Neapolitan

Another hot day here in Nor Cal...another good day for a skirt and sandals! I picked up this cardigan on sale this summer from J Crew...I love that it goes with so many colors. I usually wear it with the obvious...navy, pink and cream. Today I paired it with a skirt I bought last summer for under $20 right after I had my youngest son...it has a stretchy waist band so it was perfect back then, but still totally comfy now! I love to pair cheap and not as cheap items together...this outfit does just that:



(Not sure what's going on with the square my necklace created...hmmm)

Details:
-Shirt-J Crew Outlet (Spring 2010)
-Neapolitan Cardigan-J Crew
-Mossimo Skirt-Target
-Presta Wedge Sandals-Target
-Necklace-J Crew Outlet
-Kenneth Cole Earrings-Macy's
-Ring-Forever 21
-Bracelet-Twisted Silver-gift from my friend Elise

My mom is coming down to visit tonight and spending the night with us so that'll be fun. Tomorrow afternoon I plan to stop into Old Navy with my 40% off coupons and rewards card in hand and purchase that cute Red front ruffle coat...hopefully they still have my size!! Not sure yet what I'll use the second coupon for...I was told the boots that I've been looking at may not be coming to the stores near me so I went ahead and ordered them online with the 20% off promo they're having right now and also got free shipping. There's just something about getting free shipping that makes my day. I'm anxiously awaiting to see if I actually like them. We shall see. If not, I'll simply return them.

Hope you're having a Happy Wednesday!!

This is how I roll...again

Yup...day #3 in a row of wearing a dress or skirt...when it's this hot outside there just isn't a better option. I decided to dig deep into my closet today and pull out some oldies, but goodies:



Details:
-Skirt-Old Navy (4 years old)
-Wonder Tee-Down East Basics
-Wedge Sandals-Bass Shoes Outlet (4-5 years old)
-Necklace-gift from my sis-in-law Kristen a few years ago
-Earrings/Bracelet-Old Navy
-Ring-Forever 21

There's something rewarding about pulling an item out of your closet that you bought years ago and it's still cute enough to wear. Those are the good ones.

My husband is working late tonight so the boys and I are headed up to base to meet him for dinner so they can see him for a bit. I am beyond excited to watch the highly anticipated Britney Spears episode of Glee tonight...can't wait!!! Love me some good fall TV! Have a good night!

New Rule: Wear white after Labor Day and some Old Navy picks

So I'm gonna go ahead and say that the whole no wearing white after Labor day rule is officially de-funked this year seeing as how it's hotter today (99 degrees at 4pm), at the end of September, than it was most of July. Go figure. I thought I had seen the last of this white skirt for the year but mother nature decided to pull summer back out of her little pocket so I pulled the white skirt back out once again too. Nothing fancy today...the hair went up because I had to hurry and get ready to pick up my preschooler after I got home from the gym and showered. I actually really don't love the way I look with my hair up, but some days it's just inevitable and more convenient.



Details:
-Top-Layers Clothing (no longer online)
-Skirt-Target (Summer 2010)
-Presta Wedge Sandals-Target (Summer 2010)
-Necklace-Fossil
-Bracelet-OLD
-Earrings-American Eagle (OLD)

I stopped in at Old Navy today to take a look at the red Front Ruffle coat I've have my eye on. They finally received them in my store. There are quite a few things at Old Navy that are sitting in my online cart right now...not that I'll get them all but I'm actually surprised how many things they have that I'm loving! Case in point:

Again, the Ruffled Wool Blend Coat in Saucy Red:



I tried both the XS and the Small today and I will get the small. It ran pretty TTS for me. The difference was that the XS was tighter through the bodice where the buttons are...too tight for me (and I'm not well endowed up there at all). There are no buttons at all after those 4 top buttons so if you walk the coat will open a little but that didn't really bother me...just an observation. The sleeves were a bit longer in the Small and they are actually more of a bell sleeve. I'm still holding out for a coupon code for this.

Ruffle Collar Wool Blend Jacket in Mellow Yellow:



I tried this on in an XS and a Small and again, it ran TTS so I fit better in a Small. It was also too tight through the bodice in an XS. The sleeve length seemed similar on both. I didn't know how I'd feel about the collar on this one, but I actually really loved it! The color is super fun and bright but I think it'd be a welcome sight for the colder months amongst a lot of gray, black and brown. It'd go great with red, purple, black, pink, etc. I'm contemplating this one...maybe on a super sale or coupon.

Sliver Wedge Boots in camel and black:





These recently popped up on the website but are not yet in stores...soon I hope because from the picture I really love them and want to see them in person to confirm. I love the sleekness of these and the fact that there's a built in wedge without it looking clunky. I would love either color, really. Maybe both. =)

Tuxedo Shirt Dress in Navy Stripe or Goodnight Nora:





This reminds me of something you'd see at Loft....in fact, I think they may have had something very similar last year (similar to the Navy Stripe color). I didn't see this in the store yet so I'm not 100% sure I'd love it, but in my head it looks cute with either some skinny jeans or leggings, and some boots.

Cowl-Neck Jersey Dress in purple:



This is something I grabbed in the store and actually tried on...it isn't something I ever would have ordered online I don't think...I never even noticed it before in fact. The purple color is no longer online, but it's stocked in every other color they offer. I tried it on in a Small and it was really drapy on top and under the arms so I sized down to an XS and it worked better. I thought this would look cute with leggings and a belt, but I'm not sure the seam at the top falls where a belt would go so I'll have to try it on with a belt to see. It was super comfortable and the cowl neck is really cute I thought. An undershirt or cami is definitely needed because the neck dips down pretty low. Overall a cute piece.

So those are some latest cute Old Navy finds. The quality of clothing at Old Navy is not always the best, but honestly I've never really had anything completely fall apart on me...a hole here and there and an occasional shoe malfunction but overall Old Navy is a good place to get a good deal on cute, trendier pieces....especially when they have a good sale or are offering coupons. In fact when I bought the Cowl-Neck Jersey dress today (with a 20% off coupon--seriously, never go into Old Navy without a coupon...there's always one floating around) the guy that did the transaction gave me a few 40% off one adult item coupons that are good starting 9/30. They are only good for in-store purchases, not online. That's kinda annoying. Since I still have a few rewards cards laying around I'll combine those with the 40% off coupons to get a few good deals on the Red ruffle jacket and a pair of boots probably...as long as the boots arrive in the store and I can find my size. Ahh...the thrill of the hunt for the best deal you can find. The less that comes out of my wallet for the most I can get, the better. You follow? =)

On that note, I wonder if there will be a big Anthro sale tomorrow? =)

Big Print

I don't have too many things in my closet with big print on it...it's not really my thing (I say that now...you never know---I could change my mind). However, when I saw this dress online last spring I had to have it. Maybe because the colors were all me or because it just looked fun...not sure. Either way, it now hangs in my closet, and today I pulled it out for what I hope will be one of the last few Sundays I have to dress for summer in a fall month.



Details:
-Dress-Down East Basics
-Wonder tee-Down East Basics
-Sandals-Target
-Necklace-Macy's...gift from a friend
-Earrings-Target
-Bracelet-OLD

Not a lot to say tonight...I'm exhausted from a busy weekend and wish it wasn't almost Monday already! Better hit the hay so I can wake up with the sun...Happy (almost) start of a new week!

Polka dots and Stripes

Happy Saturday everyone! We had a good day and evening yesterday...I will be heading out on a run this morning after indulging at The Melting Pot last night...gotta balance things out a bit! But oh, was it worth it...the dinner is good, but the chocolate...HEAVENLY! We took our in laws there since they are visiting us and they had never gone there before so it was a fun first experience for them.

After I saw Jessica wearing her polka dot Curated Tee this week it reminded me that I have one I should pull out and wear again too! It was chilly again in the early morning so I had to pile on a cardigan to stay warm in the wind. Remember that fun new jewelry I mentioned I found at Old Navy the other day? I wore it too...there's just a hint of the yellow color in the necklace that went perfectly with my yellow cardigan.



Details:
-Curated Tee-Anthropologie
-V-Neck Cardigan-Loft (This has become one of my favorites!)
-Mossimo Shorts-Target
-Flats-DSW
-Necklace, Ring and Earrings-Old Navy

For the evening out I didn't get too formal but I changed into something else...I felt like sporting some stripes:



Details:
-Ruffle Front Tank-Ann Taylor Outlet
-Sweater-Old Navy
-Jeans-Banana Republic Outlet
-Sandals-Nordstrom
-Necklace-Anthropologie
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Ring-OLD

As much as I would like to think fall is actually here, the 90 degree weather is a quick reminder that summer is still lingering. Maybe next week the change of months will bring a change in temperatures too...maybe...crossing my fingers! =)

Have a great day!

Week of OOTD's

It's been one of those crazy weeks I tell ya! Somehow it seems I'm sick all over again in some form (sinus headache, pressure, sore throat, etc) and to make life even more exciting my brand new computer all of a sudden quit working a few days ago so I didn't have one for a few days. I exchanged it for a brand new one yesterday though so now I'm back up and running. I have lots of pictures to share from what I wore over the past week...but first, I have to share that I got a fun surprise in the mail today! I had read on a few blogs that J Crew was mailing out some of their red cards to some customers...why this is always such a random selection of who gets their coupons I'll never know. I have never once gotten a coupon in their monthly catalogs so when I read about the red card I figured I wouldn't get one of those either. To my surprise I opened my mailbox this morning and there it was! It's a 25% off coupon good for as many purchases as you like IN-STORE only from now until October 11th. My nearest J Crew is about 30 minutes away so hopefully I'll be able to make it down before it expires (ok, lets be honest..I'll make time to go!)

Now onto some pictures....starting with last Friday night when I had dinner with some girlfriends:



Details:
-Cardigan-J Crew (Summer sale item)
-Tank-J Crew Outlet
-Skinny Jeans-American Eagle
-Sandals-Loft
-Necklace-Loft
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Ring-Forever 21

Saturday--Side note: I ran up to J Crew Outlet and picked up the Eden Blazer and a top both on sale. After seeing the Factory items online at J Crew I fell in love with the blazer all over again.



I had seen it in the store previously but at a price that I wasn't willing to pay knowing that at some point it would hit a sale. I had read on Debye's blog that she had stopped by the factory store and found some prices on some items to be even cheaper than online so I figured I'd see if the store near my house still had the blazer in my size and color I wanted...and they did! Can't wait to wear it!! If you're wanting to get one too, know that it runs a little big. I sized down one size...the sleeves were way too long in my regular size and the fit was overall a little too baggy but the next size down worked perfectly. After my little trip to J Crew, I hung out at home the rest of the day with the fam...nice and relaxing. Here's what I wore:



Details:
-Shirt-J Crew Outlet
-Wonder Tee-Down East Basics
-Matchstick Jeans-J Crew Outlet
-Presta Wedge Sandals-Target
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs
-Earrings-Target
-Bracelet watch-gift from my inlaws

Sunday--church! I went old school for this outfit--everything at least three years old (except accessories):



Details:
-Top-Express
-Skirt-Kohl's
-Jessica Simpson Heels-Bakers
-Necklace-Express
-Earrings-Target
-Bracelet-J Crew (Summer sale item)

Monday--Back to the grind...school, trip to Old Navy, homework...FUN! I stopped in at Old Navy to pick up a tank I had seen in another store (in the wrong size) and came across a ton of new jewelry while I was there that was pretty darn cute! I'm not usually a total fan of Old Navy jewelry, but this stuff was really fun. I can't wait to wear the necklace I got...super gorgeous rich colors...I'm not seeing any of it online yet so check in your store to grab them up while you can. I'm seriously contemplating going back for the other colorway in the necklace I got. So onto what I wore:



Details:
-Molded and Melded Tee-my good friend Elise gave this to me for my birthday knowing I've been waiting and waiting for it to go on sale. You rock girl!!
-Cardigan-Gap
-Jean Skirt-Old Navy (Super OLD)
-Presta Wedge Sandals-Target
-Necklace-Banana Republic Outlet ($10)
-Earrings/Bracelet-Old Navy

Tuesday--It was chilly on Tuesday so I dressed a little warmer...when, oh when is it gonna turn cold for good? I'm so ready! I worked in my son's class on Tuesday so I was all about wearing flats as working with first graders for an hour is literally a workout in itself...I felt like being comfortable.



Details:
-Field Game cardigan-Anthropologie
-Ruffle Front top-J Crew
-Always Skinny Jeans-Gap
-Brown Flats-Target
-Necklace-Loft (Summer purchase)
-Ring-Old Navy (new purchase)
-Earrings and Bangles-Nordstrom

Wednesday--I literally ran all over the place running errands yesterday...it was a little cold in the morning again so I threw on a cardigan with the new tank I picked up from Old Navy on Monday. I love this tank because it reminds me of the Victoria Ruffled Tissue Cami from J Crew at a much lower price--$12 on sale this week. I picked one up in black too. I'm not seeing them online yet so check in stores if you're interested. Here it is:



Details:
-Tank-Old Navy (it looks a little see through in the picture but in person I don't think it's that bad)
-Cardigan-J Crew (Summer purchase)
-Cropped Skinny Jeans-Gap
-Wedge Sandals-Old Navy
-Earrings-Anthropologie
-Necklace-Fossil
-Bracelet Watch-gift from my in-laws
-Ring-Forever 21

And finally..TODAY! I woke up not feeling too great so I just wanted to be comfortable. I have worn this dress before on the blog and tried to think of a way to change it up but at 7:20am when I was getting dressed I wasn't feeling too creative so all I did differently was add a cardigan and change up the sandals. For some reason the dress looks like it has an ombre effect towards the bottom in this picture but it doesn't...just some bad lighting!



Details:
-Maxi Dress-Old Navy
-Wonder Tee-Down East Basics
-Madden Girl Sandals-DSW
-Ring-Forever 21
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs
-Bracelets-Gap Outlet
-Earrings-Target

So there you have it...a week of outfits. Hopefully now that I have a working computer I won't fall so behind again! We do have company coming to visit tonight through the weekend though so we'll see how on top of it I stay. My in-laws are coming to see us for a few days so that should be fun. My boys are very excited to get them all to themselves. My husband and I and the two of them are headed to the Melting Pot tomorrow night for a little date night out so I'm looking forward to that....I love that place! What to wear??? =)

Have a great night...anyone else as excited about Grey's coming back tonight as I am??? Other shows I'm recording on my DVR tonight include the new one called "My Generation", Office, Parks and Recreation, Project Runway, etc...ahhh...Thursday night "Must See TV" is back!!! =)

Here's what I've been wearing this week...

Pardon the marathon OOTD postings...I finally installed Photoshop onto my laptop so now I can get back to business with my photos! Here we go:

Sunday:



Details:
-Sheep Meadow Dress-Shabby Apple
-Red "Taki Mary Jane Pumps"-Target (you can't really tell they're red--bad lighting!)
-Bangles-Gap
-Necklace-Tiffany
-Earrings-Express
-Candy Bowl Ring-Banana Republic-no longer online

I think I like this dress with red shoes much better than the yellow shoes I wore with it last time...it just pops more.

Monday:



Details:
-Tank-J-Crew
-Cardigan-J Crew Outlet
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic (on sale now)
-Rocket Dog Gray Flats-Macy's (on sale for $24.99 last week in-store)
-Necklace-Fossil
-Earrings/Ring-Forever 21
-Bracelet-Express

I came home from dropping off my son at school this day and changed into a long sleeved cardigan because it was FREEZING! I didn't take another picture, but I liked the look of the long sleeved one better than this one with the outfit.

Tuesday:



Details:
-Tiered Tank-Old Navy
-Cardigan-Old Navy
-Skinny Jeans-American Eagle
-Red Flats-Target (again, hard to see that these are red!!)
-Necklace/Ring-Forever 21
-Bracelet-Twisted Silver (gift from my friends Elise)
-Kenneth Cole Earrings-Macy's

Wednesday:



Details:
-Climbing Cowlneck Top-Anthropologie
-Wonder Tee-Down East Basics
-Pulsation Skirt-Anthropologie
-Presta Wedge Sandals-Target
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs
-Earrings-Express
-Bangles-Gap
-Ring-Forever 21

We had a birthday party to go to at a golf course so I figured I'd get a little dressed up for the occassion. I love this fun skirt!

Today:



-Tank-Old Navy
-Cardigan-American Eagle
-Wonder Tee-Down East Basics
-Cropped Skinny Jeans-Gap
-Rocket Dog Gray flats-Macy's-Earrings-Target
-Ring-OLD
-Bracelet-Family piece from my great-great-great Aunt
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs

Today I had NOTHING planned except for babysitting my friend's little boy for a few hours in the morning and then having said friends over for dinner, so I went super casual today. I actually ended up taking a little trip to Gap Outlet after lunch just to get out of the house for a bit until my son got home from school. I ended up finding my youngest son a Halloween shirt (how do I have two older boys and never bought a 18-24 month size Halloween shirt?? I had a 12-18 and a 2T!), a new pair of jeans also for him since after going through the 18-24 month bucket of clothes I realized my two older boys destroyed the knees in all the jeans, and a pair of rain boots for me. I have been looking at getting a pair of Hunter rain boots but when I saw these I decided I'd pay about 1/4 as much as the Hunters and deal. What if we get sent to somewhere (we're military) it hardly ever rains in a few years? That would be a waste of the $125 rain boots! Anyhow, for $35 I picked up these cute alternatives. I had been planning on getting silver rain boots, but when I saw these in purple I really liked them. Purple is kinda a neutral right? Goes with brown, black, green, yellow, cream, white...pretty versatile. I love the socks that fold out over the edges..that's what sealed the deal for me. I also liked that I could adjust the buckle and make them fit a little better around my calf...always an issue!! I can't wait for it to rain now!

In addition to my Gap Outlet purchase, I was able to do a charge send for this cute sweater I've been eyeing for a month now at Gap (retail store--not outlet).



I bought one of those Groupons last month when Gap had their deal going on and it's been burning a hole in my pocket ever since so when I saw this sweater go on sale online I knew it was time to use it. My size in the charcoal color was sold out online so I tracked one down about a half hour away from my house and had them ship it to me so I didn't have to trek down to pick it up. It was either pay gas, $4 for the toll bridge and drag my kids, or $6 for UPS to bring it to my door step. Easy decision. The sweater was regularly $79.50 and when I called to check in-store, they told me it was now $54.99...even cheaper than online! After using my Groupon (by the way, I was stoked they let me use my Groupon over the phone...wasn't sure if they'd go for that) and paying shipping, it only cost about $40...half-off what the original price was. I love a deal!!!

So the next few days should be good mail days! I'm expecting my Gap sweater and my new LOFT boots. When I was cleaning out my mail pile today I found a 40% off one item coupon that expires next week that I forgot I had...might have to pull the trigger on that red coat with the cute ruffle on it. I have a rewards card I could use to put towards it so it would cost me less than $10 in the end...hmmmm...tempting! Should I do it? I keep getting all these cute fall and winter clothes and can't really use them yet because we're still in the 80's here...come on fall...come already!!!

Ok..I'm off to get some things done. Hope evryone has a great day!!!

A New Season brings new clothes...

So this is my first blog post from my new laptop...I wasn't suppose to get it for a few weeks but my husband surprised me by picking it up on his way home from work last night instead...sneaky! I am loving it!! =) I still need to install Photo shop so I don't have any OOTD pictures to share tonight...I figured I'd do what I do best instead and browse online to find some of my favorite new arrivals from a few places....take a looksie:

Ruffled Wool-Blend Coat



Ok, this coat from Old Navy is gonna have to find it's way into my closet somehow this fall (maybe when it goes on a sale a little...pretty sure I can't swallow paying $90 for an Old Navy coat). I'm loving this...that cute little ruffle, the color, the length...LOVE!

Heather Traversa Cardigan



I first saw this online and thought it was really fun...a new twist on the cardigan. I walked through J Crew today and saw it in person and liked it just as much. It comes in quite a few colors, but this heathered gray was my favorite.

Loosely Looped Tee



I like both the color and the design of this top from Anthropologie and would love to try it on. It's super fall-ish!

Cream Confection Jacket



Oh Anthro, GORGEOUS! Enough said.

Solitary Hat



I am one of those people that wants to look good when I wear hats...I even actually wear them once in a while but I'll be honest, I don't have the best hat head. I might just keep pretending I do though and pick this up eventually...it's just too cute to pass up!

Today I took a little trip to a few stores to spend some birthday money...I ended up picking up a few things at Loft since I also had some rewards cards to use:

Chiffon Overlay Tank



This has a bit of a bubble hem but totally does not bubble out in a bad way. It lays really well and is very flattering. The color is also much prettier in person....it can be dressed up or down...perfect!

V-Neck Cardigan



I actually already own this sweater in the Autumn Yellow color but they were on sale for $25 today in-store (about $15 in the end after my rewards cards kicked in) and I've been on the lookout for a black longer cardigan. SOLD! I can't say enough great things about this sweater!

Shiri Suede Over the Knee boots (in brown)



I've had my eye on these boots for a few months now and finally decided to take the plunge and get them. When I went to check out I got a great surprise---they were having an in-store promo of 30% off that particular pair of boots. Sweet! After all was said and done I picked these up for less than half of the price they're listed for online.

So there are a few of my new arrivals lusts...trust me...I could have gone on and on! What are you in love with these days??

Birthday Outing in the City

Last night was fabulous...I loved every second of it. Dinner at Maya was amazing, ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery was perfection (even if we had to stand in line behind 50 other people...that just proves it's good!), and spending time with close friends is always a treat. 30 is starting out pretty good. =)

Me:



Details:
-Polka Dot Tank-Loft (Not seeing it on the website anymore--so glad I grabbed one while they were in stock!!)
-3/4 Sleeve Cardigan with Bow-Loft (yes, I'm totally guilty of copying the styling from the website of the top with this cardigan!!)
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic (I got these in the short length)
-Vince Camuto "Miki" Pumps-Nordstrom (Back in stock now)
-Bracelet-can't remember where I got this!!
-Necklace-Vera Wang for Kohls
-Earrings-Target

Me and one of my best friends, Elise:



How cute is she in her cute Anthro sweater!!

Me and my (really) cute boy:



Speaking of this cute boy...he finally let me in on what my birthday present is this year...a new laptop! I've never had my own so I'm really excited. He wanted to get a new computer for me since our desktop is almost 5 years old but I told him I thought a laptop would be more fun since it would actually be "mine" and not for the kids, and left it at that. Guess he heard that little comment after all! =) It won't be here for a few weeks since he custom ordered it so I have to be patient...can't wait to get it though!

It's been a great weekend all around...hope you are having a good one too! =)

Bumble Bee

Just a quick OOTD post...I need to go clean out my car so we can pick up our friends to go to dinner without having them sit all over goldfish crumbs and milk splattered seats! I'm such a mom. First, thanks so much for all the sweet birthday wishes...it was a pretty good day all around. As for my present from my husband? Still to be determined...he said I'd have to wait till the weekend. Good thing I bought the back-up gift, right? It's all about being prepared I tell ya!

Anyhow, this morning it was a little chilly but I didn't feel like wearing pants or jeans so I pulled out my leggings...by the end of putting together my outfit I felt kinda like a Bumble Bee...



Details:
-Dress-Old Navy
-V-Neck Cardigan-Loft
-Leggings-Target ($6.00!)
-Olena Bow Flats-Target
-Necklace-Anthropologie
-Earrings-Forever 21
-Ring-OLD

Although I felt a little like a Bumble Bee I didn't really care....this cardigan is one of my favorites and I love it...Bumble Bee'ish with the black and white or not. I ran with it. It's all about attitude right?!!

Tonight we're headed out to my birthday dinner...we're going into the city to a Mexican restaurant called "Maya"...I've never heard of it so I hope it's good! I'm not sure what I'm wearing tonight yet...I'll figure it out after I clean out my car I guess.

Hope you all have a great Friday evening!!

Birthday Girl!

Today is my 30th birthday...crazy!!! I'm one of those people that loves birthdays...always have, probably always will. Even when I get old. 30 feels a little bit older this year, I must admit. I don't know if it's a mental thing or just a numbers thing. My mom was here part of the day and helped me out by watching my kids so I could go get my hair done. I've never had my hair cut and colored on my birthday but I might have to make it a yearly tradition...it was kind of fun being pampered on my birthday instead of just some random day. I had my normal blonde highlights put in and then added in some darker brown lo-lights since fall is coming. I like to change it up a little once in a while. My hair girl also curled my hair...how I wish I could make it look as cute as she can! When I came home I found all the kids' laundry folded and beds made. My mom rocks. My husband actually has to work late tonight so we aren't going out to celebrate till tomorrow night. I love it when you get to stretch the celebrating a good couple of days. We actually celebrated my birthday last weekend too with our visiting family as I share a birthday with my cute 2 year old niece (Happy Birthday Ella!!). My sis-in-law and bro-in-law picked up a yummy ice cream cake for us which was so nice. It's the first time in a long time I haven't had to make my own cake!

So I mentioned a few posts ago that I finally tracked down the Rise and Fall cardigan a few weeks back...it arrived a couple of days ago so I figured I'd consider this little gem my birthday present to myself this year. I never know what my husband is gonna get me for my birthday so as a back-up plan I always get myself something too...aren't I nice? =) Can I just say how much I LOVE it! I am so glad I finally found it!

Here's my birthday outfit today:



Details:
-Torsade Tee-Anthropologie (Sold out online)
-Rise and Fall cardigan-Anthropologie (Sold out online)
-Always Skinny Jeans-GAP (petite size for shorter length)
-Tank-Shade Clothing
-Looping Lanes Belt-Anthropologie (Sold out online)
-Shoes-Forever 21 (Fall/Winter 2009/2010)-$7.99!!
-Ring-Target
-Kenneth Cole Earrings-Macy's
-Small Open Circle Necklace-Shabby Apple

You know that feeling when you get dressed and just love what you're wearing? It certainly doesn't happen everyday for me, but today was one of those good days. I love this outfit! I stole Jessica's idea of belting it...I love the way it looked on her and thought I'd go for it. I can't wait till it gets cooler and I can pull out some boots!

Tonight I plan to stop by Rubios for dinner and Jamba for a treat...I'm sure my kids won't mind! I refuse to cook my own dinner on my birthday. After they head to bed I'll be indulging in some Project Runway...perfect way to end my day.

Hope you all had a great day!!

Dreaming...and catch-up OOTD posts

I am dreaming of fall...dreaming of piling on layers of clothes...shirts, sweaters, socks, boots, coats...so many fabulous layers to choose from. On Monday I dressed a little warmer because we headed down towards the city. Tuesday, however, it was back in the 90's. Too hot! Then there was today...today felt like fall. It was pretty cold this morning, but perfect in the afternoon. Just a little taste of what's to come (never mind that it's suppose to be back in the 80's on the weekend...blah blah blah). I got the September Anthro catalog in the mail yesterday and am totally in love with so many fall pieces...the wish list grows longer and longer. Darn you Anthro for tempting me with all your cute clothes, shoes and jewelry! Most will remain on the wish list but I'm hoping a few will find their way to my closet eventually.

Onto a few outfits from the past few days...like I said, on Monday I dressed for cooler weather as we headed to the bay:



Details:
-Ruffle Tee-LOFT (Spring 2010)
-Percussive Cardigan-Anthropologie (got on sale--no longer online)
-Skinny Jeans-American Eagle-Shoes-Target
-Necklace-Fossil
-Bracelet-gifted from my grandma--came from my great-great aunt Anna's collection
-Earrings-American Eagle

Tuesday---back to school day! I worked in my son's classroom on Tuesday and let me tell ya, it wore me out! Talk about a workout! =)



Details:
-Grand Ruffle Shell-J Crew (sale item-Spring 2010)
-Ruffle Cardigan-Old Navy (Spring 2010)
-Cropped Skinny Jeans-Gap (got for $25 on sale)
-Metallic Sandals-Madden Girl-via DSW Shoes
-Necklace-Old Navy
-Earrings-Express

And finally, today (sorry--this one's a little blurry). It was super chilly this morning and never really warmed up a whole lot so I wore the cardigan most of the day:



Details:
-Ruffle Trim Tee-J Crew (Spring 2010--sale item)
-Hidden Placket Cardigan ("peach" color--even though it looks pink in real life)-Banana Republic-got this during the last Give and get sale--I LOVE it!!!
-Matchstick Jeans-J Crew Outlet
-Wedge Sandals-Old Navy
-Ring-Forever 21
-Earrings-OLD
-Necklace-Tiffany--gifted from my husband

So there ya go...a three day wrap-up! I was all about the cardigan again these past few days...love me a cute cardigan! Tune in tomorrow when I debut my birthday present to myself (could it be yet another cardigan...perhaps??)--I won't be posting till later in the afternoon because I'm getting my hair done in the morning and then babysitting for a bit in the early afternoon. Till then...have a good day! =)

Catching up!

Hello there! It's been a while, I know. Between being sick and hosting guests the past few days I've been a little busy! We've been having a great time with my bro-in-law and sis-in-law and their kiddos...it's been a lot of fun and I'll be so sad to see them go tomorrow. We figured out the whole Skype thing finally so at least we can keep in touch that way. This week should be a good one...any week that starts out with a holiday is fabulous in my book! My 4 year old starts preschool this week which is super exciting, I'm hoping to start volunteering in my son's 1st grade class, my mom is coming down for a visit and I'm turning the big 30!!! That's right...these are my last few days in my 20's...gotta make them count!

So I've only taken a few picture in the last few days of what I've been wearing...I skipped today because I wore an outfit to church that I've already posted before...see here. I felt like whipping out my white Rah-Rah Rumba skirt one last time before Labor day rolled around. Not sure if the white will fly after that or not---depends on the weather I suppose. I tried on a million things with it this morning but just wasn't feeling anything and kept coming back to this same ensemble from before. Oh well. I guess I was in a yellow-gray mood. It worked.

Here's what else I've been wearing--Friday we just hung around the house most of the day and then went out to dinner that night:



Details:
-Satin Striped Tee--got for 1/2 off!
-White Matchstick Jeans-J Crew Outlet
-Presta Wedge Sandals-Target
-Bracelet-J Crew Outlet

On Saturday my sis-in-law and I took a little trip to Target in the morning, and then we headed out to Napa with our husbands and kids in the afternoon. We found a really yummy Cupcake shop called "Sift". I had a vanilla cupcake with pink butter cream frosting. It was divine!! They sprinkled edible glitter on each one that made them super shiny and cute. That night we got a babysitter and went to back to Napa for dinner--just the 4 of us. We ate at an Italian restaurant called "UVA". It was quite good and a cute place. I love me a night out!



Details:
-Striped Tiered Tank-Nordstrom (Summer 2010)
-White Short Sleeve Cardigan-LOFT (Spring 2010)
-Ultimate Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic (got these on sale during Give and Get promo)
-Chunky Bead Necklace-Macy's
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Cocktail Ring-American Eagle
-Watch-Fossil (OLD)

So as for the sale at Anthro last week, would you believe I didn't pick up a single item? I looked and looked and just didn't see anything I had to have. There were a few things I thought were cute, but nothing I "needed". I did pick up my Rise and Fall cardigan last week so I guess technically I did get something. The Molded and Melded Tee is still full price (super disappointed about that one) and a few other things I'm looking at are still full price so I guess I'm on watch.

I'm off to bed...getting up early to go for a run and then heading into the city for the day with the fam...always fun! Happy no work/school day!!! =)

PS--Just noticed I hit 50 followers! How fun! =)

Quickie OOTD

Today is a bit crazy--trying to be productive while still feeling crummy. I'm starting to think this is all attributed to allergies and sinus issues. Who knows. I do know I'm over it...time to move on. I tried to pretend I was better this morning when I woke up so I could hop back on the treadmill for a run but when my throat was on fire and I could barely breath, I turned back over and went to sleep for a bit longer. Maybe Friday...my new "I'm gonna be better by then" goal. The first goal was today...failed miserably. Here's to the new goal!

So we have company arriving tonight...in about 4 hours to be exact. I have a few more things to get done before they arrive so this is gonna be a quick post. This morning I met up with some girlfriends for breakfast to send off our friend Amy (shout out!!!) who's moving to Japan this weekend. I'm a complete wreck about the fact that she's leaving...gonna miss her a ton. Don't wanna talk about it. boo!!! I'm pretending it's not happening at least for a few more days till I have to say goodbye for real. Anyhow, here's what I put together this morning:



Details:
-Ruffle Tank-Down East Basics (Spring 2010)--it looks red but it's actually a pinkish magenta!
-Cardigan-Ann Taylor Outlet (Summer 2010)
-Skinny Cropped Cargo Pants-LOFT
-Sandals-LOFT
-Necklace-Macy's (Summer 2010)
-Cocktail Ring-American Eagle
-Bracelet-J Crew
-Earrings-OLD

Who's excited to see what hits the big Labor Day sale tonight at Anthro??? It's the last week for free shipping so if there are a few certain things that hit the sale I'm gonna bite for sure (come on Molded and Melded Tee)!! =)

Have a great day!