Gap Denim and JCrew Ballet Button Tee

Fashion Fundamental: Denim Jacket - It's the perfect way to keep your look casual and works in every every season as a layering piece or a light coat. My denim jacket is from Gap circa 2002, and it's been a good friend to me ever since

It's nearly February already, and we hope your 2013 is off to a great start. :)


Jacket: Gap | similar
Necklace: Vintage
Top: Perfect Fit Ballet Button Tee, JCrew | shop
Skirt: Express | similar
Tights: Loft | shop
Boots: Hingham, Sperry | shop

How I Met Your Mother: Suit Up!

Custom Suits -- always in style

“Suits are full of joy. They're the sartorial equivalent of a baby's smile.”

“It's gonna be legend-... wait for it... and I hope you're not lactose intolerant because the
second half of that word is DAIRY!”

G looking fly in the black on black.

"Nothing suits me like a suit." 

Check out my friend Derek! He recently acquired an awesome custom suit with a sleek, modern fit. Derek didn't mess around with this gray ensemble. He went all out with the four button sleeve, beautiful striped lining and several secret pockets in his jacket.

To celebrate, we grabbed our finest in a nod to How I Met Your Mother & the new custom suit. I think Barney would be proud...

Fashion Fundamental:  Suit Jacket

Jacket:  Express | similar

Corset:  Charlotte Russe | similar

Pants:  Drew Bootcut Pant, The Limited | shop

Shoes:  Flax, Nine West | shop

Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint | similar

Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop | shop

Striped Loft Shift Dress

Fashion Fundamental: A great winter coat - I've mentioned before that I come from a family who loves outerwear, and a warm and colorful jacket is the perfect pop on those cool winter days.

Headband: JCrew
Necklace: F21 | similar
Coat: JCrew | similar
Dress: Loft (old) | similar
Tights: JCrew | shop
Bag: Jane on a Leash, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Shoes: Tanngoo in Taupe, Steve Madden | shop

Boots and a blustery day

Fashion Fundamental:  Boots

I love the look of preppy riding boots. Today, I'm sporting the classic Melissa Button Frye boots. This sturdy pair can keep up with my busy lifestyle, but still feel comfortable and cool. I find myself reaching for boots all season to keep clear of the elements.

Want a review of these boots? Ailyn did an awesome review-- click here for the full report!

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop

Coat:  Colletta Coat, JCrew | similar

Necklace: Etsy

Shirt:  JCrew | similar

Pants: 678 Colorful Skinny Jean, The Limited | shop

Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop

Lips: Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Cropped Cardigans

Fashion Fundamental: Cardigan - Jane Squared loves a good cardigan -- see us rock 'em here, here, and here.  This one in particular [reviewed here] has a cropped, shrunken fit that pairs perfectly with dresses.  If you regularly don a dress or skirt, then I highly recommend a cardi with a slightly cropped fit.


Necklace: Gift
Cardigan: JCrew | similar
Dress: Amy Beyer  | similar with sleeves
Tights: HUE | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up to Mix & Match Fashions.

White Dresses x2

Fashion Fundamental:  A classic sheath dress - Sheath dresses are appropriate for just about any occasion where you want to look smart and polished.  These versatile dresses can take you from desk to dinner -- and even date night.

From time to time, Banana Republic releases a dress in this ultra-flattering silhouette, and I always like seeing the iterations of this dress.

My adorable niece also chose to rock a white dress on her big day. :D


Dress: Banana Republic (old)
Belt: JCrew | similar
Tights: HUE | similar
Booties: Jessica Simpson | shop
Bag: Bianca Clutch, MBMJ | shop

Floral & Stripes

Fashion Fundamental: 
Striped Top - This striped top is constantly on rotation in my closet: [1, 2, 3].

A little hesitant to mix patterns?  Florals & stripes are a great gateway combo to mixing patterns.

How do you feel about mixing patterns?

Striped Top: JCrew | similar
Chambray Top: JCrew | shop
Necklace: F21 | similar
Skirt: Victoria's Secret (old)
Leggings: Loft | shop
Boots: BP Runway Boots, Nordstrom | shop

DVFxGapKids Take 2

Guess who cut their hair? 2013 - new year and a new do!  :)

I repurposed this cotton DVF dress to work for the cooler months. Ailyn does an awesome job remixing, and I need to take some more tips from her. This dress is a lot of fun, and I am excited to figure out some other winter combinations.

Check out the summer version here!

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop
Top:  JCrew | shop
Dress: DVF x Gap Kids | similar
Booties:  Jessica Simpson | shop 
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop | shop

Linked up to the Monday Mingle.

The Wondrous Shedd Aquarium

Fashion Fundamental:  Silk Blouse

I recently checked out Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. I  haven't been to this place since I was a child. So, I was surprised to see that it is still a very cool, unique place as an adult. My favorite exhibit--by far-- was the Jellies. The penguins, large center aquarium and of course the penguins are always a hit.

Silk blouses are quickly becoming a favorite in my wardrobe. I found this bright purple blouse at my local Crew and appreciate the structure in the shoulder, but like the relax fit near the bottom on the shirt. I have found that these are also great to tuck into a pencil skirt for work.

I'm interested in hearing how are you incorporating your silk blouses. What are you pairing them with?

Shirt:  JCrew | shop

Jeans: Gap | shop

Boots: BP Runway Boots | shop

Necklace: Thrifted 

Coat:  Double-Cloth Lady Day Coat, JCrew | shop

Gloves:  H&M

Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs |shop

Linked up to Two Thirty Five Designs.

Wear It Both Ways: Quilted Vest

Fashion Fundamental: 
Quilted fall/winter vest - I really enjoy this layering piece because it provides warmth without bulk. It's pretty versatile for 3-seasons of the year here in the Midwest -- I've even worn it with a dress!  Those of you living in warmer climes still might consider picking one up for those cooler fall and winter days as a great alternative to a jacket.

Also, for more ways to style a quilted vest, see Aili rock it here and here.

Pink-on-Pink
Vest: Gap (old) | similar by JCrew
Cardigan: Uniqlo | similar
Top: Gap (old) | similar
Jeans: 1969 Always Skinny Jeans, Gap | shop - The ankle length fits me perfectly. Shorties FTW!
Boots: Snowmass by Keen | shop

Stripes-on-Pink
Vest: Gap | similar
Necklace: JCrew Outlet
Dress-Worn-as-Sweater: Target | similar dress version or sweater version
Chambray: JCrew | shop
Jeans: Gap | shop
Boots: Hingham, Sperry | shop
Lips: Just Kissable BalmStain in Lovesick, Revlon | shop

LBD + Pink Shoes

Fashion Fundamental:  Little Black Dress (LBD)

I love those nights when you get to slip on a great black dress. Nothing is more classic. LBD sometimes need a pop of color to help make the look sing. Cue:  hot pink shoes. I found these pink shoes at Macy's last season and think they are so much fun. 

More LBDs here:   1, 2, 3, & 4.

How many LBDs live in your closet?

Dress:  H&M | similar

Shoes:  Lilly pumps in Neon Magenta Snake, INC | similar

Bracelets:  Thrifted

Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint ($30 $12) | similar

Clutch:  Thrifted | similar

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Winter Fresh

Fashion Fundamental: Striped top

Aili's colorful ensemble inspired me to create my own take on stripes and color.  Spring clothes are already hitting stores, and I'm longing for the lightness and brightness of summer clothes, but it's still cold here in the Midwest. This look is covered and warm, but still cheerfully reminiscent of spring and summer.

How do you keep your look fresh during the cooler months?

Necklace: F21| similar
Top: JCrew | similar in a navy cardigan
Belt: Guess | similar
Dress-worn-as-a-skirt: F21 | similar in white
Leggings: Loft | shop
Boots: Frye | shop

Leaves, Stripes and a City Mini

Fashion Fundamental:  Striped Shirt

I love those crisp, cool days where you want to wear something bright & cheery. Stripes is the word, and nothing puts me in a better mood than a sassy blue skirt. I love this shirt from Crew and have been able to pair it with colored skinny jeans and denim for the weekends. 

Shirt:  Striped Painter Boatneck Tee, JCrew | shop

Skirt:  Crinkle City Mini, JCrew | shop

Coat:  Double-Cloth Lady Day Coat, JCrew | shop

Boots: BP Runway Boots | shop

Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs |shop

Necklace:  Thrifted

Sunnies: Ray-Ban | shop

Lips: Be Legendary Lipstick in Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Linked up to Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Wintry Plaid

New year, new resolutions, and new seasons of some of my favorite tv shows!

That's right, my friends, Suits (watch all 22 episodes for free until Jan. 17) and The Biggest Loser are among the shows I'm excited to see.

What have you been watching?

Top: Nautica | similar in red
Belt: Macy's | shop
Leggings: Loft | shop
Boots: Hingham Boots, Sperry | shop

Professor Jane & a Flower Tie

Fashion Fundamental:  School-boy Blazer

I hope you had a wonderful holiday! Can you believe it's 2013? Having a nice holiday break was great, but we're here for a new and exciting year!

Well, Jane the professor is back at it! I'm wearing a staple in my closet -- the school-boy blazer. Nothing will get me back into the work mode like a great blazer. I found this one at my local BR, and it classes up a pair of jeans, and adds a bit of prep to any look.

How are your new year's resolutions coming?  :)

Blazer: Banana Republic | similar
Shirt:  JCrew | similar
Skirt: Gap | similar
Tights: Hue | similar
Heels: Nine West | similar
Bow-tie:  Gift from G
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop | shop