I’m an online shopper through and through. I’m not really into crowded malls, and would much rather spend my time sitting on my couch drinking a latte while purchasing this season’s most darling [insert clothing item here]. Plus, with the majority of my favorite stores implementing easy and free returns, why not?

However, I’ve been stuck in an online retailer rut - not really venturing out into new online shopping territory. That is, until Lucky Magazine published their 100 under $100 online shopping guide in their July issue. Woohoo! More ways to spend my money!

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How do you know where your hem should hit? A simple rule of thumb is that skirts and dresses should fall just to the top of your knee, above the kneecap; if you are tall you can go a little longer. But if you’re petite, or if you have short legs, keep hemlines on the high side.

A skirt that hits in the wrong place will age you faster than those gray hairs you’re worrying about. A short skirt on a woman over 25 can look desperate, while a too-long skirt looks dowdy. Instead of hiking up your hemline to sexy up your look (or dropping the line of your skirt for modesty’s sake) think about the overall shape of your dress and your body.

Let’s look at some Don’ts.

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It took me a ridiculously long time to get dressed for last week’s date night, which is really silly because I wore what I always wear: A sheath dress and some fun flats. Date night needs to be that perfect combination of more dressed up than normal but as comfortable as always. Because I like to get dressed up, but I do not like to be uncomfortable.

I have issues.

What are the options for date night? Or for dinner out with the family or a a special service at church or any other event that calls for something a little spiffier than what you would normally wear? If you’re a busy mom, you probably don’t have the cash — or inclination — to invest in pieces that you can’t wear around the kids (because, if nothing else, the kids will want to kiss you on your way out the door, and possibly touch you with their grimy little hands). Look for pieces that you can fold into your everyday wardrobe and bust out for special occasions.

A dress is an easy way to get spiffed up, and if you choose the right dress, you can wear it for errand running too. These four, all from Old Navy, are affordable, machine washable, and super cute. And! Not one of them costs more than $30. Perfect.

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My husband and I are having a date tonight, and I have no idea what to wear (I have about six hours to decide, which should be plenty of time, but still). I am completely stumped, you all.

Here’s the scoop: We’re going to a charity auction for a group my husband is involved with, so this is essentially a work function for him. The event is dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, and a performance by Toby Keith. The whole shindig is taking place at a casino outside Oklahoma City.

Oh, and? There’s a pretty good possibility that we’ll get to meet Toby Keith.

Seriously, do you see why this is throwing me?
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nars.com

It’s June! Summer is here! (Can you believe it?) It’s time to break out our darling new sandals and flip flops, but ladies, let’s make a pact. Let’s make sure our feet are in tip-top shape, okay? Honestly, I don’t think there is anything worse than glancing at someone’s gnarly toes. GROSS.

Professional pedicures are quite fab, but given the economy, some of you might be cutting that luxury out of the budget. Lucky for us, InStyle Magazine featured a great piece on the best ways to beautify your feet on your own in their June issue. Take a look!

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Once you’ve picked out the right shorts, you’re half way dressed, but what goes on top? Answer: Pretty much anything!

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Hey look, it’s summer! And while the idea of white jeans and metallic sandals is so fantastic, when it’s 100 degrees (or 100 percent humidity) a girl really needs some great shorts. You know, so you don’t pass out in the grocery.

Shorts are casual wear; I don’t buy the whole “evening shorts” or “shorts suit” idea. But just because shorts aren’t appropriate for a cocktail party or a sales meeting doesn’t mean you can wear any old thing (or worse, your husband or boyfriend’s shorts, unless he happens to be the EXACT same size and shape as you — and even then, seriously, get your own shorts).

Look for a flattering fit and a fun color and an easy-care fabric; chino, or khaki, shorts are the simplest option for most women. They’re machine washable (turn them inside out to preserve the color and zip and button them to protect everything else in the wash from wear and tear) and don’t require ironing.
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My favorite look for summer is the maxi dress; I can’t tell you how happy I am to see actual dresses cropping up as day wear. The maxi dress is great because it flatters a wide range of figures, and can be as casual, or as dramatic, as you like.

How can you make a maxi work for you? Simple!

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A while back, I posted photos of my closet on Flickr, and a surprising number of people said, “Whoa! That’s a lot of color!”

(Yes, that’s a copy of the Sex and the City book on the shelf there, in case you’re wondering.)

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I have to be honest with you. It took everything in my power not to entitle this post, Absolutely Crazy Trend Watch (WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING?) - Neon. Let’s be serious for a second. Neon? Like the Day-Glo Eighties phenomenon? Who wants to re-hash that nightmare?

Well, apparently, W magazine, Harper’s Bazaar and many other fine publications are more than willing to shove neon right back in our faces.

(Looking for a rock to crawl under.)

Is it possible to alter this trend to make it work for the majority of women who would rather not be reminded of acid green Ray-Bans and jelly bracelets from our school days? Of course we can! This blog is called The Working Closet, isn’t it?

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