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

Classic Cool

Fashion Fundamental:   white collared shirt

I love using a white shirt as a canvas for really great jewelry. Jane2 got me this awesome necklace from Etsy so, I tried to the find a simple way to show off this blingy piece.

As for white button-downs, the Uniqlo oxford is one of my faves. It looks crisp, but has a relaxed fit so I can still move without worrying about it wrinkling. 

How have you been styling your classic white button downs?

Sunnies: Prada | shop

Necklace: Etsy | shop

Blazer:  Gap | similar

Top:  Uniqlo Oxford | shop

Denim: 1969 Always Skinny, Gap | shop

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Boots: BP Runway | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle & DC in Style.

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.

United Way Jeans Day + Uniqlo Oxford Shirt

My company donates to the United Way and encourages us to participate and show our pride with jeans days! The United Way is a fantastic organization and to show my pride, I'm pairing a relaxed pair of jeans with my new favorite oxford.

I'll admit I'm becoming obsessed with Uniqlo the more I wear their clothes. I find myself reaching for them over and over for a simple, preppy look. I'm very sad there isn't a store in the midwest. This probably means I need to head to NYC or San Fran. fairly soon.... :D

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop
Top: Women's Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt, Uniqlo $29.90 | shop in stores or at Lands' End Canvas
Jeans:  Old Navy Sweetheart | shop
Shoes:  Flax in White Kid, Nine West | shop
Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Bracelets:  Express

Linked up with Real Girl Real Glam.

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.

Glam Black & White

My hair is in the awkward too-short-to-be-styled-easily, but too-grown-out-to-look-chic-without-styling phase.  Enter the twisted bangs updo.  I love it because it keeps my hair out of my face on those hot summer days, so I'm not constantly tossing my hair back like a valley girl/emo boy.

What are your favorite summery, low-maintenance hairstyles?

Shades: Prada | shop
Earrings: Charlotte Russe | similar
Bracelets: Express & Vintage | similar
Blazer: Gibson | similar
Brooch: Vintage | similar
Dress: Sears | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Uniqlo V-Neck UV Cut Cardigan Review

I am a cardigan junkie; so far my favorite cardigans are from JCrew--the Jackie and Jenna Cardigans are my personal favorites. On our trip to NYC, Aili and I picked up some essentials and and we also developed a love for Uniqlo's affordable prices.  

One of my favorite items from our Uniqlo haul was the Uniqlo V-Neck UV Cut Cardigan, which is composed of 60% acrylic, 40% cotton.  Made in China.  

I would say that these cardigans fit true to size, are simple in design, and well-made, and very soft. Plus, they feature some UV protection. According to the tag, UV Cut "offers UV filtration features that have been added during fabric processing.  A UPF rating of 15 indicates it will take 15 times longer to get sunburned than with bare skin."  I think that is pretty cool.  No sunscreen necessary when you're rocking a Uniqlo cardi.


Happy July!

Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint | similar

Cardigan: V-Neck UV Cut Cardigan in 12 Pink, Uniqlo | similar

Top: JCrew | similar - last styled here.

Bracelets: Taiwan | similar

Shorts: Nordstrom | similar

Shoes: Target | shop

Nail: Calypso Blue (440), Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Banana Republic: the Multi-seasonal White Dress

We always have some great pieces in our closets, but maybe wear them once or twice. When I initially purchased this Banana Republic dress in white -- I had no idea that it'd be a go-to, multi-seasonal piece. 

I've worn it in winter, and am busting it out for spring! I can easily see this piece transitioning into summer  with a sassy belt. 

What signature pieces are working it for you?


Cardigan: Bead-trim Cardigan, Banana Republic | shop in tall, regular & petite sizing
Dress: Banana Republic, also style here
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings:  Target

ASOS Review: Good Meets Evil

I have been giving ASOS a go with their wonderful free shipping/free return, no minimum policy. I especially appreciate the "runway" view on their website which allows you to access a runway video. This is helpful because you can see how the clothes move, as well as the item's proportions as while the model walks the runway. Needless to say, I have big crush on ASOS. <3

For this ASOS review I wanted to juxtapose looks representing good (white) and evil (black). Each outfit has its own flavor, but which (if any) do you prefer?  As always, Ailyn and I love hearing your thoughts.

Good

The white dress is very sweet, but the real star of this look are these creamy blue platform pumps. I was surprised by how well they pair with other pieces already in my wardrobe; plus, they are very high--measuring in at a more than respectable 4.7" with a 1.1" platform (according to ASOS.com, at least)--yet strangely comfortable!

Evil

The black dress is interesting, and you've got to give ASOS points for putting out pieces that you don't see too often, but overall I'm not a fan of the look. This dress is a definite return as it wasn't the sophisticated but fun and sparkly dress that I was expecting; instead, it's a bit too revealing for my taste. 

Check out an ASOS success worn to the CNN Heroes Event last December. 

Good

Dress:  Lace and Mesh Midi Dress, ASOS | shop

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

Earrings:  Target

Necklace:  Thrifted

Ring:  H&M

Bracelets:  Express (accessory review)

Evil

Dress:  Mini Dress with Sequin Mesh, ASOS | shop

Shoes:  Guess

Earrings:  Charlotte Russe

Evacuate the Dancefloor

Check my fly dance moves. I learned them from XBox Kinect's Dance Central, which is easily Aili's favorite game, so next time you see her at the clubs, don't be surprised if you recognize her dance moves.  After we rocked it on the dance floor, I got a little fancy with a belt, some wedges, and a beautiful turquoise clutch.  I love turquoise & white in the summertime; the look is always crisp and pretty. 

Dress: Delaney Eyelet Dress in alabaster, J.Crew ($50). If you dig this pattern but don't feel like rocking the dress, try the Delaney Eyelet Skirt (currently on sale for $49.99).

Belt: J.Crew - Styled here & here

Clutch: Stone foldover clutch in turquoise, Banana Republic ($40 with extra 40% off sale items in stores).

Shoes: Pilar Strappy Wedge Sandals in Brown by Mossimo, Target ($14.99 at my Target, but $29.99 online).  They also come in nude, pink, and black. Look out for a review of these wedges (& the turquoise clutch!) later this week.

Shoes + Dance moves: Crocband Flat in navy - I know some of you out there will definitely be Croc haters, but I enjoy them.  They're comfy, and are my favorite commuting shoes when it rains.