#WCW TV Style Icon: Jane Gloriana Villanueva of Jane The Virgin

It’s been a long day — one filled with a great deal of heartache for those of us who were hoping we’d kick off 2017 with Hillary Clinton as our country’s leader. It’s not just that Clinton lost — I’m sure many of us have rallied behind political candidates who didn’t emerge victorious in the end. It’s that the reality of a Donald Trump presidency is too surreal, too infuriating, too perplexing. Many of us are left trying desperately to understand how so many people rallied behind a man whose entire campaign has been distinguished by vitriolic speeches in which he clung to fear-mongering, xenophobic, misogynist, racist, hateful ideologies.  Was this election a reflection of where we stand as a society? After 8 years of Obama’s hope, are we now left with nothing but despair? I certainly hope not. I hope somehow we can build the bridges Clinton spoke about, that we can unify our society and work towards tackling some of the more serious issues we’re facing: from protecting women’s rights to equal pay and protecting our hear-earned reproductive rights to ending police brutality and making officers accountable for their actions.

Today, I’ve been looking for hugs and smiles, clinging to those who give me hope in humanity — even if they exist within the realm of fiction. Which brings me to today’s choice for our #WCW column: Jane Gloriana Villanueva of The CW’s Jane The Virgin, the incredibly lovable character played by Gina Rodriguez. Jane’s strong moral core, her belief that there’s goodness in everyone (even if you have to dig a bit deep at times!), her endless compassion (even for Petra), her devotion to her mom and her abuela, her unmarred idealism (which she maintains in a world filled with cynics and naysayers), her insistence on pursuing her dreams without sacrificing her independence, and her sunny optimism and dreamy notions of romance all make her positively endearing. Jane’s wardrobe, meanwhile, conveys many of these personality traits. She gravitates toward dresses — particularly figure-flattering A-line frocks — in bright colors, cheerful floral prints, and delicate lace and jacquard fabrics, and she takes a minimalist approach to accessorizing, often opting for delicate stud earrings, slightly Bohemian beaded bracelets, a single dainty ring with the word sculpted “love” in script, or her beloved silver cross necklace. Even her low-key looks feel fun and feminine, as she matches white denim cut-off shorts with floral tank tops and palm print tees or pairs pastel plaid print button-front blouses with boyfriend jeans and lace-up sneakers. The pieces below, then, nod to Jane’s coquettish and youthful yet prim and sensible fashion sense. Hopefully, you’ll tap into some of Jane’s buoyancy and effervescence as you admire these wardrobe must-haves.

Aidan Mattox Lace Two-Tone Cocktail Dress, $171. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

When Jane the Virgin was first being promoted, the CW introduces us to the starring character via posters in which she wore a sleeveless hot pink dress much like the one above and clutched a home pregnancy test in between her hands, a bewildered expression on her face. Sure enough, throughout Season 1, we saw Jane wearing many a hot pink dress — including the one she donned when Rafael proposed in front of a room full of romance book lovers. This two-toned Aidan Mattox lace dress features a sheath silhouette and a scalloped hemline.

Kate Spade Orchard Street Arla Bag, $258. Available at KateSpade.com

In the first episode of Season 3, during a flashback sequence in which viewers learned more about the beginning stages of Michael’s courtship, Jane accessorized a white fit-and-flare dress with this Kate Space cross-body bag,  which measures only 5.9″ in height, 7.9″ in width, and 2.5″ in depth and comes with a 22″-long strap that can be slung over the shoulder or across the chest for a hands-free look. Made of pebbled cowhide, this petite purse features a pair of oversize tassels attached to the zipper pull for a jaunty and playful touch.

Jess Kay Designs Half Circle Geometric Pendant,$74. Available at JessKayDesigns.com

Jane tends to prefer simple, dainty, and minimalist jewelry pieces that feel like they have a history rather than being mass-produced. Some of her pieces feel like they were crafted lovingly by artisans’ hands while others give the impression of being treasures unearthed at flea markets and second-hand shops. Another curious point: Jane tends to prefer silver trinkets over gold ones. This Jess Kay Designs necklace was handcrafted in San Francisco using recycled fine silver to create the 1.25″-wide pendant, which is shaped like a half circle and features an inverted triangle cut-out at its center for a mystical effect. Not surprisingly, it made an appearance on Season 2 of the show.

Steve Madden Satire Strappy Sandals, $89.95. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com

Eight Sixty Havana Dress, $96. Available at RevolveClothing.com

It’s easy to imagine Jane strolling in the park, pushing Mateo’s stroller; sitting on the swing bench on her abuela‘s porch; or attending a book reading in this colorful floral frock, which features a cami-like silhouette, thin spaghetti straps, and a V-shaped neckline. The pink peony pattern would certainly make Jane’s hear glow!

Michael Michael Kors Damita Wedges, $69.99. Available at Zappos.com

We may associate espadrilles and rope-wrapped wedges with summertime but, when you live in Miami, there aren’t many seasonal footwear restrictions! Jane, then, could wear these bright pink Michael Kors peep-toe wedges practically all year long. Featuring rope-covered 4″-tall heels and canvas uppers, these cheeky wedges also feature a front zipper closure for a modern twist on a classic style.

Boutique Moschino Lace Mini Dress, $365. Available at TheOutnet.com

Remember the dinner date in which Jane told Rafael that she was saving herself until marriage? The former playboy was so surprised and mystified by her insistence on “keeping her flower” intact until marriage that he ordered another drink — and a stiffer one at that! His awkward reaction wasn’t lost upon Jane, who returned home feeling deflated. She did, however, look stunning during and after the date in a lacy mint-colored dress much like the one shown here.

Aldo Vinton Laser-Cut Nude Clutch, $19.99. Available at AldoShoes.com

Joie Cecilia Wedge Sandals, $295. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com

Both Jane and her mom Xiomara seem to have a weakness for wedge sandals. These Joie ones are the perfect way to make a structured eyelet dress, colorful lace or crochet sheath, or a floral fit-and-flare number feel a bit more casual and laid-back. The wedges feature a wooden platform measuring 4 1/2″ in height, thick leather straps, and antiqued nail-head rivets.

 

Stars Align Necklace, $54. Available at Anthropologie.com

In the first few episodes of Season 1, Jane often wore a delicate necklace with small turquoise stones much like the dome-shaped ones dangling from the 14k gold-plated treasure shown here, which also features tiny star charms with cubic zirconia stones at their center.

Rebecca Taylor Sakura Sleeveless Floral Dress, $199. Available at RebeccaTaylor.com

The blue floral dress Jane wore in episode 6 of Season 1 may have been cute, but this silk Rebecca Taylor frock takes the look to new heights with its unique color scheme (deep violet, soft lilac, bold cobalt, and coral orange blossoms all dance together over the navy blue backdrop), flattering V-shaped neckline, pleat-detailed bodice, and double layer ruffled hem.

BP. Minimal Faux Leather Cross-body Bag, $35 . Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com

Jane seems to like the versatility cross-body bags offer, and she often uses them to infuse some color into her ensembles, opting for bright yellow, vermilion, cobalt blue, and honeysuckle pink handbags. This faux leather piece would be right at home in her closet. Featuring a snap-flap closure and a minimalist design, the saddle-shaped bag, measures 8″ in width, 6 1/2″ in height, and 2 3/4″ in depth.

 

 

 

Peggy Li Creations Teds Pearl Earrings, $29. Available at PeggyLi.com

In Chapter 32 of Jane the Virgin (otherwise known as Season 2 Episode 10), Jane attended a meeting with her devastatingly handsome advisor (played by Adam Rodriguez) wearing a floral frock with an off-the-shoulder neckline and these Peggy Li earrings, which feature a 1/2″-long drop. The 5-6mm long pearls don’t feel antiquated or haughty but, rather, they convey a classic femininity that’s at once innocent and completely charming.

 

 

H&M Nightgown, $17.99. Available at HM.com

Jane spends a lot of time lounging on her bed or tapping away at her laptop keys while in cozy PJs. This cozy sleep shirt, with its henley-worthy buttons and youthful star print, are perfect for dreaming up steamy and romantic novel scenarios.

J. Crew Always Chambray Shirt, $78. Available at JCrew.com 

Right from the pilot episode, viewers spot Jane wearing a chambray shirt, as she kisses Michael goodbye on her abuela‘s front porch and then hops on the couch in between her mom and grandma to watch their favorite telenovela. This soft, lived-in cotton shirt is a true wardrobe staple, and you can wear it with literally anything: from an embroidered floral denim skirt (like Jane did in that first episode) to white jeans, black leather shorts, or printed jogger pants.

Kim Jakum Domed Mandala Studs, $42. Available at Etsy.com

On Episode 10 of Season 2, Jane wore these handmade 8mm silver stud earrings, which feature a mandala motif that’s perfect for a woman who so often looks to the universe for signs.

Sanctuary Mori Boho Print Sleeveless Top, $33.18. Available at Bloomingdales.com

On the second episode of Season 3, Jane wore this exact top as Michael recovered from surgery and the newlyweds finally moved into their new home. The loose-fitting, Bohemian-flavored top features a split neckline and a playful feather print in a terracotta shade, as well as wide stripes with an interlocking medallion pattern and a kaleidoscopic diamond motif.

GAP Authentic 1969 Best Girlfriend Star Jeans, $64. Available at GAP.com 

She may feel prettiest and most confident when she’s in one of her feminine floral dresses but, like any gal, sometimes Jane wants to kick back in a good pair of jeans or shorts. She’d love the classic fit of these mid-rise jeans, which skim the hips and thighs so that they’re not too snug or too loose. The tonal stars printed along the sides of each pant leg, meanwhile, add a unique touch.

Superga for Target Sneakers, $29.99. Available at Target stores; visit Target.com for locations

When it comes to sneakers, Jane usually laces up in gray low-top Converse kicks but, occasionally, she prefers her white Superga sneakers which feature a similarly low profile and an almond-shaped toe.

Calypso St. Barth Zineba Silk Smocked Waist Dress, $239. Available at CalypsoStBarth.com

With its easy fit and free-spirited vibe (down to the smocked waist and the neck ties with tassel accents), this Calypso St. Barth dress would look amazing on Jane. Just picture her wearing it with a cropped denim jacket, leather wedge sandals, a coral cross-body bag, and layered necklaces.

Sydney Evan Gold Love Ring, $445. Available at SydneyEvan.com

Towards the end of the second episode of Season 1, Jane sits on the bus and leaves Michael a voicemail letting him know she didn’t want to quite her job at the Marbella. During this scene, fashion sleuths like myself zoomed right in on the ring on her right hand, a dainty band with the word “love” spelled out in script. The Sydney Evan ring is shown here in 14k gold, with the “love” detail spanning 2/3″ in total length and measuring 1/3″ in height. It’s the perfect ring for a woman whose heart is literally bursting with love.

Ted Baker Tuliaa Pearl Petal Skater Dress, £149. Available at TedBaker.com

Daisies are said to symbolize cheerfulness, so they seem quite fitting for someone like Jane who is always trying to uplift those around her. And, of course, the frock’s fit-and-flare silhouette, the voluminous skirt, the belted waist, and the painterly quality of the floral print all add to its ability to make us smile.

Blu Bijoux Silver Necklace, $12. Available at MaxandChoe.com

When Jane fainted on a bus and wound up in the ER, only to discover she was pregnant, she was wearing her now-signature cross necklace, a dainty silver number with a cross pendant running horizontally rather than dangling vertically from the chain. This Blu Bijoux necklace is an excellent rendition of the piece.

Lucky Brand Rosewater Frame Tank, $19.99. Available at LuckyBrand.com

This sky blue muscle tank belongs right up there with Jane’s  graphic palm print tank and bright pink “Visionary” tee.

Karu Yasuno Designs Labradorite and Pyrite Bracelet, $32. Available at Etsy.com/shop/KuriLevine

Rarely one to wear bold cuffs, Jane prefers slim chain-link bracelets or stretchy beaded pieces that lend her looks a beach-y and slightly Bohemian feel. This piece, featuring faceted labradorite beads paired with gold and silver pyrite gemstones, made an appearance on the series.

Topshop Ditsy Floral Print Dress, $90. Available at Us.Topshop.com

With its slightly vintage feel, this Topshop frock would make Jane swoon. It features all of her favorite things: florals in bright shades, slightly frilled sleeves, and A-line silhouette, and even a faux wrap-around detail.

Stylus Long-Sleeve Brushed Twill Plaid Shirt, $16.79. Available at JCPenney.com and JCPenney stores.

In episode 8 of Season 2, as Jane discovered she needed to find a way to pay for grad school, she went straight to the administration to obtain all the necessary details and opted for a collegiate but still feminine look by donning this brushed twill plaid shirt, featuring pink stripes over a gray and white backdrop.

Joe Fresh Floral Print Tank, $4.94. Available at JoeFresh.com

The Villanueva family does not play around when it comes to Black Friday — after enjoying a lovely meal together and napping, grandma changes into her sweatsuit, Xo takes off her sky-high platform sandals or wedges in favor of practical running shoes, and Jane designs a game plan with as much enthusiasm as Friday Night Lights‘ Coach Taylor. Rafael experienced the Villanueva women’s intensity when discount shopping during his first Black Friday escapade with them, during which he carried baby Mateo in a Baby Bjorn as a determined Jane walked next to him. In the hilarious scene, Jane wore a tank much like this Joe Fresh number but with an orange floral print rather than the yellow one shown here.