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. 
Photo Credit: Dave Salafia 
Seriously a very good looking couple of people. 🙂
Hi 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!!
Fabulous 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!
Cute couple! You guys look really good in those outfits.
Love seeing the red color pop in both outfits….and love the print of the blouse. Keep blogging.
-ileana
http://www.ileanamarcel.com
OC style blogger
Aw, 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.
Lol, I'll have to pass long that compliment to our photographer : )
Thanks so much, and I am glad that the name of this blog doesn't deter you from visiting!
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.
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.
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.
Hi 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!
can'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!
The last photo is my favorite of you two! Definitely a portrait worthy of hanging around the house! 🙂
Sweet 😉
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!
Love 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.
Cassie
http://stylecassentials.blogspot.com
Jean,
Thank 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.
You guys look amazing. Gorgeous couple indeed. 🙂
oh 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!
Maggie
lovestylehappiness.blogspot.com
I am in LOVE with this photo set! You and Nick are such an elegant and well-dressed couple. <3 Miss you both!!
Jean, could you mention which Cole Haan shoes Nick has on?
You both look fabulous in this photo shoot! Love the Mad Men look!
Yes! Small world! Beautiful place you live in.
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.
Jean,
I 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.
lame, wrote smthg and it got deleted.
i 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.
I just love the style on Mad Men! 🙂
xo
Maggie A
Love Mavin
You are so pretty!! and Nick is so handsome! Love the photos!
Awww what a good boyfriend!! The photos turned out amazing… you guys are a gorgeous looking couple.
alyson
the average girl's guide
Awww 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!!!!!
These are great!
I 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.
Love the wonderful photos! It look so professional like from a catalog. Hopefully, BR features these photos on their site!
Lovely photos! The dress is adorable.
🙂 http://www.beantownbrown.blogspot.com
amazing photos and a way too good looking couple!
Lucy
Wow, those photos are so nice. Both of you look amazing.
Sweet couple. Very professional looking. Like it! 🙂
Beautiful photos. You two are the cutest and fashionable couple of the blogger world.
i think i live at the lofts you were at! east boston?