Holiday Fête: Gap Kids Sequined Cowlneck Sweater Dress

I love any excuse to rock sparkle and sequins. When browsing my local Gap Kids (gotta keep Baby JET in style), I spotted this delightful sweater dress in the little girl's section and decided to give it a go in the dressing room.  To my surprise, the dress fit well; plus, I find this sequined style to be a little unusual--especially compared to what's currently in stores.  I'm seeing some scattered use of this material and sequin design in a few of the Gap family designs, i.e. Banana Republic Luxe items, but not much elsewhere.

Roomie Will & I are off to another holiday event.  Needless to say, I love this time of year.  It's not everyday you can wear this much sparkle and appear festive as opposed to disco-ball-gone-wrong.  I'll be back in 2012 with a NYE recap. Until then, we hope you have a fabulous New Year's celebration!  Cheers to a safe and happy New Year's Eve!

Dress:  Sequined Cowlneck Sweater Dress, Gap Kids | shop

Belt:  Gap

Tights: Reversible Tights, SPANX via Ann Taylor ($34 ) | shop

Boots: Erynne Boots in Black Suede, Nine West ($189 currently on sale for $94.50) | shop (also styled here)

Headband:  JCrew

Earrings:  Charlotte Russe

Lipstick:  Color Sensational in Revolution Red, Maybelline | shop

Nail Polish: Urban Ballerina, OPI x Sephora | shop

Purse:  Thrifted

Loft Cotton Voile Cascade Ruffle Blouse

I am such a fan of this cotton top's style: I like the long sleeves, the tiered ruffles, and buttoned cuffs.  A word of warning, though, it is extremely lightweight, thin, and prone to wrinkles.  I'm not sure how it'll hold up after a few washes and wears, but I have faith in this ruffly top.  :)

Pearls: Gift
Trench: Classic Trench, Banana Republic ($198 -- If you're interested, I'd suggest waiting for a 40% off sale!) | shop
Top: Cotton Voile Cascade Ruffle Blouse, Loft | shop
Skirt: F21 (2006)
Shoes: Nine West | {1, 2, 3}

Holiday Look: LBD

You can never go wrong with the LBD, especially during the holiday season.  Of course, there's always room for a little bling or Christmas cheer in the form of sassy plaid shoes. I am a huge fan of these shoes, but I've got to say the shoe wearing window of opportunity is quite short. This season, I've worn them on just one other occasion, but always think I should rock them more! My one complaint, though, is that the heels are a little low, but they are fun and add a bright punch of holiday to the look. Next year I'll have to work on styling them into more outfits...

Big ups to my awesome brother who found this plaid pair for me at our local DSW. They were on mega sale for $17! :) He has a great sense of style (runs in the family, right? :D), and an uncanny ability to scour great deals. For the holiday, he bought us a $160 $30 PS3 Guitar Hero Band Bundle. He's awesome - Big Brothers FTW!

I hope you are still enjoying great times with friends and family, and getting pumped for the new year.  

Dress:  Gap (may be in stores)

Earrings:  Express

Shoes:  Rocket Dog (also styled here)

All Layered Up

Since rediscovering this sweater dress, I've been trying out a few different pairings; it's easy to add layers to change up my look.  See the foundation of this outfit--sweater dress, tights, & boots--this look.  

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday.  Ours was definitely filled with the best combination of good food and family.  Aili & I tried out this apple pie recipe for the first time yesterday, and it was a hit!  For our family, the best loved gift was easily this toy dump truck; check out our latest tweets to see JET enjoying his Christmas present.

Is anyone taking advantage of the after-Christmas deals?  Where are you shopping?  What are you picking up?  :)

Bracelet: Gift
Belt: Thrifted | {1}
Sweater Dress: ? | {1}
Plaid Dress: Ruff Hewn | {1}
Cardigan: Jenna's Cardigan, JCrew | shop
Boots: BP Runway Boot, Nordstrom | shop
Leggings: Hue | shop
Bag: H&M (2009?)

Happy Holidays 2011

Happy Holidays! We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday! Here's wishing you superb style and a non-frightening Santa this holiday season.

Love,Jane Squared & JET  For outfit details check out these posts {1, 2} 

AE Fair Isle Sweater Review

I picked up this sweater from AE during their latest 40% off everything sale (currently in stores + online), and I tried to stack a 15% off purchase coupon in stores, but alas was unsuccessful.  Does anyone know if that's standard AE discount policy?  As Aili mentioned, it's been a while since either of us has shopped AE.

I do like this the style of the sweater, but I ended up returning for two primary reasons: 1) it sheds everywhere and 2) it's itchy.  I have come along way from the days of my youth where I refused to wear anything that wasn't absolutely comfortable; for instance, I hated wearing clothes containing a zipper that touched any part of my skin.  The sweater is thick and has a slight boatneck going on; I tried rocking this off-the-shoulder, but for some reason, that has never been a good look for me.  For all of those reasons (and more that I can't recall), this purchase simply didn't work out.

Plus, I couldn't really figure out how to style this sweater. lol. Which length is right for me?  Belt or sans belt?  What do you think?  My personal favorite is probably Option 2, though I think Option 3 paired with jean leggings would be cute.

Want more Jane + Fair Isle?  Check out how Aili styles her fair isle sweater dress here.

Headband: Taiwan
Bracelet: Express
Top: AE - still available in stores.
Skirt: H&M
Tights: Hue
Flats: J.Crew

Mod Mrs. Claus: Loft Mod Shift Dress

I recently discovered this mod inspired dress from the Loft. It has an interesting shape and is easy to pair with several items. I thought this orange frock needed some depth so I added a chunky beltl according to Ailyn, this is pretty reminiscent of Mrs. Claus - so here's my ode to her! I also showcased it without the belt so you can see the cut of the dress unhindered by any accessory. Now I'm all set for my friend's holiday party! 

Dress: Mod Shift Dress ($79.50 $39), Loft | shop

Tights: Reversible Tights, SPANX via Ann Taylor ($34 ) | shop - These are a legit pair of tights that I picked up during Ann Taylor's 40% off + 30% off sale for a a decent price of $14.28.  They are reversible (allegedly one side is black & the other brown, but both sides look the same to me. lol).  They are a little short, so I'd size up if you're interested.

Belt: Express (so old)
Headband:  Claire's

Necklace: Borrowed from Wilma

Shoes: Minas Ankle Bootie, Jessica Simpson | shop

JCrew Selvedge Chambray Shirt

I've been running errands, finishing up Christmas shopping, present wrapping, and just taking care of business before the end of the year (2012, already?!).  I like these light layers--funkified with a pair of violet tights--for shopping at the mall & present wrapping; even with a black JCrew puffer vest (pictued below in a lovely green shade) though, I was definitely cold on the journey to-and-from the car... but it was worth it.  I hate holding my heavy coat while juggling my shopping bags and worrying about where my mittens are; hands free is the way to be.

When you're out and and about this week, don't forget to stop at CVS's 50-75% off beauty sale.  Here's more info & a frequently updated list of products on promotion if you're interested.  I was able to score some pretty great deals.  Happy shopping!

Bracelet: Lia Sophia

Top: Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | shop

Shorts: Menswear Short by Frenchi, Nordstrom ($44 $19.90) | shop (grey version here)

Tights: Hue | shop

Shoes: JCrew

Bag: Gap (2010?)

Los Angeles Episode 2

Last week, I made a quick trip to Los Angeles for the CNN Heroes Tribute Awards Event.
However, my friend, Jenn and I did find some time to do some shopping on the very hip and vibrant Melrose Place. There are hundreds of unique shops and great one-of-a-kind items you can’t find anywhere else. Jenn and I had such a great time exploring the shops and buying interesting, cool pieces.

After shopping, we dropped our bags and swapped our flats for heels and enjoyed a night on the town. We met up with some LA regulars – and former Midwestern transplants. These wonderful friends joined us for drinks, dinner, and great stories at Bottega Louie. This hot spot was hopping with cold drinks, great dishes, and the most delicious macarons.

The trip was kick ass, and you will be seeing some of the pieces I bought in future posts. Now… how can we bring some of that LA warmth to the Midwest?  

Top:  Kirra Fashion Top, PacSun

Tank Top:  Seamless Scoop Cami, Limited | shop

Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop

Shoes: Payless

Purse:  Gap

Earrings:  Banana Republic Outlet

Scarf:  Macy's

Necklace:  Thrifted
Lipstick:  Revlon ColorBurst in Fushia (030) | shop
Nail Polish:  OPI California Raspberry | shop

Lace & Pleats: Remixed

It's true that Forever 21 isn't known for their customer service, but the trade-off is admittedly lower quality, but definitely on trend pieces.  This beautiful celadon dress caught my eye as I walked past Heritage 1981's store window.

I was in love with the color, but not so much the cut.  Still, I tried the dress on twice with mixed feelings and a less than enthusiastic endorsement from Aili... To be honest, I was apprehensive about purchasing, but I couldn't pass up the color, and at 25 George Washingtons, the price wasn't awful.

As soon as I got home, however, I had instant buyer's remorse.  I've been trying to maintain a well-edited wardrobe filled with quality classic pieces, and in general, Forever 21 doesn't exactly fit the bill... Plus, I'm sure you're all familiar with Forever 21's less than generous Exchange (not return!) Policy.  Considering those combined factors, I was determined to make this dress work with my existing wardrobe, so I spent about hour (okay, okay 2. At least.) trying out different pairings before I was happy with my purchase.  All in all, I must say that this dress is a fun and colorful addition to my wardrobe.

Black has proven to be a fabulous contrast to this celadon shade, but I definitely plan on trying out some more colorful pairings.  Stay tuned for those!

Dress: F21 (worn backwards) | {1, 2}

Shirt: Old Navy (old)

Cardigan: Embroidered Chiffon Back Cardigan, AE | shop

Brooches: Thrifted

Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop

CNN Heroes Event featuring ASOS Lipsy Loves Pixie Lott All Over Studded Prom Dress

Surprise - V-back!

Jenn and her amazing shoes!

En Route to the Shrine Auditorium, CNN Heroes 2011

With a 2010 Hero: Tad Agoglia, First Response Team of America

Jenn

50 Cent - legit...

Red Carpet

Chris Colfer & Miley Cyrus - literally a foot in front of us!

This past Sunday evening, my friend Jenn & I had the honor of attending the CNN Heroes All Star Tribute at the Shrine Auditorium in sunny Los Angeles, California. We had the best time hearing the powerful stories from the honored heroes, and of course, we were pretty jazzed about some great celebrity sightings!

I do have to admit I did have a favorite hero. I found her story to be very inspiring and it didn't hurt that she's from Chicago. Ms. Diane Latiker inspires me. If you have a few minutes check out her story or any other nominees - they might inspire you, too.

I wore a pretty purple number from ASOS, a great British online retailer; I discovered ASOS through one of Ailyn's favorite YouTube beauty gurus, Xteener.  ASOS offers free shipping and free returns on all purchases--my favorite feature of an online retailer (others include Nordstrom, Piperlime, Zara, Zappos & Endless).

Want to see more action from the trip? Visit our twitter @janesquaredblog for other photos and fun from the Cali trip. More to come next week on the damage I did while shopping on Melrose. LA FTW!

Dress:  Lipsy Loves Pixie Lott All Over Studded Prom Dress, Asos ($99) | shop

Shoes:  Versie Pump, Target | shop

Earrings:  Lia Sophia

Purse: Whiting and Davis

Lipstick:  Revlon Colorburst Fushia (030) | shop

Nail Polish:  OPI California Raspberry | shop

Jenn

Jenn was looking fabulous in a classic LBD, perfect shoes and sassy purse. Jenn = stellar shopper and always down for a good time.

Dress:  White House Black Market

Shoes: Hale Bob

Shawl: ?

Purse:  Lorren Bell

Old Gap Favorites

This look was styled with some old favorites that have been hanging out in my closet for a few years.  Much like a rediscovered piece, my Gap Denim Jacket, this cardi & vest--both from Gap--have held up well through multiple washes & wears.  I am a big Gap fan.  Full disclosure: Aili is a former Gap employee.  That's right; in her high school years, she was giving you advice in the fitting room & ringing you up at the register. :)

Anyway, I rocked this outfit to finish up some shopping before the holidays.  Chloe's Nifty Gift Guide has given me some fabulous gift suggestions, and it's definitely worth checking out if you're unsure what to pick up for family & friends.

Earrings: Macy's
Dress: Kohl's? (old)
Belt: Thrifted
Cardigan: Gap
Mittens: ?
Vest: Gap
Leggings: Hue
Boots: Taiwan
Bracelets: Gordman's