May Flowers

I recently unearthed this post that was buried deep in our Blogger's archives; it definitely made me miss all of that long hair & warm weather (no tights required).

I bought this J.Crew skirt & cardigan on final sale without trying either of them on. There's not a J.Crew near me, otherwise I'd be in there trying things on and stalking the sale racks all of the time. Ordering final sale online is always a gamble, but I've only lost once or twice. :) I've become pretty familiar with how J.Crew clothing fits me, so sometimes, I just go for it.

Thanks to Kate for the lovely photos!

Cardigan: J.Crew

Top: Calvin Klein

Skirt: J.Crew

Necklace: ShiDa Night Market (little stand near YOFROYO), Taipei
Shoes: Old Navy, Fall 2010

Photography in the Park

I helped my friend Kate, a budding black & white photographer, out with a photo shoot at the park. She graciously took my outfit photos, as well, so a big thanks to her!  Cooler weather is coming (or for some, is already here), and I'm trying to get a few more wears out of these peep-toe flats. 

Meet my new friends and their babies!

Dress: Floral dress F21 (Fall 2010)
Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan in Orchid Shadow, J.Crew | shop
Shoes: Gap Outlet (Fall 2010)
Earrings: Taiwan
Belt: J.Crew

(Slim) Shady

Shades make this outfit infinitely cooler, right?  Speaking of shades & shady.  I do love Slim Shady. And I also love this combo of navy and cobalt + pop of bright pink.  I love a little bling when it adds just the right amount of glam to a look.  I love when the weather cools enough for a classic blazer.

Happy Wednesday! :)

Dress: F21

Blazer: Gap

Belt: J.Crew

Earrings: Banana Republic

Shoes: Enzo Angiolini 

Shades: Random Gas Station

Bracelet: Express

Eliza J Belted Cotton Party Dress

This dress is the perfect piece to celebrate the end of summer season. I am kind of bummed about the coming shorter days and cooler weather, but Fall is undoubtedly my favorite season. Peace out pool parties, BBQs, and watermelon. Hello haunted houses & apple cider!

Dress: Belted Cotton Party Dress, Eliza J ($138 $61.90) | shop
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini | {1, 2}

PFC #10: Seasonal Transitions

FashionForTeens is hosting this month's Petite Fashion Challenge -- "take traditionally summer pieces (like tank tops, shorts, mini skirts, sundresses, etc.) and make them appropriate for fall"

Transitioning from summer to fall can be tricky, so for Petite Fashion Challenge #10, I wanted to focus on bringing some of my favorite summer combos--like this cream ruffle blouse and linen vest--into my fall wardrobe.

This is Jane in summertime: bright pink & boat shoes + seersucker vest = quintessentially summer.

Pair the vest+ruffle blouse combo with fall's darker hues like oatmeal and red and you're ready for apple cider doughnuts and pumpkin-spice lattes.

The Foundation

Vest: Banana Republic

Top: F21

Summertime Jane

Shorts: 3" chino short, J.Crew | shop

Shoes: Bluefish 2-Eye, Sperry Top-Sider | shop

Autumn Jane

Slacks: Exact Stretch Bootcut Pant, The Limited - Not the most petite friendly retailer, but their slacks work for me. | shop

Shoes: Nine West

Garden Party

Meet Punk - my brother's dog!

My sister (Jane 2) calls this my "napkin" dress. She says it looks and feels like a cloth napkin - LOL.

I say it's a garden party dress or perfect for (fake) gardening. Plus, it has pockets... total win.

Check out kelinda.kelinda's Purple Week, a celebration of a cat's favorite color.  If you look closely, you might see a familiar face ;).  Plus, Miss AmyK also rocks one of Jane Squared's favorite color combos: purple & gold!

Dress: J.Crew Factory Store
Shoes: Taiwan
Belt: J.Crew
Earrings: Banana Republic Factory Store

Big Poppa

I hit the racetrack last weekend, and you better believe that I won big!  Thanks to the horse, Big Poppa, I nearly doubled my money, ending the day with an impressive $3.40.  This was my first time at a racetrack, and I've got to say it was fun; envision a classier, but low key, version of a baseball game, and that was my day at the races.

Check out my stylin' family.  That's right.  The entire Jane Squared family always rocks it out! :D

Michelle
Dress: Express - I didn't see this online, but it might still be in stores.
Shoes: Nine WestChilin
Suit: Express
Shirt: Kenneth Cole
Shoes: Kenneth ColeJET
Sweater: Baby Gap
Kicks: Speed Cat 2.9 Puma | shop
Thanks to Chil for the excellent photography.

Jane
Dress: Macy's
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini
Hat: Borrowed from my lovely sister-in-law, Michelle

What's a Cat's Favorite Color?

Purrrple.  :)

My Dad read me this joke from his Laffy Taffy wrapper. Jane-Squared's Dad is.... awesome!

I love this purple dress. Exposed zip and ... ruffles. This is a great dress for summer to fall transition. 

My closet is slowly departing from its hot hues to sweaters & plaid. I love fall and ready for a change, but will hang onto this beautiful weather as long as possible. Oh, Midwest! 

Dress: Gap, Winter 2011

Belt: Thrifted

Earrings: F21

Shoes: Nine West

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.

Yes.  That is indeed 3 dozen doughnuts.

I spent  Saturday morning standing in line for The Doughnut Vault, where they actually put their doughnuts in a vault.  A bank vault.  Filled with donuts.  That's my kind of vault.  The Doughnut Vault is a Chicago foodie hotspot, and it's become so popular that people begin lining up (at 8 am!) before the shop even opens!  My family and I waited about an hour with 60+ other people to grab these eats, and my fave was definitely the Old-Fashioned Buttermilk.

I snapped these photos while waiting in line for my loot!

Bag: Mini M.A.C. Clutch in Natural, Rebecca Minkoff

Dress: Victoria's Secret (2009) - I'm a big fan of VS clothing {1, 2, 3}.  And so is Miss Monkeyface... See her rock a Victoria's Secret dress.  Don't be surprised to see that monkey on runway at the next Victoria's Secret fashion show.  She's that stylish.

Cardigan: Abercrombie (circa 2003?)

Shoes: Slim Flip Flops in Navy, Havianas

Water Bottle: Thermos Hydration Bottle for charity: water - Keeps your drink cold for 12 hours!

Summer Girl

I'm all about these gorgeous white dresses.  Summertime and the livin' is easy.

Earrings: F21

Dress: Sears ($15)
Bracelet: Gift

Shoes: Taiwan (last seen here)

Stunna Shades: Ray Bans

Rojo Anaranjado

This dress is really cool. It is simple, but has a great wrapped dress effect with a flattering neckline. After a weekend of lots of fun and sun, this dress will help me ease back into the work week.

Earrings: Loft

Dress: Loft

Shoes: Banana Republic

Clutch: Banana Republic - Also styled by Ailyn here.

Flutter Friday

WIN:  This flutter dress is interesting and can look funky and chic with the right pieces. I like how the dress flows and this shade of blue is really pretty. 

LOSE:  Belting with these "wings" is a bit tricky and the dress can wrinkle pretty easily. 

I'm also in love with these wedges. Some things to note:  the shoes have a substantial wedge and the front of the shoe is narrow in the front. These wedges are probably not tolerable for "all day" wear. All that being said - I'm still a fan and will attempt to wear all day. 

Earrings: H&M

Dress: Cascade Trim Dress, Gap

Belt: Thrifted

Bracelets: Gordmans ($7)

Shoes: Laredo Hand-Wove Wedge in Old Gold by Banana Republic

Also worn here.

Blush and Bride

I've liked this dress for a while but never purchased it since I have a few issues with it: it's slightly wrinkly and the top half of the dress can appear loose and baggy if the dress doesn't lay correctly.  Despite that, there must be something about this dress, since every time I hit Loft, I try it on... which means I've been trying it on for around 4 months without purchasing.  It hit a price that I felt was great, and for fifteen George Washingtons, I finally own this lovely sheath dress! The soft pinks and blush tones were perfect to wear to my beautiful cousin's outdoor wedding.

Check out a few photos of her big day!  Congrats to Jenny & Brock! :D

Earrings: Loft
Dress: Loft
Belt: J.Crew
Shoes: Patent Leather Pointy-Toe Pumps in Cameo Rose - Comfy & so pretty that several people gave me compliments!

Just Call Me Picasso

Big thanks to my photographer and platemaker extraordinaire, Carly of Carly in the Capital

Carly and I checked out a local paint-your-own-pottery studio, where I painted an adorable monster bank  to look like Mike Wazowski's chubbier blue cousin, while Carly created a plate for her mother's dining pleasure.  I think the bank turned out pretty cute pre-firing-in-the-kiln despite the fact that I'm one of the least artistic people you'll meet; I don't draw, paint, sew, sing, dance, play an instrument, throw pots even passably well.  But I do have a knack for ordering winning dishes at restaurants I've never frequented.

We all have our skills, I suppose. :)

Earrings: Charlotte Russe

Dress: TJ Maxx

Bracelets: F21

Bag: Target - See Aili rock it.

Shoes: Taiwan - Aili also wore them here.

JET, Jordans, & a Three Piece Suit

Meet our nephew JET!  It's his big day and he is getting baptized! The newest member of our family is three months old and already a hip, stylish dude! Check out his 3-piece suit and classic Air Jordans.

A special shout-out to the hilarious ladies who've adopted us into their book club--Jane, Joy, & Maria! :)  They're a big deal.

What did I wear to this joyous occasion? I recently bought this great dress from Limited. The turquoise color is really pretty and fun. Sitting down in the dress was a bit challenging because the buttons don't lay flat, but I really enjoyed wearing this light and comfortable dress.

Earrings: I got it from my momma. lol
Dress: The Limited
Belt: H&M
Shoes: Taiwan
Check out the other Janes's outfit details.