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

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

Missouri State Fair: Gap Striped Cami Jersey Dress

A few weekends ago, I was at the Missouri State Fair, enjoying the absolutely beautiful weather and noshing on fair food.  My favorites definitely included the deep-fried Oreos, lemon shake ups, & funnel cakes.

My friends and I also caught the rodeo, and it was my first time attending one. It was crazy!  I can't believe people willingly hop on a bucking bull to see if they can last the full 8 seconds; there were even some competitors under 14 years old. Have you ever been to the rodeo?

P.S. This Striped Cami Jersey Dress is unbelievably soft and comfy.  It comes in regular, tall, & petite sizing.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Jacket: Gap | shop
Dress: Gap Striped Cami Jersey Dress | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Sandals: Target | similar
Nails: OPI Cajun Shrimp | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom.

Cultural Enrichment Festival

Last weekend, I attended a fun event in KC--the Ethnic Enrichment Festival. There were lots of cultural performances, traditional dress, and my favorite part, so much delicious food. Top eats definitely include the skewers from the Thai stand and the Strudel from the German stand.

My favorite part, though, was getting my "passport" stamped at every country I visited. :D

Fashion Fundamental: Denim jacket -- this thing goes with me everywhere and is perfect for those cooler summer nights.  It lives in my car so I can grab it once the sun goes down or just hangs off my crossbody bag.  Mine is from Gap, (circa 2003!) and you can't go wrong with the classics.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Jacket: Gap | shop
Dress: Banana Republic | shop -- currently on sale for $48.
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Sandals: Target | similar

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

Maxi Moment: Mossimo Women's Color Block Maxi Dress Review

Fit: V-neck line & adjustable straps make this an easy dress to wear.  Sizing down from typical junior sizes recommended. The elastic waist can hit a little bit oddly, and as a result the top is a little blousy, & the length is a little long for me (I'm 5'3), but that's nothing a belt can't fix.
Quality: The material is 95% rayon & 5% spandex, and it feels a little bit like the parachute that you'd play with in gym class as an elementary student.  (Anyone with me there?  That was one of my favorite PE activities!) It is completely opaque, and it is a little wrinkle prone.  The material, though substantial, doesn't breathe incredibly well, so not the best for humid summer days.
Price:  This color block maxi dress retails for $29.99, a price point that's significantly cheaper than anything you'll find at some of my favorite retail establishments--JCrew, Banana, etc.
Bottom Line:  I'm a fan, and would recommend if you're looking for a cheap, colorful, and fun dress.

Fashion Fundamental: A great pair of sunglasses.  I think this might have been a fundamental that we've featured before, but a great pair of sunglasses can add just the right amount of glamor and mystery to your look. Plus, if you don't take 'em off, no one can tell that you're not wearing any makeup under there, and you still look styled & polished. :)

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Dress: Mossimo Women's Color Block Maxi Dress | shop
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Sandals: Target | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom.

Day on the Town

Lately, I have had the chance to explore my new city just a little bit more.  For instance, I've had the chance to check out some of the spots on Martini Corner and catch a Kansas City Royals game.  

When exploring a new city, my trusty Target sandals and favorite crossbody bag keep things comfy and convenient.  What's your go to day on the town look?

P.S. If you're headed to Martini Corner,  I recommend the Velvet Dog... not because the drinks and food are particularly good, but because they have skee ball!  Now I don't want to brag and say I rule the scoreboard when it comes to skee ball, but I gotta admit... I'm pretty darn good. ;)

Sunnies: Prada | shop

Top: H&M (old) | similar

Shorts: Gap | shop

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Sandals: Target (old) 

Back in Action

Jane Squared's back after a little summer recess.  Aili and I have both been traveling, relaxing, and generally enjoying the summertime... but don't worry we're back with some of our favorite summer looks. :)

Predictably, mine include those easy summer dresses and a pair of wedges.

What are you always rocking this summer?

P.S. Today is the last day of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  We picked up Zella leggings, the strapless Calvin Klein bra (I'm a big fan of the fit and the bold -- if slightly impractical -- color choices), and this Michael Kors bracelet watch.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Dress: JCrew Factory
Shoes: Target | similar
Belt: Target | similar
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Nails: Lollipop by Essie | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom & the Monday Mingle.

Express Portofino Shirt Review

Fashion Fundamental: A white button-down -- Aili has extolled the virtues and versatility of a great white button down, but I have to reiterate, you can't go wrong with the classics.

Aesthetic: I really enjoy this semi-sheer top; it's pretty easy to rock on the weekends, but can still be appropriately styled for workdays.  The shirttail, button cuff, and roll-tab sleeves all contribute to the easy and effortless look of the top.  Bonus: it comes in about a million colors.  Okay, okay... a million is an exaggeration, but I struggled to sift through all of the options on settle on just a few to try on.
Fit: I like how the cut is blousey  but still flattering.  It's easy to tuck into skirts and jeans alike.  It's a smidgen low cut for my tastes, but nothing too crazy.
Quality & Construction: I've stopped into Express several times to price check this top, so I've seen it at multiple stores in multiple locations, and I am a little bit wary of the quality since it's a polyester crepe and have seen small tears, runs, or holes hanging on the racks at a few different Expresses; make sure you do a little quality control if you're looking to pick this up.  Machine washable.
Price: $49.90, but I picked it up for $24.50.  Express was recently running a 40% off everything promotion, and thanks to Elle of Fast Food Fast Fashion, I was able to stack a 15% coupon on top.  Express constantly runs sales; to keep up with the coupons, consider downloading the Key Ring App for free coupons (and easy loyalty card management) or subscribe to Express's e-mail list for coupons.  A good sale takes this top down to F21 and Target prices, so I'm pretty pleased.


Necklace: So Good | similar
Top: Express | shop
Jeans: JCrew | shop
Shoes: JCrew | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Museo Nacional de Antropología

Fashion Fundamental: Scarf - When I travel, I always bring along an oversized scarf; they are on double duty as a wrap/shawl, blanket or pillow on the plane, and style statement.

If I can avoid it, I'd rather not carry along a heavy coat, so I chose a scarf in lieu of a coat, which worked perfectly for my day at the National Anthropology Museum.  That about covers my mini-reunion with my college buddies in Mexico City.  The only other thing that I'd definitely recommend is a trip to an amazing series of caves that you can hike through--Grutas de la Estrella.

If you're interested in seeing more of Jane Squared in Mexico, click here.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Sunnies: Loft | shop
Scarf: Random airport buy | similar
Blazer: Gibson | shop
Top: H&M | similar in an adorable polka dot print
Jeans: Pac Sun | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Flats: JCrew | shop

Teotihuacan

Fashion Fundamental: Crossbody Bag - I wear this Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC constantly.  I love crossbodies with a chain or convertible strap for several reasons: they're hands-free, secure, and you can wear 'em so many different ways.  I've mentioned earlier, that I'm a fairly light packer when it comes to my everyday essentials, so something small and lightweight is perfect for me.

My Mini MAC worked well even while climbing up the super steep steps of Teotihuacan. :) Teotihuacan was a great day trip from Mexico City since it's just 30 miles from the city.

Sunnies: Loft | shop
Cardigan: Uniqlo | similar
Top: JCrew | similar
Jeans: Pac Sun | shop
Flats: JCrew | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | 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

El Zócalo

Fashion Fundamental: A great blazer was definitely a must-have for me on this trip.  I wore it casually, walking around the city and layered over a ruffly blouse for a dinner out on my trip.  Check out this video for tips on how to travel with blazers.

I've just returned from Mexico City visiting a few of my very best friends from college, and we had an amazing time. exploring the city, noshing on shrimp tacos & ceviche, and generally catching up on each other's lives. :)

We spent the day walking around el Zócalo--the historic heart of Mexico City.

Also a belated Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrated!  What was the best thing you ate? And did you score any great deals on Black Friday?

Sunnies: LOFT | shop
Pin: Vintage | similar
Top: Target | similar
Blazer: Gibson | shop
Jeans: Pac Sun | shop
Shoes: JCrew {reviewed here} | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop in silver
Scarf: Lima Airport Kiosk | similar

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.

Navy & White Stripes

Happy Labor Day if you're off from work or school today!  Labor day marks the end of summer, but the weather in the Midwest apparently doesn't agree.

It's still hot and humid here, so I'm definitely dressing for the weather, not the calendar. :)

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good | similar
Cardigan: Gap | similar
Dress: Sleeveless Striped Dress, Lands' End Canvas ($60 $24.99) | shop - last styled here.
Shoes: Hidi, Naturalizer | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Lips: Color Burst Lip Butter in Lollipop, Revlon | shop

Linked up to Real Girl Glam & What I Wore Wednesday.

Smiles All Around

In other news, I had a dentist appointment today, and my dentist told me I had beautiful teeth. Officially counting today as a #win.

Hope you and your day are winning, as well! :)

P.S. If you're a fan of Rebecca Minkoff, then check out Rebecca Minkoff's Endless Summer Sale for up to 70% off Rebecca Minkoff items, including the Mini MAC (seen here) and the MAC clutch.  More info here; you may also want to check out Rebecca Minkoff's Facebook page and tweets for other discount codes.

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good | similar in coral - last seen here
Top: JCrew | shop
Skirt: City Mini in Linen | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Shoes: Target | similar
Lips: Revlon | shop
Nails: Lollipop, Essie | shop

Linked up to Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge & All Things Chic.

Gap Flat Front Canvas Shorts Review

I have a hard time finding shorts that fit me well.  All summer I've been on the lookout, I've tried on shorts pretty much everywhere from Nordstrom and Ralph Lauren to Forever 21 and Sears. I even tried out Aili's much loved 3" chino short by JCrew or even Uniqlo's roll-up chino shorts will fit in the hips and thigh, but not in the waist.  Or vice versa.  

Aili suggested I try out Gap's shorts, but for some reason, I was skeptical... I'm not sure why, Gap bottoms haven't let me down in the past (with the exception of their skirts, which I think are way too short, but that's another blog post. :D), and the canvas shorts are a winner; pick 'em up for any price between $19.99 and $49.95.  It seems like prices may be better in stores. I also like Gap's boyfriend roll up shorts are a good alternative if you prefer a longer length.

I really enjoy these flat-front shorts because the pockets don't add any bulk, and they're ultra flattering.  They're made of 100% cotton & machine washable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns (ikat or tribal-inspired stripes) and inseams (petite at 3", regular sizing at 4", and tall at 5").

In my experience, they are a tad wrinkly (but nothing compared to my linen city mini by JCrew) and the front pockets--while quite slim and flattering--don't have much capacity.  Anyway, I'm a fan.

Shades: Prada | shop

Shorts: Gap | shop

Sandals: Target | shop

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Cardigan: JCrew | similar

Plaid Cami: JC Penney | similar

Yellow Top: Swingy Sleeveless Polo, LOFT | shop

Nails: Bikini so Teeny & Meet me at Sunset, Essie | shop

Linked up at Real Girl Real Glam.