Speaking Of Giving... (See Jane Suggest)

How impossible is it to shop for men?  Personally, I think it's quite tough.  Clothing always comes to mind (for me at least) as it's such an interest of mine, but it can be tedious to pick it out for them.

As you may know, I work for Trunk Club in Chicago.  My life currently revolves around men's clothing; I'm constantly packing up trunks to be shipped to men and styling my clients that are in Chicago.  If you're looking to give the gift of style to a man in your life (husband/boyfriend/dad/cousin/co-worker), please email me or sign up and use my name as a reference!  I'd love for him to excitedly open up a trunk, receive a gift certificate from us or work with me in Chicago*.

*disclaimer:  US residents only...for now.  We're still a start-up but plan to expand internationally; currently, we only serve the lower 48 states.

American Living 12 Days of Giving (See Jane Give)

I'm participating in American Living's 12 Days of Giving program.  I'll be giving a gift to a loved one and documenting the process along the way.  Personally, I'm a big fan of giving gifts; nothing's better than finding the perfect present and watching your loved one unwrap it with a look of total surprise and joy.  In the meantime, check out this fun video below:

Laid Back (See Jane Wear)

Old Navy sweater, J Crew shirt, F21 necklace, Seven stretch pants (c/o Invista Lycra), Zara socks, boots + jacket, Gap infinity scarf (holding), Acanthus ring (c/o)

If there's any holiday that allows for (somewhat) relaxation, it's Thanksgiving.  Sure, preparations can be tedious and clean up is a pain, but for the most part, I like to lounge, relax and remember that its only Thursday and that the weekend has just begun.  I wore this to Thanksgiving with my family with function in mind:  stretchy pants (easy to move but comfortable enough to lay around), a cozy scarf (that doubles as a blanket for when I crash on the couch), layers (it can get hot in the kitchen but cold in the living room), and warm socks (I take my shoes off as soon as I get in the door).

Pumpkin Pie (See Jane Bake)

It's hard to beat a classic on Thanksgiving.  In my humble opinion, no dessert tastes better than a pumpkin pie.  Last week, I did a little holiday guest post on Forever21's blog; click over there to see the recipe.  I must say, I'm not much of a baker, but I tweaked a classic recipe and it turned out pretty good; maybe I do having the baking gene, afterall...

Happy (early) Thanksgiving, everyone!  I'm so thankful for your readership and kind notes.  Thank you for allowing me to share my passions with you each week--it means more to me than you realize.

When In Jackson Hole.. (See Jane Visit..Someday)

Penfield Kasson Parka

Stella McCartney Chunky Knit Hat

Deena and Ozzy Sherpa-Lined Fingerless Gloves

J Brand Ali High-Rise Cords

Elizabeth and James Fur Vest

Madewell Fireplace Booties

Today I'm guest posting over at The Egg Out West.  Meagan is my friend from high school and she currently lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  I've never been but it's definitely on my list of places to visit (maybe this winter?!).  Here are a few picks for when I visit the wild, wild west.

PS. I cannot thank you all enough for the kind and wonderful birthday wishes.  It truly warmed my heart and I'm so glad to be involved in such a great blogging community!

27 (See Jane Wear)

Marc by Marc Jacobs coat (last seen here), BB Dakota fur vest, J Crew lace skirt (remember it here?), H&M leather belt, Gap blouse, burgundy Express tights, DV by Dolce Vita desert boots (not shown)

Another year has come and gone.  I turn 27 today and honestly, I can't believe how time flies.  I won't wax on about how old I feel because I actually feel the same as when I was a mere 18 years old (except hangovers are way worse now).  26 was a crazy and wonderful year; I got married, changed jobs and traveled halfway around the world.  I can only hope and pray that 27 treats me just as kind.

PS. Please take a second to check out the Starlight Foundation and Forever21 partnership for this holiday season.  I'm an ambassador and would appreciate your support for this great cause!

Starlight Foundation + Forever21 (See Jane Promote)

I'm teaming up with Forever21 and the Starlight Foundation for the holidays.   Last year around this time, Forever21 supported the Starlight Foundation by selling bracelets and donating over $44,000 of the proceeds to the charity.

The holiday season is a great time to reflect, give thanks and especially to reach out to those struggling and in need.  The Starlight Children's Foundation focuses on supporting the families of children with illnesses; because the holidays can be stressful for anyone, imagine how especially difficult it can be for the families and support systems of these children.  Please consider supporting this important cause and be thankful for the healthy loved ones in your life.

I'm acting as am ambassador on behalf of this charity for Forever21.  To show your support, please vote for the charity here.  The charity with the most votes will collaborate with Forever21 and hopefully even more money will be raised for a great cause.

See Jan (See Jane's Friend)

Gap shirt, blazer + scarf, Old Navy jeggings, Zara coat, YSL ring, D&G leopard shoes

Jan is my co-worker who I think has great style.  Tailored with an edge is how I like to describe it.  Every once in awhile I like to feature other people (..if they're eager/willing, of course) and this time, it's my Trunk Club desk-mate.  Therefore, not only do you readers get to see someone else (who I think has style), but I also get to hone in on my amateur photography skills.

A little more about Jan: she went to school on the East Coast, hates cheese (lunch is hard for us as I am a lover of cheese), and most recently worked at Gap headquarters in San Francisco before moving here to Chicago.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Neiman Marcus + Refinery29 (See Jane Shop)

AMEX and NM card no longer required

I had the wonderful opportunity of promoting Neiman Marcus' recent acceptance of Visa and Mastercard; it's an exciting day for shoppers out there.  I worked with the amazing Shani Silver of Refinery29, uber-talented Heather Talbert (she made me look way better than usual) and the fine people of Northbrook Neiman Marcus to pick out some great outfits and shop around.  Ready, set, shop, everyone--it's a monumental step for Neiman Marcus!

beautiful bag + mannequin stance

Elizabeth & James sweater coat, perfect for the chill we have outside now

Electric (See Jane Wear)

Zara leather jacket, Club Monaco top, Gap pants, Topshop necklace + shoes, Karen Walker sunglasses, Marc Jacobs bag

Don't you hate it when something you love to wear is uncomfortable?  Case in point: these snakeskin pumps from Topshop.  Conversely, don't you love it when something you love to wear feels like pajamas?  These cobalt-colored pants (let's be honest, they're jeggings) from Gap are the most comfortable pair of pants I think I've ever owned.  I got a great deal on these during the Gap Friends & Family sale (makes me glad I waited around for these rather than buying the similar J Brand pair) which makes them even more appealing.

Soirée (See Jane Wear)

BB Dakota dress, Marc Jacobs bag, Topshop shoes, CoverGirl "spellbound" lipstick

Last weekend, I had a fancy work party where everyone was encouraged to get gussied up.  Frankly, I'll take any opportunity to don a dress so I purchased one that would have the most longevity this holiday season.  I love lace so it was a natural pick.  Next time, I plan on wearing it with glittery pumps (already own some from many years back) and my hair up.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Accent Orange (See Jane's Decor)

kate spade vases (wedding gift) + thrifted candlestick holders + my very cute nephew as a baby

Just because Halloween is over doesn't mean that orange, yellows and other rich harvest colors are to be tossed out the window.  I believe that colors reminiscent of sqashes, gourds and pumpkins should be embraced until Thanksgiving.  I love seeing my little gourds displayed on my coffee table and still can't resist a bright orange tulip to go alongside them.

gourd assortment (from trader joes!)

I realize my decorating is quite minimal; someday I hope to go all out for holidays (I admire the fervor that my older sister has for holiday decorating).  Do you decorate for holidays?

Shepherd's Pie (See Jane Cook)

I really like to cook.  I'm okay at best, but it's something I genuinely enjoy doing.  I like having the freedom of adding spices and ingredients as I please (I don't follow directions that well so baking doesn't always turn out so well for me).  When I go grocery shopping with Eric, I always ask him think of something new he wants to eat and recently he requested mashed potatoes.  I decided to turn it in to a complete dinner by making a variation of Shepherd's Pie (used this recipe but changed a few things--no parsnips for one).  I used ground beef instead of the traditional lamb and added lots of veggies like zucchini, mushrooms and red peppers.

"AWEARNESS" Kenneth Cole Foundation (See Jane Support)

J Crew blazer, top + belt, J Brand jeans (c/o ShopItToMe), Express wedges, TopShop necklace

I'm honored to be wearing the Kenneth Cole's newly designed version of the AIDS ribbon, which now features a double loop symbolizing coming together of individuals and the re-doubling of efforts in the fight against HIV and Aids. To learn more and to get involved visit MTVComeTogether.com.

You can purchase one of these pins (with 100% of profits being donated to AWEARNESS, the Kenneth Cole Foundation) to show your support of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.  They're available at Kenneth Cole stores, Kennethcole.com; Bloomingdale’s stores and Bloomingdales.com; Gilt Groupe; and House of Fraser in the UK.

Marla (See Jane Wear)

Kenna-T jacket, BB Dakota vest, Old navy top, J Crew skirt + tights

Nope, this wasn't my Halloween costume--just a theatrical outfit to get me through a dreary Wednesday. The leather, the fur and black (clothes and roots) all rolled into one made me feel a bit like Marla from Fight Club; or perhaps a modern-day Cruella Deville, no?  Either way, I'm ok with it and realized that as long as you wear fur and/or leather on the 8AM train to the Loop, people wearing business casual just may stare.

Have a great weekend!

Candy Coated Kicks (See Jane's Feet)

1. ALDO Mease pumps (on sale for $43!)

2. ASOS Scala heels

3. Miu Miu pumps

4. DV by Dolce Vita Notty

5. Kors Elgin 

Nothing's been tempting me more this season than brightly colored pumps.  They have a fun yet sophisticated way about them and can brighten up the darkest of outfits.  The best part is that they seem to have longevity as they pops up some form or another every few years.  A bright pump may be the perfect remedy to the impending winter blahs as well as a great accompaniment to an old LBD hiding back in your closet.  Heck, they might even be able to prevent SAD (which is no joke, I assure you).

Housecoat (See Jane Wear)

Vince sweater coat (similar), Urban Outfitters top, H&M jeans (worn here), Jewelmint (c/o) and F21 necklaces, Karen Walker sunglasses, Enzo Angiolini boots

Is there one item that you continually reach for to keep you warm and cozy?  Maybe you like to lounge in it or perhaps it's the first thing you grab for when you get home from work (after you change into sweats).  This Vince sweater coat is my housecoat; I wear it nonstop around my apartment and it occasionally makes an appearance in the real world.  No one has to know how much I wear it on my own time, except for the fact that I just revealed my secret on the interwebs.