2 Shoe Reviews: J.Crew Cece ballet flats and Banana Republic Willow Boots

Greetings friends, no OOTD today as I had the pleasure of taking care of a vomiting child all night and then working all day today....oh and did I mention my husband is out of town?  GOOD, good times folks.  So needless to say I'm not looking my finest today...but I did want to bring you two reviews of footwear I have purchased lately.  First up is the J.Crew's Cece ballet flat in tortoise:

Front view

Cece ballet flat in tortoise
$79.99 in-store
Not online, but solid colors here

You probably haven't seen me in a flat, other than Jack Rogers navajo sandals, since this blog began.  Well ladies I have decided that is going to change.  I fell head over heels with these tortoise flats at J.Crew, and I think the color and pattern is wonderful for autumn.  You know that old wives' tale that your feet grow after you go through pregnancy and have children?   Hate to tell you, it's true.  Before having children I was a solid size 8.5  After the first two boys I noticed a 9 felt much better.  After my third son came along, I now take a 9.5 in some shoes, especially flats.  Long gone are the 8.5 days.  So I did take these in a 9.5, and they seem very comfortable.  But I haven't actually worn them yet, so we will see.  But I LOVE the shape, design, leather and pattern of these.  I don't see them online, but they are on sale for 79.99 in-store, down from $138.00.   A bit pricey sure, but I think the cost per wear will be worth it.

Next we have a flat riding boot I purchased during last weekend's Friends and Family at Banana Republic, where you could get up to 5 regularly priced items for 50% off.  These boots were the only item I purchased, as they were $198 so I only paid $99...I think that's a great price for high quality leather boots.  Say what you will about their clothing, but I have always thought Banana Republic had great quality footwear. 

Willow Riding Boot in deep cognac
Banana Republic, $198 here 

I took a size 9 in these.  The color is a wonderful cognac, and I love the buckle detail.  Some reviews felt like the calf opening was too wide, but as someone with muscular running calves, I didn't find this to be a problem at all.  These are pull on with no zipper, which is how I prefer a riding boot.  I know I will get tons of use out of these in the fall, and I'm so happy I paid $99 for them. 

What are your thoughts on these shoes?  Do you own either pair?  Thanks for visiting!

Fresco Floral + Succulent Green

Peplum Top in fresco floral sateen:  J.Crew, spring 2012. 
Capri pants in that pattern here
No. 2 pencil skirt in double serge cotton, succulent green:  J.Crew, summer 2012 other colors here
Blue leather "Jill" sandals:  Calvin Klein

If being too matchy-matchy with this outfit is wrong, then I don't wanna be right!  I last wore this beautiful top here but I love it so much more this time around!  The green skirt and blue shoes really made this outfit pop.  I bought these Calvin Klein sandals at DSW at the very beginning of the summer and thought I would get a lot of use out of them.  Then they sat in my closet collecting dust.  No clue why.  They're a little bare for work...but folks we're getting down to the very last days of summer so I figured just once would be ok.  Pretty soon we'll be in boots, which is hard to believe! 

Are you trying to soak in the last few days of summer?  I always have a hard time saying goodbye to my favorite season!  Thanks for visiting!

Lila Frock + new Kate Spade bag

Lila Frock by Tabitha:  Anthropologie, fall 2011
Violet shoes by Miss Albright:  Anthropologie, summer 2011
Grand Street Melinda Bag in coral:  Kate Spade, summer 2012

The colors in this outfit are so perfect for late summer aren't they?  Verging on fall colors yet still reminiscent of warm weather...I've always loved this dress, and any and all of Anthropologie's dresses that are designed to look like a top/skirt combo.  That means less work in putting together an outfit for me.  Brilliant! 

Here is the new Kate Spade bag I ordered during last week's surprise flash sale, the Grand Street Melinda.  I love the shape, structure, and size of this bag.  The color is a bit brighter than I had anticipated, which I was a bit bummed about at first, since it is final sale.  The color online was called "coral" so I thought it would be a softer, pinker orange. Not so much.  It is BRIGHT orange, verging on neon.  (It's actually brighter IRL than it is showing in this picture.) The color is slowly growing on me though, and it was such a steal.  I carried it today and did receive several compliments.   But I really hate when you order something online and the color is not what you thought it would be, don't you?   Ah well, I still think it will be a great pop of color for fall's camels and browns.

Thanks for visiting!

Naomi + Circle Eyelet Skirt

Naomi top in turquoise pool: J.Crew, modern red here
No. 2 pencil skirt in circle eyelet, color fresh kiwi:  J.Crew, size 0 here but check in-store
Flower elastic:  J.Crew, summer 2010
Mary jane heels:  Sam Edelman
Belt:  Nordstrom

I had some time to kill the other day so I popped into J.Crew...never a smart move, as I am prone to impulse buying in there.   The good news is both of these items were on second markdown, so I was happy to scoop them up.  The Naomi top is now $39.99 in-store, and I really love this aqua color.  I've been loving this circle eyelet skirt all summer but thought the price was too high, but on second markdown it was $49.99, which I thought was reasonable.  The original price on the skirt was $128, and it's currently $89.99 on the website.  The Naomi top was originally $98, and is currently $49.99 online.  So definitely both items are a better deal in-store!

In the September issue of Lucky magazine, I picked up an interesting tidbit of fashion advice that I hadn't heard before. The magazine suggested pairing pastels with neons in the same color family, and the moment I tried on this top and blouse in J.Crew I understood what great advice that was!  I never would have thought to pair these two together, and was really only trying them on at the same time without intending to pair them together in real life.  But I love them together... they remind me of a refreshing sorbet combination. 

One word on fit:  I take a 6 in the Naomi top so the buttons won't gape down the chest.  But if you have a small chest, I would recommend sizing down as it is a bit baggy everywhere else.  I've heard other ladies say they had to size up in this skirt, so I went with the 6.  But on me, as you can see, I have plenty of room, I may have been able to size down to a 4.  It's definitely an item you want to try on before deciding on the size.  But for me, this skirt did not run small.  Online, only size 0 is left, but at least in my store there were a least a dozen left so be sure to check your local J.Crew for your size. Hope that helps! 

Hot pink Lucille + Green bubble necklace

Lucille dress in hot pink:  J.Crew, limited sizes and colors here
Bubble necklace in kelly green (and earrings):  J.Crew, here
Pumps:  Seychelles

This outfit was actually from last week and I never had the chance to post it.  That came in handy today, as I didn't have time for an outfit photo but Lord forbid I don't have an OOTD to share everyday! :) 

This was an easy, breezy outfit, but a hot pink dress does receive quite a bit of attention and comments.    On the day I wore it, one of my customers quite loudly voiced his opinion that my dress was "too bright" and he didn't think my shoes matched.  Oooooookay.  Did I let it ruin my day?  Only for a minute or two while I texted all my friends and complained about his nerve.  Then I shook the bad vibe from my brightly-clad self and moved on with my day.  I understand that I dress more colorfully than most women in my conservative city.  But it is a very rare occassion that I receive a negative comment about an outfit.  I do admit my feelings were a bit hurt...especially since I felt fab in this outfit! :)

How do you handle less-than-kind comments? 

Finely Feathered Tank

Finely Feathered t by Maeve:  Anthropologie, here
Black stretch pencil skirt:  Ann Taylor, summer 2011
Peeptoe slingback:  Anne Klein

Every so often Anthropologie has an item that I MUST have.  I've been waiting for this darling top to go on sale, and when it did this week, I snatched it.  My store didn't have my size so the nice SA ordered it for me.  Lately ordering items from Anthropologie has been very wonky...some items get cancelled, you never know if you will receive what you ordered.  I was so relieved when this top showed up on my doorstep in 48 hours.  Plus, a secret many ladies don't know:  If you have an item ordered for you in-store, you don't pay for shipping.  How awesome is that?  Thanks Anthro!  I adore the colors and the whimsical print of this top.  I topped it with a J.Crew merino ruffle cardigan for work: 

All in all, a work appropriate, yet still creative outfit.  How I wish J.Crew would bring these ruffled merino cardigans back!  They're basic but with a little extra feminine detail. 

Hope your week is going great!  We started the school year today.  I can't believe I have a second grader and a kindergartener!  Where has the time gone?

A wrap dress is a girl's best friend

Silk jersey wrap dress:  Lilly Pulitzer 2008
Snakeskin peeptoe slingbacks:  Calvin Klein

I've said it before and I'll say it again:  Wrap dresses are a girl's best friend.  They play up your curves and somehow de-emphasize your tummy at the same time.  It's like magic!  They're work appropriate but can also be taken out on the town.  What's not to love?  I especially love the wrap dresses by Lilly Pulitzer, as the silk jersey material is so nice and the dresses are well-constructed.  Retailers, if you are reading (haha) introduce some more wrap dresses to your collections!

Do you like wrap dresses?

(Note:  I've added a few cardigans to Shop Colorful Corporate if you want to take a look at my items.  I store all of my sweaters in individual plastic bags in a cedar chest so there is no pilling or wear! Thanks for checking out my items for sale!)

Gull Wing Dress + Field Day Cardigan

Field Game cardigan by Charlotte:  Anthropologie, spring 2010
Gull Wing dress by Girls from Savoy:  Anthropologie, winter 2012
Belt:  Anthropologie, 2011
Nude peep toes:  Via Spiga

I admit, this is not my typical structured look for work.  I guess the end of summer has me feeling more melancholy and whimsical, a la Anthropologie, than classic J.Crew.  That being said, I didn't feel quite like "myself" in this outfit today, and I kept fussing with the ruffled neckline of the dress as well as the belt, which I took off pretty quickly.  I get really irritated when I have an outfit on that requires a lot of fidgeting, do you? 

Ahhh, all the online summer sales this week are KILLING me right now!  I'm trying to be good but of course  I had to place a few orders.  Don't forget to take a look at the amazing deals being offered right now by these websites:

• Kate Spade
• Lilly Pulitzer
• J.Crew
• Jack Rogers

My sweet, lovely mother actually ordered me a Kate Spade purse I had been coveting for a while, at a wonderful deal of $149, marked down from $398!  I'm now awaiting the Grand Street Melinda in coral to arrive:

I am so excited!  What a great pop of color that will be for my fall wardrobe.  Thanks Mom!  Keep in mind that a lot of these online sales are only open today and tomorrow, including Kate Spade and Lilly Pulitzer.  So if you're going to place an order, you better hurry!

Do you have your heart set on any sale items? 

Naomi top in neon pink + majestic medallion skirt

Cardigan:  Banana Republic, spring 2011
Majestic medallions skirt by Corey Lynn Calter:  Anthropologie, summer 2011
Naomi top in neon pink:  J.Crew, other colors here
Pumps:  Seychelles
Earrings:  Banana Republic

It's Monday girls, and there's nothing I can do about that except wear a rainbow hued skirt to brighten the day.  I haven't worn this skirt all summer...why?  It's so lovely.  I'm happy I pulled it out to eliminate any possiblity of a case of the Mondays today. 

Here it is without the cardi...still totally work appropriate.  I know many ladies were blase about this Naomi top but it's on sale for a great price right now and a nice addition to a work wardrobe...if you are wondering about sizing, I am between a 4 and 6 in J.Crew and I went with a 6 in this.  There are a few buttons down the front and I didn't want it to pull and gape across the chest.  I'm glad I went with the 6, but if you have a small bust you may be ok with sizing down. 

Thanks for stopping by, happy Monday! 

Natasha in wildcat + Telegraph skirt in super 120s

Natasha top in wildcat:  J.Crew, Fall 2011
Telegraph skirt in super 120's, color royal violet:  J.Crew, petite sizes still left here, full price versions here
Bow pumps:  Mojo Moxi, DSW
Gold leather belt:  Banana Republic

I'm a little behind on work OOTD postings, as I had posted the J.Crew reviews and the girls' night this week.  I wanted to be sure to show you this Telegraph skirt, as I have not seen any reviews of on other blogs and I think it's really great for work.  At first the longer length threw me off, it's probably about the same length as my long No 2 pencil skirt...but it felt really long to me and perhaps a bit dowdy when I first tried it on.  But when I paired it with heels, a belt and a nice top, it totally transformed the skirt and now I love it!  The saturated color and material are wonderful.  It's a soft, smooth medium weight wool, lighter than the double-serge wool.  I think it will work well into the fall.  Plus this longer length felt very appropriate and chic for work.

Keep in mind that I am 5'10" and this skirt comes just below my knee cap.  It does come in a petite version though, which is great news for shorter ladies.  As far as sizing goes, I am wearing a 6 but I do have plenty of room to spare...I may have been able to size down to a 4 but I didn't want to risk it. 

What do you think of the telegraph skirt? 

Thanks for visiting, hope you are having a great weekend!

Girls' Night Out featuring neon rose denim & Lilly Pulitzer

Roe top in navy out there:  Lilly Pulitzer, summer 2011
Garment-dyed ankle-zip toothpick jean in neon rose:  J.Crew, here
Navajo mid-wedges in platinum:  Jack Rogers
Earrings:  Banana Republic

I was invited to a back to school party for moms this week, and this is what I wore.  It's so true that women dress for other women, isn't it?  The last time I wore these jeans for the blog, I also wore a Lilly top, take a look here.  I've also worn these jeans a few other times casually this summer, and I must say I have really enjoyed them.  Why did it take me so long to jump on the colored jeans bandwagon again?  I had every color back in the early 90's, I wonder if that will be the case again today?  History does repeat itself...

I can't believe summer is almost over and this is the only time I have worn this great Lilly top.  The moment I put it on for the party I remembered how much I love it.   But the great thing about Lilly items is they are timeless...I keep my pieces for years to come.

Tell me, what do you wear for a girls' night out?

J.Crew fall fitting room reviews!

I decided to pop into J.Crew to try on some of the new fall items.  Who knew I'd fall in love with such a bizarre critter on a sweater?  Let's explore my reviews:

French Hen sweater in tan/acorn blue, $95 here
 Size small.
No. 2 pencil skirt in double serge wool, color berry pink.  Size 4. $130 here

The Little Red Hen is one of my boys' favorite Golden Books.  The litte blue hen/tan sweater is one of my favorite fall items!  My favorite SA told me these kitschy little sweaters are flying off the shelves.  I am very surprised how much I loved this.  I loved the camel tan color of the sweater, the weight of the wool, and the colors of the cute little critter.  It felt good on, but I don't get itchy from wool.  It is definitely on my wishlist, although I doubt it will make it to sale! 

Either J.Crew sizing is getting smaller or my butt is getting bigger, because this size 4 skirt, while fine looking in this picture, was booty-licious IRL.  I would most definitely size up to a 6.  I'm always between a 4 and 6 in J.Crew skirts, so I'll reserve panic for now.  This is my favorite fall color of the double-serge pencil skirts.  It's exactly what the description says, berry pink, and it is lovely!

Scoopneck silk top in zebra, $128 here
Size 4
Around $130, not online yet

This top was a nice material and a nice print.  The size 4 was TTS.  I am good on my animal prints, but if your wardobe is lacking in the animal print category, this may be a good addition.

Director Dress in Super 120s bistretch wool
Charcoal pinstripe
On sale online for 149.99 here
Size 4

I dress very colorfully 90% of the time, but I can certainly appreciate a classic, dark fitted dress that is timeless.  Some ladies dislike the low v-neck of this dress and I can definitely see their point.  It didn't look too scandalous on me though, and the size 4 fit like a glove.  I will definitely consider this at extra 30% off time!

Allie dress in festival blue
$178 here
Size 6

I'm not sure why this dress appears so much longer in the picture online than it does on me IRL, because I doubt the model is shorter than I am.  Online it looks about the length of the cotton-silk faille Lucille dress, which, while a bit on the short side, is fine on me for work.  This dress, on the other hand, is scandalously short for work.  I don't really love the length for evening either.  WOW this is short.  If you are over 5'5" this will be too short for you.  Also, the bodice runs really small.  While I have room in my size 6 Lucille dresses, this size 6 just fit.  So definitely go with your bigger J.Crew size.  This is a definite pass for me.  J.Crew, what's up with the mini length on this?

Jules dress in wool
$198 here
Color: Retro Jade, size 2

Holy indecent exposure!  That's what I am saying in this picture.  Ahhh, I crack myself up.  Seriously though, this is not a dress, it's a long top!  Definitely made to be worn with leggings, which I am not a fan of...so a definite pass for me.  It runs super big...this is a size 2.  I am a size 2 maybe 5% of the time.  But it looked really wide across the hips and waist, so I went for the 2, and sure enough, it fit.  But if I were to sit down in this dress, I'd definitely have a wardrobe malfunction.  The color and material are gorgeous though, so if you are really petite this dress may work for you!

Tweed pencil skirt
Not online yet, $158
Size 6

Tweed skirts can go wrong.  They can add bulk and width where you don't want it.  But this skirt didn't seem to do that.  I love the colors for fall, and the heavy material.   This 6 felt perfect, so I think again it may run slightly small.  One thing I'd be concerned about is the material pulling, as that's always a challenge with tweed.  But it's a nice fall/winter skirt for work!

Toothpick cord in brilliant coral
$98 here
Size 28

Hmmmm....I can't decide if I love these cords or if the shape seems mom-jeanish to me with its tapered leg.  What do you think?  The fit was TTS, as I am usuallly a 28 in jeans and cords.  Take note of the length:  These are regular length, but they were good on me.  I hate when they're so long they bunch around the ankles.  So if the regular length is good on my 34 inch inseams, they may be long for shorter girls.  I'd consider them at sale time, if I get past my mom-jeans fear.

I hope my reviews have been helpful to you! 

Ribboned rocket cardi + silk bow cami

Ribboned Rocket cardigan by Field of Flowers:  Anthropologie, winter 2012
Silk bow cami in brilliant purple:  still a few left!  J.Crew, here
No. 2 pencil skirt in succulent green:  J.Crew, other colors here
Nude mary janes:  Sam Edelman
Bracelet:  Banana Republic

I bought this cardigan on second markdown back in the spring and just took the tags off of it today!  I've had this outfit in mind for a while but waited for a day that wasn't in the 90's to wear it.  I loved the colors and how it turned out!  Totally office appropriate but still really fun.  Here's a close-up of the blouse and cardi:

Gorgeous together.  I can't believe I never realized that this silk bow cami came in green too!  I never saw that color in the store.  If it ever pops back online I willl definitely grab it, I have loved these camis all summer!

Hope everyone's having a great week!  School starts for us a week from tomorrow...I am so not ready!

Schoolboy blazer + flowers

Schoolboy blazer in heather coral:  J.Crew, fall 2009
Floral pencil skirt:  Banana Republic, summer 2012
Cream silk ruffle shell:  J.Crew, winter 2010
Pumps:  Seychelles

I'm so glad these schoolboy blazers from J.Crew continue to be in style season after season.  I realized today how much I have missed wearing blazers due to the extreme heat we've had all summer.  They make me feel instantly pulled together and presentable for work, and I also love them with jeans. 

The last time I wore this skirt I also paired it with coral.  It just seems like the best choice and I love coral.  But next time I am going to challenge myself to think outside of the box, perhaps with yellow and green.

So I'm learning that there are mean girls in the blog-o-sphere.  Now I have yet to received a mean comment on my blog, and while I am so thankful for that, I'm sure it's only a matter of time.  Allowing anonymous comments opens yourself up to nastiness, and I've seen many mean comments on other blogs.  It disappoints me how judgemental and mean spirited women can be towards other women's blogs. If anyone wants my two cents, I think if you're brave enough to open yourself to the cold, hard world through blogging, the least we as readers can do is be kind.  Or at the very least, as my mother taught me, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it anything at all.  Pretty simple right? 

I've been so fortunate to have the kindest, most supportive comments on my blog.  It really makes my day everytime I read one of your comments, and if I don't always respond, I want you to know I am grateful you have chosen to read my blog.  For those of you who have taken the time to post a kind word, thank you.  It means more to me than you could ever know! 

On a lighter note, look which little critter I rescued from the J.Crew sale bin!

Enameled giraffe bangle, here

Isn't he cute?  There was only one of him in there, marked to $49.99.  (The price is higher online, arrrrgh!) I had a $25 gift card to use though, so I only paid $25 of my own money...well worth it to me.  I've wanted a critter bracelet for a long time, and I think this caramel brown and white color scheme will work well into fall.  Plus, the giraffes are my favorite animals at the zoo....something about their height appeals to a tall girl like me.  Thanks for visiting! 

Gondola + Seahorse + white denim

Gondola striped top:  J.Crew
White jeans:  Banana Republic, summer 2011
Double-strand seahorse necklace, J.Crew here
Navajo mid-wedge sandals in platinum:  Jack Rogers

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!  I had a lot of chores and errands to do but finally had the chance to get cleaned up for dinner with the family.  I can't believe summer and white jeans season is almost over and I have not gotten to wear my white jeans at all due to the heat!   It's finally a cooler weekend so I was happy to be able to pull them out.  The gondola top pairs so perfectly with white denim. 

What do you like to wear with your white denim?  Do you wear yours into the fall?  I know the "no white after Labor Day" rule is kind of outdated but I still seem to abide by it, I just feel weird wearing white jeans or dresses in the fall. 

Thanks for visiting!

Natasha + Royal Paisley + Bubble Necklace

Natasha blouse in gallery green:  J.Crew, winter 2012
No. 2 pencil skirt in royal paisley:  J.Crew, fall 2011
Bubble necklace in kelly green:  J.Crew, here
Bubble earrings in kelly green:  J.Crew, here
Mary jane heels:  Sam Edelman

This could quite possibly be my favorite of all my J.Crew pencil skirts.  That may surprise you, as the print and the colors are not as striking as some of the others.  However, this particular pencil skirt has the magical capabilities of completely camoflaging any and all tummy pooch, despite the fact that I am wearing a 4 rather than my usual 6.  Even from the dreaded side angle, I look flat as a board from the waist down.  And that, my friends, deserves the award of World's Best Pencil Skirt.

I know this necklace probably shows up better against contasting colors, but for some reason I am addicted to pairing it with green tops.  And if you are debating on the bubble earrings, alone or to go with your bubble necklace, Just Do It.  I am SO happy I did!

Hope everyone has a great weekend planned!  We have plenty of R & R planned, with several happy hours to attend...on our front wrap-around porch.  Cheers!

Ganzania blouse + No. 2 in neon pink

Ganzania Blouse by Portrait of a Girl:  Anthropologie, here
No. 2 pencil skirt in neon pink:  J.Crew, here
Light blue patent leather peeptoes:  Enzo Angiolini
Bracelet:  Banana Republic

Hmmm, this blouse is much more flattering IRL than it shows in the picture.  Maybe it's the angle I am standing?  I don't know, but I do love this blouse because it's so unique and interesting.  If you're considering it and are between sizes at Anthro, go for your larger size...the shoulders in this blouse are narrow and the armholes small.  This is a size 6.

You may remember I had an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction the last time I wore this pink pencil skirt.  I'm happy to report the tailor at J.Crew sewed it back together as good, or even better, than new.  I'll never forget that loud rip as I went to sit in my car though! 

I ran into Target today to buy my boys new socks and boxers for the school year and of course I end up spending $50 on Lord knows what.  How does Target do that to everyone?  It's like a magical spell comes over me when I walk through the doors and suddenly what's in my wallet is play money that can only be spent at Target. Does anyone else experience this phenomenon?  

Ultra eyelet in chili + raj paisley

Ultra eyelet shell in chili:  J.Crew, summer 2012
No. 2 pencil skirt in raj paisley:  J.Crew, summer 2012
Nude oscar pumps:  Jessica Simpson
Flower belt:  Nordstrom

This outfit is of the random, thrown-together-last minute variety.  I quite like how it turned out though, for being so unplanned.  I last wore this top casually back in early June, here, and for some reason have been neglecting it since then.  When I decided I would roast the outfit I had originally chosen for today, I decided to give the ultra eyelet shell a go with the raj paisley skirt.  I know this top was not up everyone's alley, some people did not like the neckline...but eyelet holds a special place in my preppy heart so I loved it. 

I really like the deep side part, slicked back low ponytail with a headband for lazy hair days.  It also works for unwashed hair days.  Which happens a lot in my busy world.  But let's just keep that part between us, shall we?

Raindrop lace + garden floral + bubble necklace

 Raindrop lace top in pink:  J.Crew, summer 2012
No. 2 pencil skirt in garden flora:  J.Crew, dress version here
Bubble necklace in kelly green:  J.Crew, here
Burgundy pumps:  Seychelles

There was no hiding in this bright outfit, nor did I want to!  Why didn't I think to pair this top and skirt together before?  It was love.  And the green bubble necklace was the icing on my Tuesday cake. 

Is everyone having a good week?  I must say mine is going well...I hope yours is too!   Thanks for checking out my little blog!

Chambray + sunshine peony + seahorse

Linen-cotton chambray shirt in fresh apricot:  Banana Republic, here
Sunshine peony pencil skirt:  J.Crew, summer 2010
Double-strand seahorse necklace in vibrant flame:  here
Nude peep toe pumps:  Via Spiga

After I declared this outfit my favorite work outfit of the summer, today I tried to replicate the look with a different color scheme, since I had purchased the chambray shirts in two different colors from Banana Republic at a great price.  While I don't love today's ensemble as much as the first go-around, I still really liked how it turned out.  This seahorse necklace has been quite the player in my summer wardrobe, and I love how kitschy and fun it is without being tacky. 

This summer has just been a scorcher in Cincinnati, so I haven't been able to wear my chambray shirts as much as I'd like.  Today's humidity level was lower so I decided to wear this apricot one for the first time today with an old favorite, the sunshine peony pencil skirt.  I thought all the colors looked fantastic together!  Color is such a beautiful thing, isn't it? 

Many thanks to Roxy for always putting together a wonderful, comprehensive list of Anthropologie's sale items.  If you didn't already know, Anthro did its markdowns today rather than the usual Tuesday, and it's a huge load!  Check it out!

Thanks so much for visiting!

No OOTD but a shot from the Great American Ball Park

Hi everyone!  No outfit post today...I was rushing around as usual and did not get an OOTD shot before the Red's game last night but you're not missing much,   It was too hot and sticky for anything other than a Lilly Pulitzer halter and shorts.  Yes I stuck out like a sore thumb amongst all of the Reds gear, but I refuse to be caught dead in any kind of sports jersey.  Anyway, I had to share this picture of me and my middle son.  We were in the nose bleed section of the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati as you can see!  I love how hard he is trying to give a good smile...my boys kill me every time.  I love being a mom.  Back to regularly scheduled OOTD's tomorrow! Thanks for visiting! xoxo

Ella + Azalea

Ella dress in petal eyelet, succulent green:  J.Crew, white & lavendar here
Marci patent wedges in tangier orange:  J.Crew, here
Azalea necklace in vibrant flame:  J.Crew, sold out but some on eBay

Saturday morning, the kids are still sleeping, husband watching ESPN...I'm enjoying a cup of coffee and blogging.  Ahhhh so peaceful.  Wore this outfit last night for a friend's birthday celebration, and I was shocked at how much I adored the orange necklace and wedges with the green dress!  Honestly I think the best thing that fashion blogs have taught me is how great unexpected color combinations can be.  Ladies, if you are in need of any more summer dresses, snatch this one from J.Crew right now!  It's marked way down from $158 to to $49.99 and with the promo code SHOPNOW you will get an extra 30% off.  What a steal!  The succulent green is gone but I am sure the white is lovely and the lavendar would look great on certain skin tones.  The dress stayed put all night so I wasn't constantly yanking it up like some strapless dresses, and it's just so summery.  As far as fit goes, it is TTS.  This is a size 6 which is my usual strapless dress size.

I honestly felt like I was committing highway robbery when I bought these wedges.  They were marked to just $39.99 at my local J.Crew, and while the stores were still doing the 40% off sale, I snagged these $198 shoes for a mere $24.99.  Can you even believe it?  They are very comfortable and I love that they are not ridiculously high and stripper-y like so many wedges.  My whole outfit is comprised of J.Crew bargains!  Well except for the necklace...that wasn't too great of a deal at $80 but I am SO happy with it, it really completes an outfit.  Here's a close-up of the necklace, if it ever pops back grab it! 

We are headed down to see the #1 baseball team in the nation...the Cincinnati Reds....play today.  There are 11 family members going, so it should be a good time!  I'll try to take some pictures!  I'm not a sports girl but I am proud of  my hometown Reds!

Ladderlace Tank + Marrakech purple

Ladderlace Tank:  Anthropologie, here
No. 2 pencil skirt in marrakech purple:  J.Crew, here
Password pumps:  Seychelles
Bracelet:  Banana Republic

Happy Friday everyone!  I had a cardigan over this ensemble for work but I wanted to show you how lovely this tank is on its own, as it is still available in some sizes online for a great price!  It looks adorable alone or under a cardigan or blazer, and I love the colors and silk material.  Check it out!  The online picture doesn't show it, but it does come with a thin tie belt, as you can see in my picture. 

These cotton No. 2 pencil skirts have been such staples in my summer work wardrobe, but as you can see they can wrinkle quite a bit.  That doesn't really bother me too much, as cotton is just a more wrinkly fabric.  But it might bother some ladies, so heads up if you are ordering during J.Crew's extra 30% off sale. (SHOPNOW for extra 30% off sale.)

We're heading out tonight with a few friends to celebrate a birthday, so I'll post outfit pictures this weekend.  Hope you have a fantastic weekend too! 

August Sale!

In case you didn't know, J.Crew is offering extra 30% off sale, with the code SHOPNOW.  This isn't advertisted on the website yet, which is so odd, so thanks to Gigi for mentioning it!  Also, if you don't see anything you like at J.Crew, visit my consignment shop, www.shopcolorfulcorporate.blogspot.com or click on the icon on the righthand side of the screen.  I'm taking $5.00 off every item in celebration of the last month of summer!

Thanks for visiting!

Bubble necklace + Lucille in green

Lucille dress in cotton-silke faille, succulent green, J.Crew, pink and black here
Bubble necklace in kelly green:  J.Crew, here
Bubble earrings in kelly green: J.Crew, here
Exclamation pumps:  Seychelle, here

Hello from the wonderful world of green!  Ha.  I finally saved up for a while, took the plunge, and bought the ubiquitous bubble necklace from J.Crew.  Once it came in kelly green, my favorite color, I knew there was no more holding back.  The price was still tough for me to take, so please tell me this isn't just a passing trend and I will wear it for years to come?  The day after I ordered it, my $25 J.Crew reward card arrived in the mail, so I went ahead and bought the matching earrings.  I figured if I'm going crazy I might as well go all the way to insanity. 

I changed into a plain white T after work to show you a better shot of the actual necklace, for those of you who aren't close to a J.Crew store and want to see the color IRL:

The color is a true kelly green, which to me is the perfect all-season color.  I LOVE the turquoise, pink, and yellow ones, but those scream summer to me, and the red one from last winter seems a bit winter-y.  But kelly green...ahhh you had me at hello.

The earrings are nice, but honestly I think $45 is too high.  Since I had my $25 card that brought them down to only $20 which I thought was reasonable. They seem like nice quality though, and I am sure I will wear them a lot on their own too.

All in all, I am thrilled with my purchases and I am sure you will be seeing a lot of my new necklace and earrings!  Thanks for visiting!