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.

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.

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

Winter Wedding

Photos courtesy of Michael & Liv.

Fashion Fundamental:  Metallic Belt

I found this fun holiday dress at Macy's and thought it needed something extra. I used this belt because it helps to accentuates the waist and breaks up the lace pattern.  What I appreciate most is that this belt doesn't detract from the main piece. 

I wore this fun frock in celebration of Mike & Julie's wedding. Doesn't Julie look lovely? This winter wedding was truly a blast as we danced the night away and caught up with old friends. Happy Wedding Julie & Mike! 

So, the weddings having finally come to an end. I think I attended 6 or so this year... many, many, many weddings this year -- which just means many happy newlyweds. :)

Congratulations to all my friends! It was wonderful celebrating with you. 

Dress: BeBop Metallic Lace, Macy's | shop

Tights: Spanx | shop

Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop 

Belt:  JCrew | similar

Earrings: Kate Spade | similar

Clutch:  Crocodile Flap, Target | shop

Linked up to the Monday Mingle.

The Ultimate Black Skirt: No. 2

Fashion Fundamental: Black Skirt.  

Any working gal needs a classic, pencil skirt. Though this is a simple piece, the fit and material can make or break a necessary wardrobe piece. Being short, I sometimes have issues finding a pencil that lands at or below the knees. Once again, my trusty Crew has come through! Their pencil skirt fit like a glove, and comes in a multitude of colors  and materials depending on the season. The pencil has become  an anchor to some of my most beloved work looks:  Pencil 1, Pencil 2, Pencil 3, Pencil 4, & Pencil 5.

These pencils are a perfect way to power through the rest of the year. Winter break...where are you? I'm already thinking about wearing something sparkly for the holidays. My head is totally in the clouds as I'm still recovering from a great Thanksgiving break! Thanks for reading. 

Coat:  Burberry Harbourne | similar
Skirt:  Pencil Skirt, JCrew | shop
Top:  Limited | similar
Tights:  Gray, Spanx | shop
Bag:  Banana Republic | similar
Necklace:  Big Love
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

Halogen Ponte Pencil Skirt

I'm a little bummed that this is likely the last time this season that I'll be rocking bare legs; after some mild 60 degree weather, it's suddenly freezing in the Midwest!

On to the skirt, I am a huge fan of this skirt; I like the bold pattern in a classic color combo;  it's currently only $19.97--65% off.  That's better than Forever 21 pricing!

Fit: Fits fairly well.  Slight gap in the waist, but I feel like if I sized down, then the skirt would be slightly too short.
Quality: Unlined. This skirt is made of a rayon/polyester/spandex blend and is thus machine washable. The material feels sturdy and well-made.
Price: Originally $59. I actually purchased for $34, and noticed that it was marked down to $19.97.  As always, Nordstrom has excellent customer service (I love their Live Chat feature... no messing around with automated systems for a simple price adjustment).
Bottom Line: Definitely recommended because it's super comfortable, stretchy, and fits well.  A lot of pencil skirts can be very structured and uncomfortable, but I think the ponte material and stretchiness really help keep you comfy, though if you hate an unlined skirt, this might not be right for you.


Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Cardigan: JCrew | similar
Top: JCrew | similar in fuchsia
Skirt: Halogen via Nordstrom ($59 $19.97) | shop
Heels: Ann Taylor | shop
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie | 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.

From Desk to Dinner

When I get dressed for work, I love dresses because they're very versatile.  If they fit well, they don't need much accessorizing and always pair well with simple black pumps (check out our perennial favorite, Ann Taylor's Perfect Pump).  I especially love this dress because of the draped feminine details that remind me a little of Project Runway's Ven.

Plus, well-fitting sheath dresses take you easily from desk to dinner, and you don't feel inappropriately dressed for either occasion.

Dress: Banana Republic (2011) | similar
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Bag: Banana Republic | similar

Linked up at Real Girl Glam.

Layering Green and Black

I work in an air conditioned office and temperature can be a major issue. Wearing versatile pieces allow you to be comfortable in the cooler office spaces and you can remove a layer when you are out for a quick lunch in the heat.

I've been slowly building up stand alone pieces like this great jacket from Ann Taylor or this sassy green skirt from Crew. You'll find these signature pieces are easy to swap in and out of any look. What are your signature pieces?

Jacket:  Triacetate Jacket, Ann Taylor | shop
Shirt:  Loft | shop similar
Skirt:  No. 2 Pencil Skirt, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint ($30 $12) | similar

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs.

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.

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.

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.

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.