Back on Solid Ground

After serving for a year in South Korea, my lil' brother will have his feet back on U.S. soil this evening. I'm heading to my parents' house for the rest of the week to see his photos and hear more stories of the unique "treats" he's tried. (Anyone up for chicken gizzards at the bar? Yeah, me neither.)

I'll be in the land of dial-up Internet, so I'm sure you understand why I won't be able to respond to comments or e-mails until I return. Until then, there are plenty of posts scheduled to keep you entertained.

Outfit Notes: Milly Dress; Vintage Ring

Tuesday Treats Under $20

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

J.Crew, Falling Ruffles Tank, $19.99 (on sale)
Style&Co., Convertible Crossbody Bag, $15.99 (on sale)
Forever21, Rhinestone Knob Ring, $6.80
Forever21, Adria Linen Short, $19.90
Blu Bijoux, Mini Crystal Stud Earrings, $20
ModCloth, Linked In Belt, $17.99

Redress

Confession time: four years ago, I was 60 pounds heavier. With a little help from Weight Watchers, I slimmed down to a healthy size 6. Of course the change was great for my health, but I was a little bummed about losing the wardrobe I had accumulated over the years. This dress from Banana Republic was one of my favorites. When it became too large, I vowed to find a size small on eBay someday. No luck. Recently, I pulled it out of storage and decided to go another direction. A simple knot on the inside of the dress creates a draped effect around the torso, making it wearable again.

Outfit Notes: Banana Republic Dress; Diane von Furstenberg Sandals; Forever21 and Banana Republic Bracelets; Necklaces from J.Crew, LOFT, NVme Fashions, Wendy Mink Jewelry

Exclusive Discount: Sunday Brunch Dress Shop

I've long-expressed my adoration of Sunday Brunch Dress Shop, an online boutique filled with the most incredible selection of frocks on the Web.

Judy, the Founder & Chief Dress Owner of Sunday Brunch (seriously, don't you just love her title?), has graciously offered to give you a little something: Style Obsession readers will receive a 20% discount to Sunday Brunch with the code STYLE. This offer ends on August 15.

I know the price tags aren't cheap, but I promise that this is the e-tailer to turn to when you're in need of a truly special dress. And the in-depth - and oftentimes humorous - fit tips will make your shopping experience a breeze. In fact, I'm simply coveting this little sapphire number.

Friday Finds Under $50

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

ModCloth, Desert Sands Top, $34.99
Johnston & Murphy, Signature-Print Scarf, $39.99
Blu Bijoux, Twisted Gold Earrings, $42
Michael Antonio, Tracy Sandal, $39.95
Kenneth Cole, Multistone Ring, $35

Eat Fresh

Summertime calls for easy recipes with fresh ingredients, like this one for chicken paillards with lemon-butter sauce. Martha Stewart outdid herself with this one, which is more than I can say for her in the past. The domestic diva first let me down with ham and cheese crepes (I know, I know, it even sounds bad), then with a questionable shrimp salad. Thank goodness she redeemed herself and made my monthly subscription to Martha Stewart Living worthwhile. Serve the chicken on a bed of fresh baby spinach, which wilts perfectly from the heat of the sauce.

Fit to a Tee

It's not often I pay tribute to - or even wear - a humble t-shirt, but Gap has stepped up its game.

Does anyone remember Gap's tees of yesteryear? The cotton was nearly as thick as the brand's signature denim. And the v-neck version barely swooped below the collarbone. It may have been a classic, but sometimes the past is better left in the past.

And that's exactly what Gap did this season. The brand launched a revamped line of the wardrobe staple, including this burnout tee. Let me tell you, this shirt feels luxurious - and far more expensive than it is.

I won't spend more than $20 on a t-shirt. And judging by the sale frequency of brands like James Perse, not many of you are willing to shell out big bucks for a simple tee either - no matter how luxe the fabric and drape. Thank goodness for luxury brands upping the style ante for something as simple as the t-shirt.

Outfit Notes: Gap Burnout Tee; LOFT Shorts; Banana Republic Bracelet; House of Harlow Bangle