J.Crew's pear sweater + retro jade

Pear sweater (size small):  J.Crew, holiday 2012
Double-serge wool #2 pencil skirt in retro jade (size 6): J.Crewl fall 2012
Heels:  Vince Camuto
Necklace & earrings:  Ann Taylor, OLD

Ahhh, this outfit speaks straight to my matchy-matchy soul.  I love this pear sweater so much...it's cheerful enough to remind me of spring while being warm enough for this cold, gray weather.  I adore how the little leaf perfectly matches retro jade...brilliant!  Really, how can I be anything less than cheery with a big yellow pear on my chest?

How's your week going?  Mine has been quite nice, actually.  Thanks for visiting!

"Uplifting" in bright turquoise

Hacking jacket in bright turquoise (size 6): J.Crew, fall 2011
Coral ruffle silk shell (size 6): J.Crew, 2010
Gray pinstriped "martin fit" pants (size 6 Long):  Banana Republic
Heels:  Tahari

I wasn't even going to post this outfit today.  We began our day on the wrong foot after I forgot to set the alarm correctly last night and we all overslept by 45 minutes this morning.  This got the kids to school late (a fact that nearly gave my regimented second grader a heart attack), and I just felt rushed all day!  I threw this on quickly without any planning or even thinking about it.  But then while I was out and about during my work day, a lady came up to me and said, "Your outfit is so uplifting to me on this gloomy day."   It was so touching to hear that, and it got me thinking.  Can a cheerful outfit really be uplifting to someone, other than the person wearing it?  And then I realized that of course the answer is yes...seeing the beautiful and creative OOTD's on my favorite bloggers is always uplifting to me.  It's a word that is underused..."uplifting."  Doesn't it just make you feel good?   And really, that comment was further proof to me that color is a beautiful thing!   Here's to all of us feeling more "uplifted" this week!

Thanks for stopping by!

Banded shift dress, remixed

Banded shift dress in viridian green (size 6):  J.Crew Factory, fall 2012
Belt (size small):  Gap
Heels: Vince Camuto
Almond tiers necklace:  Anthropologie, spring 2011

The beauty of a dress is being able to throw it on and you're done for the day, right?  However that's also the challenge when you're trying to mix it up...it's more difficult to remix a dress compared to separates.  The first time I wore this dress I kept it pretty simple. (See it on me here.)  This time I tried to mix it up with heels (rather than boots), a belt, and a longer necklace.  I also cuffed the sleeves, which I really liked, although it lended a slightly more casual vibe.  I'm really glad I grabbed this from the Factory website on popback in January though, it's been a wonderful work dress for the winter. 

What's your trick for remixing a dress?  Thanks for reading!

Review: J.Crew Factory printed washed silk tee and comparison to J.Crew's gondola striped tee

Hope everyone has had a lovely weekend!  I recently ordered the Factory printed washed silk tee and I wanted to give you a review in case you are looking at it yourself.  I bought it last week when J.Crew had the 30% off plus free shipping promo, so I paid $45.00 for it.  I was hoping it would be similar to its predecessor, J.Crew's gondola striped top (see me in it here) from last summer, and it is! 

First, a comparison shot of the two:

J.Crew Gondola striped top, summer 2012
Size 4

J.Crew Factory printed washed silk tee in neon pink, here
Size small

Although the sizing is a small in the Factory version rather than the numeric sizing of the original Gondola top, the fit is identical.  My gondola striped top is a 4 and this is a small, so base your sizing off that.  The silk fabric of the Factory version may be a tiny bit thinner than the original, but that's expected and it was not enough of a difference to bother me at all.  The material felt quite nice actually.  Here is a picture of it on:

Nice bathroom shot right?

The top is not fitted at all, which is fine by me...it's an easy breezy top that will be nice for hot summer days. It is not see-through at all, which I was happy about. I think it will look cute with my pink bubble necklace  and white denim.   All in all I like this top and once again I am happy with my Factory purchase!  If you were sad you missed out on the original Gondola striped top, the Factory version is available in the same navy/red stripe.  It's definitely a great substitute!  Nice work, J.Crew Factory.

What do you think of this striped top? Thanks for visiting!

J.Crew's lady jacket in berry pink: A crowd pleaser

Lady jacket in berry pink (size 6): J.Crew, fall 2012
Double-serge wool pencil skirt in heather carbon (size 6): J.Crew, here
Silk top by Moulinette Souers (size 2: Anthropologie, 2010
Black leather heels: Nine West

This jacket and skirt combo was a surprising crowd pleaser today, and I give all the credit to J.Crew's pretty lady jacket.  I wish I wasn't standing like such a dork in this picture because I don't think you can truly see the outfit (I really need to start taking multiple pictures to give more detail).  I have struggled a bit with what to pair this jacket with, because the trim isn't exactly black, it's a very dark navy.  It doesn't look that great with black, but I loved it with charcoal.   Everywhere I went, someone had a nice comment about the outfit...even an elderly gentleman struggling with his walker took the time to compliment me.  So sweet!  I love when people show kindness.  I always try to pay it forward.

Thanks for reading.

Herringbone schoolboy + camel

Schoolboy blazer in herringbone blue watercolor (size 6 Tall):  J.Crew, fall 2012
Silk boy shirt in French hen (size 6): J.Crew, fall 2012
Camel wool "martin fit" pantss (size 6 Long): Banana Republic, fall 2011
Reptile Colette pumps:  Tahari

Folks, I have a case of the winter blahs.  I'm really just over all of the snow flurries, wind, and cloudy skies.  I must sound like a real wimp to those of you who live in climates that are seriously cold and snowy, as we've had very little snow in southern Ohio this winter.  But the gray skies...the gloom...the dark mornings...yuck.  I'm ready for blue skies, sunshiney days, and glasses of wine in the evening on the patio.  Who's with me? 

I must admit, the number of minutes I spent planning this outfit is: 0. If I don't plan my outfit the night before, I have to rush to the closet after my post-gym shower in the morning, grab, and go.  I liked how it turned out though, clean lines and classic. Focusing on having a cohesive wardrobe has paid off.  It's much easier and less stressful to decide on an outfit when all the items in my closet work together.   I've consigned so many clothes in the last 6 months, and I still have more to unload.  I just don't have time to sift through 10 blouses that I don't love to find the one that I do.  I'd rather get rid of the all the so-so pieces and only leave the items I truly wear.  That may mean having a smaller selection but I'm fine with that...quality is always better than quantity to me.  Plus I use the money I receive from consigning to buy something that I think is awesome.  Makes sense right?

Do you hold on to clothing too long?  Or are you good about "out with the old, in with the new" ? Thanks for reading!

J.Crew's Lillian dress + Anthro jacket + bubble

Lillian dress in gardenshade floral (size 4):  J.Crew, spring 2012
Jacket by Tabitha (size 6): Anthropologie, fall 2010
Bubble necklace & earrings in neon pink:  J.Crew, summer 2012
Black leather heels: Nine West

Today was a cold, blustery day straight from the depths of winter here, and I really felt like choosing function over fashion and hiding out in my winter coat and scarf all day.  But the fact that I haven't posted an OOTD in 3 days, along with an important lunch presentation, convinced me to make an effort.  I'm glad I did, as I felt good all day in this outfit and had the confidence to do well during my presentation.  Dressing well really has a big impact on how I present myself to the world.  Do you feel the same?

Thanks for reading!

Anthropologie's Sapphire Lace Dress

Sapphire lace dress by Moulinette Souers (size 6): Anthropologie, holiday 2012 (sold out online but check in-store.)
Bubble necklace in brilliant blue:  J.Crew, fall 2012

So happy it's the weekend!  I wore this little dress last night for a dinner date with my husband and friends. I randomly bought this fun little dress from the sale room at Anthropologie for $49.95...it had originally been $178.  It definitely fills a little void in my closet, as I have many summer dresses for going out but very few winter dresses.  Moulinette Souers is one label at Anthropologie that I know will always fit me well.  It was comfortable and I didn't fidget with it all night long, so it's a winner for me.  I hope to get one more wear of it before spring, but even if that doesn't happen I know I will be happy to pull it out for the holiday season 2013. 

Hope you're having a nice weekend!

Pink & paillettes for Valentine's Day

Peter Pan Paillettes sweater by Corey Lynn Calter (size small):  Anthropologie, here
Multi colored tweed pencil skirt (size 6):  Ann Taylor, here
Heels:  Mojo Moxy (DSW)

Happy Valentine's Day!  I love Valentine's colors so I had to go with a baby pink sweater today to mark the occassion.  (Sorry for the makeup free face...eep!  Clearly my natural beauty needs to be enhanced.) 

I bought this skirt last month during a random pop-in at Ann Taylor, and I just love it.  The tweed is tan, gray, pink and green, so it will be a great spring transition piece.  

As far as sizing, this sweater is a steal on Anthro's website right now but it runs huge.  I first bought it in a medium, thinking that would give me more length, but it was way to big.  I exchanged it for this small, and as you can see it's still a bit roomy.  The skirt runs a bit small...this is my normal size 6 but there is no room to spare like I usually have in a 6. 

Are you doing anything special for Valentine's Day?  We have a double date scheduled for tomorrow night but tonight's just a regular school/work night for us.  I did buy some chocolate covered strawberries to celebrate tonight, and my husband bought me a giant heart shaped Reese cup...my fave. 

And now, I want to share the Top 10 things I believe in, on Valentine's Day and everyday:

10.  Prayer

9.  Family

8.  Forgiveness

7.  Loyalty

6.  Looking your best

5.  Love at first sight

4.  First impressions

3.  Second chances

2.   A mother's intuition

1.  The fact that you get back the energy you put out to the world


Thanks for reading!

Giant bow sweater + black pencil skirt & cap toes

Giant Bow sweater (size small):  J.Crew, holiday 2012
Black pencil skirt (size 6 Tall):  Ann Taylor, winter 2013
Cap toe heels:  Tahari

I can't believe it's Ash Wednesday!  It seems so early in the year still!  Wasn't it Christmas just the other day?  I wore this to morning mass and work today.  Nothing new to see with the outfit, however I wanted to point out how versatile this sweater has been for me.  I've had it just since New Year's Day and have already worn it 3 times.  There are items I've had for a year that I haven't worn 3 times, so it's definitely a winner for me.  I was tempted to buy the burgundy version when it showed up on popback but really, I need to reduce the amount of multiples I buy!  Anyway, lately my colorful soul has rather enjoyed wearing more neutral outfits.  Of course I'll always prefer color, but I'm definitely learning to appreciate more muted ensembles like this sweater and skirt.

What are you giving up for Lent?  I should give up shopping, (snort) but instead I'm giving up bread.  I'd rather sacrifice carbs than J.Crew.  Of course, I tried to give up bread last year and failed miserably, so let's hope my willpower (Catholic sacrifice power?) is better this year. 

Thanks for visiting!

Herringbone cafe capris + sparkle row cami + schoolboy

Schoolboy blazer in heather camel (size 6):  J.Crew, fall 2009
Sparkle row cami in vintage ivory (size 6) J.Crew, fall 2012
Herringbone cafe capri in romance pink (size 6 Tall):  J.Crew, fall 2012
Nude patent leather pumps:  Tahari

"It felt like springtime on this February morning in a courtyard..."  Am I the only one who immediately thinks of that old Sophie B. Hawkins song when it's warm in February?  Hope your week has gotten off to a good start!  I actually wore this outfit last week but didn't post it as I posted the J.Crew reviews that day.  I adore these pink capris but I am bummed because I didn't know how big they ran.  I really wish I had ordered a 4 Tall.  This was my first time wearing them, andI realized immediately that I need to take them to a tailor to have the waist taken in as they kept falling down all day.  I'd try my dryer trick with them but I'm afraid of ruining them, as these are lined unlike the regular wool cafe capris.  Other than running at least a size too big, I adore them.  Such a fun color for the more mild winter days. 

I'm usually not one for sparkles, sequins or rhinestones on my work wear, but with the blazer buttoned up I like the look of this sparkle row cami.  I bought it for a steal when J.Crew was running all those crazy promos before Christmas, but hadn't worn it yet.  I think it's a great basic to wear under blazers. 

Did you get anything with today's 30% off promo on J.Crew's website? 

Thanks for visiting!

Polka dots, sequins, and a pop of red

Sequin polka dot top (size small): J.Crew, holiday 2012
The Diva Skinny Jeans in authentic rinse (size 6 Long): Old Navy, here
Oscar pumps in black patent leather:  Jessica Simpson
Gold Coast small Maryanne handbag:  Kate Spade, other colors here

A casual Saturday night out still calls for sequins, in my opinion...especially if we're without the kids!  I admit, I unnecessarily have this top in the black with white polka dots AND this version.  It's just too fun.  I wish it were 1 or 2 inches longer but whatev...story of an Amazon height woman's life.  I was in Old Navy the other day looking for something or other for one of the boys when these jeans caught my eye on the women's sale rack.  Now a few years ago I was a total jeans snob...ONLY Citizens, SFAMK, True Religion, etc... but you know what?  I'm tired of paying $100+ for jeans when I don't even wear them that much.  And for some reason lately I've been really wanting a pair of boyfriend-style jeans to cuff and wear with heels for a dressy-casual look.  I tried on Old Navy's true boyfriend jeans and they looked utterly ridiculous on me and ran about 3 sizes too big.  So anyway, at $15.99 and a size 6 Long I decided to give these a go...and I love them!  They're not super skinny or tight like my other skinny jeans, and a medium wash, so I decided this will be my faux "boyfriend" jeans.  Funny thing is, my husband, who never comments on my jeans, said he loved these on me.  Thanks for the bargain jeans Old Navy!  So in case you're wanting to give the boyfriend jeans look another try, as it's hot for spring, consider trying Old Navy for a cheap thrill on a trend.

Of course I was excited to give my new Kate Spade a night out, and I thought it was a great pop for this outfit.  I am sure I will enjoy it for years to come.

Thanks for visiting!

Review: Kate Spade Gold Coast small Maryanne, my flash sale treat

Gold Coast Small Maryanne in Maraschino
Kate Spade
Other colors here

Hope everyone's weekend is off to a good start!  When I saw Kate Spade was having a flash sale online at the beginning of the week I knew I was in trouble.  I can never resist Kate Spade sales, they are so good!  .  One retail bag that stood out was this Gold Coast small Maryanne.   I've had my eye out for a fun evening bag for a while now, and this seemed like a great choice.  Such a great pop of red for a night out on the town.  The original price was $378....

But I (well actually my mom bought it for me...thanks mom!) paid $139.  I thought that was a great buy, and I am very happy with my purchase.  Here's a close up of the pretty grommets and chain handles:

The leather is so soft and supple, and it's roomy enough to fit all I need without being too big.  We are headed out this evening so I will be sure to get a shot of it with my OOTE.  All in all, another great Kate Spade purchase! 

Did you treat yourself to any good buys during this flash sale? 

J.Crew early spring fitting room reviews!

Hi there!  It's been forever since I've done any fitting room reviews, I never seem to remember to bring my camera when I shop.  Luckily I had the camera with me the last time I popped by J.Crew, so I grabbed a few new spring items for your review.  Here we go!

Jules Dress in Scroll Print, size 4
Sold out online, $198

Typically the Jules dress is so scandalously short on me, I'm one breeze away from a wardrobe malfunction.  This one seemed a tad longer, and while still short, I didn't feel nekked thanks to the modesty of the rest of the dress.  I was surprised by how much I actually loved this!  I think it would be so pretty in the spring and even the fall with tights.  This is a size 4 and I had plenty of room.  I love the vibrant yellow and the print.  See it also on Gigi here.



No. 2 pencil skirt in clover tweed
$128 here
Size 6
Pop Art dot tee
$49.50 here
Size small

All of the sales associates at my local J.Crew are wonderfully friendly and helpful.  When I walked in, one of them said she thought of me when this skirt came in.  She was right, I love it!  As you may know, green is my favorite color, and this kelly green and white tweed skirt is so pretty!  She suggested putting it with this t-shirt, and while it's too casual for my work environment, it would be pretty for church or brunch.  The size small in the top is TTS and the skirt in a 6 is also TTS, altough if you carry weight in the hips you may want to size up, as it doesn't run big at all and there's no give with this tweed.  My only concern is that it would pull, it seems to be that type of material.  But overall, I love it and would wear it to work with a crisp white blouse.

Tilda oxford rhinestone top
$110 here
Size 6
Liberty toothpick jean in June Meadow's Floral
$150 here
Size 28

Let's start with the top:  I was skeptical when I saw this.  A bedazzled collar on a sleeveless oxford?  Weird and matronly.  When I tried it on I liked it, but looking at the pictures it does not look flattering.  This is a size 6 and it felt big, so maybe a 4 would be better.  Under a jacket it might be fun, but honestly I don't know where I would wear this.  It is too bedazzled for work, and too conservative for going out.  What do you think?

Moving onto the Liberty jeans...so fun, but holy tightness!  These are a 28 and I was breaking a sweat just to get them on and zipped.  I'd definitely size up one, maybe two sizes!  They run VERY small, so keep that in mind if you're ordering them!  But I love the print...so cute. 

Here's a close-up of the shirt collar:



Butterfly short
$65  here
Size 6

I was drawn to these for some reason, even though I don't do short shorts anymore.  Many moons ago, when I was in high school, I had a pair of white denim shorts with colorful butterflies printed on them.  I thought they were so cool, so maybe it's the 17 year old in me who likes these.  They fit TTS, but too short for the 30-something me.  (17 year old me sobbing inside.)

Liberty collar merino sweater in stripe
$125 here
Size small

I thought this was cute when I tried it on, but looking at the picture it looks a little fump-tastic to me.  The size small was TTS on me but maybe the collar makes it too little girl.  The merino is very soft though, so soft I thought it was cotton at first.  I like it, but I'm not sure it's me.  Could be cute with whte jeans or a pink pencil skirt though. 

Schoolboy blazer in mized stripe
$198

Loved this blazer!  It fits TTS if a smidge on the shorter side for us tall girls...but not too short to deter me.  So cute for spring!  This was my favorite item I tried on and one that is on my wishlist.

What do you think of the new spring items?

J.Crew Factory classic cashmere cardigan review

Classic cashmere cardigan  fiesta purple(size medium) : J.Crew Factory, here
Long sleeve ruffle shirt (size 6):  Banana Republic, here
No. 2 pencil skirt in multi-color tweed (size 6):  J.Crew, fall 2012
Intyce boots in black leather:  Steve Madden, here

Hi there!  I wanted to share with you a recent Factory find.  J.Crew Factory is currently running an extra 50% off clearance in-store so I bought this cashmere cardigan yesterday  for only about $35.  It is nearly identical to this year's retail version so I thought it was a great deal, and I love the violet jewel tone.  I also saw some other pretty colors, though not in my size.  The cashmere feels very soft and the buttons are nice. The sales associate did tell me these run on the small side, but I typically size up to a medium in cardigans.  They're still $79.99 online, so an in-store price of $35 is quite a steal!

I do get frustrated with how cardigans fit my body.  I have a narrow waist but a larger chest, so my choice is to wear a cardigan with gaping buttons, or size up and have it look big.  As you can see I chose the latter option, but I don't like how baggy it looks in these pictures.  However, I hated how the size small gaped at the buttons.  Maybe it would look better left open.  Anyone else have this issue? 

 I didn't think I had any need for this skirt when I bought it, but I've really worn it a lot.  I love how winter-y it looks, and it's really warm. 

Thanks for visiting! 

Buffalo plaid bargain

Buffalo plaid belted wool blend coat (size small):  Banana Republic, here
Tropical weight wool pants (size 6 Tall):  Limited Luxe, 2009
Booties:  Enzo Angiolini
Scarf:  Nordstrom Rack

There are few things I love more in life than a great bargain.  I get it from my mom.  It's just such a rush to find an awesome deal, isn't it?  When I was rushing around on Saturday, looking for a black wrap for our dressy event, I popped into Banana Republic.  I had admired this coat for months but since I had already purchased both the metro coat and the slim trench from J.Crew this year, I couldn't justify it. That is until I found one lone one on the sale rack, in my size, marked to 74.97 + an additional 40% off.  Seriously?  I bought this coat, originally priced at $250, for around $45.00.  It made my day!  It feels so soft and cozy too, I was comfortable all day today in the 30 degree weather wearing it.  Also see it on Andrea, one of my fave bloggers, at Tweed and Toile. 

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

Cocktail attire featuring Lilly Pulitzer

Portia dress in cameo white stroke of midnight (size 6): Lilly Pulitzer, here
Oscar pumps in black patent leather:  Jessica Simpson (DSW)
Rose gold leather clutch : Marc Jacobs for Target, holiday 2012
Black wrap:  Nordstrom Rack

Hi there!  How was your weekend?  Last night we had a dressy event, a "gala" which is a fundraising effort for our parish and school.  The attire really run the gamut for the gala, but for the most part women wear cocktail dresses.  I ordered this Lilly dress from Saks Fifth Avenue for a really great price...I think it was marked from $278 to $111.  It was part of Lilly's holiday line, but I started totally overthinking and stressing about wearing it.  First, it's "winter white" with a gold sheen, and I worried that people wouldn't realize it was a winter dress.  Second, it's a lot "skimpier," of a dress than I normally wear.  Low scoop in the front and back and rather short.  And third, it is FREEZING here right now and I agonized over tights or no tights?  My mom, who is totally old school, completely balked when I mentioned wearing black tights.  Tights to her read casual, and I kind of agree.  Also, I really don't like to wear tights other than for work.  So long story short, I totally over-thought the entire outfit and drove myself crazy!  At the last minute I ran to Nordstrom Rack and picked up this inexpensive black wrap as a way to "winter-ize" the dress more, and it made me much more comfortable.  In the end I really enjoyed wearing this cocktail dress, and I hope to wear it again for a dressy event. Here is a close up of the pretty neckline:

I love all the black jewels adorning the scoopneck, making a necklace unnecessary.  I absolutely love Lilly Pulitzer for day dresses and evening dresses! 

Thanks for visiting!

Polka dot poppy cashmere for Wear Red Day

Collection polka dot cashmere sweater (size small):  J.Crew, fall 2012 (check for popbacks)
AG Stevie skinny jeans (size 28):  Anthropologie, fall 2011
Plaid cashmere scarf:  Burberry, old
Lynnea boots in suede:  Ugg

Friday, I thought you'd never be here.  I took the day off as it's been a long, stressful week with my husband traveling (he arrived home last night) and me working and taking care of the boys. It was so nice to have the day off to catch up on laundry, go to lunch with my husband and littlest boy, and just relax.  I bought this sweater on popback in December because I am an apparent cashmere hoarder and decided I needed a third polka dot cashmere sweater.  I'm almost embarassed to admit that but honestly, I've enjoyed both the green/navy combo and the camel/gray version so much, I knew I'd love the poppy one too. I didn't wear it over the holidays, choosing to save it to have something fun to look forward to wearing during the gray, gloomy days of winter.  What better day to wear it than Wear Red Day in honor of Go Red for Women?  Did you wear red today?

I bought this Burberry scarf for my husband one Christmas years ago...seriously it might have been nine or ten years ago.  He wears it when he wears his dressy blackovercoat, which is not very often.  I think I "borrow" it to wear way more than he does.  All these years later it still looks fantastic...I'll have to look into more "gifts" to give my husband that I can use too!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!  Thank you for stopping by!