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

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

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

Red Hot

Usually, I prefer dresses and skirts (or even shorts) to pants--especially denim--but this bright pair of skinnys caught my eye while browsing the aisles of Target.

I wasn't sure about 'em... they are super bright, especially when everyone is gravitating towards the deeper and richer shades of fall, but I ended up liking 'em quite a bit. :)

Sunnies: Ray Ban | shop
Shirt: Gap (old) | similar in a black peplum
Blazer: Gibson | similar
Brooch: Vintage | similar
Pants: Mossimo Junior's Colored Skinny Denim in Crimson, Target | shop
Flats: Nine West | similar
Lips: Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Fashion Fundamental: Black Blazer

Linked up at Real Girl Glam.

Fall TV Premieres

Fall is my favorite time of the year.  Not just because of Halloween, the apple cider doughnuts from the apple orchard, and the fact that it offers the best selection of clothes, but because all of my favorite TV shows are back!  :D

I love The Voice, Top Chef, Modern Family,  and Suits. Over the summer, I also got into The Next Food Network Star was much better this last season than it has been in seasons past.

What have you been watching?  Leave your suggestions below since I'm always looking for something new to watch!

Blazer: Gibson via Nordstrom | similar
Dress: F21 | similar in several colors
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop
Scarf: Wal-Mart | similar
Cuff: Taiwan | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar
Linked up to Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge.

Gibson One Button Fleece Blazer

A great blazer and a classic pair of heels (we swear by Ann Taylor's Perfect Pumps!) can take you just about anywhere.  Check out how I've remixed these wardrobe essentials below.  Click on the look for details.

 

Shades: Prada | shop

Blazer: Gibson | shop
Brooch: Vintage | similar
Belt: LOFT | similar
Dress: LOFT | similar
Shoes: Ann Taylor | shop

Linked up at Real Girl Glam.

Dee&Ray Nautical Stripe Sundress

Happy Monday and thank you for reading. :)

Earrings: So Good | similar
Blazer: Gibson via Nordstrom | shop
Dress: Dee&Ray Nautical Stripe Sundress via Nordstrom | similar
Belt: Skinny Leather Belt, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop

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.

Weddings (and Children) with Swag

 

I rocked a new citron dress from Forever 21 to the wedding of a close family friend; see what Aili wore here.  For an outdoor wedding, flat sandals or wedges are a must.  I almost rocked a pair of black stilettos, but decided to switch to these flats at the last minute.  I'm so glad I did, otherwise I would have been sinking into the grass all evening.  Alas, my dance moves were safe and steady with these easy and pretty flats.

Someone else also brought his A-game to this outdoor bash.  JET was popular with the little ladies on the dance floor; must've been the layered look + summer appropriate plaid he was rocking.  

Do you love kids' clothes?  Then you should definitely check out Children With Swag. Little girls definitely have an advantage when it comes to style; their clothing is often a mini-version of an adult style with a few whimsical elements--like a bow or ruffle--but boys have footballs and monster trucks printed all over their onesies.

Ailyn

Earrings: So Good | similar

Blazer: Gibson | shop

Dress: F21 (recent) | similar

Clutch: Banana Republic (SS '11) | similar

Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal | shop

Nails: Complete Salon Manicure by Sally Hansen in Calypso Blue | shop

JET

Vest: Janie & Jack | similar in khaki

Shirt: H&M

Shorts: H&M | similar

Linked up at the Pleated Poppy & A Little Bit of Lacquer.