Iowa City


You may have noticed from my lack of posts last week, but ever since returning to Illinois, things got busy real fast. Between classes, work, and hanging out with friends (those Firefly and Futurama episodes can't rewatch themselves), there hasn't been much time to take outfit photos. Fortunately, I not only got to get some outfit shots yesterday, but I did so while having a pretty fantastic weekend. 

On Saturday, Mary and I made the two-hour drive to visit Jenn in Iowa. She lives right outside Iowa City, so we spent the weekend walking around downtown, visiting shops, trying new restaurants, and drinking plenty of coffee. I would've had a great time with Jenn and Mary no matter where we were, but I found myself falling in love with Iowa City, which I never would have expected. I had heard that it was a great city, but I had no idea just how, well, hip it would be. I've always made it clear how much I love supporting small business, so I couldn't get enough of the local boutiques, vintage stores, and shops stocked with items made in Iowa. Iowa items were abundant everywhere we went, but it came across as pride rather than a way to trick tourists into spending money (like I don't know, say, California). Plus, we found a coffee and wine bar that just opened about a month ago. Need I say more?



This dress was only $5 at Forever 21, and it's one of the most comfortable dresses I own. I really loved pairing it with a semi-tough black jacket and boots because it reminded me of Jessica and Jenna (the queens of pairing sweet dresses with badass jackets). I like to think I'm one step closer to being cool, but who can really tell?

Dress: Forever 21
Jacket: Dry Goods
Boots: Cathy Jean
Scarf: Orange County Swap Meet
Purse: Vintage

22 comments

  1. That dress is really cute :) I love the scarf you paired it with too! It sounds like you had a lovely weekend too :)
    Sian xx Rebel Angel

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  2. Ohhh I love this look!! That polka dot dress is so cute, and I do love the jacket you paired it with ;) This is definitely something I'd wear too! That sounds like a really amazing weekend, it's always fun to explore new places isn't it?!
    xJennaD

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  3. Ah, this outfit is awesome! That polka dot dress is adorable and those boots are fantastic - I love the laces! Iowa City sounds wonderful - I love little boutiques and independent shops.

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  4. A girl should definitely wear polka dots to brighten up a drab winters day, beautiful dear!
    http://thepardinifamily.blogspot.com/?m=1

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  5. Looooove that jacket. I'll let you borrow my cardigan if I can borrow that jacket haha

    xx
    www.thestyleduckling.blogspot.com

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  6. Totally agree that that is one cool jacket! You look fantastic and I like how you paired it with the tall boots.

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  7. Super cute! Love these pictures! Alex

    http://tobebeautifulingodseyes.blogspot.com/

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  8. So cute!! Iowa City sounds like the perfect place. I love visiting any downtown just to see the shops haha

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  9. Love that you're not letting the cold weather stop you from looking fabulous! I love that dress - I'm a sucker for polka-dots. You look like you had a great time in Iowa City!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

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  10. I looove this outfit! And these photos are fabulous! I'm glad there are other cities out there that aren't just about "tricking tourists" and are actually homey, like my little Pittsburgh lol Looks like I need to visit Iowa City!

    -Chelsea
    chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

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  11. I love stumbling onto cities like that that your weren't expecting to have such an indie/art scene. I definitely wouldn't have expected that from Iowa City! You look bad ass and totally rock the tough jacket. Love it with those boots!

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  12. Girl, you are rockin' the badass look here. I applaud you. $5 dress? How in the world are you so thrifty and your adventures lately are making me very jealous! Also I have your ring in a bracelet form :) -- just got it!

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  13. This is one of my favorite outfits to date! You look flawless! I'm glad to hear you had such a great time in Iowa City. It sounds like a blast!

    XOXO
    Becca | Ladyface Blog

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  14. Coffee AND wine bar? Sounds like a perfect combo to me! Haha, sounds like a fantastic weekend for you Elana :)
    Also, I thought this was the same skirt I got from Forever 21 - they must've made a dress version as well, because I swear I have the same exact polka dot print. Love how you styled it! Totally inspired me on how I'm wearing my skirt :)

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  15. I was thinking how much I love this dress and then you said $5 and now I'm just wondering how I can get my hands on it! You look adorable! I could literally spend every weekend like this, in a new town, just exploring with best friends. Sounds like a lovely weekend.

    Thanks for your comment, sweet Elana! I know how busy things can be (and especially in your last semester!) so no worries at all! I'm just happy to follow along, as always BLOGGER BUD!!! Eww, what if I was serious about calling you my blogger bud. Gross.

    perfectly Priya

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  16. I LOVE this outfit so much! Absolutely perfect, and you look amazing! Also, a coffee and wine bar?? That sounds like a dream come true ;)

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  17. I love how the polka dots looks almost like chalk on a chalkboard!

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  18. love the polka dots and the colour they bring!
    La Mode D'Emm

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  19. i love this outfit so much! those boots are amazing!!!


    --Leeda
    at this volume

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  20. Really adorable dress! I love those giant polka dots!

    Kaylee
    xx

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  21. That dress is so adorable and at $5 what a complete steal!

    xoxo,
    Laura
    http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/

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