Happy Halloween (See Jane Celebrate)

1. J. Crew Factory Funnel Coat

2. Dorothy Perkins Umbrella

3. Crumpet Cashmere Sweater

4. Diptyque Baies Black Candle

5. Matt Bernson Shearling Boots

6. Topshop Skull Sweater

7. J. Crew Leather Shoulder Bag

Halloween is definitely up there for me in terms of holiday rankings.  It has the best of everything: copious amounts of laughter (and some scares), delicious treats, fun parties, creative costumes and a slight chill in the air.  Maybe I'm biased because I'm a fall baby, but October and November are my favorite months of the year.  It's a time when you can wear black and orange together (which I think go together swimmingly, all year round) and no one cares, because, hey--it's Halloween!

PS Thoughts + prayers are with those affected by Sandy on the east coast; I hope everyone continues to stay safe amidst this tragedy.

Weekend Texture (See Jane Wear)

Zara sweater coat (old but similar), Old Navy chambray, Theory leather leggings, Joie boots (c/o), Karen Walker sunglasses

I'm trying to avoid the whole heavy coat scenario until it's really frigid outside.  In the meantime, I'm relying on layers and textures.  Leather, thick wool socks and an aztec-printed sweater are just what the doctor ordered on a brisk weekend afternoon.

...And a little, lazy bulldog puppy, of course!

#agSCOOPchi (See Jane Host)

on me: AG green cords (c/o), Zara top, thrifted jacket, Dolce Vita heels

Thank you to Scoop NYC in Bucktown and my co-host, Kevin Aeh of TimeOut Chicago, for allowing me to particpate in the AG Pop-Up Shop this past Wednesday night!  Here's a few photos that sum up the evening nicely.

Kevin + Anne

Sustenance (cupcakes + cords)

Andrea, April + me

DJ Lani Love

Two Tone (See Jane Wear)

J Crew blazer, American Vintage sweater, J Crew skirt (old), Prada booties, Marc Jacobs bag (old, but similar)

Black and tan is always a no-brainer combination to me.  I hesitated when buying this blazer--would it be too trendy?  Then, I realized, there's nothing trendy about two classic colors when paired together.  I looked at Jerome and realized that two-toned (or brindle, in his case) is always in style.

Don't forget--tomorrow I'm hosting the AG Pop-Up Shop at Scoop NYC in Bucktown tomorrow night from 6-8PM (1702 N. Milwaukee)!  Not only will you have the chance to win several pairs of AG jeans, but I'd also love to meet you.  Hope to see you there!

White Stripes // Join Me At Scoop NYC (See Jane Wear)

J Crew dress (sold out, other color here), J Crew factory sweater, Kenna-T jacket (old but similar), Pour la Victoire wedges, Chloe bag, Karen Walker sunglasses

I'm hosting the AG denim pop-up shop event 
right here in Chicago at Scoop NYC this Wednesday, October 24, from 6-8PM.  

It's being held at the Bucktown location (1702 N Milwaukee) and I'd love for you to stop by and say hi!

Hope to see some of you there.

Life's Happenings (See Jane Live)

I recently thought about making a "fall to-do" list when I realized that fall was here--in full swing. I feel as if one of my favorite seasons is slipping through my fingers and before I know it, I'll be knee deep in wintertime.  Before I start settling into fall (I know, it's here--it's been here!), here's a quick glimpse of what's been happening in my life the last couple months.  From a fun bachelorette party in Miami, to the first day of tights, to my little Jerome growing up way too quickly, I've been trying (not so successfully) to capture these moments on Instagram.   Follow me here.

Fox + Hound (See Jane Dog Sit)

Hunter boots, Karen Kane Dreamcatcher jacket (c/o), J Crew turtleneck, J Brand jeans

Do you remember when I posted about the day my sister adopted this adorable pup?  Look how big Miss Josephine is now!  Jojo, as we like to call her, stayed the weekend at my place while my sister was out of town.  She's really turned into such a little beauty.  I'd like to think that if she was born centuries ago she would be the perfect dog to accompany the royals on their hunting trips (it's the Beagle in her!).   She's super swift and loves to frolic--which is pretty much the exact opposite of my little Jerome.  Nevertheless, they love to play together and she's a sport for putting up with his bulldog antics all weekend.

Something Old/New (See Jane Wear)

J Crew coat, F21 sweater, Club Monaco blouse (old but similar), Theory pants, Gap boots, Gucci scarf, Mulberry bag (color sold out but similar)

I made an investment in these pants and I'm determined to get the most possible wear out of them.  Seeing that I love these pants so much that I'd wear them with my robe, I doubt it'll be much of a challenge.  Rather than looking for new and shiny pieces to pair them with (which is fun but unrealistic for me), I've been digging through the depths of my closet for old staples.  My polka dot blouse from several seasons back is a an easy choice when paired with an extremely old scarf (I'm talking college) and the perfect lightweight wool-blend sweater that I picked up on a whim from Forever 21 about five years ago (hey, some of their clothes have lasting power).  No matter what your budget, you can't go wrong with classic pieces in tones that flatter you; it doesn't matter if they're pricey or practically free--try to envision yourself re-wearing it five years down the road without thinking, "wow, that was so October 2012."

Denim x 2 (See Jane Double Down)

J Crew blazer (old but similar), Old Navy chambray and denim vest (sold out but similar), Gap cords (old but similar), Topshop heels, Chloe bag, Super sunglasses

During the fall, I wear this blazer about once a week (yep).  I love blazers in the fall; the weather isn't frigid yet and it's too hot for a thick jacket.  I felt like I needed some extra padding so I added my denim vest over my usual chambray.  I always tend towards contrast, but I like this extra tonal look--crisp blues and browns, just like the perfect fall day.

Homage (See Jane Wear)

J Crew blazer (old but recent version here), ONE by Sunny sweater, DL 1961 jeans, Dolce Vita heels, KW sunglasses

Just in case you needed any assurance that I love my little man, Jerome, here it is--in sweater form.  As soon as I spotted this gem on Shopbop, I knew I had to have it.  Sure, it's a little kitschy but it looks surprisingly pulled together under a blazer with jeans and heels.  And really, what better way to tell the world that I love my dog?

Black + White (See Jane Wear)

Theory leather pants, Zara top (old), Gap booties, Chloe bag (similar/cheaper), Giles & Brother bracelet

These pants are perhaps one of the most exciting purchases I've ever made.  Ever since I saw Jennifer Aniston wearing a pair of leather pants in the critically acclaimed movie, "Rock Star," my 16 year old self knew I had to have a pair.  (I'm kidding, Rock Star is a terrible movie.)