Target Merona Women's Short Sleeve Tie-Wasit Shirt Dress

This definitely feels like one of the last time that I can get away with bare legs and sandals.  I am excited about cozy sweaters, fuzzy slippers, and hot cocoa, but I'll definitely miss the ease of just sliding on a pair of sandals before I head out the door.

Sunnies: Prada | shop

Bag: Coach Saffiano Tote | shopDress: Target Merona Women's Short Sleeve Tie-Wasit Shirt Dress | shop
Coat: Gap Denim Jacket | shop
Belt: Guess | similar
Sandals: Target | similar

Red Car; Red Dress

Hello and happy Monday to you all! These photos were snapped while on vacation with my family in Michigan (see the Janes in Michigan here, here, & here).  The weather was awesome, though mosquitos were definitely out to play during the night.  And unfortunately, those mosquitos love me; I even used one of these little mosquito fans to keep 'em away, but to no avail.  My legs ended up looking like this.

If you're afflicted with bug bites, check out my review of Burt's Bees Bug Bite Relief. :)

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Dress: Tulle Clothing | similar
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Sandals: Target | shop
Toes: Essie | shop 

Banana Republic Printed Shift Dress

These photos are from the family vacation to a lake in Michigan. Experiencing what KC has to offer is lots of fun, but it's so good to spend time with family and friends. :)

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Earrings: Kate Spade | shop
Dress: Banana Republic
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Sandals: Target | shop

Missouri State Fair: Gap Striped Cami Jersey Dress

A few weekends ago, I was at the Missouri State Fair, enjoying the absolutely beautiful weather and noshing on fair food.  My favorites definitely included the deep-fried Oreos, lemon shake ups, & funnel cakes.

My friends and I also caught the rodeo, and it was my first time attending one. It was crazy!  I can't believe people willingly hop on a bucking bull to see if they can last the full 8 seconds; there were even some competitors under 14 years old. Have you ever been to the rodeo?

P.S. This Striped Cami Jersey Dress is unbelievably soft and comfy.  It comes in regular, tall, & petite sizing.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Jacket: Gap | shop
Dress: Gap Striped Cami Jersey Dress | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Sandals: Target | similar
Nails: OPI Cajun Shrimp | shop

Linked up to Monday Bloom.

Cultural Enrichment Festival

Last weekend, I attended a fun event in KC--the Ethnic Enrichment Festival. There were lots of cultural performances, traditional dress, and my favorite part, so much delicious food. Top eats definitely include the skewers from the Thai stand and the Strudel from the German stand.

My favorite part, though, was getting my "passport" stamped at every country I visited. :D

Fashion Fundamental: Denim jacket -- this thing goes with me everywhere and is perfect for those cooler summer nights.  It lives in my car so I can grab it once the sun goes down or just hangs off my crossbody bag.  Mine is from Gap, (circa 2003!) and you can't go wrong with the classics.

Sunnies: Prada | shop
Jacket: Gap | shop
Dress: Banana Republic | shop -- currently on sale for $48.
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Sandals: Target | similar

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

Wear it Both Ways: The City Mini Meets Cardi

I've mentioned several times that I think it's important for your wardrobe to be versatile, remixable, and appropriate for all of the occasions in your life.

Our Wear It Both Ways series--where we style 1 piece 2 ways will definitely--become a regular Jane Squared feature.

Wear it Both Ways {LWD & a statement necklace}


Cardigan: Gap | similar
T-shirt: Uniqlo | similar
Striped Tank: F21 | similar
Necklace: Vintage | similar
Sandals: Target | similar
Peep-toes: Hidi, Naturalizer | shop
Skirt: City Mini, JCrew | shop
Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Lips: Revlon | shop

Monochromatic: shades of blue

Keeping things fun and casual with these shades of blue and navy.

In other news, remember when I said I was sad about the olympics being over?  Well, now I don't have anything to watch.  I must confess a weakness for USA network shows... White Collar, Suits, and Burn Notice are some of my faves.  What are you watching post-olympics?

Sunnies: Maui Jim | shop
Necklace: So Good - last seen here
Shirt: China
Blazer: Gap | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar for $10
Shorts: Gap | shop - also styled here
Shoes: Target | shop


Also linked up at the Pleated Poppy.

Best Part of Summer: Ravinia

Camoflauged into our picnic mats.  

Outdoor concerts and a venue as beautiful as Ravinia, are some of the best things about  summer.  Add in the great company and great food, and you've got a perfect summer day!

Also, anyone else bummed that the Olympics are over?


Aili's outfit details here.

Jacket: Gap | similar
Dress: Dee&Ray Mona Dress | shop
Sandals: Target | shop
Earrings: Jewelmint | similar
Nails: Lollipop, Essie | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Polos on the Prairie - Round 2

More after the jump!

Gap Flat Front Canvas Shorts Review

I have a hard time finding shorts that fit me well.  All summer I've been on the lookout, I've tried on shorts pretty much everywhere from Nordstrom and Ralph Lauren to Forever 21 and Sears. I even tried out Aili's much loved 3" chino short by JCrew or even Uniqlo's roll-up chino shorts will fit in the hips and thigh, but not in the waist.  Or vice versa.  

Aili suggested I try out Gap's shorts, but for some reason, I was skeptical... I'm not sure why, Gap bottoms haven't let me down in the past (with the exception of their skirts, which I think are way too short, but that's another blog post. :D), and the canvas shorts are a winner; pick 'em up for any price between $19.99 and $49.95.  It seems like prices may be better in stores. I also like Gap's boyfriend roll up shorts are a good alternative if you prefer a longer length.

I really enjoy these flat-front shorts because the pockets don't add any bulk, and they're ultra flattering.  They're made of 100% cotton & machine washable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns (ikat or tribal-inspired stripes) and inseams (petite at 3", regular sizing at 4", and tall at 5").

In my experience, they are a tad wrinkly (but nothing compared to my linen city mini by JCrew) and the front pockets--while quite slim and flattering--don't have much capacity.  Anyway, I'm a fan.

Shades: Prada | shop

Shorts: Gap | shop

Sandals: Target | shop

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Cardigan: JCrew | similar

Plaid Cami: JC Penney | similar

Yellow Top: Swingy Sleeveless Polo, LOFT | shop

Nails: Bikini so Teeny & Meet me at Sunset, Essie | shop

Linked up at Real Girl Real Glam.

JCrew City Mini in Linen

I have long liked the city mini (full price is between $80-$85 depending on material), but couldn't justify the high price tag.  I finally picked the summery linen version up for just over $20 (final sale) during JCrew's latest round of promotions.

Overall, I do like it. It's light and airy, and pairs well with pretty much everything.  On-seam pockets are a win, and I dig the paper bag waist.  It's 100% linen, but is obviously ultra-wrinkly.  Some people look very chic in summery linen, unfortunately, I just look a touch unkempt.  lol.

The blousy shirt didn't help this look either; in my head, this look was very cute and feminine, but it didn't translate super well in person.  Next time I'll go with a slimmer cut top.

Wrinkles and all, I am still a fan of this skirt.

How do you keep your linen looking crisp and beachy instead of crinkly?  Or is it impossible?  Let me know in the comments, please! :)

P.S. According to the tag this is dry clean only.   Boo.

Sunnies: LOFT | shop
Earrings: LOFT | similar
Top: LOFT | similar in pink
Skirt: City Mini in Linen, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Target | shop
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | shop
Toes: Meet Me at Sunset, Essie | shop

Linked up at two thirty-five designs.

Spidey at Bat(man)

I went to my first professional baseball game just 2 years ago, and I really enjoyed the experience.  If you've never been to a baseball game, it is exactly what the movies make it out to be.  There is a seventh inning stretch and you really do sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," and there's definitely something charming and very much all-American about that.

Speaking of movies, I rather like action flicks and superhero movies. Any day is a good day when you have the chance to hang out with Batman & Spidey.  Needless to say, catching this ball game was a pretty great way to spend my day.

Thank you for reading!

Sunglasses: 0PR 01OS, Prada | shop
Shirt: Uniqlo | similar
Skirt: Express (old) | similar
Necklace: So Good | similar
Sandals: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target | shop
Bag: Mini MAC, Rebecca Minkoff | shop

Double-Duty Cake & a Floral Skirt

I'm keeping things easy and relaxed this weekend.  My family and I spent it celebrating my mom's birthday and Father's Day with a dual-purpose ice cream cake from Coldstone Creamery and a little bit of time spent at the pool.

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads!  Hope it was a great one.

Necklace: So Good | similar

Shirt: Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | similar

Belt: JCrew | similar

Skit: VS Pink (old) | similar

Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target | shop

Bag: Vintage | similar

Lipstick: Colorburst Lip Butter in Lollipop, Revlon | shop

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Tomato STS Blue Frayed Cuff Denim Shorts

I'm fully a proponent of remixing your clothing to create a completely new look, but wearing items in ways they weren't intended (i.e. wearing a dress as a skirt) to be worn can make for a rather high maintenance look.  By that, I mean you're always having to adjust your clothing to ensure everything is laying correctly, is in place, etc.

That's why I love summer.  Now that June is fully in swing and the weather is warmer, I don't want to fuss with my clothing; I simply want something that is easy, is comfortably, and of course, looks great.  Enter: the chambray shirt.  These denim shirts are not only extremely versatile, but work in every season; check out a few of the ways Jane Squared rocks the chambray shirt.

Bangles: LOFT | similar

Top: Selvedge Chambray Shirt, JCrew | similar

Shorts: STS Blue Frayed Cuff Denim Shorts in Tomato via Nordstrom | shop

Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target - reviewed here | shop

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.

Target's Mossimo Winifred Braided Flat Sandal Review

After keeping this dress in heavy rotation during the cooler months, I forgot about it in the excitement of sandals, summer shorts, and bikini season.  When I was weeding out my winter wardrobe, I spotted the bright color in my closet and decided this dress would work wonderfully in the warmer months as well.

Speaking of these warmer months, Aili recently picked up these braided sandals for me, and I love them.  They're super comfortable, cheap (inevitably, these shoes only last 1 season regardless of price point), and are roomy enough for my wide feet.  Plus you can slide 'em right on.  In the summer time, I can't be bothered to with  inconvenient teeny tiny buckles and straps.  In fact, I even have a pair of Target t-strap sandals that require a time-consuming buckle, and I  haven't worn them once.    Anyway, if you're on the lookout for summer sandals, check out Target.

Happy first day of June!

Headband: JCrew
Dress: F21 | similar in white
Belt: Taiwan | similar
Shoes: Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, Target ($14.99) | shop
Bag: Mini MAC, Rebecca Minkoff | shop