KANSAS COUTURE

My Little Secret

2012-02-10T18:24:00.002-06:00

Dress: Old Navy, $12 // Jacket: H&M, $30 // Shoes: Thrifted, $3 // Necklace: Thrifted, $3

Shhh... don't tell anyone, but this dress is actually a skirt! Or maybe it's obvious. Either way, I felt great in these fun, bright stripes! Happy Friday!

Girly Girl

2012-02-08T18:49:00.000-06:00

Top: H&M, $17 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Boots: Target, gift // Headband: Target, $8 // Necklace: Forever 21, $6

Bunnies, flowers and bows? Sometimes I just can't help but embrace the sweeter things in life.

Casual Sunday

2012-02-07T18:03:00.000-06:00

Shirt: Fourth of July band t-shirt, purchased at show, $10 // Hoodie: Thrifted, $5 // Jacket: Forever 21, $28 // Jeans: TJMaxx, $15 // Shoes: Converse, $50

After getting all dolled up for yesterday's post, here's a look at my most laidback weekend wear.

Valentine's Day Blogger Crush

2012-02-06T14:00:00.000-06:00

Fancy Dancey Dress: Courtesy of ModCloth // Shoes: Courtesy of Lulu's // Headband: Target, $8 // Ring: Courtesy of InPink

ModCloth recently asked some bloggers about their Valentine's Day blog crushes. When I found out Tieka of Selective Potential was crushing on my blog, my heart nearly skipped a beat! Let me just say, the feelings are mutual! Like many, I've been smitten with Tieka's blog for a long time. From her vivacious personality to her incomparable style to her beautifully scenic photography, what's not to love!? She's a sweetheart through and through! What better way to share the love than to don the same darling dress? With just the right balance of flirty femininity and retro charm, the Fancy Dancey Dress couldn't be more perfect for the holiday and had me feeling like a million bucks. Check out Tieka's adorable styling of the frock here. Thank you, Tieka and ModCloth! xoxo

On Repeat

2012-02-03T18:05:00.001-06:00

Dress: Urban Outfitters, $79 // Shoes: Lulu's, $29 // Necklace: Forever 21, $6 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // "Glasses": Urban, $10

Any concerns I had about not getting my money's worth out of this pricey dress have been allayed. Unlike many new items that I tire of quickly, I find myself wanting to wear this one all the time!

Happy, happy Friday, everyone! I don't know about you, but it felt like it would never come this week! On that note, I'm going to go have some fun.

Here Comes the Sun

2012-02-02T18:08:00.000-06:00

Top: Courtesy of 81 Poppies // Jeans: Forever 21, $10 // Jacket: TJMaxx, purchased with gift certificate // Shoes: Thrifted, $3 // Earrings and Ring: Gift

The pastel colors and playful prints of this airy ensemble had me feeling rather springy. With the mild weather we've been having, I totally got away with it!

Accurate Expression

2012-02-01T20:09:00.001-06:00

Dress: H&M, $30 // Sweater: Vintage, $8 // Boots: Courtesy of BC Footwear

With my collar peeking out of a preppy vintage sweater, I felt slightly dorky in this ensemble. But that adequately describes me, so why not channel it through my clothes? Case in point? The following photo...

A couple of things happen when my roommate (as opposed to a self-timer) takes my pictures. I get downright giggly, and my diminutive stature is betrayed! Camera angles can be mighty deceptive.

In other news (and don't hold me to this because I can be fickle when it comes to appearance changes), I think I'm growing my hair out -- all the way out like long hair days (see below)! After over two years of experimenting with different cuts and colors, going back to natural locks sounds refreshing. That means I've got a lot of awkward lengths to look forward to. As you can see, I'm already having to get creative.

Remember this? I hardly do!

High & Low

2012-01-30T21:00:00.000-06:00

Shirt: Thrifted, $1 // Jeans: Tilt via Plato's Closet, $18 // Shoes: Steve Madden, courtesy of Lulu's // Bracelet: Forever 21, $9 // Necklace: Forever 21, $6 // Ring: Courtesy of InPink // Lipstick: Courtesy of Radiant Cosmetics

I love the idea of offsetting a casual combination of jeans and a button-up with glam accessories and some serious heels.

I'm sneaking this in at the last minute, but January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Radiant Cosmetics donates 20% of profits to the cause. Check out their website to learn more!

The Great Gatsby

2012-01-25T10:55:00.000-06:00

My roommate and I threw a Great Gatsby-themed bash for my birthday this year. The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite novels, and I adore the '20s in general, especially for the fabulous fashion. From Midnight in Paris to the Artist to Boardwalk Empire to Baz Luhrmann's forthcoming cinematic adaptation of the novel, there's no shortage of sartorial inspiration out there!

The soiree was a smashing success, complete with retro cocktails, the 1974 film to set the mood, Gershwin tunes galore, a fun photobooth and plenty of shimmying.

Even Igby dressed up for the occasion. Doesn't he look dapper?

Footloose & Fancy-Free

2012-01-22T13:17:00.001-06:00

Dress: Courtesy of Free People // Socks: Forever 21, $3 // Shoes: Lulu's, $29 // Scarf: Gift

I love party dresses with whimsical details like the crochet back and twirly skirt of this Free People frock. The thermal fabric and long sleeves make it ideal for cooler months, but I can also see it frolicking right into spring.

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!

One Trick Pony

2012-01-19T18:30:00.004-06:00

Sweater: Forever 21, $20 // Dress: Old Navy, $15 // Shoes: Old Navy, $15 // Necklace: Vintage, $11

I feel like I've been repeating a lot of the same elements in my outfits lately. But, hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

Bunny Hop

2012-01-17T22:54:00.000-06:00

Shirt: H&M, $17 // Skirt: Forever 21, $10 // Boots: Target, gift // Necklace: Vintage, $11 // Ring: jcpenney, $7

I figured if I was going to wear a top covered in little bunnies, why the hell not pair it with playful polka dots? After throwing them together on a whim, I actually really liked the way the navy and burgundy and small-scale prints played off each other.

Birthday Dress

2012-01-16T15:43:00.001-06:00

Dress: Urban Outfitters, $79 // Shoes: Forever 21, $25 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Necklace: Wild Man Vintage, $11

I had the day off work on my birthday, so I decided to do a little shopping. Determined to treat myself to something I wouldn't normally buy, I scoured Anthropologie and J.Crew with no luck at all. Ending up at Urban -- an old standby -- I allowed myself to venture beyond the sale rack. It was love at first sight when I spotted this yellow lace number, but I had a very hard time justifying the cost. It's kind of against my retail religion to pay full price at Urban because I don't feel the quality warrants the price. I ended up going for it, and after wearing it out for an evening of Mexican food, margaritas and bowling, I knew it was a keeper. Now let's just hope I don't see it on the sale rack in a month.

Hopefully I'm not boring you all too much with my bee necklace. Ever since putting it on a new chain, I can't help but wear it pretty much every day.

A little embarrassed when my roomie caught me posing with a flower.

Cross My Heart

2012-01-12T10:59:00.000-06:00

Dress: H&M, $30 // Shoes: Forever 21, $25 // Necklace: Forever 21, $8 // Ring: Courtesy of InPink

I wore this understated little outfit to work yesterday. The dress was one of my birthday shopping finds. You can't quite tell from the photos, but the polka dots are actually hearts -- too cute! Coming up in the next few days: what I wore for my birthday night out and my birthday party from this past weekend.

Ski Lodge

2012-01-09T21:30:00.002-06:00

Sweater: Forever 21, $20 // Skirt: Forever 21, $5 // Boots: Gift // Necklace: Wild Man Vintage, $11

I wore this outfit an entire week ago and somehow am just getting around to posting it. I didn't realize until now how similar it is to the last look I posted... My birthday is tomorrow, so I'll definitely share a couple of fun outfits from that in the near future!

Easy Living

2012-01-03T23:17:00.000-06:00

Sweater: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply // Skirt: Forever 21, $15 // Boots: Gift // Necklace: Vintage, $11 // Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

I wore this quick, comfortable outfit a couple of times over the holidays. The cozy sweater plus tight skirt combination and bee necklace (my all-time favorite piece of jewelry) made it a winner in my book.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T16:09:00.001-06:00

Dress: Antique Mall, $14 // Shoes: Vintage, thrifted, $3 // Ring: Courtesy of InPink

I hope everyone had a glamorous, memorable New Year's Eve and happy, not-too-hungover New Year's Day! When I spotted this '80s cocktail dress while Christmas shopping awhile back, I knew it had just enough slightly tacky charm to be perfectly suited for the big night! Tomorrow I go back to work and return to a normal schedule. I'm hoping that means more blog posts! Cheers!

It's Been Awhile

2011-12-29T17:44:00.005-06:00

Dress: Anna Sui for Target, $10 // Shoes: Forever 21, $25 // Ring: Courtesy of InPink // Jacket: Vintage, gift // Scarf: Gift

Hello out there! Sorry for the prolonged absence. I have been in major vacation mode and haven't even been taking outfit pictures. Luckily, I had these shots from last week lying around. Lately I've been reaching for this dress when I need to get ready super quickly. It has enough going on that you can get away with minimal accessorizing. Plus, when worn without a belt, it's super comfortable. I love go-to pieces like that.

Hope your holiday was wonderful!

Fit to Print

2011-12-21T22:00:00.000-06:00

Dress: H&M, $20 // Socks: Forever 21, $3 // Boots: Target, gift // Necklace: Thrifted, $3 // Ring: jcpenney, $6

I love the warm colors, interesting print and drapey silhouette of this dress. It feels summery and wintery at the same time, so I may just have to wear it year-round!

Holiday Best

2011-12-19T18:11:00.004-06:00

Dress: H&M, $20 // Shoes: Forever 21, $25 // Necklace: Antique shop, $12 // Ring: Courtesy of InPink

Usually I go all out for Christmas, but this year it's really creeping up on me! Since I didn't end up hosting anything and wasn't invited to any formal gatherings, I decided to dress up for my office's holiday happy hour. Even if it was at three in the afternoon, I thoroughly enjoyed donning a festive dress. I can't wait to get fancy for New Year's!

Sponsor Spotlight: Holiday Party Edition!

2011-12-16T14:24:00.001-06:00

What are you doing New Year's Eve? No matter my holiday party plans, dressing up is always top priority. Luckily, my sponsors have some absolutely stunning frocks to choose from!

VANTAGE POINT VINTAGE

Save 10% with code kansascouture!

Jessie Dress - Love the vibrant color and off-the-shoulder silhouette.

Trophy Glam Dress - Wouldn't this be fun to dance in?!

Leopard Print BodyCon Dress - Can't go wrong with leopard print. So sexy!

Tadashi Origami Dress - I adore the dramatic structure of this one!

VINTAGE URBAN RENEWAL

Velvet Cowl Dress - You know I love my low-cut backs.

Blue Sequin Cocktail Dress - Low back + sequins? Even better!

Nude Sequin Dress - Timelessly elegant.

Plaid Day Dress - Perfect for a family party!

Ready, set, get dolled up!

Tried & True

2011-12-14T23:18:00.000-06:00

Sweater: Target, $10 // Skirt: Urban, $6 // Socks: Forever 21, $2.50 // Boots: Target, gift // Necklace: Vintage, $6

Sometimes when I can't figure out what to wear, I'll just take a bunch of components you can't go wrong with and throw them together. In this case, that was black and white stripes, chambray, a little color for good measure and a pretty necklace. Nothing groundbreaking, but it worked for me!

Weekend Uniform

2011-12-13T00:02:00.002-06:00

Top: Forever 21, $17 // Jeans: Urban, gift // Boots: Wild Man Vintage, $16 // Necklace: Thrifted, $2 // Ring: jcpenney, $6

My go-to outfit of late has been a top with pretty details, jeans, boots and a couple of customary statement accessories to complete the look. This new blouse almost had me convinced with its ruffles and festive hue, but the back was definitely the kicker for me. I'm such a sucker for any kind of open back detail. On a more general note, I know posting has been rather lackluster around here, and I wanted to thank you for bearing with me! I've been feeling a bit off in terms of inspiration and motivation. These spells tend to come and go for me, so I'm doing my best till it passes. Maybe the new year will kick me into gear!

In the Navy

2011-12-08T14:33:00.001-06:00

I'm posting over on the Delightful Dozen blog today. Check it out here!

Sunflower

2011-12-06T18:20:00.001-06:00

Shirt: Lulu's, $10 after credit // Shorts: H&M, $25 // Shoes: Old Navy, $15 // Ring: jcpenney, $6

Kansas City got an H&M at last! While I didn't clean up during my first visit, I did snag these cute brocade shorts. I also met a very sweet reader, which is always a treat!