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.

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.

Argyle and Citron

Leaves are changing and it's time to bust out the cashmere! One of my favorite pieces for fall is this argyle sweater from Crew. I bought this a few years ago, but has been a strong staple in my fall wardrobe. I tend to gravitate toward bright colors, and this does just the trick on a brisk, autumn day. Soon, I'll be scouring the best places for cider and donuts! :)

Don't forget to sign up for your Target Beauty Bag here.

Fashion Fundamental: Pencil Skirt

Top: JCrew | shop similar
Skirt: No. 2 Pencil Skirt, JCrew | shop
Shoes:  Flax in White Kid, Nine West | shop

Linked up to the Monday Mingle, Real Girl Glam, Two Thirty-Five Designs, and the Pleated Poppy.

United Way Jeans Day + Uniqlo Oxford Shirt

My company donates to the United Way and encourages us to participate and show our pride with jeans days! The United Way is a fantastic organization and to show my pride, I'm pairing a relaxed pair of jeans with my new favorite oxford.

I'll admit I'm becoming obsessed with Uniqlo the more I wear their clothes. I find myself reaching for them over and over for a simple, preppy look. I'm very sad there isn't a store in the midwest. This probably means I need to head to NYC or San Fran. fairly soon.... :D

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop
Top: Women's Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt, Uniqlo $29.90 | shop in stores or at Lands' End Canvas
Jeans:  Old Navy Sweetheart | shop
Shoes:  Flax in White Kid, Nine West | shop
Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Bracelets:  Express

Linked up with Real Girl Real Glam.

The Power of Great Accessories

Prior to style blogging here at Jane Squared, I largely ignored accessories--jewelry, scarves, bags, etc.  I really only wore  scarves, the gold-toned bracelet you see in these photos, and stud earrings.

Reading various style blogs, and writing my own, has really opened my eyes up to the power of accessories to both complete and transform a look.  Some of our favorite pieces include these sunglasses by Prada, (styled here), Jewelmint's Forever Audrey earrings, and the necklace featured in this post.  I love it so much that I have it in two colors (see how the Janes have styled the white version here).

What are your favorite (or most worn) accessories?

Necklace: So Good | similar
Umbrella: Victoria's Secret (gift with purchase :D) | not very similar, but awesome nonetheless
Dress: JCrew (old) | similar in a bright pink
Belt: Nine West | similar
Flats: Banana Republic | similar
Top: H&M | similar - also styled here & here
Clutch: Gift | similar by Kate Spade
Skirt: Express | similar
Heels: Nine West | similar
Lips: Convertible Lip and Cheek Color in Petunia, Stila | shop

Presidential Style: D.C. & the Obamas

Capitol, Pennsylvania Avenue

White House

Washington Monument, Supreme Court, Lincoln Memorial, Treasury Building

Mr. & Mrs. Obama
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture 

A few weeks ago I traveled to beautiful Washington, D.C. for a work trip. I was in town for the groundbreaking of the Smithsonian's 19th museum -- the National Museum of African American History and Culture. I had the chance to see some of the sights, ate oysters at the historic Old Ebbet's Grill and saw the President & First Lady.

No big deal, right?

PSSHHH.... more like I was totally geekin' out that I got to see both of them!

President Obama spoke at the event and said the museum, “Should stand as proof that the most important things in life rarely come quickly or easily; it should remind us that although we have yet to reach the mountaintop, we cannot stop climbing.” Inspiring.

The event was surreal. Mrs. O, our FLOTUS, was even more stunning in person. She looked beautiful in her green Peter Som dress coat. You can follow all of her great looks on one of our favorite blogs -Mrs.O.com. 

It was an awesome trip & D.C. is definitely my kind of town!

Presidential Style

Shirt:  J. Crew

Vest:  The Limited

Jacket:  Banana Republic

Pants:  Drew Bootcut Pant, The Limited | shop

Purse:  Kate Spade

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop

Necklaces:  Thrifted

Shoes:  Orra, Nine West | shop

D.C. Sightseeing Look

Coat:  H&M

Top:  Striped Crew-neck, Old Navy | shop

Pants:  Gap 1969 Ponte 5 pocket | shop

Shoes:  Cece Suede Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop

The Limited: Soft Tailored Jacket Review

I couldn't resist this fantastically vibrant blue tailored jacket from the Limited!  Cobalt is all the rage this season and This jacket fits similarly to a cardigan; plus, you can't beat this baby's versatility, as it's perfect for a busy day at the office, as well as a fun night out with the girls.

I'm a big fan of The Limited's workwear pants; they fit my body really well and manage to lengthen my legs.  Though I'm partial to skirts, the pants I'm rocking at work usually have a Limited tag.  The Drew Bootcut Pant cut is a particular favorite because it slims the figure and gives a clean, tailored look.

If you love this blazer as much as I do, then I want to let you know that The Limited is running a 50% off almost everything promotion with code: FRENZY + free shipping, no minimum on all orders.

Linked up with the Pleated Poppy, G-Rated, & the Transatlantic Blonde.

Coat:  Old Navy, 2010 

Jacket:  Soft Tailored Jacket in Cobalt, The Limited | shop

Shirt:  J.Crew

Pants:  Drew Bootcut Pant, The Limited | shop

Bracelet:  Lia Sophia

Shoes:  Orra, Nine West | shop

Earrings:  Target

JCrew Double-cloth Lady Day Coat Review

January is in full swing with plenty of snow and blustery winds. It's the perfect time to pull out one of my favorite coats. 

JCrew comes out with a version of this classic lady day coat each winter in a variety of colors. You also have the option upgrade to the "3M Thinsulate" version of the coat. I highly recommend the more costly Thinsulate because I believe it really does keep you warmer than a coat without Thinsulate. This technology is neat because it does not add any bulk to the coat, but has a thin layer that protects you from the elements. I must confess I've not tried the non-Thinsulate version of this coat, but have confidence in the 3M innovation. Plus, who doesn't love technology?

3M technology aside, the coat is classic, chic and it's always fitting for any venture into the cold!

Coat:  Double-cloth Lady Day Coat with Thinsulate, JCrew | shop

Dress:  Rue 21

Boots: Erynne Boots in Black Suede, Nine West ($189 currently on sale for $94.50) | shop

Tights:  Gray, Spanx | shop

Ring:  Express

Earrings:  Express

Lipstick:  Round Case, Chaos | shop  

Happy Birthday to one of our top style icons:  Mrs. Obama! You can follow all of her great looks on one of our favorite blogs - Mrs.O.com. She, too, is a Crew fan!

Linked up with the Pleated Poppy & Transatlantic Blonde!

JCrew Perfect Shirt in Plaid

Oh hi, 2012. I'm still writing 2011 on various pieces of paper and important documents.  Well, it's back to the grind this week. Good thing I'm rocking one of my favorite shirts to make the transition a bit easier. This plaid button down is on regular rotation in my closet because of its casual, chic vibe; paired with this vest--a much loved layering piece--this look has become one of my favorite "go-to" looks.

Now, about those New Year's Resolutions....

Shirt:  JCrew, the Perfect Shirt | shop, also comes in gingham!
Vest:  JCrew, old favorite | this year's version here
Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop
Shoes:  Nine West
Necklace:  Big Love
Earrings:  Target
Purse:  Kate Spade

Holiday Fête: Gap Kids Sequined Cowlneck Sweater Dress

I love any excuse to rock sparkle and sequins. When browsing my local Gap Kids (gotta keep Baby JET in style), I spotted this delightful sweater dress in the little girl's section and decided to give it a go in the dressing room.  To my surprise, the dress fit well; plus, I find this sequined style to be a little unusual--especially compared to what's currently in stores.  I'm seeing some scattered use of this material and sequin design in a few of the Gap family designs, i.e. Banana Republic Luxe items, but not much elsewhere.

Roomie Will & I are off to another holiday event.  Needless to say, I love this time of year.  It's not everyday you can wear this much sparkle and appear festive as opposed to disco-ball-gone-wrong.  I'll be back in 2012 with a NYE recap. Until then, we hope you have a fabulous New Year's celebration!  Cheers to a safe and happy New Year's Eve!

Dress:  Sequined Cowlneck Sweater Dress, Gap Kids | shop

Belt:  Gap

Tights: Reversible Tights, SPANX via Ann Taylor ($34 ) | shop

Boots: Erynne Boots in Black Suede, Nine West ($189 currently on sale for $94.50) | shop (also styled here)

Headband:  JCrew

Earrings:  Charlotte Russe

Lipstick:  Color Sensational in Revolution Red, Maybelline | shop

Nail Polish: Urban Ballerina, OPI x Sephora | shop

Purse:  Thrifted

Nine West Abalene Penny Loafer Pump

I'm keeping things bright and cheery with this turquoise dress (worn as a skirt) and floral top.  I folded my shirt up and and under, then belted to add figure enhancing waist definition & to hide the shirt folds for a seamless look.  The black accents are a nod to the cooler weather that's been hitting the Midwest, but you better believe that I'm taking advantage of any weather that's warm enough for bare legs!

I recently picked up these Nine West Penny Loafers with a 1 inch platform, and I must say that I love these shoes!  The leather is soft, buttery, and ultra-comfy; I like the wooden 4 inch stacked heel and the platform gives you 4 inches of height but for low price of 3 inch heel discomfort.  Reviews do say that these shoes run a half-size large, but I ordered TTS with no problems.  The style feels professional, yet still versatile enough for a dinner date.  Overall, I'm a fan.

Jacket: Parisian Boutique | {1}
Top: PacSun (old)
Cardigan: Embroidered Chiffon Back Cardigan, American Eagle | shop
Belt: JCrew
Skirt: F21 (Dress worn as a skirt) | {1}
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop

JCrew Winter Blues & the Red Kate Spade Bag

I needed to add some pizazz to this cold winter's day. Hence a debut:  my new Kate Spade bag! I'm pretty in love with this chic new bag for work. My only issue is that the straps are a bit too small to be entirely functional. I picked this up a few weeks ago at the local Kate Spade Outlet. Win.

Also, I'm poppin' the collar like it's hot. What can I say? My tree is up and I'm listening to Christmas music. I do what I want.

Have a great day readers!

Shirt:  Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | shop
Sweater:  JCrew
Skirt:  JCrew | shop (beautiful winter version), also styled here.
Belt:  Gap
Tights:  H&M
Shoes:  Nine West
Earrings:  Target
Headband:  JCrew
Bag:  Kate Spade Outlet

P.S. If you're headed to the mall later today, stop by Victoria's Secret for a free pair of their Fashion Show Panties with this coupon.  Good in stores for today only.

Halloween: Jane the Riveter

Halloween is just around the corner and this year here's my ode to Rosie the Riveter. 

I visited my 12- year old cousin in Australia a few years ago and I distinctly remember her asking me, "Is Halloween real?" She had seen a magical world of free candy, masks and ghouls on television. I told her, "Yes, it's real! Come visit us in October because it is wonderful and fun." 

Truly, this is one of the best American holidays. You get to dress up and get free candy. I'm not sure that it gets better than that. Happy Halloween and good luck finding the houses that give full size candy bars!

Shirt:  Gap, 1969

T-shirt:  American Apparel | shop

Jeans:  Bullhead Black The 55 Denim Legging in Rinsed Indigo, PacSun | shop

Shoes:  Nine West

Necklace:  Old Navy

Bandana:  Walmart, $1

Lipstick:  Color Sensationals Lipstick in Red Revolution 630 | shop