Life According to my iPhone

An easy look for a day at the the office:

Cardigan: Uniqlo | shop
Top: Loft | shop
Skirt: Halogen via Nordstrom | similar
Tights: HUE | shop
Shoes: JCrew | shop the studded version

Minnetonka slippers -- a Christmas gift from the fam. :)  Super soft and snuggle-y during the polar vortex.

An Old Navy snakeskin print shift dress & a room in the midst of New Year's Resolution number two -- decluttering my space. I'm working slowly, but surely and I'm loving my cleaner, minimized space.  

Aili & I both love this travel toiletry case; it can take up a decent amount of real estate, but you can pick it up at the Sonia Kashuk section of Target.

Live in Leggings

Did you have a good weekend? We're back at it with a Menswear Monday, and this weekend we have something great to look forward to:  Chinese New Year! 

Nothing makes me happier than a pair of comfortable and WARM leggings. These Zella leggings are fantastic. They are great to throw on for a weekend, and fun to pair with boots. How are you staying warm?

Thanks for reading!

Shirt:  Tunic, Merona | shop

Leggins: Zella Live in Leggings, Nordstrom | shop

Boots:  Melissa Button, Frye | shop

Scarf:  Animal print | shop similar

Necklace:  Vintage | shop similiar

Menswear Monday: Ogres & Onions

It's Menswear Monday! Welcome back guest blogger G.

Ogres are like Onions.

They have layers, which is also a good way to dress in this weather. For walking around in one of the polar vortexes, temperature, as well as wind can vary throughout the day. Proper layering helps me block the wind and keep warm. This new jacket combined with a cardigan and button down certainly did the job. Other additions to help as well are: good gloves, 180s which can be a good substitute to for a cap, and even long johns in extreme wind. Additionally, when you are indoors and you start to peel those layers off you can loan one of your layers to your favorite Jane. See, chivalry isn’t dead.  

Thanks for reading.

G 

Jacket:  DuraDown, Eddie Bauer | shop

Cardigan: Lambswool Gray, Uniqlo | shop

Shirt:  Oxford Slim Fit, Uniqlo | shop

Jeans:  Levi's 514 | shop

Gloves: Craft | shop
Boots: Jack & Jones | shop similar
Earmuff: 180s Ear Warmers | shop

Domes: Botanical Garderns

OMG. Midwest Winter.. what's up?! Well, the only way to stay warm is burrow inside. G & I found a local botanical garden where we can pretend it's warm. And, I'm wearing a fun dress from the Crew Factory with a sweet tulip hem so, things are looking up!

To stay insulated from the cold I added a pair of warm tights, and my favorite pair of brown boots.

Dress:  Tulip Hem, JCrew Factory | shop similar
Boots:  BP Runway Boot, Nordstrom | shop similar
Belt: Citron, JCrew | shop similar
Earrings: Diamond Studs | shop
Purse:  Vintage | shop similiar

Linked up to the Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Big Ben

Visiting London was very a cool for me, and seeing Big Ben & the Palace of Westminster were definitely some highlights. This trip marked my first experience in the UK, but I've learned and heard so much about London.  IT was exciting to visit streets (Baker St., anyone?)  I've seen on t.v. & read about in history books.

I walked up the stairs and out of Westminster station and was greeted with a breathtaking view of Westminster.  And all I could think to myself was "whoa".  This building has been around for hundreds of years. I really enjoyed just walking around this area and taking in the sights.

Have you been to London before?  What were some of your favorite things to do?

Coat: Loft | shop
Necklace: So Good | similar
Top: Express | shop
Jeans: Gap | shop
Flats: Cece Ballet | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Concert Wear: Fitz & the Tantrums

Recently, some friends and I went to see the Fitz and the Tantrums and Capital Cities in concert. Truly, this was one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. Both acts pumped up the crowed, and we even learned a few dance moves during the show. It really felt like a big party.

For this fun fest, I busted out my crazy tiger tank. It's pretty fierce for a night out of jumping and singing. I also grabbed a comfy pair of flats and some dark jeans to dance the night away.

Also, I hope you enjoyed the first feature of Menswear Monday! If you haven't had a chance -- check out G, here! Thanks for reading :).

Tank: Thailand market find | shop similar
Jeans:  Matchstick dark; JCrew | shop
Jacket:  Cropped Black Blazer | shop similar
Shoes:  Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop
Watch:  Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop
Earrings:  Silver Drop | shop similar

Linked up to Monday Bloom.

Menswear Monday: Introducing G - Like Steve McQueen

JaneSquared is mixing it up and introducing a new feature:  Menswear Monday. We're welcoming G to Jane Squared for regular menswear posts. You've seen G around in several of Aili's photos, but now we get to hear from him!

**********

I'm usually behind the camera, so this is a nice change. 

Like Steve McQueen:

All I need is a fast machine, well also the right gear. A leather jacket and set of boots are a great investment and can be worn in almost any occasion. Keep in mind that leather, if taken care of properly, can last several years so it's worth the extra amount on the initial purchase. The other benefit is it blocks the wind very well while looking awesome. Stay warm!

Also, the beard isn't permanent so, I'm going to do a feature on shaving in the near feature.   

G

Jacket: Jofama AB | shop

Boots: Jack & Jones | shop similar

Shirt: Slim Vintage Oxford, JCrew | shop

Undershirt: Henley, H&M | shop
Jeans: Redwood | shop similiar

Midwest Cool

Later Thailand - it's back to the midwest for some classic cold! The family, G & I are hanging out at the Christmas tree farm [see Jane here]. I'm wearing one of my most versatile coats. I love this black trench and it's layering ability with a removable lining. It's surprisingly warm and light.

What coats are you wearing this season?

Jacket: Burberry  | shop

Boots: BP Runway Boot, Nordstrom  | shop similar

Dress: Merona, Target | shop similar
Scarf: Burberry London | shop
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs.

London Canals

My London office is located near a charming little canal with boats that housed everything from used book stores to hand made jewelry shops; you could find all sorts of little bits & bobs for sale.

I work in a very casual office, so my office and weekend wear are generally very similar.

Earrings: Gift from Aili | similar
Navy top: JCrew | shop
Sweater: Target | shop -- on sale
Coat: Loft | shop
Gloves: Gift from Scotland! | similar
Khakis: Gap | shop
Shoes: JCrew | shop - currently 40% off
Bag: Coach | shop
Eye makeup: Bare Minerals | shop
Lip products: Covergirl in Watermelon Twist | shop

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

Thailand: Koh Samui - Da Beach

Beach G

It's our last day in Thailand -- so we're having our last hurrah at the beautiful Koh Samui beach. G & I are no strangers to the beach, so we grabbed some cocktails and relaxed. 

I'm wearing my new favorite, white dress I got on super sale from Gap. Sometimes you can really get stellar deals on the clearance rack at the back. 

There's just something so fresh about a summer dress in white (here's a winter version). Hmmm.. I'm already missing the sand & the sun!

Thanks for reading! 

Dress:  Gap | similiar

Shoes:  Cabana, Union bay | shop

Sunnies: Foldable Ray-Ban | shop

Linked up to the Monday Mingle.

What's in my bag? - London Edition

I've been on the go non-stop lately, and above is a quick snapshot of the items I've been carrying around with me from place to place.

Top row (from left to right): Frommer's London Day by Day guide (borrowed from my roomie, but not recommended a as guide to London), Moleskine notebook, Crate & Barrel business card holder that doubles as a small wallet, Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart, Bobby Pins from Goody, Uniball Pens, iPhone with JCrew glitter case (similar), Goody hairtie & bun (highly recommended!), free map from a random hotel, RuMe bag, Prada Sunnies

Next row: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC, Kleenex tissues, Nature Valley Honey & Oats Bar, Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Slim Zip, Envelope full of receipts & expenses.

Bttom Row: Vera Bradley Umbrella, Case Logic camera case (a Black Friday score), Good bobby pin case

What are you typically carrying around while you travel?  I love seeing posts and videos of "everyday carry" & What's in my bag? .

See the rest of my London Travels here.

Thailand: Big Buddha - Road Rules

Buckingham Palace

During the month of December, business took me to London.  And yes - it was exactly like Love Actually.  :)

I'll be sharing some of my travels to in a few different posts, so look out for those!  I had a little time to see some of the sights, including Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, & St. James's Park, and the Horse Guard's Palace.

Top: Target | shop - love this!
Skirt: Express | shop 
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Tights: Taiwan | similar
Boots: Banana Republic (old) | similar
Coat: Loft | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop

Thailand: Koh Samui - ASOS dress

Thailand - resumed! 

G & I went to the one of the best restaurants on the Koh Samui island - The Larder. The food was great and a nice break from street food, and things on the go. I'm wearing my new favorite vacation/summer dress from ASOS. I love the print and the side slit is not too high, but still sexy. Maxis continue to be comfortable, yet stylish. 

I can't wait until it's warm again to wear this dress! #PolarVortex

Thanks for reading!

Dress:  Maxi Warehouse Totem, ASOS | similar

Shoes:  Cabana, Union bay | shop

Watch: Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

Jane at the Christmas Tree Farm

Hello & happy new year! Jane Squared has been busy celebrating the holidays, but we're back and ready for 2014!

I wore this during a family visit to a local Christmas Tree Farm where we checked out the petting zoo, sampled some fresh cinnamon sugar donuts, and chatted with Santa.

Necklace: JCrew Factory (2012) | similar
Scarf: Taiwan | cashmere version here
Light Green Blouse: H&M (2011?) | similar long-sleeve version
Sweater: Target | shop
Jeans: Gap | similar
Boots: LL Bean | shop
Coat: Loft | shop

Linked up to the Monday Mingle.