shut up, i love that shirt on you.

Hi SUILTSOY,

Question/comment/concern…

I heart floral. So much. But every time I turn to purchase a floral print dress, top, etc- they are SO expensive! What is that all about? I did find one goodie at Zara, duh, but it really wasn’t that cheap. Ahhhh.

I mean, I don’t have any plans of pairing my floral gear with socks and Birkenstocks (see Chloe Sevigny at Coachella) but I just want to fun prints to float around the summer with. HELP!

Xoxo

Your floral lovin friend

Dear F.L.F,

I too, love a good floral. This trend is everywhere for spring and summer, and you're right, some of the best pieces are just too expensive. And as for Miss Sevigny and her stocks & socks combo, it's like Dolly Parton says: It costs a lot to look this cheap. So maybe, by spending less, you'll look classier? Why not.Here's what I found, of the less expensive variety...

Hooray! It worked! Just yesterday I received both a tweet and an email asking for a little sartorial guidance. Conveniently enough, both were in regards to the concept of "business casual" dressing. Behold:

Lverrilli: Dear @shutupilovethat can you help me find some inexpensive but classy business casual? xoxo"

and...

"Dear SUILTSOY, I actually do have a very important question- I'm starting a new job in two weeks and have to switch from my veryyyyy casual office to "business casual"- yikes. Tell me what to do/ wear!!"

Sweet, huh? So, here's the deal: according to Wikipedia, the idea of business casual developed in the 1970s in response to the energy crisis of said decade. Apparently, there were government mandates for companies to raise thermostat temperatures in offices - hence - away with the jackets and ties. Monster.com says this about it: "In general, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed yet neat and pulled together."

So for the men, this is easy. A button-down oxford or polo, nicely pressed, perhaps sleeves rolled up, tucked into some nice fitting, not pleated, slacks. And some loafers. And comb your hair and shave. Done.

For us ladies, it can be a bit more of a challenge - but also - much more fun. Think of this dress code as an exercise in restrained creativity.

Here's how I would take on "business casual"...

"Shut up, i love that shirt on you" has some friends with pretty ridiculous jobs. One of said friends is currently babysitting on the big island of Hawaii. She emailed this morning after departing quite suddenly. Enjoy...

Dear S.U.I.L.T.S.O.Y.,

Aloha! I jetted off to the big island of Hawaii spur-the-moment yesterday because my neighbors needed a babysitter for their ridiculously cute daughter for the week. I was sort of annoyed though, because I barely had any time to pack! Rude! Anyway, I totally forgot to bring a really cute tie-dye tank dress to wear to the pool over my swim suit. So tragic, I was literally freaking out.

After working [read: playing with the little girl in the pool and getting tan] most of the day, I was so tired. Like, exhausted. I totally didn't want to walk ALL THE WAY to the resort's boutique to try and find a new dress. I mean, it was so far, and the tropical heat is way draining. Not even like three mai tai's could revive me. But then I remembered we had a golf cart at the private condo, thank god.

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