Spidey at Bat(man)

I went to my first professional baseball game just 2 years ago, and I really enjoyed the experience.  If you've never been to a baseball game, it is exactly what the movies make it out to be.  There is a seventh inning stretch and you really do sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," and there's definitely something charming and very much all-American about that.

Speaking of movies, I rather like action flicks and superhero movies. Any day is a good day when you have the chance to hang out with Batman & Spidey.  Needless to say, catching this ball game was a pretty great way to spend my day.

Thank you for reading!

Sunglasses: 0PR 01OS, Prada | shop
Shirt: Uniqlo | similar
Skirt: Express (old) | similar
Necklace: So Good | similar
Sandals: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target | shop
Bag: Mini MAC, Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Banana Republic Barbara Striped Knit Blazer

I'm a fan of this kickin' navy blazer, but had a hard time placing it with the right outfit. After a bit of trial and error, I found this pleasing combination. I'm glad I did because stripes are so chic for summer, and add a fun touch to a professional look.


How are you rockin' your stripes?

Blazer: Banana Republic | similar

Skirt: Thrifted | similar

T-shirt:  American Apparel | shop

Shoes:  Perfect Patent Pump in Navy, Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Banana Republic | similar


Linked up to the Pleated Poppy & Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge. Check out how other ladies rocked the colored blazer trend here.

Banana Republic Callie Shirt Dress Review

I did see this dress in stores for full price, so definitely check it out online where it's already on sale.  It comes in corally pink, stone, and black. Banana Republic carries the Callie Shirtdress in tall, regular, and petite sizing online. 

The 97% cotton + 3% spandex composition makes for a nicely fitting dress that is still comfortable.  Plus, this bad boy is machine washable = a big win in my book.  Runs TTS for me.  On seam pockets and sleeves are often features that I look for in dresses, and this shirtdress definitely has both!  The style is both flattering and classic.

I think this is a great, lightweight, and comfortable dress for the warmer months.  It is definitely easy to style; a simple pin or statement necklace will keep this dress polished and pretty.  Gals with a larger bust may want to size up or skip this dress all together.

Overall, I think I'd be better off with petite sizing because I prefer a shorter skirt length; that being said, I do like (but don't love) the dress. What do you think?  Should I keep this dress or return it?


Sunglasses: 0PR 01OS, Prada | shop
Earrings: LOFT | similar
Flower Pin: Heather Chiffon Clip in Aqua, PrettyMuch.ca - Won in a giveaway held by Momtrends, BonBonRoseGirl, and Glamamom! | shop
Dress: Banana Republic  $130 $79.99 | shop
Shoes: Hondo Platform Pumps, Guess $90 $63| shop
Nails: Bikini So Teeny, Essie | shop

Linked up at Watch out for the Woestmans.

Best Vest

I really do love vests; I think I always have.  Vests can add a preppy vibe to any look and sometimes your outfit can look incomplete without a third piece. To finish off a look, I usually default to a cardigan or blazer, but I think a vest is a nice warm weather alternative.  This is my summer sweater vest.  :)

What do you think?  Are vests too cool for school or too reminiscent of Urkel? Let us know your thoughts!

Vest: Banana Republic | similar

Shirt: JCrew | shop

Skirt: Gap | similar

Shoes: Versie Pump, Target | shop

Earrings: Target | similar

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

L'Orange Dress & a Bachelorette

crew:  LC, Sarah, Angie, Julie, Jen

In the spirit of wedding season, I wanted to share what I wore to celebrate my friend Jen's last days as a single lady. Bachelorette party attire can be a bit tricky, but dressy sandals and a brightly colored party dress can easily take you from drinks to dinner to drinks and a few more. :) Cheers to putting a ring on it and congrats Jen!

Now that wedding season is in full swing, let us know what you've been rocking to the latest bachelorette bashes!

*It's not Friday, but Rebecca Black is 15 today. Ode to Friday.

Earrings: Charlotte Russe | similar
Dress: JC Penney | similar
Clutch: Vintage | similar
Shoes: H&M | similar
Lipstick: Be Legendary Lipstick in Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Blue Poppy Dress and Body Scans

Generally, I prefer to buy things online since I have time (and my camera) to figure out if things integrate well into my existing wardrobe and fit properly.

Bodymetrics, a British company, is using the same technology found in your XBox Kinect to take your measurements and determine which garments will fit your body type and metrics.

So the next time you hit the dressing room, you might opt for a body scan. Read more about it here.  What do you think?  

Top: Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop

Dress: Gap (S/S '10) | similar

Belt: JCrew | similar

Shoes: Taiwan | similar

Game Changer: Mint & a Moto Jacket

Having a sister with great style means I can raid her closet and find some fantastic pieces. Ailyn's pretty mint number was perfect for my best friend's rehearsal dinner. You already saw us rock the wedding, but I wanted to pump up the volume with some hot pink and a faux leather jacket for the rehearsal dinner.


I love how a simple jacket can change an entire look. What's your "game-changer" piece?


Dress: Necessary Clothing | similar
Jacket:  Faux Moto, Old Navy | similar, also styled here
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Cardigan: JCrew | similar
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (old) | similar

Linked up at a Bloggers Do it Better, Little Bit of Lacquer & The Pleated Poppy.

Double-Duty Cake & a Floral Skirt

I'm keeping things easy and relaxed this weekend.  My family and I spent it celebrating my mom's birthday and Father's Day with a dual-purpose ice cream cake from Coldstone Creamery and a little bit of time spent at the pool.

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads!  Hope it was a great one.

Necklace: So Good | similar

Shirt: Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | similar

Belt: JCrew | similar

Skit: VS Pink (old) | similar

Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target | shop

Bag: Vintage | similar

Lipstick: Colorburst Lip Butter in Lollipop, Revlon | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Urban Outfitters COPE Linen Sightseer Dress

Urban Outfitters always entices me with their clever advertising... :)  They got me again because I pulled the trigger and picked up the COPE Linen Sightseer Dress for $39, originally $59.  I love the color, but the linen can be itchy and the material is thicker than desired for a hot summer day.


Alas, I will rock the frock -- and it's almost the weekend! WOOT WOOT.


Dress: COPE Linen Sightseer Dress, Urban Outfitters, $39 | shop
Shoes:  Hondo Platform Pumps, GUESS | shop
Clutch: Banana Republic (SS '11) | similar
Earrings:  Lia Sophia


Linked up at Two Thirty Five Designs & Watch Out for the Woestmans.

Tomato STS Blue Frayed Cuff Denim Shorts

I'm fully a proponent of remixing your clothing to create a completely new look, but wearing items in ways they weren't intended (i.e. wearing a dress as a skirt) to be worn can make for a rather high maintenance look.  By that, I mean you're always having to adjust your clothing to ensure everything is laying correctly, is in place, etc.

That's why I love summer.  Now that June is fully in swing and the weather is warmer, I don't want to fuss with my clothing; I simply want something that is easy, is comfortably, and of course, looks great.  Enter: the chambray shirt.  These denim shirts are not only extremely versatile, but work in every season; check out a few of the ways Jane Squared rocks the chambray shirt.

Bangles: LOFT | similar

Top: Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | similar

Shorts: STS Blue Frayed Cuff Denim Shorts in Tomato via Nordstrom | shop

Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target - reviewed here | shop

Coffee Break & Two Shades of Orange

I've been in the working world for a few years now and have fallen into the classic routine of starting my day with a cup of coffee. Today is no different as I will be picking up a morning cup of Joe at my local joint in this orange on orange combo.  Like any good coffee shop, there is always chatter about good books -- and of course Fifty Shades of Grey is all the rage.


I'll stick with my two shades of orange as today is feeling a bit rough. So rough, that I may have to grab cup no. 2 since coffee breaks are essential to any work day. Whenever I feel the caffeine monster, I start to sing the Broadway tune "Coffee Break" from the musical my sister and I recently saw in NYC. This pretty much sums up how I feel during coffee break. I mean, who doesn't break out into a choreographed dance routine en route to their coffee break?


If that didn't tickle you fancy -- you may enjoy the tale of the Temp & the Reception in the "cubicle of love."


What happens on your coffee breaks?

Bracelet: Vintage | similar
Cardigan:  Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop
Shirt:  JCrew Factory | similar
Skirt:  Pencil Skirt, Limited | shop
Shoes:  Target versie pump | shop





Linked up at A Little Bit of Lacquer & The Pleated Poppy

Dee&Ray Mona Dress

Going anywhere special this summer?  I love going on vacation (who doesn't?), and when I was younger, I would always want to buy a souvenir or two to remember my travels.  I think I still have an autograph-able stuffed Pluto bearing Mickey's signature from my trip to Disney World about 15 years ago. :)

Now that I've become  much more critical and strategic in the way I spend my money, I've largely overcome the need to buy useless knickknacks.

If I'm determined to purchase a souvenir or two then I'll usually check out the jewelry and accessories sold in night markets or street fairs.  These items are generally affordable--especially in comparison to their American counterpart.

Definitely wins all around: my wallet's happy because I didn't spend too much on these trinkets and my jewelry and accessory collection has grown to be a little bit more meaningful and unique.

Earrings: Thailand | similar
Dress: Mona Dress, Dee&Ray | shop
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Cardigan: JCrew | similar
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (old) | similar
Lips: Convertible Color for Lip & Cheek in Petunia (07), Stila | shop

Uniqlo Roll Up Chino Short

If you're near a Uniqlo and can get your hands on these shorts, I highly suggest checking them out.  They are a great ultra-flattering and comfortable basic.

Ailyn and I went a bit nuts on our first visit to the Soho location in NYC. We went crazy buying basics. $300+ later...  I'm a convert and give serious props for Uniqlo's simplicity and quality.

Headband: JCrew
Shirt: Hollister | similar
Shorts: Roll Up Chino Short, Uniqlo | similar
Shoes: Bluefish 2 Eye Boat Shoes in Linen/Oat, Sperry Top Sider | shop

Linked up at Two Thirty Five Designs

Weddings (and Children) with Swag

 

I rocked a new citron dress from Forever 21 to the wedding of a close family friend; see what Aili wore here.  For an outdoor wedding, flat sandals or wedges are a must.  I almost rocked a pair of black stilettos, but decided to switch to these flats at the last minute.  I'm so glad I did, otherwise I would have been sinking into the grass all evening.  Alas, my dance moves were safe and steady with these easy and pretty flats.

Someone else also brought his A-game to this outdoor bash.  JET was popular with the little ladies on the dance floor; must've been the layered look + summer appropriate plaid he was rocking.  

Do you love kids' clothes?  Then you should definitely check out Children With Swag. Little girls definitely have an advantage when it comes to style; their clothing is often a mini-version of an adult style with a few whimsical elements--like a bow or ruffle--but boys have footballs and monster trucks printed all over their onesies.

Ailyn

Earrings: So Good | similar

Blazer: Gibson | shop

Dress: F21 (recent) | similar

Clutch: Banana Republic (SS '11) | similar

Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal | shop

Nails: Complete Salon Manicure by Sally Hansen in Calypso Blue | shop

JET

Vest: Janie & Jack | similar in khaki

Shirt: H&M

Shorts: H&M | similar

Linked up at the Pleated Poppy & A Little Bit of Lacquer.

The Perfect Backyard Wedding

The bride is simply stunning, right? My beautiful, best friend got married this past weekend.  Of course,  Sheena throws a great party, so the food, decor, and weather were all amazing! Friends and family from near and far gathered to celebrate Sheena and Brett.

Sheena outfitted the bridal party in this striking blue dress. I'm no stranger to bold choices -- remember the hot pink number? Don't worry - the bridal party were rocking these dresses late into the evening with some killer dance moves. The groom's favorite song of the moment is Carly Rae Jepsen's song:  Call Me Maybe. It may or may not have been played 3 times... lol!

1 wedding down, and 5 more to go!

Dress:  Marciano Kennedy One Shoulder Dress, GUESS | shop

Shoes:  Hondo Platform Pumps, GUESS | shop

Bracelet:  Gift from Bride

Earrings:  Gift from Matron of Honor

Linked up to Watch out for the Woestmans & the Monday Mingle - bonbonrosegirls.

Summertime S'mores

I'm keeping my looks easy breezy for summer.   Summer nights in the Midwest are cool, so remember to dress in light layers for a picnic-cum-bonfire. And don't forget to enjoy the s'mores!

Happy Monday!


Jacket: Gap | shop
Scarf: Ikat Loop Scarf, AE | similar
Dress: LOFT  - last worn here | similar
Shoes: Taiwan | similar

Target's Mossimo Winifred Braided Flat Sandal Review

After keeping this dress in heavy rotation during the cooler months, I forgot about it in the excitement of sandals, summer shorts, and bikini season.  When I was weeding out my winter wardrobe, I spotted the bright color in my closet and decided this dress would work wonderfully in the warmer months as well.

Speaking of these warmer months, Aili recently picked up these braided sandals for me, and I love them.  They're super comfortable, cheap (inevitably, these shoes only last 1 season regardless of price point), and are roomy enough for my wide feet.  Plus you can slide 'em right on.  In the summer time, I can't be bothered to with  inconvenient teeny tiny buckles and straps.  In fact, I even have a pair of Target t-strap sandals that require a time-consuming buckle, and I  haven't worn them once.    Anyway, if you're on the lookout for summer sandals, check out Target.

Happy first day of June!

Headband: JCrew
Dress: F21 | similar in white
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target ($14.99) | shop
Bag: Mini MAC, Rebecca Minkoff | shop