Gibson One Button Fleece Blazer

A great blazer and a classic pair of heels (we swear by Ann Taylor's Perfect Pumps!) can take you just about anywhere.  Check out how I've remixed these wardrobe essentials below.  Click on the look for details.

 

Shades: Prada | shop

Blazer: Gibson | shop
Brooch: Vintage | similar
Belt: LOFT | similar
Dress: LOFT | similar
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up at Real Girl Glam.

PFC #18: MNG by Mango Short Sleeve Sheath Dress

For PFC #18, Amber challenged us to come up with a look that would "Impress your Date!"

I found this awesome dress at Penney's; it makes me feel glamorous and easy breezy. No one likes worrying about adjusting their outfit during a date, and this aqua dress will make a solid first impression. Win Win.  Good luck on your dates, ladies!

See what the other ladies put together for PFC 18 at Easy Petite Looks.

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop
Earrings:  Hello Kitty, similar
Necklace: Vintage | similar
Ring: H&M | similar
Bracelets: Lia Sophia | similar
Dress: Short Sleeve Sheath Dress, MNG by Mango via JCPenney | similar or in coral
Shoes: Hondo Platform Pumps, Guess | shop

Linked up at Two Thirty-Five Designs & the Monday Mingle.

LOFT Twist Strap Maxi Dress

This was my first experience with anything maxi-length. I enjoyed wearing a longer dress as it definitely made me feel very glamorous.  :D Don't forget to check out Aili rocking a gorgeous maxi by Banana Republic here.

If you need a longer or shorter length, I've seen maxis in LOFT, Ann Taylor, & BR in tall & petitie styles.

Dress: Twist Strap Maxi Dress, LOFT | shop
Shoes: Target | similar
Necklace: Vintage | similar
Clutch: Banana Republic | similar
Earrings: Vintage | similar

Linked up at the Pleated Poppy.

H&M Striped Dress

Staying cool is tough in the wicked heat, but I found a fun nautical piece from H&M that keeps it cool and stylish. I especially love to dance and have been jamming out to some trendy music lately like the Fitz and the Tantrums. 


What's playing in your iPod this summer?

Dress:  H&M striped dress | similar
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (old) | similar

Linked up to Real Girl Glam.

Dee&Ray Nautical Stripe Sundress

Happy Monday and thank you for reading. :)

Earrings: So Good | similar
Blazer: Gibson via Nordstrom | shop
Dress: Dee&Ray Nautical Stripe Sundress via Nordstrom | similar
Belt: Skinny Leather Belt, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

BSB Black & Blue

Remember the Backstreet Boy's album Black & Blue? That was a ridiculous album... oh 2000s!


Anyway, one can never go wrong with an LBD (or a little BSB) -- especially when you're itching for the weekend. Paired with a piercing cobalt cardi, this dress can take me from for work and happy hour post 5 p.m.


Have a wonderful Thursday!


Dress:  Gap | similar; also styled here
Cadigan:  JCrew | shop
Belt:  Thrifted
Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint | similar
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Nail Polish: Mint Candy Apple, Essie | shop

Linked up at All Things Chic & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Gap Flat Front Canvas Shorts Review

I have a hard time finding shorts that fit me well.  All summer I've been on the lookout, I've tried on shorts pretty much everywhere from Nordstrom and Ralph Lauren to Forever 21 and Sears. I even tried out Aili's much loved 3" chino short by JCrew or even Uniqlo's roll-up chino shorts will fit in the hips and thigh, but not in the waist.  Or vice versa.  

Aili suggested I try out Gap's shorts, but for some reason, I was skeptical... I'm not sure why, Gap bottoms haven't let me down in the past (with the exception of their skirts, which I think are way too short, but that's another blog post. :D), and the canvas shorts are a winner; pick 'em up for any price between $19.99 and $49.95.  It seems like prices may be better in stores. I also like Gap's boyfriend roll up shorts are a good alternative if you prefer a longer length.

I really enjoy these flat-front shorts because the pockets don't add any bulk, and they're ultra flattering.  They're made of 100% cotton & machine washable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns (ikat or tribal-inspired stripes) and inseams (petite at 3", regular sizing at 4", and tall at 5").

In my experience, they are a tad wrinkly (but nothing compared to my linen city mini by JCrew) and the front pockets--while quite slim and flattering--don't have much capacity.  Anyway, I'm a fan.

Shades: Prada | shop

Shorts: Gap | shop

Sandals: Target | shop

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Cardigan: JCrew | similar

Plaid Cami: JC Penney | similar

Yellow Top: Swingy Sleeveless Polo, LOFT | shop

Nails: Bikini so Teeny & Meet me at Sunset, Essie | shop

Linked up at Real Girl Real Glam.

COPE Linen Sightseer Dress

For some reason, I really like this type of dress since I own two of them, and I even convinced Aili to buy one (see how she styled it here).

Do you find yourself buying multiples of the same item in different colors?  I'm definitely guilty when it comes to cardigans.


Shades: LOFT | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar
Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint | similar
Dress: COPE Linen Sightseer Dress, Urban Outfitters ($59 $39, but is likely cheaper in stores) | shop
Blazer: Gibson | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Banana Republic: Orange Maxi

I spotted this dress at the back of my local BR -- I thought it was beautiful, but there was just one size left! It is just a tad too large & long for my frame, but I'm a fan nonetheless. This vibrant piece would be fantastic for a wedding or a big date out.

*Special Happy Birthday to our big brother, Chil!

Dress:  Maxi Patio Dress | similar
Shoes:  Shandee Platform Wedge, Banana Republic | shop
Polish:  Essie, Bikini So Teeny | shop
Earrings:  Lia Sophia

Linked up at Fashion Friday & Rolled Up Pretty.

JCrew City Mini in Linen

I have long liked the city mini (full price is between $80-$85 depending on material), but couldn't justify the high price tag.  I finally picked the summery linen version up for just over $20 (final sale) during JCrew's latest round of promotions.

Overall, I do like it. It's light and airy, and pairs well with pretty much everything.  On-seam pockets are a win, and I dig the paper bag waist.  It's 100% linen, but is obviously ultra-wrinkly.  Some people look very chic in summery linen, unfortunately, I just look a touch unkempt.  lol.

The blousy shirt didn't help this look either; in my head, this look was very cute and feminine, but it didn't translate super well in person.  Next time I'll go with a slimmer cut top.

Wrinkles and all, I am still a fan of this skirt.

How do you keep your linen looking crisp and beachy instead of crinkly?  Or is it impossible?  Let me know in the comments, please! :)

P.S. According to the tag this is dry clean only.   Boo.

Sunnies: LOFT | shop
Earrings: LOFT | similar
Top: LOFT | similar in pink
Skirt: City Mini in Linen, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Target | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Toes: Meet Me at Sunset, Essie | shop

Linked up at two thirty-five designs.

'85 Bears: Orange & Blue

When I need some color inspiration, I think of complimentary colors. Take for instance, your favorite sports team - you can visualize how colors look together when you are planning your color combinations. One of my favorite teams is the Chicago Bears. Orange & blue is a winning combination (well, just the '85 Bears). 

Other Orange & Blue looks:  Blue Poppy/Orange Cardi, Orange Loft/Blue Necklace, & Old Navy Blue Rockstars/Orange Sweater.

Also check out our amiga at the Economy of Style in her own version of orange & blue.

What are some of your go-to, never-fail, color combos?

Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop

Top:  silk, JCrew | similar

Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint ($30 $12) | similar

Skirt:  Thrifted | similar

Shoes: Versie Pump, Target | shop

Linked up at Watch out for the Woestmans

Glam Black & White

My hair is in the awkward too-short-to-be-styled-easily, but too-grown-out-to-look-chic-without-styling phase.  Enter the twisted bangs updo.  I love it because it keeps my hair out of my face on those hot summer days, so I'm not constantly tossing my hair back like a valley girl/emo boy.

What are your favorite summery, low-maintenance hairstyles?

Shades: Prada | shop
Earrings: Charlotte Russe | similar
Bracelets: Express & Vintage | similar
Blazer: Gibson | similar
Brooch: Vintage | similar
Dress: Sears | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

DVFxGap Kids Dress

How was your 4th of July? It's always nice to have a mid-week break from work, and we needed it with this heat! I spent my day off at the pool, caught a few movies and then saw our city fireworks!

How was your 4th? What movies have you seen lately:  Ted, Magic Mike, Brave...?  I saw Ted & MM, and Ailyn saw Brave. I think we'd both agree that there was room for improvement on all three films. Summer bust, but you can't win them all!


Maybe my favorite summer dress by DVF found in the Spring collection by Gap Kids will cheer us up! This colorful number is fun and perfect for these hot summer days. Jumping & rolling down hills = ultimate summer fun.

Dress:  DVFxGapKids
Shoes:  Flax in White Kid, Nine West | shop
Clutch:  Thrifted
Headband:  JCrew

Linked up at Rolled up Pretty

Feeling Nautical on the Fourth

Happy Fourth of July!  I hope you're enjoying the shorter work week.  

Check out Aili's festive red, white, & blue looks here, here & here.

Shades: Prada | shop
Belt: JCrew | similar
Dress: Lands End Canvas ($60 $24.99) | shop
Shoes: Nine West | similar

Linked up at the Pleated Poppy & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Ferris Bueller

On one of my day's off I found this cool striped shirt and it reminded me of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I love a good 80s throwback. Paired with my Uniqlo shorts and some sweet shades -- I'm ready for a day of adventure and maybe a parade..  :)

What's your favorite 80s film?

Shirt: Ralph Lauren | thrifted
Shorts: Roll Up Chino Short, Uniqlo | similar, also styled here
Shoes: Bluefish 2 Eye Boat Shoes in Linen/Oat, Sperry Top Sider | shop
Shades: New Wayfarers, Ray-Ban | shop

Uniqlo V-Neck UV Cut Cardigan Review

I am a cardigan junkie; so far my favorite cardigans are from JCrew--the Jackie and Jenna Cardigans are my personal favorites. On our trip to NYC, Aili and I picked up some essentials and and we also developed a love for Uniqlo's affordable prices.  

One of my favorite items from our Uniqlo haul was the Uniqlo V-Neck UV Cut Cardigan, which is composed of 60% acrylic, 40% cotton.  Made in China.  

I would say that these cardigans fit true to size, are simple in design, and well-made, and very soft. Plus, they feature some UV protection. According to the tag, UV Cut "offers UV filtration features that have been added during fabric processing.  A UPF rating of 15 indicates it will take 15 times longer to get sunburned than with bare skin."  I think that is pretty cool.  No sunscreen necessary when you're rocking a Uniqlo cardi.


Happy July!

Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint | similar

Cardigan: V-Neck UV Cut Cardigan in 12 Pink, Uniqlo | similar

Top: JCrew | similar - last styled here.

Bracelets: Taiwan | similar

Shorts: Nordstrom | similar

Shoes: Target | shop

Nail: Calypso Blue (440), Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.