Back (See Jane Return)

/ after the ceremony /

I'm back from a fantastic week in Mexico.  The weather was perfect, our friends and family had a great time and the wedding was better than I ever could have imagined.  It's taking awhile to settle in that I'm married and also that I have to go back to work this week (our honeymoon isn't until August).  As everyone warned, the day went by in the blink of an eye and I still can't believe that it's over!  I know our pictures won't be ready for a bit, but my photographer/cousin, Ben, put up a little sneak peek of our day that you can see HERE.  

Guest Post: Sparkling Footsteps (See Jane's Friend)

Hi loves! I am Lynzy from Sparkling Footsteps and I am here guest posting for the gorgeous Anna, while she is away tying the knot! When I am not indulging in my fashion/fitness blog, I am running around in the Emergency Dept. saving lives as a Physician Assistant (I HEART IT!) I am also HUGE into Junior Mints and am running the NYC Marathon this year :) Just a bit about me.

I have become a HUGE fan of layering this year and decided it would be fun to layer up two totally different vests here. I adore the white fringed vest from H&M and my new denim vest for Forever 21.I wore this outfit out for my parent's birthday to one of the most amazing restaurants around, Pizza Paradiso. YES, Paradise. Perfect outfit for grub, cocktails and walking around.

A huge thanks to Anna for having me as a guest blogger, I hope you have a wonderful wedding girl! Feel free to peep my blog, tweet with me, be friends, or follow me on bloglovin!

Lots of Love,
Lynzy

Guest Post: This Free Bird (See Jane's Friend)

Hi Everyone,
 

It's Carrie from This Free Bird and I'm happy to be guest posting today for Anna while she and Eric are in Mexico celebrating their wedding.  I started following Anna's blog about a year ago when each of us had less than 50 followers, so it's been a lot of fun getting to know her as her blog has grown.  Last fall Anna and I got the chance to meet face to face when she in LA visiting her brother and sis-in-law.  Because I live outside the city and was going out later that night my bf came along and the three of us grabbed lunch and cocktails.  What could have been super awkward for all of us - her having to meet two new people rather than just one, me having the bf in tow like a whack-a-doodle, and him feeling like a 3rd wheel in girl land - turned out to be a conversation and laugh-filled afternoon.  Whew!  It has been great to watch her ring Anna pull all the pieces of their special day together and I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of how everything turned out including, of course, the dress!

Rather than going with a traditional fashion post, I called on the "The Chef" (my bf) to help me come up with a signature cocktail for all of us not in Mexico (21+) to enjoy in raising a toast to Anna and Eric as they start their married life together.  Grab your glasses, liquors and ingredients and let's get muddling/shaking and clinking.

The Anjerita

A Signature Cocktail for Anna and Eric
 

Ingredients for one serving

1oz Silver Tequila (Don Julio is my fave, but Patron or Jose Cuervo work too)
1/2oz Patron Citron
1 Grapefruit wedge removed from skin
Squeeze of Lime
A pinch of Sugar
A sprig of Mint
A splash of Pom Juice
Club Soda to cover

Directions
1. Place grapefruit wedge, lime juice, sugar, and mint in a glass or cocktail shaker.  Muddle it with the back of a spoon.
2. Add all remaining ingredients except Club Soda and cover with ice.
3. Stir or shake until chilled.
4. Strain liquid into a martini glass.
5. Top with Club Soda.
6. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
7. Enjoy :)

Anna and Eric - the Chef and I hope your wedding is everything you ever imagined it to be and more.  Here's wishing you many happy years together.  Congratulations!

Everyone else - bottoms up!

Guest Post: Style by Santina (See Jane's Friend)

Top:  French Connection, Skirt + Belt:  J Crew, Shoes: Mossimo Supply Co (Target), Sunglasses: F21

Hey there!  I'm Santina from Style by Santina. It's a bit ironic that I find myself guest blogging for Anna as I've been living in the very same small Mexican beach town where she's getting married.  Funny, right?

When it's really hot (and believe me, it's really hot) I tend to pass on accessories and instead reach for clothing that's interesting enough to stand alone without a gaggle of necklaces or an armful of bracelets.  The pleating on the neckline, flutter sleeves and bold print of this shirt made me feel put together while still keeping cool.  To play up the feminine vibe, I added an a-line denim skirt and a skinny, pink belt and then finished the look with striped espadrilles and, of course, sunglasses.

Do you adopt a similar look when temperatures rise?

Guest Post: O My Heart (See Jane's Friend)

Top: H&M, Skirt: Lulu*s, Belt: Old Navy, Wedges: Steve Madden, Clutch: Asos, Sunglasses: Nine West

Hello sweet See Jane readers! My name is Kate and I run a personal style blog called O My Heart! I was so excited when Anna asked me to guest post for her while she transforms from Miss to Mrs - I can only imagine how stunning she will be! Wishing you the happiest day imaginable, Anna!

While it certainly can't compare to the hot Mexican sun Anna is currently frolicking under, we had our first day of really warm weather and it made me sooo excited for summer to arrive fully! A glorious 21 degrees (about 70 F) and my pale limbs were very happy to feel the sun's warmth at long last!

Thanks so much for stopping by to read my post & a huge thank you and congratulations to Anna!! So happy for you doll!

Guest Post: Born and Bread (See Jane's Friend)

A big congratulations to one of our dearest blogger friends, Anna from See Jane Work Play Live, on her wedding!

While Anna's off to Mexico getting hitched and honeymooning, B&B has been called to fill in- what a treat!! We can only imagine how crazed Anna must be tying together all the last minute details. We figured we could leave all the dirty details (use your imagination) to Anna's trusted bridal party, soo we decided to focus on what we consider to be the 'fun' stuff... honeymoon attire. Duh! 

1. Aztec Bucket Bag, Old Navy $19.94
2. Cutout Lace Up Flats, Joie $225
3. Santorini Clutch, Michael Michael Kors $178
4. Crochet Knit Headband, Missoni $110
5. Absolutely Shore and Too Too Hot Nail Polish, Essie $8 each
6. Gold Plated Coin Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane $50
7. Orange Crush Thong Sandal, Old Navy $12.50
8. Silk Satin Maxi Kaftan, Halston Heritage $495
9. Crosshatch Chambray Shirt, J.Crew $78
10. Lip Buffer, C.O Bigelow $7.50
11. Striped Cotton Shorts, Aubin & Wills $80
12. Striped Bikini, Zara $25.90
13. Heritage Sparkled Leather Bracelet, Banana Republic $45
14. Carla Straw Fedora, Steven Alan $135
15. Rose Gold Knot Necklace, Kara Ross $230
16. Orange Drop Lense Oversized Sunnies, Topshop $22
17. Leather Handled Straw Tote, Mar y Sol $98

Don't forget to pack a good book and sunblock!

Wishing you and your darling hubby a lifetime of health and happiness.

XOX

Guest Post: Brooklyn Blonde (See Jane's Friend)

I've lined up some of my favorite friends and bloggers for your entertainment while I am off getting married in Mexico...enjoy!  We'll start this off with one of my favorite blogs:  Brooklyn Blonde

So happy to be guest blogging on one of my favorite blogs while the girl herself is off getting married in Mexico. Talk about exciting!
Okay, on to this post, the other day my friend and I were chatting over lunch about the one wardrobe item we'd feel lost without (dramatic, I know) and without even hesitating, the blazer was the first thing that came to my mind. About 25% of my closet consists of different blazers and I clearly get a lot of use out of them. To me, they often complete my outfit plus keep me warm since I'm always chilly. I often have to stop myself from buying another color/fabric that I don't own, just so they don't take up even more room in my closet! Above are some of my favorites that I'm constantly remixing with the rest of my wardrobe.

BRafter5 Recap + I'm Off (See Jane Skedaddle)

c/o Banana Republic vest + necklace, BR dress (old), Steve Madden wedges, c/o Foley + Corinna bag

                                                                                                                                       
A huge thank you to Banana Republic for allowing me to participate in the Banana Republic After 5 event!  I had so much fun mingling with shoppers and other Chicago bloggers while checking out the new summer line.  I loved helping ladies pick out new wedges or summertime appropriate work attire (business casual is my specialty).  All in all, it was a great experience and it was great to have Audrey from A Lovely Escape with me.  Here's a photo recap of the event:

the lovely Audrey

Chan Luu + Banana Republic bracelets

Taylor (Curly in the City) + Kim (Anthroholic)

helping to pick an outfit

Kiley (A Sequin Dress at Breakfast)+ her friends

Also, I will be absent until after Memorial Day as I'm getting married a week from today!  It seems like just yesterday that Eric proposed and now the big day is nearly here.  I have some great guest bloggers lined up to entertain you while I'm gone--I know you'll love them.

Adiós! 

Changeup (See Jane Switch)

I really struggled with finding a dress for my wedding rehearsal dinner.  I think I bought about four dresses until my friend sent me a link with this French Connection number.  I just received it yesterday (some of you may have seen the pics I posted on twitter) and am definitely keeping it!

Although I'll be keeping it simple for the rehearsal dinner in Mexico with flats and minimal accessories (due to the sheer heat), I'm already thinking of how else I'll be wearing it this summer.  Here are some ways I plan to wear it after the wedding with similar items I already have in my closet:

Dressy

Kate Spade Bauble Necklace

Alice + Olivia Blazer (I'll wear my H&M version seen here)

Madewell Crosswalk Sandal

Casual

BCBG Panama Hat

Uniqlo Military Hooded jacket (I have this jacket, worn here)

Pour La Victoire Aqua Platforms

Utility (See Jane Wear)

J Brand jeans, J Crew Outlet shirt + necklace, Chloe bag, Lovely People wedges

I never used to like oxford-style shirts.  I always thought I looked like a pre-pubescent boy in them, which is probably due to the fact that I had to wear them every day in high school (where I wore no makeup and my my hair in a ponytail everyday--the advantage of an all-girls school; don't worry, I gussied up on weekends).  Once I started donning oxford shirts for my first job out of college, I got more comfortable wearing them; fast forward nearly four years and I can't seem to take them off.

I snatched this silky, utility-esque oxford up at the J Crew outlet a few weeks ago.  So far, I've worn it to work, the movies, and to my parents house, among other places.  I suppose the real question is:  where haven't I worn this shirt?

Also, if you're in the Chicagoland area this Thursday (5/19), please be sure to stop by Banana Republic After 5 event on Michigan avenue from 5-7PM for some discount shopping and the chance to win a trip to LA.  All are welcome to attend, so if you're around, I'd love to meet you!

Banana Republic Event (See Jane Wear/Promote)

army vest, lace dress, and turquoise necklace c/o Banana Republic, Dolce Vita wedges, UO sunglasses

I'll be co-hosting a Banana Republic After 5 (look for #BRafter5 on twitter) shopping event with Audrey from A Lovely Escape on Thursday, May 19 at the Michigan Avenue store in Chicago.  From 5-7PM, you'll receive 25% off your order over $100 and the chance to win a trip to LA (4-day, 3-night stay in LA, flight + hotel) courtesy of Banana Republic and Virgin America! 

Please stop by if you're in the area for shopping, fun, and a chance to check out the new Banana Republic summer collection.  I'd love to meet you!

Slither (See Jane Buy)

A lot of times, I'll put collages together of items that are inspiring me (not that I can necessarily afford) and when I go shopping, I'll look for similar items or palettes to add on to my current closet.  It's a fun way to keep track of what you're liking in the current season and I love seeing what my favorite bloggers are eyeing, as well.  I rarely post about things that I've bought, but I'm so excited for these shoes that I have to share.  I've been craving a pair of loafers for awhile now (discussed here) as I'm looking to change up my normal ballet flats and oxfords routine.  As soon as I saw this Dolce Vita snakeskin pair on WhoWhatWear today, I knew it was fate.

Outfit #1

James Jeans shorts

Tucker blouse

Karen Walker sunglasses

Outfit #2

Carven skirt

Phillip Lim tank

Max & Chloe necklace

I definitely think these shoes will be getting a lot of use, between work and play.  What do you think of loafers?

The Look For Less (See Jane Find a Deal)

It seems that a lot of my spring/summer shoes fall into the neutral category.  While I love that color palette, I wondered why my black items seem to be restricted to winter clothes and accessories only.  I really do love black for any season and decided some darker sandals were right up my alley for the impending summer.  After some perusing for black espadrilles for my upcoming trip I came across a pair that I loved.  What I didn't love was the price tag, so I sought out a more affordable version:

I found the Stuart Weitzman "Alex" espadrille (loved by many celebrities--just google the shoe and you'll see) on Nordstrom first then wandered over to Zappos/Endless/Piperlime to see what else I could find.  Lo and behold, I stumbled upon the Steve Madden "Fantastik"--similar material, shape and less than a quarter of the price.  I bought Steve Madden version at a local shoe store around the corner from my apartment and can't wait to wear them.

Which do you prefer?

Rainy Day Blues (See Jane Wear)

H&M tank, J Crew cardigan + wellies + necklace (outlet), Mink Pink skirt (c/o Tilly Boutique), clutch - gift from friend, Ray Ban sunnies

April showers seemed to have only brought even more showers to the Chicago area.  On Derby Day, it was chilly and wet.  I opted to stay in during the day parties to work on some last minute wedding details but emerged in the early evening to meet some friends.  Determined to dress like it's spring, I wore my rain boots with a skirt.  I've had these boots for what seems like forever and while they've done me well, they're actually starting to leak so it may be time to spring for the Hunter Boots.  It may be an investment seeing as it's rained about 90% of the time the past month.

How was your weekend?

Pants On Fire (See Jane Guest Post)

Gap pants, BB Dakota lace top (worn here), H&M jacket, Rebecca Minkoff bag, Dolce Vita wedges

Kristin from Doll Parade is currently soaking up the sun on her much-deserved vacation and in the meantime, I'm doing a guest post for her.  Check out the red (ok, salmon) pants I'm wearing over on her blog...

Oatmeal Cookies + Good Stuff (See Jane Bake)

I received a KitchenAid mixer for my bridal shower and had been anxious to put it to work.  Suffice to say, it didn't disappoint; it makes mixing so easy!  I've never been a huge baking fan, but perhaps the tides will turn now that I have this helpful contraption on hand.

All of the sudden I'm getting these hankerings for sweets that I never really had before (I'm a salty food kind of gal).  I'll blame it on pre-wedding jitters.  I just knew I needed something slightly sweet with peanut butter (I used natural peanut butter) and once I found this recipe from BrownEyedBaker, I knew it was fate.  Eric says these cookies are, "the best ever...how are they so soft and delicious?"  His words, not mine, thus you should probably make them.