Ladies, meet Carly. She’s always the life of the party yet you could comfortably bring her to Sunday Brunch at the rent’s house. I’m a fan. I noticed she was getting tried on a lot at Rauha Herritz’s LuLaRoe Party, but not many were considering keeping her. WHAAAAA? So I started forcing people to try her on again, but this time in front of me. I feel like so many women walk out of a dressing room empty handed leaving what could have been their new BFF behind, simply because they don’t know how to style it. Even the smallest tweaks like cuffing the sleeves, tucking the front in, or adding the right acccessories can make or break an outfit. If it was socially acceptable, I could literally spend my days posted up outside women’s dressing rooms helping them decide what to keep and what to wear it with. Until then, I had a BLAST playing stylist to my friends at the LuLaRoe party!
Probably my favorite thing about this dress is that it can double as a tunic when knotted on the side. It’s like a 2 for 1 deal at happy hour. Yes, Bartender, they are both for me. I have 2 kids under 4 at home so take your judging eyes elsewhere. Size XS for reference.
Jeans: 7 for Mankind Ankle Skinny Destruction
Shoes: Dolce Vita (my favorite summer shoe this year!)
Necklaces: Initial Disc Charms and Stone Pendant (this necklace is a must with the Carly.)
Arm Stack: Michael Kors Bradshaw Watch and Link Chain Bracelet
Booties: Steve Madden ‘Nelma’ (it took me a looooong time to get on board with the open toed bootie trend. The cutouts on the side of these is what did it for me. I seem to only be drawn to styles where there are other parts of the shoe missing aside from just the front.) Also like these ones and these ones and these leopard print ones!
Necklaces: Gold Tassle here or double layered here and Stella and Dot Arrow
Tortoise Bracelet: JCrew
This is a perfect transition outfit for Fall. You could even throw a pair of leggings under this look on a cooler day.
Camo Jacket: Gap Factory – old, similar here for only $27 or from Free People here
Belt: BCBG Outlet – old, similar here
Shoes: Adidas Stan Smith’s (do we still gotta talk about my love for these?)
Necklace: Stella and Dot
I call this look “Bring Carly to Work Day.”
White Neck Tie: Limited – old, it’s actually a tie neck sleeveless top that I just layered under the dress. Clever, I know. Similar here and here. Or you could put an embellished bib collar like this one under it for a similar effect.
Earrings: Evereve – old, but similar here and here.
Shoes: Steve Madden – old, but I like these ones ($39.99!) or these ones. These ones are a little more expensive but I love the understated black strap across the toe.
Military Vest: Nordstrom Rack (this is currently on repeat in my closet. It goes with everything. You need one if you don’t own one.) similar here. Also love this camo version or dressier version here.
Necklace: JCrew Factory – old, similar here and here
Booties: Vince Camuto ‘Hillsy’ (these were everywhere last year. I can’t find them in the almond color but I did find the black here for half off!)
Chambray Shirt: Gap – old, but similar here (on sale for $39.50!)
Necklace: BCBG Outlet – old, similar here and with a little sparkle here
Shoes: Banana Republic – old, similar here and also love this wraparound tie version here
Video tutorial on how to knot Carly from the top image.
Shoot me straight. You like Carly as much as I do, don’t you? For more inspiration check out this post: Carly & Sarah Styled Looks.
My husband’s a big fan of the Nicole dress so I’ll be showing her off next. She’s scandalous.
59 comments
I was not too keen on Carly you have made me look at her twice
Thank you, Ivonne! I’m glad I made you reconsider. It’s definitely worth a second look 🙂
Do you have the Carley tied in the back somehow? Or does it look less boxy for some other reason. I’m liking what you have done.
I don’t have it tied in the back. It’s an XS so I think sizing down to get it to fit snug in the arms really helps. When I have it on with the belt under the jacket I sort of gather it to the back using the belt to hold it in place so it doesn’t blouse over in the front as much. If that makes sense at all? I think maybe I should start adding some YouTube videos to show how I get things to lay just right considering that’s half the battle sometimes. I don’t know. I’m awkward on camera, but what do you think? Would that be helpful?
I think it would be help to see a YouTube clip on stayling / tieing a Carly. I’m 5’3″ and have an xxs and I still feels so long.
You got it! I’m working on my YouTube page so hopefully I’ll have it up and running soon!
The YouTube channel is up! I added the video tutorials to the link. Hope that helps!
I have two Carly. Mine hang longer in the back. Your’s appears to have an even hem.
Nope, actually mine has the longer hem in the back as well! I think it’s just the angle of the pictures. I did pull it up in the back to create an even hem in the picture with the belt and jacket over it. The other’s I left as is. Sorry it it’s deceiving!
Thanks for the awesome post. I love my Carly’s and could wear one everyday. Is there a link to subscribe to your blogs? Have a great day!
Hi Myra! I’m working on a weekly digest right now that you can subscribe to. I should have that ready in the next week or two. In the meantime, following me on Bloglovin is the easiest way to subscribe! Thanks for following along 🙂
So beautiful and creativily chic.
Thanks, Debbie! Coming from someone who always looks so chic, I am flattered 😉
Cute, cute, cute! Looking forward to your “weekly digest” to subscribe to.
I would love you to do a segment on the Cassies!!!
Hi Angela! Feel free to email me through the Contact Me page to collaborate!
All I need is a Camo Carly and I can die and go to Heaven! I have 3 Carly’s all ready and want MORE! It’s now a closer staple… All my 3 are more fall patterns/solids but I can’t wait to stock up on Spring patterns as well- I just hope The Carly stays around for a long time… Thanks for the fresh styling ideas!
Hi Anna! Camo is the new leopard print, wouldn’t you agree? I only own the one in the post, but now you are making me want more ;).
LOVE your style! I agree with the booties 🙂 I’m currently eyeing Steve Madden Nobell at dsw ..I’ve fallen in love!
Thank you! I just looked up those booties and I think they are adorable! I like the slingback on them. You should get them for sure 😉
Okay…
1.) I have been leary if trying Carly; fearful that it would just look like a sack. Thanks for the “knot-in-the-front” idea!
2.) I seriously thought I was the only chick that absolutely LOVES Adidas Stan Smith sneakers!!! One of THE MOST comfortable sneakers EVER! Been wearing them for YEARS!
Thanks for the comments! The knot in the front is flattering on EVERYBODY! I’m glad it gave you some inspiration! And I’m glad you share my love for our friend Stan ;). On the Today show yesterday they said that shoe is THE fashion sneaker every woman should own!
Well there you have it! 😊 Clearly you and I have been ahead of the times!
Cute!! I have a Carly… but mine is soo much longer in back, and I’m not completely sold on that part ( on me).
Hi! I do get what you mean. It can be a litle tricky especially if you don’t have the height working in your advantage. Did you try it with the knot in front? That will help shorten it. If you add a belt, try blousing it out over the belt more in the back than you do in the front to even out the length. Does that make sense? I also think you could add a long vest, sweater, or jacket over the top to take the focus away from the uneven hem. I can share some ideas on what I mean if you’d like?
Fabulous styling! May I link to this article on my LLR pages?
Yes, please by all means share away!
Love it knotted with jeans! I adore my Carlys (I love Nicole, but lets face it, in 100 degree weather in Texas, I want something that isn’t snug on my body. Let the air flow)
Me too! I’m really into dresses tied up as a tunic if you haven’t noticed by now ;). I don’t know about you but I don’t like ANYTHING touching me in 100 degree weather! Unless it’s cold water. Or air. I guess air would count, too. Let ‘er flow, Mama!
Love the looks! Could you show some of your styles on a curvier lady? I’ll have to try some of these!
Yes! I just got my mom her first pair of leggings so I’ll share some photos once I’ve styled her ;).
Who are you and can you come and style me even though I’m fat? I looooooooove your style and taste!
HAHAH! I’m Amy ;). I actually do have a handful of women I invite myself into their closets and help style them and then shop for missing pieces, so if you live in MN I will gladly come do the same for you! And they are women of all different shapes and sizes so it’s all about finding shapes that work for your body type. I had another request for curvier outfit options so I’m enlisting my mother as my model and will be doing a post on that at some point – hopefully you’ll stay tuned!
These are AMAZING! May I share this in my Lularoe group page?
Hi Tiffeny! Yes, feel free to share the link to the posts with your audience! I’m glad you liked my styling tips; thanks for the note!
Amy – I l❤️VE your style tips for the LuLaRoe products!!! I am a consultant with LLR and would really like to share your posts and tips on my fb page. Would you be okay with me linking your posts there?
Hi, Carrie! Thank you for the note! I would be flattered if you shared the link to my LLR blog posts with your audience! I hope it helps inspire 🙂
So, if you’re ever interested in coming to NC, please let me know! I love the idea of a stylist! 💕💁💕 I’ve been known to stop random ladies in dressing rooms and ask them 👍 or 👎. 😆
HAHA! I would love to fly across the country styling women everywhere! I do have an idea for a virtual styling business though that I keep toying with. Maybe you could be my guinea pig client 😉
This is a great post! I loooove Carly! Is it possible to dress it up enough for an outdoor fall wedding? I am thinking yes but I can’t quite picture how to accessorize. Suggestions?
I absolutely think you could! I’d go with a black or navy tight depending on the color of your dress, and an ankle bootie with a stacked heel (stacked heels are the PERFECT shoe for an outdoor wedding by the way!). Think of something like the Frye ‘Marissa’ Ankle Bootie that I paired the Nicole. Then I’d put a tuxedo or silk boyfriend style blazer (H&M or Zara have great affordable options!) over the top and add some brooches to the lapel of the jacket or a statement necklace for a little bling. The other option would be to throw a leather jacket or suede moto jacket drapped over your shoulders if you want something with a little more edge. Top it all off with an oversized clutch and a bold lip and you are ready to paaaartaaayyy, Girl!
P.S. Feel free to email me a picture of your exact dress if you want me to send you some options based on the print. I live for this 🙂
I’m loving all of these looks, but especially the carly knotted with jeans…can you please explain how you got such a nice knot? Mine always look TERRIBLE! And can I just say, I am in LOVE LOVE LOVE with your hair, it’s beautiful! Hair styling tips??? 🙂
Thank you so much for all the sweet compliments! I’m going to butcher this explanation of the knotting, so bear with me. LOL. I start by grabbing a hand full of the fabric just over my leg (I tend to do it over my right leg because it’s easier for me to knot being right handed) and pull it away from my body. Then I grab the fabric tight against my leg with my left hand. I’ve found it is easier to tie a knot tight against your leg and then you can pull it looser, versus trying to work with a smaller piece of fabric from the start. With the fabric in my left hand I take my right hand and loop it around my left and then pull the fabric through the center. Now that I have the knot in place I pull the fabric on the dress that is surrounding the knot (not the actual knot) in order to loosen it to the length I want it to be. I also make sure the little knob that is sticking out from the center of the knot is pointing down and not up. Does any of that make sense? LOL. I think I need to start doing YouTube videos. What do you think?
As for my hair, I have a lot of it and it has a natural wave to it so it holds curl pretty well. Day 2 and 3 after a wash are my best hair days. I use a 1 1/2 inch curling iron (Hot Tools is my go to). I always curl it away from my face, twisting it about 180 degrees and then holding the crimp at the center of the strand leaving the ends out. After a few seconds I pull the curling out straight down to give the ends a little more edge. Once I’ve curled it all the way around I comb it out with my hands and then touch up any pieces that need it. For the front, I like a deeper side part with a high flip. In order to get the height I part that section down the middle and curl the strand to the left of the part in towards my face instead of away from my face. Again, terrible description and I probably should do a video. HAHA! Hope that helps a little!
How did you tie it in the front?? Love!!
See my poor explanation of it in my response to Shannon below 🙂
First of all I would like to say excellent blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing. I’ve had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints? Many thanks!
Great question! I tend to spend the most time figuring out how to start the post as well. I often skip ahead to the “meat” of the story and then come back later to decide how I want to start it. Or I make a little note with general ideas as a placeholder and then piece it together as the story evolves. I usually write on the bus ride home from work, over my lunch hour, or late at night after the kids have gone to bed so I don’t usually have the luxury of finding a quiet place to clear my mind first. Honestly, some of my better posts have happened when I don’t over think it! Thanks for the note; I hope that helped! Best of luck in your writing!
Hello! Do you mind if I use these photos to show some girls different ideas on their carlys?! I can’t def give you credit! You look awesome! Great ideas!
Hi Malinda!
I don’t mind at all, I just ask that you link back to the blog or put the web address on every image. I’ve styled a lot of different LLR pieces now so hopefully they’ll find other ideas there as well. And maybe even share in some of the laughs under the parenting section ;). Thanks for the note!
Ok, you maaaaaaaaybe have sold me on Carly…I know you said you’re wearing the XS, but how tall are you? I’m torn between the S and the XS – really don’t want to look like I’m wearing a tent which has me staying clear away from a Medium. But I’m worried an XS would be to small on me (I’m 5’10” and normally a small or medium when shopping stores like Old Navy or Gap).
The Carly looks good on most everyone I’ve seen so far as long as you get the size right! I’m 5’6 and wore a small, but I have another one on the way in an XS as I think it could be a little more fitted. They say to size down 2 sizes so without seeing you I think you’d be fine in an XS, too. The fabric has a lot of stretch to it. The only place it might be tight is across the bust and in the arms so if those aren’t typical trouble areas for you when shopping, I’d stick with the XS. Hope that helps!
How cute and so smart!!
I love the knotted look! I read your explanation, but am still a little confused. I think a video would be a HUGE HUGE HUGE help!!! 🙂
HAHA! I know, you think I’d be better at explaining something all things considered ;). I’m working on a YouTube channel now so I will be doing videos soon. I have another Carly to style for the winter/fall so I’ll be sure to include a knotted version on the video as well. Stay tuned!
Amy, can you do styling on the Azure skirt and Maxi skirt next? Would love to see how you would do them too. I’m pinning these for my own reference!
I haven’t tried either of those yet, but I’ll keep them in mind come spring!
When I first started wearing LuLaRoe I came across the pic of you with the red Carly and jeans. I fell in love with this look. I have search endlessly for what seems like an eternity and I finally found the Carly! Yay me! Can’t wait to get it in the mail. Well I went back to your pic and was reading your blog and you are absolutely hilarious! Your inspiring and also I love your style! Keep up the entertaining (great) work!! Christyne 😉
I love this! Thank you, Christyne! I’m glad you came back and have continued to follow along :). Enjoy your new Carly!