PFC #10: Seasonal Transitions

FashionForTeens is hosting this month's Petite Fashion Challenge -- "take traditionally summer pieces (like tank tops, shorts, mini skirts, sundresses, etc.) and make them appropriate for fall"

Transitioning from summer to fall can be tricky, so for Petite Fashion Challenge #10, I wanted to focus on bringing some of my favorite summer combos--like this cream ruffle blouse and linen vest--into my fall wardrobe.

This is Jane in summertime: bright pink & boat shoes + seersucker vest = quintessentially summer.

Pair the vest+ruffle blouse combo with fall's darker hues like oatmeal and red and you're ready for apple cider doughnuts and pumpkin-spice lattes.

The Foundation

Vest: Banana Republic

Top: F21

Summertime Jane

Shorts: 3" chino short, J.Crew | shop

Shoes: Bluefish 2-Eye, Sperry Top-Sider | shop

Autumn Jane

Slacks: Exact Stretch Bootcut Pant, The Limited - Not the most petite friendly retailer, but their slacks work for me. | shop

Shoes: Nine West

Dot dot dot

I adore this circle dress and it has become a reliable, go-to piece when I'm not sure what to wear. I've added a thrifted pink belt and a jacket for the office. Happy Monday!

Shout out to Dotty of Dash Dot Dotty, since we know you love the dots! :)

Earrings: Target

Dress: Banana Republic circa 2009

Ring: Express

Clutch: Thrifted

Belt: Thrifted 

Shoes: Guess

Bracelets: Faceted Gem and Pearl Stretch Bracelets, Express

Blazer: Triacetate One-Button Jacket, Ann Taylor ($80) 

Garden Party

Meet Punk - my brother's dog!

My sister (Jane 2) calls this my "napkin" dress. She says it looks and feels like a cloth napkin - LOL.

I say it's a garden party dress or perfect for (fake) gardening. Plus, it has pockets... total win.

Check out kelinda.kelinda's Purple Week, a celebration of a cat's favorite color.  If you look closely, you might see a familiar face ;).  Plus, Miss AmyK also rocks one of Jane Squared's favorite color combos: purple & gold!

Dress: J.Crew Factory Store
Shoes: Taiwan
Belt: J.Crew
Earrings: Banana Republic Factory Store

Big Poppa

I hit the racetrack last weekend, and you better believe that I won big!  Thanks to the horse, Big Poppa, I nearly doubled my money, ending the day with an impressive $3.40.  This was my first time at a racetrack, and I've got to say it was fun; envision a classier, but low key, version of a baseball game, and that was my day at the races.

Check out my stylin' family.  That's right.  The entire Jane Squared family always rocks it out! :D

Michelle
Dress: Express - I didn't see this online, but it might still be in stores.
Shoes: Nine WestChilin
Suit: Express
Shirt: Kenneth Cole
Shoes: Kenneth ColeJET
Sweater: Baby Gap
Kicks: Speed Cat 2.9 Puma | shop
Thanks to Chil for the excellent photography.

Jane
Dress: Macy's
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini
Hat: Borrowed from my lovely sister-in-law, Michelle

Just Blaze

Bust out those summer whites - there's still time! Fall isn't here until after Labor Day, and even then, there's no hard and fast rule about wearing white post-holiday.


Well, at least that's Jane-Squared's stance! We say: do what you want, when you want... "Just Blaze" Usher style.


Blazer:  Sateen One-Button Blazer in White, Banana Republic | shop
Tank:  Factory Silk Pocket Tank, J.Crew Factory ($14.99) | shop
Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop
Shoes: Hand-Woven Laredo Wedge, Banana Republic | {1, 2}
Necklace:  Forever 21 | {1, 2}
Glasses:  Gas Station
Watch:  Gift | {1}

Wishlist

I 've made some progress on crossing off items on my Wishlist.

1. Belted Cotton Party Dress ($138 $61).  The blue & purple colorway is also really pretty ($138 $91) - I love this dress.  It's my favorite silhouette (fit & flare) and it is just my kind of print.  I don't care for the belt that comes with it, but that's easily removable.  My only issue is that the fabric, though thick and sturdy, feels a little bit like a napkin... 

2. Mini M.A.C. in Natural by Rebecca Minkoff  - I love that camel color.  It's perfect for fall, and it pairs really beautifully with several pieces in my closet.

3. Polished Sateen Blazer in White, Ann Taylor ($158 $60) - Aili is on a white blazer kick, and this structured jacket is an addition to her blazer collection.  See it on Wendy's Lookbook.

4. Lady Bag in Red Maple, Ann Taylor.  Check it out on ReallyPetite.

Please excuse the grainy camera phone shots & shoddy photography.  :)  I stopped at Anthropologie to try on the Contrasting Halves Dress ($228 on sale for $119.95) since it's been on my Wishlist for quite a while.  I do think it's a pretty dress, but it doesn't fit in the bust very well, and it hits just past my knees, making this dress too long for me.  The longer length makes it look frumpy instead of modern; if I did decide to purchase it, I'd definitely have it hemmed.  The embroidery is finished beautifully, but the cotton is scratchy and somewhat thin.  Since I think it's extremely overpriced, I'll have to pass on it.  Unless this shift dress becomes more deeply discounted (to something more along the lines of $20), it's a no for me.

What's a Cat's Favorite Color?

Purrrple.  :)

My Dad read me this joke from his Laffy Taffy wrapper. Jane-Squared's Dad is.... awesome!

I love this purple dress. Exposed zip and ... ruffles. This is a great dress for summer to fall transition. 

My closet is slowly departing from its hot hues to sweaters & plaid. I love fall and ready for a change, but will hang onto this beautiful weather as long as possible. Oh, Midwest! 

Dress: Gap, Winter 2011

Belt: Thrifted

Earrings: F21

Shoes: Nine West

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.

Yes.  That is indeed 3 dozen doughnuts.

I spent  Saturday morning standing in line for The Doughnut Vault, where they actually put their doughnuts in a vault.  A bank vault.  Filled with donuts.  That's my kind of vault.  The Doughnut Vault is a Chicago foodie hotspot, and it's become so popular that people begin lining up (at 8 am!) before the shop even opens!  My family and I waited about an hour with 60+ other people to grab these eats, and my fave was definitely the Old-Fashioned Buttermilk.

I snapped these photos while waiting in line for my loot!

Bag: Mini M.A.C. Clutch in Natural, Rebecca Minkoff

Dress: Victoria's Secret (2009) - I'm a big fan of VS clothing {1, 2, 3}.  And so is Miss Monkeyface... See her rock a Victoria's Secret dress.  Don't be surprised to see that monkey on runway at the next Victoria's Secret fashion show.  She's that stylish.

Cardigan: Abercrombie (circa 2003?)

Shoes: Slim Flip Flops in Navy, Havianas

Water Bottle: Thermos Hydration Bottle for charity: water - Keeps your drink cold for 12 hours!

Rockin' when you're off-the-clock

Summer is fading, but the weather in the Midwest is absolutely beautiful right now! It makes me want to wear things that are easy and carefree.


It also makes me slightly sad to see kids having to buy of all of their school supplies.

Off to run errands! Oh wait, do I need school supplies?! Who else is in homeroom with me? What should I wear on the first day of school? Summer, please don't end!

Shirt:  J.Crew

Skirt:  Victoria's Secret

Shoes:  Target, Pilar Strappy Wedge in Brown by Mossimo (also seen here)

Purse:  H&M

Earrings:  Ann Taylor Loft (also seen here)

Glasses:  Ray-Ban

Summer Girl

I'm all about these gorgeous white dresses.  Summertime and the livin' is easy.

Earrings: F21

Dress: Sears ($15)
Bracelet: Gift

Shoes: Taiwan (last seen here)

Stunna Shades: Ray Bans

Rojo Anaranjado

This dress is really cool. It is simple, but has a great wrapped dress effect with a flattering neckline. After a weekend of lots of fun and sun, this dress will help me ease back into the work week.

Earrings: Loft

Dress: Loft

Shoes: Banana Republic

Clutch: Banana Republic - Also styled by Ailyn here.

Flutter Friday

WIN:  This flutter dress is interesting and can look funky and chic with the right pieces. I like how the dress flows and this shade of blue is really pretty. 

LOSE:  Belting with these "wings" is a bit tricky and the dress can wrinkle pretty easily. 

I'm also in love with these wedges. Some things to note:  the shoes have a substantial wedge and the front of the shoe is narrow in the front. These wedges are probably not tolerable for "all day" wear. All that being said - I'm still a fan and will attempt to wear all day. 

Earrings: H&M

Dress: Cascade Trim Dress, Gap

Belt: Thrifted

Bracelets: Gordmans ($7)

Shoes: Laredo Hand-Wove Wedge in Old Gold by Banana Republic

Also worn here.

Blush and Bride

I've liked this dress for a while but never purchased it since I have a few issues with it: it's slightly wrinkly and the top half of the dress can appear loose and baggy if the dress doesn't lay correctly.  Despite that, there must be something about this dress, since every time I hit Loft, I try it on... which means I've been trying it on for around 4 months without purchasing.  It hit a price that I felt was great, and for fifteen George Washingtons, I finally own this lovely sheath dress! The soft pinks and blush tones were perfect to wear to my beautiful cousin's outdoor wedding.

Check out a few photos of her big day!  Congrats to Jenny & Brock! :D

Earrings: Loft
Dress: Loft
Belt: J.Crew
Shoes: Patent Leather Pointy-Toe Pumps in Cameo Rose - Comfy & so pretty that several people gave me compliments!

Purple Popped Collar

Hello Tuesday!

Remember that phase when boys wore popped collars all the time? I feel like that created a bad stigma around collar poppage. I hope the hate is gone because I personally love a popped collar. It elongates the neck and adds a crisp, preppy vibe. 

Shirt:  J. Crew

Vest:  The Limited

Pants:  The Limited

Earrings:  Express

Necklaces: H&M & Thrifted

Shoes:  BCBG via Nordstrom Rack