JCrew Winter Blues & the Red Kate Spade Bag

I needed to add some pizazz to this cold winter's day. Hence a debut:  my new Kate Spade bag! I'm pretty in love with this chic new bag for work. My only issue is that the straps are a bit too small to be entirely functional. I picked this up a few weeks ago at the local Kate Spade Outlet. Win.

Also, I'm poppin' the collar like it's hot. What can I say? My tree is up and I'm listening to Christmas music. I do what I want.

Have a great day readers!

Shirt:  Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | shop
Sweater:  JCrew
Skirt:  JCrew | shop (beautiful winter version), also styled here.
Belt:  Gap
Tights:  H&M
Shoes:  Nine West
Earrings:  Target
Headband:  JCrew
Bag:  Kate Spade Outlet

P.S. If you're headed to the mall later today, stop by Victoria's Secret for a free pair of their Fashion Show Panties with this coupon.  Good in stores for today only.

May Flowers

I recently unearthed this post that was buried deep in our Blogger's archives; it definitely made me miss all of that long hair & warm weather (no tights required).

I bought this J.Crew skirt & cardigan on final sale without trying either of them on. There's not a J.Crew near me, otherwise I'd be in there trying things on and stalking the sale racks all of the time. Ordering final sale online is always a gamble, but I've only lost once or twice. :) I've become pretty familiar with how J.Crew clothing fits me, so sometimes, I just go for it.

Thanks to Kate for the lovely photos!

Cardigan: J.Crew

Top: Calvin Klein

Skirt: J.Crew

Necklace: ShiDa Night Market (little stand near YOFROYO), Taipei
Shoes: Old Navy, Fall 2010

Casual Monday

The Thanksgiving break was rocking, but now Monday is back... 

I'm traveling for work today -- so here is a more kicked back, relaxed look.

Jacket:  Gap
Shirt:  JCrew, as styled in Geekin' Green.
Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop
Belt:  JCrew
Boots:  BP Runway Boot in Cognac, Nordstrom | shop
*I love these boots as seen here:   1, 2. 
Earrings:  Banana Republic Outlet

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!  We hope your Thanksgiving is as delicious (& adorable) as ours!

Gobble Gobble!

Redbirds & Kenneth Cole Bard Trick Boots

This past weekend my roommate Will and I attended a charity event that was "college themed." So, we busted out some alma mater colors and gear. I'm rocking red and black - proud Redbird colors. 

Go Birds!

Also, this is the first time this season I'm wearing my Kenneth Cole boots. I got them on Piperlime last year on sale and the over the knee look is pretty edgy. I vote yes for the unexpected twist!

Cadigan:  Polo Ralph Lauren, {also styled 1, 2}

Top:  Mystree tank, local boutique

Boots:  Kenneth Cole Reaction Bard Tricks Boot | shop

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

Earrings:  Charlotte Russe

Necklace:  Forever 21

Will

Roomie Will rocked his look with a striped cardigan. He loves college.

Cardigan:  H&M

T-shirt:  College

Jeans: Target 

Shoes:  DSW

Sunglasses:  Hot Topic

Ladylike Lace & Pleats

I love the vibrant celadon of this dress; combined with accordion pleats & lace embellishment--right on trend for the season--I couldn't pass this feminine dress up.  Initially, I was worried that the dress wouldn't integrate well with my existing wardrobe, but there was no need to worry!  I'm excited to share some of the ways I plan to style this with you all!

Blazer: H&M ($35.95) - See the navy version on one of our favorite bloggers, Kristin of A Longenecker Story Short.
Dress: Heritage 1981 (aka F21)
Shoes: Bandolino | shop
Necklace: JCrew

P.S. How amazing it that Aili actually ran 15 kilometers ( = 9.32 miles)?! woohoo!

Black & Red Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Bloggers! November is in full swing and I'm feeling the black and red. And surprise, surprise - more animal print! Sounds like somebody is fully converted.

Have a great day readers!

Cardigan:  Loft
Top:  Express
Skirt:  The Limited | shop
Belt:  Forever 21
Shoes:  Target versie pump | shop
Earrings:  Charlotte Russe
Necklace:  For Love 21 (Forever 21's jewelry store)
Ring:  Thrift Shop

Locks of Love

I'm holding just 1/4 of my hair!

I donated 11 inches of hair to Locks of Love!  Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hair prosthetics and wigs to  children experiencing long-term hair loss as a result of medical conditions--like juvenile cancer.

If you'd like more information on how to donate your own locks or how to help, visit Locks of Love.

Bonus:  Several salons--including Ulta Salons, where I got my hair cut--will provide free cuts to those donating to Locks of Love. :D

I'm still adjusting to the shortness of my new 'do, but I am genuinely glad that the donation will help a little girl (most Locks of Love recipients are girls) rock a new style.

Hot Chocolate 15k - Chicago Run

Can you spot Jane?

Finally...we've been waiting forever!

About a week ago I completed my first ever 15k! My brother was the driving force behind my success as he challenged and encouraged me to finish. 

My whole family came out to support me including my seven month year old nephew JET who has been featured in the blog a few times (JET 1, JET 2). The Hot Chocolate 15k was very cool as 8,000+ runners accompanied me around downtown Chicago. It was surreal and I still cannot believe I ran the whole thing.

Of course, I wanted to wear functional attire to the race, but fashion is always on the forefront and it can still be stylish. I've been checking out various gear for future runs and am excited about infusing a fashion flare into my sport activities. Onward runners! 

Top:  Under Armour

Skirt:  Eddie Bauer

Shoes:  Asics | shop

Gloves:  Nike

Music :  iPod Shuffle

From the Dressing Room: Loft

F&F sale at Ann Taylor & Lof it is going on, use code 40FRIENDS for 40% off your order, and spend $100+ for free shipping.

Henley Pocket Long Sleeve Blouse in Flame Red ($49.50) | shop - Underneath the blazer, I'm wearing the Long Sleeve Henley.  It's in a fabulous color, and I really enjoy this modern take on a Henley.  I believe one of its only drawbacks is that it's a polyblend, but I think it's definitely worth checking out.

Flat Twill Cropped Blazer ($128) | shop - I did like this blazer.  Since seeing Jean of Extra Petite rock a textured monochromatic look, I've been more conscious of texture, and I was particularly attracted to this blazer's texture.  The blazer is fully lined in a pretty pink fabric & a features a notched collar.  I've been trying on blazers everywhere I shop.

Scuba Elongated Pencil Skirt ($69.50) | shop - I like the material this is made out of; it's stretchy and form-fitting, but it is unlined.

Cable Cowl Neck Sweater ($89.50) | shop - I love that this dress has sleeves.  I just feel like a dress with sleeves is appropriate for most situations without a cardigan or another piece covering up the shoulders.  The cable knit is extremely thick and substantial, but it's also a bit itchy; if you love the style, I suggest layering a thin t-shirt or tank underneath it.

Micro Stripe Cascade Ruffle Long Sleeve Blouse ($49.50) | shop - I love the micro stripe on this top, and the ruffles give the perfect girly touch. 

Solid Sweater Dress in Black | shop - I'm wearing the Micro Stripe Blouse with  the Solid Sweater Skirt, which didn't really flatter my shape.  I did, however, see the sales associate rocking it, and she looked great in it!

Textural Wool Blouson Dress in Milkwhite ($79.99) | shop - The top half of this dress made me feel like a pirate. :)  Runs big.

P.S. Don't forget to check out Ann Taylor's animal print; Aili's a big fan of it.

Ann Taylor Cheetah Print Cardi

I'm working on upping my animal print game after being inspired by the BDIB animal print challenge. Ann Taylor offer some beautifully made animal prints. I'm a big fan, and highly recommend checking out their prints. 

Additionally, these booties are the best! They are perfect for fall and I just keep wanting to wear them. Check out how I styled them with another dress.

Happy Tuesday and thank you for reading!

Cardigan:  Ann Taylor | shop

Dress:   Gap

Belt:  Thrifted

Shoes:  Jessica Simpson | shop 

Earrings:  Lia Sophia

Bracelets:  Gold - Thrifted

Bracelets:  Pink & Pearl | Faceted Gem Stretch Bracelet, Express ($19.90); (Click here for the full accessory review.)

Talbots Kate Fit Jacket

Since my first experience with Talbots was pretty positive, I've been keeping an eye on their their collections.  I especially like that Talbots carries a variety of sizes both in their apparel and footwear (wide & narrow widths + varying boot shafts).

When I popped into my local Talbots, I was attracted to the jewel toned blazers, colorful clutches, & classy flats.

The Kate Fit Shetland Jacket emphasizes curves and features two flap pockets.  The jacket is of nice quality & fully lined.  The Shetland jacket--I'm wearing the Green shade--would be an interesting textural counterpoint to a ruffly blouse or even a t-shirt; however, I think the price, at $159, is too high.  This jacket comes in four colorways, but personally, I'd prefer a color selection that's a bit richer.  I also tried the Shetland jacket on in a petite size, and I found the sleeves to be a bit too short for me. My verdict: Nice if you like those (more) pastel shades, but I'd say wait for a good sale.

The Kate Flannel Tuxedo Jacket is a bold color, and I like the notched detailing in the collar; the collar also features a contrasting black lining, which I really enjoy.  This is fully lined and fits TTS.  The Pigment Blue version is featured, but I also enjoy the Green Sapphire & Black shades.

If you're interesting in placing an order at Talbots, make sure you explore the web for some great deals. Gigi of Gigi's Gone Shopping always lists helpful discount codes & promotions in her sidebar; the site is definitely worth checking out if you'd like to see "IRL"photos.  :)

Current Talbots promotion: Use code COLD for 50% off outerwear & jackets + free shipping, no minimum.

Are you checking out anything at Talbots this season?

JCrew Ruffle Top

Oddly, the weather is kind of nice for a Midwest November so I will take it!

However, this will change rather quickly. This week I will be working to pull my winter clothes and boots out! JCrew and Gap have some adorable winter looks and sweaters on their websites. Though I'm not to excited about the prospect of scraping my car or trudging through snow...I'm excited about the clothes :).

Top:  JCrew Ruffle
Cadigan:  Polo Ralph Lauren
Skirt:  The Limited | shop
Shoes:  Pilar Strappy Wedge in Brown by Mossimo, Target | shop
Cuff:  Lia Sophia

Ann Taylor Perfect Skinny Belt

Since I'm still on the job hunt (wish me luck!), I've been trying to resist making a lot of clothing purchases.  Unfortunately, the fall clothing season is my favorite of them all; plus, there have been some great deals recently, and my most expensive items (coats+boots) are usually purchased during this time of year.  Despite this, I'm trying to rock my current wardrobe.

This dress--last seen at Jane 1's Graduation ceremony--is remixed for fall.  (It seems like Jane Squared is all about remixing.)  A simple button down and brown tones pull this look together.  I'm also wearing Ann Taylor's Perfect Skinny Belt, and this is my first experience with Ann Taylor's belts.  I think the color is lovely and pairs nicely with several pieces in my fall wardrobe!

In general, I've had positive experiences with Ann Taylor's "Perfect Line" (i.e. Perfect Pump, Perfect Shirt, etc.); I definitely recommend checking those pieces out.

Interested in the Ann Taylor Lady Bag?  Check out my review.

Hope your Halloween was safe and fun.  Happy November!

Dress: Gap (Spring 2010)

Shirt: China

Belt: Perfect Skinny Belt, Ann Taylor in Camel Beige | shop

Necklace: J.Crew - I see this in stores all of the time, but I haven't seen it online.

Boots: Australia