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.

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

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

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.

Banana Republic Barbara Striped Knit Blazer

I'm a fan of this kickin' navy blazer, but had a hard time placing it with the right outfit. After a bit of trial and error, I found this pleasing combination. I'm glad I did because stripes are so chic for summer, and add a fun touch to a professional look.


How are you rockin' your stripes?

Blazer: Banana Republic | similar

Skirt: Thrifted | similar

T-shirt:  American Apparel | shop

Shoes:  Perfect Patent Pump in Navy, Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Banana Republic | similar


Linked up to the Pleated Poppy & Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge. Check out how other ladies rocked the colored blazer trend here.

Blue Dress & Banana Republic's Yellow Bead-trim Cardigan

I love the fun & bright colors in this look, but I really wish I had slipped on a pair of nude heel.  I'll have to remember to look for a nude pair of Ann Taylor's Perfect Pumps next time there's a promotion! Perfect Pumps are definitely loved by the ladies in my family--even my sister-in-law, a teacher who is on her feet all day--wears the comfy Perfect Pump.

Happy Monday! I hope you're rocking the perfect pair of shoes to start the week off right.

Cardigan: Bead-trim Cardigan, Banana Republic | shop in tall, regular & petite sizing
Dress: F21 | similar
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Banana Republic Notched Front Colorblock Dress Review

 

I picked up this graphic Banana Republic sheath dress for $70 during a 50% off promotion because I was very attracted to its classic, but still very modern, cut and color.  This dress is available in regular and petite sizing, and I took my regular petite size, though I know many of the sizes were inconsistent, so I'd recommend trying this on if you're interested.  The fit is pretty nice, but it's uber-wrinkly and bunches up in lots of places, and I'm just not a fan of that.  Plus, it's hand wash or dry clean only, which makes this particular dress a little too high maintenance for me.  Overall, I wanted to really like it and think it had a lot of potential, but it didn't work fabulously for me.

Check out my latest black and white look.

Dress: Notched Colorblock Sheath Dress, Banana Republic | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pumps, Ann Taylor | 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

ASOS Review: Part 2

Dress #1

Dress #2

Dress #3

In the beginning of the week I did a review on two ASOS looks. Today, I'm trying out another round of ASOS frocks. 

Dress #1

In this photo the dress looks hot pink, but it was really more of a magenta color. The long sleeves are different, and make for a great fall/winter piece. I appreciated the bright color because it will keep things cheery once the snow hits. 

Dress:  Mini Dress with Double Layer Skirt in Magenta, ASOS | shop

Shoes:  Perfect Patent Platform Court Shoe in Blue, ASOS | shop

Belt:  Gap

Earrings:  Target

Dress  #2:  

This dress is kinda crazy. The beadwork on the dress is cool, but it makes the dress really heavy on the sleeves and on the skirt. I'm not a fan of this dress because the material held no shape and it's hard to wear. I'm compensating a bit for the shape -- as you can tell from my poses.  :)

Dress:  Scattered Sequin Dress, ASOS | shop

Shoes:  Guess

Dress  #3:  

This red, one-shouldered number seemed like a good purchase when I scoured the website. I'm underwhelmed with this look. Though it's a nice dress -- I didn't love it. 

Dress:  Pleated Dress with One-Shoulder, ASOS | shop

Shoes: Perfect Patent Pumps, Ann Taylor | shop

Belt:  Thrifted

Earrings:  Charlotte Russe

Overall, my ASOS experience has been a good one. Their quality is pretty comparable to an Akira, a popular boutique that started in Chicago. Truly, I liked their website and love the free shipping & free return/no minimum policy. I will definitely keep ASOS bookmarked list for future purchases.

Also, Happy LASIK Day to Ailyn! She is going to be glasses free in 2012! Designer sunglasses, headbands, eye patches, monocles? So many possibilities! <3