Loft Strappy Maxi

Domes: Botanical Garderns

OMG. Midwest Winter.. what's up?! Well, the only way to stay warm is burrow inside. G & I found a local botanical garden where we can pretend it's warm. And, I'm wearing a fun dress from the Crew Factory with a sweet tulip hem so, things are looking up!

To stay insulated from the cold I added a pair of warm tights, and my favorite pair of brown boots.

Dress:  Tulip Hem, JCrew Factory | shop similar
Boots:  BP Runway Boot, Nordstrom | shop similar
Belt: Citron, JCrew | shop similar
Earrings: Diamond Studs | shop
Purse:  Vintage | shop similiar

Linked up to the Two Thirty-Five Designs.

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.

Banana Republic Sleeveless Safari Dress

The weather has cooled down quite a bit here in KC, so my fave denim jacket is definitely on rotation.  I basically slip this on over any summery dress for a more weather appropriate look.

Also, Bloomies F&F sale starts today, so take 20% off with code FRIENDS + free shpp & free returns.

Hat: H&M Men's Department | similar
Sunnies: Prada | shop
Dress: Banana Republic | shop
Denim Jacket: Gap | shop
Shoes: Aerosoles | shop
Necklace: JCrew Factory | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar

Linked up to the Monday Mingle & the Monday Bloom.

Target Xhilaration Juniors Sleeveless Low Bow Dress

Style: I love these bow dresses!  They remind me a lot of Ms. Pillsbury from Glee, and I've always loved her style. This dress is easy breezy, and it is easily appropriate for the fall and winter seasons, but it's sleeveless, so it works for the warmer months, as well.  The bow -- when it comes untied -- is a little bit low, so when rocking this dress, you just have to be a little cognizant. This dress comes in two other colors: a pretty red floral print & a yellow and green print.
Fit: Junior sizing is typically shorter -- think teeny tiny Forever 21 dresses -- so I went a size up to get a length that's more appropriate for work; unfortunately, that left me with armholes that are too big.  I really do like this dress, though so it may be worth a few simple alterations.
Quality: 100% polyester & machine washable.
Price: I found this adorably sweet dress from Target for $25.

Bottom Line: My two biggest complaints are the overly large arm openings & the lack of pockets, but otherwise, I'm a big fan. :)

What do you think? Do you think it's worth paying for some alterations or even DIY-ing it.  I can barely sew a button onto my shirt though, so I don't know how realistic going the DIY route is. :)

Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Cardigan: JCrew | shop
Dress: Target | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

Banana Republic Printed Shift Dress

These photos are from the family vacation to a lake in Michigan. Experiencing what KC has to offer is lots of fun, but it's so good to spend time with family and friends. :)

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Dress: Banana Republic
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Sandals: Target | shop

Banana Republic Drawstring Halter Dress -- Take 2

Happy Wednesday!

Last styled a bit more casually here.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Dress: Banana Republic | shop
Necklace: JCrew Factory | similar
Clutch: A lovely birthday gift from my incredibly talented friend, Fiona | similar
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini | similar

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

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 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.

Missouri State Fair: Gap Striped Cami Jersey Dress

A few weekends ago, I was at the Missouri State Fair, enjoying the absolutely beautiful weather and noshing on fair food.  My favorites definitely included the deep-fried Oreos, lemon shake ups, & funnel cakes.

My friends and I also caught the rodeo, and it was my first time attending one. It was crazy!  I can't believe people willingly hop on a bucking bull to see if they can last the full 8 seconds; there were even some competitors under 14 years old. Have you ever been to the rodeo?

P.S. This Striped Cami Jersey Dress is unbelievably soft and comfy.  It comes in regular, tall, & petite sizing.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Jacket: Gap | shop
Dress: Gap Striped Cami Jersey Dress | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Sandals: Target | similar
Nails: OPI Cajun Shrimp | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom.

Cultural Enrichment Festival

Last weekend, I attended a fun event in KC--the Ethnic Enrichment Festival. There were lots of cultural performances, traditional dress, and my favorite part, so much delicious food. Top eats definitely include the skewers from the Thai stand and the Strudel from the German stand.

My favorite part, though, was getting my "passport" stamped at every country I visited. :D

Fashion Fundamental: Denim jacket -- this thing goes with me everywhere and is perfect for those cooler summer nights.  It lives in my car so I can grab it once the sun goes down or just hangs off my crossbody bag.  Mine is from Gap, (circa 2003!) and you can't go wrong with the classics.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Jacket: Gap | shop
Dress: Banana Republic | shop -- currently on sale for $48.
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Sandals: Target | 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.

Striped Frock and Flowers

Will is back in action!

Guess who's back on the blog?  It's Will...let's welcome him back to the party! It's always a great time when a best friend is in town. It's time for Mariah Carey songs, lots of wine and plenty of laughs. 

I had to pick a dress that fit my mood and reached for a new frock. From Mossimo, this dress is bright and cheery, plus it has pockets -- win win! I really love this dress and think it's easy to accessorize. So, I dug around my closet and discovered this gold, monogrammed belt. Sometimes you can find really awesome accessories when you least expect it. On a trip to St. Louis, I stopped in this crazy costume/thrift shop and picked up this gem! 

Nothing is better than a perfect day with your BFF & some fun style. Thanks for reading!

Dress:  Scoop Neck Pocket Dress, Mossimo, Target | shop

Shoes: Mossimo, Target | similar

Shades: Foldable Ray-Ban | shop

Belt: Thrifted | similar

Purse: Thrifted | similar

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Maxi Moment: Mossimo Women's Color Block Maxi Dress Review

Fit: V-neck line & adjustable straps make this an easy dress to wear.  Sizing down from typical junior sizes recommended. The elastic waist can hit a little bit oddly, and as a result the top is a little blousy, & the length is a little long for me (I'm 5'3), but that's nothing a belt can't fix.
Quality: The material is 95% rayon & 5% spandex, and it feels a little bit like the parachute that you'd play with in gym class as an elementary student.  (Anyone with me there?  That was one of my favorite PE activities!) It is completely opaque, and it is a little wrinkle prone.  The material, though substantial, doesn't breathe incredibly well, so not the best for humid summer days.
Price:  This color block maxi dress retails for $29.99, a price point that's significantly cheaper than anything you'll find at some of my favorite retail establishments--JCrew, Banana, etc.
Bottom Line:  I'm a fan, and would recommend if you're looking for a cheap, colorful, and fun dress.

Fashion Fundamental: A great pair of sunglasses.  I think this might have been a fundamental that we've featured before, but a great pair of sunglasses can add just the right amount of glamor and mystery to your look. Plus, if you don't take 'em off, no one can tell that you're not wearing any makeup under there, and you still look styled & polished. :)

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Dress: Mossimo Women's Color Block Maxi Dress | shop
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Sandals: Target | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom.

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 

Farmer's Market

One of my favorite things about summer is that some of the best fruits and veggies are in season and out to play at the farmer's market.

You might spot a few strawberry plants in the photos above, and I was tempted to buy a few and grow my own.  My dad has always had an amazingly green thumb, and growing up we always had an abundance of cucumbers, basil, chives, mint, tomatoes, and even a watermelon now and again... Unfortunately, he didn't pass those gardening skills onto me.  My house plants do thrive, though that was at the expense of a few trial plants in college.  :)

Do you grow any of your own fruits & veggies?

Sunnies: Prada  | shop
Dress: JCrew
Sandals: Target
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs

Summer Travels + Tory Burch Flats

Oh hey there! I've been super busy with work and have been hopping around the U.S. visiting:  Hilton Head, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe & Kalispell. It's been a pretty legit summer of travel! Next up? Thailand, but I'll have more on that later in the year.

In my travels I've been working to get better at packing essentials. I find myself reaching for a staple summer piece:   the maxi dress. It's a great choice for high style but, low maintenance packing. I also picked up these fabulous T. Burch flats that fit nicely into a carry on for sightseeing.

Are you hitting up any destinations this year? If so, what are you packing?

Shades: Ray-Ban | shop
Necklace: Target  | similar
Dress: JCrew | similar
Shoes: Reva Ballet Flats, Tory Burch | shop

Linked up to the  Monday Mingle.

Back in Action

Jane Squared's back after a little summer recess.  Aili and I have both been traveling, relaxing, and generally enjoying the summertime... but don't worry we're back with some of our favorite summer looks. :)

Predictably, mine include those easy summer dresses and a pair of wedges.

What are you always rocking this summer?

P.S. Today is the last day of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  We picked up Zella leggings, the strapless Calvin Klein bra (I'm a big fan of the fit and the bold -- if slightly impractical -- color choices), and this Michael Kors bracelet watch.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Dress: JCrew Factory
Shoes: Target | similar
Belt: Target | similar
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Nails: Lollipop by Essie | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom & the Monday Mingle.

White Dresses x2

Fashion Fundamental:  A classic sheath dress - Sheath dresses are appropriate for just about any occasion where you want to look smart and polished.  These versatile dresses can take you from desk to dinner -- and even date night.

From time to time, Banana Republic releases a dress in this ultra-flattering silhouette, and I always like seeing the iterations of this dress.

My adorable niece also chose to rock a white dress on her big day. :D


Dress: Banana Republic (old)
Belt: JCrew | similar
Tights: HUE | similar
Booties: Jessica Simpson | shop
Bag: Bianca Clutch, MBMJ | shop