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Now & Later | Striped Swing Dress

Cheers to Friday! How was your week? Ours was pretty standard, and happily we’re all starting to relax into the new school schedule. Little Miss is so excited to head-out for the big 5th grade camp next week, with me as a chaperone, so we’ll be prepping the sleeping bags and other gear this weekend…along with trying to figure out how to smuggle in a box fan! #notacamper

Today I’m sharing some Now and Later style inspiration…taking one of my favorite t-shirt dresses, and styling it for both warmer days, and later when it (hopefully) starts to cool.

This dress is so easy to wear, and even though it feels like pajamas, it still manages to look pulled together. (This crewneck version is similar, and this one has a fun criss-cross front for the younger crowd.) I’ve been wearing them (I say ‘them’, because I have it in three colors! #oops) all Summer with wedges, flat sandals, and my favorite sneakers (size down one in the Shoreline)….and usually a tassel necklace. Because, tassel. (Find some of my favorites here.)

Jean Jacket | Tassel Necklace (on sale!) 
Saddlebag (more colors here) | Wedges 

For cooler nights, or basically every restaurant in town, I add the trusty jean jacket for a light layer of warmth.

Dress (similar) | Jean Jacket | Tassel Necklace (on sale!) | Wedges | Sunglasses 
Hoop Earrings | Saddlebag (more colors here) 
Saddlebag (more colors here) | Watch | Link Bracelet

Once it cools down even further (or the calendar says ‘Fall’), I’ll swap the sandals for booties, and, if necessary, add one of my Fall’s Essential Seven…a utility jacket. (I might need to revisit this list, but it’s certainly a good start!) 

Sugarplum Style Tip: Black booties would work, too, but a more neutral color creates a longer leg-line when wearing boots with dresses.

Pendant Necklace | Clutch | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings

Fit Tip: This is a great utility jacket, but runs large…size down!

Mr. SP getting artistic with the camera! 😉
Fall in Texas creeps in slowly, but I love the opportunity it gives to continue wearing my favorite Summer dresses. What’s your favorite way to transition your outfits from Summer to Fall? As much as I love Summer, I love that we’re inching closer to boots and scarves season! I’ll be reaching for this scarf first! Happy weekend, lovebugs!
More Fall Style Inspiration:


{More Transitional Dresses}


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*This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothes, styling ideas, and boot-scooting are my own. Thank you for supporting sponsors that keep Hi Sugarplum running!*


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Little Black Dress | Now & Later

Hello, hello…I hope you all had a fabulous (& warm!) weekend! Every year, I try to see most of the Oscar-nominated films, so Mr. SP and I snuck off for a movie date yesterday, and saw Brooklyn. We both agreed it was the sweetest, most charming movie we’ve seen in years. I especially enjoyed it, considering the two other movies we’ve seen recently are Revenant and Sicario. Whoa, intensity overload!

Today I’ve got a fun style post to hopefully inspire you to pull your ‘Summer’ dresses out of hiding, and wear them {Now & Later}. This classic black a-line dress is a cinch for warmer weather, but with a few key pieces and layers, I can extend it’s wearable life year-round!

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

The key to making wardrobe pieces work for multiple seasons is the fabric. Obviously, some fabrics are delegated to certain seasons…like linen in Spring/Summer, and wool in Fall/Winter…but others, like cotton, can work for multiple seasons…thus doubling your wardrobe. #closetmath

The jersey knit of this dress, coupled with the dark color, made it an easy seasonal transition. With the addition of opaque tights, cardigan, and closed-toe shoes, it was cold-weather ready.

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later
The scarf adds another layer of warmth, not to mention, fun pattern. So cute paired with the plaid shoe, right?! 
Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

My love affair with this peacoat continues to grow, it’s just so classic and chic! (Not to mention, $28!) I just added the black one to my collection #oops, but I prefer the camel with this look, to break up all the black. Who says your coat can’t keep you warm and add style to your outfit?

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

Style Tip: Don’t automatically go for the black or brown shoe…colors and patterns can be just as neutral, but add much more personality and interest to your outfit. Sole Society is a great resource for classic shoes in fun patterns, but still affordable.

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

This outfit would be cute with black shoes, but the red plaid definitely makes it eye-catching.

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

Now let’s fast forward 50-degrees and style the dress for warmer days, by losing the layers. You could definitely pair it with ankle booties in the Spring, or strappy heels in the Summer, but I kept it office-appropriate with the kitten-heels.

Hi Sugarplum | Now & Later black dress

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

I almost always carry a tote or slouchy-style bag, so I’m surprised by how much I love the structure of this satchel…one might actually mistake me for a lady! 😉 It also makes a great substitute for clutches with dressier outfits.

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

Hi Sugarplum | Little Black Dress Now & Later

Let the record show that I almost suffered full-blown hypothermia shooting this look for ya’ll, so I hope to Betsy you’re feeling inspired! Have you transitioned any dresses to Winter? Do you have fun patterned shoes in your closet?

And more importantly, what Oscar-nominated movies have you seen and loved? Make sure you pop back tomorrow…the folks from Container Store came and installed the Office/Craft Closet, and I’ll have an update for you!

See more {Now & Later} posts here.

Thank you for weathering the cold & snapping these fun photos, Stephanie Drenka!


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*This post created in collaboration with Sole Society, but all clothes, ideas, and volcano-sized goosebumps are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*


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Plaid Shirtdress | Now & Later

Wow, sounds like ya’ll are as big of a sucker for a good love story and wedding as I am! I’m thrilled you enjoyed yesterday’s post about my sister’s Montana River Wedding, and thank you for your kind comments. I made sure to pass them along to her…and my former stepmom, who helped plan the shindig. 
Well, the calendar may say October, but we’ve still yet to see any real Fall weather. Which totally bites when you have cute new plaids and scarves to wear!


Transitioning our wardrobes to a new season always seems to cause some anxiety, so today I’m sharing another Now & Later…this time around this darling plaid shirtdress, and at Dallas’s prettiest spot to experience the seasons…the Arboretum.
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later

Many dresses can be worn year-round, and I simply swap sandals for booties. But the material of this dress is light enough for warm days, but the color and pattern combination is clearly Fall-specific (so I would put it away during the Summer months). 

Boots can look clunky and heavy when worn with a dress, so I prefer a neutral color and streamlined shape for a more flattering look.
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Plaid Dress | Crossbody Bag (similar here & here) | Booties
Beaded Necklace | Sunglasses
Clearly these low-ankle booties are favorites of mine this season, since I’ve reached for them almost every Fall Style post (see them all here)! You’ve seen this bag several times already too, and unfortunately it keeps selling out. Don’t you hate when bloggers show things that aren’t available?!? But as much as I’d like to, I can’t exactly buy a new one every time. I did find some really great similar options though. 
Fit Tip: These booties run true-to-size, but require an extra-low sock (I wear these) to avoid peeking out. 
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Crossbody Bag (similar here & here) | Booties | Leopard Cuff | Watch | Spike Bracelet
I added the leopard cuff for a touch of pattern-mixing, and that whole Rule of Three thing.
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Fit Tip: The dress is women’s sizing, and true to size. I’m wearing an XS.
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
I love the Dallas Arboretum any time of year, but Fall is nothing short of extraordinary, with over 75,000 pumpkins, hay bale mazes, and concerts in the park. And as we discovered, very well-endowed male squirrels. #bignads #donttouchthatsquirrelsnuts #namethatmovie
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Plaid Dress | Crossbody Bag (similar here & here) | Booties
Beaded Necklace | Sunglasses
Now let’s fast forward 30-degrees, and style the same dress for cooler days by layering a vest and scarf. Swapping knee-boots for the booties added some warmth, too.
Style Tip: Try tone-on-tone layers for subtle pattern and texture. Keeping them all the same shade allowed the plaid to remain the star.
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Style Tip: I frequently hear the comment, ‘I wish I could get away with wearing a hat!’ You want my advice for that? Just wear the hat! All anyone needs to pull it off, is the confidence to wear it. I prefer the brim be twice the width of my face…no wider, no smaller.
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
And when it cools down even more, I’ll add an additional jacket layer. I guess these posts should technically be called Now & Later & Even Later. But that doesn’t have the same ring to it. 
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Military Jacket (similar) | Plaid Dress | Puffer Vest | Pendant Necklace | Hat (similar)
Boots (similar) | Bag (similar under $50) | Leopard Cuff | Watch | Spike Bracelet
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Military Jacket (similar) | Watch | Spike Bracelet
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later
Hi Sugarplum | Plaid Shirtdress / Now & Later

This last pic was another squirrel-spotting reaction. Yes, I’m essentially a 14-year old boy.

And once again, I teetered perilously close to heatstroke shooting these looks for you, so I hope you found some new Fall inspiration! Make sure you come back tomorrow…we’ve got Week 2 of the One Room Challenge to recap. Also known as, a major hiccup.
Thank you, Mary Summers, for the fabulous pictures, and Bailey at The Dallas Arboretum for a fun afternoon!


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Ramblings

Happy new week, friends, I hope your weekend was grand! Ours was a good mix of lazy and busy, which was exactly what I needed after camping with a gaggle of fifth graders last week! I had big plans for a post today, but just couldn’t get my act together, so it will have to wait for another day…and instead, you get a brain dump of the ramblings currently going through my head, and latest happenings around here.

ONE // I always feel so bad when I feature some darling new piece, only for it to sell out quickly. I try to keep an eye out for y’all, and am happy to report some of the more popular pieces of late are now back-in-stock…starting with this circle cardigan. It’s hands-down the softest thing in my closet, I even snuggle-up in it every night with my pajamas! I can hardly wait for cooler weather so I can wear it all day, too.

These cut-out booties are back, as well, in all colors and sizes. I’ll be wearing them with both jeans and dresses all Fall.

Fit Tip: I sized down half-size, and wear them sans socks so the cutouts show. If you prefer to wear socks, these booties are a cute and comfy similar option.

Another great bootie, that’s perfect for most seasons, and easily dressed up or down, are these peep-toes. They sell out quickly every time, so if you’ve had your eye on them, I wouldn’t wait. See them styled for Now & Later here.
You likely recognize this leopard clutch since I carry it more often than not (see it here, here and here for starters)…it was in stock when I hit publish on this post, so fingers crossed it stays that way!
This military jacket was a favorite when I shared it on my darling mom, but it sold out in a hot-second. It’s back in two great neutral greens, and the gray pops in and out, too.
Fit Tip: It runs true-to-size…my mom is wearing a medium.

TWO // I almost fell out of my chair when Traditional Home contacted me about being featured in their new digital magazine, Simply Perfect Kitchens & Baths. And to see my face in it is almost too much! It’s a gorgeous read, with tons of great inspiration…check out the full issue here.

THREE // I’m so excited to be headed back to New York City later this month to attend the Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker’s Event. It’s incredibly flattering to be included among such a stellar line-up of talented bloggers, and I can’t wait to soak up all that creative inspiration again. See my recap of last year’s event here.

FOUR // If you followed my InstaStory last week, then you saw some of the fun we had at Little Miss’s Outdoor Education Camp. It’s actually part of the school curriculum for fifth graders in our district, and something the kids look forward to since the first day of Kindergarten.

I didn’t initially sign up to chaperone…in fact, I ducked my head big-time when the call for volunteers for the 3-day camp went out! (Read more about my shortcomings here.) But someone dropped out at the last minute, and I somehow found myself as the new counselor of these darling girls. And as miraculous as it seems…I didn’t misplace a single girl, nor was a single tear shed! #bythemorme

 Custom monogram hats and sunglasses from Blush & Bashful

It was a steamy three days, and we logged almost 10-miles of walking each day, so I lived in my favorite athletic wear and caps! #camphairdontcare

If I’m being totally honest, I was actually dreading the whole thing a little. I mean, I’m not ‘that mom’ who loves all things kid, nor am I the ‘fun parent’ of our family. But I let go of any expectations, along with my guard, and ended up having such an amazing time with all the girls, moms and teachers…and especially this precious girl.

I loved watching her with her peers, and work through obstacles in a way I don’t see at home. She surprises me everyday with her spirit and kindness, and I’m humbled to be her mama. The whole camp experience taught me I can be the fun parent, too! Sometimes. 😉

FIVE // While we were at camp, my other baby girl was bitten by a copperhead snake! I spent the evening sneaking outside the cabin to get updates from Mr. SP, and crying in my sleeping bag with worry.

She spent the night in the emergency animal hospital and received the insanely-priced anti-venom, but the good news is she’s going to be just fine! Reading all the encouraging messages on my social media definitely lifted me up, and I was reminded of how much I love this online community of ours!

SIX // I shared some fun back-to-school style with you guys last month, but I can’t let a year go by without the official first day of school pic! #lovethesetwo

SEVEN // Okay, on a recent Ramblings post, I professed my love and horror over a newfound product, Baby Feet. (Read the review and my cringe-worthy experience here.) And from the response I received, many of you are just as in love, and completely mesmerized, by your experience with it, too.

But what I find really funny, and completely horrifying, is how many of you shared pics of your peeling shedding feet with me!! Even posting them on social media!! For the sake of my gag reflex, I’m going to have to ask for no more! Or at least give me a warning in the subject line. 😉 That said, I think I’m ready for Round 2! #obsessed #cantstopwontstop

EIGHT // I somehow stumbled across the Instagram account of these darling newlyweds, which led me to their blog, The Lavender’s Longshot, and I’m glued to their every post. One day she’s blogging about renovating their home, and the next, she’s telling the story of her husband’s motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the armpits down.

Her honest accounts of what they are going through, along with her unwavering faith and positive attitude, humbles me beyond words. (Check here for how you can help.)

NINE // Stefanie’s safari-inspired boy nursery is nothing short of perfection. But of course we’ve come to expect nothing less from her!

TEN // As the season comes to an end, the sales have been rolling in. These are a few of my key pieces, now heavily discounted. My go-to tee is on sale in several colors…find the sale one here, and more colors (only $25) here.

The the blazer from this Blazers & Bootcuts post has the cutest pleated back, and awesome sale price. Those jeans are pretty much perfection, too…you’ll be seeing more of those later this week.

Both Mama Sugarplum and I fell for this cashmere hoodie pullover thingie…but one of us might actually spring for it now that it’s on sale!

As is this entire classic workwear outfit. The pants were a little long on me, but fit like a dream. And the sweater would add a touch of class to everything from skirts to jeans.

I love all the emails from those of you with upcoming cruises…do yourself a favor, and just grab this dress now that it’s on sale. You’ll thank me when you feel like the belle of the ball on formal nights. 

A girl can never have too much plaid…I particularly like the smaller scale of this one. And it’s 40% off, so there’s that.

What’s rambling through your head this Monday? I’d love to hear what’s going on in your world! SaveSaveSaveSave

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*This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all ideas, clothes, and mom-fessionals are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep Hi Sugarplum running!*

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