Scallop Back Dress

Dress: Francesca's Collections

Necklace: Target
Belt: Borrowed
Sandals: JCrew
Sunnies: Prada

Fourth of July

This is long overdue, but here are a few of my faves during our Fourth of July bash. :)

Top: Madewell
Skirt: JCrew | similar - last seen here
Sandals: Franco Sarto
Earrings: Banana Republic
Bag: Kate Spade

Loft Strappy Maxi

Lace & Chambray

Rocking a relaxed look on a beautiful summer day.  A denim jacket or chambray button up will add that casual cool to any dressier look.

Chambray: Madewell | shop
Top: JCrew
Skirt: JCrew | similar
Sandals: Target
Sunnies: Prada | similar
Bag: Kate Spade | shop or smaller version here

Quick Loft Reviews: Crochet Trim Henley & Knit Circle Skirt

I've been really enjoying Loft lately.  Nearly everything I'm wearing today is from Loft!

Quick review: Loft Crochet Trim Henley Shell; this top comes in black & a bright cobalt (online exclusive) and I really like it because it travels really well, doesn't wrinkle, and basically goes with everything from a breezy skirt & a messy bun to my favorite pair of pants for the office (the JCrew Minnie Pant). I enjoy the split neck and the general ease of wear. Retails for $44.50.

Knit Circle Skirt ($39.50) I think I've had an iteration of this skirt from Old Navy, but the Old Navy version wasn't as flattering.  I love the cut of this particular skirt; my only complaint is that the material is a little thin and showcases any fabric that's tucked underneath it -- I would rethink purchasing this skirt if you were planning to rock this with bulky sweaters or tops.

Sunnies: Loft | shop
Top: Loft Crochet Trim Henley Shell | shop
Skirt: Loft Knit Circle Skirt | shop
Shoes: Target | similar
Lips: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick | shop

The Hoover Dam

Hi Friends!  In February, I visited the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas to celebrate my 25th birthday!  Some of my very best friends from college helped me ring in the next quarter century. :)

Chambray Top: Madewell | similar
Jeweled Top: JCrew | similar
Pants: Gap | similar
Sandals: Target | similar
Sunnies: Prada | similar
Bag: Tory Burch | shop

Dallas Stars Game

Hello all!  I hope you're surviving the winter weather.  I'm starting to get cabin fever, but there are some good things about cold weather (case in point: frozen) and wintertime activities. I caught a hockey game in Dallas with some of my college roomies.  This was my first experience with professional hockey, and I was impressed by how graceful the players were on the ice.  

And yes, the whole times I was chanting "ducks fly together" in my head.

Navy top: JCrew | shop

Sweater: Target | similar

Bottoms: Gap Skinny Mini Skimmer Khakis | shop

Shoe: JCrew | shop

Chicago Botanical Gardens

Over winter break I spent some QT time with my nephew and niece at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. They had a great display of beautiful plants and a special train exhibit for the winter season. If you haven't had the chance to visit -- I highly recommend it!

I also am learning to master the sock bun. I love this for a quick and stylish updo. I picked up a great piece at Target (Goody hairtie & bun). Best part? You can easily tote it around in any small purse/bag. What's in your purse these days?

Thanks for reading!

Dress: Target | shop similar
Belt: JCrew | shop
Leggings: Zella, Nordstrom | shop
Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop -- currently 35% off at Nordstrom!
Bag: Mini MAC Bag, Rebecca Minkoff | shop

My Trip to London in Food

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Thanksgiving & LOFT Pearlized Gem 3/4 Sleeve Dress

Jane Loves: November Edition

These are a few of the products I've been loving lately!

Chilly Fall Days

My beloved MacBook nearly met its match when I accidentally spilled a full glass of water on it.  Thankfully, it survived--mostly due to my quick googling skills--and I'll be back to posting regularly.  :)

We hope all of you affected by the tornados in the Midwest are safe and well.

Sunnies: Prada | shop

Earrings: Forever 21 | similar 

Dress & Belt: Target | similar

Leggings: Zella 'Live In' Leggings

Boots: Frye | shop

Linked up to the Monday Mingle, Monday Bloom, & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Banana Republic Fran Pleated Skirt

This skirt is a really lovely, bold color!  It definitely attracts a lot of compliments.  It also works really well as a transition piece into the cooler months; the rich, yet bright shade allows you to wear this skirt year round.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Top: Loft | similar
Skirt: Banana Republic Fran Pleated Skirt | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop
Bag: Coach Saffiano Tote | shop -- reviewed here


Linked up to Monday Bloom, the Pleated Poppy & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Loft Floral Scroll Print Sweater Review

Fit: I went with my typical Loft size, and it fits just fine.  If you're between sizes, I'd size up, especially because I feel like it's a touch short in the torso area.  Comes in petite and regular sizing.
Quality: 55% Cotton, 40% Viscose, & 5% Wool
Style: The pattern here really pops -- even more so than the photos would indicate.  Also I really like this weight for the fall weather; it's not a thick cable knit, but is substantial enough to keep you warm, yet light enough to layer without too much bulk. 
Price: $59.50, but lately there have been a lot of 40% off sales which puts this bad boy around $36.
Bottom Line: I'm a fan, and I like the style.  I do think it'll go on further sale, so I'll wait for a better deal, but if my size sells out, I won't be too bummed out.


Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Loft (old)
Top: Banana Republic Oxford Shirt | shop
Loft: Loft Floral Scroll Print Sweater | shop
Jeans: JCrew Toothpick Jean | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom & the Monday Mingle.