Cozy Cardigan & JCrew Cece Suede Ballet Flats

Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. I spent mine catching a great flick (Incredibly Loud & Extremely Close), attending a fun work event, and spending time with friends. I love the weekend...

Today's casual look is anchored by two of my new favorite pieces:

1.) JCrew Cece Suede Ballet Flat - These flats are so cute and comfortable. I don't wear flats all that often, but I love this pair so much that I also picked up the black studded version. A bit excessive?  Maybe.  :)

2.) Express Sweater Cardigan - I also found this great Express cardigan on sale for $30; it's cozy and perfect for any fun and stylish weekend. I picked this up recently, so it may still be available in stores.

Need a Monday pick-me-up? Check out the song that I have on repeat:  White Lie by Jhameel.

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Sweater:  Express

T-shirt:  American Apparel | shop

Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Jean Blue, PacSun | shop

Shoes:  Cece Suede Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop

Earrings:  Charlotte Russe

Los Angeles Episode 2

Last week, I made a quick trip to Los Angeles for the CNN Heroes Tribute Awards Event.
However, my friend, Jenn and I did find some time to do some shopping on the very hip and vibrant Melrose Place. There are hundreds of unique shops and great one-of-a-kind items you can’t find anywhere else. Jenn and I had such a great time exploring the shops and buying interesting, cool pieces.

After shopping, we dropped our bags and swapped our flats for heels and enjoyed a night on the town. We met up with some LA regulars – and former Midwestern transplants. These wonderful friends joined us for drinks, dinner, and great stories at Bottega Louie. This hot spot was hopping with cold drinks, great dishes, and the most delicious macarons.

The trip was kick ass, and you will be seeing some of the pieces I bought in future posts. Now… how can we bring some of that LA warmth to the Midwest?  

Top:  Kirra Fashion Top, PacSun

Tank Top:  Seamless Scoop Cami, Limited | shop

Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop

Shoes: Payless

Purse:  Gap

Earrings:  Banana Republic Outlet

Scarf:  Macy's

Necklace:  Thrifted
Lipstick:  Revlon ColorBurst in Fushia (030) | shop
Nail Polish:  OPI California Raspberry | shop

Halloween: Jane the Riveter

Halloween is just around the corner and this year here's my ode to Rosie the Riveter. 

I visited my 12- year old cousin in Australia a few years ago and I distinctly remember her asking me, "Is Halloween real?" She had seen a magical world of free candy, masks and ghouls on television. I told her, "Yes, it's real! Come visit us in October because it is wonderful and fun." 

Truly, this is one of the best American holidays. You get to dress up and get free candy. I'm not sure that it gets better than that. Happy Halloween and good luck finding the houses that give full size candy bars!

Shirt:  Gap, 1969

T-shirt:  American Apparel | shop

Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop

Shoes:  Nine West

Necklace:  Old Navy

Bandana:  Walmart, $1

Lipstick:  Color Sensationals Lipstick in Red Revolution 630 | shop

Banana Republic Classic Trench

The weather's getting a little chilly here in the Midwest, so I took advantage of the opportunity to bust out my Banana Republic trench.  I'm a fan of this trench; when I purchased it, I couldn't decide if I needed petite sizing or not... the sleeves are a touch long for me, but otherwise I think it's okay.  It fits in the shoulders, and the length works on my frame.  Overall, it's well-made, decently priced (especially with BR's occasional 40% off sales), and classic.  It's no Warhead, but it definitely does the job. :)

The silver hook bracelet was a gift from my ultra-stylish and generous friend, Carly. She purchased it in St. Croix, and it has its own Cruzan folklore: it's supposed to bring the wearer luck in love, and depending on how it's worn, indicates one's romantic status--much like the claddagh ring.


Earrings: Loft - Winter 2010

Shoes: Charcoal Chuck Taylors, Converse | shop
Bottoms: Bullhead Super Skinny Jeans ($39.50 2 for $47) | shop
Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan in Sweet Hyacinth, J.Crew | shop
Top: Cotton On - Spring 2010 ($3)
Outerwear: Classic Trench in Khaki, Banana Republic | shop

Bracelets: Silver cuff, Tonghua Yeshi in Taipei (NT$70 = just under $2.50 USD); Cruzan Hook Bracelet, Gift from Carly; Heart-links Bracelet, Gift from mi madre 

Just Blaze

Bust out those summer whites - there's still time! Fall isn't here until after Labor Day, and even then, there's no hard and fast rule about wearing white post-holiday.


Well, at least that's Jane-Squared's stance! We say: do what you want, when you want... "Just Blaze" Usher style.


Blazer:  Sateen One-Button Blazer in White, Banana Republic | shop
Tank:  Factory Silk Pocket Tank, J.Crew Factory ($14.99) | shop
Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop
Shoes: Hand-Woven Laredo Wedge, Banana Republic | {1, 2}
Necklace:  Forever 21 | {1, 2}
Glasses:  Gas Station
Watch:  Gift | {1}