Jane Squared: October 2012

October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween with Long Live Classy!

Happy Halloween! Just wanted to let you know that Aili is sharing her costume over at Long Live Classy.

Olive You

Happy Halloween! I hope your having a great day and those on the east coast are staying clear of Ms. Sandy!

Fashion Fundamental: Boots - I am obsessed with these brown BP boot from Nordstrom. I love them so much I even ordered them in black. Any gal on the go needs some practical, but stylish boots that can carry them well into the weekend.

Also, we love a good deal, and have a few one-time use codes to share with you. If you've been eyeing a certain something at any of the following stores, feel free to use one of the following discounts; just leave us a comment letting us know. :) Happy shopping.

~~20% off your JCrew.com order: NSS82D9EU valid through this Sunday, November 4.~~
~~10% off your Crate&Barrel Purchase: 85370 01003 88107 5093 good 'til November 11, 2012.~~

Linked up to Marion Berry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge.

October 29, 2012

Wear it Both Ways: Lands' End Camel Cardigan

I was inspired by our lovely and stylish guest posters, Callie of Coffee and Cardigans & Psyche of Economy of Style to bring you all another episode of Wear it Both Ways.

Fashion Fundamental: Cardigan - I love a great cardigan, and I love 'em in every single color. Lately, I can't stop wearing the Heritage Cardigan by Lands' End Canvas {here, here, & here}. I really love cardigans because sometimes a look just consisting of two pieces--a shirt and jeans for instance, looks a little incomplete. Adding another layer (or two) makes the look feel a lot more styled and put together.

We really enjoyed featuring fellow bloggers rocking one piece in two different ways, so if you'd like to be featured on Jane Squared's Wear it Both Ways series, shoot us a message. Even if you don't have a blog, feel free to reach out; we'd love to hear from you! :)

Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop

Necklace: JCrew Outlet | similar

Shirt: Hollister | similar
Jeans: Pac Sun | similar

Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop

Shirtdress: Lands' End Canvas | shop

Cardigan: Lands' End Canvas | similar

Necklace: JCrew Outlet | similar

Belt: JCrew | similar
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Nails: Brisbane Bronze, OPI | similar

October 25, 2012

Wear it Both Ways: Economy of Style

Hello readers! While Aili's soaking up the sun at Chichen Itza, we're so excited to have Psyche from Economy of Style on the blog today.

Stop on over at Economy of Style, because Psyche has a fabulous eye for unexpected color combinations that really pop. One of my all-time favorite looks was even inspired by her color pairings. A big thank you to Psyche for sharing how she wears it both ways!

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It’s certainly fair to say that oxblood is dominating Fall 2012 fashion trends just like our favorite magazines predicted. I’m excited about the resurgence of this rich burgundy hue because it pairs well with other classic fall colors like mustard and grey.

My favorite oxblood item this season is a textured, mini, A-line skirt. In its hot hue and pear-shape-flattering silhouette, this skirt is easy to style and restyle. Here are two ways I’m wearing the oxblood burgundy skirt this Fall.

Shirt —Loft
Tank —Gap
Skirt —Loft
Booties —Diba via DSW

Top—Loft
Skirt—Loft
Booties—Target
Scarf—The Limited

Psyche is the creator of and budget style writer for Economy of Style, a notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents.

October 24, 2012

Belt It

I was trying out something new today that didn't turn out as expected--belting my cardigan. I was going for something like this... or even this, but came up with what you see above which doesn't enhance my shape at all. I think next time around I'll have to make sure the belt sits a little tighter about my natural waist. I also like the idea of a belted blazer, so I'll play around with that and let you know how it goes.

Let me know if you've successfully belted a buttoned-up cardigan (and how you did it)!

Fashion Fundamental: Denim Jeans Can't go wrong with denim. Choose what flatters your shape and makes you feel most comfortable. Personally, I am a fan of Gap denim because it fits me fairly well, and you can grab a great deal.

Have you heard of Influenster? It's a free-to-join e-community where users share reviews and opinions on different products. Their most attractive feature are their VoxBoxes, which are themed sets of product samples for you to try out, review, and share with your friends.

So far, I was sent two boxes of products to sample--the Beauty Blogger (filled with an assortment of beauty-related items) & Natural (environmentally friendly products or made with natural ingredients), and I've enjoyed trying out things that I definitely wouldn't have purchased on my own. Plus, I gotta admit that it's pretty thrilling to receive packages in the mail. Everybody loves mail, right?

I believe Influenster membership is invite-only, and I have a few invites available, so send me an e-mail if you're interested! Just a warning though, Influenster requires you to be rather active on their site, which usually entails filling out a bunch of surveys, reviewing some of your favorite products, etc.

Cardigan: Uniqlo | similar
Jeans: Bullhead | shop
Shoes: Nine West | similar
Tank: Gap | similar in a black peplum
Belt: Target | similar
Necklace: Gift | similar

October 23, 2012

Wear it Both Ways: Coffee & Cardigans

Aili's hitting the beaches of Mexico this week, so we've lined up a few bloggers we hope you'll enjoy. You know that we're all about re-styling your favorite pieces, and that's why we've asked some of our favorite bloggers to share the way they wear 1 piece 2 different ways. Make sure you hit up Callie's at Coffee & Cardigans--in particular, we really like her posts on remixing. A big thanks to Callie for showing us how she rocks it both ways. :)

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Hello! My name is Callie and you can usually find me blogging over at Coffee and Cardigans. As a college gal and budget style blogger, I have to focus on getting the most out of my closet on a budget. This means building my closet around staples and learning to remix them. One of my favorite staples is a new-to-me black blazer I thrifted back in September. I never knew how versatile a blazer could be until I remixed it. It's perfect for both casual and dressier looks. Here are two ways that I've remixed my blazer recently:

For a day on campus, I paired my blazer with jeans and flats for a casual look. It was a dressier alternative to a cardigan or sweatshirt and made my outfit feel polished without much effort. A blazer and jeans might seem basic, but I dressed it up with a bright scarf and striped tank. The basic blazer was a perfect background for my brighter accessories.

But of course, the blazer is usually associated with business attire. So I paired it with a red dress and black wedges for a business casual look for a professional conference I attended last week. I tried to find the happy medium between classic (the black blazer) and youthful (the red dress). My blazer transitioned easily from casual to dressy, which helps me get the most out of this one classic jacket.

Thank you so much to Aili & Ailyn for having for their Wear it Both Ways series! My blazer is definitely one piece that I can wear both ways: casual and dressy!

October 22, 2012

Baby Kai has Arrived!

Welcome to the world, Baby K! We are so very thrilled that you’ve finally arrived. Love you!

This is the outfit I wore to meet my new niece for the very first time! She was born on Friday, and you only make a first impression once. Gotta bring my A-game to secure the coveted favorite auntie status (shh! don’t tell Aili). :D

Fashion Fundamental: Skinny Belt

I love this skinny belt from JCrew because a well-placed skinny belt can help you change the silhouette of shirts, dresses, and even jackets/blazers. Skinny belts also make your waist appear slimmer and give you a lovely hour-glass shape. In particular, JCrew skinny belts come highly recommended by because they are well-made and supple enough to submit to the tying and twisting, yet don't retain any creasing. Anyway, check 'em out, and you can usually score them on sale.

Additionally, interesting tights (of the vibrant color or texture variety) are a nice addition to your wardrobe, especially if you have a tendency to purchase your basics in neutral, solid colors. Textured and colored tights are a very affordable way to lend a lot of visual punch to your look [see example here]. Aili tends to gravitate towards grey tights, which are also a nice, more laidback alternative to black.

Necklace: JCrewlet | similar
Dress: Target | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar
Tights: Taiwan | similar
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | similar

October 19, 2012

An Apple a Day

Fashion Fundamental: Down Vest

A puffy vest is essential to keep you warm during those chilly fall and winter days. I found this favorite at Crew, and what I really appreciate about this piece is it's versatility. You can add this to any look as it adds warmth without the bulk.

Have you busted out your winter coats, yet?

October 18, 2012

Jane & JET Take the Apple Orchard

Going to the apple orchard is absolutely one of my favorite autumnal activities. My family visits every year, and it's something I always look forward to.

This is JET's second visit to the orchard, but this time around, he's old enough to enjoy all it has to offer. This time next year, JET will have a little sister to romp around with! :D

October 17, 2012

Base for the Perfect Preppy Look: White Shirt

I'm rockin one of my favorite looks today; this white, puff sleeved button-up is a staple in my wardrobe and can be paired with a ton of things for the perfect preppy look. Gray, navy and brown are classically Fall, and I used the white base to pull the entire look together.

Thanks for reading!

Blazer: Gap | similar
Top: Banana Republic | similar
Skirt: | similar
Shoes: Lela Rose x Payless | similar

Fashion Fundamental: Short Sleeved, White Button Up

Linked up at the Pleated Poppy.

October 16, 2012

I Love Fall!

We've been enjoying some of the best parts of fall (a trip to the apple orchard, the changing leaves, and brisk fall weather to name a few) and are gearing up for Halloween. Check out these posts {1, 2} for some costume inspiration.

Do you know what you're dressing up as? Let us know in the comments what your costume might be!

Fashion Fundamental: Riding Boots

Cardigan: Lands' End Canvas | similar
Dress: Ruff Hewn | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar
Boots: Frye | shop {extensively reviewed here}
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | similar

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

October 11, 2012

Red Hot

Usually, I prefer dresses and skirts (or even shorts) to pants--especially denim--but this bright pair of skinnys caught my eye while browsing the aisles of Target.

I wasn't sure about 'em... they are super bright, especially when everyone is gravitating towards the deeper and richer shades of fall, but I ended up liking 'em quite a bit. :)

Sunnies: Ray Ban | shop
Shirt: Gap (old) | similar in a black peplum
Blazer: Gibson | similar
Brooch: Vintage | similar
Pants: Mossimo Junior's Colored Skinny Denim in Crimson, Target | shop
Flats: Nine West | similar
Lips: Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Fashion Fundamental: Black Blazer

Linked up at Real Girl Glam.

October 10, 2012

New City + New Photos

I spent this crisp fall day serving as photographer for my brother.

Moving to a new city is fantastic because you get to try out new restaurants and discover amazing nooks here and there. As part of my exploration, I invited my family up for a weekend in the new city to help me try some new things. Chil & Michelle had some fun with some much needed family photos.

The Midwest, no matter where you are, is getting legit --- cold! I'm digging out the sweaters and trying to strategize on how to keep warm for the rest of the fall/winter! How's your fall going?

Fashion Fundamental: Riding Boots

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Shoes: BP Runway Boots, Nordstrom | shop

Jeans: Old Navy | similar

Jacket: Harbourne, Burberry | similar

Sweater: Banana Republic | similar

Earrings: Kate Spade | similar

Linked up at the Pleated Poppy.

October 9, 2012

Homecoming

Happy Homecoming to all you college folk! I've been hearing about great games, fun times and good reunions that occurred this past weekend. #Jealous that I missed out this year! However, I will be in full form next year at my old alma mater.

To kickstart my week, I busted out some tweed in this classic, lady-like skirt from H&M. Bright cardigans make the days feel a bit warmer and help me get through any long week.

Thanks for reading!

Fashion Fundamental: Cardigan

Cardi: Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop
Top: JCrew | similar in pink
Skirt: H&M | similar
Shoes: Nine West | similar
Lips: Be Legendary Lipstick in Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

October 8, 2012

Wardrobe Staples

Exclusively wearing my wardrobe staples today--chambray shirt, statement necklace, skinny belt, riding boots, and a trench.

What are some of your favorite pieces that are on repeat in your wardrobe?

Fashion Fundamentals: Statement Necklace, Skinny, Belt, Chambray Shirt

Necklace: So Good | similar
Shirt: JCrew | shop
Coat: Banana Republic | shop
Belt: JCrew | similar
Jeans: Gap | shop
Boots: Frye | shop

October 2, 2012

Twice : Reselling Clothes the Easy Way

Aili and I have recently been doing our best to pare down our closets and get rid of anything that we haven't worn in a year or more, as well as deal with any items that need to be altered, tailored, or repaired. Luckily, I found out about Twice through a Facebook friend (social media FTW!). Think of Twice as the online version of your local Plato's Closet--except easier. You let them know what you want to sell, they send you a pre-paid shipping label, and make an offer up-front on your items. They'll pay you via PayPal or a mailed check, then in turn re-sell your items; you can learn more about how it all works here.

Best, most ingenious part of this? You'll likely ship your items through USPS's priority mail system, so you can even save a trip to the post office and schedule a pick up via usps.com. Best thing ever.

Like Plato's Closet, Twice asks that your items be relatively recent (purchased within the last 5 years) and in good, re-salable condition; they will purchase your items from anywhere between $2 and $150+ depending on brand, condition, and style of the piece. They accept items from stores with price points ranging from Gap and American Eagle to YSL and Burberry.

Whenever I'm looking to minimize and get rid of the clothing and shoes that I no longer wear, I get the feeling that I should be re-selling them on e-Bay or even Threadflip. As easy as these companies make it to re-sell your stuff.... let's be honest, it's a little bit of a hassle. You have the photograph and describe the item, price it, deal with PayPal, notoriously frugal e-Bay buyers who love to review sellers (I would know, I'm one of 'em), find a box to ship your item, pack and tape the item, find time to go to the post office, pay for shipping, address the package just to make a few extra bucks. lol. Some people may enjoy doing all that, and I get that. I really do, but for me it's just not worth it. I'd much rather simply drop off my stuff at Goodwill... someone will even help me unload it there. :D So Twice is the perfect option for those lazies, like me. All that being said, you'll likely make more selling your old clothes on e-Bay and Threadflip--where you get to dictate minimum bids than you would selling at Twice.

Room for Improvement: When you have several items to inventory (we were selling 60+), you have to input every single item by noting brand and type of item (i.e. top, pants, dress, etc.). If you have a lot of items, then that gets to be a little annoying. As far as I know, your inventory list doesn't save either, and I think that would be a nice feature because over the course of a weekend, I kept trying to log onto Twice, but kept receiving error messages. I know they're a new company, so I'm sure they're still working out the kinks. Currently, Twice only carries women's clothes, but options for men and children are in the works.

Bottom line: Big fan, and I'll be using their services in the future. If you're interested in buying or selling, feel free to sign up for Twice via our referral link, and you'll receive a $10 credit to shop with. I'd also check out their social media sites, as they occasionally offer discounts on your purchases. Plus, Twice also offers 24/7 customer service and free returns.

Argyle and Citron

Leaves are changing and it's time to bust out the cashmere! One of my favorite pieces for fall is this argyle sweater from Crew. I bought this a few years ago, but has been a strong staple in my fall wardrobe. I tend to gravitate toward bright colors, and this does just the trick on a brisk, autumn day. Soon, I'll be scouring the best places for cider and donuts! :)

Don't forget to sign up for your Target Beauty Bag here.

Fashion Fundamental: Pencil Skirt

Top: JCrew | shop similar
Skirt: No. 2 Pencil Skirt, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Flax in White Kid, Nine West | shop

Linked up to the Monday Mingle, Real Girl Glam, Two Thirty-Five Designs, and the Pleated Poppy.

October 1, 2012

Mid-Autumn Fest

Happy October and happy Mid-Autumn Fest to you if you celebrated! I hope your fall season is off to a great start. :)

Shirt: Paper Poplin Shirtdress, Lands End Canvas | similar in pink
Dress: Gap (old) | similar
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop
Necklace: JCrew Outlet

Linked up to the Monday Mingle.