When Banana Republic asked me to style my favorite piece from their Mad Men collection, this printed silk shirt dress was an easy choice. The colors are vibrant without being too retro, and I saw it as a great candidate for serving double duty as a blouse. Inspired by Khatu's stylish husband, I also encouraged my boyfriend to take a break from behind the camera and join me for this post. Nick's always been a fan of slim cut, tailored pieces, thus gravitated towards this subtle plaid wool suit and silk skinny tie.
These photos were taken by our friend Dave Salafia, who is a talented (and rather resourceful with limited spaces) Boston-based photographer. I've admired his work and was excited to be his subjects. A big thank you also goes to our friend Matteo, who let us take advantage of all the nooks and crannies in his beautiful loft.
Me: J.Crew wool mini (altered), Coach court bag & no-brand shoe clips from eBay, AT pumps
Nick: H&M chambray shirt, Lands End Canvas chino pants, Clarks desert Mali boots
We decided to show our favorite pieces styled for a more formal workplace, as well as for a weekend date. Nick dressed down his blazer by swapping out suit pants for comfy chinos, and replacing the white button-up with casual chambray. For me, I still wanted to let the silk print shine. I paired the dress with a soft ivory mini, and added personalized touches using beloved pre-owned finds.
If anyone is interested in this dress, I can review the fit and show un-styled photos later this week. I am wearing a 00P here with no alterations. The dress is shift style, cut straight up and down with a self-tie belt that you can use to play around with the length. The natural length hits right above my knees (rode up a bit in the sitting photos), and I have it tucked into some shapewear when paired with the mini. The colors of this dress in-person are a coral orangey-red, true navy, and a very light taupe.
Photo Credit: Dave Salafia
Readers - Did you pick up any pieces from this season's Mad Men collection?
Super cute photos, Jean - you and Nick look so cute! I love the blouse/dress, too. ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely adorable Jean!!! The last picture is cute, definitely frame-deserving :P
ReplyDeleteNice man! =)
ReplyDeleteAmazing photo session Jean! Great styling and photography!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really nice dress... I've always been into solids, but I think this would be a great piece to slowly add into my closet for colors and prints. You and Nick looks so nice!
ReplyDeleteYou both look amazing!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking couple! Nick is such a hottie.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and the last one is my fav! Love it the way you have styled it with the skirt.
ReplyDeleteYour use of the dress as a top is brilliant, as are those navy shoe clips! The top/ivory skirt/navy shoe combo may be one of my favorite of yours yet. Great shoot!!
ReplyDeleteWe've been wanting to feature the hubbies in a future post but have been met with some resistance. Hoping this post will encourage them to get in front of the camera!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome shoot!! You both look so polished and dapper. Loving how you showed how certain items could be reworn in different looks. And also how you match but aren't too matchy-matchy. So cute, you two!!
ReplyDeletesarah <3
www.lifebyappointment.blogspot.com
What gorgeous photos! These need to be on the Petites section of BR. Love it!
ReplyDeleteum, ok....CUTEST couple ever!!! i am in love with the dresses in this collection!!! the fit/styles are so much more my taste this time around!
ReplyDeletexoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
Wow! You two look so sharp! I love Nick's suit and since I know that Banana Republic offers tall sizing (for men) I might have to take a look at the men's collection for my husband. I love your dress, too, but I am trying to channel you this weekend already at a wedding and it would into stalker territory to also grab this dress! ;) Congrats on this campaign, you both look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteAw, hope you have a blast at the wedding, Ana! And I absolutely love that BR offers short and tall options as well for our men.
Deleteyou both look great and so sharp.
ReplyDeletexo
http://pinksole.com
I wish you all the happiness in the world! You and your boyfriend look so cute!
ReplyDeleteKisses from Brazil
Tathi
What awesome photos...you two are perfect together!
ReplyDeleteOf all the pieces, the dress that you picked was definitely my favorite. I didn't buy it coz of the price but am hoping to score one when it hits the sale rack! That looked like a fun shoot and good to see Nick in it, too. Perhaps there'll be more in future? :)
ReplyDeletefauxionista.com
you both look amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful shoot. You and Nick make a handsome couple :)
ReplyDeleteCan't believe that dress is tucked into the mini.. it looks like a blouse - brilliant!
Loved the pictures. Great shoot! You had a great team.
ReplyDeleteI was going to buy the same dress, but decided against in the end - I'm not brave enough to wear such bright colours >.<
ReplyDeleteManon
http://fromtokyotoparis.wordpress.com/
Absolutely stunning!! Stunning photography and styling! I hope Nick will join you more often in photos, you guys look so great together.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post and awesome photos. You guys are such a cute couple and you look amazing as always =) greetings from Toronto!
ReplyDeleteI adore this photos. Great styling and photography.
ReplyDeletexo
Sam
http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com
I love these mad men inspired photos -- you both look fab! xo
ReplyDeletehttp://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
Beautiful photos-- you both look so stylish!
ReplyDeleteI didn't love the collection but you both look great!
ReplyDeletexo Elissa
The photos are beautiful ! Perfect outfits and posing! These photos look better than most engagement photos I've seen, haha!
ReplyDeleteLol, I'll have to pass long that compliment to our photographer : )
DeleteYou two are such a stylish couple! Love the photos!!
ReplyDeleteCute couple! =)
ReplyDeleteI love your couples style! My husband is a big fan of red pants, too!
ReplyDeleteYall look great. I need to go to BR and check out the collection.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Fun shoot and I love that geometric top.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a stylish look. So chic and sophisticated!
ReplyDeletexx,
Christie
You're such a cute couple! That dress it's worth a trip to Banana Republic... I'm also curious about the rest of the collection.
ReplyDeleteBtw, your alterations make me want to learn how to sew... you're a truly inspiration!
These pictures are gorgeous! I love Banana Republic, and Mad Men styles.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos...love the outfits!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Andrea
www.andreaeveryday.com
Congrats on your BR shoot! Its very nice.
ReplyDeletewww.kholaskloset.blogspot.com
I actually went to BR to look at the pieces but I didn't love any one in particular! But they look so great on you!! I'll def have to go back for another look!
ReplyDelete-Stephanie
@LaminLouboutins.com
I am the opposite of petite, but I still read your blog every day. I am so inspired by the way you put things together. This was an especially beautiful post. Your boyfriend could be a model too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, and I am glad that the name of this blog doesn't deter you from visiting!
DeleteGreat photos, you two look great! Love how you both styled your outfits. The loft made a great backdrop to the styled pieces!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Suzie Q
www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Jean, this photoshoot is so special! You both look great...especially love Nick's date look! Also, your friend Dave did a great job! I am sure you will hear this countless times, but you two should be featured in an ad/catalog for Banana (or any company that you support). A real life couple that many people "know" would be fun and relatable.
ReplyDeleteIf you choose to do a follow up review of this dress, I would be interested in knowing how you wash the dress. "Dry clean only" is usually a deterrent for me. I know some people that use laundry bags, and I am thinking it was you that suggested using a pillow case?
Aw thank you Michelle! And you bring up a great question that I'll have to defer to any experts. I don't think I was the one with the pillow case idea as (I think!) its the first time I've heard that tip! I usually do get silk items dry cleaned but have tried to wash some by hand in cold water. I do that for solid silks but am slightly nervous that colored prints might run. And for dry clean only items, I always try to wear a T shirt or something underneath to keep the garment as clean as possible to minimize cleaning, which not only adds up $ wise but I feel slowly wears down the luster of items over time.
DeleteSuch a fun shoot! Loving y'alls looks! That multicolor tie is amaze!
ReplyDeletexx
Giovanna
www.HeyLoveBlog.com
Ohhhh my those shots are amazing, it definitely looks like an ad!!!!
ReplyDeleteO! M! G! you guys together look amazing .. i just adore the photoshot ..
ReplyDeletewhat a great post.
xoxo
avenueahline.blogspot.com
LOVE! I like how his pants matches your outfit in the end too!
ReplyDeleteI love the collection and you both look great in the pieces! Also love the photo shoot setting. Banana Republic was right to ask you to style their pieces because I don't think I would have looked at it twice without coming here to see how it looked on.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletei think i live at the lofts you were at! east boston?
ReplyDeleteYes! Small world! Beautiful place you live in.
DeleteBeautiful photos. You two are the cutest and fashionable couple of the blogger world.
ReplyDeleteSweet couple. Very professional looking. Like it! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, those photos are so nice. Both of you look amazing.
ReplyDeleteamazing photos and a way too good looking couple!
ReplyDeleteLucy
Lovely photos! The dress is adorable.
ReplyDelete:) www.beantownbrown.blogspot.com
Love the wonderful photos! It look so professional like from a catalog. Hopefully, BR features these photos on their site!
ReplyDeleteThese are great!
ReplyDeleteI shop @ BR a LOT and get tons of my cardigans from there (I love cardis) but I've always found their dress sizing to be a useless. 00P are always still way too large on me (and I suspect I'm a lil bigger than you). Did this fit straight on? It's so frustrating because I would love to wear some of their dresses.
Hi Noelle - their items are usually still a little roomy but fit better than other petite brands out there. I've accepted the fact that alteration costs are necessary to achieve the prefect fit for pencil or sheath-style dresses. This was a straight-cut shift style so I am okay with the looser fit.
DeleteAwww you guys look great! Nick is such a great sport! I could NEVER get my husband to take serious pictures with me. Last time was our wedding LOL!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAwww what a good boyfriend!! The photos turned out amazing... you guys are a gorgeous looking couple.
ReplyDeletealyson
the average girl's guide
You are so pretty!! and Nick is so handsome! Love the photos!
ReplyDeleteI just love the style on Mad Men! :)
ReplyDeletexo
Maggie A
Love Mavin
lame, wrote smthg and it got deleted.
ReplyDeletei asked brett, "what do u think of nick's shoes?" he said, "i really like them." so i hope to get him these bc he normally has the worst taste in shoes.
Are you talking about the Clarks? I think he'll love them! They have a lower top version I believe, better suited for you socal'ers.
DeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteI noticed that you deleted my comment on the H&M clothing donation post. As you may recall, my comment addressed the lack of transparency in the allocation of profits derived from the redistribution of clothing donated to this program and the program's failure to address underlying problems of fast fashion and environmentally destructive practices by H&M's contractors in developing countries.
I have read this blog for many years and have always considered it to be a forum for honest dialogue where differing opinions may be shared and discussed. I did not expect that my comment would be viewed as malicious, discriminatory or irrelevant. I also did not think that it was outlandish or inappropriate. Was my comment censored because you were required to remove negative comments pursuant to your arrangement with H&M, because you just wanted to maintain goodwill with their PR folks, or because you just didn't like what you saw? Your input in this matter would be much appreciated.
Regards,
J.
Hi J - I take this matter very seriously, which I hope you can tell via my prompt response despite it being 2AM here! I appreciate you being a longtime reader, and like you mentioned, I also appreciate honest, respectful dialogue on here even if the opinions differ from my own. I do not moderate any comments that are made in a courteous manner. Unfortunately, there are a ton of spammers out there and your comment (looks like AubreyOhDang's up above did too) got caught within Blogger's spam filter and I apologize about that. I try to monitor it as it's not always accurate, but this month there were several thousand spam comments (those ppl/spambots are simply relentless!) and I just found yours and re-published it. My apologies again, and I hope to move to a new commenting system soon to help mitigate this issue.
DeleteJean,
DeleteThank you for responding so promptly. I have found it frustrating to see certain popular fashion bloggers police their comments section and screen out any criticisms, even if constructive. I was worried for a moment that this blog has fallen down the path and am glad that you have cleared the air. Your efforts to keep this blog a space for honest exchanges of ideas are much appreciated.
Best,
J.
It's funny you mention the spam Jean.. I noticed a few had slipped through the last time I was reading your blog. They've since disappeared. Can't believe there are so many that get deleted!
DeleteYou both look fabulous in this photo shoot! Love the Mad Men look!
ReplyDeleteJean, could you mention which Cole Haan shoes Nick has on?
ReplyDeleteHi there - They were a Cole Haan outlet store find last year and I can't find anything similar on their website , unfortunately! The current styles on the site are surprisingly "trendy" for Cole Haan...hope they don't forget their classics!
DeleteI am in LOVE with this photo set! You and Nick are such an elegant and well-dressed couple. <3 Miss you both!!
ReplyDeleteoh wow! these photos are so cool! they look like they actually ARE the ad for Banana Republic! i think i love all of these photos!
ReplyDeleteMaggie
lovestylehappiness.blogspot.com
You guys look amazing. Gorgeous couple indeed. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the retro prints! I never used to be a fan of red, white/cream, and navy, but lately it seems like such a fresh combination, especially in cool graphic prints.
ReplyDeleteCassie
http://stylecassentials.blogspot.com
Sweet ;)
ReplyDeleteThe last photo is my favorite of you two! Definitely a portrait worthy of hanging around the house! :)
ReplyDeletecan't help leaving the comment that you two look absolutely cute together! Gosh i really love the one that you stand next to him while he's sitting on the stairs, both smiling. Perfect shot!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing the red color pop in both outfits....and love the print of the blouse. Keep blogging.
ReplyDelete-ileana
http://www.ileanamarcel.com
OC style blogger
Cute couple! You guys look really good in those outfits.
ReplyDeleteFabulous pics of you both, Jean, you look so great! Just had to mention that your legs look fab too, especially in pics #2 and #5 ;) Keep up the great work, love your blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Jean! I'm a big fan of your blog (although I don't say much, sorry...), and you looked absolutely gorgeous in this dress. It inspired me to pick it up, but I'm having trouble knowing what to do with the sleeves. They look boxy/too big when I just leave them down, but I'm not sure how to fold them properly. I tried just turning the cuff over, but then it's too tight? (& I have skinny wrists) Kinda embarrassed, since I don't know why this is an issue...thanks!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously a very good looking couple of people. :)
ReplyDelete