Schoolboy blazer in blackwatch plaid

Schoolboy blazer in blackwatch plaid:  J.Crew, 2011- Factory version here
Natasha top in green:  J.Crew, winter 2012- Factory version here
Hutton trouser insuper 120s:  J.Crew, here

Hello and Happy Halloween everyone!  Are you tired of my blazer/pants combos yet?  Sorry for the monotony of my corporate outfits this week... the truth is I really need to replenish my tights stockpile so I can get back to wearing my skirts!  I have been pretty comfortable this week in pants and blazers though. 

Who else is crazy for blackwatch plaid?  I simply adore it for fall and winter.  I had to hunt high and low for this blazer last year, as it sold out quickly online.  I'm happy to see it being offered at J.Crew Factory this year, along with a skirt.  (Although of course I wish the skirt was a few inches longer!)

Is it freezing where you are for Halloween?  I have a feeling my little guys won't last long out there in the cold, rainy night...good thing my husband is the one who takes them out, while I lounge at home handing out candy and perhaps drinking a glass of pinot noir.  It's tough job, but someone has to do it.

Thanks for visiting!

Gingham + Hacking jacket

Hacking jacket in turquoise:  J.Crew, 2011, this year's version here
Gingham boy shirt:  J.Crew, fall 2012
Camel martin fit pants:  Banana Republic, 2011
Loafers:  Via Spiga

For anyone reading on the east coast, I hope you are safe, dry and warm!  Thinking of everyone who was in the path of Sandy!

Sorry for the slighty blurry shot here!  Another cold and rainy day called for another blazer and pants combo.  The weather may have been dreary and gloomy, but I cheered up everytime I glanced down at this lovely turquoise color.  Someone told me I was all wrapped up in Tiffany blue today and I had never thought of that, but this does look just like the color of the little blue box!  Which made me love it even more.  This may be my favorite J.Crew blazer, which says a lot as I am a blazer collector!  The fit, material, and color are to die for.  Does anyone have an opinion about the Hacking jackets from this year?  Is the quality as nice as last year?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!
 I bought this gingham shirt for something like $17.49 the other week when J.Crew was running the extra 30% off promo in-store.  Don't you love a good deal like that?

Ok, now let's talk about a pants problem I constantly deal with.  These pants really aren't too long on me...they just tend to stretch out and get baggy.  It's so annoying.  I deal with that a lot with J.Crew's wool cafe capris too.  Would ordering a size down help with that?  I hate when pants are too tight...I'd rather wear them a little big.  But I hate the baggy butt look too!  Any suggestions for me??

Thanks for visiting!

J.Crew's wool herringbone schoolboy blazer

Wool herringbone choolboy blazer in watercolor blue:  J.Crew, here
Gray polka dot silk shell:  J.Crew, 2008
Black tropical wool pants:  The Limited Luxe line:  2010
Heels:  Mojo Moxy, DSW

Wow this weather is crazy!  We went from 75 and sunny in Cincinnati to mid 40's and rainy in the blink of an eye.  Sending prayers to all of you on the east coast and in the eye of Hurricane Sandy, stay safe!

It was a perfect Monday for a cozy blazer and pants.  I am loving the color and material of this wool herringbone blazer...it's still available, and the pink is now on sale too. If you're considering either color, I say go for it!  (Especially if you are a cardholder and received the email with a 25% off promo code and free shipping...yay!) I'm wearing a 6 Tall in the blazer and I am 5'10"...so if you are on the tall side I definitely recommend ordering the tall version.  The regular schoolboy blazers seem way shorter this year than in years past. 

I think 2010 was about the last year that the Limited still offered pants in decent material.  These are wool and fully lined...and I don't think any of their pants are wool OR lined anymore.  This is the main reason why I stopped shopping at the Limited and other mid-level retailers...all of the material is now synthetic and the quality has dropped dramatically.  Does anyone else see this?  I remember buying silk blouses in the Limited years ago, now they are ALL polyester.  No can do, folks.  I'm willing to pay more for silk, wool, cotton and cashmere and just have fewer items in my closet.  That is my main shopping philosophy.  What about you? 

Thanks for visiting!

Colorful Halloween

We went to a Halloween party last night and had such a fun time.  I love seeing everyone's costumes and how creative people get!  People were dressed as everything from Honey Boo Boo to Tan Mom...hilarious!  Since I love color, as you know, I went as a Geisha girl and wore a true vintage Asian gown that belonged to my grandmother...she was enchanted by all things Asian.  My husband went as Elvis...he really is the perfect Elvis...and he won the trophy for best costume.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy our photos, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

I am a runner.

Bare faced and ready to run.
OK fine, I do have a little mascara and lipgloss on.

I am a runner.  True, I am also a wife, mother, daughter, friend...the list of my titles is long.  But in my mind, runner is near the top of that list.  It doesn't mean that I'm fast, or that I'm an expert.  What it does mean is running has been such an emotional outlet for me for so many years, in my mind I will always carry that title.  Runner.  I've run in many areas of the country and world.  From Central Park in New York to Balboa Park in San Diego, from the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to the beaches of Riviera Maya, Mexico...I've run everywhere I've traveled.  I hope my body can still run when I'm 80...

I started running regularly during my sophomore year in college, when I came to the realization that the freshman 15 was not an urban legend but a reality that had occured in my life.  At first all I could handle was 20 minutes.  But I built my endurance up, and up some more, and eventually I was running everyday, in every kind of weather.  I was known for my ugly green leggings and head wrap I would wear to brave the cold winter days in Columbus, Ohio.  My husband, whom I had not yet formally met at the time, tells me he and his buddies would know exactly what time I'd pass by their fraternity house during my runs.  The running helped me lose that freshman 15.  More importantly, I loved how running helped me clear my mind and gave me time to work through whatever challenges I was facing.  Important project stressing me out?  Running always brought things back in perspective.  Challenging final coming up?  A run after studying would always lower my stress level.

My running continued after my college days ended.  I ran through the pain of moving away from my family and friends, to new cities as I pursued my television career.  I ran through the anxiety of watching my mom battle cancer, and I ran through the stress of working in a governor's office.  I even ran through three pregnancies, albiet not as long or as hard as usual.   Over the past 15 years or so, I trained many long hours for marathons and half marathons in several different cities.  I cried at the finish line each time, overcome with the emotion that came with completing 13.1 or 26.2 miles on my own two legs.

At this point in my life, with the daily juggle of a different career and family, my running does not receive the attention it once did, but I try to go for long runs whenever possible.  I do hit the gym daily, but to me, a gym workout just isn't the same as the exhiliration of running outside, where I can feel the wind in my face and smell the autumn leaves or spring blooms.  I can't dedicate the time to running that I once did, but that's ok.  My little boys need me more than my running shoes do.  I know that someday, when my boys are grown and don't care so much about having their mom around all the time, I can be back on my marathon schedule. 

I'm thankful that running has shaped my life in its own unique way.  It has shown me what I am capable of, and it has given me a certain strength that I would have missed out on otherwise.  Just think, had I not gained that freshman 15 all those years ago, I may have missed out on one of my favorite titles in my life:  Runner.

Couldn't resissssssssssssst

Tipped hacking jacket in spicy gold:  J.Crew, fall 2011
Tippi sweater in retro jade:  J.Crew, here
No. 2 pencil skirt in snakeskin print:  J.Crew, fall 2012 (check in-store!)
Heel: Mojo Moxy, DSW

I've been dying to write the title of this post all day. Get it?  Sssssssssssssssssss for the sssssnakeskin print skirt!  I know, I know....I'm clever.  I was not a fan of this skirt when it first came out.  Snakeskin?  Please.  Maybe on my shoes, but no so much my skirts.  And the $158 pricetag was ridiculous to me.  But then the power of the J.Crew sale section got me again.  The skirt was marked to $99.99, and to me that was still a "no thanks," even with an addtional 25% off.  But then it got marked to $49.99 and an additional 30% off... and of course at that point I thought I'd try it on.  I liked it so much more than I expected!  I agree, it is really reptilian looking...(Some lovely ladies were a little creeped out by the print) but I like how it's such a neutral print, it works with any color on top.  So if you're looking for a good bargain, see if your local J.Crew still has any on the sale rack!  It's sold out online.

This week has officially kicked my butt and I'm really glad it's Friday.  I'm even happier that we have no plans tonight and I will be in my sweats and slippers very soon.  Tomorrow we have an adult Halloween party so I'll definitely post pictures!  Hope you have a great weekend!

Which style era do you love?

Man Men Collection Begonia Print dress:  Banana Republic, fall 2011
Belt: Banana Republic
Cap toe heels:  Tahari

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era.  I love the feminine styles from the 1950's and 60's so much, perhaps I would have been better suited for those years.  Then again, I wouldn't have had Crest white strips, microdermabrasion or an iPad if I would have been around during those years, so maybe not.  I'm always drawn to the Man Men collection pieces at  Banana Republic. I love how they suggest an era gone by, but still have a modern flair.  Does anyone know if a Man Men line will be out this fall or winter?  I hope so.  This dress was a part of last year's collection and it gets a lot of love from people every time I wear it. Something about the bright red flowers and hourglass shape wins people over. 

What style era are you in love with?  Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Allie dress in aqua floral + Lexington blazer

Allie dress in aqua floral:  J.Crew, summer 2012
Lexington blazer in citrus:  J.Crew, 2007
Pumps:  Seychelles
Necklace:  Anthropologie, fall 2012

First and foremost I want to apologize for my makeup free face.  Eep!  Anyway, how's everyone's week going?  We're enjoying a beautiful Indian Summer week here in the midwest, so I am taking full advantage of the warm weather by wearing some of my dresses again.  The Allie dress in aqua floral was a J.Crew collection piece that started out at $250 this summer and then got marked down again, and again, and then I finally could resist no more and I snagged it when it was $69.99 + an additional 30% off.  The print is just gorgeous, but I knew from this helpful post from The Judicious Shopaholic that it was going to be too short.  But I stole the brilliant idea from this helpful blogger to take it to a tailor and have the hem let down as low as it could go.  That gave me about 2 inches, which made a pretty big difference.  As you can see, it is still well above my knees, but I didn't feel scandalous in it.  NOTE to J.Crew:  Please stop making your dresses too short! 

My Lexington blazer in citrus has long been a favorite of mine, and it paired nicely with the dress for work.  I also wore this same exact outfit to the club house at Keeneland a couple weekends ago, and it was perfectly appropriate there as well.  I wish I would have taken a picture without the jacket for you to see, but clearly I was in a rush this morning, hence the pre-makeup picture!

I really love a dress and a blazer for work, it just feels fresh to me.  See the Allie dress in aqua floral also on one of my fave bloggers, Gigi.  How do you feel about short dresses?  Do you automatically dismiss them, or try to make them work?  Thanks for visiting!

"Mom On the Go" + More bubble mania

Navy tipped blazer:  Banana Republic, spring 2012
Naomi top in polka dot:  J.Crew, fall 2012 (check in-store or online for popbacks)
Invitation clutch in fuchsia/orange colorblock:  J.Crew, here
Skinny jeans:  7 For All Mankind
Pink ballet flats:  Coach
Bubble neceklace in pink:  J.Crew, check for sale in-store!

As a working mom in the corporate world, most of my fashion energy is put towards my professional wardrobe.  I don't feel guilty spending money on quality blazers, skirts, and blouses when I know the Cost Per Wear will be reasonable considering I have to dress professionally every day.  My next priority is my "going out" wardrobe, because let's face it, it's just plain fun to buy a sparkly top or pretty dress.  But what about those times in between?  Those wonderful weekend afternoons and evenings, when I'm with my husband and kids?  I still want to look nice, or at least like I'm not hanging on to this thing called motherhood by a thread.  (After work, on weekdays, is a different story.  After being in heels and constricting clothes all day, I race upstairs to change into sweats, I admit. But I digress...) 

My husband always makes fun of Stacy and Clinton on What Not To Wear for their overuse of the term "Mom on the Go" when they're trying to convince these bedraggled women that it's important for a woman to present herself well, even when she's just out and about with her kids.  While I may giggle at the term "Mom on the Go," I agree with their idea 100%.  I even wrote a blog entry about fashion and mothers last summer, that you can read here if you missed it the first time.  I strive to still look respectable when I'm running around with my boys.  I want them to be proud of their mom, and not embarassed because I look like the last rose of summer.  So I have decided that my perfect "Mom on the Go" uniform is:  skinny jeans + bright flats + cute top + blazer + interesting jewelry.  For me, this is a winning combination because I can still move around easily in the flats, I can take the jacket off if I get hot, and still look OK, and the outfit suggests that just because I may have a diaper and snack stuffed in my little purse, that doesn't mean I've thrown in the towel when it comes to fashion. 

What is your working mom uniform?  Of if you haven't had kids yet, what's your opinion on the topic?  Thanks for visiting!  I'd love to hear from you!

Let's hit the town in sequins and pattern!

Sunlight Paillette shell:  Ann Taylor, Holiday 2011
Crinkle silk tiered mini skirt:  J.Crew, fall 2010
Leopard heels:  Banana Republic Mad Men Collection, fall 2011

This weekend we had the very rare occurance of adult plans for both Friday and Saturday nights.  Working- mom guilt aside ("Mom and Dad, you're going out again? We miss you!"), we had two fantastic nights out and of course I loved having two nights to dress up.  This first picture is what I wore out for dinner, drinks and dancing on Friday night.  The paillettes on my top in this picture are kind of over the top!  They're very large and shiny!  But you know what...when you wear a top this bold you kind of have to just own it.  I did wear my camel leather jacket to tone it down:

Camel leather jacket:  Banana Republic, old
Handbag:  Louis Vuitton Speedy

And now for one awesome beauty secret:  For gleamy legs, I use this amazing product in medium glow.  I hate nylons and usually only wear tights for work, so when I want some extra color for my legs, especially during the cold months, this product is wonderful.  You'd almost think I was wearing hose in this pictures, but nope.  This product does a great job of hiding flaws and giving my legs a nice glow.  Give it a try!

Ok, my second OOTE for the weekend:

Silk dress:  Lilly Pulitzer, holiday 2011
Nude heels:  Max Studio
Invitation clutch in colorblock, orange and fuschia:  J.Crew, here

I wore this for a couples shower/cocktail party on Saturday night.  When I was a little girl, my beloved grandmother wore a full length, colorful dress every Christmas that had a colorful pattern that looked like stained glass.  The pattern on this dress totally reminds me of my grandma's pattern!  This is the third time I've worn this dress, and each time I have felt quite retro-chic in it.  It's just a really fun dress to wear, and the short length is compensated by the more modest sleeves and neckline.  I adore it and it is definitely one of my favorite go-to dresses for cocktail attire.  The headband lasted about an hour into the party, until I felt like it was squeezing my brain and had to take it off.  I'm kind of fidgety like that.

I hope you enjoyed my evening looks!  Now I'll resume watching Max & Ruby in my jammies with my two year old.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!

Heart Me

Tippi in heart me, peacock blue/pink:  J.Crew, fall 2012
Martin fit pants in camel wool: Banana Republic, fall 2011
Heels:  Mojo Moxy, DSW
Necklace:  Anthropologie, fall 2012

Oh Friday, you decadent, delicious day you.  Why do you make us wait so long for your return?  I just wanted a fun, relaxed look today, so I wore the heart-me tippi for the first time.  When I first reviewed this sweater, I contemplated whether the look was too young for me, as a working mom in my 30's.  But then suddenly heart sweaters were everywhere, and so of course when it hit sale I decided I had to have it. Oh, the power of trends and marketing!  What do you think?  Is it a trend better left to the teenagers?  Do I look like mutton dressed as lamb?  I actually loved the sweater today, so maybe I don't want to hear the answer to that question? 

We're headed to this Man Man-esque restaurant for dinner with friends, and I'm excited.  Tomorrow night we have a couples' shower/ cocktail party to attend at our dear friends' home, so I'll definitely be posting some dressy OOTE's this weekend.  Please stop back!  Do you have fun plans this weekend?  Thanks for visiting my blog!

Sassy pants

Schoolboy blazer in morse code: J.Crew, spring 2012
Silk garland cami:  J.Crew, spring 2009
Wool cafe capris in maraschino cherry:  J.Crew, fall 2011
Nude colette pumps:  Tahari

Before I forget:  Run, don't walk to J.Crew.  Sales items are now an additional 30% off.  I spent a shameless amount and now am done shopping for a little while.  (Yeah yeah, I know that won't last.  I can lie to myself, right?)  I found an adorable turquoise and white gingham top (the "boy shirt" version) for $24.99 + an additional 30%, and this tweed skirt is marked to $49.99 in-store with an additonal 30% off.  So there are definitely some great deals to be had!

Ok, on to the OOTD:  Even though red pants are now rather ubiquitous, you have to admit they still have a sass factor.  And that worked well for me today, as I was feeling a little low on my overall energy level so I needed all the sass I could get.  Ever have the feeling that you have too much on your plate?  That is how I am feeling this week.  Too much to do, too much to remember, not enough hours in the day.  And that's when I say, thank God for Starbucks.  Salted caramel mocha, you're the bright spot of my day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Memo Repeat

Memo dress in super 120's, color royal violet:  J.Crew, here
Pumps:  Joan & David
Handbag:  Kate Spade
Necklace:  Chico's ("borrowed" from my mom)

This is a total outfit repeat from a little more than a month ago but one worth repeating!  I can't wait for other colors of this perfect work dress to go on sale.  I'm especially hoping for the landscape green color- gorgeous!  It was too warm today to wear a blazer over it, but I think that's great option for when it's colder outside. 

My neon orange bag has finally grown on me, and I love the jolt of color it provides. 

Hope you're having a great week!  Mine has been really, really busy at work.  I'm ready to head out for Mexican and magaritas tonight with the family and relax a bit.  Thanks for visiting!

J.Crew's sovereign paisley

Ruffled jacket by Tabitha:  Anthropologie, fall 2010
Black Elizabeth silk cami:  J.Crew factory, fall 2008
Long No.2 pencil skirt in sovereign paisley:  J.Crew, spring 2012
Black bow pumps:  Mojo Moxy, DSW

I'm drained after a productive but long day of work, and my boys are waiting for me to play kickball in the back yard (which is a hilarious sight, by the way, because our back yard is tiny) but I wanted to share my OOTD before shutting the laptop down for the evening!  I haven't worn this skirt in ages, and I really like how it looked with this jacket from Anthro.  I felt totally professional, but creative too.  Plus I think this skirt will work with tights too, so it's not just a 1 or 2 season item. 

Is it bad that I'm already looking foward to the weekend?  This is just a really busy week, and we have fun plans for both Friday and Saturday...so I'm excited!  Hey, the work week is already 40% over, did you know that?  Bet you didn't realize Tuesday was so close to the weekend, didja?

Thanks for stopping by! 

I love old J.Crew prints

Silk Alessia blouse in coppelle paisley:  J.Crew, spring 2008
Flair skirt in navy:  J.Crew, fall 2011
Coral suede heels:  Steve Madden

Monday, Funday!  Said no one, ever.  I pulled out this old J.Crew top from the depths of my closet, it hadn't seen the light of day in forever.  Loved it!  I adore older prints from J.Crew, don't you?  I can't remember what this print was named, and I tried searching for it with no luck.  Anyone, anyone?  Leave a comment if you know!  I know that Target did a knock off of this print the following year, and I think a few other retailers did prints inspired by it too.  I also noticed a magazine ad for Target in a Redbook magazine today and it looked eerily familiar to a J.Crew ad.  One of the models had blackwatch plaid capris and a tipped blazer, another had a plaid shirt and a pencil skirt...has anyone else seen this ad?  It looked awesome...but it did look like Target is definitely being greatly "inspired" by J.Crew right now!  I guess we can all use some inspiration every now and then, right? 

I'm working on another non-fashion related blog post about why I'm a runner.  Maybe I will inspire someone?  That's the greatest compliment, in my opinion.  Have a wonderful week!

Cocktail party attire featuring beading & lace

Silk beaded bow cami:  J.Crew Factory, fall 2010
Antique lace tierd skirt:  Ann Taylor, spring 2011
Pumps:  Max Studio
Bow necklace:  Ann Taylor, holiday 2010

Saturday morning, and before the rush begins to clean the house for a showing (fingers crossed) and getting out for a soccer game I wanted to post my outfit picture from the cocktail party last night.  In all honesty I was overdressed... most of the other ladies were doing the "jeans and cute top" combo.  However, I like to dress up and I was one of the hosts so I figured being overdressed was better than underdressed, right?  This outfit was a good reminder that I have so many fun pieces in my closet that are not brand new but still lovely!  I am guilty of always wanting something new when we have a holiday party, or any kind of dressy event.  But then that means all the items I buy get worn once and put in my closet to collect dust.  I was so tempted to buy something new for this party, and I am SO glad I didn't.  I felt great in this outfit and was reminded me how much I love this special beaded top and lace skirt.  This skirt was the last item I got really excited about at Ann Taylor.  I don't know what happened to that retailer but it seems like in the last year or so it has geared toward an older demographic.   Anyone else feel that way? 

And now, I have to share a picture of my boys:

Look at the baby doing a jig.  Ahhh, I love them!

Have a great weekend!

Tippi + blackwatch plaid + bubble necklace

Tippi sweater in celestial blue:  J.Crew, here
Victoria silk cami in antique white:  J.Crew, 2008
Wool cafe capris in blackwatch plaid:  J.Crew, fall 2011
Bubble necklace in kelly green: J.Crew, other colors here
Ashley ballet flat in royal blue:  Banana Republic, here

Hello lovely ladies!  Just a quick post... it's been such a busy day and now I have to rush to get ready for a cocktail party.  My husband and I are one of five hosting couples and while I'm so happy it's not at our house, there is still so much to do!  Of course I'll try to snap an outfit picture!  Priorities, right?

I love these blackwatch plaid capris so much.  They didn't come in tall length, but I think they look ok with flats.  Speaking of flats, verytime I wear them to work I ask myself why I don't do it more often...I feel so comfortable and quick on my feet in them!  Anyway, back to the blackwatch plaid:  J.Crew Factory has a blazer and a skirt in a similar plaid right now if you love it as much as I do!  Check out their new website, www.factory.jcrew.com I like it so much better than the old website.

That's all I have time for right now, I will be back tomorrow.  Have a great weekend!

Splurge on: Collection cashmere polka dot sweater

Collection cashmere polka dot sweater in green/navy:  J.Crew, other colors here
Telegraph pencil skirt in super 120s wool in majestic purple:  J.Crew, other colors here
Colette reptile pumps (again!):  Tahari, here
Necklace:  Anthropologie, fall 2012

NOTE:  Shop Colorful Corporate is back up and running.  Sorry that you couldn't see the pictures before, they are up now!!

Hmmmm...sorry for the super awkward pose here.  Not sure what's going on with that.  Anyway, wanted to start out with a warning that you will be seeing a lot of this sweater in the next few months.  It was a major splurge for me, and only one that I made after I earned some extra cash at the consignment shop.  I bought it during the 25% off $150 promo J.Crew ran last month.  I had the most difficult time deciding between this one and the red one with burgundy dots.  I reeeeeeally wanted to buy both, but that would have put me over the edge of sanity with the price tags.  Even with the sale price of $179.99 + 25% off, it was a splurge for me, for a sweater.  But I love it so much, and so far, so good:  No pilling or pulling today on the first time wearing it, so I'm hoping the quality of the cashmere is worth the hefty price tag.  I traded in about 40 old sweaters that I hadn't worn in years for this one beauty!  I don't regret that decision for one minute...I felt like a million bucks all day.

If you are considering splurging on this sweater, let me add a note on fit:  This is a size small and it fits great.  A tad bit big in the torso area, but I get that with most sweaters.  An XS would have been too tight in the arms, and a medium would have been too big, so my opinion is this sweater fits TTS.

How do you feel about splurging on one special item?  Thanks for reading!

Anchors aweigh + tweed

Scoopneck blouse in anchors aweigh:  J.Crew, summer 2012
Purple tweed pencil skirt:  J.Crew, early 2011 I think?
Reptile Colette pumps:  Tahari, here
Necklace:  Anthropologie, fall 2012

I've had this outfit laid out for a while now, (yes people, I am a dork and lay out my outfits for future wearings) and I was kind of just "meh" about it.  But wearing it today, I wondered why I felt that way because I ended up loving it.  I think the necklace really made it come together nicely, and without if, the outfit definitely would have been lacking.  I bought this top way back in the early summer and never got around to wearing it, it just was so hot here all summer and the darker color made me hesitate.  It got a lot of mixed reviews from J.Crew lovers, but I knew right away it was a top for me.  The anchor print and little buttons at the shoulders with anchors on them are darling.  Plus I've kind of been having a love affair with navy lately. 

These Colette pumps have turned out to be my favorite work heel.  I wore the nude patent version to death in the summer, and now this taupe reptile-print leather pair are quickly becoming my go-to fall pumps.  They are extremely comfortable and the heel is the perfect work height.  Trust me, when you're close to Amazonian height like me, you don't want to frighten coworkers and customers by wearing 4+ inch heels in the workplace.  But hey, maybe that's just my conservative view.

Further proof that I am a compulsive J.Crew hoarder:  After carrying the green/blue version non-stop since I purchased it last Thursday, (see this post for the bag) I decided I had to have the pink/orange version too.  (See here).  So I went back to J.Crew, as they had several last week, and they were all gone.  But once again a fabulous sales associate took down my information, hunted it down for me and then called me to say she was having it mailed to me.  (THANKS Samantha!)  The customer service of the sales associates in my local J.Crew cannot be beat.  I can't wait to carry the pink/orange version!  It's such a steal! 

Are you a hoarder?  I know a lot of people are against owning multiples of an item.  I, on the other hand, always have to fight the compulsion to own a item in every color if I love it...and sometimes I lose.

Thanks for visiting!

Everyone loves the polka....dot

Polka dot silk tie-neck top in navy:  J.Crew, fall 2012
Double-serge No. 2 pencil skirt in neon azalea:  J.Crew, fall 2011
Colette reptile pump:  Tahari, here

Good Monday everyone!  Hope everyone's week started out well.  Mine defnitely started better due to this peppy little top.  Did you notice how it sold out immediately online after it hit sale a couple weeks ago?  I was so bummed...but then I went to my local J.Crew and one of the awesome sales associates tracked down a size 6 for me in Louisville, Kentucky, and had it mailed to me.  (Thanks Emily!)

Isn't pink and navy just a naturally awesome combo?  It's like the whimsey of the pink perfectly counterbalances the more serious nature of navy.  Although I will say this outfit kind of seeemed more springy than fall...I still loved it today!

J.Crew is running an extra 25% online with the promo code SHOPJCREW.  Do you have you eye on anything?  I am trying to sit this one out...but we'll see if I can stay strong. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Shop Colorful Corporate updated

Sunday evening, and what better time to update Shop Colorful Corporate?  (SORRY THE PICTURES WEREN'T SHOWING UP!  GLITCH IS FIXED NOW!) I noticed it was in desperate need of a clean-up so I deleted all of the photos of sold items and added some new items for fall, including blazers and a winter jacket.  Email me if you are interested in anything! 

Reviews: J.Crew's schoolboy blazer in wool herringbone and turquoise plaid boy shirt

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!  During the recent 25% off $150 and free shipping promo at J.Crew, I ordered the schoolboy blazer in wool herringbone.  It ended up being around $120, which I thought was a fair price for a nice, heavy winter blazer.  I ordered a 6 Tall, which I have never ordered in a blazer before.  I get most of my height from my legs, so I hever felt the need to order a Tall in blazers.  However, I noticed this year the schoolboy blazers seem more shrunken, so I took a chance and went for the Tall.  So glad I did!  Here are some pictures of the blazer:

Schoolboy blazer in wool herringbone, color watercolor blue

Love the inside pocket and trim!



Close-up of the buttons on sleeve



Schoolboy blazer in wool herringbone, watercolor blue:  J.Crew, here

Boy shirt in turquoise plaid:  J.Crew, here

Skinny jeans:  Banana Republic, 2009
Willow riding boots in deep cognac:  Banana Republic, here

The 6 tall ended up fitting great.  I love the length and I'm happy for the extra sleeve length too.  The color is a gray-ish blue, which I love.  I think it will look great for casual wear, like in the picture, as well as for work with a bright scarf. 

I've been admiring the boy shirt in turquoise plaid for a while but just didn't feel like spending the sale price of $44.99 on it.  But with the extra 25% off in-store promo, it brought it down to a more reasonable price.  I purchased the size 6, and the fit is TTS.  Buttons don't gape or pull at all and the sleeve lenght is fine.  I can also see this with the double-serge wool pencil skirt in retro jade for work.  It's very soft and a pretty thin material, so you could also layer under a tippi. 

Boy shirt in turquoise plaid:  J.Crew, here
Bubble necklace in brilliant blue: J.Crew, sold out online but check stores

I wore this outfit to a birthday party of a friend of my son's and it was comfortable but not schleppy at all.  The bubble necklaces definitely add a lot of pizazz to any outfit. 

Hope these reviews were helpful!  Enjoy the rest of the weekend.







Anthro's Malva top + review of J.Crew's invitation clutch

Malva Top by Leifsdottir:  Anthropologie, here
Bubble necklace in brilliant blue:  J.Crew, sold out online but check stores
Orange wool pencil skirt:  Banana Republic, OLD!
Colette reptile pump:  Tahari, here

It turned out to be a beautiful, warm day in Cincinnati, but this morning I did throw a gray schoolboy blazer on top of this outfit to ward off the early chill.  Liefsdottir is one of my favorite labels at Anthropologie, so when this top made it to second markdown I knew it was a great deal.  The colors are brilliant, but the fit is a little odd.  I'm wearing a size 4, which is my normal size in Leifsdottir.  But it's pretty big and I probably could have sized down to a 2.  Anyway, I'm willing to overlook the large sizing issue for a pretty silk top in a gorgeous color scheme. 

I have had this orange wool skirt from Banana Republic for ages...literally 8 years or more.  It has to be one of the oldest items in my closet.  And you know what I've come to realize?  The items that I keep year after year, that I never tire of, are the items that I love most and I feel good in, no matter how old they are.  And most of those items, unsurprisingly, are classic pieces rather than trends. 

Now I have a secret to share:  Run, don't walk, to J.Crew and grab one of these awesome clutches before they run out!

Invitation clutch in colorblock blue/green:  J.Crew
Buy here

It is marked from $158 to $98 online, but in-store it is marked to $39.99 plus an additional 25% off.  The leather is buttery soft and the colors are vivid, and with the additional markdown it's a whopping $30.  What a steal!  It also comes in a pink/orange combo which is equally lovely.  I love that you can carry it as a clutch or use the little gold chain strap for a shoulder bag. 

Thanks for visiting!

Naomi top + Anthro's In the Trees skirt

Naomi top in modern red:  J.Crew, summer 2012
In the Trees skirt by Floreat:  Anthropologie, fall 2010
Code pumps in burgundy:  Seychelles
Double strand sea horse necklace:  J.Crew, summer 2012

Wearing another animal melange today, with the sea horse necklace and the bird on my skirt.  But don't let my love for animals on my clothes fool you folks, as it's not always rainbows and butterflies in my world.  I may or may not have been on a short fuse today.  A few things that get my goat every time:  When someone's car breaks down in the middle of a busy street and the driver doesn't even  bother to at least pull over to the side (happened this morning), when people are unnecessary busybodies (happened this afternoon), and when my kids are excessively crabby when I pick them up (happened this evening).  AHHHH!  My "annoyance" button was hit multiple times today! 

What sets your bad mood wheels in motion?  To cheer me up, I kept looking at the cute bird on my skirt.  I think he's a pheasant: 

I love the quirky designs at Anthropologie.  Lately I have been a bit uninspired there but I won't give up hope, as they always have at least one item a season that I must have. 

Thanks for visiting!  I promise a sunnier mood tomorrow!

More pattern mixing with polka dots and flowers

Polka dot silk top:  Ann Taylor, fall 2010
Pencil skirt in island coral boom boom:  Lilly Pulitzer, fall 2010
Belt:  Banana Republic, old
Peep toes:  Tahari
Azalea necklace in vibrant flame:  J.Crew, summer 2012

Today when I bounded down the stairs in this outfit for work, my husband said, in all seriousness, "Nice pattern matching."  AWWWW.  How cluelessly adorable can husbands be?  I didn't bother correcting him that it's called pattern mixing, not matching.  But it gave me a little chuckle.  Another funny moment regarding pattern mixing in my life:  My hilariously frank 72 year old mother sat me down recently and told me that even though I think pattern mixing can be pretty, no one else does.  She said it makes no sense and that it does not look good at all.  Seriously ladies, she takes quite an offense to the trend.  So I delighted in showing her an ad from her favorite store, Chico's, where even they recommended mixing a different pattern scarf and jacket.  Aha!  Victory was mine.  She huffed and puffed but realized finally that pattern mixing was not something that her daughter just made up. 

Anyway, my favorite form of pattern mixing has to be polka dots and flowers.  I also did a floral/dot mix here and had fun with it.  What is your favorite mix of patterns?  I know stripes and flowers are also popular, and I like that look too sometimes.  My issue with pattern mixing is that it has to be cohesive in some way, or it just looks like a big ol' mess.  That's why I always get nervous when I attempt it, because in no way do I consider myself a pro! 

For you ladies who like Lilly Pulitzer, be sure to check out the Re-Lilly page on Facebook.  There are literally endless gently-used or even new-with-tags items on the page, for sale for fantastic prices.  I bought this 2010 skirt, which still had the tags attached, for around $25.00 from that page a while back.  It retailed for $128 so it was a nice steal! 

Thanks for visiting!  I'd love to hear your pattern mixing opinions.

Feeling collegiate today

Ivory/camel cardigan: J.Crew, fall 2011
Yellow silk "Elizabeth" cami:  J.Crew Factory, 2008
Sunnie pencil skirt:  J.Crew Factory, fall 2011
Velvet bow mary janes by Miss Albright:  Anthropologie, fall 2011

I felt very collegiate in this outfit today.  Sadly my college years are long, long gone but I can still appreciate this preppy, scholarly look.  The crisp fall air felt perfect in this sweater, which I nabbed last year for something ridiculous like $21.00 because no one else liked the angora blend.  I must have skin made of steel because rarely will a sweater make me itch too much. 

I missed out on the original version of the sunnie pencil skirt in 2010.  It disappeared almost immediately, sold out never to be seen again.  I was so happy when the Factory came out with an identical version last year.  I LOVE when J.Crew Factory does that, and wish it would bring back some more old favorites.

Hope you're having a great Monday!  Thanks for visiting!