J.Crew Factory Leigh Dress and another Lilly dress

Leigh dress in deep lagoon (size 6):  J.Crew Factory, tiny size left here
Blazer: Ann Taylor, old!
Pumps:  Vince Camuto
Necklace:  Contest prize from Gigi

Where has the week gone?  Between a birthday party for our now 3 year old (sob, where did my baby go?), a day trip with friends, and work I have been a busy woman!  This was my outfit on Thursday for work.  I really love the Factory Leigh dress!  As you can tell in the first picture, my chest is rather...errrr...highlighted in this dress so a blazer was a must.  If this dress pops back, or if you see it in-store, give it a try. 

On Friday we went to Keeneland  race track in Lexington with a group of people.  My husband and I really enjoy the culture of horse racing and all the beauty and elegance that goes with it.  I didn't get a full OOTD shot, but here's a photo that shows the cute Lilly dress I wore.

Lilly Pulitzer delia dress in lipstick print, size 6
Pink leather pumps: Franco Sarto
And my handsome husband :)

Thanks for visiting, have a great day!

Loft Flower Eyelet dress

Flower eyelet cotton dress (size 6): Loft, here
Patent leather oscar heels:  Jessica Simpson
Necklace:  Contest prize from Gigi

I had an inexplicably terrible hair day today.  You can't really tell in the pictures, but trust me.  It managed to look frizzy and limp, puffy and stringy all at the same time.  Lovely! I'm going to blame it on the wind, which also kept trying to blow my skirt up on this lovely eyelet dress.  I was one breeze away from indecent exposure all day.  But oh, do I love this dress!  Most women try to incorporate more color into their wardrobes.  But being the color-crazed girl I am, I have to force myself to include more neurtrals in my closet!  I usually steer clear of black clothing, it makes me feel drab.  (Other than for work suits...those I do like in black.)  But since this dress has a great nude lining, I didn't have the normal drab feeling that black usually gives me.  I really, really love it and I highly recommend you give Loft another chance if, like me, you gave up on the store years ago because of the polyester invasion there.  It seems like there are many more cotton pieces to choose from, and lots of fun, feminine dresses. 

Spring seems to have forgotten Ohio this year.  Seems we went from freezing cold winter to hot summer in one fell swoop.  I'm not complaining...I'm welcoming the warm weather with pale, open arms.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lilly + Retro Jade

Silk top with sash (size small):  Lilly Pulitzer (2010 I think)
Double serge wool No. 2 pencil skirt in retro jade (size 6): J.Crew, fall 2012
Heels: Joan & David

I don't have many vices in life.  (Well, unless you consider shopping a vice...which I am pretty sure my husband does...).  I don't smoke, I don't drink daily, I don't gorge on unhealthy food too often.  I do, however, have a Starbucks addiction.  It's just a nice 3 PM pick me up.  Once in a blue moon, if I'm really craving something sweet I will go for a mocha or a caramel macchiato.  But most often my order is a tall blonde (their more mild coffee) with room for cream. 

I had to wear another Lilly piece today.  I can't believe I didn't wear this blouse at all last summer.  It's a really fun, whimsical print that reminds me of something you'd see at Anthro.  It paired nicely with the retro jade pencil skirt, which will likely be packed away with my other winter items after today. 

As much as I love chunky costume jewelry and statement pieces, my favorite is still my simple strand of pearls that was a Mother's Day gift from my husband a few years ago.  It always looks right, no matter the outfit.

Thanks for visiting!

Wearing Lilly today in remembrance of Lilly Pulitzer

Harlow silk dress in multi x marks the spot:  Lilly Pulitzer (2010 I think)
Coral belt:  J.Crew
Heels: Sam Edelman
Earrings: Stella & Dot

Good Monday afternoon!  Hope your week has started out great!  I had to wear a Lilly dress today in memory of Lilly Pulitzer, who passed away yesterday at the age of 81.  (Read the People magazine article here.)  It's such a cool story of how she started designing dresses.  She was definitely a lady who knew how to have fun in life and with her clothing designs.  One of my dearest friends introduced me to the Lilly Pulitzer label about 8 years ago, and I've been wearing her bright designs with pride and enthusiasm every since.  So if you own any Lilly items, make sure you wear them this week in remembrance of this preppy American icon.

I may have been pushing the spring envelope just a tad bit with this dress today.  I was a bit chilly in it, but I felt very springy.  If I keep believing it is finally spring, maybe the warmer weather will continue.  I could tell everyone else was sick of seeing drab winter clothing as well, as this dress received many warm compliments wherever I went today.  It made me feel good that I wore a Lilly!

Have a great week, thanks for stopping by!

Hello from THE Ohio State University

Mirror Lake, a campus landmark at The Ohio State University

Greetings from THE Ohio State University!  We took the kids to Columbus to see friends and family and visit my husband's and my Alma Mater.  No OOTD post...I wish I'd had time because I like how this outfit turned out...but here's a shot of my boys and me at Mirror Lake on campus.  We had a great time showing them around and visiting our sorority and fraternity houses.  Maybe someday I'll even wear an "Ohio State Mom" sweatshirt myself...only around the house of course... :)

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Red (eyelet), white (tee), and denim

Denim jacket (size small): Old Navy, limited sizes here
White timeless crewneck tee (size small): Banana Republic, here
Exploded eyelet pencil skirt in chili (size 6): J.Crew Factory, here
Intyce boots in cognac:  Steve Madden, here
Azalea necklace in vibrant flame:  J.Crew, summer 2012
Sunglasses:  Banana Republic, not on website but check in-store

The sun is shining, I have the rest of the week off work and we're headed out of town tomorrow for a mini spring break road trip.  I was feeling quite spring-y today so I decided to give my new eyelet skirt a whirl. I love that I can wear it with heels and a blouse for work and also casually like today.  I felt very all-American in my red, white and denim. 

I took the boys to lunch today to Panera.  They love it and will eat their entire meals, but 3 kids + 1 adult = $27.  Really?  For mac and cheese and turkey sandwiches, and at a place where I have to bus my own table?  Am I a cheapskate or does that sound like a royal rip-off?  I've been miffed about it ever since, not to mention still hungry as that place never fills me up.  I know thousands of people love it, but for me Panera = overrated.

Hope you're having a great week! 

2 J.Crew Factory Reviews: Nautical Sequin Tank + Exploded Eyelet Pencil Skirt

I have a couple new arrival Factory reviews for you that may be helpful, as the Factory is currently running a "30% off everything" promo.  I ordered both the Nautical Sequin Tank and the Exploded eyelet skirt when they were first released and 30% off plus free shipping.  I was thrilled, as they are replicas of two retail items that I missed out on last summer.  I apologize for the headless horseman photos, but trust me, after running 3.5 miles, spending 25 minutes on the stepmill, and walking home from the gym, I was in no condition for headshots. I don't want to frighten you away.  Here we go:

Factory nautical sequin tank
Size: Small, Color: navy/champagne
Buy here

I remember trying the retail version of this tank on last summer and loving it.  It sold out in my size quickly online, and also in-store by the time it hit sale.  I never could find it, even though the sales associates at my local J.Crew did several searches.  I was SO happy when I saw a Factory version, and even happier when it arrived and I found it to be nearly idential in shape and quality to the retail version.  Here is a better shot of the sequins, which are all sewn on securely and evenly (ignore the running pants, gross):

My only complaint?  If you take a look at the back you will see I will need to go buy a racerback bra to wear with this:

Ahhh well.  I own J.Crew's colorblock sequin tank also, and that could use a racerback bra as well.  No big deal.   Anyway, this is a small and it fit fine, so I would say TTS.

Factory pencil skirt in exploded eyelet
Size: 6, Color: chili

Love this skirt!  It fits very nicely and the wide waistband is so flattering.  I can't wait to wear this with a white blouse or a chambray blouse.  It's a true red and very nice eyelet material.  The 6 is TTS. 

With the promo, free shipping, and a $20 gift card I had, I paid about $50 for each of these items.  A little high for Factory but again these are replicas of two retail items that I was sad to miss last year, so I don't mind the price.  I'm very happy with the quality of the Factory items lately. 

Hope these reviews were helpful.  Do you like any new arrivals at J.Crew Factory?

I will leave you with my OOTD.  Speaking of reviews, I had my annual review today at work.  So I had to look extra suit-y, if you know what I mean.  It went really well.  Have a great evening!

Lightweight wool suit jacket in gray pinstripe, size 6:  Banana Republic, 2012
Lightweight wool Martin fit pants in gray pinstripe, size 6 Long: Banana Republic, 2012
Silk floral blouse: Ann Taylor, 2011
Necklace:  Banana Republic, old
Heels: Banana Republic