Homecoming

Happy Homecoming to all you college folk! I've been hearing about great games, fun times and good reunions that occurred this past weekend. #Jealous that I missed out this year! However, I will be in full form next year at my old alma mater.

To kickstart my week, I busted out some tweed in this classic, lady-like skirt from H&M. Bright cardigans make the days feel a bit warmer and help me get through any long week.

Thanks for reading!

Fashion Fundamental: Cardigan

Cardi: Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop
Top: JCrew | similar in pink
Skirt: H&M | similar
Shoes: Nine West | similar
Lips: Be Legendary Lipstick in Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

'85 Bears: Orange & Blue

When I need some color inspiration, I think of complimentary colors. Take for instance, your favorite sports team - you can visualize how colors look together when you are planning your color combinations. One of my favorite teams is the Chicago Bears. Orange & blue is a winning combination (well, just the '85 Bears). 

Other Orange & Blue looks:  Blue Poppy/Orange Cardi, Orange Loft/Blue Necklace, & Old Navy Blue Rockstars/Orange Sweater.

Also check out our amiga at the Economy of Style in her own version of orange & blue.

What are some of your go-to, never-fail, color combos?

Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop

Top:  silk, JCrew | similar

Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint ($30 $12) | similar

Skirt:  Thrifted | similar

Shoes: Versie Pump, Target | shop

Linked up at Watch out for the Woestmans

Blue Poppy Dress and Body Scans

Generally, I prefer to buy things online since I have time (and my camera) to figure out if things integrate well into my existing wardrobe and fit properly.

Bodymetrics, a British company, is using the same technology found in your XBox Kinect to take your measurements and determine which garments will fit your body type and metrics.

So the next time you hit the dressing room, you might opt for a body scan. Read more about it here.  What do you think?  

Top: Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop

Dress: Gap (S/S '10) | similar

Belt: JCrew | similar

Shoes: Taiwan | similar

Coffee Break & Two Shades of Orange

I've been in the working world for a few years now and have fallen into the classic routine of starting my day with a cup of coffee. Today is no different as I will be picking up a morning cup of Joe at my local joint in this orange on orange combo.  Like any good coffee shop, there is always chatter about good books -- and of course Fifty Shades of Grey is all the rage.


I'll stick with my two shades of orange as today is feeling a bit rough. So rough, that I may have to grab cup no. 2 since coffee breaks are essential to any work day. Whenever I feel the caffeine monster, I start to sing the Broadway tune "Coffee Break" from the musical my sister and I recently saw in NYC. This pretty much sums up how I feel during coffee break. I mean, who doesn't break out into a choreographed dance routine en route to their coffee break?


If that didn't tickle you fancy -- you may enjoy the tale of the Temp & the Reception in the "cubicle of love."


What happens on your coffee breaks?

Bracelet: Vintage | similar
Cardigan:  Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop
Shirt:  JCrew Factory | similar
Skirt:  Pencil Skirt, Limited | shop
Shoes:  Target versie pump | shop





Linked up at A Little Bit of Lacquer & The Pleated Poppy

JCrew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Citron

I love wearing bright colors, and today is no exception. I'm styled in one of my favorite skirts - JCrew's No. 2 Pencil Skirt in double-serge cotton. I'm a fan of these fantastic skirts, and reach for this crazy citron more often than I ever imagined I would. The only issue with the skirts are that they can get a bit crinkly, alas I still purchase them in many colors... Overall, I love the look and the ease of the No. 2 Pencil.


Have a great day readers!


Shirt:  Macy's
Sweater:  Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop
Skirt:  No. 2 Pencil Skirt, JCrew | shop, also styled here
Shoes:  Target versie pump | shop
Earrings:  Loft
Necklace:  Big Love


Linked up at the Monday Mingle, Rolled Up Pretty, A Little Bit of Lacquer, and The Pleated Poppy.

I can see clearly now...

I must really enjoy this purple and ruffly white combo because I have been known to repeat it.

In other news, I'm thrilled that my LASIK surgery was successful!  Admittedly, my vision is slightly blurred, but it's pretty freakin' miraculous that I can suddenly see clearly!  The experience was a little more traumatic than I had prepared for, but I'm already trying out eyewear that I avoided when my vision was awful since I'm definitely too clumsy for expensive prescription sunglasses.

For those currently sporting four eyes scoping out a new look, I suggest checking out Warby Parker and sending out for a few different frames.  Warby Parker offers an online shopping junkie's favorite service of free shipping & free returns; Warby Parker and other online glasses retailers are a great alternative to stopping by your local Lenscrafters to get a true feel for the fit, comfort, and style of a prospective pair.

Just wanted to gives you a heads up regarding a few great sales going on now at Gilly Hicks (extra 50% off redlines & free ship+free returns w/minimum purchase of $50), several markdowns at Zara (free ship + free returns), 40% off everything + free shipping, no minimums at Talbots (with code 019588431 - Thanks Gigi!) and deep discounts at Land's End + free shipping with code: BLIZZARD and pin: 1038 (Thanks Chloe!).  Are you shopping the MLK & end of season sales?

Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop
Top: Cotton Voile Cascade Ruffle Blouse, LOFT | shop
Belt: JCrew (old)
Pants: 1969 Ponte 5-Pocket Leggings, Gap | shop
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop

Banana Republic Classic Trench

The weather's getting a little chilly here in the Midwest, so I took advantage of the opportunity to bust out my Banana Republic trench.  I'm a fan of this trench; when I purchased it, I couldn't decide if I needed petite sizing or not... the sleeves are a touch long for me, but otherwise I think it's okay.  It fits in the shoulders, and the length works on my frame.  Overall, it's well-made, decently priced (especially with BR's occasional 40% off sales), and classic.  It's no Warhead, but it definitely does the job. :)

The silver hook bracelet was a gift from my ultra-stylish and generous friend, Carly. She purchased it in St. Croix, and it has its own Cruzan folklore: it's supposed to bring the wearer luck in love, and depending on how it's worn, indicates one's romantic status--much like the claddagh ring.


Earrings: Loft - Winter 2010

Shoes: Charcoal Chuck Taylors, Converse | shop
Bottoms: Bullhead Super Skinny Jeans ($39.50 2 for $47) | shop
Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan in Sweet Hyacinth, J.Crew | shop
Top: Cotton On - Spring 2010 ($3)
Outerwear: Classic Trench in Khaki, Banana Republic | shop

Bracelets: Silver cuff, Tonghua Yeshi in Taipei (NT$70 = just under $2.50 USD); Cruzan Hook Bracelet, Gift from Carly; Heart-links Bracelet, Gift from mi madre 

Photography in the Park

I helped my friend Kate, a budding black & white photographer, out with a photo shoot at the park. She graciously took my outfit photos, as well, so a big thanks to her!  Cooler weather is coming (or for some, is already here), and I'm trying to get a few more wears out of these peep-toe flats. 

Meet my new friends and their babies!

Dress: Floral dress F21 (Fall 2010)
Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan in Orchid Shadow, J.Crew | shop
Shoes: Gap Outlet (Fall 2010)
Earrings: Taiwan
Belt: J.Crew

J.Crew Fitting Room Reviews

The two Janes did a little shopping over Labor Day Weekend.  Check out our J.Crew Fitting Room Reviews.  Hopefully these less than stellar iPhone photos are somewhat helpful during J.Crew's extra 30% off final sale (code: LOVEIT).

Left: Jackie Cardigan ($39.99) | shop - Both Janes own this cardigan in multiple shades; needless to say, we love it.  It looks cute with shorts or pants and it tucks beautifully into skirts.  It also holds up pretty well after several washes and the color doesn't fade too much.  This review is only relevant for the Jackie Cardigans at J.Crew, not the Jackie Lookalikes at the J.Crew Factory Store.  Our only caveat: we're ambivalent about the three-quarter length sleeves; a full-length sleeve is more appropriate for the cold fall and winter months in the Midwest.
Right: Blythe Shirtdress in Dark Navy | shop - I was so excited about this dress when I saw it online; even on the hanger, it looked beautiful.  Unfortunately, I'm just "meh" about it.  There's no specific complaint, but the dress just didn't meet my expectations.  Fits TTS.  Silk is of nice quality, & the navy color is richer in person.  If you're not into dresses, check out the Blythe Blouse in silk ($49.99).
Shoes: Taiwan

Top: Puff-sleeve Popover in Vibrant Flame (59.90) | shop - I saw this shirt priced at $59.50 in stores, but it's $79.50 online.  I believe JCrew.com will match in store prices.  See review below.

Skirt (left): Flair Skirt in Double-Serge Wool in Cool Pine ($128) | shop - This skirt comes in several pretty colors that are perfect for fall.  Though it's fully-lined, I found it itchy, it lacks pockets, the material is stiff, and the boxy pleats don't flatter my figure.  

Shorts (right): 3" Chino Short in Ceylon Tea ($29.99) | shop - I've gotten a lot of wear out of these shorts.  They're the perfect length for me--short enough to elongate my legs, but long enough to ensure that I'm showing the world the goodies. ;)

Top: Puff-sleeve Popover in End-on-End in French Blue ($79.50) | shop - Jane Squared loves this top!  The sleeves fit a bit tight around the cuff for both of us; I guess that just means the guns are a little too buff. :) The end-on-end version of this shirt is thicker and sturdier than the solid colored or striped version.

Skirt: Origami mini in Houndstooth ($128) | shop - Apparently this skirt was designed to sit at the waist, but I think it's a little too mini for that; I'm only 5'2", so I imagine that this would be extremely short on someone taller than me.  Pros: the lovely houndstooth pattern, the pleating, the pockets.  Cons: length & price.

Shoes: Nine West

We stopped by the NARS counter, and I tried out an eye shadow duo and a really pretty blush combo.  Colors are truest on the first and third photos.

Jacket: Gap
Dress: Loft | May still be available in stores
Eyeshadow: Duo Eye Shadow in Kuala Lumpur, NARS ($33) | shop - Extremely smooth & very finely milled.
Blush: Mata Hari & Sin, NARS ($27) | shop - A makeup artist suggested I layer Sin over Mata Hari, and I think the combination turned out really pretty.  Applied with a light hand, the Mata Hari shade is gorgeous.Look out for more J.Crew reviews featuring the Lace Bluson Dress, the Candace Dress, & the Linen Popover later this week.  Check out other reviews of the Fall line at Musings on the Mountain & a review of a dress (which has been on my Wishlist since it hit the catalogue) from Respect the Shoes.

Farm Girl

I put my Midwestern roots to good use when I visited Carly's farmhouse; Carly's one of my best friends and old college roomie, and today was my first time out at her farmhouse. :)

Her family has a ton of animals: this baby duck was one of my favorites.

Meet Stormy & Chocolate, two of Carly's prize-winning cows. Fun fact that's worthy of appearing under your Snapple cap: cows don't have upper front teeth. Apparently, the lack of front teeth create a gap in a cow's mouth that helps her eat more easily.

She also took me to one of the only covered bridges near my college town, and it is extremely cool looking. This particular covered bridge is also home to some silly stenciled graffiti.

Big ups (& thanks) to my always stylish photographer, Carly! :D

Dress: Oyster Bay dress in white by Gilly Hicks (originally $39.50, sale price $29.90)
Top: Jackie cardigan by J.Crew
Shoes: Chocolate peep toe flats by Old Navy (Fall 2010, $15)
Coat: Classic trench in khaki by Banana Republic (originally $198, purchased with 40% promotion)
Earrings: Night market in Bangkok