Look What I Got: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection (finally)

I have two awesome giveaways happening right now!  Enter to win jewelry and ad space!

Dress: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection (options below) | Shoes: BCBG via Marshall's (similar,worn) | 

Bracelets: Bauble Bar & Groopdealz (similar here & here, worn) | 

Earrings: Rocks Box | Necklace Banana Republic (worn)

So, I bought this dress what seems like ages ago.  I've worn it an awkward amount of of times to work.  My co-workers are probably sick of it by now.  Yes, I assume that my office revolves around my fashion choices.  
This patterned shift dress is perfect to throw on when you need to look professional, but don't feel so professional.  Or if you just want to camouflage the mid section.  The secret to a good shift dress is to make sure it has a slightly defined waist.  Wait, now that I have done this whole post about a patterned shift dress....I am wondering...is this actually a sheath dress? I have no idea.  

Update: Since this is the Look What I Got link up, I should also mention that I got this dress with a 30% off coupon within 2 days of the collection coming out.  I saved that coupon for a few weeks because it did not exclude the Mad Men Collection.  Every BR coupon that came out while the collection was in stores excluded it!!! 

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Linking up with Tara for What I Wore to Work, Thirsty Thursday, Lovely Blog Hop, Bloglovin Collective This month's Supreme Whopper Sponsor is:

What I Wore Wednesday: Pajama Dress

Dress: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection | Rainy day Ballet Flats: J. Crew (similar, worn) | 

Necklace: TJ Maxx | Bracelets: Stitch Fix, Groopdealz & Guess (worn here & here, similar here & here) | Ring: Rocks Box

Oh vertical striped dress, you make me look inches taller and inches slimmer.  And it's made out of what I can only describe as fancy sweat pant material.  You've heard of Pajama Jeans?  This is Pajama Dress!  

I hunted this dress for a few weeks, patiently waiting in the wings for it to go on sale.  Finally, it traveled over the clearance rack AND I had a 30% off coupon.  I have a little secret for you....it's cheaper in stores than it is online.

Linking up with: The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Rolled Up Pretty, Because Shanna Said So, I Feel Pretty, Dress for the Day You Want, T&J Designs Trend of the Month This month's Supreme Whopper Sponsor is:

Review: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection 2013

In the Caboodle is suspended this week to bring you my review of Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection.  It's no secret I am a HUGE fan of this collaboration (evidence here, here, here, and here).  When I viewed the collection online, I was a bit underwhelmed.  I was disappointed that there were no dresses that screamed Betty or Joan.  This collection was all about Megan and Peggy.  However, I will (occasionally) admit that I am wrong.  So, mark your calendars.  I was wrong.  This year's collection is lovely.  Full of bright colors and patterns that are so well fitted for a real woman's body.  Almost everything was slimming and lengthening.  I swear, there is voodoo magic in those threads.  AND I got 30%!!  Ok, I restrained myself and only bought one thing.

Sleeveless Shell and Mini Gingham Crop

UPDATE: This top is actually the Sateen Peplum Top and IS NOT from the Mad Men Collection.  However, this doesn't change my review and I still think it's a lovely top and is on my wishlist.

These crops are so comfy.  The fabric is soft and they are a medium rise.  I don't normally like pants with the slanted pockets because they never lay flat on my hips.  These did though.  I'd recommend sizing up if you have hips to avoid the weird crotch wrinkles and bat wing pockets.  And you read that correctly, MINI gingham...the cutest of the ginghams.  They also come in large gingham and polka dot.  

I also loved the top.  The waist hit at the perfect position and was like an instant tummy tuck.  It fits true to size.  I wouldn't call it peplum, but it flares out at just the right place.  Seriously, it took 5lbs off me.  I feel like I have several peplum-ish things in my closet, however, if this little top goes on clearance I might snatch it up.

Peggy Knit Shift

I HATED this dress online and even on the hanger.  But again, I will admit when I am wrong.  I thought the pattern would get pulled and twisted over the hip and boob area and that it would accentuate the tummy.  I was wrong on all fronts.  Whoever designed the pattern on this dress is a genius.  It's like an optical illusion of perfect curves.  It says it's a shift dress, but it cinches in at the waist to create a nice silhouette.  The key hole is sexy, but small enough to be work appropriate. it fits true to size.  This is the dress I walked out with that day.

Tipped Shift Dress

This is the dress I was most excited about.  I love the bright green color and the white border.  However, this was the only thing that disappointed me.  It's more appropriate for a lady with more slender hips.  It's very straight and doesn't cinch in on the waist, so I thought it did nothing for my shape.  But I LOOOOOVE the color...whine.

Vertical Striped Dress

This dress is freakin' amazing.  Those vertical lines just make everything great.  The dress is soooo stretchy and comfy.  It's like fancy pajamas.  I almost needed to be physically restrained from getting this dress.  However, I had to size up to accommodate the hips.

So, are you going to be getting anything from this year's Mad Men Collection?

Linking up to the Instagram Blog Hop and Totally Linked In Tuesdays.
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Friday's Fancies: Guest of Honor and HELP!

This is where I call upon the powers of the blogosphere for some help.  I'm going to a wedding in Scotland in September and I have the whole outfit picked out with the exception of a clutch and a headpiece.  (I know it's early, but I am an obsessive compulsive planner.)  If am going to a wedding in the UK, I WILL wear a sassy headpiece or straight up hat.  Those people across the pond love a good wedding hat.  I missed out on wearing a hat at the Scot's sister's wedding last year because I was unsure about it.  I will not miss another opportunity like that again.  So, brilliant fashionistas, I need your help.  What sort of headgear goes with this outfit? I also need a clutch too.

Incomplete Wedding Outfit by veggielawyer

Steve Madden pumps / Crystal bangle / Banana Republic The Mad Men Collection Betty Dress / 

Earrings / Ring

The dress is part of Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection, but in my mind the real star of this show are the earrings.  When I saw those suckers on Jewel Mint they were quickly in my shopping cart.  So, my dilemma is finding a head piece that goes with the dress and doesn't outshine the earrings.  I'm trying to go for a bit of 1950's glamour.  I don't know if I just want to go with a fascinator or a full on Queen-style HAT.  I don't want to look like a wack-a-doo, but I will be damned if I miss another hat-wearing opportunity.  

Linking up

Friday's Fancies: Rockin' the White

Time for my weekly link up with Long Distance Loving!  This week it's a scary subject for me....wearing white.  Eek!

Joan Dress // Banana Republic Mad Men Collection (similar here); Bracelet // Target (worn here, similar here); 

Shoes // Steve Madden (similar here)

I know white is totally in this season.  However, for the transparent people of the world like myself, it's tough to wear.  (I also won't go into how I manage to get food on anything white or manage to only have pink undergarments left when it's time to wear something white.)  I fear blending in with my white shirt.  I've heard that wearing white can make you look tanner.  I am calling shannanigans on this.  If I wear white, I have to wear it minimally and pair it with other colors.  Or I can wear an off white.  Case in point, my Joan Dress from this year's Banana Republic Mad Men Collection.

Just in case you were wondering what shoes were hidden in the grass.

I think I can do white in small doses and combine it with some of this season's biggest trends.  Can't you just picture that white peplum top paired with some pink denim or those lace shorts with a neon tee?  That white fedora and polka dot dress will just go with everything.  

Friday's Fancies - Rock the White by veggielawyer

Stuff I Love: March 2012 Edition

So, it's halfway through March and I haven't even done my love list.  So, here it is.

1. All Things Green and St. Patrick's Day.  This includes the Shamrock Shake which I have already written about.  I seriously have too many green dresses, 4.  What am I talking about?  You can't have TOO many of a great thing.  And be proud, I have limited my Shamrock Shake consumption to 2 this season, soon to be made 3 tonight.

St. Patty's day Collage by veggielawyer 

2. Mad Men (including the Banana Republic Collection)
I have to ask is he really going out with to marry her?  (I couldn't resist the cheesy song reference).

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Ok, this poster is super creepy, but for those of us that are members of the cult of Don Draper, it speaks volumes.  Will Don be falling deeper into an alcoholic adulterous pit despite his new marriage?  I hope so.  Ok, shut up, Don Draper is not a real person.  It's OK for me to wish bad things upon him.  Seriously, you can only cheat on your wife so many times before I get pissed.  Wait, am I angry at a fictional person?

3. The Lorax.

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I missed out on seeing it opening weekend because all the showtimes were sold out.  Stupid kids.  But, I got to see it last weekend...and it was AWESOME.  I think it's exactly how Dr. Suess would have wanted it.  And Danny DeVito was the perfect choice for the voice of the Lorax.  He kind of even looks like him.

4. Doomsday Preppers.  This is the most awesome show ever.  There are people stockpiling meat in jars and building underground bunkers.  One of my favorite parts of the show is when they tell you the scenarios the people are preparing for are pretty much impossible.  So, the Earth isn't going to flip on its axis causing massive earthquakes?  And we aren't going to run of out oil and immediately resort to cannibalism?  I guess I should return the 3 years worth of canned corn I bought.

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5. Neon.  I am going to look like a 14 year old's 80's birthday party this spring.

Neon by veggielawyer

6. Pastel Nail Polish.  Check out Essie's Wedding Collection for some great pastels.

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7. Maybell Dress from Lilly.

Lilly Maybell Dress

8. Kate Spade's Pattern of the Month

Kate Spade High Falls Sidney

Banana Republic Mad Men Collection

On Thursday night I skipped the gym to rush over to the nearest Banana Republic to try on items from their Mad Men Collection.

First up, the Elbow Sleeve Draper Dress.

I absolutely loved this dress.  It fits TTS.  I have on my usual size 6.  The sleeves are a little tight, but this dress also comes in a sleeveless version.  The waist of the dress hits at a very flattering place and flares out just enough to cover an unwanted tummy.  It also comes in petite.  I found I did not need the petite size in the length, but the petite might have a shorter torso.  I've been doubting BR's quality lately, but BR redeemed itself with this collection.  The pattern detail on this dress is amazing.  The only problem with this dress is that you HAVE to wear a slip under this dress.  I've wishlisted this dress for a later purchase.

I copied the outfit on the website and tried on the Cigarette Pant and Lace Shell.

The lace shell fits TTS and has the same pattern and detailing as the Draper Dress.  It fits TTS and I'm wearing a small.  The regular sizes hit right at the hip.  The one problem I found is that there is no zipper on the shirt, so it's a little tough to get in and out of it.  I have 2 lace shirts already, so I decided to pass on this one.

I was expecting to hate the cigarette pants.  I assumed only skinny ladies like January Jones would look good in them.  I was pleasantly surprised.  These pants even look good on wide hips.  However, I had to go 2 sizes up to a size 10.  The color is pretty bright, so if you are not looking to draw attention to your rear-end you should pass on them.  I have wishlisted these.

Next up was the Betty Dress.

This dress encompasses the elegance and impracticality of Betty Draper.  The dress actually fit a little big on me.  I tried on a size 6, but I could have gone to a 4.  The V-neck, angled pleats and full skirt would flatter any shape.  I just don't have a place to wear a magenta silk taffeta party dress.  Any one want to invite me to a fancy party?

And the grand finale...the Joan Dress.

I can not say enough great things about this dress.  This is my favorite dress in the collection.  It's a light ivory with a sheen and comes with an adorable polka dot sash.  It runs small because there is absolutely no give in the hips.  I had to size up 2 sizes to a size 10 to accommodate my hips.  In the picture I'm wearing an 8 and it pulls across the hips.  It comes in petite and I was tempted to get the petite for the length, but I liked the longer length of the regular size.  The problem with sizing up is that the waist becomes baggy, but you have the sash!  The sash completely detaches from the dress so you have to untie it to get the dress on and off.  This is unfortunate because I fear never being able to tie the bow again.  As you can guess, I purchased this one.  I am so glad I did because it's sold out online.  You'll have to visit stores if you want one, but my BR only had one or two in each size left on the night the collection came out.  I may have pranced around in my new dress for a half hour when I got home...maybe.

Banana Republic....Mad Men Collection...Can't Breathe

I just got the brochure for Banana Republic's new Mad Men Collection, and I can hardly contain my excitement!  Banana Republic is hosting release parties at select stores on February 29th for Banana republic cardholders.  But, I can't make it to the closest one by 5pm!!!  I don't think perusing the new collection is an excuse to leave work early unfortunately.  So, I'll be looking at the collection with the masses on March 1st.

I'd love to show you the pieces in the brochure, but SOMEONE (i.e the Scot) misplaced my scanner cable. So here are the looks I could locate online.  I'll post some pics later if I can scan them at work.

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Luckily, my favorite dress was pictured.  Seriously, I will knock old ladies out of the way to get to this dress.

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Stuff I Wore: I'm Sexy and I Know It (OOTD 1.17.12)

I've starting fixing blog-opocalypse.  ALL of my images were deleted from my blog.  So I spent last night re-uploading about 1/3 of my images.  I'll have to continue day by day.  I think it was a glitch with switching over to Google+.  So, if you love perusing my archives, you can't go too far back.  Yeah, in my self absorbed world I assume everyone sits at home going through my archived posts.

Anyway, here is my outfit.  So, this is what I like to refer to as my'sexy dress.'  It's a dress in which I can't help but feel sexy and confident.  Everyone has an outfit like this.  The Scot has a 'sexy shirt' that he wears to any major semi-casual event.  Seriously, he loves this shirt so much I can really just photoshop him into  photos and no one would know.

I was so confident in this outfit that I tried out the red lips trend.  It lasted about 15 minutes until I had my first cup of coffee.  Yes, I said FIRST, which implies there was a second.  Don't judge.

Lipstick in Barcelona
Shoes, worn here; similar here
Similar dress here and pricey here.