Buckingham Palace

During the month of December, business took me to London.  And yes - it was exactly like Love Actually.  :)

I'll be sharing some of my travels to in a few different posts, so look out for those!  I had a little time to see some of the sights, including Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, & St. James's Park, and the Horse Guard's Palace.

Top: Target | shop - love this!
Skirt: Express | shop 
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Tights: Taiwan | similar
Boots: Banana Republic (old) | similar
Coat: Loft | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop

Gap Skinny Mini Khakis in Cleveland

Work brought me to Cleveland and to one of my best friends from college!  We had a fun day brunching at a delicious cafe with some truly amazing jam, checking out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and just enjoying the beautiful weather.


Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Top: Gap | shop
Pants: Gap Skini Mini Skimmer Khakis | shop
Shoes: Gentle Soul Bay Unique | shop

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

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

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.