Fourth of July

This is long overdue, but here are a few of my faves during our Fourth of July bash. :)

Top: Madewell
Skirt: JCrew | similar - last seen here
Sandals: Franco Sarto
Earrings: Banana Republic
Bag: Kate Spade

Lace & Chambray

Rocking a relaxed look on a beautiful summer day.  A denim jacket or chambray button up will add that casual cool to any dressier look.

Chambray: Madewell | shop
Top: JCrew
Skirt: JCrew | similar
Sandals: Target
Sunnies: Prada | similar
Bag: Kate Spade | shop or smaller version here

International Orange - San Francisco

Cream Jacket Woes

I love seeing cream coats in the winter as they are classic, beautiful pieces. However, keeping this coat clean is exceptionally difficult. Last year I wore this coat out one evening and got splashed by a huge truck. It took me a few trips to the dry cleaners, but I got it out.

To be honest I've squirreled away this coat for a while in fear of it getting dirty, but what's the point of having something if you can't wear it? So, it's back out in the real world and I'm loving it. Plus, this coat makes me happy -- so it's worth it.  :)

Coat:  JCrew | similar

Shirt: Silk top | shop

Pants: 1969 Ponte, Gap | shop

Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop

Purse:  Kate Spade | similiar

Scarf: Cheetah print | similiar

Thailand: Night Bazaar & Thai BBQ

G - blog posin'

Later Bangkok! Our next stop is Northern Thailand to a city called Chiang Mai. We spent our first evening checking out local crafts and beautiful fabrics at the night bazaar. This market is open late with great eats, all types of meats on kebobs and various types of fresh fruit.

G and I took a break to grab some Korean/Thai BBQ close the bazaar...YUMMY!

#freshcoconutsallday   

Jane's look

Tank:  Gap | shop

Skirt:  City Mini, JCrew | similar

Flops:  Slims, Havianas | shop

Watch: Watch: Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop

G's look

Top: Short-sleeve, JCrew | shop

Shorts: JCrew shorts | shop

Shoes: All Stars, Converse | shop

Linked up to the Monday Mingle, Monday Bloom, & The Pleated Poppy.

Roller Derby Dress + Burberry #2 Debut

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.

Sunshine & Good Deals

For some reason, I never wear yellow. It's a color that I do not gravitate towards, but found a nice eyelet top on sale at Anthropologie, so I thought I'd give it a go. I'm digging it -- so, I'll be on the lookout for more!

Also, there seems to be deals every time I open my e-mail. I see promos from Loft, Ann Taylor, B. Republic, Crew, etc. Retailers are all about Fall style. And, Target just announced Phillip Lim -- his clothes are looking chic for men and women! #PhillipLimforTarget

I've been digital "window shopping" and have been eyeing another bright number -- this Fall jacket from Banana Republic in orange. It's really cute, so I'm waiting for a good deal.

What are you shopping for this fall?

Shirt:  Fieldbloom Peasant Blouse, Anthropologie | shop

Shorts:  Midi Shorts, AE | shop

Shoes:  Gray, Havianas | shop

Purse:  Crossbody, Kate Spade | shop

Shades: Foldable Ray-Ban | shop

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

Pure Michigan

Ahh.. pure Michigan. The family & I spent this past Labor Day chillaxing in MI. On our trip we visited Jake's Country Meats, a natural pork spot. We also spent time at the beach and ate a ton of great food. Nothing is better than family, vacation and food!

I found this fun, bright dress at a shop in California, and I absolutely love it. It comfortable and is a bit punk. I just found a similar version in a fall appropriate print from Roxy. Their dresses are the epitome of California cool.

Dress: No Problems, Roxy | shop

Shoes:  Gray, Havianas | shop

Purse:  Crossbody, Kate Spade | shop

Sunnies: Foldable Ray-Ban | shop

Linked up to the 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.

Picture Perfect: the Real Reel

Fashion Fundamental:  Mink skirt. I love a mini for a warm day, and it's just perfect for the weekend. 

Ever wonder what it takes to be camera ready? :) Here's a sneak peak at what happens right before the shots happen. G & I spent the weekend walking around the city. Nothing like being out in the sun out, and hiding away the tights! Hello great weather -- goodbye winter!

Have a great week & thanks for reading!

Skirt:  City Mini, JCrew | similar

Blouse:  JCrew | similar

Cardigan:  JCrew | shop

Boots: BP Runway Boots | shop
Earrings:  Chicago boutique | similar
Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop
Purse:  Kate Spade | similar

Hello Springfield, IL!

What's up? "G" & I recently spent some time in exotic........Springfield, IL! We checked out the capital and learned all about Abe at the Lincoln Library & Museum. If you haven't had the chance to check it out.. I highly recommend it. This isn't the first time I've celebrated Lincoln, but this was the first time  we tried a true horseshoe sandwich! 

Fashion Fundamental:  Sunnies. You can never go wrong with a stylish and functional pair of sunglasses. They can completely elevate an outfit. I picked up this prized pair of Prada puppies at my local Sunglasses Hut.

Thanks for reading!

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop

Shirt:  Striped Puffed Sleeve, Loft | shop

Pants: Toothpick Jeans in Poppy, JCrew | shop

Flats:  Cece Suede, JCrew | shop

Purse:  Kate Spade | similar

Necklace:  H&M | similar

Old Fashioned: Mad Men

Looking sharp!

Over the weekend, "G" & I spent Friday night at the Milwaukee Art Museum for a Mad Men themed 'After Dark' event. This was one of the coolest things I've been to in a while... what an awesome place! They opened up the exhibits, had poker tables and even several arts and crafts stations. It was very cool. Probably the best part was -- almost everyone dressed up in 1950-1960s attire!

G went all out with full on suspenders, a bow tie and his Buddy Holly glasses!

I went with this awesome gingham dress that I had in the closet...win! And, glamed it up with a few statement pieces and some long, magic black gloves & slid right into our favorite advertising era. Seriously, nothing beats dressing up and having a great night out on the town.

Who's ready for an old fashioned?

Dress:  Limited | similar

Shoes:  Enzo Angiolini | shop

Belt:  Forever 21 | shop

Clutch:  Thrifted | similar

Earrings:  Kate Spade | similar

Gloves:  Thrifted | similar

G

Cardigan: Uniqlo | similar

Shirt:  Arrow | shop

Bowtie: Macy's | shop

Pants: Berle | shop

Shoes: Bostonian | shop

St. Louis: Mardi Gras & a Leather Jacket

Secret passages!

G playing on a wooden piano at the City Museum

Downtown St. Louis

Arch

Fashion Fundamental:  Leather Jacket

It's Mardi Gras! I'm celebrating in St. Louis with G and some friends!  We ate BBQ, visited the Gateway Arch, and explored the crazy City Museum. This is really just a playground with a series of art installations. Everything from a 10 foot slide to secret tunnels to a giant pencil make this an intriguing funhouse.

I put on some comfortable clothes because I knew I would be crawling around. However, I added a bit of flare and function with a piece I don't pull often enough -- my leather jacket. I found this one in a French boutique 5 years ago. I was obsessed with the hood, and convinced myself I needed to buy it. I'm really glad I did... beads for everyone!

How are you celebrating Mardi Gras?

Shirt: Hollister | similar
Jacket: French boutique | similar
Jeans:  Bullhead skinny, PacSun | shop
Purse: Crossbody, Kate Spade | shop
Shoes: Chuck Taylor All-Star Slip-On | shop
Earrings:  from Mom | similar