A shirtdress & the Shedd Aquarium

I'm meeting up with friends at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium today!

Happy Wednesday!  I hope your week is going especially well.

Necklace: So Good | similar
Jacket: Gap | shop
Dress: Lands End Canvas ($85 $30.97) | shop - last styled here
Belt: JCrew | similar

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

Lands' End Canvas Paper Poplin Shirtdress

I'm not ready for summer to end quite yet, but I have been dipping my baby toe into fall fashions with these autumnal colors, but I used gold accents to keep things light, bright, and still a little summery.  This is a great look to transition into the cooler weather.

What are some of the ways you're getting fall-ready?


Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop
Belt: Hollister (old)
Earrings: Express | similar
Bracelet: Banana Republic | similar
Bag: Classic Q Hillier in Faded Aluminum, Marc by Marc Jacobs | shop
Dress: Paper Poplin Shirtdress, Lands End Canvas ($85 $30.99 | add'l 30% off) | shop - Take an additional 30% off this item with code: GOLDEN and pin: 2060 -- see another Lands' End Canvas "shirtdress" styled here.
Shoes: Pilar Strappy Wedge, Mossimo | similar
Lips: Bare Escentuals | shop

Linked up at the  Monday Mingle.

From Day to Night

The Janes love a great shirt dress, so when I was browsing through Lands End's sale sleepwear section, this nightgown seemed to have a lot of potential as a great shirtdress.  It looked just like the crisp blue oxford shirtdress that I've been wanting, but can never seem to find, and with a $15 price tag & free returns to Sears if it didn't work out, I couldn't resist.

As sleepwear, I think this is actually a pretty nice piece; it's soft, durable, and most importantly super comfy.  I am planning on wearing this little dress primarily as a casual spring & summer-time piece; the only thing that doesn't work for me is that it has a traditional sleep shirt's curved hem, so it's a little shorter on the sides.  All in all, though, this sleep shirt is the oxford shirtdress that I've long been on the search for... and it can very easily take me from day to night.  No need to pack an extra pair of PJs with this dress.  :D

We hope your week is off to a great start!

Jacket: Gap | shop this season's version
Dress: Lands End | shop similar - I love the surprising little details found in this dress, like the gingham cuffs, etc.

Belt: Taiwan | shop similar

Bag: H&M

Shoes: Nine West | shop very similar in regular & wide sizes for only $21.99

JCrew Safari Shirtdress

Over the weekend, I headed back to my alma mater for its 175th Homecoming celebration! and So for this cool fall day, I busted out this shirtdress from J.Crew; this dress is seasonless--or so J.Crew claims... and I'd have to agree. It's wearable for spring (t-strap sandals, rolled sleeves, & gold bangles), fall (layered with an eggplant sweater, brown boots, and a chunky necklace), and winter (cardigan, tights, and boots); my major complaint is that it wrinkles easily, but I suppose I'll overlook that since I can appreciate its versatility.

Also, good thing I returned the Ruthie Shirtdress since I recently re-discovered this gem in my closet.  What can I say?  Jane Squared loves shirt dresses.

Headband: Banana Republic

Dress: Safari shirtdress in antique sage, J.Crew - Spring 2010

Cardigan: white cardigan in XXL, Gap Kids

Belt: J.Crew

Boots: Diana, SOGO on Zhong Xiao Dong Lu, Taipei

JCrew Ruthie Shirtdress Review

A lot of JCAs aren't a big fan of this dress, but for me it's a mixed bag.  It runs small, so I'd say size up.  The material is thin and scratchy.  It's wrinkle-prone, but I think it has several redeeming qualities, including pockets, a flattering silhouette, and pretty pleats. Plus, you can't beat the button detailing.   I'd say it's tight across the bust/chest area (I guess I'm just too bootylicious for this dress. :D).  The sleeve length flatters, but I've also heard that many think the hemline is a bit short.  I think for weekend and casual wear, the length is okay, especially paired with tights.  On me, it could stand to be a touch longer, but overall, I'm okay with the length.  Conclusion: I'm ambivalent.  What do you all think?

Headband: Two-Tones Sparkle Headband in Neutral, Banana Republic | shop
Dress: Ruthie Shirtdress in Gatsby Green, J.Crew | shop
Belt: J.Crew
Shoes: Nine West - Fall 2009?

Mad Men

Two Words:  Mad Men. It is such a compelling show and the entire series will be on Netflix in late July 2011! And the clothes are amazing on the show. Give it a chance if you are skeptical. 

I bought this dress a few years ago and appreciate the simplicity and its nod to the classic housewives style. I injected a bit of red to pump up the outfit. 


Dress:  H&M, $40
Belt:  Thrifted, $2
Shoes:  Nine West
Necklace:  Claire's  
Ring:  Gift from my best friend - Sheena*


*Sheena literally proposed to me when she gave me the claddagh ring. It was epic. This is truly one of my favorite pieces of jewelry!