Prim (See Jane Wear)

American Vintage sweater, Club Monaco blouse, Gap skirt, Prada booties, Jewelmint necklace (c/o)

I don't always don a fur vest à la Cher (as my dad likes to call me when I wear it).  In fact, many days, I like to keep it buttoned-up; I attribute this habit to four years of working in a corporate environment.  Nowadays, I can be a little edgier with my workwear and I'm getting there...slowly but surely.  To me, this outfit looks perfectly prim on top with a bottom half that's unexpected--a mini skirt with (faux) leather detailing and my tallest, black booties.

Beauty Basics (See Jane Make Up)

I'll admit that I'm not very adventurous when it comes to makeup.  I stick with what works best for me and rarely stray unless it comes highly recommended by a friend.  Since college, my skin has become increasingly sensitive and the term 'adult acne' has become unfortunately familiar*.  Long gone are the days of sleeping in makeup and showing up places with a bare face.  Here are a few staples that have treated me well amidst my skin's temper tantrums.

1. Bare Escentuals Foundation SPF 15 (my #1...rarely leave the house without this on)

2. L'oreal Voluminous Mascara (I've strayed but I always go back to it)

3. Bare Escentuals Bronzer in Warmth (no need for a fake tan--just a quick swipe on the cheekbones and forehead)

4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray (perfect for rehydrating skin--especially in the winter)

5. CoverGirl Lipstick in 'Spellbound' (I can't bring myself to buy expensive lipsticks and this hot-pink hue does the trick every time)

6. Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder in 'Starlight' (finishing touch for that dewy, air-brushed look)

7. MAC Lipstick in 'Crosswires' (A wonderful everyday lip color and great value for $12)

*If you have any issues with sensitivity or breakouts, I highly recommend testing out Bare Escentuals; it's a little scary making the jump from a liquid like tinted moisturizer, but I'll never go back.


Also, do you have any eyeliners you love?  I've never found one I love and am always looking for suggestions!

Work Badge (See Jane Work)

At Trunk Club, we're always striving to offer a unique experience and the most personalized service we can--it is clothes we're dealing with after all.  Soon our clients will be able to actually see their stylist when they access their profile online.  Our awesome photographer, Adam, took these full-body shots of everyone; it's our version of the corporate head shot!

Gap turtleneck + boots, J Crew skirt, Express tights

Dreamcatcher (See Jane Wear....and Forward On)

 J Crew top, Zara cardigan, BB Dakota vest, Gap cords, Chloe boots, Rebecca Minkoff bag, F21 necklace, Acanthus gold rings (c/o), borrowed Handle Only With Love dreamcatcher necklace

It's week #3 of the Bib + Tuck Forward Fashion project and as you can see, it's a litte more subtle than last week's item.  I thought a fur vest and a dreamcatcher necklace might be a little too 'Cher' for my taste but paired with my everyday basics like a silk top, dark cords and a striped cardigan, I think I toned it down to be more my speed.  Just goes to show that you can tailor anything, no matter how outrageous, to be more your style by incorporating it into your everyday wardrobe.

Compromise (See Jane Style Two Ways)

Perusing spring clothes is extremely tempting right now, but sadly, such a counterproductive activity for me.  Winter basically just started in Chicago and while winter coats and sweaters are on heavy markdown, it's now (and the next three months) when I'll be needing them most.  If you're tempted (like me) to buy spring items right now, I suggest browsing lower-priced stores to pick up a few lighter fabrics, like this Old Navy sweater and incorporating items you already own in your wardrobe to spring-ify your outfits, like brightly colored jeans or snakeskin heels (throw them in your work bag and commute in your snow boots).  Or, if you must pull the trigger, buy items you can wear now (or any season) like metallic loafers or a season-less lightweight scarf.

1. Old Navy Waffle-Knit Tee

2. Hartford Scarf

3. Current/Elliot Low-Rise Coated Denim

4. J Crew Biella Loafers

5. Chloe Snakeskin Pumps

6. Malene Birger Leather Skirt

7. Threadsence Darius Necklace

Enjoy your weekend!

PS. If you have a minute, check out my interview over at StyledOn.

My Grandma's Green Beans (See Jane Make)

My grandma was a pretty incredible lady.  She was a Marine during WWII, sewed like a champ, cooked a mean Thanksgiving dinner and would let me watch cable, eat bon-bons and drink Sprite when I'd stay home sick from school (sometimes my mom would take me over there if she couldn't stay home with me the whole day).

The other day I was asking my mom for her cold green bean recipe and she reminded me that they were my Grandma's recipe (she posted it to allrecipes here).  Not only are they delicious (and super garlicky) but they're super simple to make and are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, rather than the standard salad at lunch.  Of course, if my Grandma were still here today, she'd probably slip me some Wurther's candy or cookies before serving me vegetables--and that's why she was so great.

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Untitled (See Jane Wear....and Forward On)

Trina Turk blazer, borrowed Agatha Ruiz de la Prada pants, Gap top, Spike the Punch necklace (c/o), thrifted clutch

Why is this post untitled?  Because no words can describe these pants.  I have to admit that I'm out of my comfort zone in them; they're bright, wide, colorful and something I'd never choose for myself.  However, the Bib + Tuck Forward Fashion Project is about embracing and styling new things in different ways (and honestly, I cannot wait to see how my counterparts wear these guys).  For me, I tried to keep my top half classic and simple since the pants speak for themselves.

Check out how the last blogger wore them here!

Multipurpose (See Jane Wear...Again)

Marc by Marc Jacobs coat, Vince sweater coat, Gap pants, Zara top + boots, Karen Walker sunglasses

I like this coat...a lot; however, it's not very warm.  I added my beloved, long sweater coat (otherwise known as 'the housecoat') for extra warmth underneath and I must say that I'm liking the light/dark contrast.  It almost looks like a whole, new coat--who knew?

Resolutions, Continued (See Jane Resolve)

I mentioned last week that I plan on eating breakfast in the new year and while I haven't every, single day, I'm definitely having it more regularly (as opposed to never).  I thought I'd share a few more resolutions I have for 2012:

• Call rather than text.  While texting has become second nature, I've decided that it's time to a.) use the phone function of my device and b.) speak in actual words rather than, IDK, acronyms.
• Make more conscious decisions.  Whether it's choosing a bright and healthy Trop50 orange juice beverage over a bag of chips (my weakness) or buying an uber-trendy item that I'll wear once, it's time for me have less regrets.
• Watch less TV.  It's going to be near impossible to tear myself away from a Lifetime movie on Sunday afternoon but my books won't read themselves.
• Get organized.  Donate clothes.  Replace donated clothes.  Repeat.
• Incorporate more color into my life.  Food, drink, clothing, experiences, decor, etc--it's going to be a long winter and I have to fend off seasonal affective disorder (SAD--how appropriate) somehow. 
• Update my 'about me' section (see right).  Time to admit to myself that I'm 27.

*via

It's clear that I have some ulterior motives behind some of my resolutions.  If you have any good resolutions (or real reasons behind them), you can post them on Trop50's facebook page here (and also a chance to win $1,000)!

*this post is sponsored by Trop50 and all thoughts expressed are my own.

Hot Pink Hue (See Jane With a Bird)

Zara jacket, Gap skirt, F21 stole + bracelet, Express shoes

Nothing gets you through hump day like a hot pink hue.  I bought this skirt on sale at the Gap with the intent of saving it for summer; however, I realized it would work for a blustery, Chicago winter (but dry) day just as well.  

On a side note, wearing maxi lengths have always made me feel a bit self-conscious.  As a taller gal, I have always thought they look better on my shorter friends and counterparts; I think I just look like a column in them.  But, I like the aesthetic of them and it's one of those instances where my better judgement overrides my insecurities.

PS Thanks to my friend/co-worker Birdie for snapping some pics for me on our way to Walgreens!  She's in head to toe J. Crew...very cute.

Unseasonably Warm (See Jane Wear...Then Forward On)

borrowed Tibi blouse, H&M blazer (last seen here) + pants,  Spike the Punch necklace (c/o), Gucci scarf (old), Chanel flats, Chloe bag, RayBan sunglasses

It was unseasonably warm for a few days last week and now as I type this, the cold gusts of wind have picked up and I'm now eating my words.  55 degrees it's not, but last Friday and Saturday it was--hence the spring-like outfit.  You'll hear no complaints from me, though, as this winter has been suspiciously mild!

I'm participating in Bib + Tuck's Forward Fashion Project (check out their feature in Vogue) where 10 bloggers style 10 items over a 10-week period of time.  Not only is it a great way to reuse fashion, but I'm personally excited to see how everyone incorporates their unique personalities into each piece.  To kick-off, I had the opportunity to style this navy blue, silk Tibi top.  I wanted to play with patterns so decided to top it off with my striped blazer from H&M along with a fun pop of color in the scarf.

Alice in Chains (See Jane Wear)

Gianetta blouse (c/o), Madewell skirt, Spike the Punch necklace (c/o), Marc Jacobs bag, F21 + J Crew bracelets, Acanthus earrings (c/o), Express tights, Karen Walker sunglasses, Prada booties, CoverGirl lipstick (spellbound)

There's a bit of a chain theme happening in this outfit.  Eric told me it was a bit reminiscent of Run D.M.C. and as a lover of all things 80s, I can't help but to feel pleased/proud.  I wore this outfit to my work holiday party which was actually on Friday night (yes we had it in January).  I deemed the outfit to be completely appropriate as I'm always chained to my desk (kidding, kidding..I love my job).

Ok, enough jokes...it is Monday, after all. 

Not a Poet (See Jane Wear)

Gap cords + turtleneck, BB Dakota vest, necklace c/o Spike the Punch,  Karen Walker sunglasses, Enzo Angiolini boots, Zara socks, LV neverfull

...And I'm actually not wearing all black here; my pants, that don't seem to photograph well (I've tried to toy with the colors so you can actually see them!), are actually a dark burgundy/purple (worn here).  Anyway, it's been quite brisk in Chicago the past few days and I made the mistake of wearing lightweight fabrics the day before.  Yesterday, I deemed it necessary to pull all the stops: cords, turtleneck and fur (I think my co-workers are sick of seeing this vest).  My recipe must've worked because it kept the chill away and I wasn't shivering during my commute to work.

Avocado Toast (See Jane Make)

I have a running list of New Year resolutions in my head.  I'm sure many will be broken by next week and some won't even be given a sporting chance, but one I'd like to try and keep is to eat breakfast on weekdays.  I tend to choose sleep over breakfast and usually resort to grabbing a soy latte to both wake me up and tide me over until lunch.  There once was a time when I ate breakfast everyday (and not just brunch on the weekends) and I'd like to get back into that routine.  

I'll be the first to admit that I'm much more productive when I've had a small (and quick) meal in the morning so a perfect start for me is avocado toast.  Simply mash one avocado in a bowl, add the juice of a lemon, salt, pepper, spread on toast (I used a whole wheat english muffin) and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Did you make any New Year resolutions?

Fresh (See Jane Wear)

Marc by Marc Jacobs coat (old), Gap cords + turtleneck, F21 stole, J Crew gloves (similar--on sale in stores!), Chloe boots, Rebecca Minkoff bag, CoverGirl lipstick (Flame)

It's a fresh start and a whole new year, but that doesn't mean I have to leave my old favorites behind.  Whenever I want to channel Betty Draper (going to the stables), I pull out this MBMJ mod-ish coat.  Because the sleeves are 3/4 length and the temperatures decided to plummet overnight I felt it was necessary to pull out my long, leopard J Crew gloves to make sure all exposed skin was covered.  Although you can't see it well, I'm also wearing a turtleneck which is always a winter staple for me.  Turtlenecks have been getting a lot of attention lately and it just makes me question: did they ever go out of style?  (no)

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!