Black Tee & Suede Booties

New booties!

No matter what season or occasion, black is always in style. I love the timeless look of black on black. This outfit is inspired by my new boots from Steve Madden. I love these shoes!

Fashion Fundamental:  Black Tee. 

It's probably one of the most essential basics for any closet. Basics like this are perfect for keeping your look simple, clean and chic.

Thanks for reading!

Shirt: Gap T | shop similar

Skirt: Express Black | similiar

Boots: Steve Madden | shop

Watch: Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop

Purse:  Crossbody, Kate Spade | shop

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

Wear it Both Ways: Ladies in Navy

Hi friends!  Today, we have the lovely and stylish KW from the Ladies in Navy sharing how she styles this amazing black peplum top two different ways. Don't forget to check out KW's post on rocking a pleated skirt in several different ways on her blog, here.

A huge thanks to KW for sharing her amazing style on Jane Squared while Ailyn gets settled into her new KC digs. :D

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I'm so thrilled to be guest posting here today! I love Aili and Ailyn's styles and adore that they feature a "wear it both ways" series on their blog. I'm definitely a frugal fashion blogger that often remixes items in my closet. I don't treat any clothes are wear-once items unless they're terrible impulse buys! My favorite remix-able new wardrobe item is a cap-sleeve peplum blouse from Express. Below I've styled it two ways: weekend and work.

I wore this peplum, jeans, boots, and motorcycle jacket last weekend to visit some local shops and restaurants. I thought it totally dressed up a casual pair of jeans and actually looked a little bit edgy with the motorcycle jacket. A peplum gives everyone an immediate waist and set of rocking hips, which can enhance a rather boring jeans and boots look. I also was comfy and stayed polished looking through a long day where I had a few glasses of wine, was caught in a rainstorm and ate a bunch of delicious froyo!

This is my peplum work look translation - basically subtract the jeans and add a black pencil skirt. This pencil skirt is super versatile and I got it for a steal at H&M (they have the most affordable work clothes). The look felt so basic to me, so I wanted to add some classy pearls (around the wrist and neck) and then add a pop of fun pattern in my tights. I think this translated into a perfect wearable work look and made my peplum available for the work wardrobe too!

Come visit the ladies at: http://www.ladiesinnavy.com to see more styles that can cross over from casual to work! A big thanks to Aili and Ailyn!

Black on Black

My wedding season is finally drawing near a close! This year's final bachelorette party was celebrated with this black on black ensemble. LBDs are timeless, and I wanted to keep it simple and accomplished this through a variety of black accessories to finish the look.

Also, I'm finding it harder and harder to find chic pieces at the very trendy stores like F21. However, F21 surprised me with this pretty lace number. I love black dresses and this is the lighter-weight version to the similar Betsey Johnson piece featured last winter.

Dress: F21 (recent) | shop
Jacket: Old Navy | shop
Necklace: Thrifted | similar
Earrings: Jewelmint | similar
Purse: Kate Spade | similar
Shoes: Nine West | similar
Ring: H&M | similar

Linked up at the Monday Mingle & The Pleated Poppy.

Layering Green and Black

I work in an air conditioned office and temperature can be a major issue. Wearing versatile pieces allow you to be comfortable in the cooler office spaces and you can remove a layer when you are out for a quick lunch in the heat.

I've been slowly building up stand alone pieces like this great jacket from Ann Taylor or this sassy green skirt from Crew. You'll find these signature pieces are easy to swap in and out of any look. What are your signature pieces?

Jacket:  Triacetate Jacket, Ann Taylor | shop
Shirt:  Loft | shop similar
Skirt:  No. 2 Pencil Skirt, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint ($30 $12) | similar

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs.

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.

ASOS Review: Good Meets Evil

I have been giving ASOS a go with their wonderful free shipping/free return, no minimum policy. I especially appreciate the "runway" view on their website which allows you to access a runway video. This is helpful because you can see how the clothes move, as well as the item's proportions as while the model walks the runway. Needless to say, I have big crush on ASOS. <3

For this ASOS review I wanted to juxtapose looks representing good (white) and evil (black). Each outfit has its own flavor, but which (if any) do you prefer?  As always, Ailyn and I love hearing your thoughts.

Good

The white dress is very sweet, but the real star of this look are these creamy blue platform pumps. I was surprised by how well they pair with other pieces already in my wardrobe; plus, they are very high--measuring in at a more than respectable 4.7" with a 1.1" platform (according to ASOS.com, at least)--yet strangely comfortable!

Evil

The black dress is interesting, and you've got to give ASOS points for putting out pieces that you don't see too often, but overall I'm not a fan of the look. This dress is a definite return as it wasn't the sophisticated but fun and sparkly dress that I was expecting; instead, it's a bit too revealing for my taste. 

Check out an ASOS success worn to the CNN Heroes Event last December. 

Good

Dress:  Lace and Mesh Midi Dress, ASOS | shop

Shoes:  Perfect Patent Platform Court Shoe in Blue, ASOS | shop

Earrings:  Target

Necklace:  Thrifted

Ring:  H&M

Bracelets:  Express (accessory review)

Evil

Dress:  Mini Dress with Sequin Mesh, ASOS | shop

Shoes:  Guess

Earrings:  Charlotte Russe

Black & Red Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Bloggers! November is in full swing and I'm feeling the black and red. And surprise, surprise - more animal print! Sounds like somebody is fully converted.

Have a great day readers!

Cardigan:  Loft
Top:  Express
Skirt:  The Limited | shop
Belt:  Forever 21
Shoes:  Target versie pump | shop
Earrings:  Charlotte Russe
Necklace:  For Love 21 (Forever 21's jewelry store)
Ring:  Thrift Shop