Daisy Quarter skirt + Sequins

Sequin tank:  J.Crew, winter 2012
Daisy Quarters skirt by Lauren Moffat:  Anthropologie, winter 2010
Snakeskin heels:  Calvin Klein

Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!  I wore this for a very fun riverboat dinner cruise on Friday night.  I'm still dragging today but it was a great time with friends.  Prior to the event, I was in one of those weird moods where I probably tried on 4 or 5 outfits before leaving the house.  That rarely happens for me, usually I decide on an outfit and that's that.  But nothing seemed right for the evening.  I love this skirt so much but have had it for 2 years and have only worn it a handful of times because I find it difficult to pair with anything.  It's very poofy, so any top has to be really slim, and it sits high on the waist.  I liked how the cream sequined top matched the embroidery, but looking at it I needed some more accessories.  But isn't the skirt a showstopper?  It reminds me of something Carrie would have worn on SATC. I hope Anthro starts bringing back beautiful, unique pieces like this soon.

We have more big plans tomorrow with friends and I am taking the entire week off work.  We're not going anywhere but have lots of fun things planned for the kids and with friends.  I'll be checking in a lot for sure.

Right after this picture was taken a huge storm blew through Cincinnati and knocked out power in a lot of areas...thankfully we were spared.  It also cooled the 100 degree day down to 80 in about 5 minutes flat, which was perfect for the cruise.  We have some crazy weather around here.  Thanks for visiting!

Seersucker + Sunny Yellow



Lemon yellow shift:  Lilly Pulitzer, spring 2010

TGIF!  I am waiting for some new office equipment to arrive at my house via UPS so I had some time to do my Friday post now rather than later, as I'm always rushed for time on Friday evenings.   

Seersucker patchwork blazer:  Lilly Pulitzer, 2009
Yellow shift dress with white detail:  Lilly Pulitzer, 2010
Bracelet: J.Crew, 2010
Nude Oscar pumps:  Jessica Simpson

We're looking at day 2 of 100 degree weather in Cincinnati so another cool outfit is required!  A loose fitting shift dress for running around and a seersucker blazer for when I am indoors seems like a good plan.  I want to thank the anonymous reader who requested that I recycle some of my older items.  She really helped me dig through my old favorites and realize I was missing out by not wearing them.  For some reason I get in the mindset that new equals better.  I would love to hear from some of you, how do you resist the urge to shop and learn to love what's already in your closet?  Thanks for stopping by!

Through the meadow tank + Pastiche

Through the Meadow tank by Floreat:  Anthropologie, summer 2010
Pencil skirt in pastiche:  J.Crew, summer 2010
Pink pumps:  Bandolino

Today was the hottest day of the year so far in Cincinnati, with temperatures reaching near 100 degrees.  Yikes!  I knew I needed to stick with cool cotton and light colors.  Again, I've owned these two items for two years and never put them together!  I really liked the outcome!  I kept cool yet still looked somewhat professional.  I looked at the tag of this pencil skirt and it must have been before J.Crew started calling all their pencil skirts "No. 2"  because it doesn't say that inside like my more recent ones do.  Remember how everyone was insane for this print?  I still think it's really pretty.  This skirt is quite big on me now as I bought it when I was only a few months postpartum but it was nice to have a looser skirt on for a hot day, and I don't think it looks too bad in the pictures.

I don't know about you, but when I'm pressed for time and/or the weather is hot, the first item on the chopping block is the time alloted to do my hair.  Up it goes!  Kasmira has some really cool updo ideas on her blog here that filled me with envy, as I hold zero talent braiding, bunning, or twisting my hair.  No, my "updo" is the ponytail loop, a la Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy.  Kasmira, you have motivated me to get more ambitious with the updos!  It's probably a good thing I'm a boy mom, as I'd be hopeless with little girls' hair.

Thanks for visiting! 

Summer stripes

Striped silk Casey dress:  Banana Republic, spring 2012
Cap toe shoes:  Tahari, here
Belt:  Anthropologie
Necklace:  Ann Taylor, old

I'm a little wrinkly as this picture was taken at the end of the work day, but you get the idea!  I love this dress so much.  The mix of neutrals and brights, the fit...love.  The first and only time I wore it was here.  After that I put it away, not wearing it again for fear of repeating an outfit on my blog.  Then I realized that's crazy!  I'm a real girl, with a real job and a real family to take care of.  I don't wear outfits one time and never again.  That's not real life.  I tried to mix it up with a different belt, necklace and shoes and I think I like today's outcome better.  Rarely do my kids notice what I'm wearing, but this morning my 7 year old, who is quickly becoming a little man, said "You look pretty today mom.  I like that dress."  Awwww!   I'm such a pushover with my boys.
If you have a blog, do you struggle with outfit repeats?  I'd love to hear from you.  Thanks for visiting!

Adelie top + San Pedro

Adelie top by Charlotte Taylor:  Anthropologie, fall 2011
San Pedro Pencil skirt in gold by Eva Franco:  Anthropologie, spring 2011
Blush pumps:  Tahari

This outfit is not a new combo, I've worn these two before but never for the blog so it's new to you lovely readers.  I thought this top would definitely be a sell-out at Anthro, but there were still a bunch of them on the rack during the Christmas sales so I got it for a really good price.  I LOVE the whimsical prints of Charlotte Taylor and wish Anthro would carry more of her items!  I think some people had some fit issues with this top, and you probably do need a longer torso to wear it.  Anyway, I pined for it forever and was so happy to get it for a great price.

As far as the skirt goes, it's San Pedro for the second day in a row!  I don't have any problems buying multiples of items I love, and when this skirt when on second markdown I knew I'd get tons of use out of both the turquoise, which I wore yesterday, and the gold.  This skirt had some weird fit issues too, and it runs super small.  Ah well, other ladies' rejects at Anthro are my treasures I guess!

Have you worn some of your old favorites this week?  What items are they?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

My darling 7 year old son was my photographer this morning, since my husband had to leave for work extra early today.  I told my son I may hire him full time, I think he did a pretty good job!  Thanks for visiting!

Casbah + San Pedro

Silk casbah blouse:  J.Crew, summer 2011
San Pedro pencil in turquoise skirt by Eva Franco:  Anthropologie, spring 2011
Looping Lanes belt:  Anthropologie
Pumps:  Seychelles
Necklace and earrings:  Gift from my mom, purchased at Macy's

Staring into my closet last night, planning my outfit for today, I challenged myself to find two older pieces and put them together in a way I hadn't thought of before.  The silk casbah top and the San Pedro pencil skirt have long been favorites for me, but why did I never combine these two ocean-hued pieces?  It was a nice cool-toned look for a hot day, and I loved it paired with the browns in the necklace, belt and shoes, which brought out the browns in the top's pattern. 

Speaking of the belt, I do love the way belts pull together an outfit, but for me, as I'm in and out of my car all day, belts can literally be a pain in my stomach and they rarely last past lunch time.  Does anyone else feel my pain?

Hope your Monday was good.  I'm still planning on wearing my older favorites all week, why don't you dive into your closet and pull out something fabulous you haven't worn in a while for your outfit tomorrow too?  I'm off to bed soon.  You know how when you wake up in the middle of the night and you can't think rationally?  I woke up at 4 AM and for some reason was convinced I was going to miss my 8 AM conference call...I fretted the rest of the night and even dreamed I did miss it!   I swear I can talk my neurotic self into anything at 4 AM.  Hopefully I will sleep better tonight!

Pom Flower Shift

Pom Flower Shift by Tabitha:  Anthropologie, summer 2011
Leopard print peep toes with black buckle:  Max Studio

Good Sunday evening!  I meant to post Friday's work outfit after work but we left to go see friends out of town and I didn't have time.  The Pom Flower shift is still one of my favorites from Anthropologie, but yikes it could be my most uncomfortable dress!  There is zero give to it and the armholes are pretty small, so as the day went on, and it got hotter and hotter out, all I could think of was that I could not wait to get home and rip it off!  I wish you could see the detail on these shoes better, as the leopard print went surprisingly well with this shift.  I need to start taking more detailed shots of my outfits but we usually snap them in the morning when everyone is headed out the door and we're rushing around. May need to rethink that strategy. 

A nice anonymous visitor commented that she wanted to see me recycle more of my clothing, that lately my outfits seem too far out of reach for real women on a clothing budget.  I took those words to heart because I NEVER want people who are nice enough to read my blog to feel that way.  I know I feel bad when I look at a blog and think I could never afford any of the items, and I don't want to make other lovely ladies feel that way.  The truth is, I literally never buy an item that isn't on some sort of sale or promo.  I HATE paying full price for anything!  I'm also a huge couponer at the grocery, I'm the one who gets the glares at checkout because I have so many coupons to use.  In other words, price matters to me a great deal!  This week I am going to be remixing older pieces everyday, to remind myself AND my anonymous reader that there are so many pieces in my closet that I love, even if I'd had them forever!    Thanks for stopping by!

Navy + Neon Azaela

Ardith blouse by Porridge:  Anthropologie, summer 2012
No. 2 pencil skirt in double serge cotton, neon azaela:  J.Crew, similar here
Navy pumps with gingham bow:  Seychelles
Necklace:  Gift from Gigi

I wish this picture would have come out more clear because the details on this little silk blouse are quite pretty and flattering.  We were in a hurry this morning though, so I'm lucky I got a picture snapped at all!  We were trying to get out the door before a photographer got here to take pictures of our house.  We have just put our home on the market, and let me tell you, it is an ordeal to keep it clean with three little guys who make a mess way faster than I can clean it up!  We're not moving far; just to the next zip code over.  It will be closer to the boys' school and to many of our friends.  Keep your fingers crossed for us that our house sells!  It is bittersweet for sure though, as I still adore our home, a 100 year old Victorian. I will miss it dearly.  But the neighborhood, which likes to dub itself "up and coming,"  leaves a bit to be desired so move we must. 

I think navy and pink is one of the best summer color combos, don't you?  I am really loving the double serge cotton pencil skirt in the summer heat, although they do wrinkle quite a bit.  This Anthro blouse is sold out online but check in-store, where it still might be available. Thanks for stopping by!

National Wear Your Lilly Day!

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer, Spring 2011
Bubble necklace:  J.Crew Factory
Peeptoes:  Enzo Angiolini

In celebration of the summer solstice, today is National Wear Your Lilly Pulitzer Day!  Of course I don't need a reason to wear Lilly, but on this day it was a must!  My day was made today when one of my favorite customers, who is probably in his late 50's, took one look at me and said "Nice Lilly dress!"  I told him I was very impressed and that I expected him to wear a Lilly tie next time I made a sales call to his office.  I love when fun stuff like that happens during work. 

Hope you're having a great week!

Bow cami + Happenstance

Silk bow cami in brilliant purple:  J.Crew, here
Happenstance pencil skirt by Yoanna Baraschi:  Anthropologie, spring 2009
Nude peep toes:  Via Spiga, here

Don't you love when a new item in your closet looks like it was made for one of the older pieces you already own?  That's what happened with this top and skirt.  I've loved this skirt for 3 summers now and have gotten so much use out of it, but I always paired it with a light lavendar.  I didn't even realize how perfect this top would be with it until I was holding it up to my skirts...they're perfect together!  I am suddenly all about the bow camis at J.Crew!  Of course some of that is due to the great price of it now with the extra 30% off in-store last week and online this week.  It's such a great little top to pair under a cardigan or blazer for work, and it looks great on its own.  Plus I love the thick, almost cotton-like silk fabric.  If you are debating buying one, I definitely give it an A!  Also- the top fits TTS.  Thanks for stopping by!

Gondola top + marrakech purple

Gondola stripe silk top:  J.Crew (must have just sold out today online!)
No. 2 pencil skirt in double serge cotton, color marrakech purple, here
Nude Oscar pumps: Jessica Simpson
Belt:  Anthropologie
Necklace:  Tiffany & Co.

This outfit looks so lovely in the picture.  In reality, it was a pain in my pencil-skirted hind end.  The silk top kept coming untucked, the skirt kept wrinkling up, and the belt kept wanting to slither up over my waist.  I fidgeted and fussed with it all morning and finally gave up and took off the belt in the afternoon.  Oh well, at least it looked decent for the picture this morning! 

If you have any styling tips for this top I'd love to hear them.  It sat in my closet forever because I didn't know what to wear with it.  I don't have a navy pencil skirt, but I thought this purple looked pretty with the stripes.   White jeans would be good, but obviously not work appropriate.  Thoughts? 

Happy Father's Day!

Sundress:  Lilly Pulitzer, summer 2011
Rio Navajo sandals:  Jack Rogers, here
Bubble necklace:  J.Crew Factory

Hope everyone had a fantastic Father's Day!  We had a great dinner with my dad.  For fun here's a picture of my handsome husband and our youngest son. My husband is a great dad, I'm lucky to have him!  He loves me, he's a kind person and he puts up with my shopping addiction.

Date night polka dots

Polka Peppered Dress by Maeve:  Anthropologie, summer 2010
Wedges:  Banana Republic
Clutch:  The Limited

Happy Father's Day!  I hope you all have fun plans today with the important men in your life.  I surprised my husband with a round of golf with one of his best friends this morning...he was SO happy since he hasn't golfed yet this year.  We also went out last night with some friends, and I pulled out this cute polka dot dress from the back of my closet.  I bought this dress nearly two years ago and only wore it one time, so it was like having a new dress to wear.  Check out the really random shoe boutique behind me...that mannequin in the window is a little scary. 
I snapped the picture below in the powder room at The Precinct in Cincinnati...one of the stops we made last night. I just thought it looked cool.  Thanks for stopping by!

We're having dinner with my dad later...I'll check back then.

All wrapped up

Stephanie shift in Commodore Yellow Gotcha:  Lilly Pulitzer, spring 2011
Nude Oscar pumps:  Jessica Simpson

Keeping it pretty simple this Friday in a shift dress and pumps.  I love how the bow design on this Lilly dress reminds me of a big present wrapped up.  It was a bright and sunny day here so I thought this bright and sunny dress was a good fit.  I did throw on a green cardigan during the day for work. 
If you have never given Lilly a try, check out the website http://www.lillypulitzer.com/ and see what you think.  It's not for everyone, but the designs and dresses are just so much fun.  Instant mood booster.  And isn't that a great way to start off the weekend? 

I'll be posting some outfits this weekend, with date night and Father's Day coming up.  See you soon, thanks for stopping by!

Garden Floral + Purple Medallion

Silk Bow Cami in Gardem Floral:  J.Crew, here
No. 2 pencil skirt in purple medallion:  J.Crew, spring 2012
Blush pumps:  Tahari
Flower belt: Nordstrom

Look at me, suddenly the girl who is scared of pattern mixing is doing it in a big way.  I've mentioned before that I think pattern mixing can be very cute or just plain silly.  I'm hoping this falls into the cute category?  I did wear a light lavendar cardi over it for work, which toned it down a bit.  But I really liked it, hopefully no one thought I accidentally got dressed in the dark today!
Sorry if I look a bit disheveled in this picture.  (and I have an umbrella coming out of my head, whoops.) I was so excited for the boys to be finished with school for the year, but since that happened we have been completely out of sorts.  During the school year our schedule was like a tightly run ship, from gym time to school drop-off to work, we had it all down pat.   Now it seems like we can't get into a regular schedule, and the kids' camps are making it even more challenging.  So I'm trying to take OOTD pictures whenever I can squeeze it in.  This was taken at the end of the day, when apparently all my makeup decided to melt off my face.
Many ladies were rather "meh" about this J.Crew cami but I adore it...the colors and shape are so flattering.  It's down to a really reasonable price in-store, so check it out!
Thanks for stopping by!

Anthropologie Dressing Room Reviews...I'm puzzled

Hello!  I had some time to kill today so I popped into Anthropologie to try on a few newer items.  I have to be completely honest:  My favorite store is disappointing me lately.  For me personally,  the offerings are unexciting, the sales have been lackluster, and I just feel an overall dissatifaction.  (Except for the lovely sales associates in Cincinnati...they are awesome.)  I feel like the prices are climbing higher and higher and the quality is not along for the ascent.  Plus the sizing has been so wacky lately.  I mean come on, a girl like me, 5'10", 130-something and a larger chest should never wear a size 2 top!  So many petite ladies must be sized out at Anthropologie recently, while many of the dresses and skirts are still fairly short for women anywhere over 5'6".  So I'm puzzled.  I'm not giving up on Anthropologie, as I still believe the brand will pull out of its slump.   I hope that happens sooner rather than later.  Anyway, onto the reviews:



Gerbera Surplice Dress, O by Organic
Recycled polyester, acetate lining
$158 here

I am not kidding when I tell you I had a nightgown as a kid that looked very similar to this.  The polyester did not feel nice to me, although you probably know by now that I thoroughly dislike synthetic fabrics.  There's no way you could wear this without a cami underneath, and it's a pull-over design, no zipper.  It did not seem like a quality item to me.  For reference this is a size 4 and TTS.  Total pass for me.

Scalloped Stripes Dress by Bordeaux
Modal, modal lining
$128 here

Puzzling to me that the website dubs this as an online exclusive when there were plenty of them at my store.  This is another pullover style, and short as you can see. I can envision it being cute for a Saturday morning cofffee date or stroll through the farmer's market with Jack Rogers navajo sandals.  This is a size small and I would say it runs small... this just fit me. Cute but I think you could find something really similar at the Gap for less than half the price.  Pass for me.

White Gulls Dress by LeifNote
Viscose
$128 here

Another pullover style dress, and one that is short and runs tiny.  This is a small and I'd definitely size up to a medium. All of the review online say the same thing, so I know it's not just my body.  It is also very short with a huge slit.  I liked the color and the bird design, but it being too short and a weird fit on me makes it a pass as well.

Melasande Tank by Vanessa Virginia in coral, also in black
 Polyester
$88 here
Forest Lace Shorts by Daughters of the Liberation
Cotton
$128 here

Ok, this tank is actually pretty cute other than the fact that it's poly and runs huge.  This is a size 2, which as I said in the beginning, a girl of my size should never wear a 2!   Ridic!  But when I had it on I liked it.  I would consider this top at sale time, as I like the embroidery detail.
The shorts ran small.  These are a size 6 and just fit.  They're getting good reviews online, and the embroidery is nice, but you ladies know how I feel about short shorts . Tried them for the blog only, but they may be a nice, albeit expensive, option for shorter girls.



Carissa & Colbalt Blouse by Maeve
Silk
$118 here

 Hi, may I take your order please?  Does the weird bottom of this top look like a waitress apron or what?? So bizarre!  Once again I am wearing a 2.  At first glance I liked this top, and when I got it on I found it to be utterly silly.  Runs big, so size down. Totally pass for me.

Mixed Bouquet Blouse by Maeve
Silk
$98 here

I wanted to end the reviews on a positive note.  I loved this top, the colors are pretty and the shape nice.  This is a size 2 and the fit is ok...If I were purchasing it I may try a 4 to compare.  I do think again that petite girls will be sized out of this top.  Again, I will consider it at sale time.

That's all the reviews I have today!  What are your thoughts on Anthropologie's offerings lately?  Do you find them to be a bit lacking, or is it just me?  I didn't have all the time in the world today when I stopped in, so maybe I just wasn't finding the best pieces to try on?  Maybe J.Crew just has me dazzled more lately?  I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

J.Crew colorblock stripe + golden bubbles

Scoopneck blouse in colorblock stripe:  J.Crew, here
Golden bubbles skirt:  J.Crew, fall 2010
Nude pumps:  Tahari
Gold leather belt and necklace:  Banana Republic
Gold cuff:  Gift from friend

So I get the fact that I may stand alone in my passion for this top.  That's ok, I like to live on the edge like that.  I totally understand why some ladies may think it's a bit cartoony, perhaps Muppet or Fraggle-like.  Even with all that's working against it, I can't deny my love for the color and shape of this top. It's just so summery and different from all the florals and polka dots out there.  And I love the anchor shoulder buttons.  I paired it with the golden bubbles skirt from 2010...a gorgeous skirt that definitely doesn't get enough love by me.  I followed through with gold accents on the skirt in my jewelry.  All in all I love this blouse...even if I am in the minority!

Now for your comedic relief of the day:  I ran out of gas on a rural highway today while working.  (I know, so brilliant of me.) In panicked tears I called my husband, who gallantly came to my rescue with a gas can.  Except... the car still didn't start! Many hours, two tow trucks, and lots of frustration later, I'm in a rental car for the rest of the week, and my brand new colorblock top is on its way to the drycleaners.  So the next time you're having a bad moment, just think of me...sweating in my heels on a deserted highway...trying to fan the sweat away from my new top.  Even I have to laugh at myself.  On the brightside, I did have further proof today that I have the best husband in the world.  Thanks for visiting!

My uniform

Merino leopard cardigan:  J.Crew Factory, winter 2010, similar here
Victoria cami:  J.Crew, spring 2008, similar here
Striped lightweight wool pencil skirt:  Banana Republic, here
Cap toe pumps:  Tahari, similar flats here

So I've noticed lately that I seem to have a uniform of sorts that I tend to fall back on quite often. A pencil skirt, a cardigan, and a ruffled top seem to be my standby.  Which is fine as long as the uniform doesn't morph into a rut.  I do adore dresses and wear them a lot, the only challenge there is that dresses are more difficult to remix, at least for me.  I need to get more creative I suppose!

Doesn't it seem like every single season the fashion experts and magazines claim that "animal print is in"?  My question is, when is it not?  I think no matter what year or season we are in, a little animal print is a safe bet!  It seems odd that it's mid-June and I'm wearing a wool sweater and skirt, but both items are extremely thin and lightweight and it was cool and rainy here this morning so it worked out.  Hope you had a great Monday!   I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be a mom and also have the desire to remain stylish.  I think it can actually be a touchy subject.  A blog post on this subject is coming soon and I'd love to hear your thoughts as well!  Thank you for stopping by!

Neon rose denim + eyelet

Eyelet top:  Lilly Pulitzer, old!
Garment-dyed ankle-zip toothpick jean in neon rose:  J.Crew, here
Resort Chic metallic leopard wedge:  Lilly Pulitzer, here
Pink sparkle drop earring:  Banana Republic, here
Gold cuff: Gift from friend

Hope everyone has had a fantastic weekend!  Ours has been full of swimming, grilling, and a party with friends.  I love the weekends, and this weekend I decided to finally dive into the colored denim trend, a look I've been resisting forever.  I first reviewed these ankle-zip jeans from J.Crew here and was very surprised by how much I liked them.  I didn't want to spend $125 on a trend though, so I thought maybe I'd look at the Gap or elsewhere for a less expensive version.  Then these jeans got marked down...twice... in-store, so at a much more affordable price I decided it was worth giving the colored denim a try.  I'm so glad I did!  I wore these to a party Saturday night and received so many compliments. I think they will even look cute tucked into congnac boots in the fall.  One thing to note:  These are the regular length.  They're available in Tall online, but I didn't want them to be too long so I went with the regular.  I think they're a good length, do you?  They hit me right above my ankle.

I have had this Lilly eyelet top for 5 years now, and it is still a staple and a favorite of my summer wardrobe.  I love the large eyelet and I love the defined waistline.  I also love that I've had it for so long and still reach for it! 

Thanks for visiting!

You're always so...bright



Cashmere cardigan:  J.Crew Collection, 2009
Kelsi silk ruffle top:  J.Crew, 2010
Linda floral pencil skirt:  Banana Republic, here
Nude Oscar pumps:  Jessica Simpson, here
Pink sparkle drop earrings:  Banana Republic, here

 I've heard urban legends of women who actually prefer black or low-key, neutral colors.  Women who actually eschew bright colors and patterns.  Could this be true? I can't imagine!  One of my customers said today "You always look so...bright."  I'm 98% sure he meant that as a compliment.  In any regard, he was completely accurrate!  You know by now I adore bright colors and patterns and I do not wear much black at all.  I truly believe that bright colors have a positive impact on my mood and overall being.  I was completely drawn to the bright, gorgeous colors of this skirt, and totally thought it looked like a J.Crew floral.  Love!  It's online but a much better deal in-store, if you can still find it.

I just noticed the mini bike behind me in the picture.  That's what I use to get to work.  Ha. With 3 boys under the age of 7 their toys are just a part of life's natual background.  Hope everyone had a great Friday!  Thanks for visiting!  

Artist's Rendering Dress

Artist's Rendering Dress by Odille:  Anthropologie, summer 2011
Merino Ethereal Ruffle Cardigan:  J.Crew, winter 2010
Bow pumps:  Circa Joan & David, similar in black here

I seriously love how creative Anthropologie is with the names of all the items it carries.  One of my customers made a very appropriate remark today about this dress:  "that dress looks like a painting!"  And it does!  Hence the name.  I love how unique this dress is, and I love all the pretty shades of green.  And the pockets of course!  I added a picture of how I threw a cardigan over it for most of the day for work.  Anthro and J.Crew, you get me every time.

On a much more somber note, I wanted to share that I had a reminder this week of how fragile life truly is.  I don't want to get into details but I will say this:   Take a moment to hug your family today, and give thanks for your health.   I will do the same!

Conspicuous shells dress

Conspicuous Shells dress by Sariah:  Anthropologie, spring 2012
Eunice cashmere cardigan by Charlie & Robin:  Anthropologie, winter 2012
Nude Oscar pumps:  Jessica Simpson

Is there a combination lovlier than lavendar and green?  Less predictable and possibly fresher than pink and green.  I last wore this little frock on Easter and tried to change it up today with different shoes and a little cardigan since the weather is still nice and cool in Cincinnati.  Love the pockets in the dress!

Did anyone score big at the huge Anthro sale today?  I was still disappointed in the prices and selection, but I know a lot of ladies were excited!  I did return this mysteriously gigantic skirt at Anthro and exchanged it for these shorts after you lovely ladies convinced me that it is still ok for me to wear shorter shorts without fear of looking like a cougar.  I'll be styling them this weekend for a party we are attending!  I have only been blogging for two months now, but I already love the support, encouragement, and kind words I have received!  Thank you so much!  Thanks for stopping by!

Sunshine peony pencil skirt



Merino cielo cardigan in autumn spice:  J.Crew, fall 2010
Yellow silk ruffle cami:  Ann Taylor, spring 2011
Sunshine peony pencil skirt, J.Crew, spring 2010
Pink pumps: Bandolino

Who knew pumpkin and lemon would pair so nicely together?  I loved how the colors in this outfit came together to create a springy, fresh look!  I also loved that I used pieces that have been in my closet for a while and created a new look with them!  The sunshine peony print was a favorite of mine from J.Crew, but I have always paired it with pink.  I used the yellows and oranges in the print to pull together a completely different ensemble.  This is what I need to do more of, and you know what?  I felt just as great in this as I do when I'm wearing something new!  Thanks for stopping by!

J.Crew dressing room reviews

It's a gorgeous day here in Cincinnati and I've been doing lots of errands for the upcoming week, but I wanted to pause to bring you another round of dressing room reviews from J.Crew!  Here they are.

Mystery dress/tunic, size 4

Ok, sorry to start off the reviews with a mystery dress that I cannot find anywhere on J.Crew's website.  I didn't get a picture of the tag so I am not even sure what the price was?  If anyone knows what this is called, please comment!  This is a size 4 and TTS.  It is that straight up and down tunic shape, which I don't love since it doesn't really define a waist.  But the colors are fantastic and looking at the picture, I like it more now than I did in the store.  It was pretty short on me.  Probably a pass for me but I think it will look great on more petite ladies. 

No. 2 pencil skirt in raj paisley
$138 here

I have seen this on several bloggers and thought the colors were beautiful so I wanted to try it for myself.  I love it- very high quality material, lined, and a flattering fit.  This is a size 4 and TTS I would say.  If you are looking for a bright new summer skirt, try this on!  I will put this on my wishlist.  See it also on Shopping with M.

No. 2 pencil skirt in carribean tweed
$128 here

While the colors of this skirt are beautiful, the fit seems a bit off.  This is a size 4 and perhaps sizing up to a 6 would solve the problem but I think it would probably be too big overall.  I also don't love the tiny pocket in front.  Kind of random.  Pass for me, but I do love the colors!  See it also on Musings on the Mountain.

Schoolboy blazer in linen, color cerise
$175 here
Mystery anchor skirt

Another mystery item.   I can't find this darling anchor mini skirt on J.Crew's website.  Anyone know it?  I thought this could be a perfect outfit for brunch or lunch.  I do not love linen by any means but I do love the schoolboy blazer and am still mad at myself for not buying the wool flannel version in maraschino cherry a few months back.  This blazer is a size 6 and TTS, as my normal blazer size is a 6 in J.Crew.  The mini is a 6 as well and I'd say it runs a bit on the small side, so if you are between sizes at J.Crew probably go with your larger size.   Clearly this is super short on me but I think with flats or Jack Rogers Navajos it could work.

Nautical stripe short in tangier orange
$65 here

I firmly believe there should be a statute of limitations on age as far as short shorts goes, and I'm well past that age.  I tried this on just for the reviews, as these shorties push me well out of my comfort zone.  These are a size 6 and TTS.  Very cute if you're 23.  Not so much if you're over 30, but hey that's just my opinion.
Pass for me but they are cute.

Emmaleigh dress in super 120s, royal violet
$188 here

Oddly it says on J.Crew's website that this lovely dress is catalogue/internet only, but my local J.Crew had this color in every size.  This is my perfect ideal work dress.  It is reading more blue in this picture, but IRL it is definitely violet.  I adore everything about this dress and fervently hope it goes on sale!  I am wearing a size 4 and it is TTS.  Beautiful fit, great structure...throw it on with a cardigan or blazer and you are all set for work.  I give it an A+!

Thanks for visiting!  I hope these reviews were helpful!  If you know the mystery tunic or anchor skirt details, please fill us in!

J.Crew ultra eyelet shell in chili

Ultra eyelet shell in chili:  J.Crew, here
Jeans:  Joe's Jeans
Resort chic wedge in metallic leopard:  Lilly Pulitzer, here
Belt:  J.Crew, old

How's everyone's weekend going?  Ours has been busy but fun with our parish festival.  I am so grateful that we have become good friends with some of the parents from our boys' school and our parish.  I think it gets more difficult as an adult, especially once you have kids, to make new friends!  So we're happy that we've become close to some of the other parents. 
I wore this to our festival this evening.  I know the thought of Catholic festivals brings up ideas of jorts and mullets, but at ours everyone actually makes an effort and looks nice!  Since it's still cool out I went with a top and jeans.  I belted this shell to give it a bit more structure and I liked it. I wish I would have noticed the belt was crooked for the only picture I could get my husband to snap, but you get the idea.  The hightlight of the evening was when I won not one, but two goldfish for my boys...mom was the hero for the night! 
Stop back tomorrow for some J.Crew dressing room reviews!

Leopard Tippi

Tippi sweater in leopard:  J.Crew, spring 2012
Victoria silk blouse:  J.Crew, similar current version here
Skirt:  Ann Taylor (old!)
Shoes:  Sam Edelman
Necklace:  Banana Republic

After being unseasonably warm all spring, with high's in the upper 80's, we kicked off June with a 60 degree day in Cincinnati!  It was a nice reason to finally be able to wear this Tippi sweater, which I've had for a couple months now but never wore because it was too warm.  I loved it with this skirt, which is actually super old...my oldest son is 7 and I remember I bought it when he was a baby, which makes it ancient by my closet's standards!  I've always loved the color though, and it reminds me of J.Crew's current bright dahlia color.  My blouse is several years old too...I still love the Victoria and Elizabeth camis and wish J.Crew would bring back better versions of these classics.  Anyway, I started this blog with the intention of wearing more of what I aleady have in my closet, so it was nice to mix some old pieces with this new Tippi sweater. 
How do you feel about leopard print for the workplace?  I know there is some debate.  For me, shape is almost more important than the print.  I'd never wear a flimsy, low cut blouse or mini in leopard print to work (umm, or ever for that matter), but I think this fitted little sweater is totally office-appropriate. I hope the solid color merino version goes on sale soon, as it's a great basic and they have some great colors right now.
Hope everyone has a great weekend, thanks for visiting!  Our church/school festival is this weekend, and like any good Catholics, we will be there much of the time, volunteering, gambling, and drinking beer.  Cheers!