Banana Republic Fran Pleated Skirt

This skirt is a really lovely, bold color!  It definitely attracts a lot of compliments.  It also works really well as a transition piece into the cooler months; the rich, yet bright shade allows you to wear this skirt year round.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Top: Loft | similar
Skirt: Banana Republic Fran Pleated Skirt | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop
Bag: Coach Saffiano Tote | shop -- reviewed here


Linked up to Monday Bloom, the Pleated Poppy & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Loft Floral Scroll Print Sweater Review

Fit: I went with my typical Loft size, and it fits just fine.  If you're between sizes, I'd size up, especially because I feel like it's a touch short in the torso area.  Comes in petite and regular sizing.
Quality: 55% Cotton, 40% Viscose, & 5% Wool
Style: The pattern here really pops -- even more so than the photos would indicate.  Also I really like this weight for the fall weather; it's not a thick cable knit, but is substantial enough to keep you warm, yet light enough to layer without too much bulk. 
Price: $59.50, but lately there have been a lot of 40% off sales which puts this bad boy around $36.
Bottom Line: I'm a fan, and I like the style.  I do think it'll go on further sale, so I'll wait for a better deal, but if my size sells out, I won't be too bummed out.


Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Loft (old)
Top: Banana Republic Oxford Shirt | shop
Loft: Loft Floral Scroll Print Sweater | shop
Jeans: JCrew Toothpick Jean | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom & the Monday Mingle.

Ann Taylor Ikat Dress

Hello all - the weather is starting to cool down a lot here in KC, but some days I've still been getting away with open-toed shoes and skipping the coat. :)  Here's to those last few days of Indian Summer!

Dress: Ann Taylor | similar
Sunnies: Prada | shop
Belt: JCrew | similar
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini | similar
Sunnies: Prada | shop

Linked up to the  Monday Mingle.

Target Merona Women's Ponte Stripe Dress Review

FitFit: A bit too long on my 5'3" frame, but otherwise the fit is decently true to size.

Style: This comes in two different colors: the one I'm rocking here and a navy & red version.  The stripes are designed to flatter, but I'm not sure they work on me.
Quality: 76% Polyester, 20% Rayon, & 4% Spandex -- machine washable.  It's totally opaque, so it's unlined, but no lining is necessary.  This doesn't wrinkle very much, which I really appreciate.
Price: It currently retails for $27.99 at Target, which I feel like is a fair price for the quality of the dress, especially since you can get 20% off a purchase of $75+ at Target.com.
Bottom Line: I returned this dress.  I don't think it's actually that flattering on me, so I ended up returning.  Even though the quality is nice, I'd have to shorten the dress at the waist to maintain the stripe-y proportions of the dress.  For me, it really wasn't worth it, though I have seen this look really lovely on some other ladies.

You may have noticed that I've been posting a fair number of reviews, and that's because I've been doing a ton of online shopping recently -- it's gotten a little out of control, but I can't help but take advantage of the great end of season deals.  To be honest, though, I am returning the vast majority of my purchases.  Have you purchased any winners lately? :)


Sunnies: Prada | shop
Necklace: JCrew Factory
Dress: Target | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom.

Wear it Both Ways: Ann Taylor Floral Cap Sleeve Dress

Ann Taylor Banded Tie-Front Dress Review

Hello & happy Wednesday! Today's post is a review of the Banded Tie-Front Dress from Ann Taylor.  I picked up this little number during the last round of sales.

Fit: Fits as a shift dress. Unfortunately, I accidentally ordered a dress that was a size or two larger than what I needed.  Luckily, a belt can do wonders to give your body (and the dress) some figure-enhancing definition. As for sizing, I'd suggest getting your normal AT size or sizing down if you're between sizes.  I am wearing the petite version, and if you're shorter, I definitely recommend going with petite sizing.
Style: I love the graphic, simple, clean lines of this dress.  The color block thing works, but the side of the dress is a touch too sporty (harkens back to those high school tennis dress days).  Overall, I think the dress is very pretty, polished, and professional looking.
Quality: 100% polyester & dry clean only.  Unlined, but the material is thick and feels very substantial, so no lining is really necessary.   Not very wrinkle-prone, which I appreciate since I do spend the majority of my work day sitting.
Price:  Currently on sale for $128 $99.99, but I was able to stack codes and purchase for $36, which is a pretty great deal.

Bottom Line: I really like the vibe and style of this dress, and if my sizing was still available, I most likely would have kept this dress.  Unfortunately, most sizes are sold out online, though you may be able to find it in stores with Style Number: 308505.

Sunnies: Prada | shop - on sale for $245 $196!
Earrings: Kate Spade All Wrapped Up Glass Pearl Earrings | shop
Dress: Ann Taylor | shop
Bag: Coach Saffiano Large City Tote | shop
Belt: Target | similar
Shoes: Talbot's | similar

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

Ann Taylor Crepe Full Skirt Dress Review

Hello!  Hope your week is starting off well. Today, I'm rocking a vintage vibe; a full swingy skirt always makes me smile.

Fit: Based on usual Ann Taylor standards, I think this dress runs large. For my preference, it needs a hem or have the shoulders taken in an inch or two.  This is a very flattering silhouette and it also comes in a fun orange shade.
Quality: 100% viscose. Dry clean only.  Fully lined. This dress is uber wrinkly.  I think you can see some of the wrinkles in the the photos, and this doesn't lend itself to sitting for a long time, otherwise I think it can look a touch sloppy.
Price: This is currently on sale for $138 $35 (no code needed, so if you have a code, you can easily stack discounts), which I think is a fair price for a versatile dress.
Bottom Line: A great price for a pretty, if wrinkly dress.

Fashion Fundamental: Great tote -- I love mini bags (witness my love for Rebecca Minkoff's Mini MAC), and I usually travel pretty light, but when I'm carrying around a few more items (i.e. a hugely bulky sunglasses case, camera, snacks, etc.), a tote bag is a great choice.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Dress: Ann Taylor Crepe Full Skirt Dress | shop
Bag: Coach | shop {reviewed here}
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up to the Monday Mingle.

Classic Combo: Dress + Blazer

I hope your week is off to a great start.  I spent the weekend BBQ-ing with my new roomie.  It was a fun, relaxing weekend and a great way to rejuvenate for the upcoming week.

I recently moved into a new place -- still in Kansas City.  I've been moved in for a few weeks already, but have just been getting around to slowly, but surely, unpacking.  I dread unpacking--nearly as much as I dislike packing--so I've been parsing out the unpacking tasks.

Anyway, this dress was only $25 from Ann Taylor; everything at Ann Taylor is currently 40% (code: TRENDS40) and free shipping when you spend $175+.  There's lots of good summer pieces.  Aili & I both picked up this beautiful yellow & white maxi.

Fashion Fundamental: Black Blazer - I wear this blazer all of the time; when I know I need an additional piece to pull my look together, when the temperature is a little cooler, or just when I need to add a little polish to a more casual look.  The dress + blazer is a classic combo, and any iteration of this look is appropriate for pretty much any occasion.

Blazer: Gibson via Nordstrom | shop
Dress: Ann Taylor -- currently on sale | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop 

Snow White

Fashion Fundamental: Black Pumps (and nude pumps) are the perfect foil to just about every look--even when I'm rocking head-to-toe white.  I love wearing white year round, but especially in the winter time.  Different shades & textures of ivory and white make for a simple, yet visually interesting look.

Great news, friends - I'm moving for a new job in Kansas City!  I don't know many people in the area, so please let me know which places I should visit.  Any and all suggestions welcome--favorite restaurants, shops, activities, or even KC area bloggers. :)

I'm excited to explore what KC has to offer, so here's to another adventure!

Necklace: JCrewlet | similar
Top: JCrew | shop
Skirt: Jacob | similar
Tights: HUE | shop
Pumps: Ann Taylor | shop
Lips: Stila Convertible Color in Petunia | shop

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy and Two Thirty Five Designs.

Cropped Cardigans

Fashion Fundamental: Cardigan - Jane Squared loves a good cardigan -- see us rock 'em here, here, and here.  This one in particular [reviewed here] has a cropped, shrunken fit that pairs perfectly with dresses.  If you regularly don a dress or skirt, then I highly recommend a cardi with a slightly cropped fit.


Necklace: Gift
Cardigan: JCrew | similar
Dress: Amy Beyer  | similar with sleeves
Tights: HUE | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up to Mix & Match Fashions.

Monet Dress

Have a great day!

Fashion Fundamental: Black Pumps - Always a staple in my closet.  Enough said. :)

Sunnies: LOFT | shop
Dress: Target
Belt: Macy's | similar
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Fall TV Premieres

Fall is my favorite time of the year.  Not just because of Halloween, the apple cider doughnuts from the apple orchard, and the fact that it offers the best selection of clothes, but because all of my favorite TV shows are back!  :D

I love The Voice, Top Chef, Modern Family,  and Suits. Over the summer, I also got into The Next Food Network Star was much better this last season than it has been in seasons past.

What have you been watching?  Leave your suggestions below since I'm always looking for something new to watch!

Blazer: Gibson via Nordstrom | similar
Dress: F21 | similar in several colors
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop
Scarf: Wal-Mart | similar
Cuff: Taiwan | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar
Linked up to Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge.

Night at the Zoo

I recently attended a charity fundraiser at our local zoo & was inspired to wear the ever appropriate animal print. You know my early aversion to animal prints. However, since I started blogging I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and have become a huge fan!

I hardly ever get the chance to get to the zoo, but learned that giraffe's tongue is black and can eat up to 75 pounds of food a day! I feel like that may come in handy for a round of trivia one day :).


Ailyn's outfit details here.


Earrings:  Express
Top:  H&M
Belt:  Thrifted
Skirt:  Express (old)
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Clutch:  Thrifted

Linked up at Real Girl Glam.

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.

Thriller Tuesday

This is how I felt when I woke up today... a bit tired, and wanting to zombie dance my way to work. 

It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark.... 'cause this is Thriller!

Beware of zombies lurking about on this very sleepy Tuesday!

Dress:  The Limited | shop similar

Jacket:  Triacetate Jacket, Ann Taylor | shop

Shoes:  Perfect Patent Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

Red Loft Shift Dress for Spring

I cannot get over this weather! It makes me happy -- so, I'm wearing one of my favorite pieces the Loft Mod Shift dress.  I love this dress. It's a classic style that can be paired with many different items, and the vibrant red is perfect for an early spring day.

So, this past weekend I watched the Hunger Games and there are themed party ideas all over pinterest which make me giggle. Oh, people crack me up! Are you Team Gale or Team Peeta?

Dress: Mod Shift Dress, Loft | shop -- see the orange version here, see black version here

Sweater:  Crewneck Cardigan Ann Talyor | shop

Shoes: Perfect Pumps, Ann Taylor | shop

Necklace:  Big Love  

Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint  

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

JCrew Jenna's Cardigan Review

I love Jenna's Cardigan by JCrew; this cardigan was designed specifically to be worn with dresses, and the cardigan+dress combo is one of my tried and true classics (see a spring appropriate version here).  Jenna's Cardigan is a little cropped, features a 3/4 sleeve, and most importantly nips in at the waist, which creates a more flattering and feminine silhouette.  I believe there's also a v-neck version of this cardigan, but I have no experience with that particular sweater.  I do love this cardi, and I even have it in a few different colors, but you have to treat it a little gently because it tends to pill. Dry clean only.

Hopefully March is bringing you warm spring weather!

Earrings: Loft
Cardigan: Jenna's Cardigan, JCrew | shop
Dress: TJ Maxx (2009?)
Purse: Jane on a Leash, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Tights: JCrew | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pumps, Ann Taylor | shop
Lips: Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie (060), Revlon | shop
Nails: Lollipop, Essie | shop

Boardwalk Empire: Loft Mod Shift Dress

Clearly, I love the Loft Mod Shift Dress as I have purchased it in black & red!  It's simple, chic, and lends itself to any and all types of styling.  I'm going for a fancy night out on the town, so I'm channeling my inner flapper a la Boardwalk Empire.

Happy February!

Linked up with the Pleated Poppy & the Transatlantic Blonde.

Dress: Mod Shift Dress, Loft | shop -- See the orange version here 

Necklaces: Old Navy & Big Love 21

Ring:  H&M

Headband: Modcloth

Tights: Reversible Tights, SPANX | shop

Hair Inspiration: Karmin (not entirely successful - lol)

Shoes: Perfect Patent Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

Mod Mrs. Claus: Loft Mod Shift Dress

I recently discovered this mod inspired dress from the Loft. It has an interesting shape and is easy to pair with several items. I thought this orange frock needed some depth so I added a chunky beltl according to Ailyn, this is pretty reminiscent of Mrs. Claus - so here's my ode to her! I also showcased it without the belt so you can see the cut of the dress unhindered by any accessory. Now I'm all set for my friend's holiday party! 

Dress: Mod Shift Dress ($79.50 $39), Loft | shop

Tights: Reversible Tights, SPANX via Ann Taylor ($34 ) | shop - These are a legit pair of tights that I picked up during Ann Taylor's 40% off + 30% off sale for a a decent price of $14.28.  They are reversible (allegedly one side is black & the other brown, but both sides look the same to me. lol).  They are a little short, so I'd size up if you're interested.

Belt: Express (so old)
Headband:  Claire's

Necklace: Borrowed from Wilma

Shoes: Minas Ankle Bootie, Jessica Simpson | shop

Ann Taylor Cheetah Print Cardi

I'm working on upping my animal print game after being inspired by the BDIB animal print challenge. Ann Taylor offer some beautifully made animal prints. I'm a big fan, and highly recommend checking out their prints. 

Additionally, these booties are the best! They are perfect for fall and I just keep wanting to wear them. Check out how I styled them with another dress.

Happy Tuesday and thank you for reading!

Cardigan:  Ann Taylor | shop

Dress:   Gap

Belt:  Thrifted

Shoes:  Jessica Simpson | shop 

Earrings:  Lia Sophia

Bracelets:  Gold - Thrifted

Bracelets:  Pink & Pearl | Faceted Gem Stretch Bracelet, Express ($19.90); (Click here for the full accessory review.)