Thursday, February 24, 2011

I'm suppose to be packing...

Yup...tomorrow (well, today now, actually) hubs and I are off to Vegas...I can't wait! I'm still a little nervous about leaving behind my munchkins but I know they are in good hands. I'm still debating about what to pack (at midnight)...I'm such a girl. It's suppose to be a little rainy while we're there so that's thrown me off a bit. There are things I would love to wear while I'm there but the weather is dictating what I bring as of right now. I'm sticking with tried and true outfits for the most part...I am breaking out my new Garden Rows top for tomorrow though. And guess what FINALLY showed up at my doorstep tonight...my Slinking Frills Pumps! I was so bummed when they hadn't arrived by about 4pm and figured I was just out of luck. Never fear though...UPS came through and at 5:15pm they arrived. Just in time for my trip! Can't wait to wear them to dinner on Friday night!

So before I head to bed I thought I'd share a quick picture of what I wore today. The sun finally decided to come out and shine for a bit so I felt like that was reason enough to break away from my usual winter uniform of jeans and pull out a skirt instead:



Details:
-Floral Frappe top-Anthropologie
-Circle the Globe Skirt-Anthropologie
-Dollhouse Boots-Endless
-Earrings-Express
-Necklace-Cookie Lee (OLD)
-Ring-American Eagle

I don't know that I've ever paired two shades of blue together before (outside of jeans) but I like it! I originally had a belt on with this outfit but decided in the end it just didn't look right. So belt-less it was.

Ok...think I'm headed to bed now. I'll have to figure out the rest of my trip outfits tomorrow. Hope you all have a great weekend...see you next week!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

I looked in my closet and found....

Hi there! Hope everyone had a great day today! I just wanted to drop in quickly with a few OOTD pictures from the past few days. I wanted to pull out a few items from my closet that I haven't worn in a while...I went digging into the tank section of my closet and here's what I found:



Details:
-Ruffle Tank-J Crew Outlet
-Wonder Tee-DownEast Basics
-Grosgrain Cardigan-Loft
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Boots-Urban Outfitters
-Fossil Necklace-Macy's
-Kenneth Cole Earrings-Macy's
-Ring-Forever 21

I had to do a little layering action up top because the tank is a tad too sheer for my liking...kinda wishing that wasn't the case but all well. Gotta make it work somehow!

Today I dug a little deeper and found this tank (which embarrassingly enough, I don't think I've ever worn before--I don't think--and I bought it last summer...bad):



Details:
-Navy blue Striped Tank-Forever 21
-Cardigan-Loft
-Bootcut Jeans-Banana Republic Outlet
-Report Clogs-Famous Footwear
-Necklace-Fossil
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Ring-Forever 21

I have seen so may people wear navy blue and orange together and I love the combo...not sure it totally works on me in this look though. It's not my favorite, but it was worth a shot! =)

So before I go, I have to give a shout out to Pamela over at Ginger Girl...she emailed me yesterday morning to let me know I won her Shabby Apple dress giveaway! SO exciting!!! Here is the dress that's on it's way to me now:



I seriously hardly ever win anything so I was totally shocked! It was a great way to start off my week. Thanks again Pamela, and Shabby Apple for your generosity!

Alrighty, I'm off to bed...gotta get some zzzz's so I can get up bright and early and run. Happy Wednesday to you all!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

What I Wore: Weekend Edition with some Anthro fitting room reviews thrown in

It's Sunday! And how excited am I that it's not really the end of the weekend yet??? SOOO excited! Loving that everyone has the day off tomorrow. This week is gonna be a super short one for me anyways with our little getaway coming up. So is anyone else done with winter? ME ME ME!!! Every year I get so excited to bring out the boots and sweaters but every year around this time I'm over it. I'm not quite ready to get rid of the boot option just yet but I would like the open-toed shoe option to be around again! Where do I have to live to get those two options all year-round? Yesterday we went up to UC Berkeley to take the kids to the science museum on the campus and found ourselves being snowed on as we drove through the Berkeley hills! Today the sun is shining once again (still cold though). This weather business is tricky! And then I keep checking the weather for Las Vegas for this coming weekend and the forecast changes daily. Geez! How's a girl suppose to plan out some outfits with all this craziness?

I'm a bit back-logged with outfit photos so I guess I'll get right to it. I'll start with Friday.

Here's what I put on in the morning when I thought maybe the rain would go away because I saw the sun shining (that didn't last long):



Details:
-Top-Shade Clothing
-Hiking Ruffles Cardigan-Anthropologie
-Bootcut Jeans-Banana Republic Outlet
-Anticipation Heels-Anthropologie
-Earrings-Stella & Dot (birthday gift from my friend Elise a few years ago)
-Small Open Circle Necklace-Shabby Apple
-Ring-Forever 21

And here's what I ended up putting on once the down-pour began:



Details:
-Ruffle Tank-DownEast Basics
-Striped Boyfriend Cardigan-American Eagle (got this for $6 last spring)
-Skinny Jeans-American Eagle
-Rain Boots-Gap Outlet
-Necklace-Fossil
-Earrings-Old Navy
-Ring-Forever 21

Not quite as cute as the first outfit but it did the trick in keeping me warm and keeping my feet from getting wet!

Saturday:



Details:
-Floral Top-Love 21
-Jackie Cardigan-J Crew
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Rain boots (AGAIN)-Gap Outlet
-Necklace-Fossil
-Earrings-Express
-Ring-Forever 21

Guess where I took that picture?!

And today for church:



Details:
-Ruffle-front tank-Ann Taylor Factory Store
-Cardigan-Target (total J Crew look-a-like with the ruffle on the edge!)
-Peppered and Striped Skirt-Anthropologie
-Fish Net tights-Kohl's
-Seychelles Password Pumps-Nordstrom
-Pessinus Garden Necklace-Anthropologie
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Ring-OLD
-Bracelet-Family piece given to me by my grandma

This is the second time I have worn this skirt and I have to say I like how I styled it today much better than last time. I've always loved how Anjali pairs her yellow pumps with dark tights. See how cute the combination is here. I decided to give that look a try with the fish nets today (baby steps). There are tons of possibilities with this skirt and I hope to get a few more combos in before it gets too hot to wear it (which by the looks of things won't be for a while so I think I'm good on time).

As I mentioned we made our way to Berkeley yesterday...do you know what else is in Berkeley besides the Science museum? Anthropologie!! (Totally gave that one away with the OOTD picture above). It's one of three Anthro stores that are all about 45 minutes from my house. I popped in to look around and try a few things on. A few things I tried on I was excited to see and a few were total randoms that I haven't even noticed online before. I didn't attempt too many things as I had my youngest with me but enough to wet my appetite for all things Anthro.

Let's get started:

Rockaby Tunic-$78 (Blue motif)-shown in size X-Small



side view:



I had never even given this top a second glance online but the color is what got my attention as I came upon it at the store. It's gorgeous! I'm still feeling like I need a top in this color in my closet (want, not need, but you know, NEED). Anyhow, this top is very casual looking on me I thought..it's fairly roomy in the XS and borders on being too flowy for my liking (but that's just because I don't normally wear anything this flowy). I certainly wouldn't pick it up at full price but I like the idea of it and it's different than anything I own. I really love the cute little ruching detail and ties on the sleeves...super cute! I struggle a little to see how it might fit into my closet...what to pair it with, etc. I might consider it at a great sale price. For now...pass/wishlisted.

Pinned Through Shirt-$98-shown in size 2



This was one of the items I was excited to try on just to see if I would like it or not and sadly, it just wasn't doing it for me. The arm holes were WAY too big on me and if I put a cardigan on over it the cute little yellow flowers would get covered up. The size 2 was a good fit overall (except those arm holes) but this went back to the rack for sure. NEXT!

Endless Horizon Top-$48 (Yellow Motif)-shown in size small



I thought this was such a cute top when I saw it online but it just didn't impress me like I thought it might. I tried on a size XS and found it to be just a little too short. When I tried it on in the size small (shown here) I found it was WAY too big all around. I put the cardigan on over it to see what it would look like and it did help tone down all the extra fabric around my waist but I just didn't love it. It'll be cute on someone else for sure, but on me, not so much. Pass.

Boldly Brushed Peasant Top-$68 (Red Motif)-shown in size X-Small



Finally, something I like! This top was the winner of the day. It is so darn cute and I love the color! I have very few orange-toned pieces of clothing in my closet as it's not a color I often find myself lusting after but this one sure drew me in. I think it's the brightness of it and the cute print that did it for me. I tried this in an X-small and it was plenty big. A small would have swallowed me up. It's a little flowy, but not so much so that it looks sloppy. My one concern is that it's a thinner, softer fabric making it more susceptible to getting a hole. All in all I think I would be willing to take my chances and may even spring for this at full price...if not at full price, definitely when it hits sale (if I can still find one!)

Winner's Circle Tee-$48 (Yellow motif)-pictured in size small



I tried this top on in both the X-small and the Small but the small seemed to be the better fit (although it was a little flowy). The X-small was a tad too short. This top is longer on the sides than in the middle so it makes for a little bit of a different look--one I'm not used to. I still don't quite know how I feel about it. I like the top and the decorative edge, and I liked the variety of colors it was offered in...just not sure I feel totally comfortable in it. Any opinions? For now I think I'm a pass on this but I could change my mind. If I could get on board with the bottom part it could be a go. You never know.

Garden Explorations Tee OR the Underseas Explorations Tee by "We Love Vera"--this has been coming up under two names and seems to be sold out online.



I tried this top on in a size X-small and it was all sorts of wrong on me from the get-go. It's not a top I would typically pick-up to try on...I really don't even know what possessed me to do so. After putting it on it was hard to get evenly positioned and I felt lopsided all over. Not a fan. Needless to say, it's a pass.

So only one MUST have item in the group...kind of disappointing but then again, better for the long wish list I've been keeping! I plan on going to Anthro in Vegas this Saturday so I hope to find lots of fun things to try on. There's always something new lurking it seems! There were a few things I couldn't find in Berkeley that I was hoping to see like the Gathering Tank, Oil Paints Cardigan and the Ivory Tower Tank. So many pretty things...so little time. =)

Well, I'm off to relax with the fam...hope you all have a great day!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Thursday catch-up and my random thoughts...

TGI...almost the end of the week! The weather around these parts has been less than fabulous the past few days so we've stayed indoors a lot which has made the days go by SO SLOW! Nothing like being cooped up in the house with three active boys! Unfortunately the weather doesn't look like it's getting much better anytime soon. I'm hoping by the time my husband and I go on our little getaway to Vegas next week, the weather will be nice (crossing my fingers). Speaking of our getaway...what should I pack? Project! We don't have any big plans once we're there...the only thing set in stone is that we have dinner reservations at Envy Steakhouse on Friday night (anyone ever eaten there??) We also want to see a show (thinking about Cirque du Soleil's "Ka"--anyone seen it??) My husband's conference lasts all day Friday and part of Saturday so I figured I might as well use my time wisely and scheduled something I've ALWAYS wanted to do...a Hot Stone Massage. I cannot tell you how excited I am! In addition to my fabulous massage I also plan to get my shop on, of course! If you have any Vegas tips (shopping, food, shows, etc) let me know...I'm all ears!

So I have a few OOTD pictures for ya today...the first is from yesteday when I broke out my green Floral Frappe for the first time:



Details:
-Floral Frappe Top-Anthropologie
-Skinny Cords-Loft
-Dollhouse Boots-Endless
-Bracelet/Earrings-Old Navy
-Ring-Forever 21

I'm pretty sure I copied Tricia...I think she wore this exact look a while back, so thanks for the idea, girl! =)

And today...my rainy day look:



Details:
-Striped Sequin Boatneck Tee-J Crew
-Skinny Jeans-American Eagle
-Rain boots-Gap Outlet
-Earrings-Anthropologie
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs
-Ring-OLD

My rain boots are actually purple but don't look it in the picture. Maybe I should try wearing a colorful necklace with this top next time...it's pretty neutral...hmm.

So here's me being random...what's everyone cooking for dinner tonight? I'm out of ideas. Hubs won't be home till late so it's just me and the kids. Cereal anyone? haha. Just kidding...sorta. If only my kids would eat cereal. They're more the waffles, pancakes or french toast kinds of kids. Anyone watching TV tonight? I definitely am! I was up way too late last night watching Idol..I love Hollywood week! I'm also a Grey's fanatic so I'm all over that tonight as well. I need to catch up on The Office too. Oh, and fold a lot of laundry. Blah! Also need to keep cropping and editing all my closet items to upload to Polyvore. Holy cow it's taking forever! I wonder if the UPS guy will bring me any of my Anthro haul today? He delievered the Garden Rows top to me yesterday...love it! I love my UPS guy...he rocks. He always knocks instead of ringing the doorbell because he knows I have a litttle one that naps and he always brings me good stuff...never bad. That would be the Fed Ex guy who does that. Like when last week he delivered my husband's camera that he had left behind at a hotel ballroom when he attended a conference there. The hotel found the camera and shipped it to us...and then Fed Ex charged us $39.60 to do so. Are you kidding me? The hotel is like an hour away. I could have gone through the darn toll station like 8 times for $40! I don't like that Fed Ex guy...he charges rediculous amounts of money. I'm sticking with UPS.

Ok, how's all that for random? I hear my little guy waking up from his nap so I better get going. He's a whole other story today. He's entering his terrible two's 5 months early. Nice. I still love him to pieces though....hope my mom still does after she watches my kiddos next week! =)

Have a great day!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Oh Anthro...how I love thee...let me count the (FIVE) ways...

Happy Tuesday (almost Wednesday)! Hope everyone had a good day! My day started out pretty darn good as the Anthro sale went live. I learned that my ivory Hiking Ruffles cardigan did indeed get a price cut so that meant a PA for me! When I woke up this morning I checked out my wish list and decided to do a little "Valentine's day present" shopping for myself. My husband did indeed get me flowers yesterday...he had his assistant play flower delivery person and delivered them to me at my door step since he was going to be home late. It was very sweet and unexpected (the delivery part). Anyhow, the present part was still left up to me so I decided to get on the phone with a few stores this morning to see what kind of good deals I could find (I had a few things in mind I wanted to search for). I called a few stores first that I KNEW always offer free shipping on charge sends (Durham, NC and San Antonio, TX) and then moved on to some local stores. I basically used up the rest of my February budget and then some for my V-day presents(BUT Valentines day presents don't count towards my monthly budget, of course!) I can't wait to get some happy mail this week!

After all that, I was visiting with my friend this afternoon when I was dropping her daughter off after school (it was my carpool day) and I saw her Slinking Frills pumps sitting there on her dining room table (she just got them). They are SOOO cute! I've had my eye on these for a long time but just couldn't ever justify the price. They are on the fancier side and I couldn't imagine where else I'd wear them besides church, date night or at dressy events so I've always passed on them. Well, knowing they had gotten a 2nd cut today got me thinking about them a little more and after I saw them at my friend's house, and then tried them on to see what size I would need, it was over. I fell in love. Seriously, how cute can they be? So I went home and started searching. After a few tips and leads from CS and other stores I was finally able to track down a pair in Pennsylvania and they are now on their way to me. Happy Valentines day to me!

So here's what I ended up with today:



So I ended up getting myself a whole outfit as my V-day present...I intended to just buy one item but then I found the skirt and the shoes...and it became an outfit. Whoops! What can I say? Thanks hubs! I may have to strike up this V-day gift giving deal with you every year! =)

Today was a second hair day...I re-straighted it and then decided to braid the front section on one side. I felt very "Bachelor" girl with the braid...all those girls have worn the one-sided braid this season at one time or another. I liked it....sometimes it's fun to change it up a bit. As for what I wore today...another version of my winter uniform... cardigan, tank, skinny jeans and boots. It's just so easy and comfortable!

Here's a look:



Details:
-Ruffle Tank-J Crew
-Cardigan-Anthropologie
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Perry D-Ring Boots-Loft
-Necklace-Banana Republic Outlet
-Earrings-Target
-Ring-OLD

I'm so ready for bed tonight...time to hit the hay. Sweet dreams...hope you all have a great Wednesday!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Heart Day!!!

Happy Valentines Day to you all! There's just something about hearts, gifts, chocolates and anything sugary that gets me excited every year on February 14th. My husband, being the typical guy, isn't super into Valentines day so I happily offered to take care of my own gift this year. I'm hoping something fabulous goes on sale tonight at Anthro to take care of that very important commitment I made. =) He's not all that bad of a husband though...in fact he's pretty wonderful. I suspect he'll walk through the door tonight with flowers in hand because that's the usual routine. I certainly won't complain...I'll happily accept flowers any day of the year--especially Valentines day!

Since I've been on a red and pink kick these past few days, I figured it was only right to continue on with the Valentines theme today, so I bring you my heart day look:



Details:
-Zebra print cardigan-Loft
-Molded and Melded Tee-Anthropologie
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Dollhouse Boots-Endless
-Necklace-Tiffany
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Bracelet-family piece--originally my great-great-great Aunt's
-Ring-OLD

I simply don't wear this fun cardigan enough and after seeing another blogger wear it recently it reminded me that I must pull it out! Did I tell you I finally took every single piece of clothing out of my closet and took pictures of them all to upload into Polyvore? (Well, all the tops and cardigans so far...the dresses and skirts are in my husband's closet...and I still have my shoes to go too). I'm hoping this will be super helpful in shopping my closet more...being able to see exactly what I have and mix and match in Polyvore will be great! It's been quite the project, I had no idea!

This afternoon the boys and I are planning on making Valentines day sugar cookies to frost for dessert and my oldest has requested breakfast for dinner tonight. I'm thinking heart-shaped pancakes are the way to go. Since I don't have girls I don't get to be all girlie on Valentines day (didn't spring for the cute V-day table scape from Target I saw the other day although I was super tempted...they had some really cute stuff!!!) so any way I can sneak a heart into the day I do.

I'm hoping for a sale at Anthro tomorrow...crossing my fingers for a PA on my Hiking Ruffles cardigan...my two weeks are up on Saturday. I'll be stalking the site as I watch The Bachelor tonight (how super romantic can the night get???)

Once again, happy valentines to you all!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Valentines Weekend Wear

The weekend is almost over again...how does it fly by so fast? Hubby and I were able to join his fellow residents and their spouses for a dinner last night at Flemings Steakhouse...YUM! It counts as our Valentines date this year I suppose as it's a little more difficult to celebrate on a weeknight when you've got kiddos. We had a great time catching up with everyone. I decided to wear a subtle Valentines-ish look for our night out:



Details:
-Polka Dot Tank-Loft
-Cardigan-J Crew (picked this up in January for $17.99!)
-Rockstar Leggings-Old Navy
-Candies Clogs-Kohl's
-Necklace and Bracelet-Vera Wang for Kohl's
-Earrings-Forever 21
-Ring-OLD

Today for church I decided to dress in honor of Valentines again...I went with pink this time. I actually bought this dress for Valentines day last year so I'm 2 for 2 now. I even threw in my heart toggle necklace for the occasion!



Details:
-Dress-DownEast Basics
-Vince Camuto Miki Pumps-Nordstrom
-Necklace-Tiffany
-Bracelet-Pac Sun
-Earrings-Express

Please excuse the giant bruise on my arm...you should see the other chick! haha...just kidding. Too bad there's not a cooler story to the bruise. I bent down to pick up a toy under our dining room table and when I came back up I slammed my arm into one of the chairs. It hurt SOOOO bad! How's that for cool? =)

One last outfit to share...here's what I wore on Friday:



Details:
-Floral print tank-Old Navy
-Striped Cardigan-Loft
-Skinny Cargos-Old Navy
-Red City Flats-Gap
-Necklace-Tiffany
-Candy Bowl Ring-Banana Republic
-Earrings-Express

All I did on Friday was run my son to and from preschool and then met some friends at the park for a play date so I just went super casual. The weather outside was so nice!

So any fun plans for tomorrow?? Did you get your Valentine a gift? What did you get him? Do you even exchange gifts? If you have fabulous plans I hope you enjoy them! As for me...I'll be celebrating by watching the new episode of The Bachelor tomorrow night after the kids go to bed...how much more romantic can it get? =)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Debut of the Volante Tee

Out of all my Anthro purchases this was perhaps the one I have anticipated the longest...this darn top took FOREVER to go on sale! The Volante Tee had me at hello when I first tried it on months ago. I loved it in all three colors but couldn't live without it in the purple or beige. FINALLY, a few weeks back it hit sale and this top (in both colors) became mine. It feels good to wear a piece of clothing that you waited long and (not so)patiently for...the fact that in the end they were half-price makes it that much better! So without further ado, I give you the Volante Tee:



Details:
-Volante Tee-Anthropologie
-Always Skinny Jeans-Gap
-Dollhouse Boots-Endless
-Earrings-Anthropologie
-Ring-Forever 21

I was actually planning on wearing the purple version today but decided that two days in a row of purple tops was a little overkill. I had anticipated wearing the beige mostly with skirts but I actually love it with jeans just as much! I should have thrown on a bracelet to add a little something more but totally forgot...all well. The bow on this top was a disaster when I got it in the mail. Thank heavens my mom asked me if I wanted her steamer she was getting rid of a while back. Five minutes of that and the bow was perfect. All in all I am super happy with this top and see myself getting tons of wear our of it.

I noticed there were a few new arrivals on Anthro's website today...a few more things to add to the ever growing wish list, of course! I was also browsing Ruche a few days ago and came across this skirt that is sooo cute but sooo sold out. BOO!



I am really hoping it comes back in stock because it would go perfectly with my navy Floral Frappe top and some red heels...crossing my fingers!!! And for $39?? Totally reasonable!

Alrighty...I'm off to be productive before settling in with my DVR for the night. I love ending a day with my DVR and my couch. Sounds so lazy, I know, but after a long day with three crazy-active boys it's exactly what I need. Ta-Ta!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Another Winner...and catching up on a few OOTD's

Thanks for all the input on the Shabby Apple dresses...it helps to hear other's opinions sometimes. I narrowed it down to the yellow and purple rosette dresses and the red dress last night. While I was on the treadmill this morning I tried to make a decision (gotta think about something while I'm running!) and by the time I was done I had. I chose the red dress with that cute bow. I am lacking red in my wardrobe so this is the perfect way to bring some more of it in. I hope I like the dress! I played around on Polyvore to come up with a few ways to style it...here are two ways I like best:

Look 1:



Look 2:



I placed the order this afternoon so it should be here by next week sometime. Perhaps this could be a cute piece to bring with me to Vegas for a night out to dinner or a show?!!

I'm a little behind in posting OOTD's so here are a few to get caught up...

Sunday (Super Bowl party--was either team sporting navy blue?? If so I guess I was showing them support. Let's be honest...I go to the party to be social):



Details:
-Curated Tee-Anthropologie
-Skinny Jeans-American Eagle
-Flats-DSW
-Bangle-Claire's...bought it for an 80's girl's night I went to a few years ago!
-Earrings-Express
-Ring-Forever 21
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs

Monday:



Details:
-Loosely Looped Tee-Anthropologie
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Seychelles Sweeping Stitch Heels-Anthropologie
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Bracelet-DownEast Basics

Tuesday (Please excuse the half-a-kid in pj's in the bottom right corner...whoops):



Details:
-Top-Ann Taylor Outlet
-Open Cardigan-Love 21
-Snakebite Belt-Anthropologie
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Rocketdog Flats-Macy's
-Necklace-Fossil
-Earrings-Express
-Ring-OLD

Today:



Details:
-Ruffle Tank-Old Navy
-Forever Cardigan-J Crew Outlet
-Grey Skinny Jeans-Loft
-Perry D-Ring Boots-Loft
-Earrings/Ring-Forever 21
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs

So there you have it...what I've been wearing this week. Tomorrow morning I'm meeting up with some girlfriends for brunch so that will be fun. This is a short week at school for my oldest son as they're off on Friday which is nice. Too bad my other son still has preschool or we could have planned a fun day trip. All well. We'll at least plan on meeting up with some friends at the park in the afternoon as long as it's still nice out. And besides, I'll take getting to school by 9am instead of 8am any day.

Have a good one!

Shabby Apple New Releases

I have been a fan of Shabby Apple since they first started. I own about 4 or 5 of their dresses and have loved each one. In the past year or so I haven't been as excited about their new releases as I had in the past but all of a sudden they have come out with a new line called "South Pacific" that I just can't choose a favorite from because I like so many! I happen to still have a credit from them from the dress I returned a few months back and would love to use it on one of these:



The problem is, which one??? I wish that teal dress were a Kelly green...I'd be all over it because I don't have a green dress. And oh my heavens, where were all these yellow dresses when I was searching for them a month ago? (It's ok, I'm not too bitter as I love the one I finally found) My sister-in-law facebooked me this morning saying she was tempted to get one of the yellow dresses for the wedding...I encouraged it, of course. I'm fun like that. Then there's that cute red one with the bow...I'm still kinda sad I never got my red dress (Refined cord was a bummer in the end). If you looked carefully you'll see three of the dresses are the exact same design, just different colors. Oh goodness...decisions, decisions. What do you think?

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Anthro Dressing Room Reviews--including THE DRESS!

Hi there! It's Monday!! Will there or won't there be a sale at Anthro tomorrow? Who knows. They are sneaky people over there at Anthro and like to change it up just to drive us all crazy it seems (like last week). Regardless, I still love that place. It's a love-hate. On Saturday I happened to LOVE them as I finally found the perfect dress to wear to the wedding I'm attending next month. It is GORGEOUS! But let's save the best for last shall we? I tried on quite a few items...most I took pictures of, a few I didn't. The BIGGEST disappointment of the night was the fact that the "A-Bit Unruly Top" didn't work for me at all. I have been lusting after this top since it hit the website and was so sure it would find it's way into my closet but after trying it on in both size x-small and small (the x-small fit me better) I found that the dip in the front was just too low and the arm holes were just too big for my liking. Major bummer. I will say I much preferred the newer green motif over the other two...it is such a cute color! Anyhow, I did go on to find a few winners that are for sure wish listed and some that I'm unsure of so any opinions are quite welcome on any of the items I review. Just a warning...some of the pictures turned out pretty fuzzy--I was literally trying things on so fast at the end as the store was closing so I got a little careless in the photo taking department--sorry! Here we go:

Happy Morning Sweater-$178



I have had this sweater on my wish list since it came out. There's just something about it that I love! Upon trying it on I fell in love even more! It's definitely made to be over sized so size down. I am wearing an X-Small here and it's the way I would go for sure. I love the bold print..the colors are perfect together! The only downside is that I feel like the buttons on the shoulders are a tad cheap looking...unfortunate. Would I pay $178 for this? HECK NO. Is it way over-priced? HECK YES. Will I be stalking it till it hits sale? Absolutely! =)

Kaleidolight Cardigan-$118



Before I left my house I looked in my closet to see what I was short on. Of course I have enough clothes to last a lifetime, but I wanted to see what I could improve upon. I decided I am lacking printed cardigans. I have boatloads of solid cardigans but printed...not a ton. I purposely brought this cardigan into the dressing room to see if maybe I could help fill that void in my closet. This was an X-small and was plenty big. It's an open cardigan so it's not as fitted as it could be. That being said, I liked the way it fit. I actually really like the big bold print...blue is a color I don't own a lot of (we're talking true bright blue, not navy) and I'm not really sure why that is. I think this cardigan could be paired with a variety of colors. Overall I liked it and added it to my wish list for serious consideration when it hits sale.

Ascending Roses Top-$58



I've seen this top on other bloggers and on the website and thought it was pretty cute so I added it to wish list online just in case it was a must need after I tried it on. Unfortunately, the smallest size the store had was a small and I found that it was too big. I would need an X-small if I were to get it. I liked the idea of the top and think the print is really cute, but overall I'm undecided. I'm not super busty on top so I don't know that this shirt is as flattering on me as it might be on someone else who's a little more "blessed" up there. I would have to try on the X-Small to make an educated decision on the matter (like this is some serious matter..haha). For now this remains an ????.

Knotted Scarves Tank-$78 with the Hiking Ruffles Cardigan (Ivory)-$78 (this is sold out online but still in stores)



I grabbed this tank on a whim...never really noticed it online before. I was kind of surprised that I liked it on, to be honest! I thought it looked much better on than it did on the hanger. I;m wearing it in an X-small and it fit perfectly. When I put the Hiking Ruffles Cardigan on over it I started to like it even more! Then I thought to myself how cute it would be, paired with my teal Sweeping Stitch heels! I've added this to my wish list and will watch for a first or second cut maybe...we'll see. As for the Hiking Ruffles cardigan...this came home with me in hopes that it will hit sale in the next two weeks so I can get a price adjustment. I have gone back and forth about how much I've liked this cardigan for a few months now but the other night I really grew fond of it. It's an X-small and fit like a glove. Since it's sold out online and getting harder to find I figured it couldn't hurt to bring it home and wait it out. Please go on sale soon!!

Resonance Cowlneck-$88



With the Hiking Ruffles Cardigan:



Striped version:



This top is a cute one...I am a fan of the red motif, but felt like the striped version was a little off. I'm wearing a size Small in the red which was also a better fit on me (striped was an X-Small). The red motif is a tad reddish-orange, not a true red. I like this alone and paired with a cardigan. The length is a bit long but I actually liked it like that. I have this on my wish list awaiting a sale price.

Eastpointe Garden Top-(Yellow Motif)-$58



This top is so cute...I love the color, the print and the way it looks with that ivory colored Hiking Ruffles cardigan. I tried this on in my normal size 2 and while it fit, I would like to try it on in a 0 just to see the difference. This top is wish listed until it sale as well...it would be the perfect spring top!

Springing Season Blouse-(Blue Motif)-$68



I tried this on in the green motif on a previous visit to Anthro but didn't fall head over heels so I thought I'd give the blue motif a chance. It's still not love. It's just ok for me. I'm wearing a size 2 and it's a good fit. I feel like the color blue could have been more vibrant or something...I don't know. I might give it a second look when it hits sale.

Gathering Blossoms Top-(Blue Motif)-$118



Apparently I was having a thing for blue the other night because I was very drawn to this top. I loved the vibrant color. I tried this on in my normal size 2 and the fit was true to size. I liked the top but the arm holes were just a tad too big for me. I'd feel the need to always wear a cardigan with the top to cover them up and by doing that you lose the cute overall look. Wish it would have worked, but unfortunately this is a pass.

And now...I've saved the best for last...THE DRESS! It's now online and has a name!

Blooming Goldenrod Dress-$138



By the way, I forgot to take off my necklace (that doesn't match at all) before I took these pictures...whoops!

Where do I begin? How about with the fact that I can't believe this went down to my knees!! It's listed as 38" long but must be a little longer. The colors are gorgeous and the print on the skirt is so cute. I love the sash (that is removable) as it adds some visual interest. It's not your run of the mill dress...it definitely looks unique. I usually wear either a size 2 or 4 in dresses and the size 4 was the better fit for me. The one place the size 4 was a bit big was the bust area...I'll be having the straps altered a little to fix that problem. I can't tell you how excited I am to wear this dress. The best part is that it's totally versatile and can be paired with tons of different colors...red, teal, black, yellow, purple...so many! I found a shorter black J Crew look alike cardigan at Target today that will look perfect with the dress for the wedding and plan on pairing it with my yellow Seychelles pumps. Any ideas on jewelry? That's the next thing to figure out. So there you have it...the search for the perfect wedding guest dress is over. Thank heavens!

So see anything you must have? Anything you're coveting at the moment? I'm planning on visiting the Anthropologie at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas when my husband and I go in a few weeks on a little getaway trip...he has a conference to attend part of the time we're there so I'll have plenty of time to get lost in the dressing room! Can't wait.

Till next time!

Monday, February 7, 2011

What I Wore: Weekend Edition

Another fun weekend is behind me...I'm always sad to see them end. Back to reality come 5:45am tomorrow morning! I have lots of Anthro dressing room reviews to share with you but don't quite have them ready to post yet so I'll be posting them tomorrow night. For now, I have a few outfits from the past few days to share with you:

Saturday--date night!



Details:
-Insouciant Tank-Anthropologie
-Open Shawl cardigan-Pac Sun
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Miki Pumps-Vince Camuto
-Necklace-Old Navy
-Ring-American Eagle
-Earrings-Nordstrom

As you can see this is what I wore to Anthropologie! =)

And this is what I wore to church today:



Details:
-Polka-Dot Tank-Old Navy
-Bow Cardigan-Loft
-Grey Pencil Skirt-Banana Republic
-Ruffle T-Strap Heels-Old Navy
-Pessinus Garden Necklace-Anthropologie
-Earrings-American Eagle
-Bracelet-Family piece--from my grandmother

I love when I come across great Old Navy finds like this tank and these heels...I'm always on the lookout!

I'm off to get some shut-eye so I can get myself out of bed bright and early tomorrow morning to get my run in before the kids wake up. Check back tomorrow night for my Anthro dressing room reviews Till then, have a great day!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Little Trip to J Crew

On Friday I headed out to J Crew to take a look at the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in double-serge cotton in the Citron color (what looks to be a nice lemony-yellow in the product picture online). When I arrived at the store I found that the cute lemony-yellow skirt in the picture is actually really cute...but in a neonish-green sorta way. IT'S NOT YELLOW AT ALL! Shame on J Crew for that misleading picture. Even though the skirt wasn't exactly the color I was looking for, I still really liked it (just not for the wedding). Besides trying on the skirt, I grabbed a whole handful of things to try out. Here's a few reviews:

No. @ Pencil Skirt in double-serge cotton (Citron color)-$98



This skirt, as mentioned above, has a lime greenish tone to it. You can't really tell that from the picture but it does. Trust me. It's really cute! It runs a little big...I tried on the 2 and it was way too big, so if I get it I would get a 0 (that's what I'm wearing here). The material is fabulous--great feel and very durable. I'm a fan!

Nickleby Bib Top (Dark Slade Color)-$79.50 (it was marked down to $39.99 in-store)



I tried both the 0 and the 2 in this top. While I liked the fit of the 0, I found the 2 to be a better match for me as it had a little more length (I'm wearing the 2 here). That being said, the 2 was a bit more blousey. I like the ruffle at the bottom and think the color is really pretty. I used this top to try on both the pencil skirts I brought in with me and with the No. 2 skirt it was fine (because it's thicker and you couldn't see the outline of the ruffles underneath) but with the Aurora Tweed pencil skirt you could see the outline of the ruffles because it wasn't a very thick skirt. I was tempted to bring this top home with me at the sale price, but just wasn't sold on the fit. If there's another drop in price I may reconsider.

Aurora Tweed Pencil Skirt (Smoldering Brick Color)-$118



The colors of this skirt are AMAZING! I really think it's a beautiful skirt, and I don't usually swoon over anything orange. The fit on this was pretty TTS...I tried a 0 and it fit but hugged a little too tight around my bum for my liking. The size 2 (which is what I'm wearing here) was a much better fit (even a little generous). The material of the skirt doesn't feel heavy at all which is perfect for spring. Being a tweed I am surprised! I will definitely be keeping this skirt on my radar and hope to score it if it's still around when/if it hits sale.

Bevin Blouse (White Ash color)-$88 (it was marked down to $49.99 in-store)



So this was the big surprise of the day...I had ALMOST included it on my wish list for February and then decided against it. When I saw it in the store I figured I'd give it a try. I tried on the 0 and the 2 and the 0 was plenty big. It is sooo cute! I love the cute scallops on the bottom and the fit...a bit blousey but fitted at the sleeves so it has a bit of a puff to them. I was VERY tempted to take this one home with me but am gonna hold out and see if it drops in price again. It' about sold out online I noticed so it may be hard to find. We'll see.

Scallop Lace Shell (Weathered Sage color)-$48



I tried this on with the cardigan I wore into the store because I forgot to grab another one. This tank was just ok for me...nothing too special. I like the contrast of colors in it, but I think the sage color is kind of drab. Unless it hits sale for an amazing price this is a pass.

And here's what I wore yesterday:



Details:
-Tank (blush color)-J Crew
-Neapolitan cardigan-J Crew
-Always Skinny Jeans-Gap
-Dollhouse Boots-Endless
-Necklace-J Crew Outlet
-Kenneth Cole Earrings-Macy's
-Ring-Forever 21
-Bracelet-Twisted Silver

Gotta show some J Crew love when you visit J Crew, right?! =)

I just got home from "date night" with my husband and some friends. Us ladies went to Anthropologie for a bit where I was able to try on that mystery dress (yellow on top and yellow/silvery-grey and black floral print on bottom) everyone is buzzing about in Anthro blog land. I was hoping it would work for my wedding guest dress for next month since it has the exact color combination I'm looking for, and guess what....it worked!!! It's GORGEOUS and I am so excited to have gotten it! I'll have pictures of it, as well as dressing room reviews of some other items on my next post. I'm just so over the moon excited to have finally found a dress for this wedding, and for settling on a dress that is so versatile! Endless possibilities, I tell ya. I see myself wearing this one year round. I hear this dress is flying off the racks all over...even my store only had about 4-5 left. It's pretty darn cute so if you're interested you may want to grab one up while you can!

It's late so I am headed for bed...hope you all had a great night!!