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.

For the Love of Cardigans

Bright lights, big city....I love a night out on the town. How about some live music, and a few midweek drinks? The weekend is just around the corner, and nothing else puts me in a better mood than a pretty cardigan and a polka dot print.

Fashion Fundamental:  the Cardigan

The cardigan is the essential piece that works in every season. And, I find myself buying new colors all the time. From work to the weekend, it's a functional and classic piece for men and women. The best part? They are incredible versatile. The cardigan is a great base and have the ability to transform with the addition of a scarf or piece of jewelry. I love that you can easily tuck this piece into a purse for ease and portability. Honestly, I just adore cardigans.

More Fashion!
I also stumbled up this fantastic article:  NPR's 'A Lovely Feeling': Celebrating Older Women With Fabulous Style. Check it out. It's a great piece that proves Fashionistas are truly timeless!

Thanks for reading!

Silk Top:  Ruffles, JCrew | similiar
Cardigan:  Ralph Lauren | similar
Jeans:  Bullhead skinny, PacSun | shop   
Shoes:  Mossimo Versie Pump, Target | similar
Clutch:  Foldover, Steve Madden | similar

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.