Hot Pink Re-Mix

A few months ago I was a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding. I've been working on repurposing my bridesmaids dress for an upcoming occasion. I took my hot pink dress to a seamstress to be shortened.

I envisioned a puffy, party dress and had my seamstress cut the bottom portion in an A-line fashion --similar to the original cut of the dress. Sadly, it didn't look as great as I envisioned.

So, for round #2 I decided to go with a pencil style for the bottom of the skirt, and it was a winner! See the new, winning dress below.

Round 1:  Original

Round 2:  A-line

Round 3:  Winner - Pencil Style

This past weekend I was invited to attended a local charity gala and the attire was "black tie." Welcome my friend Jonathan to the blog in his tux. I'm pumped about this newly, re-worked dress!

Happy Halloween! For last minute costume ideas, check out some idea inspiration.

Dress:  Alfred Angelo

Shrug:  Charlotte's Russe

Belt:  Kohl's

Shoes:  Guess, TJ Max

Hairclip:  Clarie's

Halloween: Flashback - Looks That Insipire

As you know, I love Halloween. However, paying a lot of money for a costume is never an appealing option. Frugality has forced me to be very, very creative.

I've compiled some costumes from prior years for those of you feeling uninspired. I used things in my closet, borrowed from friends, created pieces, and bought some extra accessories to "make it work." I would venture that I haven't spent more than $20 on a costume for the past several years. Feel free to make your own version of the costumes below!

Check out my first 2011 Halloween look here!

UP - Russell

Shirt:  Borrowed from a Boy Scout

Shorts:  Bullhead shorts, Pac Sun

Sash:  Borrowed from a Boy Scout

Socks:  Borrowed from a Boy Scout

Boots:  Doc Martins

Belt:  Gap

Hat:  Borrowed

Neckerchief:  Jo-Ann Fabrics ($2)

Flag:  Orange card stock (printed "Wilderness Explorers" logo), wooden dowel - Jo-Ann Fabrics ($4)

Balloons:  Party City ($5)

Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter

Cape:  Loft 

Glasses:  Hot Topic

Tie:  Museum of Science & Industry

Shirt:  Gap

Pants:  Express

The Incredibles - Violet

Shirt:  Gap (I printed the "Incredibles" logo and taped it to my shirt)

Shorts:  H&M

Mask:  Halloween store

Gloves:  Halloween store

Belt:  Laminated construction paper with Velcro

Shoes:  Erynne in Black Suede, Nine West | shop

*Other friends pictured:  Little Miss Muffet, Reno 911! - Officer Dangle (Will), 70s Boho-chic lady

SNL Spartan Cheerleader - The Spartan (Cheri Oteri)

Shirt:  Walmart, $10

Shirt decoration:  Black, White and Red Felt Fabric Jo-Ann Fabrics

Skirt:  Jo-Ann Fabrics 

Tights:  Wet Seal

Halloween: Jane the Riveter

Halloween is just around the corner and this year here's my ode to Rosie the Riveter. 

I visited my 12- year old cousin in Australia a few years ago and I distinctly remember her asking me, "Is Halloween real?" She had seen a magical world of free candy, masks and ghouls on television. I told her, "Yes, it's real! Come visit us in October because it is wonderful and fun." 

Truly, this is one of the best American holidays. You get to dress up and get free candy. I'm not sure that it gets better than that. Happy Halloween and good luck finding the houses that give full size candy bars!

Shirt:  Gap, 1969

T-shirt:  American Apparel | shop

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

Shoes:  Nine West

Necklace:  Old Navy

Bandana:  Walmart, $1

Lipstick:  Color Sensationals Lipstick in Red Revolution 630 | shop

PFC 11: Vacation Vogue

PFC #11: SkiPetite has challenged us to "Put together an outfit made for sightseeing. It should be one that will be comfortable for walking around in and can last you from the early morning until dinner and drinks in the evening. Plus, you're on vacation, so you'd better make sure you look good in photos, which you'll have for years to come. You can choose just one outfit but vary it by adding or taking off layers or accessories to take you from the a.m. to the p.m. and make one outfit easier to last through the day."

I love travelling to new places. Since, I've not been to Rome, but would like to go someday; Rome has inspired today's look. Rome's Colosseum? Here we come...


Sightseeing
I anchored the looks with these great legging jeans from Gap's 1969 line. The material is nylon, rayon, and spandex - great for comfortable sightseeing. Check out ExtraPetite's review for more info.  My Missoni bag is perfect for holding the guidebook, camera, phone, water bottle, snacks and it leaves plenty of room for trinkets.

After lots of travel with my sister, I've discovered one of the best travel shoes - these ballet crocs. I am usually anti-croc, but these ones are adorable, comfortable and perfect for travel.

Disco
I pumped up the volume by removing the cardigan and adding a jacket and boots to the outfit. Putting your hair up, rocking a pair of funky earrings and some great lipstick makes for a seamless transition to the clubs!

Sightseeing Jane
Cardigan:  JCrew
Pashmina:  Walmart
Pants:  Gap 1969 Ponte 5 pocket | shop
Tank Top:  Seamless Scoop Cami, Limited | shop
Shoes:  Malindi Flats, Crocs! | shop (very similar in cheetah print)
Bag:  Missoni for Target | $50

Disco Jane
Jacket:  Parisian Boutique
Pashmina:  Walmart
Pants: Ponte 5 pocket, Gap | shop
Shoes:  Erynne in Black Suede, Nine West | shop
Earrings:  Charlotte Russe
Lipstick:  Color Sensationals Lipstick in Red Revolution 630, Maybelline | shop

JCrew Corduroy Mini Skirt

Just enjoying the beautiful fall weather.  It's time to bust out those tights, cardigans, & Halloween costumes.  Plus, I'm rocking corduroy... bet you haven't seen it look this stylish since an overall-loving-bear made corduroy famous.  Well, I'm bringing it back.  Happy Monday! :)

Earrings: Loft

Top: Rampage (old)
Cardigan: JCrew Outlet
Skirt: JCrew
Tights: Taiwan

Geekin' Green & Bad Mama Jama

I wanted a relaxed, but professional vibe for my sleepy Wednesday. So, I opted for a Geekin' Green day! I love this lime colored skirt and plaid top from the Crew. They are unexpectedly nerd-chic together.

Blog reader, the Janes have been blogging since April and are still having a great time. We also just wanted to say that we think you are a bad mama jama - rock it! Have a great day and thanks for reading!




Shirt:  JCrew
Skirt:  JCrew
Belt:  JCrew
Shoes: Victor Alfaro
Bracelets:  Gordman's
Glasses:  Hot Topic

JCrew Safari Shirtdress

Over the weekend, I headed back to my alma mater for its 175th Homecoming celebration! and So for this cool fall day, I busted out this shirtdress from J.Crew; this dress is seasonless--or so J.Crew claims... and I'd have to agree. It's wearable for spring (t-strap sandals, rolled sleeves, & gold bangles), fall (layered with an eggplant sweater, brown boots, and a chunky necklace), and winter (cardigan, tights, and boots); my major complaint is that it wrinkles easily, but I suppose I'll overlook that since I can appreciate its versatility.

Also, good thing I returned the Ruthie Shirtdress since I recently re-discovered this gem in my closet.  What can I say?  Jane Squared loves shirt dresses.

Headband: Banana Republic

Dress: Safari shirtdress in antique sage, J.Crew - Spring 2010

Cardigan: white cardigan in XXL, Gap Kids

Belt: J.Crew

Boots: Diana, SOGO on Zhong Xiao Dong Lu, Taipei

Jane & the JCrew Beatrice Blouse Meet Apple Cider Doughnuts - Part II

I love, love this olive top from the Crew. It's really comfortable, and pleasantly peasant chic (bit of alliteration for good measure). Luckily, I got to wear this simple outfit to one of my favorite places.. the apple orchard. The weather continues to be beautiful in the midwest so, I will wear shorts as long as I can! My sister and I had a great time on our adventure for doughnuts, cider and apples.

Check out sister Jane's look in Part I of the Apple Cider Doughnut Adventure. Fall is the best with crunchy leaves and cider! What could be better?

Shades:  Forever 21 | shop

Top:  Beatrice Blouse in Perfect Olive, JCrew (no longer available online, but 41525)

Necklace:  JCrew 

Shorts:  American Eagle | shop

Bag:  Gap

Boots:  BP Runway Boot in Cognac, Nordstrom | shop
I love these boots that are also styled here.

Jane's Quest for Apple Cider Doughnuts

When it comes to great food, Jane Squared doesn't mess around.  We'll do whatever it takes to enjoy a good meal...  Wake up at the crack of dawn for some monstrously huge doughnuts? Check.  Show up to a 12 course meal in our disgustingly casual tourist wear?  Check (Admittedly, we weren't looking our classiest during this meal, but hey, you really can't beat Astrid y Gaston's alfajores... or their ceviche. Yum!).  Wait hours in extreme heat and humidity just to enjoy the delicacy that is a Chicago hot dog?  Check. Stalk Rick Bayless?  Go to NYC for the very first time & fail to visit even 1 clothing store, but manage to make it to 30+ dining destinations in just under 3 days?  Check & Check.

And these apple cider doughnuts are, in our humble opinion, great food.  So when faced with a quest to locate these doughnuts, I felt no fear.  I simply channeled my inner pirate (Arr!) &  knew I'd persevere and find 'em.  And find 'em I did!  In case you're wondering, they really are that good. :D

Wondering what that bearded turkey is wearing underneath all those feathers?

Top: (Dress worn as a top) Ruff Hewn, Macy's ($6)
Bag: H&M, Summer 2009 - This bag, though only $14, hasn't held up the best.  The strap simply snapped off, and my auntie had to re-attach the strap.
Hair Bling: Loft
Skirt: Jacob Outlet, Summer 2010

Stripes & Gripes

Stripes
I sometimes have trouble with stripes because they can be tricky, but this horizontal one is fun and timeless. This dress is really interesting and comfortable. Shout out to my friend, Jenn, for letting me borrow her dress, and rocking it on a Tuesday!

Gripes
How is it only Tuesday? I'm going to start planning my weekend right now since our Indian summers are slowly escaping. Let's make these days count, team!

Dress:  Bailey (B) 44 Boutique Pussyfoot Cat Dress | shop
Bracelet:  Express
Earrings:  Express
Shoes:  Nine West
Glasses:  Hot Topic


WILL

Oh snap - Will is back and looking sassy!

T-shirt:  Target
Vest:  Heritage
Jeans:  Target
Shoes:  Buckle
Necklace:  Rue 21
Bracelet:  Chicago Green Fest, hippies
Bags: Barnes & Noble
Sunglasses:  mall kiosk - win

Lands' End Canvas Pleated Skirt

This past weekend was spent reading, relaxing, and shopping those Columbus Day Sales.  I grabbed this Lands End Canvas skirt for $13.97 including tax.  Initially, I was really attracted to the color of this skirt, and later appreciated the easy & relaxed look of it.  It is definitely wrinkly, which I thought I wouldn't mind... after wearing it though, I'm now thinking about returning it.

I think these photos give the truest representation of this beautiful aqua color.  Check out these photos, taken in the fitting room, for reference.  

Jacket: Gap

Top: Dress worn as a shirt - Boutique in Hong Kong

Belt: JCrew

Skirt: Pleated Skirt in Dusty Jade, Lands' End Canvas (currently on sale for $19.99) | shop

Shoes: Scotty Flat, Banana Republic
Headband: Banana Republic | shop this season's version
Earrings: Express
Bag: Gap
Bracelets: Various Taiwanese Night Markets + a gift from St. Croix
Book: Bossy Pants by Tina Fey