Midwest Cool

Later Thailand - it's back to the midwest for some classic cold! The family, G & I are hanging out at the Christmas tree farm [see Jane here]. I'm wearing one of my most versatile coats. I love this black trench and it's layering ability with a removable lining. It's surprisingly warm and light.

What coats are you wearing this season?

Jacket: Burberry  | shop

Boots: BP Runway Boot, Nordstrom  | shop similar

Dress: Merona, Target | shop similar
Scarf: Burberry London | shop
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Feminine Eyelet Tank

Isn't Ailyn awesome? She does the best reviews. 

Today, I'm wearing a great fitting tank. This black eyelet from Gap reminds me of traditional, Mexican attire with the fit and pattern cutout in the front. I think this silhouette is particularly flattering on many shapes, and this tank is very sweet. I've also tried to pair this at work with a pencil skirt and cardigan. It has a similar effect in the office, feminine and flowy. Pieces like this are awesome because they are versatile in the office and on the weekends.

Top: Eyelet Tank, Gap | shop similar

Shorts: Roll up shorts, AE | shop

Shoes: Mossimo, Target | similar

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Sunnies: Prada | shop

Watch: Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs and the Monday Mingle.

Bright Roxy One Shoulder

I hope you had a great holiday! The family and I headed up to MI for the long weekend! 

I also recently visited a local festival. Like Ailyn, I love any place with lemon shakeups! And, I'm totally into this one-shouldered dress from Roxy. This dress is awesome and packs a lot of punch in this one shouldered piece.

How was your holiday?

Dress: Roxy | shop similar

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Sunnies: Prada | shop

Shoes: Crystals, Unionbay | shop

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

Flower Power

Snaps! It's date night :) #favorites. G and I took a stroll through town, went to a nice dinner and made an essential stop for ice cream! I'm wearing an old favorite -- a sweetheart neckline dress. This shape is one of my most favorite, and think it is flattering on almost everyone.

Now what to wear for Labor Day... and JaneSquared will be reunited! More post to come next week!

Have a wonderful holiday!

Dress: Flower | similar

Shoes:  Hondo Platform Pumps, GUESS | shop

Necklace: Little Hearts | similiar

Watch: Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Antique Fair

Let's make a deal... at the Antique Fair! Hot weather means treasure hunting and looking for those unique pieces. I love finding costume jewelry, old frames or cool pieces where you least expect it. Or I tend to gravitate towards the milk glass or old polaroid cameras... both becoming an overflowing collection. What are you finding this summer?

So, I'm sporting a little green on green combo -- color blocking. I love this shirt from JCrew. It's lightweight and nice for summer. Love this color and ability to pop the collar.

Shirt: Camp Shirt, JCrew | shop

Shorts:  Pacific Turquois Pleated, JCrew | shop

Shoes: Sperry Topsiders | shop

Watch: Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Sunnies: Prada | shop

Earrings:  Diamond Studs | shop

Saturday Farmers Market

Over the weekend and I made it to one of my favorite places -- the farmers market! Honestly, sometimes you can find very reasonably priced produce around your neighborhood market -- perfect for a big summer BBQ. G just redid his kitchen and we wanted to thank his friends for their demo work. So, we were looking for some dinner party, menu inspiration. We picked up what looked the best:  zucchini, eggplant, corn and fresh baked focaccia bread. 

What's your farmers market favorite?

Thanks for reading!

Dress:  Hollister | similar

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Shoes: Crystals, Unionbay | shop

Sunnies: Prada | shop

Earrings:  Diamond Studs | shop

Coffee:  Cream + Sugar, please

Farmer's Market

One of my favorite things about summer is that some of the best fruits and veggies are in season and out to play at the farmer's market.

You might spot a few strawberry plants in the photos above, and I was tempted to buy a few and grow my own.  My dad has always had an amazingly green thumb, and growing up we always had an abundance of cucumbers, basil, chives, mint, tomatoes, and even a watermelon now and again... Unfortunately, he didn't pass those gardening skills onto me.  My house plants do thrive, though that was at the expense of a few trial plants in college.  :)

Do you grow any of your own fruits & veggies?

Sunnies: Prada  | shop
Dress: JCrew
Sandals: Target
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs

Weekend: Date Night

"G" Man

Oh Monday -- are you here again? I hope you all had a great weekend. G & I spent the time walking around in this beautiful weather. Weekends are the best. And, it's awesome when you don't have a schedule -- all you need is great company and great food. 

How was your weekend?

Top: Express | shop or similar without the pockets here

Skirt:  Express | similar

Shoes:  Ankle booties, J. Simpson | similar

Tights:  Polka dots | similar

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Necklace:  Forever 21 | similar

Vibrant Light Layers & IA Fashion Week?

Oh man - it's Monday, and I need some inspiration for the week ahead. This cheery wall is sort of helping... Or even better -- start your Monday out with a laugh. Check out a hilarious article from The Onion on a story about Iowa Fashion Week.

With a long awaited start to Spring, I'm quick to bust out the lighter layers, and bright colors. One of my favorite pairings is stripes with a vibrant solid. This look is always classy and fun.

Have a great week!

Shirt:  Old Navy | similar
Necklace: Etsy | shop
Pants:  Toothpick, JCrew | shop
Flats:  Sidewalk skimmer - slate, Madewell | shop
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Fake Out: It's Polka Time

Psych - winter is not going to leave us! It's okay because I'm rockin' my new favorite top. This adorable ditty from Crew is making me very happy. 

I'm excited to see how this pairs with a pencil skirt for work, but for now I'm keepin' it real with a pair of dark skinny jeans. What pieces are you excited about this season?

Thanks for reading! 

Shirt:  Boy shirt in dots, JCrew | shop

Jeans:  Toothpick Jean, JCrew | shop

Boots:  Melissa Button, Fryes | shop

Purse:  Classic Q Hillier, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Necklace:  So Good, NYC Boutique | 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.

The Wondrous Shedd Aquarium

Fashion Fundamental:  Silk Blouse

I recently checked out Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. I  haven't been to this place since I was a child. So, I was surprised to see that it is still a very cool, unique place as an adult. My favorite exhibit--by far-- was the Jellies. The penguins, large center aquarium and of course the penguins are always a hit.

Silk blouses are quickly becoming a favorite in my wardrobe. I found this bright purple blouse at my local Crew and appreciate the structure in the shoulder, but like the relax fit near the bottom on the shirt. I have found that these are also great to tuck into a pencil skirt for work.

I'm interested in hearing how are you incorporating your silk blouses. What are you pairing them with?

Shirt:  JCrew | shop

Jeans: Gap | shop

Boots: BP Runway Boots | shop

Necklace: Thrifted 

Coat:  Double-Cloth Lady Day Coat, JCrew | shop

Gloves:  H&M

Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs |shop

Linked up to Two Thirty Five Designs.

Leaves, Stripes and a City Mini

Fashion Fundamental:  Striped Shirt

I love those crisp, cool days where you want to wear something bright & cheery. Stripes is the word, and nothing puts me in a better mood than a sassy blue skirt. I love this shirt from Crew and have been able to pair it with colored skinny jeans and denim for the weekends. 

Shirt:  Striped Painter Boatneck Tee, JCrew | shop

Skirt:  Crinkle City Mini, JCrew | shop

Coat:  Double-Cloth Lady Day Coat, JCrew | shop

Boots: BP Runway Boots | shop

Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs |shop

Necklace:  Thrifted

Sunnies: Ray-Ban | shop

Lips: Be Legendary Lipstick in Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Linked up to Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge & Two Thirty-Five Designs.

Plaid: the Fall Staple

Fashion Fundamental: the Plaid Shirt 

This is my favorite season and the best excuse to wear plaid, plaid, and more plaid!  This buffalo plaid shirt is from one of my favorite places (surprise, surprise) JCrew! This is a look is great for a casual day of errands while still looking chic and comfortable. I wanted to pair this plaid with something neutral so that I could let the shirt shine. This dusty pink is a great compliment to the navy print, and gets me very excited to start the weekend...even though it's only Monday! :) 

Special shout out to Callie from Coffe and Cardigans and Psyche from Economy of Style for guest posting on our blog. We loved having you and thank you for joining us on Jane Squared! 

Keep an eye out this week... I'll feature some looks sported in Mexico!

Shirt:  JCrew | similar

Skirt:  JCrew | similar

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop

Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider | shop

Necklace:  JCrew | similar

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

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Olive You

Happy Halloween! I hope your having a great day and those on the east coast are staying clear of Ms. Sandy!

Fashion Fundamental:  Boots -  I am obsessed with these brown BP boot from Nordstrom. I love them so much I even ordered them in black. Any gal on the go needs some practical, but stylish boots that can carry them well into the weekend.

Also, we love a good deal, and have a few one-time use codes to share with you.  If you've been eyeing a certain something at any of the following stores, feel free to use one of the following discounts; just leave us a comment letting us know. :) Happy shopping.

• 20% off your JCrew.com order: NSS82D9EU valid through this Sunday, November 4.
• 10% off your Crate&Barrel Purchase: 85370 01003 88107 5093 good 'til November 11, 2012.

Top: Beatrice Blouse, JCrew | similar in pink - last seen here
Necklace: JCrew | similar
Jeans: Sweetheart Jeans, Old Navy | shop
Boots: BP Runway Boots | shop
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop



Linked up to Marion Berry Style's Trend of the Month Challenge.

An Apple a Day

Fashion Fundamental:   Down Vest

A puffy vest is essential to keep you warm during those chilly fall and winter days. I found this favorite at Crew, and what I really appreciate about this piece is it's versatility. You can add this to any look as it adds warmth without the bulk.

Have you busted out your winter coats, yet?

Headband: JCrew | similar
Vest: JCrew | shop
Shirt: JCrew | similar
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Jeans: Sweetheart Jean, Old Navy | shop
Shoes: L.L. Bean | shop

Ailyn & JET's outfit details here.