The Trina Turk for Banana Republic collection launches this Thursday (BR Facebook fans can shop 1 day early), and I’m very excited to share a preview of my favorite piece from the line. 
This dress has a classic pencil silhouette, but is updated with a crisp white background and one of Trina’s signature, eye-catching prints. I was impressed that this 100% silk, fully-lined dress (from a designer collab., nonetheless) is priced at $130 retail. Details like the twist-straps, side pockets, and sash tie belt (not shown) are added bonuses.
This dress features the “crazy botanical” print which is chock-full of color in sea-life designs (see this adorable video with ASPCA rescue dogs for the other prints). It’s extremely easy to pair – you can take any one of the myriad of colors within the print and make it a point of focus, or use a closet neutral like basic black or warm brown, which also appear within the print.
The entire collection will be available in petite sizing, which is a nice surprise. I am showing a 0P here (measures 15.5″ across chest, 13″ across waist, 18″ across hips, and 33.5″ total length) which fits roomy throughout the torso, but actually measures smaller than my AT size 00P dress here. From my experience, BR sheath dresses in general fit smaller than AT’s. I think one size down in this would be a perfect fit for someone with my measurements, but keep in mind the 100% silk does not stretch.
If any of you also got these H&M; highlighter yellow sandals, you may have noticed they look a little different. I love how sultry ankle straps look, but the original width of these ankle cuffs truncated my short calves. I took on a risky DIY project and took apart the cuff, narrowing the strap to about 1/3rd of the original width and super-gluing the pieces back together. It took a long two hours and I’m very happy with the results, but probably won’t attempt it again! I’ll try to show some “before” and “in-process” photos the next time I wear them.
After years of studying, I’m so relieved to be done with the CFA exam this weekend. I truly hope that this third one is also the final one, and that Jan-June next year will be enjoyable : ) Thank you for your patience over the months and I look forward to responding to questions and comments on here again. My inbox is a bit more daunting – I apologize if you don’t hear back for a while but I will be working through it.
you make this dress looks absolutely stunning!
octoberchic.com
never knew you took CFA… good luck!
love your blog and videos! i hope we get to see more when you're free
I think the dress looks much. Much better without the necklace,I feel like the necklace clashes Witt the print, and makes the outfit looks kinda messy. The dress paired with the orange jacket is amazing!! Leave out the necklace!
P.S. How did you do on your exam?
Wow! You are one brave gal for taking on the DIY project of the ankle straps. I would've been too scared to have botched it up. I think it looks great! And love the way you paired it with this dress!
aneyeforfashion.blogspot.com
I will be checking out this collection for sure!
The sandals look great! I couldn't even tell they were altered. Good job!
Thanks for the FB link. I am all signed up to shop on Wednesday!
This dress is just gorgeous! Looks amazing on you. The print and colors are just so pretty. And I'm loving those heels!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
i LOVE your shoes.
http://www.thehautecookie.com
What an amazing outfit! Just got recommended for your blog & I love your style and the way you alter it to fit you!
You look great in the dress and congrats on finishing your CFA exam! I have some friends who were studying for it too 🙂
Great dress! You look fantastic!
Please enter my Swarovski pen giveaway on http://www.luxessed.com
Gorgeous dress Jean and it looks great on you!
I guess I'm in the minority. i don't care for the print of this dress at all.. I feel like its not a classic piece one would reach for over and over for in the future. :/
I love Trina Turk and though that dress looks great on you, I'm afraid the BR collection won't be quite as flattering as her regular stuff.
The dress looks great! The accessories really compliment your outfit! The jackets make your outfit stand out too, wish I had your eye for fashion! xX
That print is soooo cute! I love the pop of yellow!
Maria
http://www.daintyanddecadent.com
The print and the colours are really pretty but I don't find the dress well cut. It makes look you bigger while you are very slim(or maybe it is because of the wind).
This is such a lovely outfit. I love how summery the yellow is.
The dress looks lovely on you. It's definitely the right colors and print for the season. What would you wear this dress to?
LOVE your shoes!
Jenn
A Petite Treat
I hope you won't take offense, but I mentioned about you in my article.
http://miladyfairy.blogspot.com/2012/06/blog-post.html
I am a freshener in blogging and your permanent follower from Russia.
You look adorable, Jean!
Congratulations on finishing your CFA!!! I'm inspired by yor dedication to study and keep up blogging with work too! Best wishes to you!
I think you look nice in this dress but I get the feeling it isn't something you would normally choose
Congrats! I was initially going to sit out on this collection but seeing the dress you have on has change my mind. I love the print on the dress. Also, I'm very impressed on you by your shoe alternation. You have amazing skills.
Oh no… did I see a post here that said the dress wouldn't be available in Canada. 🙁 Hope that's not true. I have a feeling it won't look good on me, but sure would love to try it. I think it's an awesome dress for weddings, and just to wear to work and out on the town!
such a fun print and i am lovinggg those bright yellow shoes! amazed that you altered them too :O elegant chic outfit Jean =D
Laura x
demure-porcelain.blogspot.com
That print is drool-worthy. I've been eyeing it on spokesmodel, Coco Rocha, ever since they started promoting the collection in magazines. Will you be altering the torso or leaving it kind of blouse-y? I am VERY excited about checking it out in stores and trying a few pieces on!
Also, I'm incredibly impressed on your shoe alteration! You, my friend, are born with quite the creative streak. They turned out beautifully 🙂
That dress is so classically beautiful and fun! You look absolutely gorgeous wearing it. And I'm so impressed that you DIY altered those sandals! How impressive!
And congratulations on completing your exam. You should definitely go out and celebrate, haha 🙂
Sabrina x
http://www.thepetitestyle.com
love it! Esp. pairing it with neon shoes and cardigan =)
http://www.mishialamode.com
I'm so excited for this collection, and seeing this preview is just sealing the deal! I love this dress on you! The colors and the print are so fun! Cant wait for June 7th! Xox P
Will be available 6/7!
REALLY cute outfit! 😉
Marissa
The Simple Swan
A Fashion, Beauty, and Maternity Blog
love the dress! is the gold necklace you are wearing in the orange jacket and purple cardigan pictures new? i like it! may i ask where it is from?
Love both the outfit and backdrop for your pics!
i am SO excited for this collaboration! this print is BEAUTIFUL. hoping to snatch up a piece or two when it debuts!
xoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
That dress is gorgeous on you and I love the Pocket details and the prints! Good job with the DIY and making those sandals petite friendly! Would definitely like to see the process and also know if you stitched it or glued it together.
I love all the colors in your outfit! It's so fun! I might now have to take a look at the collection 🙂
Gorgeous dress! I love the bold colorful print and yet how it could still be worn in a professional setting. Love your various color pairings with it. Great job with the shoes!
xoxo,
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
AHHHH im so proud of you!
i'm studying this summer for my CPA, and will definitely be distracted by your posts haha
please post more about your career! it would be so helpful!!
Congrats, Jean! Can't wait to see regular updates from you again. : ) LOVE this dress on you. I originally chose a top in a similar pattern when they contacted me, but they replied a few days later saying it's not available for Canada. *sad face* All your accessories look beautiful with the dress! And I'm very interested in seeing how you altered those shoes. It looks very risky, especially with just glue! I still haven't found it in smaller sizes yet, but I guess it's for the better. Eying the strappy colourblock sandals from Zara now. haha
LOVE this! wish i got this dress instead of the shorts. And welcome back, can't wait to start making plans with again!
I love the neon yellow pairings as well as the orange and fuschia. Great job on the DIY shoes! You have a great eye for the potential in clothes and accessories
congrats, and your dress is soo pretty 🙂
congrats with finishing your exams! my friends are starting to study for level 1 and it is quite daunting!
if you don't mind me asking, what finance field are you in? i'd love to know more about your successful career!
The dress and you are both beautiful but even with the belt on, the dress is too big for you. This is so obvious in the first three photos. The armholes are perfect, but the hips and torso on the dress are cut too big for your body, you don't look like your usual polished, well-tailored self. I love that you added a pop of yellow, but I think that this dress is a great candidate for tailoring.
Oh wow, I'm definitely excited for the collection now! I absolutely adore the print! It reminds me of (hopefully a more affordable) version of a Tibi dress I saw on Wendy. And also, well done on the heels! Congrats on being done with your test!
Is this dress available at Banana Republic now? I love it!
Really fun print, those are edgier than what I'm used to seeing you in! They're great!
xoxo
~Natasha Fatah~
~Natasha Fatah~