Ok so like a moc-croc skinny belt maybe? (like this?)

http://www.bluefly.com/Fashion.....-300822801

My mom can make clothes even w/out a pattern. (she can make her own patterns) A photo would help though. My big concern though is I would need the fabric to have some give--ideally a knit...which is not the easiest fabric to work with. Also there are hardly any fabric stores still standing.

Our snow has turned to ice. It's a mess, and I am SO SICK OF WINTER!!!

Nicole, I do remember that dress - I wasn't so keen when you first posted it, even if it fit well, the color was one I personally steer clear of (too much like a sweatshirt color). But, I think with the black tights, black boots, the cardi and the cami it looks AWESOME! This is testament to your imagination and taking a piece others might not see the promise in, and making it work!

As for the belt, don't ask me... listen to Angie! I am not a huge belt person myself, I'm in the learning curve just a few baby steps ahead of you. I do think you should keep trying though. I am learning from Angie's advice right along with you.

The futzing thing still gives me pause too - if you read the comments on the Lucky site, a lot of people complain about belts for the office being too fussy. However, I'm not ready to give up and I hope you don't give up yet either.

I have a hunch the futzing can be minimized with a looser, smaller belt. And maybe also just getting used to wearing one?

A belt exactly like that, Nicole. Get! Perhaps your dress fabric answer is a woven with stretch?

Shiny and Nicole, you might like to start separate threads on your “baby steps to belt wearing”. Let’s experiment and get you sorted.

No one commented on Nicole sticking her tongue out in the picture! Funny you!
This layering you have done is a testament to the power of working the pieces we have. You have taken a drab dress that you loved for the comfort and made it into a classy outfit with a cardigan, belt, boots, and scarf. This is a great lesson in layering for us. I really love this look on you. I want to imitate you on this.

Oooh really San? It's rare for me to be imitated--I'm psyched!

Sorry about the tongue...i was feisty!