August 30, 2012

Relaxed Classics






































Ah man, we're so close to the holiday weekend! Oh and this is weird, I'm wearing a Uniqlo shirt...
I love this button up - it makes me feel polished, but still relaxed and casual.

Do you follow the 'no white rule' post Labor Day? Pshh -- not a faux pas says Jane. Wear what you want when you want!

School buses are everywhere, pools are closing, and I'm dreaming of sweater veststrench coats, and boots. Are you ready for fall?

Have a great holiday weekend!

Shades: Maui Jim | shop
Top: Women's Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt, Uniqlo $29.90 | shop in stores or at Lands' End Canvas
Shorts:  AE Dark Denim Midi Short | shop
Shoes: Chuck Taylor Laceless Slip-Ons in Charcoal, Converse | shop

Linked up at Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Follow Jane Squared on Blog Lovin'.

August 29, 2012

Smiles All Around

In other news, I had a dentist appointment today, and my dentist told me I had beautiful teeth. Officially counting today as a #win.

Hope you and your day are winning, as well! :)

P.S. If you're a fan of Rebecca Minkoff, then check out Rebecca Minkoff's Endless Summer Sale for up to 70% off Rebecca Minkoff items, including the Mini MAC (seen here) and the MAC clutch.  More info here; you may also want to check out Rebecca Minkoff's Facebook page and tweets for other discount codes.

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good | similar in coral - last seen here
Top: JCrew | shop
Skirt: City Mini in Linen | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Shoes: Target | similar
Lips: Revlon | shop
Nails: Lollipop, Essie | shop

Linked up to Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge & All Things Chic.

August 28, 2012

Later AiliGator Farewell Party







































Big changes happening for big sister Jane... new job & it's in a new city! I threw a big farewell party to celebrate and to say goodbye to all of my lovely friends. In typical Jane fashion there was a ridiculous theme:  "Later Ailigator" -- a play on the old saying "See you later, alligator."  The party was equipped with funny favors, a pool gator, a gator piƱata, & bomb cupcakes in the shape of the alligator. All of my favorite people came out to help me celebrate, and I'd call it a great party! 

Dress:  TJ Maxx | similar
Clutch:  Steve Madden via TJ Maxx | similar
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini | similar
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Necklace:  gift from Jon

Linked up to Real Girl Glam & The Pleated Poppy.

August 23, 2012

Layering Green and Black







































I work in an air conditioned office and temperature can be a major issue. Wearing versatile pieces allow you to be comfortable in the cooler office spaces and you can remove a layer when you are out for a quick lunch in the heat.

I've been slowly building up stand alone pieces like this great jacket from Ann Taylor or this sassy green skirt from Crew. You'll find these signature pieces are easy to swap in and out of any look. What are your signature pieces?

Jacket:  Triacetate Jacket, Ann Taylor | shop
Shirt:  Loft | shop similar
Skirt:  No. 2 Pencil Skirt, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint ($30 $12) | similar

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs.

August 21, 2012

United Way Jeans Day + Uniqlo Oxford Shirt






































My company donates to the United Way and encourages us to participate and show our pride with jeans days! The United Way is a fantastic organization and to show my pride, I'm pairing a relaxed pair of jeans with my new favorite oxford.

I'll admit I'm becoming obsessed with Uniqlo the more I wear their clothes. I find myself reaching for them over and over for a simple, preppy look. I'm very sad there isn't a store in the midwest. This probably means I need to head to NYC or San Fran. fairly soon.... :D

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop
Top: Women's Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt, Uniqlo $29.90 | shop in stores or at Lands' End Canvas
Jeans:  Old Navy Sweetheart | shop
Shoes:  Flax in White Kid, Nine West | shop
Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Bracelets:  Express

Linked up with Real Girl Real Glam.

August 20, 2012

The Power of Great Accessories









Prior to style blogging here at Jane Squared, I largely ignored accessories--jewelry, scarves, bags, etc.  I really only wore  scarves, the gold-toned bracelet you see in these photos, and stud earrings.

Reading various style blogs, and writing my own, has really opened my eyes up to the power of accessories to both complete and transform a look.  Some of our favorite pieces include these sunglasses by Prada, (styled here), Jewelmint's Forever Audrey earrings, and the necklace featured in this post.  I love it so much that I have it in two colors (see how the Janes have styled the white version here).

What are your favorite (or most worn) accessories?

Necklace: So Good | similar
Umbrella: Victoria's Secret (gift with purchase :D) | not very similar, but awesome nonetheless
Dress: JCrew (old) | similar in a bright pink
Belt: Nine West | similar
Flats: Banana Republic | similar
Top: H&M | similar - also styled here & here
Clutch: Gift | similar by Kate Spade
Skirt: Express | similar
Heels: Nine West | similar
Lips: Convertible Lip and Cheek Color in Petunia, Stila | shop


August 16, 2012

hip hop hippity hop






































HIP HOP - you don't stop. I know some comic relief is welcome after an arduous week. I found a hilarious top from Forever 21, and I love it. It's a perfect transition piece with a bit of spunk, and it's always a good time for some Rapper's Delight.  Enjoy & happy Thursday!

P.S. Here's some randomness for you to check out at your local Ikea--an all-you-can-eat Crawfish Boil tomorrow, Friday, August 17.  You can find details and ticket information here.  You may recall that Jane Squared loves a crawfish boil. :)

Top: David & Goliath x Forever 21 | shop
Shorts: American Eagle | similar
Shoes: Target (old) | similar - Target's running a 20% off $75 promotion.
Earrings:  Lia Sophia
Lipstick:  Round Case Lipstick in Chaos, NYX | shop



Linked up at Two Thirty-Five Designs.

August 15, 2012

Monochromatic: shades of blue

Keeping things fun and casual with these shades of blue and navy.

In other news, remember when I said I was sad about the olympics being over?  Well, now I don't have anything to watch.  I must confess a weakness for USA network shows... White Collar, Suits, and Burn Notice are some of my faves.  What are you watching post-olympics?

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good - last seen here
Shirt: China
Blazer: Gap | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar for $10
Shorts: Gap | shop - also styled here
Shoes: Target | shop

Monochromatic
Also linked up at the Pleated Poppy.

August 14, 2012

Night at the Zoo























I recently attended a charity fundraiser at our local zoo & was inspired to wear the ever appropriate animal print. You know my early aversion to animal prints. However, since I started blogging I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and have become a huge fan!

I hardly ever get the chance to get to the zoo, but learned that giraffe's tongue is black and can eat up to 75 pounds of food a day! I feel like that may come in handy for a round of trivia one day :).


Ailyn's outfit details here.


Earrings:  Express
Top:  H&M
Belt:  Thrifted
Skirt:  Express (old)
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Clutch:  Thrifted

Linked up at Real Girl Glam.

August 13, 2012

Best Part of Summer: Ravinia

Camoflauged into our picnic mats.  












Outdoor concerts and a venue as beautiful as Ravinia, are some of the best things about  summer.  Add in the great company and great food, and you've got a perfect summer day!

Also, anyone else bummed that the Olympics are over?


Aili's outfit details here.

Jacket: Gap | similar
Dress: Dee&Ray Mona Dress | shop
Sandals: Target | shop
Earrings: Jewelmint | similar
Nails: Lollipop, Essie | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

August 9, 2012

Ravinia





























I recently headed to Ravinia to see Broadway star, Idina Menzel, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; you all know that we're big broadway fans, so it was a great way to spend a summer afternoon.  Surprisingly the late Marvin Hamlisch was there, too.

The weather was perfectly cool for an outdoor summer concert, an especially nice break from the triple-digit heat we've been experiencing in the Midwest.

Just a quick FYI: Gap (GAPFRIENDS) & Loft (FRIENDSAF) are having their Friends & Family Sale, so now is a great time to pick up anything you've had your eye on.

Tank: Gap | similar
Shorts: American Eagle | similar
Shoes: Target (old)
Sunglasses: Loft | shop

Linked up at Two Thirty-Five Designs.

August 7, 2012

Shorter Summer Days & Baseball


There is something so perfect about summer days and baseball games. I went to a local ball game and had an absolute blast, and spent some QT out on the field. Nothing says summer quite like a baseball game and a beer. The summer is slowly winding down so, I'm savoring shorts until we bust out the tweed, blazers and scarves. Summer FTW!

Shirt: Gap | similar
Shorts: JCrew | shop
Purse:  Beherse, Aldo | shop
Sunnies: Loft | similar
Nail Polish:  OPI California Raspberry | shop

Linked up at Real Girl Real Glam.

August 6, 2012

Lands' End Canvas Paper Poplin Shirtdress

I'm not ready for summer to end quite yet, but I have been dipping my baby toe into fall fashions with these autumnal colors, but I used gold accents to keep things light, bright, and still a little summery.  This is a great look to transition into the cooler weather.

What are some of the ways you're getting fall-ready?


Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop
Belt: Hollister (old)
Earrings: Express | similar
Bracelet: Banana Republic | similar
Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Dress: Paper Poplin Shirtdress, Lands End Canvas ($85 $30.99 | add'l 30% off) | shop - Take an additional 30% off this item with code: GOLDEN and pin: 2060 -- see another Lands' End Canvas "shirtdress" styled here.
Shoes: Pilar Strappy Wedge, Mossimo | similar
Lips: Bare Escentuals | shop

Linked up at the  Monday Mingle.

August 3, 2012

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

Photos via Nordstrom.com
These are our picks for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale--in which on-trend fall pieces are currently on sale.  On August 6, when the sale ends, items will return to their original prices.

1. Clarisonic Mia 2: We both use this face brush, and we just picked one up for our sister-in-law.  It makes your face feel baby soft.  Our mom is also a big fan, so all of the ladies in the Jane Squared family give it our ringing endorsement.
2. Ivanka Trump - Abello Flat ($89.90 | after sale price of $134.50) : I available in two colors--black and nude--and in multiple widths, which I definitely appreciate.  This is my first experience with Ivanka Trump shoes, and I think the quality is pretty nice. These flats are also available in light teal and burgundy. You can check out how fellow blogger Ping of All about Fashion Stuff rocks the nude version here.
3. HUE Denim Legging ($29.50 | after sale price $39): These are well reviewed and you can check out the always helpful Q&A section for fit details. The Nordstrom team is pretty good about answering any questions you may have. We've had some good experiences with Hue's quality.
4. BP Runway Boot ($89.90 | $129.95) - See all the ways we've worn these boots.  Jane Squared each walked away from Nordstrom with a black pair of these boots, even though Aili already has the cognac pair. See how we wear our much beloved BP Runway Boots.
5. Open Heart Necklace - Dogeared: I don't think this is actually part of the anniversary sale, but Dogeared's dainty jewelry is too adorable to pass up.
5. Burberry Brit Double-Breasted Trench ($695 | after sale price $1,095)
7. Kate Spade Handbag: Lots of fun bags from Kate Spade; if you don't see what you want available online, it's worth calling or stopping in to see if a Sales Associate can help you track it down.
8. Gabe B Blazer - Theory ($259 | $395): A perennial favorite of the 9-to-5 set. This jacket is beautifully made. Runs quite small.

If you're shopping the Anniversary Sale, let us know what you picked up!

Polos on the Prairie - Round 2

More after the jump!

August 2, 2012

Remixed: LWD




















I love shopping and seeing what's new in stores, but I firmly believe that it's best to shop your closet.  Blogging at Jane Squared has definitely helped me look at my wardrobe--especially my accessories--more critically and creatively.

The Basics
Dress: Sears (old) | similar
Sunnies: Prada | shop
Lips: Be Legendary Lipstick in Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Shoes: Hand-Woven Laredo Banana Republic | similar
Necklace: Vintage | similar
Bag: Besherse, Aldo | shop
Scarf: Vintage | similar
Wedges: Pay-Less | similar

Linked up at Watch Out for the Woestmans.