Big Ben

Visiting London was very a cool for me, and seeing Big Ben & the Palace of Westminster were definitely some highlights. This trip marked my first experience in the UK, but I've learned and heard so much about London.  IT was exciting to visit streets (Baker St., anyone?)  I've seen on t.v. & read about in history books.

I walked up the stairs and out of Westminster station and was greeted with a breathtaking view of Westminster.  And all I could think to myself was "whoa".  This building has been around for hundreds of years. I really enjoyed just walking around this area and taking in the sights.

Have you been to London before?  What were some of your favorite things to do?

Coat: Loft | shop
Necklace: So Good | similar
Top: Express | shop
Jeans: Gap | shop
Flats: Cece Ballet | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

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

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

A shirtdress & the Shedd Aquarium

I'm meeting up with friends at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium today!

Happy Wednesday!  I hope your week is going especially well.

Necklace: So Good | similar
Jacket: Gap | shop
Dress: Lands End Canvas ($85 $30.97) | shop - last styled here
Belt: JCrew | similar

Skater Dress

This flirty, feminine frock is perfect for a dinner date or casual night out.  I forgot to get photos of the back of this dress; it features a really pretty v-neck back.  I thought that was a nice design detail, especially from a F21 dress.

If you like this dress silloheutte, then I highly recommend checking out the selection of "skater dresses"on ASOS.

Check out a few other looks that are great for a night on the town: {1, 2, 3}.

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good | similar
Dress: F21 (recent) | shop similar
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs - check out our review | shop
Shoes: Banana Republic | similar
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop | shop


Linked up to the Tiny Heart, Two Thirty-Five Designs, & All Things Chic.

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.

The Power of Great Accessories

Prior to style blogging here at Jane Squared, I largely ignored accessories--jewelry, scarves, bags, etc.  I really only wore  scarves, the gold-toned bracelet you see in these photos, and stud earrings.

Reading various style blogs, and writing my own, has really opened my eyes up to the power of accessories to both complete and transform a look.  Some of our favorite pieces include these sunglasses by Prada, (styled here), Jewelmint's Forever Audrey earrings, and the necklace featured in this post.  I love it so much that I have it in two colors (see how the Janes have styled the white version here).

What are your favorite (or most worn) accessories?

Necklace: So Good | similar
Umbrella: Victoria's Secret (gift with purchase :D) | not very similar, but awesome nonetheless
Dress: JCrew (old) | similar in a bright pink
Belt: Nine West | similar
Flats: Banana Republic | similar
Top: H&M | similar - also styled here & here
Clutch: Gift | similar by Kate Spade
Skirt: Express | similar
Heels: Nine West | similar
Lips: Convertible Lip and Cheek Color in Petunia, Stila | shop

Spidey at Bat(man)

I went to my first professional baseball game just 2 years ago, and I really enjoyed the experience.  If you've never been to a baseball game, it is exactly what the movies make it out to be.  There is a seventh inning stretch and you really do sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," and there's definitely something charming and very much all-American about that.

Speaking of movies, I rather like action flicks and superhero movies. Any day is a good day when you have the chance to hang out with Batman & Spidey.  Needless to say, catching this ball game was a pretty great way to spend my day.

Thank you for reading!

Sunglasses: 0PR 01OS, Prada | shop
Shirt: Uniqlo | similar
Skirt: Express (old) | similar
Necklace: So Good | similar
Sandals: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target | shop
Bag: Mini MAC, Rebecca Minkoff | shop

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.

Patriotic & All Packed Up

I'm headed to DC for work once again, and I'm inspired by our nation's colors.  I'm planning on rocking this vibrant pencil skirt once I arrive, but I like to travel a bit more comfortably.  That's where my my trusty Gap legging jeans (all of the ladies in my family--from my sister-in-law, Michelle, to Ailyn--rock this particular pair of pants).  

Other travel essentials include my Longchamp Le Pilage Expandable carry on.  If at all possible, I avoid checking my luggage. In the past, I've used a surprisingly sturdy and functional duffel bag from Target for around $50; it's been through a lot, and is starting to show some wear, so I upgraded to this functional, reasonably priced, and good looking bag.  Look out for a review on this foldable & expandable tote next week.

Shirt:  Thrifted, $5

Skirt:  Thrifted $5 | similar

Pants: 1969 Ponte 5-Pocket Legging Jeans, Gap | similar

Necklace:  So Good, NYC - styled here 

Shades: Ray Ban Original Wayfarer | shop

Shoes:  Flax in White Kid, Nine West | shop

Bag: 'Le Pliage' Expandable Carry-On, Longchamp | shop

Minty Fresh

How do you feel about the minty green pastels popping up all over now?

Personally, I'm a big fan.  It's a little bit fresher and definitely more fun than the traditional spring baby pinks and purples.  Aili's rocking the trend with her minty green colorpop jeans from Gap Kids.

I guess we're not mint's only fans; check out some fellow style bloggers' take on this fresh spring color:

- Psyche from the Economy of Style
- HIS + HERS of Wear it Both Ways
- Margo of Classroom Couture


Shades: Necessary Clothing | shop similar

Necklace: So Good | similar

Dress: Necessary Clothing | similar

Bag: Mini MAC, Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Shoes: Aldo (old) | shop similar for $24.99

Linked up at the Monday Mingle, The Pleated Poppy, & A Little Bit of Lacquer!

JCrew Teddie Dress Review

I have been eyeing the Teddie dress for months, but haven't pulled the trigger--especially during the dreaded final sale--because I haven't had a chance to actually try it on.  I spotted it for $119.20 in stores, (not final sale) and I took my regular JCrew dress size with no problems, so I'd say this bad boy fits TTS.  $120 isn't exactly a deal, but I have been looking a this dress for months; I also love the cobalt & camel colorways.  

The style is my personal favorite: a fit-and-flare silhouette + sleeves = an easy wear.  "Easy wear" is pretty much one of my favorite things; you can still look stylish and put together with a minimal effort and number of pieces.

My biggest issue with this dress is that it isn't fully lined; only the skirt portion is lined... If you look at the second set of photos, you can see the pockets of the shirt that I layered underneath it.  I feel like a lining might prevent that showing through.  Additionally, I can't tell where the sleeves are supposed to hit on me.  It's not a true three-quarter length, at least on me.  More like a 2/3, and I can't decide if that looks natural or not.  The material is thick, nice for at least 3 of the seasons, and it fits really well.  Personally, I could do without an exposed zipper, but I don't mind it.   

Sunnies: Necessary Clothing ($5 - cheap sunglasses FTW!) | similar by Vera Wang for $30

Necklace: So Good | similar

Shirt: Selvedge Denim Shirt, JCrew | shop

Dress: Teddie Dress, JCrew | shop or in red here

Bag: Mini MAC in Natural, Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Shoes: Nine West | similar
Drink: Green Milk Tea, Ten Ren 

Brooklyn & Grimaldi's

As Aili mentioned, we spent a super fun weekend in NYC eating (Luke's Lobster, Momofuku Milk Bar, Wafels & Dinges, & Mad for Chicken are among some of my favorites), shopping, and spending some quality sister time together.

We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and grabbed some thin-crust pizza at one of Brooklyn's most famous pizza places, Grimaldi's. Unfortunately, lots of other people had the same idea, so we ended up waiting about an hour for a table; the pizza was definitely good, and I'm glad we had the experience, but I probably wouldn't wait again.

Aili's outfit details here.

Shades: LOFT
Necklace: So Good in SoHo. | similar - Aili loves this place.  haha. We even went 2x!
Top: Puff-Sleeve Popover, JCrew | similar
Skirt: Jacob Outlet | similar
Bag: Mini MAC in Natural, Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Shoes: Nine West | similar