Banana Republic Fran Pleated Skirt

This skirt is a really lovely, bold color!  It definitely attracts a lot of compliments.  It also works really well as a transition piece into the cooler months; the rich, yet bright shade allows you to wear this skirt year round.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Top: Loft | similar
Skirt: Banana Republic Fran Pleated Skirt | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop
Bag: Coach Saffiano Tote | shop -- reviewed here


Linked up to Monday Bloom, the Pleated Poppy & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Loft Floral Scroll Print Sweater Review

Fit: I went with my typical Loft size, and it fits just fine.  If you're between sizes, I'd size up, especially because I feel like it's a touch short in the torso area.  Comes in petite and regular sizing.
Quality: 55% Cotton, 40% Viscose, & 5% Wool
Style: The pattern here really pops -- even more so than the photos would indicate.  Also I really like this weight for the fall weather; it's not a thick cable knit, but is substantial enough to keep you warm, yet light enough to layer without too much bulk. 
Price: $59.50, but lately there have been a lot of 40% off sales which puts this bad boy around $36.
Bottom Line: I'm a fan, and I like the style.  I do think it'll go on further sale, so I'll wait for a better deal, but if my size sells out, I won't be too bummed out.


Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Loft (old)
Top: Banana Republic Oxford Shirt | shop
Loft: Loft Floral Scroll Print Sweater | shop
Jeans: JCrew Toothpick Jean | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom & the Monday Mingle.

VS Anniversary Dress

G and I just celebrated our first anniversary! We went back to our "first date" spot for a lovely dinner, and met up with some friends for some late night drinks.

You know I'm never one to shy away from crazy, bright colors -- so for this big event, I'm wearing a one of my favorite dresses. I picked up this from the VS catalogue a few years back. What I love about VS is that they will continually update their prints, but the dress shape stays true -- season to season.  I love the loud colors in the pieces, but the corset shape and flared bottom are the big selling points. It's a super fun dress for any occasion, and I highly recommend.

Happy Anniversary my dear G!

Dress:  Corset Dress, Victoria's Secret  | shop similar

Shoes:  Gold Braided Wedges, Banana Republic | shop similar 1, 2

Earrings: Gold Leaf Earrings, Lia Sophia | shop similar

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Sunshine & Good Deals

For some reason, I never wear yellow. It's a color that I do not gravitate towards, but found a nice eyelet top on sale at Anthropologie, so I thought I'd give it a go. I'm digging it -- so, I'll be on the lookout for more!

Also, there seems to be deals every time I open my e-mail. I see promos from Loft, Ann Taylor, B. Republic, Crew, etc. Retailers are all about Fall style. And, Target just announced Phillip Lim -- his clothes are looking chic for men and women! #PhillipLimforTarget

I've been digital "window shopping" and have been eyeing another bright number -- this Fall jacket from Banana Republic in orange. It's really cute, so I'm waiting for a good deal.

What are you shopping for this fall?

Shirt:  Fieldbloom Peasant Blouse, Anthropologie | shop

Shorts:  Midi Shorts, AE | shop

Shoes:  Gray, Havianas | shop

Purse:  Crossbody, Kate Spade | shop

Shades: Foldable Ray-Ban | shop

Banana Republic Drawstring Halter Dress -- Take 2

Happy Wednesday!

Last styled a bit more casually here.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Dress: Banana Republic | shop
Necklace: JCrew Factory | similar
Clutch: A lovely birthday gift from my incredibly talented friend, Fiona | similar
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini | similar

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Cultural Enrichment Festival

Last weekend, I attended a fun event in KC--the Ethnic Enrichment Festival. There were lots of cultural performances, traditional dress, and my favorite part, so much delicious food. Top eats definitely include the skewers from the Thai stand and the Strudel from the German stand.

My favorite part, though, was getting my "passport" stamped at every country I visited. :D

Fashion Fundamental: Denim jacket -- this thing goes with me everywhere and is perfect for those cooler summer nights.  It lives in my car so I can grab it once the sun goes down or just hangs off my crossbody bag.  Mine is from Gap, (circa 2003!) and you can't go wrong with the classics.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Jacket: Gap | shop
Dress: Banana Republic | shop -- currently on sale for $48.
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Sandals: Target | similar

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

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.

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

Banana Republic: Orange Maxi

I spotted this dress at the back of my local BR -- I thought it was beautiful, but there was just one size left! It is just a tad too large & long for my frame, but I'm a fan nonetheless. This vibrant piece would be fantastic for a wedding or a big date out.

*Special Happy Birthday to our big brother, Chil!

Dress:  Maxi Patio Dress | similar
Shoes:  Shandee Platform Wedge, Banana Republic | shop
Polish:  Essie, Bikini So Teeny | shop
Earrings:  Lia Sophia

Linked up at Fashion Friday & Rolled Up Pretty.

Banana Republic Barbara Striped Knit Blazer

I'm a fan of this kickin' navy blazer, but had a hard time placing it with the right outfit. After a bit of trial and error, I found this pleasing combination. I'm glad I did because stripes are so chic for summer, and add a fun touch to a professional look.


How are you rockin' your stripes?

Blazer: Banana Republic | similar

Skirt: Thrifted | similar

T-shirt:  American Apparel | shop

Shoes:  Perfect Patent Pump in Navy, Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Banana Republic | similar


Linked up to the Pleated Poppy & Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge. Check out how other ladies rocked the colored blazer trend here.

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

Birthday Celebration - Year of 27

Hello Kitty Ice Cream Cake

Roomie Will

Stellar Crew:  Will, Neil & Mitch

Neil, Andy, Vince, Lindsay, Sarah, Rachel, Brian, Scott, Jenn, Ben,
Laura, Jon, Angie, Ron Dan, Will

Birthday celebrations are always a great excuse to get people together. I had the perfect birthday party -- delicious burgers, ice cream cake and the company of some of my favorite people.  Year of 27 is off to a fantastic start!

Dress:  Banana Republic 

Boots: Erynne Boots in Black Suede, Nine West ($189 currently on sale for $94.50) | shop

Necklace:  Forever 21

Earrings:  Charlotte Russe

Rings:  Express

Lipstick:  Revlon ColorBurst in Fushia (030) | shop

Nail Polish:  OPI California Raspberry | shop

Channeling Kate Middleton in Winter White

I adore Kate Middleton and am always inspired by her clean, preppy style. While getting dressed for a work event I thought it'd be appropriate to bust out the winter whites since we are in December.

I tried to keep it simple and stylish--my ode to the ultra-chic Kate Middleton.

Check Ailyn's outfit details here!  If you were eyeing her JCrew coat, then today's your day since JCrew is offering 30% off all outerwear + free ship.

Earrings:  Lia Sophia
Dress: Banana Republic (Summer 2010)
Bracelet: Lia Sophia
Ring: Gift
Belt: Thrifted
Scarf: Lima Airport Shop
Coat: Banana Republic
Shoes: Rocket Dog

Casual Monday

The Thanksgiving break was rocking, but now Monday is back... 

I'm traveling for work today -- so here is a more kicked back, relaxed look.

Jacket:  Gap
Shirt:  JCrew, as styled in Geekin' Green.
Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop
Belt:  JCrew
Boots:  BP Runway Boot in Cognac, Nordstrom | shop
*I love these boots as seen here:   1, 2. 
Earrings:  Banana Republic Outlet

Big Pimpin'

These puffy shoulders are a good time! It's perfect for evening drinks and this striped number is sassy and fun. I paired it with these Jessica Simpson ankle boots, which have proven to be a versatile piece. They are great with leggings or skirts. I'm a fan of these boots and they are pretty comfortable. I got them last season, but the good news is you can still get them and they come in snakeskin.

Oh, hey Tuesday. Let's make it a pimpin one....

Shades: Ray-Ban | shop

Dress:  H&M

Bracelet: Banana Republic

Shoes:  Jessica Simpson | shop 

JCrew Ruthie Shirtdress Review

A lot of JCAs aren't a big fan of this dress, but for me it's a mixed bag.  It runs small, so I'd say size up.  The material is thin and scratchy.  It's wrinkle-prone, but I think it has several redeeming qualities, including pockets, a flattering silhouette, and pretty pleats. Plus, you can't beat the button detailing.   I'd say it's tight across the bust/chest area (I guess I'm just too bootylicious for this dress. :D).  The sleeve length flatters, but I've also heard that many think the hemline is a bit short.  I think for weekend and casual wear, the length is okay, especially paired with tights.  On me, it could stand to be a touch longer, but overall, I'm okay with the length.  Conclusion: I'm ambivalent.  What do you all think?

Headband: Two-Tones Sparkle Headband in Neutral, Banana Republic | shop
Dress: Ruthie Shirtdress in Gatsby Green, J.Crew | shop
Belt: J.Crew
Shoes: Nine West - Fall 2009?