, bottoms, $25. Polka dots are just so cute. Lucy V-strap Tankini Top, $35, bottoms, $25...cordinating skirt with built in bottom also available, $30. I love how original this pattern is. Very cool.

Emily Halter Top, $35, bottoms, $25, or skirt for $30. Pink and brown with splashes of green. Love it! Very flattering cut.Nicki One Piece, $60. Fully-lined retro-inspired chocolate brown swimsuit. Adorable.

Great news! Lime Ricki is sponsoring a Style Picnic giveaway! One lucky winner will recieve a swimsuit of her choice. All you have to do to enter is: leave one comment telling us which suit is your favorite! You can choose one pictured here, or one from the Lime Ricki website. I will select a random winner Thursday morning. Tell your friends!

shoes for a good cause

TOMS shoes donates one pair of shoes to a needy child for every pair you buy, like this coral and natural canvas pair, $42.

Too unique for you?   Try this cool TOMS t-shirt, $28, and they will donate a pair of shoes for this purchase as well. 

Or check out this hot tote, $65.  Buying it will feed one child for one school year.Another great option:

Whole Foods has teamed up with FEED and are offering a grocery bag..."Each bag purchased for $29.99 will help provide 100 nutritious meals to hungry school age children in Rwanda through the United Nation World Food Program’s (WFP) School Feeding Program."

Style that helps save the world is a beautiful thing.

Found it!

Right after I published the previous post, I found what I was looking for...

the topless undershirt by Blush.

Available online at Luca Bleu, $15.

Essentials No. 7

Layering undershirts.  I wear them with just about everything, just about every day.  

While I have worn shirts by Shade ($17.50 each or 3 for $48) for the last couple of years and I still like their brand, I was a bit frustrated by how easily my son was able to pull at the neck opening and completely ruin the elastic, which looks kinda stupid.  Last week a friend recommended On the Hip...I ordered three white layering shirts for just $10 each.  I was a bit worried about the quality at that price, but they got here super fast and I've been loving them.  The quality is great.  Very soft, nice length, and the neck has thicker binding that my one-year-old can't seem to stretch out.

There are several other brands available online.  Undertease is actually the first one I tried. They are a bit pricey, $29 for one, but they do have some lovely colors.  Their fabric in my experience is super stretchy.  I prefer a slightly looser fit, but I have friends who love this brand.

Now here's a new idea:

If you only need more coverage around your neck and arms, Mia Bellina has cropped layering shirts, $10.95.  Has anyone tried this one?  

I have a vague memory of a band of fabric someone sells, something like a tube top so you can just add length if if you prefer.  However, I have been unable to locate that product.  Anyone know more about this?

Another online brand available is Down East Basics.

Their prices are always low, just $9.99 per shirt.

Next, we have Layers.  Classic, $17.

Here's another brand, ModBe.  

Their Second-Skin capsleeve is $18.

Coverwear also offers a capsleeve for $18.

And finally, Divine ModesTee has a capsleeve basic as well.  One for $18.95 or 3 for $52.

So, do your wear layering shirts?  Which brand do you prefer?

K Line Swimwear

Go retro in this cute French maid swimsuit, $75.

Cherella USA

Two pretty dresses from the Cherella USA boutique. Jewel colored stripe jersey dress, $76.

Aqua Ruffle Wrap, $72.

Spring/Summer Essentials No.6

I've been on the road for a couple of days, without internet access, but I'm back!

The Maxi dress. Long and billowy, these floor-skimming dresses are the embodiment of the current silhouette trend of fitted around the bust and then loose around the stomach. Romantic and charming, flattering...especially on taller women.

They look great during the day, or for dressier occasions.

Definitely pair this look with wedge heels, thong sandals, and embellished flip flops.

Shabby Apple has a new dress that follows this trend using neutral colors... Cleopatra, Shabby Apple, $59. This is a great choice because you don't need an undershirt.

All the other maxi dresses I have seen require an undershirt. But don't let that stop you!

The other great way to wear this look is to select a bold, colorful print. This incorporates two more of the season's trends...bold prints and safari influence.

I love this print (the Spring Blossom Summer Dress, $138) from C& C California: Right now they are offering Free Shipping on all C&C California orders through 5.09.08!

I also like the safari vibe coming from this one by Victoria's Secret, $55.

This orange and pink print from Delia's is my personal favorite...It's the Jaclyn Dress, $50. Delia's also has a great shipping deal going on:
Free shipping on orders $25 or more, plus new summer arrivals at d*ELiA's! Use code DWFAFF. Offer valid through 6.11.08.

I also want to add that this style is simple to sew...I made one in college that I loved. So you may want to try a little sewing adventure.

I'm dying to know: how do you feel about the long and lovely Maxi?

Anyone want new exercise clothes? Check out Gaiam's organic cotton clothing. Right now they're having a big sale:
Gaiam's Annual Spring Clearance - Save 20-60% off!This stylish Organic Cotton Dolman Sleeve Jacket is on sale for $34, down from $70.

Free Shipping - on purchases $25 or more. Use coupon AFSPR. Expires 6.30.08.

Kelly gets Pic'd

Kelly looks adorable in this beautiful bold dress she found at Ross for $12, can you believe it? She added the brown border to the bottom herself, then modified the straps with snaps for easier nursing. So clever! It's a great example of getting creative and making it work modestly. I'm impressed. Thanks for sharing, Kelly!

Spring/Summer Essentials No.4 & 5

No. 4...Braid your hair this year. Here's a great tutorial. Right here.

No. 5...Add a splash of shocking pink to your wardrobe. Try hot pink sunglasses, earrings, or other accessories with your neutral black, white, and grey outfits.Goggle sunglasses, Delia's, $10.Drop earrings, Target, $8.Melie Bianco Bow Hobo, Fashion Flairs, $50.

Springs/Summer Essentials No. 3

Some of you may have already jumped on this bandwagon...but for those of you who haven't, I'm just going to say: It's the ultimate in comfortable and stylish clothing.
Leggings. With a nice long tunic or short-ish dress.
I found a nice black pair at H&M for only $7.
Urban Outfitters has these nice long Damsel Leggings for $24.This Roxy dress from Buckle would look so cute with an undershirt and a little pair of leggings. $45.So would this one from Delias, $40. Love the bold floral.This simple tunic from Heavenly Couture, $18, looks really easy to wear.Here are two more sophisticated versions of this idea:Jacquard Lace Pima Cotton Element Tunic, $110.Pima Cotton and Tencel Julep Tunic, $118. Both from Peruvian Connection:

So, do you already wear this silhouette or are you planning on trying it?