Hint O' Mint (See Jane Green)

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From these outfit pictures, I would've thought mint was the "it hue" of 2012 but it seems to be back this spring with a vengeance.   Pastels are always easy in the spring and summer; the hard part is wearing them when it's nearly freezing outside.  For now, I'll heed my outfits from last year and try to reinvent my love of mint in 2013.

As for the home decor photos, mint is not limited exclusively to the fashion world (I have a hunch that mint will be big for weddings this year).  Eric and I are moving in a few months and I'm dying to try a hint of mint somewhere in the new place--a bedroom wall, kitchen accessories, or maybe a piece of furniture--what do you think?

Faux-Fur Stole (See Jane Wear...Over and Over)

French Connection skirt (old), Gap turtleneck, F21 stole (similar), J Crew bracelet

Same color palette, same faux-fur stole....different day.  I remember buying this stole at Forever 21 a few years ago (I think it was under $10) and it's still a winter staple that I grab for regularly.  Whether I throw atop a coat or wear it as a scarf around a chilly office, a fur (or faux in my case) stole is one of those items that you'll repeatedly wear every winter.

J Crew coat, H&M blouse, PJK skirt, 3.1 Phillip Lim bag, J Crew tights

Defrost (See Jane Warm Up)

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Cold is the word of the day.  Perhaps you live in a climate like mine and are experiencing negative wind chills.  Or maybe, you have a nasty flu/cold that has hit you like a ton of bricks.  Whatever cold is affecting you (and if you're not experiencing either one, please enjoy it for me!), there are ways to remedy it.  Bundle up inside and out with warm layers and chunky knits (yes, #6 is a men's--order the smallest size!).  Lay low, sip some tea, and be sure to soothe aggravated skin.  Growing up, my mom would always slather our chapped skin with bag balm (#7); while the smell still haunts me, it really does work.  For chapped lips, I swear by Sugar's lip balm--especially in the wintertime.

Is it spring yet?

Less Than Zero (See Jane Freeze)

J Crew coat, crewcuts sweater, Old Navy chambray shirt, Gap cords, Joie boots (c/o), Chloe bag, Gap hat, J Crew gloves

It's not really less than zero degrees (Fahrenheit) but it sure feels like it.  This is the type of cold that no matter how long you've endured it, there's just no adjusting to it.  I've lived in a 4-season climate my whole life and somehow I'm surprised every January when it gets this cold.  My stay-warm tactics: lightweight layers, thick pants (these cords are actually a deep purple/burgundy--it's a shame my camera can never capture their true color) and cute hats/gloves. 

For all my fellow freezing readers, how do you stay warm in when it feels like a tundra outside?

Red Coat (See Jane Wear)

Burberry coat (old but similar), Theory leather leggings (on sale!), Banana Republic chambray shirt (old), Gap sweater, J Crew pumps (similar), Target hat (old but love this one), Celine bag

This coat doesn't see nearly enough action.  When pulling out a coat to wear everyday, I usually grab the easy, neutral version--a gray or navy, for instance.  Sometimes, a wintry day just calls for more.  To wear red is to have a certain confidence; one wears red to be seen and to stand out. (Note to self: don't wear red on a day that you want to saunter into work at a leisurely hour.)

Baked Potato Soup (See Jane Make Comfort Food)

I think it's a whopping 15 degrees (fahrenheit) outside right now and while we're all dreaming of spring, the harsh reality is that winter is just beginning.  Like many things during the winter, the most practical are usually them most unattractive (I'm, of course, referring to puffer coats, most hats and delicious potato soup).  This soup isn't the most appealing, but it's so tasty that I had to share it with you.  I loosely used this recipe (it's quite easy just putting uncooked potatoes, onions and chicken broth together and letting the crock pot work its magic) and put on my own fixins' (chopped bacon, cheese, scallions and sour cream) at the end.

What's your go-to comfort food in the wintertime?

Lemony Fresh (See Jane Wear)

Duffy sweater, MBMJ coat (old), David Kahn jeans (old but similar), Express wedges, J Crew scarf, Celine bag, Gap sunglasses

Yellow is the secret word of the week here at See Jane.  Since citrus is in season all winter, why not use it to liven up the ol' wardrobe, too?  A whiff of a lemon is said to prevent SAD, so I think a bright yellow scarf could also stave off the winter blues just as well.

Extra Denim (See Jane Wear)

J Crew coat, Old Navy denim vest, J Crew sweater, Rag & Bone cords, Gap booties, Chloe bag, KW sunglasses

Whenever I feel like my outfit needs a little more depth, I throw on my trusty denim vest (summer version here).  It doesn't as much warmth as I'd like but it does add a little something extra underneath; you learn to take anything interesting you can get when you experience such a long and drawn-out winter as we do here in this tundra we call Chicago.

St. Lucia (See Jane Travel)

'head' shots

Right before Christmas, Eric and I traveled to St. Lucia for some rest and relaxation.  Ironically enough, it was one of the more physically active vacations we've been on (I don't count walking around cities to be physically straining).  We hiked the Gros Piton (a famous mountain on the island), took mud baths in sulphur springs, toured the island by boat, jumped off cliffs into the ocean and even made our own chocolate at the cacao plantation at our hotel.  It definitely wasn't the quintessential Caribbean vacation I had envisioned but honestly, I had more fun getting to know the locals, seeing the sights and taking in everything St. Lucia had to offer.  Not only is the island breathtakingly beautiful, but so are the people; to me, the best thing about traveling is getting out of your comfort zone and learning more about the world around you and that's precisely what we did.

couples shots

water babies

Casual Classic // 2013 Edition (See Jane Wear)

J Crew blazer, blouse + scarf, J Brand jeans, 3.1 Phillip Lim bag, Joie boots (c/o)

Happy New Year!  It feels great to be back (I was on a bit of a hiatus for vacation + the holidays).  Now that 2012 is in the rearview mirror, I'm excited to see what 2013 brings.  As always, thanks for your continued support; I love keeping up this blog and am grateful for your readership and encouragement!