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

LOFT Twist Strap Maxi Dress

This was my first experience with anything maxi-length. I enjoyed wearing a longer dress as it definitely made me feel very glamorous.  :D Don't forget to check out Aili rocking a gorgeous maxi by Banana Republic here.

If you need a longer or shorter length, I've seen maxis in LOFT, Ann Taylor, & BR in tall & petitie styles.

Dress: Twist Strap Maxi Dress, LOFT | shop
Shoes: Target | similar
Necklace: Vintage | similar
Clutch: Banana Republic | similar
Earrings: Vintage | similar

Linked up at the Pleated Poppy.

Uniqlo V-Neck UV Cut Cardigan Review

I am a cardigan junkie; so far my favorite cardigans are from JCrew--the Jackie and Jenna Cardigans are my personal favorites. On our trip to NYC, Aili and I picked up some essentials and and we also developed a love for Uniqlo's affordable prices.  

One of my favorite items from our Uniqlo haul was the Uniqlo V-Neck UV Cut Cardigan, which is composed of 60% acrylic, 40% cotton.  Made in China.  

I would say that these cardigans fit true to size, are simple in design, and well-made, and very soft. Plus, they feature some UV protection. According to the tag, UV Cut "offers UV filtration features that have been added during fabric processing.  A UPF rating of 15 indicates it will take 15 times longer to get sunburned than with bare skin."  I think that is pretty cool.  No sunscreen necessary when you're rocking a Uniqlo cardi.


Happy July!

Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint | similar

Cardigan: V-Neck UV Cut Cardigan in 12 Pink, Uniqlo | similar

Top: JCrew | similar - last styled here.

Bracelets: Taiwan | similar

Shorts: Nordstrom | similar

Shoes: Target | shop

Nail: Calypso Blue (440), Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Game Changer: Mint & a Moto Jacket

Having a sister with great style means I can raid her closet and find some fantastic pieces. Ailyn's pretty mint number was perfect for my best friend's rehearsal dinner. You already saw us rock the wedding, but I wanted to pump up the volume with some hot pink and a faux leather jacket for the rehearsal dinner.


I love how a simple jacket can change an entire look. What's your "game-changer" piece?


Dress: Necessary Clothing | similar
Jacket:  Faux Moto, Old Navy | similar, also styled here
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Cardigan: JCrew | similar
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (old) | similar

Linked up at a Bloggers Do it Better, Little Bit of Lacquer & The Pleated Poppy.

Urban Outfitters COPE Linen Sightseer Dress

Urban Outfitters always entices me with their clever advertising... :)  They got me again because I pulled the trigger and picked up the COPE Linen Sightseer Dress for $39, originally $59.  I love the color, but the linen can be itchy and the material is thicker than desired for a hot summer day.


Alas, I will rock the frock -- and it's almost the weekend! WOOT WOOT.


Dress: COPE Linen Sightseer Dress, Urban Outfitters, $39 | shop
Shoes:  Hondo Platform Pumps, GUESS | shop
Clutch: Banana Republic (SS '11) | similar
Earrings:  Lia Sophia


Linked up at Two Thirty Five Designs & Watch Out for the Woestmans.

Weddings (and Children) with Swag

 

I rocked a new citron dress from Forever 21 to the wedding of a close family friend; see what Aili wore here.  For an outdoor wedding, flat sandals or wedges are a must.  I almost rocked a pair of black stilettos, but decided to switch to these flats at the last minute.  I'm so glad I did, otherwise I would have been sinking into the grass all evening.  Alas, my dance moves were safe and steady with these easy and pretty flats.

Someone else also brought his A-game to this outdoor bash.  JET was popular with the little ladies on the dance floor; must've been the layered look + summer appropriate plaid he was rocking.  

Do you love kids' clothes?  Then you should definitely check out Children With Swag. Little girls definitely have an advantage when it comes to style; their clothing is often a mini-version of an adult style with a few whimsical elements--like a bow or ruffle--but boys have footballs and monster trucks printed all over their onesies.

Ailyn

Earrings: So Good | similar

Blazer: Gibson | shop

Dress: F21 (recent) | similar

Clutch: Banana Republic (SS '11) | similar

Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal | shop

Nails: Complete Salon Manicure by Sally Hansen in Calypso Blue | shop

JET

Vest: Janie & Jack | similar in khaki

Shirt: H&M

Shorts: H&M | similar

Linked up at the Pleated Poppy & A Little Bit of Lacquer.

JCrew Belinda Dress

Fall is around the corner so, I'm busting out some warm tones that can easily transition into Fall. My days are numbered as I try to wear these great, open strap wedges. Alas, I'm giving into the next season and enjoying the last bit of warmth before the cold gusts transpire. :)

Dress: Belinda Dress in Vintage Wisteria, J.Crew ($195 currently on sale for $49.99) | shop

Blazer: Triacetate One-Button Jacket, Ann Taylor

Shoes: Laredo Hand-Woven Wedge in Old Gold, Banana Republic | {1, 2}

Earrings: Charlotte Russe

Sunglasses: Original Way-Farer, Ray-Ban | shop 

Clutch: Stone Foldover Clutch, Banana Republic (seen here)

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.

Evacuate the Dancefloor

Check my fly dance moves. I learned them from XBox Kinect's Dance Central, which is easily Aili's favorite game, so next time you see her at the clubs, don't be surprised if you recognize her dance moves.  After we rocked it on the dance floor, I got a little fancy with a belt, some wedges, and a beautiful turquoise clutch.  I love turquoise & white in the summertime; the look is always crisp and pretty. 

Dress: Delaney Eyelet Dress in alabaster, J.Crew ($50). If you dig this pattern but don't feel like rocking the dress, try the Delaney Eyelet Skirt (currently on sale for $49.99).

Belt: J.Crew - Styled here & here

Clutch: Stone foldover clutch in turquoise, Banana Republic ($40 with extra 40% off sale items in stores).

Shoes: Pilar Strappy Wedge Sandals in Brown by Mossimo, Target ($14.99 at my Target, but $29.99 online).  They also come in nude, pink, and black. Look out for a review of these wedges (& the turquoise clutch!) later this week.

Shoes + Dance moves: Crocband Flat in navy - I know some of you out there will definitely be Croc haters, but I enjoy them.  They're comfy, and are my favorite commuting shoes when it rains.