Wear it Both Ways: Ann Taylor Summer Scroll Print Maxi

I Love Free Returns

Fashion Fundamental: An easy, breezy pair of sneakers for spring & summertime casual.

Maybe I'm late to the party, but the Gap family of stores--including Banana Republic & Old Navy--offers free return shipping all of the time.  So is Bloomies!

I'm just waiting for JCrew to offer it, and then I'd be a super happy camper.  I've mentioned it before (and I'll probably mention it again)--I love return shipping.  Favorite online retailers that offer the free return shipping service include: Sephora, Nordstrom, & Zappos.

Top: JCrew | similar
Chambray: JCrew | shop
Jeans: Gap (rolled - these are skimmers, but at full length, they're the perfect length for me at 5'3") | shop
Sneaker: Converse | shop

Floral & Stripes

Fashion Fundamental: 
Striped Top - This striped top is constantly on rotation in my closet: [1, 2, 3].

A little hesitant to mix patterns?  Florals & stripes are a great gateway combo to mixing patterns.

How do you feel about mixing patterns?

Striped Top: JCrew | similar
Chambray Top: JCrew | shop
Necklace: F21 | similar
Skirt: Victoria's Secret (old)
Leggings: Loft | shop
Boots: BP Runway Boots, Nordstrom | 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

Wardrobe Staples

Exclusively wearing my wardrobe staples today--chambray shirt, statement necklace, skinny belt, riding boots, and a trench.

What are some of your favorite pieces that are on repeat in your wardrobe?

Fashion Fundamentals: Statement Necklace, Skinny, Belt, Chambray Shirt

Necklace: So Good | similar
Shirt: JCrew | shop
Coat: Banana Republic | shop
Belt: JCrew | similar
Jeans: Gap | shop
Boots: Frye | shop

Urban Outfitters' Staring at Stars Color Pop Embroidered Sundress

Remember this dress from Anthropologie I had my eye on?  Unfortunately, that one didn't work out; plus, it was an expensive $119 for a low quality piece.

I'm apparently attracted to this kind of colorful embroidery, so when I was browsing Urban Outiiftters online, this dress caught my eye... at a much more reasonable $29.99 (F21 & Target pricing FTW!) down from $69, I couldn't resist picking it up.  Also, UrbanOutfitters.com also offers free return shipping for US customers, so I definitely didn't have anything to lose.

Check out how I styled this little dress for a night out here.  Happy Monday!

Sunnies: Cliff House, Maui Jim | shop
Bag: Target | similar
Dress: Urban Outfitters | shop - also styled here
Top: JCrew | shop
Bangles: Taiwan & LOFT | similar
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Lips: Lip&Line in Vintage Rose, Pixi | shop
Flats: F21 (old)


Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

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.

Double-Duty Cake & a Floral Skirt

I'm keeping things easy and relaxed this weekend.  My family and I spent it celebrating my mom's birthday and Father's Day with a dual-purpose ice cream cake from Coldstone Creamery and a little bit of time spent at the pool.

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads!  Hope it was a great one.

Necklace: So Good | similar

Shirt: Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | similar

Belt: JCrew | similar

Skit: VS Pink (old) | similar

Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target | shop

Bag: Vintage | similar

Lipstick: Colorburst Lip Butter in Lollipop, Revlon | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Tomato STS Blue Frayed Cuff Denim Shorts

I'm fully a proponent of remixing your clothing to create a completely new look, but wearing items in ways they weren't intended (i.e. wearing a dress as a skirt) to be worn can make for a rather high maintenance look.  By that, I mean you're always having to adjust your clothing to ensure everything is laying correctly, is in place, etc.

That's why I love summer.  Now that June is fully in swing and the weather is warmer, I don't want to fuss with my clothing; I simply want something that is easy, is comfortably, and of course, looks great.  Enter: the chambray shirt.  These denim shirts are not only extremely versatile, but work in every season; check out a few of the ways Jane Squared rocks the chambray shirt.

Bangles: LOFT | similar

Top: Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | similar

Shorts: STS Blue Frayed Cuff Denim Shorts in Tomato via Nordstrom | shop

Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target - reviewed here | shop

Denim-on-Denim on the Brooklyn Bridge

My sister and I spent the weekend in NYC. We did some classic New York "musts" like snacking on the famed New York bagel & crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Luckily, the weather was perfect, so we got to enjoy a leisurely walk with beautiful city views. 

I was pretty excited about my denim-on-denim look since I'm a little wary of paring them together for many reasons (see Justin & Britney).  I'm a new believer in the look and may have to try out some other pairings. More of our NYC styles to come!

Top:  Selvedge Chambray, JCrew  | similar

Pants:  Bullhead, PacSun

Shoes:  Cece Suede Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop

Necklace:  JCrew

Sunglasses:  Soho find

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

JCrew Selvedge Chambray Shirt

I've been running errands, finishing up Christmas shopping, present wrapping, and just taking care of business before the end of the year (2012, already?!).  I like these light layers--funkified with a pair of violet tights--for shopping at the mall & present wrapping; even with a black JCrew puffer vest (pictued below in a lovely green shade) though, I was definitely cold on the journey to-and-from the car... but it was worth it.  I hate holding my heavy coat while juggling my shopping bags and worrying about where my mittens are; hands free is the way to be.

When you're out and and about this week, don't forget to stop at CVS's 50-75% off beauty sale.  Here's more info & a frequently updated list of products on promotion if you're interested.  I was able to score some pretty great deals.  Happy shopping!

Bracelet: Lia Sophia

Top: Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | shop

Shorts: Menswear Short by Frenchi, Nordstrom ($44 $19.90) | shop (grey version here)

Tights: Hue | shop

Shoes: JCrew

Bag: Gap (2010?)

JCrew Winter Blues & the Red Kate Spade Bag

I needed to add some pizazz to this cold winter's day. Hence a debut:  my new Kate Spade bag! I'm pretty in love with this chic new bag for work. My only issue is that the straps are a bit too small to be entirely functional. I picked this up a few weeks ago at the local Kate Spade Outlet. Win.

Also, I'm poppin' the collar like it's hot. What can I say? My tree is up and I'm listening to Christmas music. I do what I want.

Have a great day readers!

Shirt:  Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | shop
Sweater:  JCrew
Skirt:  JCrew | shop (beautiful winter version), also styled here.
Belt:  Gap
Tights:  H&M
Shoes:  Nine West
Earrings:  Target
Headband:  JCrew
Bag:  Kate Spade Outlet

P.S. If you're headed to the mall later today, stop by Victoria's Secret for a free pair of their Fashion Show Panties with this coupon.  Good in stores for today only.