Q: The reception will be outdoors; any suggestions on shoes?
A: Skip the stilettos and go for wedges, chunky heels or flats. Wedges and chunky heels don’t sink into grass and provide more stability on uneven surfaces. Slip on flat, strappy sandals or peep-toe ballets with a touch of shimmer for a dressy look without the height.

Shop our picks: Vince Camuto Zimily Bejeweled Wedges, Gianni Bini Michele Patent Pumps & Vince Camuto Analisa Toe-Ring Sandals

Q: The invitation requests cocktail attire; what does that mean?
A: This is your time to shine! Skip floor-sweeping gowns for shorter dresses in lustrous fabrics with metallic high-heel sandals and dramatic earrings. Make sure to grab your favorite clutch for all your beauty essentials.

 Shop our Picks: Maggy London Bow-Detail Taffeta Dress, Antonio Melani Sierra Pumps, Anna & Ava Merry Linear Drop Earrings & Kate Landry Social Slouch Metallic Flap Clutch

Q: I’m a bridesmaid and I’m worried about humidity and frizz. What products or tools are my best bet?
A: Try the T3 SinglePass 1” straightening iron. It’s your go-to tool for sleek, straight locks or lasting curls. Other frizz-fighting must-haves? For a summer wedding, try the Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Smooth Sailing Anti-Frizz Cream. Or try this 5-star favorite on Dillards.com, the Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream for softer, easier to manage hair. 

Q: I’m going to a destination wedding. What are some great portable beauty products?
A: For a flawless look on-the-go, here are a few of our suitcase-ready favorites.

• Opt for a creamy, long-lasting pencil with a pink tint — like this one from MAC — over lipstick for the big day. That way, you can skip the need to reapply and just smile.
• In a travel-friendly case, the Anastasia Beauty Express Kit for Brows and Eyes provides all the tools you need for an instant eye lift.
• Clinique Quick Blush creates rosy, picture-ready cheeks with an easy all-in-one blush and brush.

Q: As mother of the bride, how can I make a good impression without upstaging the bride?
A: That’s easy! First, remember 2 quick don’ts:

1. Don’t wear white.
2. Don’t match or clash with the bridal party.

After that, the dos are fun!

1. Do find a flattering fit (maybe something with pleats or a matching bolero for extra coverage).
2. Do match the formality (or casual feel) of the event.

Shop our Picks: Jessica Howard Rhinestone Belted Jacket Dress, Tadashi Sleeveless Lace Blouson Dress & Jkara Floral-Beaded Chiffon Gown

Have other wedding wardrobe quandaries? Ask and we’ll answer!

Retro Hollywood Glam

From Ralph Lauren, the Bel Aire one piece swimsuit in classic black and white has an Old Hollywood glamour with its shirred body and skirted bottom. Complete the look with kate spade new york Cymone sunglasses, this Lauren Ralph Lauren Turtle Bay tote and these MICHAEL Michael Kors jelly sandals.

Ready for the Regatta

This anchor-print halter top and hipster bottom from Cremieux adds girl-next-door charm to a sleek silhouette. Complete the look with the Cremieux textured sarong, New Wayfarer sunglasses from Ray-Ban, the COACH Legacy Weekend St. James tote and Cisco flip-flop sandals from Sperry Top-Sider.

Free-Spirited Fun

You can’t take the sand to the beach, but can take the sizzle in the Gianni Bini fringe-detail halter top and tassel tunnel-tie bottom (for an added dash of sass, mix and match the colors). Complete the look with aviator sunglasses from Marc by Marc Jacobs, the Tamara perforated tote from Jessica Simpson and Shimmer flip-flop sandals from Gianni Bini.

What look will you wear this season?

Shop all Women’s Swim.

1. Cremieux Double-Breasted Striped Blazer: Style this festive blue-striped jacket with a red skirt and navy top for a sophisticated take on the Americana theme.

2. Polo Ralph Lauren Classic-Fit Short-Sleeved Polo Shirt: This versatile polo shirt is one to wear with pride. Pair it with jeans, khakis or blue shorts for an All-American look.

3. Bonnie Jean Mixed-Print Party Pants: For the little girl in your life, these adorable party pants keep the party rolling. A red striped bodice and a dusting of white stars on blue ground offers some playful allegiance to the flag.

4. Cremieux Stanford Quilt Collection: A patchwork quilt of red, white and blue embodies Americana: rugged, nostalgic, homespun and festive. Create a focal point for the bedroom while celebrating the holiday year-round with this bedding.

5. Tag Mystic Star-Shaped Table Runner: Wake up your table with this celebratory table runner.  As clever as old-fashioned American ingenuity, this table runner, held together by buttons, separates into individual place mats for dining.

6. Formation Star Tumbler with Lid: Imagine sipping your favorite beverage outdoors with the hearty aroma of burgers and hot dogs roasting on the grill. This nostalgic tumbler keeps hot drinks hot, cold drinks cold and works as a great companion piece for your Memorial Day celebration.

How do you like to celebrate Memorial Day? Tell us in the comment section.

Almost every month, leading fashion/lifestyle magazines, such as Vogue, Glamour, Lucky and Elle,  feature stories or ads about our merchandise.  Even  if you don’t subscribe, you can still see what these advertisements look like by clicking on the “Catalogs & Ads” link at the bottom of any page on www.dillards.com.  You’ll be taken to a page with a cool interactive feature that allows you to browse through our ads.

What  items from Dillard’s have appeared in the fashion mags this month?  Check out the Antonio Melani Nilliona paisley halter dress  with its cinched halter neckline and keyhole back.  Or the Vince Camuto Itta wedge sandals, with their bejeweled metallic snake-print leather upper.  Want to flaunt a heavenly scent?  Try Jimmy Choo Eau De Parfum Spray and enjoy femininity, luxury and style.

Shop all Dillard’s items that have appeared in leading national publications in May. 

Do you prefer looking at merchandise online or in a printed ad or catalog? Why?

Marina Beaded Lace Dress

Short yet forgiving, this lace silhouette comes in your choice of versatile shades. Allover kissing tiers gloss over problem spots, while lustrous beading sets the tone for a joyous celebration.

“I purchased this dress for my daughter’s wedding. It’s going to be an outside wedding in South Texas in July and I needed something elegant yet cool. I love this dress! It fits perfectly and looks pretty and fashionable.” – Maria, Texas

“Beautifully made with just the right amount of bling. It also has ‘give’ so it’s comfy to sit in.” – Lenore, Missouri

Tadashi Off-the-Shoulder Gown

This elegant gown will catch eyes and compliments, without competing with the bride. The combination of off-the-shoulder styling, a banded waist and a long skirt form a flawless figure — it’s no wonder the designer has become a celebrity favorite on the red carpet.  

“Very feminine and sophisticated. The color blended well with the bridesmaids and didn’t overshadow the bride.” – The Bride’s Mother, Texas

“Fabric is lovely, won’t wrinkle and moves with you.” – RAP, New Hampshire

JS Collections Bolero Jacket Dress

Shimmery in silver, this gown is frosted with texture and framed by ribbon. The matching bolero jacket adds barely there coverage to your arms and back. We think it would be equally effervescent for a spring or winter wedding.

“I absolutely love this dress. Got it for my daughter’s wedding this year. It’s a very elegant and lovely dress! The material is beautiful. It complements your shape.” – Lisa the Aerobic Instruction, Florida

Shop all mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses here.

Did you find your dress at Dillard’s? Tell us about it in the comments!

Watch Gifts
Give the one who always has time for you the perfect timepiece with these luxurious, elegant watches from Michael Kors.

1. Michael Kors Darci goldtone stainless steel watch 2. Michael Kors Mercer chronograph watch with white leather strap 3. Michael Kors Runway goldtone chronograph watch 4. Michael Kors Camille goldtone stainless steel watch. Shop all accessories.

Handbag Gifts
Bright colors and detailed design make this Dooney & Bourke leather hobo a perfect gift. These are exclusively available at Dillard’s as part of our 75th anniversary celebration!

Shop these and other colors of the Dooney & Bourke Leather Dillard’s 75th Anniversary Hobo Bag. Shop all handbags.

Sleepwear Gifts
The gorgeous embroidered cotton lawn Boathouse Weekend ballet nightgown and wrap robe from Eileen West are sure to keep her cozy and elegant at the same time.

Eileen West Boathouse Weekend Ballet Nightgown & Wrap Robe. Shop all sleepwear.

Fragrance Gifts
Her favorite perfumes are available in Mother’s Day-ready gift sets this season. Check out these eau de parfum and lotion collections from Dior, in J’adore and Miss Dior scents.

Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum Signature Set and Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum Signature Set. Shop all fragrance sets.

Special Bonus Gifts
Give her the best of Estee Lauder fragrance with the added bonus of flattering makeup shades she’ll love. This set, presented in a gorgeous animal-print portfolio, is only $29.50 with any Estee Lauder fragrance purchase.

See the Estee Lauder Color Portfolio here. Shop all fragrances.

For more ideas, shop the Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

What are you getting your mom for Mother’s Day?

Accessorize

In a sea of caps and gowns, stand out with statement earrings and necklaces. A little shimmer goes a long way.
Shop statement necklaces & earrings.

 Belt It

Belted dresses accentuate your smallest point for a flattering fit.
Shop belted dresses.

 Consider your gown

Red shoes may seem like a great idea, but maybe not if your gown is a clashing burgundy. Go neutral on shoes for a sleek look before and after the ceremony.
Shop neutral pumps, sandals and wedges.

Extra Credit:

Little white dresses are a warm-weather staple. Whether you go dramatic with sequins or sweet with lace, you’ll find an A+ silhouette.

 Shop our picks: Emerald Sundae Ruffle-Front Dress, B. Darlin Lace Halter Dress, Honey and Rosie Belted Embroidered Dress & GB Strapless Sequin Dress

Shop all little white dresses.

What are you wearing for graduation?

And they’re off! Those three little words ignite the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” — the Kentucky Derby. Along with the thunder of hooves is the race to be fashionable. If you’re invited to a watch party this weekend, there’s probably mention of a dress code. Think fun and festive without feeling the need to look terribly formal. In many cases, what you need is already in your closet. We’ll help you put it all together.

For the gentlemen:

Might we recommend a mixture of formal and casual. Try an oxford shirt, patchwork shorts and a stylish straw fedora for that preppy look.

For the ladies:

Almost as famous as the derby itself is the circus of big, over-the-top women’s hats. If you don’t have a wild hat to cap off your wardrobe, no problem. You can stand out in other ways. Start by donning this stunning statement necklace or slipping into these charming espadrille wedges. The mixed-media top and skinny cropped jeans create a simple but elegant style foundation.

If you’re hosting a watch party, you’ll likely be serving most beverages from informal cups and glasses. But should a guest ask to sample some of your finest bourbon or other favored libation, enhance his or her tasting experience with this handsome whiskey set or set of highball glasses.

What are you wearing to your Kentucky Derby watch party? Tell us about it in the comments. 

“JKL stands for just keep livin. In 1992, my father moved on, and just keep livin came to be,” McConaughey said in a release about the brand. ”It was about keeping his spirit alive and continuing to get incentive from the things he taught me. The tag line is a compass for me and serves as an approach to life: No matter where we’re headed, where the road takes us, what’s up ahead or what’s behind us, we’ve got to ‘just keep livin.’ That’s the philosophy. There’s a ‘just keep livin’ choice in everything we do and I’ve been the most satisfied in life when I’m on this frequency. It’s a big part of what we try to show the kids through our foundation and it’s the DNA of the JKL brand.”

Casually stylish with subtle functionality, each piece in the clothing line features proprietary AdvantEdge™ technology that may include:  fabrics that are  brushed for extra comfort or treated to be oil- and water-repellent; moisture controlling and quick-drying fabrics; UV protection; stretch fabrication for ease of movement;  secure and well-placed utility pockets or mesh insets and grommets for air ventilation.

And in addition to function, there’s philanthropy behind the brand. A portion of sales revenue goes to support the just keep livin Foundation, a nonprofit group McConaughey founded in 2008 to support after-school fitness and wellness programs, in inner-city high schools.

Shop all JKL.

How will you just keep livin? Tell us in the comments.

Step 1. Choose a Lancome Signature Cosmetics Bag in your choice of pink with polka dots OR solid pink Step 2. Choose an Eye and Face Look Trio:

• Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner, Color Design Eye Shadow Quad  and Cils Booster XL Mascara Base  OR…

• Dual Finish Powder Makeup (4 shade choices), La Base Pro Makeup Primer and Color Design Lipcolor

Step 3. Choose an Eye and Night Moisturizer Duo:

• Absolue Eye Premium Bx Cream and Absolue Night Premium Bx Cream  OR…

• Renergie Lift Multi-Action Eye Cream and Renergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream OR…

• High Resolution Refill-3X Eye Cream and High Resolution Refill-3X Night Cream

BONUS GIFT! New! Hypnose Star Show-Stopping Volume Mascara  

Lancome Definicils High Defintion Mascara - The #1 Luxury Mascara For 15 Years! Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate -  Winner of Allure’s Reader’s Choice Award and Marie Claire’s Award of Excellence Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum Spray -  Women’s Wear Daily’s 2012 Prestige Fragrance of the Year Award Shop all Lancome products now. What is more vital for your beauty: eye cream or night cream?   Tell us in the comments section below.