Jane Squared vs Winter

Winter 200 points. JaneSquared 3 points.

Shesh Winter! I told you to get real & get out of town! Ah .. well, at least the snow looks pretty...

Today I'm wearing my new favorite denim top from Uniqlo. This is a great shirt that can easily transition into work wear (tuck into a pencil skirt, add a cardigan or blazer). Lucky for me, I'm keeping it casual with a great pair of leggings and my duck boots. 

We can battle this winter together! Thanks for reading and have a great week!

Shirt:  Denim Long Sleeve, Uniqlo | shop

Tank:  Scoop Cami, Limited | shop

Leggings: Loft | shop

Socks: Dotted Trouser, JCrew | shop

Scarf: Cheetah print | similar

Watch:  Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop

Necklace:  Side double Cross, TJ Maxx | shop

Boots: Duck Boots, LL Bean | shop

Dressed to the Nines: Black Tie

Snaps! It's black tux and fabulous dress night! "G" and I were all decked out for a charity ball. Oh man --- it's been a little while since I've been this dressed up, but what fun!

I found this fantastic dress from Macy's last year. I just love the sweetheart neckline and the draping in the front of the dress. I think this shape is extremely flattering to many shapes, and feels so comfortable. I'm obsessed with this number. I found this great silver clutch thrift shopping around town and paired it with a pair of silver flats.

"G" is looking handsome in his tailored tuxedo. G did a good amount of research on his piece trying to figure out if he should purchase or rent a tux. He ultimately purchased this well fitting, beautiful suit.

When's the last time you dressed up? Thanks for reading!

Dress:  Xscape; | shop similar

Shoes: Silver Flax, Nine West | shop

Clutch:  Vintage | shop similar

Earrings:  Limited | shop similar

Ring:  Express | shop similar

Dashing "G"

Tux:  Jos. A. Bank, slim fit | similar

Shoes: Cole Haan | shop

Drink: Woodford

Linked up to Monday Bloom.

Old Fashioned: Mad Men

Looking sharp!

Over the weekend, "G" & I spent Friday night at the Milwaukee Art Museum for a Mad Men themed 'After Dark' event. This was one of the coolest things I've been to in a while... what an awesome place! They opened up the exhibits, had poker tables and even several arts and crafts stations. It was very cool. Probably the best part was -- almost everyone dressed up in 1950-1960s attire!

G went all out with full on suspenders, a bow tie and his Buddy Holly glasses!

I went with this awesome gingham dress that I had in the closet...win! And, glamed it up with a few statement pieces and some long, magic black gloves & slid right into our favorite advertising era. Seriously, nothing beats dressing up and having a great night out on the town.

Who's ready for an old fashioned?

Dress:  Limited | similar

Shoes:  Enzo Angiolini | shop

Belt:  Forever 21 | shop

Clutch:  Thrifted | similar

Earrings:  Kate Spade | similar

Gloves:  Thrifted | similar

G

Cardigan: Uniqlo | similar

Shirt:  Arrow | shop

Bowtie: Macy's | shop

Pants: Berle | shop

Shoes: Bostonian | shop

Cali Part II: Napa Valley - Wine Not?

Napa Valley is the next stop on the California tour. G & I drove along one long, winding road. We saw green hills and row after row of beautiful, wine country. Literally, there are hundreds of vineyards and great samplings of food and wine.

We visited Castello di Amorosa for a tour of a Tuscan style castle and tasted some wine. This is a destination that I'd definitely like to revisit.

Coat: Military Green, Gap | similar

Scarf:  Target | similar

Cardigan:  Jackie, JCrew | similar

Shirt:  Embroidered tank, Talbots | similar

Pants: 678 Colorful Skinny Jean, The Limited | shop

Shoes: Moccasin Kilty Suede, Minnetonka | shop

Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs |shop

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop

Sweater Vests are the Best

I love sweater vests. My love of vests grew after watching years of a very special show -- The Cosby Show. Bill was always so funny and quaint in his sweaters. The sweater vest is a fantastic piece for work and perfect for a brisk day. I've picked up a few great ones from Limited. Here's to chic sweater vests and the always charming - Bill Cosby.

Coat:  Burberry Harbourne | shop
Vest:  The Limited
Shirt:  Gap
Pants:  Drew Bootcut Pant, The Limited | shop

Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Necklace:  Big Love  Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint

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

PFC 11: Vacation Vogue

PFC #11: SkiPetite has challenged us to "Put together an outfit made for sightseeing. It should be one that will be comfortable for walking around in and can last you from the early morning until dinner and drinks in the evening. Plus, you're on vacation, so you'd better make sure you look good in photos, which you'll have for years to come. You can choose just one outfit but vary it by adding or taking off layers or accessories to take you from the a.m. to the p.m. and make one outfit easier to last through the day."

I love travelling to new places. Since, I've not been to Rome, but would like to go someday; Rome has inspired today's look. Rome's Colosseum? Here we come...


Sightseeing
I anchored the looks with these great legging jeans from Gap's 1969 line. The material is nylon, rayon, and spandex - great for comfortable sightseeing. Check out ExtraPetite's review for more info.  My Missoni bag is perfect for holding the guidebook, camera, phone, water bottle, snacks and it leaves plenty of room for trinkets.

After lots of travel with my sister, I've discovered one of the best travel shoes - these ballet crocs. I am usually anti-croc, but these ones are adorable, comfortable and perfect for travel.

Disco
I pumped up the volume by removing the cardigan and adding a jacket and boots to the outfit. Putting your hair up, rocking a pair of funky earrings and some great lipstick makes for a seamless transition to the clubs!

Sightseeing Jane
Cardigan:  JCrew
Pashmina:  Walmart
Pants:  Gap 1969 Ponte 5 pocket | shop
Tank Top:  Seamless Scoop Cami, Limited | shop
Shoes:  Malindi Flats, Crocs! | shop (very similar in cheetah print)
Bag:  Missoni for Target | $50

Disco Jane
Jacket:  Parisian Boutique
Pashmina:  Walmart
Pants: Ponte 5 pocket, Gap | shop
Shoes:  Erynne in Black Suede, Nine West | shop
Earrings:  Charlotte Russe
Lipstick:  Color Sensationals Lipstick in Red Revolution 630, Maybelline | shop