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.

Birthday Freebies

Fashion Fundamental: Stripes -- especially navy & white stripes --are one of my favorite patterns to wear; they're classic, preppy, and always seem to be in style.

I've settled into Kansas City, and a big thank you to sweet KW of the Ladies in Navy & at stylish Chioma of Chioma's Evolution of Style for filling in while I was rushing around and moving!

Aili mentioned that my birthday was last month, and I wanted to let you know about all of the free stuff you can get on your birthday... because who doesn't love free?

My personal favorite freebie gift is the brow wax at the Benefit Brow Bar ($20 value); Benefit Brow Bars in Ultas, Nordstroms, etc.  I got mine done at Ulta, and I suggest caling in and scheduling your appointment.  I just let them know that it was my birthday; they'll ask to see your license to confirm your birthdate.

And yep - you guessed it: these beautifully-shaped brows are a product of Benefit's Brow Bar (and a new brow pencil -- Thanks Elise!).

I also enjoy the Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift; if you're a Beauty Insider (it's a free rewards program through Sephora), just let them know it's your birthday, and you'll receive a free gift--usually a deluxe sample to a popular beauty product.  This year it's a sample of Benefit's They're Real & Benefit's Watts Up Highlighter, which I really enjoy.

If you're a Midwesterner, then you've probably visited a Culvers; I love their custard, and you can receive a free cup or cone of custard on your birthday!  My go-to is the chocolate custard with oreos - yum.

What are your fave birthday freebies?  Leave me a comment, and I'll be sure to check 'em out! :D

Dress: Lands End Canvas | similar
Belt: Guess | similar
Cardigan: Gap Kids | similar
Tights: Taiwan | similar
Shoes: Nine West | similar

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.

Floral & Stripes

Fashion Fundamental: 
Striped Top - This striped top is constantly on rotation in my closet: [1, 2, 3].

A little hesitant to mix patterns?  Florals & stripes are a great gateway combo to mixing patterns.

How do you feel about mixing patterns?

Striped Top: JCrew | similar
Chambray Top: JCrew | shop
Necklace: F21 | similar
Skirt: Victoria's Secret (old)
Leggings: Loft | shop
Boots: BP Runway Boots, Nordstrom | shop

Wear It Both Ways: Quilted Vest

Fashion Fundamental: 
Quilted fall/winter vest - I really enjoy this layering piece because it provides warmth without bulk. It's pretty versatile for 3-seasons of the year here in the Midwest -- I've even worn it with a dress!  Those of you living in warmer climes still might consider picking one up for those cooler fall and winter days as a great alternative to a jacket.

Also, for more ways to style a quilted vest, see Aili rock it here and here.

Pink-on-Pink
Vest: Gap (old) | similar by JCrew
Cardigan: Uniqlo | similar
Top: Gap (old) | similar
Jeans: 1969 Always Skinny Jeans, Gap | shop - The ankle length fits me perfectly. Shorties FTW!
Boots: Snowmass by Keen | shop

Stripes-on-Pink
Vest: Gap | similar
Necklace: JCrew Outlet
Dress-Worn-as-Sweater: Target | similar dress version or sweater version
Chambray: JCrew | shop
Jeans: Gap | shop
Boots: Hingham, Sperry | shop
Lips: Just Kissable BalmStain in Lovesick, Revlon | shop

Winter Fresh

Fashion Fundamental: Striped top

Aili's colorful ensemble inspired me to create my own take on stripes and color.  Spring clothes are already hitting stores, and I'm longing for the lightness and brightness of summer clothes, but it's still cold here in the Midwest. This look is covered and warm, but still cheerfully reminiscent of spring and summer.

How do you keep your look fresh during the cooler months?

Necklace: F21| similar
Top: JCrew | similar in a navy cardigan
Belt: Guess | similar
Dress-worn-as-a-skirt: F21 | similar in white
Leggings: Loft | shop
Boots: Frye | shop

Leaves, Stripes and a City Mini

Fashion Fundamental:  Striped Shirt

I love those crisp, cool days where you want to wear something bright & cheery. Stripes is the word, and nothing puts me in a better mood than a sassy blue skirt. I love this shirt from Crew and have been able to pair it with colored skinny jeans and denim for the weekends. 

Shirt:  Striped Painter Boatneck Tee, JCrew | shop

Skirt:  Crinkle City Mini, JCrew | shop

Coat:  Double-Cloth Lady Day Coat, JCrew | shop

Boots: BP Runway Boots | shop

Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs |shop

Necklace:  Thrifted

Sunnies: Ray-Ban | shop

Lips: Be Legendary Lipstick in Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Linked up to Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Wear it Both Ways: Lands' End Canvas Sleeveless Striped Dress

These two looks are anchored by a very versatile dress--the Sleeveless Striped Dress by Lands' End Canvas--currently on sale for $60 $24.99.  I wear this dress all of the time because it's super comfy,  easy, and washes extremely well.  Plus, I love the ultra-flattering fit-and-flare shape.  It's a touch high-waisted, so ladies with a shorter torso are better off with this

100% cotton, machine wash, and Lands' End and Lands' End Canvas items are covered under a generous return policy.  I am a fan.  This dress is made of a mid-weight, soft cotton jersey that is perfect for fall (a bit heavy for summer in my opinion, but hey, I suppose you can get multiple seasons of wear out of it) and layering.

My only complaint: the arm holes--near the underarm--reveal a little bit more skin than I'd prefer.  All in all, it's a small complaint, so I'm very happy with this lovely dress.

Dress: Lands' End Canvas | shop - last seen here
Cardigan: Lands' End Canvas | similar
Pleated Top: LOFT | similar in a pretty green
Belt: JCrew | similar
Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop {reviewed here}
Earrings: Kate Spade | similar

Top: JCrew | shop the dress version here
Shoes: Nine West | similar
Earrings: Kate Spade | similar
Headband: JCrew

Linked up at Real Girl Glam.

Navy & White Stripes

Happy Labor Day if you're off from work or school today!  Labor day marks the end of summer, but the weather in the Midwest apparently doesn't agree.

It's still hot and humid here, so I'm definitely dressing for the weather, not the calendar. :)

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good | similar
Cardigan: Gap | similar
Dress: Sleeveless Striped Dress, Lands' End Canvas ($60 $24.99) | shop - last styled here.
Shoes: Hidi, Naturalizer | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Lips: Color Burst Lip Butter in Lollipop, Revlon | shop

Linked up to Real Girl Glam & What I Wore Wednesday.

Best Part of Summer: Ravinia

Camoflauged into our picnic mats.  

Outdoor concerts and a venue as beautiful as Ravinia, are some of the best things about  summer.  Add in the great company and great food, and you've got a perfect summer day!

Also, anyone else bummed that the Olympics are over?


Aili's outfit details here.

Jacket: Gap | similar
Dress: Dee&Ray Mona Dress | shop
Sandals: Target | shop
Earrings: Jewelmint | similar
Nails: Lollipop, Essie | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Remixed: LWD

I love shopping and seeing what's new in stores, but I firmly believe that it's best to shop your closet.  Blogging at Jane Squared has definitely helped me look at my wardrobe--especially my accessories--more critically and creatively.

The Basics
Dress: Sears (old) | similar
Sunnies: Prada | shop
Lips: Be Legendary Lipstick in Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Shoes: Hand-Woven Laredo Banana Republic | similar
Necklace: Vintage | similar
Bag: Besherse, Aldo | shop
Scarf: Vintage | similar
Wedges: Pay-Less | similar

Linked up at Watch Out for the Woestmans.

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

Feeling Nautical on the Fourth

Happy Fourth of July!  I hope you're enjoying the shorter work week.  

Check out Aili's festive red, white, & blue looks here, here & here.

Shades: Prada | shop
Belt: JCrew | similar
Dress: Lands End Canvas ($60 $24.99) | shop
Shoes: Nine West | similar

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

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.

Dee&Ray Mona Dress

Going anywhere special this summer?  I love going on vacation (who doesn't?), and when I was younger, I would always want to buy a souvenir or two to remember my travels.  I think I still have an autograph-able stuffed Pluto bearing Mickey's signature from my trip to Disney World about 15 years ago. :)

Now that I've become  much more critical and strategic in the way I spend my money, I've largely overcome the need to buy useless knickknacks.

If I'm determined to purchase a souvenir or two then I'll usually check out the jewelry and accessories sold in night markets or street fairs.  These items are generally affordable--especially in comparison to their American counterpart.

Definitely wins all around: my wallet's happy because I didn't spend too much on these trinkets and my jewelry and accessory collection has grown to be a little bit more meaningful and unique.

Earrings: Thailand | similar
Dress: Mona Dress, Dee&Ray | shop
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Cardigan: JCrew | similar
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (old) | similar
Lips: Convertible Color for Lip & Cheek in Petunia (07), Stila | shop

Vigoss 'Tomboy' Cuff Denim Shorts

I spent a relaxing long weekend home with the fam.  The ease stripes and a pair of crisp white shorts were perfect for a relaxed BBQ.  I recently picked up these shorts from Nordstrom, and they are an awesome alternative to the classic denim short.  They're kind of like the "sophisticated older sister" of the jean short...  and I definitely know all about those.

I hope you're all well, and thanks for reading! :)

Shades: LOFT | similar
Necklace: F21 | similar
Top: Uniqlo | similar
Shorts: Vigoss via Nordstrom | similar
Shoes: Bluefish 2-Eye Boat Shoe in Linen/Oat, Sperry Topsider | shop

Stripes & Gripes

Stripes
I sometimes have trouble with stripes because they can be tricky, but this horizontal one is fun and timeless. This dress is really interesting and comfortable. Shout out to my friend, Jenn, for letting me borrow her dress, and rocking it on a Tuesday!

Gripes
How is it only Tuesday? I'm going to start planning my weekend right now since our Indian summers are slowly escaping. Let's make these days count, team!

Dress:  Bailey (B) 44 Boutique Pussyfoot Cat Dress | shop
Bracelet:  Express
Earrings:  Express
Shoes:  Nine West
Glasses:  Hot Topic


WILL

Oh snap - Will is back and looking sassy!

T-shirt:  Target
Vest:  Heritage
Jeans:  Target
Shoes:  Buckle
Necklace:  Rue 21
Bracelet:  Chicago Green Fest, hippies
Bags: Barnes & Noble
Sunglasses:  mall kiosk - win