Sunnie Days

Fashion Fundamental: A great pair of shades -- I love sunglasses--partly because my eyes are a little more sensitive to light post-LASIK, but mostly because they can help change up your look; you can go from  glam girl; to classic cool pretty easily.



Sunnies: Ray-Ban | shop
Blouse: H&M (old)
Top: JCrew
Jeans: JCrew | shop
Shoes: JCrew | 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

Cali Part I - Foothills

G

I took a quick trip with G to Cali and we got to see some of the coolest parts of California. Living in the midwest -- we don't see much land variation. So, I was pretty impressed seeing such drastic changes in the state. Check out the Sierra Nevada Foothills! 

Shirt:  Ruffle Shirt JCrew | shop similar
Cardigan:  Gap | shop similar
Jeans: Sweetheart Jeans, Old Navy | shop
Shoes:  Cece Suede Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop
Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop

G's Look
Shirt:  JCrew | shop similar
Jeans:  514 Slim, Levi's | shop
Shoes:  Runell Chukka, Johnston & Murphy | shop
Sunnies:  Prego | 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 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

Monday Blues

The cooler spring-weather version of a summer look.  Happy Monday!

Coat: Classic Trench, Banana Republic | shop
Cardigan: V-Neck Cardigan, Lands End | shop
Shirt: Ruffle Cami, JCPenney (S/S '11)
Shoes: Cece Suede Flats, JCrew | shop
Bag: Mini Mac, Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Totto Ramen

Before Aili & I caught our very first broadway show--How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying--we grabbed dinner at Totto Ramen in Hell's Kitchen.  We snapped these photos while waiting for a seat at the dinky restaurant. Much like our experience at Grimaldi's, the wait for an amazing bowl of noodles was definitely long... but well worth it, in our humble opinions!  This is the only photo of food that I managed to snap before slurping down my noodles and devouring the Avo Tuna.

I hope your week is off to an amazing start; happy Monday!

Cardigan: Gap | similar
Top: JCrew (old) | similar - In my experience, it's best so size down with these silky sleeveless blouses from JCrew.
Jeans: Bull Head Super Skinnies, PacSun | shop
Shoes: Suede CeCe Flats, JCrew | shop

Broadway & a Burberry Debut

It's been a long road to finding the perfect trench -- aka -- saving up money for a Burberry.  Fortunately, I found the perfect jacket and it was on sale at 40% off! One of our favorite bloggers Jean from Extra Petite shared her amazing trench score from Bloomingdale's. So, I jumped on the deal and am superbly happy with this classic piece that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Like Ailyn mentioned before.. I, too, like to preserve things I love. However, life is short and NYC is the perfect place to sport my classic trench. 

Ailyn & I also found tickets to our first Broadway show:  How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. I loved the show! The set, costumes and actors were fantastic. I was especially impressed with Michael Urie--who you may remember as Mark on Ugly Betty. 

Coat:  Burberry Harbourne | shop

Shirt:  Jack Creer, Hollister (plaid shirt styled here) | shop

Pants:  Ponte 5 pocket, Gap | shop

Shoes:  Cece Suede Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop

Necklace:  Big Love

Purse:  Gap

Glasses:  Loft

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

Denim & Lace

I spent a lovely spring afternoon in Chicago meeting up with an old friend.  We even grabbed a treat at Garrett's, and lucky us--we didn't even have to wait in line!  I love the Chicago mix, though I know cheese and caramel don't sound like a match made in heaven, but wait until you try this out!  If you're not from around the Chicago area, you can actually order Garrett's online.  Check it out here.

Shades: LOFT
Jacket: Gap (2003?) | this season's version
Belt: JCrew | similar
Shoes: Cece Suede Studded Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop

Presidential Style: D.C. & the Obamas

Capitol, Pennsylvania Avenue

White House

Washington Monument, Supreme Court, Lincoln Memorial, Treasury Building

Mr. & Mrs. Obama
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture 

A few weeks ago I traveled to beautiful Washington, D.C. for a work trip. I was in town for the groundbreaking of the Smithsonian's 19th museum -- the National Museum of African American History and Culture. I had the chance to see some of the sights, ate oysters at the historic Old Ebbet's Grill and saw the President & First Lady.

No big deal, right?

PSSHHH.... more like I was totally geekin' out that I got to see both of them!

President Obama spoke at the event and said the museum, “Should stand as proof that the most important things in life rarely come quickly or easily; it should remind us that although we have yet to reach the mountaintop, we cannot stop climbing.” Inspiring.

The event was surreal. Mrs. O, our FLOTUS, was even more stunning in person. She looked beautiful in her green Peter Som dress coat. You can follow all of her great looks on one of our favorite blogs -Mrs.O.com. 

It was an awesome trip & D.C. is definitely my kind of town!

Presidential Style

Shirt:  J. Crew

Vest:  The Limited

Jacket:  Banana Republic

Pants:  Drew Bootcut Pant, The Limited | shop

Purse:  Kate Spade

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop

Necklaces:  Thrifted

Shoes:  Orra, Nine West | shop

D.C. Sightseeing Look

Coat:  H&M

Top:  Striped Crew-neck, Old Navy | shop

Pants:  Gap 1969 Ponte 5 pocket | shop

Shoes:  Cece Suede Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop