Makeshift (See Jane Wear)

Gap skirt, J Crew tank, H&M jacket, BR necklace, Zara flats, LV bag, Karen Walker sunglasses

During a mindless internet scour (I do this often), I stumbled upon this dress and was instantly smitten.  I then realized that I had a pink, maxi skirt AND a plain, white t-shirt; basically, I had the dress already!  I threw on an old, statement necklace and a favorite, striped blazer from last year et voilà!  It's my new favorite makeshift dress.

Mod Men (See Jane Watch)

Marni printed crepe dress

Sandro tangerine skirt

AG polka dot jeans

DVF 'Abby' flats

I was one of those people who had been waiting with bated breath for the Mad Men season 5 premiere after an excruciating 18 month hiatus.  I've been obsessed with the show since it debuted in 2007 and have definitely enjoyed watching the characters, as well as the styles, evolve over the years.  The show has resumed in 1966;  it seems the stiff, 1950's influence has vanished completely and the swinging 60s are in full force.  I'm loving the bright colors, vivid prints, plaid sportcoats, mod dresses and exaggerated lashes.  I found a Vogue cover from 1966, which perfectly exemplifies the times; conversely, I displayed some wild prints that I'm seeing from designers today.   Are you open to the mod trend (again)?

Back to Basics (See Jane Wear)

borrowed Emily Cho clutch, Old Navy top, David Kahn jeans (c/o), J Crew heels, RayBan wayfarers

I'm back at the Bib + Tuck Forward Fashion Project after a bit of a hiatus.  I was excited to receive this unique clutch and as soon as I saw it, knew that my outfit would have to be basic.  The clutch is at center stage, therefore, I wanted a simple canvas to showcase it: dark jeans, basic stripes, classic sunglasses, minimal to no jewelry and casual hair.

Commuter (See Jane Wear)

crewcuts shirt, Theory skirt, Zara flats, Gap jean jacket (via eBay)

Heels are great but you'll never catch me commuting in a pair.  I'm always on the go, which is why I love a good pair of flats--and cute, ankle straps are always an added bonus.  These shoes will be getting lots of use this weekend when I'm entertaining my sister, brother-in-law and adorable/mischievous nephews.  In fact, I feel a trip to the Lego Store/aquarium/Navy Pier coming on, so another flats post might be heading your way come Monday.

(If you're wondering about that Net-a-Porter bag, it's my fancy, lunch/camera/work sack--in addition to my work bag.)

Zucchini Bread (See Jane Bake)

I'm a total carb addict and have yet to meet a bread or pasta I didn't like. I had some zucchini in the fridge and was originally going to use it in a quick pasta but was craving bread in a big way.  So instead, I whipped up some moist and delicious zucchini bread.  It's surprisingly easy and you can even substitute oil for applesauce and use less sugar for a healthier alternative (I also use half white sugar and half brown).  Bread is one of those foods you can eat any time of day and it feels normal; good thing, because I've been having a piece of this at each meal.

Blackbird (See Jane Wear)

Zara top, J Brand jeans, Topshop necklace + shoes, Marc Jacobs bag, Maya Brenner initial necklace (c/o), Karen Walker sunglasses, Maybelline 'Coral Crush" lipstick, ButterLondon "Teddy Girl" nail polish

On Friday, Eric and I went to Blackbird, a restaurant here in Chicago known for its innovative food and sleek interiors.  I'm all about dressing for the occasion so I paired a no-fuss, peplum top with simple, ultra-dark denim.  Blackbird showcases a very modern and mostly white interior with dark accents; I felt as if I had been plucked straight from the interior!  Now, speaking of coordinated dressing, what should I wear to the aquarium with my nephews next weekend?  Probably aqua socks.

Having a Moment (See Jane Wear)

Gap jean jacket (thrifted/eBay), Joe Fresh top, Zara skirt, Ferragamo flats ,  Karen Walker sunglasses, LV bag

The jean jacket is back from hibernation.  Spring has sprung (supposedly) which means my legs are bare and denim is covering my upper half.  It was a bit unnerving wearing such a short skirt for the debut of my tight-less legs, but I'm glad I did it.  There's no way I can go back to tights; so, I'm on strike from wearing them until next fall.  (Please don't snow.)

A Good Cup of Coffee (See Jane Brew)

With coffee shops aplenty and a Starbucks at every corner, it seems that making your own coffee could be perceived as an obsolete art.  However, I learned early on that nothing is better than drinking a cup of coffee perfectly prepared to your tastes.  I started drinking it sporadically when I was a senior in high school and my parents always had a fresh pot that I could put in a to-go cup on my drive to school (my hometown didn't have Starbucks in the early 2000s..gasp).  Here are a few tips I use (learned mostly from my parents) to make coffee the perfect cup, every time.

• Buy the best coffee you can afford (per your tastes); it will still be cheaper than buying a cup from a coffee shop.
• Buy whole beans and grind them yourself (if your coffee pot doesn't have an automatic grinder, you can buy a separate grinder for about $10)
• Put a dash of cinnamon in the grinder along with the beans
• Use 2 tablespoons of beans for every 6 ounces of water
• I take my coffee with half & half and a bit of sugar.  Lately, I've been using an organic French Vanilla half & half that I found at Whole Foods and skipping sugar all together (it's made with real sugar--nothing artificial).
• At home, I'll top my coffee with a bit of whipped cream after using just a splash of half & half (again, earned from my parents).

Do you drink coffee?  If so, how do you take it?

A Walk In The Park (See Jane Wear)

J Crew shirt, H&M jacket + belt (old), J Brand jeans, Ann Taylor flats, Mulberry bag, Karen Walker sunglasses

The mild weather on Sunday seemed to bring everyone outside.  My sister had the same idea and I went along with her on a lengthy walk to the Lincoln Park Zoo.  Apparently, winter has come and gone and frankly, I'm a-ok with that (knock on wood).  With this weather we've been having (I went tight-less last week to an after-work charity event!), I don't know if I can stomach another cold blast.  For now, I'll relish the fact that I can wear a super light jacket in early March.

How was your weekend?

Step and Repeat (See Jane Wear...Again)

Zara top, Old Navy scarf, BDG jeans, Ann Taylor flats

I can't call it a remix; the only remix I know is by R. Kelly (Ignition, of course).  But in all seriousness, I re-wear my clothes all the time; it's by no means revolutionary.  However, I do try (the operative word being 'try') to wear my pieces in a different way each time, whether it's other corresponding pieces, color palette or accessories.  Sure, I wore these jeans last week and you know what, I will probably wear them next week for St. Patrick's Day, too--it's all about keeping things interesting.

Robert Rodriguez (See Jane Meet)

the talented Robert + me {wearing gifted dress}

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an event at Neiman Marcus where I was able to meet one of my favorite designers: Robert Rodriguez.  Ever since I could afford his clothes, I've been buying them.  They're classically feminine and the man makes a fantastic dress.

At the event, Robert Rodriguez's SS 2012 collection was presented and Robert himself even styled and assisted some ladies while they shopped.  I was able to meet him, chat for a bit and get some insight into his current collection as well as some future designs, too.  Below are a few questions and answers to get into the mind and genius of Robert Rodriguez--enjoy!

*How did you break into designing?

RR: When I was young my mother gave me a book on Christian Dior. It really became like my bible, I couldn't stop reading it. That was what really inspired me to go into fashion.

*   What was your inspiration for the SS 2012 collection?

RR: My inspiration was of a beautiful girl walking through the desolate streets of downtown Los Angeles. Something you would see in a Hitchcock or Fellini film. Also the historical nature of the buildings in L.A. were an inspiration -- the vivid color and strong lines.

*   What's your favorite upcoming trend for fall 2012?
RR: The Fall collection has a lot of great leather pieces, there is some amazing beading, and you'll also see a few pencil skirts.

RR collection at Neiman Marcus

The perfect maxi dress

SS 2012 lookbook

a memento from a fun day

hot pink + polka dots

Weekender (See Jane Wear...On Sunday)

MBMJ coat, BB Dakota fur vest, Karen Kane polka dot blouse (c/o), Gap jeans, Dolce Vita boots, Warby Parker 'Owen' glasses

I have terrible vision; glasses aren't something I'm seen in public often due to the sheer thickness of the lenses.  I know big frames have been trendy for awhile, but seeing as I wore these exact glasses as a first grader (it was NOT trendy then, I assure you), I had hesitation jumping on that wagon.  However, it's been over five years since I've ordered new glasses so I bit the bullet and ordered some big ol' Warby Parker frames.  They're still thick and coke bottle-esque, which I think it gives me s street cred.  No fake glasses for me; oh no, these babies are 100% real and I have the prescription to prove it.

P.S.  This is a typical, cold-weather, weekend outfit for me--layers, boots and very minimal makeup; what's yours?

Blustery (See Jane Wear)

Zara jacket + blouse, David Kahn jeans (c/o), Reed Krakoff boots, Spike the Punch necklace (c/o), LV Neverfull

What an odd day we had yesterday.  The morning started out bright, sunny and unseasonably warm; I had a spring in my step while walking to work (literally).  Unfortunately, it ended with blustery winds and some sort of snow/rain combination.   This outfit reflects the signs of spring I felt yesterday morning before reality set back in: a light jacket combined with cheery polka dots plus windblown (see: ruined) hairdo.  Well, it was nice while it lasted.