Mustard & Celadon

It's back.  Yes.  This dress is remixed again!  Check out the other ways I've styled this bad boy:
{1, 2, 3, 4}

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Earrings: Thailand

Pin: Taiwan

Top: PacSun
Belt: JCrew

Dress worn as a Skirt: F21 | similar in green

Coat: Classic Trench, Banana Republic ($199 $169.50) | shop

Bag: Jane on a Leash, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Tights: Hue | shop

Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

PFC 13: Stylish Under $100 at the Lincoln Presidential Library Award

Today is Ailyn's birthday!  Happy Birthday Ailyn! You are such a special person and wonderful sister. <3


PFC #13 - hosted by Annie of Really Petite: Stylish for under $100: If you can, please break down the price of each piece to your outfit.  The lower the price of the completed outfit- the better! Bonus points if you can put together a completed outfit including shoes and accessories for under $100.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to be in Chicago for the Lincoln Leadership Prize. This event honored former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, who helped lead his country to a new era of freedom and became the first democratically elected leader in Polish postwar history. This was a very cool event where President Wałęsa shared his inspiring story of freedom through peaceful, but effective protest. Chicago always hosts the swankiest of events, so I came prepared to this event with a classic LBD.  This goes to show that you can be fashionably and affordably attired for any occasion.



Dress:  Gap also styled here ($50)
Belt:  Loft ($8)
Shoes: Perfect Pumps, Ann Taylor | shop ($36)
Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop ($11.99)
Lipstick:  Round Case, Chaos | shop 

Nail Polish:  Frankly I Don't Give A-Dam by OPI | shop 

Grand total: $106 (excluding makeup & nail polish) - Not too bad!

H&M Kelly Green Top

I'm all about this H&M double-placket kelly green top; I like it so much that I'm even considering purchasing the cream version!  I actually like the relaxed fit, the faux shell finish on the buttons, and how neckline falls (read: no necklace necessary).  Plus this poly-rayon material has the added benefit of never wrinkling.  Win!

Earrings: LOFT
Cardigan: A&F (2002?)

Top: H&M (recent)

Bag: Mini MAC in Natural, Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Skirt: J.Crew (old) | {see here}
Boots: Melissa Button with Extended Calf in Cognac | shop 

Nails: Lollipop, Essie | shop

Happy Birthday Aili!

Wishing my Auntie Aili the very best of birthdays.

Love,

JET

Birthday & Pink Heels

Today is my birthday! I'm celebrating with some sassy pink heels and cupcakes! I have been searching for some pink heels for a long time. Pink is tricky because it can often look cheap, or if it's shiny it can look tacky.  A few weeks ago, I was browsing my local Macy's and found these great pair from Inc.  


I'm in love with these shoes and it is a perfect way to start my birthday!  


Top:  Striped Crew-neck | shop
Jeans:  312 Classic Flair, the Limited | shop
Necklace:  JCrew
Earrings:  Express
Shoes:  Lilly pumps in Neon Magenta Snake, INC | shop
Nail Polish:  Frankly I Don't Give A-Dam by OPI | shop

Loft Striped Cardigan

Hope your week is going well.  Check out this hilarious montage of Ellen's best pranks for a mid-week pick me up. :D

P.S. Aili's at at the Groundbreaking of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History & Culture, so make sure you check out our tweets if you want to see her jamming with AfroBlue and fist bumping one of our favorite style icons--the always classy Mrs. Obama.

Earrings: Loft
Cardigan: Loft | similar
Top: Forever 21 (old)
Purse: Jane on a Leash, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Skirt: H&M | {last seen here}
Shoes: Taiwan

Original Editor Pants in Mars Red by Express

How was your weekend? I visited St. Louis to celebrate Mardi Gras over the weekend and after all that fun, I wanted to start the week off with a bold look.

These red pants are rockin' cool! I had to bring this piece to my tailor for hemming since Express doesn't usually offer pants in varying lengths; it was well worth the customization because I am loving this statement piece. I paired these pants with Old Navy's lightweight & casual crew sweater  for a great start to the week.

I am really loving these red pants and believe they will be a versatile addition to the wardrobe. What are your thoughts?

Top:  Striped Crew-neck | shop

Pants:  Signature Stretch Original Editor Pant in Mars Red | shop - Currently BOGO 50%

Shoes:  Orra, Nine West | shop

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop

Necklace:  Big Love

Nail Polish:  Frankly I Don't Give A-Dam by OPI | shop

Navy & Kelly Green

Lately I've spotted two of my favorite colors paired together--navy & kelly green--and I've been enjoying the combination.  Here's my simple & easy take on the colorful combo.

Hopefully, you're celebrating President's Day with a day off.  :) If not, feel free to cheer yourself up with all of the great President's Day sales.  Check out See Chloe Shop for a comprehensive list of steals & deals.

Cardigan: H&M
Top: Double Placket Top, H&M | see on Jean from Extra Petite here & in white here
Shorts: Charlotte Russe
Tights: JCrew | shop
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop

Loft Lace LBD

Loft has been having some crazy sales with enticing prices and interesting pieces. I recently picked up this cool LBD with beautiful lace at the neckline. This vintage style is chic and one can never have too many black dresses!

I hope all are having a good week. I came across a new song by Ok Go (Needing/Getting). It's one of the coolest videos that I've seen in a long time. Enjoy!

Dress:  Loft 

Shoes:  Patent Leather Pointy-Toe Pumps in Cameo Rose, Talbots | shop similar

Glasses:  Loft | shop

Earrings:  Gift from Mom

Lipstick:  Revlon ColorBurst in Fushia (030) | shop

Nail Polish:  Don't Mess with OPI | shop 

JCrew Puff Sleeve Popover in End-on-End

I reviewed JCrew's Puff Sleeve Popover from the dressing room, and since picking it up, it has proved to be a versatile piece.  When paired with basic black (last seen here), these puffy, feminine sleeves keep this look interesting.  The popover is currently on final sale + an extra 30% off with code SHOPNOW = $35; final sale.  As I have mentioned before, I hate final sale--especially JCrew final sale, which always gets me.  I have generally fared pretty well with final sale items, but inevitably, I've ended up with a dud or two.  Fellow blogger, Jean, of Extra Petite tweeted about this final sale trick: When purchasing final sale items (online & in stores), simply request a gift receipt.  If the item doesn't work out, simply return for store credit.  Obviously, store credit isn't ideal, but it's better than an unwearable item hanging in your closet. :)

If you're interested in final sale items, you might want to check out Gigi's Gone Shopping latest post on final sale items.

Hope your week is going well.  Happy Birthday to our beautiful sister-in-law Michelle!

Top: Puff Sleeve Popover, JCrew (on final sale for $79.50 $35) | shop
Skirt: Express
Purse: Jane on a Leash, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pumps, Ann Taylor | shop
Nails: Lollipop, Essie

Valentine's Day Ball: Taylor's Love Story

The Fantastic Jon

Jenn & Frank, Brian & Scott

This past weekend I attended a charity fundraiser with my dear friend Jon, who was the perfect Valentine; he looked dashing in his dapper tuxedo. 

This sweet pink dress reminded me of the adorable Taylor Swift's young, demure style, which was the perfect inspiration for this look. Spiral curls are a Taylor must so I busted out my trusty curling wand. This tool is great and east to use, but you have to be patient because it's rather time consuming to finish the entire look.

Our fabulous friends, Jenn & Frank, and Brian & Scott brought their black-tie swagger for a night of charity, dinner, dancing & great times.   

JaneSquared wishes you a very Happy Valentine's Day filled with your own Love Story. ;)

Dress:  City Studio, Macy's

Shoes:  Orra, Nine West | shop

Earrings:  Hello Kitty, Claire's

Clutch:  Candies

Headband:  H&M

Curling Wand:  Conair Infiniti Curling Wand Styler | shop

Loft Animal Print Ruched Cap Sleeve Dress

This weekend my family and I celebrated my beautiful sister-in-law's birthday with lots of delicious food (Korean BBQ FTW!) and of course birthday cake.  Happy Birthday Michelle! <3

I recently purchased Loft's online exclusive Ruched Cap Sleeve dress. Aili thought this print looked interesting and I really like that it has sleeves (thanks to Kate Middleton for bringing sleeves back), which makes it an easy all-in-one look; no last minute scramble to for a matching blazer or cardigan when I need to be ready quickly.  In my family, I'm notorious for being the last one ready, so I can definitely appreciate the ease of this dress.  This 100% cotton piece is dry-clean only, but I do love the cap sleeves and modern take on animal print; Aili loves the Ann Taylor family of store's take on animal print, and this dress is no exception.  Bottom line: I'm a fan of this dress, and luckily it's 50% off with code: SPRINGSALE.

Linked up with Glamamom for the Monday Mingle.

Dress: Animal Print Ruched Cap Sleeve Dress, Loft ($89.50 $44.75) | shop

Bag: Jane on a Leash, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Shoes: Perfect Patent Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

Peacock Blue

Happy Wednesday! :)

Dress: Kensie (Spring 2011)
Cardigan: H&M
Belt: JCrewBag: Bianca Jane on a Lesah Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Shoes: Tanngoo in Taupe, Steve Madden | shop

Talbots Shoes: Final Sale is the worst.

I had some luck with shoes in my previous experience with Talbots shoes, so when the prices were too irresistible, I ordered a few (or six) pairs.  When placing this order, however, I was mostly interested in the Lyla Tuxedo Ballet flat and the Envelope Suede Clutches--both of which I diligently to go on sale.  When I finally added them to my cart and checked out for the price of under $25 each, I was triumphant.  Hours later a very sad e-mail popped into my inbox explaining that these items--the only items I really wanted--were allegedly out of stock.  I see that they're currently in stock now in multiple colors and sizes, but now marked final sale.  I hate you, Final Sale (especially you, JCrew final sale).  I am disillusioned.  lol.  No really, though; that's the price you pay when you want stuff on the cheap: you win some, you lose some.  This time I lost, but when I win, the satisfaction of getting a great deal for a quality item is nothing short of thrilling.  :D

All of these shoes turned out to be lemons for me, especially because I find Talbots shoe sizing to be very inconsistent, though when I was returning the SA mentioned that their shoes tend to run big.  Here are my quick thoughts on the items that I purchased:

Lyla Suede Bow Flat in Warm Taupe: I actually liked this pair of flats best.  They're a very light rose blush tone in a suede-y type material that really allows the leopard print bow to pop.  Makes me think I might have liked the Tuxedo flat.  Half size too big.  Aili vetoed these.  Returned.

Suede Pump in Scarlet & Black: The top of the shoe digs into the back of my heel.  1" platform, but generally an uncomfortable shoe.  Decently made with nice styling and vibrant colors, otherwise. Returned.

Judi Rhinestone Captoe: Half size too big for me.  Weird satiny material.  I was also unimpressed by the crystal details.  Returned.

The ever elusive Lyla Tuxedo Flats: I first spotted these shoes at ShoppingWithM; check out her review of the adorable pink & red version.  If you are interested in black & white patent version of the Lyla Tuxedo Flats, see Elle of Fast Food & Fast Fashion review them here.

Envelope Suede Clutch (also in Ikat): No in-person experience with this item, but it comes in some fabulous colors.  And I still kind of want one, but I am resisting final sale.

I've had excellent experiences with Talbots customer services, even when I come in returning hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise.  I don't always find winners at Talbots, but I like shopping there because of the great customer service and because their pieces come in a variety of non-traditional sizes.

Une Soirée Française & the HANAair Review

Will & I recently attended a French themed charity fundraiser. Une soirée Française inspired me to bust out the perfect lace dress. I found this interesting gray number on my December California trip, and paired it with a cropped, black blazer, gray tights and a pair of slick black boots. Will looked great in his Parisian-inspired floral print top, sweater vest, cord pants and red balloon tie.

This night reminds me of a wonderful movie, Heartbreaker, one of Ailyn's favorite films. It's a hilarious French romantic comedy with a charming lead actor.  It's on Netflix and we highly recommend it!

Jacket:  Final Touch, Chantell, Melrose Boutique
Dress:  Final Touch, Chantell, Melrose Boutique

Tights:  Gray, Spanx | shop

Boots:  Nine West | shop similar

Necklaces:  Thrifted

Ring:  Angl, Melrose Boutique

c/o Misikko HANAair

I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair, but I wanted to do try something a little different for this fun occasion, so I was excited that Missiko kindly sent me the HANAair professional hair dryer to try out and review.  As this was my first experience with Missiko, I was pleasantly surprised by the prompt service and quick shipping.  After some exploration of the site, I noticed that Missiko carries a variety of products ranging from some of the best hair straighteners on the market to styling products--like beauty blogging community fave Moroccan Oil.

This hair dryer came beautifully packaged and was fully stocked with a plethora of products like Paul Mitchell hair products, brushes, etc. Let me just say that this thing is a machine! Ailyn even thought it felt like a "tornado." As such, I think it is quite heavy, but it made the drying time a very quick process... especially in comparison to my current less-than-awesome $20 dryer. I used a round brush with the diffuser attachement, and finished the front pieces with a large-barreled curling iron. I love this ease and volume of the hairstyle... and hope I can pull it off again!  All in all, this dryer is high-end, quick, and powerful; the downside: it's heavy and expensive.  If you're looking to invest in a quality blow dryer, then I recommend checking out the Missiko website.

Linked up to the Monday Mingle & the Transatlantic Blonde, and BDIB.