Classic Combo: Dress + Blazer

I hope your week is off to a great start.  I spent the weekend BBQ-ing with my new roomie.  It was a fun, relaxing weekend and a great way to rejuvenate for the upcoming week.

I recently moved into a new place -- still in Kansas City.  I've been moved in for a few weeks already, but have just been getting around to slowly, but surely, unpacking.  I dread unpacking--nearly as much as I dislike packing--so I've been parsing out the unpacking tasks.

Anyway, this dress was only $25 from Ann Taylor; everything at Ann Taylor is currently 40% (code: TRENDS40) and free shipping when you spend $175+.  There's lots of good summer pieces.  Aili & I both picked up this beautiful yellow & white maxi.

Fashion Fundamental: Black Blazer - I wear this blazer all of the time; when I know I need an additional piece to pull my look together, when the temperature is a little cooler, or just when I need to add a little polish to a more casual look.  The dress + blazer is a classic combo, and any iteration of this look is appropriate for pretty much any occasion.

Blazer: Gibson via Nordstrom | shop
Dress: Ann Taylor -- currently on sale | shop
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop 

HBD, JET!

Fashion Fundamental: A chic little blazer; I never used to be a big blazer gal, but I am definitely one now.  They just add so much polish and style to your look.

Last weekend, I rocked this look to my nephew's second birthday.  I can't believe he's already TWO!  In some ways, time has absolutely flown by and he's grown so quickly -- suddenly he's a walking, talking machine...  on the other hand, it's like JET's always been a part of my life; hard to even remember how life was before he (and his sister) was born!

 I hope you're all doing well this week!


Brooch: Vintage | similar
Blazer: Nordstrom | similar
Top: Express | shop or similar without the pockets here
Jeans: Gap | shop
Shoes: JCrew | similar

Classic Cool

Fashion Fundamental:   white collared shirt

I love using a white shirt as a canvas for really great jewelry. Jane2 got me this awesome necklace from Etsy so, I tried to the find a simple way to show off this blingy piece.

As for white button-downs, the Uniqlo oxford is one of my faves. It looks crisp, but has a relaxed fit so I can still move without worrying about it wrinkling. 

How have you been styling your classic white button downs?

Sunnies: Prada | shop

Necklace: Etsy | shop

Blazer:  Gap | similar

Top:  Uniqlo Oxford | shop

Denim: 1969 Always Skinny, Gap | shop

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Boots: BP Runway | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle & DC in Style.

Professor Jane & a Flower Tie

Fashion Fundamental:  School-boy Blazer

I hope you had a wonderful holiday! Can you believe it's 2013? Having a nice holiday break was great, but we're here for a new and exciting year!

Well, Jane the professor is back at it! I'm wearing a staple in my closet -- the school-boy blazer. Nothing will get me back into the work mode like a great blazer. I found this one at my local BR, and it classes up a pair of jeans, and adds a bit of prep to any look.

How are your new year's resolutions coming?  :)

Blazer: Banana Republic | similar
Shirt:  JCrew | similar
Skirt: Gap | similar
Tights: Hue | similar
Heels: Nine West | similar
Bow-tie:  Gift from G
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop | 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

Wear it Both Ways: Coffee & Cardigans

Aili's hitting the beaches of Mexico this week, so we've lined up a few bloggers we hope you'll enjoy. You know that we're all about re-styling your favorite pieces, and that's why we've asked some of our favorite bloggers to share the way they wear 1 piece 2 different ways.  Make sure you hit up Callie's at Coffee & Cardigans--in particular, we really like her posts on remixing.  A big thanks to Callie for showing us how she rocks it both ways. :)

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Hello! My name is Callie and you can usually find me blogging over at Coffee and Cardigans. As a college gal and budget style blogger, I have to focus on getting the most out of my closet on a budget. This means building my closet around staples and learning to remix them. One of my favorite staples is a new-to-me black blazer I thrifted back in September. I never knew how versatile a blazer could be until I remixed it. It's perfect for both casual and dressier looks. Here are two ways that I've remixed my blazer recently:

For a day on campus, I paired my blazer with jeans and flats for a casual look. It was a dressier alternative to a cardigan or sweatshirt and made my outfit feel polished without much effort. A blazer and jeans might seem basic, but I dressed it up with a bright scarf and striped tank. The basic blazer was a perfect background for my brighter accessories.

But of course, the blazer is usually associated with business attire. So I paired it with a red dress and black wedges for a business casual look for a professional conference I attended last week. I tried to find the happy medium between classic (the black blazer) and youthful (the red dress). My blazer transitioned easily from casual to dressy, which helps me get the most out of this one classic jacket.

Thank you so much to Aili & Ailyn for having for their Wear it Both Ways series! My blazer is definitely one piece that I can wear both ways: casual and dressy!

Base for the Perfect Preppy Look: White Shirt

I'm rockin one of my favorite looks today; this white, puff sleeved button-up is a staple in my wardrobe and can be paired with a ton of things for the perfect preppy look. Gray, navy and brown are classically Fall, and I used the white base to pull the entire look together.

Thanks for reading!

Blazer: Gap | similar
Top: Banana Republic | similar
Skirt: | similar
Shoes: Lela Rose x Payless | similar

Fashion Fundamental:  Short Sleeved, White Button Up

Linked up at the Pleated Poppy.

Layering Green and Black

I work in an air conditioned office and temperature can be a major issue. Wearing versatile pieces allow you to be comfortable in the cooler office spaces and you can remove a layer when you are out for a quick lunch in the heat.

I've been slowly building up stand alone pieces like this great jacket from Ann Taylor or this sassy green skirt from Crew. You'll find these signature pieces are easy to swap in and out of any look. What are your signature pieces?

Jacket:  Triacetate Jacket, Ann Taylor | shop
Shirt:  Loft | shop similar
Skirt:  No. 2 Pencil Skirt, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint ($30 $12) | similar

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs.

COPE Linen Sightseer Dress

For some reason, I really like this type of dress since I own two of them, and I even convinced Aili to buy one (see how she styled it here).

Do you find yourself buying multiples of the same item in different colors?  I'm definitely guilty when it comes to cardigans.


Shades: LOFT | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar
Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint | similar
Dress: COPE Linen Sightseer Dress, Urban Outfitters ($59 $39, but is likely cheaper in stores) | shop
Blazer: Gibson | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Glam Black & White

My hair is in the awkward too-short-to-be-styled-easily, but too-grown-out-to-look-chic-without-styling phase.  Enter the twisted bangs updo.  I love it because it keeps my hair out of my face on those hot summer days, so I'm not constantly tossing my hair back like a valley girl/emo boy.

What are your favorite summery, low-maintenance hairstyles?

Shades: Prada | shop
Earrings: Charlotte Russe | similar
Bracelets: Express & Vintage | similar
Blazer: Gibson | similar
Brooch: Vintage | similar
Dress: Sears | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

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.

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)

Dot dot dot

I adore this circle dress and it has become a reliable, go-to piece when I'm not sure what to wear. I've added a thrifted pink belt and a jacket for the office. Happy Monday!

Shout out to Dotty of Dash Dot Dotty, since we know you love the dots! :)

Earrings: Target

Dress: Banana Republic circa 2009

Ring: Express

Clutch: Thrifted

Belt: Thrifted 

Shoes: Guess

Bracelets: Faceted Gem and Pearl Stretch Bracelets, Express

Blazer: Triacetate One-Button Jacket, Ann Taylor ($80) 

Shop It to Me

The Janes here at Jane Squared have been shopping like mad!  What do you think of our recent purchases?

1. Triacetate 1-Button Jacket, Ann Taylor (sale + 50% off = $80) - I love the tips that Extra Petite gives on suiting.  Aili plans on keeping this jacket at work for unexpected meetings.  Not only is it super flattering, but it's her first foray into the world of petites.  She won't admit she needs petite clothing, though she only stands at 5'3".  :D

2. Orangey-Red Knit Dress, Loft (originally $49.50, purchased on sale + promotion for $20) - I can't find this dress online, but I purchased it at my Loft at the beginning of July, and they still carried it in several sizes & colors, both petite and regular.  If you only have access to Loft's website, then check this similar knit dress out... when I was hunting for my dress on the website, I even thought it was the same dress!  This dress fits me extremely well and it definitely flatters my body, but I wish it had pockets!  I still picked it up since the color & fit are both great.  FYI: There's an extra 50% off sale promotion going on at Loft right now.

3. 3" chino short in Ceylon Tea, J.Crew ($20) - The length of these shorts are perfect, and they also come in lots of fun colors.  The 5" are more conservative, but I think these shorts flatter more petite women.  They also pair easily with lots of different pieces.  The downside: they are a bit wrinkly.

4. Stone Foldover Clutch in turquoise, Banana Republic  (originally $98, but purchased for $40) - You know how I love the crossbody bag, so if you're prefer a hands-free option, try the Stone teardrop cross-body ($59.99-$69.99).  Overall, this bag is well-made; it's not overly roomy, but the stones sewn on to the bag are firmly connected.  Check out how I styled this clutch here.

Polo on the Prairies - Easter Seals Event

Because of my job I have the opportunity to attend some local charity events. This particular event was for Easter Seals where they featured a polo match, wine samples and a tasting of many local restaurants. The attire on the invite said "casual chic." Hence, here is my attempt to look....casual chic.

Blazer:  Banana Republic

Dress:  J. Crew (convertible swing dress, 2009)

Belt:  Thrifted

Necklace:  H&M

Bracelet:  Banana Republic  

Shoes:  Payless Shoes

SARAH

Meet Sarah - my wonderful friend who is smart as a whip, trendy and today's photographer. 

Sarah

Dress:  Kohl's, Simply Vera

Shoes:  Macy's

Belt:  Thrifted, $1

Necklace:  Limited

Clutch:  Borrowed from Aili, Thrifted