KANSAS COUTURE

Flower Girl

2013-05-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

Rainy weather has ushered in slightly cooler temperatures. I keep reminding myself to wear jeans and sleeves while I still can! Jeans are always what I miss most during the dog days of summer. Though I don't usually opt for wide leg pants, I seem to prefer them cropped when I do! I don't think the silhouette does much for my short stature, but that's never stopped me before!

P.S. Kansas City area readers: Gilded Summer, this year's West 18th Street Fashion Show, is just around the corner! Don't delay buying tickets! They're available at Donna's Dress Shop, Birdies and online here. See you there?

Blouse: ModCloth

Jeans: Gap (cut by me)

Shoes: Payless

Rings: Gifts

Fun & Games

2013-05-17T13:23:00.000-05:00

I've wanted to take blog pictures in front of this beautiful backdrop for a long time. While I'm glad it finally happened, the photo shoot was rather bittersweet. It marked my last visit to Screenland Crossroads -- my favorite spot in KC to enjoy old movies on the big screen and vintage arcade games! This location is closing soon and hopefully reopening in an equally awesome spot.

Top: Courtesy of High Gloss Fashion
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Courtesy of B.A.I.T.
Necklace: Forever 21
Ring: Courtesy of InPink

Suddenly Summer

2013-05-16T14:35:00.000-05:00

Seemingly overnight, the temperatures sky-rocketed! While it almost seems like we skipped spring and headed straight into summer, I am thankful for the warmth. I can finally pack away my coats with confidence and focus on perfecting my warm weather wardrobe.

Top: Forever 21
Shorts: Vintage
Shoes: Old Navy
Brooch: Vintage
Ring: Gift

Hey Boy

2013-05-10T16:45:00.002-05:00

While this outfit is far less feminine than my usual fashion, it still felt very me thanks to the denim, polka dots and red lips. Plus, it seemed appropriate for an evening of Indiana Jones and arcade games. Happy Friday, and have a fabulous weekend!

Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Forever 21
Boots: Courtesy of Wanted
Suspenders: Thrifted

Crop It Up

2013-05-08T16:27:00.000-05:00

Lately I'm loving the crop top plus high-waist skirt combination for warm weather! Since last spring, I've been on the lookout for a matching top and skirt set. Then it dawned on me to attempt cutting a dress in half! The top I'm wearing here actually came from this dress. Once I sew a waistband into the skirt (assuming all goes well), I will share the complete outfit!

Top: From a dress
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Courtesy of ModCloth
Sunglasses: Vintage
Ring: Gift

Drop It Like It's Hot

2013-05-07T18:00:00.001-05:00

Though it can be a tricky silhouette to pull off, I've been very drawn to drop waists lately! Perhaps it's Gatsby fever. When I saw this sweet vintage dress on sale for a mere six bucks, I figured I had nothing to lose! I think I also want one that's looser and more flowy than this. Not only would it be super comfortable, but also I wouldn't worry about it hugging in the wrong places. Do you like drop waists?

Dress: Vintage
Boots: Forever 21
Earrings: Vintage

Rainy Day Woman

2013-05-06T15:49:00.000-05:00

Friday was dreary and cold, but I did my best to channel spring at least a little with cheery colors and nautical stripes.

Dress: Old Navy

Sweatshirt: Thrifted
Jacket: H&M
Boots: Thrifted
Scarf: Thrifted
Bag: Thrifted

Second Wind

2013-05-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

These shots were taken as the temperature was dropping dramatically, hence all the wind! Though the conditions were slightly uncomfortable, the breeze did help to play up the fullness of this fun little dress. You may recognize it from a couple of posts last year. It's actually a skirt that kind of swallows me up when worn at the waist. I fully committed to its status as a dress by adding straps and removing the belt loops.

Dress: Old Navy
Shoes: Nine West

Opposite Day

2013-05-02T18:37:00.000-05:00

Considering it's SNOWING outside right now, it's hard to believe I was wearing this outfit just a couple of days ago. While the warm, sunny weather didn't last long, I took full advantage with a few super summery ensembles.

Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Vintage
Shoes: Forever 21
Necklace: Forever 21

All Aboard

2013-05-01T10:38:00.000-05:00

Because we were taking the train to Chicago, my lovely traveling companion and I decided to dress in very vintage ensembles. While it took all my willpower to resist throwing on jeans and a sweatshirt for our early morning departure, I'm glad I powered through. Our outfits definitely added to the old-fashioned romance of traveling by train.

Jacket and Dress: Vintage
Shoes: Lucky Brand
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Suitcase: Vintage

No Place Like Home

2013-04-29T11:57:00.000-05:00

I'm back from my weekend jaunt to Chicago! While I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked, I do have a few to share. That always happens to me when I take trips. It's a combination of not wanting to lug my camera around and the fact that my outfits aren't as cute as I hoped they'd be. I guess I have yet to master the art of packing... I never end up having the right shoes or accessories in tow! Anyway, this outfit is actually an oldie from a couple of weeks ago, but tomorrow I'll share the vintage look I wore on the train.

Shirt: Thrifted
Jeans: Cheap Monday
Shoes: Sabine
Necklace: Gift

Edgy Elegance

2013-04-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

It's the final day of Chaps week! While I opted to dress down the fifth frock with a cotton moto jacket and casual sandals, I couldn't help but play up the elegance of the pretty knot detail with a pearl necklace. I hope you enjoyed this spring dress feature! Come visit next week to see pictures from an exciting Chicago adventure!

Dress: Courtesy of Chaps
Jacket: Yes Style
Shoes: Lucky Brand
Necklace: Forever 21

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The Other Side

2013-04-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

The fourth Chaps dress just screams spring! Its painterly floral print inspired colorful accessories and a bit of lounging in the grass on a lovely sunshiney day.

Dress: Courtesy of Chaps
Shoes: Lucky Brand
Necklace: Gift
Belt: Borrowed from a blouse

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Coffee Break

2013-04-24T17:04:00.002-05:00

The third Chaps dress inspired me to play with pattern and color! The tone of this quirky, casual look fell somewhere between the circus and a Parisian street. While it may defy a label, it was the perfect ensemble for grabbing a cup of coffee at my favorite cafe.

Photos by Meg Dejmal

Dress: Courtesy of Chaps
Shirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Courtesy of Loly in the Sky
Hat: H&M

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Mod World

2013-04-23T14:23:00.000-05:00

It's day two of my week of Chaps dresses, and this is my favorite of the bunch! While I love a variety of vintage fashion, sixties style will forever be my favorite. The sleek black and white design of this frock boasts a fabulous mod feel, and it's super flattering! While I chose to give it a retro spin, it could just as easily go contemporary, too.

Photos by Meg Dejmal

Dress: Courtesy of Chaps
Shoes: Biondini
Belt: Vintage
Earrings: Vintage

Sponsored Post

Bohemian Dream

2013-04-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

It's a special week at Kansas Couture! I'm teaming up with Chaps - Available at Kohl's to bring you five dresses from their spring collection. Let's kick things off in style with this colorful number! The psychedelic paisley print conjured a '70s vibe for me, so I paired it with a floppy felt hat and platform sandals. The denim jacket was a timeless finishing touch for a breezy spring day.

Dress: Courtesy of Chaps
Jacket: Thrifted
Shoes: Lulu's
Hat: Urban Outfitters

Sponsored Post. Photos by Meg Dejmal.

Outdoorsy Type

2013-04-17T13:52:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm still wearing heels and jewelry, but I felt downright rugged in yesterday's get-up. I figured if the weather won't allow for pretty spring pieces, I might as well go decidedly in the opposite direction.

Sweater: Forever 21
Shorts: Courtesy of 80's Purple
Boots: Seychelles
Bracelet: Forever 21

Tickled Pink

2013-04-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

I'm definitely guilty of falling back on the ease and comfort of jeans all too often. With this in mind, I made a concerted effort to get a little gussied up yesterday with a couple of girly pink pieces. It was just as easy as throwing on my beloved denim, but I definitely felt more pulled-together!

Sweater: Vintage
Skirt: Anne Klein
Boots: Vintage
Jacket: Vintage
Ring: Gift

Wintry Woes

2013-04-15T14:47:00.000-05:00

After a brief stint of lovely spring temperatures, winter started to rear its head again last week. I have been feeling so uninspired! It's like I completely forgot how to dress for cold weather, but I think I'm just being stubborn. I'm determined to step up my style game this week!

Dress: H&M
Tights: Gift
Socks: Forever 21
Shoes: Old Navy
Necklace: Vintage

Fine as a Bee's Wing

2013-04-10T12:02:00.004-05:00

Whenever I encounter a piece with a bee motif, I almost always buy it on the spot. Such discoveries are rare enough that they always feel exciting and special. I just love the little thrill that comes with collecting something.

Shirt: Target
Shorts: Urban Outfitters (cut off by me)
Shoes: Courtesy of Bait Footwear
Necklace: Gift

Fashion for a Cause

2013-04-09T10:23:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Fashion for a Cause, a local runway show benefiting Women's Health Services at Truman Medical Center. The featured Kansas City designers and labels offered an impressive breadth of styles, from cute, casual daywear to elegant evening dresses to bridal gowns. It was a treat to take in all the fabulous fashion and an inspiration to learn about the important cause the event celebrates and supports.

As for my outfit, I always want to wear a new dress to events. Instead of buying something, I donned this '80s number for the first time (as an adult). It's a relic from my childhood costume collection!

Photos by Meg Dejmal

Dress: Vintage
Shoes: Lucky Brand
Clutch: Vintage

Here are a few of my favorite looks from the show!

Peachy Keen

2013-04-04T18:25:00.000-05:00

This fun frock from Lulu's is the perfect transitional piece! The flowy chiffon and cute cut-outs keep it breezy, while the long sleeves prevent it from entering full-on summer territory. And the peach plus robin's egg blue color combination felt so fresh and sweet for spring.

Dress: Courtesy of Lulu's
Socks: Courtesy of We Love Colors
Shoes: Lucky Brand, courtesy of Lucky Magazine
Necklace: Forever 21

Lash Out

2013-04-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

When I opened these flirty flats from Loly in the Sky, it was love at first sight! I couldn't help but make eyes at them with every step. Their other designs are equally sweet, and they're nice and comfy to boot. All the styles are lovingly handmade in Mexico... check them out!

Dress: Kieu's
Shirt: Jason Wu for Target
Shoes: Courtesy of Loly in the Sky
Necklace: Forever 21
Scarf: Clothing Swap

Sunny Sunday

2013-03-31T12:32:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful weekend we've had! The warmer weather is definitely putting a spring in my step. Here's hoping it sticks around!

Dress: Thrifted
Sweater: Courtesy of Fossil
Boots: Target
Socks: Gift
Necklace: Gift

Black & White

2013-03-28T21:03:00.000-05:00

This Chanel-esque jacket makes me feel instantly ladylike, especially when paired with delicate lace and a tidy bouffant. While this is the more obvious route, I also like to combine it with less expected items like distressed denim. I'm hoping with spring weather on the way, I can do away with jackets and tights all together soon!

Dress: Courtesy of Thread Case
Jacket: Forever 21
Boots: Vintage