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 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.
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.

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I 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.
LOVE! I like how his pants matches your outfit in the end too!
O! M! G! you guys together look amazing .. i just adore the photoshot ..
what a great post.
xoxo
avenueahline.blogspot.com
Ohhhh my those shots are amazing, it definitely looks like an ad!!!!
Such a fun shoot! Loving y'alls looks! That multicolor tie is amaze!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.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.
If 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?
Great photos, you two look great! Love how you both styled your outfits. The loft made a great backdrop to the styled pieces!
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.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.
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!
-Stephanie
@LaminLouboutins.com
Congrats on your BR shoot! Its very nice.
http://www.kholaskloset.blogspot.com
Beautiful photos…love the outfits!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
These pictures are gorgeous! I love Banana Republic, and Mad Men styles.
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.
Btw, your alterations make me want to learn how to sew… you're a truly inspiration!
This is such a stylish look. So chic and sophisticated!
xx,
Christie
Great post!! Fun shoot and I love that geometric top.
Yall look great. I need to go to BR and check out the collection.
I love your couples style! My husband is a big fan of red pants, too!
Cute couple! =)
You two are such a stylish couple! Love the photos!!
The photos are beautiful ! Perfect outfits and posing! These photos look better than most engagement photos I've seen, haha!
I didn't love the collection but you both look great!
xo Elissa
Beautiful photos– you both look so stylish!
I love these mad men inspired photos — you both look fab! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
I adore this photos. Great styling and photography.
xo
Sam
http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com
Awesome post and awesome photos. You guys are such a cute couple and you look amazing as always =) greetings from Toronto!
Absolutely stunning!! Stunning photography and styling! I hope Nick will join you more often in photos, you guys look so great together.
I was going to buy the same dress, but decided against in the end – I'm not brave enough to wear such bright colours >.< Manon
http://fromtokyotoparis.wordpress.com/
Loved the pictures. Great shoot! You had a great team.
What a beautiful shoot. You and Nick make a handsome couple 🙂
Can't believe that dress is tucked into the mini.. it looks like a blouse – brilliant!
you both look amazing!
Of 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? 🙂
fauxionista.com
What awesome photos…you two are perfect together!
I wish you all the happiness in the world! You and your boyfriend look so cute!
Kisses from Brazil
Tathi
you both look great and so sharp.
xo
http://pinksole.com
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!
um, 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!
xoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
What gorgeous photos! These need to be on the Petites section of BR. Love it!
What 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!!
sarah <3
http://www.lifebyappointment.blogspot.com
We'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!
Your 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!!
Beautiful pictures and the last one is my fav! Love it the way you have styled it with the skirt.
Great looking couple! Nick is such a hottie.
You both look amazing!
That'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!
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Amazing photo session Jean! Great styling and photography!
Nice man! =)
You are absolutely adorable Jean!!! The last picture is cute, definitely frame-deserving 😛
Super cute photos, Jean – you and Nick look so cute! I love the blouse/dress, too. 😉