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

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.

Fake Out: It's Polka Time

Psych - winter is not going to leave us! It's okay because I'm rockin' my new favorite top. This adorable ditty from Crew is making me very happy. 

I'm excited to see how this pairs with a pencil skirt for work, but for now I'm keepin' it real with a pair of dark skinny jeans. What pieces are you excited about this season?

Thanks for reading! 

Shirt:  Boy shirt in dots, JCrew | shop

Jeans:  Toothpick Jean, JCrew | shop

Boots:  Melissa Button, Fryes | shop

Purse:  Classic Q Hillier, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Necklace:  So Good, NYC Boutique | similar

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

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

El Castillo de Chapultepec

Fashion Fundamental: The Chambray Shirt {see all the ways the Janes have worn it here} is one of my favorite things to style because it goes with absolutely everything, even more denim.  Throwing on a chambray shirt over a dress or fancier top can easily make your look more relaxed and casual.  Chambray is also a great layering piece for those cooler fall and winter days where you don't want to wear  a bulky coat.

I visited the Castillo de Chapultepec & the Bosque de Chapultepec, a gigantic park in the middle of the city, with my lovely hostess.  She also treated me to some Mexican specialities, including the tequila bandera and her very favorite shrimp tacos.  Good times all around. :)

Sunnies: LOFT | shop
Shirt: JCrew | shop
Belt: JCrew | similar
Dress: Target | similar (and better quality)
Tights: Hue | shop
Boots: Frye | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

En Route to Mexico City

About to head to the airport for an impromptu trip to Mexico City!  The plane fare was so good that I couldn't pass up the chance to visit with some of my very best friends from college.  Crossing my fingers for an easy, relaxed travel experience.

Let me know if you've ever been to Mexico City and if you have any recommendations!

Fashion Fundamental: Riding Boots - Boots are a staple in my fall and winter wardrobe. I wear 'em with anything from silky, feminine blouses to jeans and dresses.

Headband: JCrew
Earrings: Kate Spade | similar
Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Top: JCrew | similar with a hood
Bottoms: Gap | shop
Boots: Frye | shop
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop | shop

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

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.

Wear it Both Ways: Lands' End Canvas Sleeveless Striped Dress

These two looks are anchored by a very versatile dress--the Sleeveless Striped Dress by Lands' End Canvas--currently on sale for $60 $24.99.  I wear this dress all of the time because it's super comfy,  easy, and washes extremely well.  Plus, I love the ultra-flattering fit-and-flare shape.  It's a touch high-waisted, so ladies with a shorter torso are better off with this

100% cotton, machine wash, and Lands' End and Lands' End Canvas items are covered under a generous return policy.  I am a fan.  This dress is made of a mid-weight, soft cotton jersey that is perfect for fall (a bit heavy for summer in my opinion, but hey, I suppose you can get multiple seasons of wear out of it) and layering.

My only complaint: the arm holes--near the underarm--reveal a little bit more skin than I'd prefer.  All in all, it's a small complaint, so I'm very happy with this lovely dress.

Dress: Lands' End Canvas | shop - last seen here
Cardigan: Lands' End Canvas | similar
Pleated Top: LOFT | similar in a pretty green
Belt: JCrew | similar
Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop {reviewed here}
Earrings: Kate Spade | similar

Top: JCrew | shop the dress version here
Shoes: Nine West | similar
Earrings: Kate Spade | similar
Headband: JCrew

Linked up at Real Girl Glam.

LOFT Bow Blouse + beard papa's

I had to take a little break to eagerly await the delivery of one of my favorite treats: Beard Papa's!  I first experienced this Japanese cream puff when I was studying abroad in Taiwan, where I occasionally frequented the glorious food courts at luxury Japanese department stores.  I've never been a big fan of cream puffs, but I love these Beard Papa's.  I like the classic vanilla custard, but my sister-in-law loves the strawberry eclair.  Try 'em out if you ever have a chance.  

Blazer: JCrew

Blouse: LOFT - scored this bad boy for $4.88

Shoes: Melissa Button Boots in Cognac, Frye | shop

Pants: 1969 5-Pocket Legging Jeans, Gap | shop

Bag: H&M

What's Up?

I haven't shopped at Hollister or A&F for several years, though I do like shopping Gilly Hicks online.  The sale signs outside the store sucked me in, and I was able to score this navy & green button down for $10.  It was actually so dark in the store, that I thought it was black & green... and when I walked into the store, the sales associate gave me the nod and a "what's up."

In the spirit of a Hollister employee, I'd like to give you, lovely reader, the "nod and a what's up."  Happy Monday.

Necklace: Gift
Top: Hollister
Skirt: JCrew
Bag: H&M
Shoes: Melissa Button Boots in Cognac, Frye | shop

Save or Splurge: Sunglasses

Now that I'm free of prescription glasses, I'm all about rocking any and all types of sunglasses.  After LASIK, my doctor stressed the importance of always wearing sunglasses--not just because they make you look infinitely cooler--but they are "sunscreen for your eyes"

These sunglasses are terrible, though... When it gets sunny, they simply make everything appear foggy... So not exactly the best pair on the market.  Recently, I have been trying out some higher end shades, and I love the incredible quality and clarity of Maui Jim lenses (+ their general customer service policies).

For someone who is both klutzy and refuses to baby her possessions in the least (read: my iPhone doesn't live in a case.  I know, I know, I'm living on the edge), expensive sunglasses seem like a risk.  Envision this scenario: You've just been running errands and didn't want to use the public restroom, so you rush into the house and drop all of your stuff on the floor.  One misstep later and your $300 shades are done for.

This has happened to me.  Luckily, I seem to be buying my sunglasses at various gas stations and purchasing them primarily on the basis of their ability to fit over my prescription lenses.  Function trumps Style.

My stuff needs to be functional, durable, and stylish.  It's hard enough to find that combination without bringing price into the equation; I'm trying to carefully consider what is worth spending hard earned dollars on versus settling for the cheaper, but still serviceable version (i.e. Go for the name brand aspirin or generic version? They're technically the same, right?).  Just see my review on these Melissa Button Boots to see the critical consideration I gave a single pair of boots or a cheapie F21 Dress.

All that being said, an extra 20 bucks spent on a pair that doesn't make every sunny day into a hazy fog is probably worth it, right?

What are your thoughts on saving or splurging on designer sunglasses?

Sunnies: Gas station
Necklace: Gift
Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan, JCerw | shop
Shirt: Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | shop
Pants: 1969 Ponte 5-Pocket Legging Jeans, Gap | shop
Boots: Melissa Button Boots in Cognac, Frye | shop
Bag: H&M - very similar one in stores now

H&M Kelly Green Top

I'm all about this H&M double-placket kelly green top; I like it so much that I'm even considering purchasing the cream version!  I actually like the relaxed fit, the faux shell finish on the buttons, and how neckline falls (read: no necklace necessary).  Plus this poly-rayon material has the added benefit of never wrinkling.  Win!

Earrings: LOFT
Cardigan: A&F (2002?)

Top: H&M (recent)

Bag: Mini MAC in Natural, Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Skirt: J.Crew (old) | {see here}
Boots: Melissa Button with Extended Calf in Cognac | shop 

Nails: Lollipop, Essie | shop

Frye Melissa Button Boots Review

LOFT Favorite Ruffle Puff Sleeve Top

The weather is crazy this winter; first the Midwest is hit with heavy winter snow storms, and suddenly it seems like spring time.  The warmer weather already has me lusting for the brighter colors and warmer patterns of summer, so I pulled out a summer staple and remixed it for cooler weather.  Using darker colors--like black, navy, or grey--as layering pieces is an easy way to bring your favorite summer look into winter weather readiness.

Top: Favorite Ruffle Puff Sleeve Top, Loft | shop
Cardigan: Gap | shop this season's version or this one with piping in lots of fun colors
Skirt: Victoria's Secret (old)
Boots: Melissa Button Boots, Frye | shop

Frye Melissa Button Back Zip Boots

Oh snap - she's wearing white post Labor Day! Gasp..shock..sigh.

Lovely fall is here with so it's time to try out some new boots. I picked up a great pair at Nordstrom's during their annual anniversary sale. These boots are perfect for jean tucking and leaf crunching. I think these boots are cool, and this grey is an unexpected color. The Melissa Button also comes in a really pretty brown - which I prefer.

I do have a few issue with these boots. For instance, the buttons on the back are a bit hard to buckle, but with some brute finger force you're good to go. Also, if you have larger calves, you may have trouble zipping into this pair. I had struggled a bit...

Nevertheless, here's a rocking pair of boot and a clean cut blazer to jump start our fall.

Blazer: Polished Sateen Blazer, Ann Taylor | shop
Top: Seamless Scoop Cami, The Limited | shop
Shorts: F21
Boots: Melissa Button Back Zip in Grey, Frye | shop