Happy Wednesday!!!

Hi there! Today has been one of those days when lots of things go wrong (#3 poured oj all over himself as we were about to head out the door to preschool drop-off where we WOULD have been on time had he not covered himself in juice and required an entire clothes change), Jamba Juice got dropped and poured out on the bottom of my car, #1 and #3 were admiring themselves in my full-length mirror and somehow ended up shattering it--luckily only a small scratch on #3's arm was the result) but I absolutely refuse to let it ruin my day because it is GORGEOUS outside! Totally spring weather! In fact, the boys even wore shorts this afternoon just to keep cool when they were outside running around. LOVE IT! So on goes my day, bad luck or not...it can (hopefully) only get better right?!!

So I have a few things to chat about with ya today...first up is my visit to Gap yesterday. I was on the hunt for some white wide-leg denim. I tried on a few different styles and the one I liked best was the Curvy Jeans (white wash):



Here they are on (I would obviously wear these with wedges or heels...I didn't have any with me so I'm barefoot here):



I liked the way they fit better than the Long and Lean (white wash) style. I took my regular Gap size 25/0 in the Curvy jeans. They don't have as much stretch to them as the Long and Lean style did but I also found them to be thicker and less-see through. They were plenty long (perfect for my 4" wedge sandals) and hugged at all the right places. As soon as a sale pops up they're mine (oh, just realized Gap is doing 25% off today...hmmm). Just for reference (no pictures though--sorry, my three boys were with me and I was in a hurry!!!) I found the Long and Lean style denim to run really big...we're talking crazy vanity sizing here people. The 0 was too big on me so I tried the 00, and they fit. I don't ever wear a 00 in anything so I thought this was way off. I found the Long and Leans to be more baggy through my thigh area than the curvy fit which I thought was odd...I expected it to be the other way around based on reviews. You just never know how things will fit your body till you try them on. The pair I went in search of to begin with, the Skinny Boot Jeans, were not in stock at this store. Bummer. I read a few reviews online and they were said to be very see-through so that pretty much eliminates them off my list right away anyways I guess. SO if you're in the market for some cute white denim, I recommend the Curvy Jeans...give them a try!

The next thing I wanted to chat about today was Polyvore. I have professed my love of Polyvore countless times on my blog...seriously, such a handy tool! I finally decided that to fully take advantage of the site, I would take pictures of all the items in my closet that I couldn't find product images for online (I have a lot of stuff from many years ago that I would never be able to find pictures of online as I'm sure most of us do) so I could basically create a virtual closet to create outfits from. I've been asked about my process for taking pictures of my closet items, etc and thought I'd just summarize what I've done to get my photos taken and uploaded. It's really a simple process, just very time intensive. When you see product shots online at places like J Crew or Anthropologie you usually see them shot with a clean, sterile backdrop--typically grey or white. I decided to do the same (or come as close to it as I could). I hung an over the door hanger on my linen closet in my bathroom and take all my pictures with my white closet door as my background (for everything except shoes). I have a few small windows in my bathroom so I tried to take the pictures when I had good natural light coming in(this wasn't always the case but it does help). I first tried taking pictures laying the clothes flat on the ground and then shooting with the carpet as the backdrop but it made the pieces look lifeless and obviously, flat. I didn't like the way it looked so I went with hanging them up.

After I uploaded all the pictures onto my computer I used an editing program (I use Photoshop Elements) to crop, brighten, straighten, etc the pictures. When that was done I created a blog (and kept it private so only I can see it) that I uploaded every single picture I had taken. After uploading I used the Polyvore clipper to clip each image into "My Items" on Polyvore. (Now, there very well may be a way to upload the images directly from your computer into Polyvore without having to "clip" each picture into the program but I don't know how to do that). Once the images were in Polyvore I organized them all into the obvious categories..."Tops", "Pants", "Shoes", etc. Now when it came to shoes I again tried to mimic the product shots that Anthropologie takes with their shoes...using my carpet as the backdrop. I set the shoes so that one was at a side-view and one was more of a front-view. I took close-up photos smack-dab in the middle of an area of my carpet where there was nothing else around. I also made sure to angle the camera so that nothing but carpet was in the background. If I happened to shoot something in the background I just cropped it out when editing. Every once in a while I would just slip a pair on and take the picture with them on my feet (I only did that with flats). When using the images in Polyvore to create sets I find that some of the images look fine the way they are when I drag them over but others need to be played with a little...as far as "keeping the background" or not. I can usually figure out a way to make it look decent. So there you have it...I'm not computer savvy at all, and there certainly might be better ways to do this, but this is how I do it and how it works for me. Hope that helps! (See the OOTD set below using some of my pictures I took to see what they look like in a Polyvore set).

Lastly, I have a few OOTD shots for you...the first is from today. I bought this top last summer because it was literally $6 and I figured I could find a way to make it work. First of all, DUMB idea. I try not to make purchases like this anymore (the kind where I buy it just because it's $6) because I've learned that if I'm unsure about something I'm buying most of the time it won't get worn. This was a final sale item so I couldn't return it even if I wanted to. I actually like the top a lot but the problem I've had with it is that it's totally sheer! I'm not sure why it was made like that...it didn't look like that in the product shot. Anyhow, for some reason I was determined to find a way to wear it today. In the past I have just tried putting a tank underneath it to block the sheerness, but it looks ridiculous because you can totally see where the tank ends underneath since the top is so long. Not cute. I happened to realize that I have a longer white short sleeve top in my closet today when I was looking so I thought I'd give it a try. Not bad! The neckline is not as cute since it's layered over another shirt though...all well. It's still a little short, but it comes pretty close. I was in a yellow mood today so I grabbed a lightweight yellow cardigan to layer over it and then threw on some neutral wedge sandals and a belt to finish it off.

Here's the Polyvore set I created (using some of the product images I took myself):

OOTD 3-30-11 by jgj27 featuring gold bangles

Banana Republic dark wash skinny jeans, $60
Steve Madden platform sandal, $80
Gold bangle, $32
With Love From CA filigree ring, $5.50
Forever21 hook earring, $1.50
Forever21 necklace, $1.50
Belt
Jenni's Closet
Jenni's Closet

And in real life:



Details:
-Long Embroidered Tank-Shade Clothing (Summer 2010)
-White undershirt-Ann Taylor Factory store (Summer 2010)
-Cardigan-Gap Outlet (a few years old)
-Cake Decoration Belt-Anthropologie (this totally doesn't match my shoes I'm just realizing...whoops!)
-Ultimate Skinny Jeans, rolled-Banana Republic
-Steve Madden "Fantasik" wedge sandals-Endless
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs
-Earrings-Target
-Ring/Bangles-Forever 21

Since it's feeling like spring I wanted to roll my jeans up a little. I actually tried a pair of cropped jeans on at Gap yesterday because I lack a good pair of cropped jeans (I'm no longer a fan of almost all the pairs I have from last year...they're all a little baggy--just not my favorite look) but the Gap cropped jeans went all the way to my ankles. Nothing cropped about that! I need petite lengths I guess once again. That's the next thing on my list...cropped jeans. For now though, rolling my skinny jeans works.

And here's what I wore yesterday:



Details:
-Tissue Garland Tank-J Crew
-Striped Cardigan-Old Navy
-Skinny Jeans-American Eagle
-Flats-DSW
-Necklace-Tiffany
-Earrings-Express
-Ring-OLD

I hope you enjoyed some sunshine today like we did...it certainly makes everything better!!! =)

Have a great day!

Search for White Denim and an OOTD

Happy Tuesday everyone! I woke up to the sun shining into my room this morning so that alone puts me in a great mood! We're headed to my parent's house today to celebrate my dad's birthday. They only live about an hour away so it's not too far. I feel very fortunate to be able to live so close to them...we'll be moving next summer so we have to take advantage of it while we can!

On our way there this morning I'm planning on making a pit stop at Gap...it's the closest Gap to my house. Yesterday I wanted to wear my white boot cut jeans since it was so nice out and really felt like spring, but when I put them on I found they were too big for me. They were borderline big last season (I bought them during my post-pregnancy weight loss era after #3 came along) so I guess it's time to face the facts and find a new pair that actually fit since I'm back to my normal weight for good now. I saw a few pairs online at Gap that were cute but wanted to try them on first before ordering any.



I always worry about sheerness, length and of course overall fit when it comes to white denim. Hopefully they'll be fully stocked at the store so I can get a good overall idea of what they have to offer. I do have a pair of skinny/straight leg white denim from J Crew Outlet that I love but I have to roll them because they're a bit too long. I like them that way and still wear them but I would love a wider-leg pair that falls at the perfect spot without having to mess with them. Do you have a pair of white denim that you love? Please share!

Since I couldn't wear my white denim I had to come up with a different outfit instead...here's what I wore:



Details:
-Deco Page Cardigan-Anthropologie
-Pink Top-Roxy
-Cap-Sleeve undershirt-Shade Clothing
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-BP Berty Sandals-Nordstrom (LOVE!!!)
-Necklace-Lucky
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Bangles-Forever 21

Ok, I'm off to get my day started. Hope you have a great one!!!

A few things are making me very happy today!!!

Happy Sunday everyone! I'm a happy camper today because the sun is trying really hard to shine through the clouds...and the forecast calls for sun all week! Woo hoo! That's the way to start spring break!

We went to church this morning...this is what I wore:

Sunday Best-3-27-11 by jgj27 featuring ruffle tops

Details:
-Ruffle Tank-Old Navy
-Roaming Frills Cardigan-Anthropologie
-Glowing Leaf Skirt-Anthropologie
-Seychelles "Come Dancing Peep-Toe Pumps"-Amazon
-Stormy Seas Tights-Anthropologie
-Beaded Bangles-Nordstrom
-Necklace-Fossil
-Earrings-Old Navy
-Ring-Forever 21

I thought this purple tank would work well with this skirt...the greys in the skirt have a purple undertone that matched well. I had planned on a grey cardigan but changed my mind and went with cream instead...mix it up a little, right?! This is my attempt at being not-so-matchy-matchy (with the purple tank). How'd I do? =)

For the past month or so I've slowly been taking pictures of all the items in my closet, then editing and uploading them into Polyvore so I can have a virtual closet to play around with. I first mentioned doing it as sort of a joke but then took the idea to heart and decided to follow through with it. It's taking a LONG time. I took pictures of all my tops, bottoms (not summer stuff yet though) and cardigans a few weeks ago, and finished taking pictures of all my shoes yesterday. Now I only have skirts and dresses left. After taking all my shoes out of my closet to take the pictures yesterday I decided they needed to be gone through and organized yet again. I've never had a good way to organize them as I really have no room for all of them in my closet (my closet is not very big unfortunately)...they always get stacked on top of each other. I got fed up and ran to Target when the rain stopped and bought one of those over the door hanging shoe organizers to hang on the back of my bedroom door. Tacky? Maybe. But my husband and I will be the only ones that ever see it so who cares, right?! I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to see every single pair of shoes I own now! It looks so organized and pretty! =) Yes, I am one of those people who gets excited by organization (although I'm sure some days you couldn't tell by looking at the random piles of things that may be lying around my house).

Wanna see?? Here's the end result:

My new hanging shoe organizer:



The left-hand side of the closet (I put my favorites on the rack):



Right-hand side of the closet:



Looking down the closet floor:



All my boots are at the bottom of my husband's closet (well, on the bottom of my half of my husband's closet anyways..lol) so they didn't make it in any of these pictures. There's no way they'd all fit in my closet..they take up so much room!

This organizing thing may be nothing earth shattering to any of you but if you saw what it looked like before, you'd be impressed, trust me. And yes, I like shoes....a lot. I have a few pairs.

I'm off to enjoy my afternoon with my boys. I'm thinking it's a cookie making kind of afternoon...YUM!

Have a great day!

It's Been a Good Day!!

Today has been a good day...my boys had school (last day for my oldest...spring break now begins!!), I went and browsed F21 with only one kid in tow, a girlfriend of mine graciously watched my younger boys so I could go greet my close friend who flew into the base from Japan (they were evacuated after the quakes and tsunami) and hang out with her for a bit, and tonight is girl's night out with the other resident wives. I like busy days that have some fun involved! I dressed warm this morning knowing it would be chilly out. I've been wanting to pull out my Eastpointe Garden Top for a while now but didn't want to get it drenched in all the rain we've been having (since it's dry clean only) so finally now that the rain is about on it's way out I pulled it out. Here's what I came up with on Polyvore for today's look:

TGIF!!! by jgj27 featuring hook earrings

And here's how it turned out in real life:



I snapped this picture in the F21 dressing room. This week I was helping my friend look for some Maxi dress options and came across this one from Forever 21 that I was curious about myself so I headed on over since my morning was free. I found it and gave it a try:



It was just ok...it's only $13 so I wasn't expecting much. I don't know that I love the blue stripes...maybe the grey and cream striped motif would have been cute? I did try belting it but it didn't look quite right like that for some reason. It just didn't wow me. Does it look a little young for me? (I mean, I'm not that old but...hmmm). It was awfully lightweight also (which can be a good thing in the summer but in the sunlight it may make it a little too sheer). Overall for now it's a pass for me I think. I like the idea of having something like this to just throw on and go but I think there have got to be better options out there. This one just seems to be missing something. Just for reference I tried on the small and it fit fine.

I didn't leave F21 empty-handed...I found a few cute (cheap) necklaces to bring home with me, none of which I can find on the website right now for some reason. Love me some F21 necklaces...they always have cute, colorful pieces that I don't feel bad about dropping a few bucks for...literally, a few bucks! =)

Alright...time to pick up the house, feed the kiddos and hang with them for a bit before I can scoot on out to girls night. Enjoy your Friday night!

Gift Giving....and yesterday's OOTD

Today is a day off of school for my oldest because of parent-teacher conferences. I always welcome a day off! I loved sleeping in this morning! #1 got up and started watching a movie on his own, #2 somehow found his way into my bed in the middle of the night last night (he's still scared of ghosts--poor thing) but slept in past 8am and #3 didn't wake-up till 8:30am. Happy day! Perhaps it was the dark, dreary sky and the pouring rain that kept (most of us) cozy in our beds this morning...guess the rain is good for something! We've been lounging around the house all morning...this afternoon we did actually leave the house and attended my son's parent-teacher conference, but we promptly returned home to get back into pj's and slippers. I'm not in the mood to venture out with three kids in the rain too far today. It'll be a movie/video game/ board game kinda day. It should also be a getting my laundry done kinda day too...well see how that works out. =)

I've been browsing online a little this week looking for a few gifts for a few friends/family members who have birthdays coming up...there are so many pretty things out there right now! Are you a gift-giver? I kind of am. I'm not always great at it, but in my perfect world I would always have a fun little gift to give to special people in my life on special occasions. Sometimes it's fun to surprise someone with something special out of the blue for no good reason at all other than to let them know you were thinking about them. Again, I'm not great at this, but would like to be better.

I don't have any sisters or daughters so I jump at the chance to buy things for my sis-in-law's birthdays (most) every year. Its so fun to pick cute things out for each of them but it can be a challenge sometimes. I tend to like to give things that I like...is that bad? =) Of course if I know something I like isn't quite the style of one of them I wouldn't get it for them, but most of the time all of our styles cross-paths somehow.

It's also fun to get gifts for friends. One time I read on my good friend from college's blog that she really wanted one of those necklaces that has your kids names on it (www.thevintagepearl.com or www.lisaleonardonine.com has great pieces) so I decided to surprise her and had one made and sent to her. The out of the blue reactions are always the most fun...I know she was super surprised and excited. It makes you feel good when you can brighten someone else's day with a little something special.

Sometimes I end up not giving a gift simply because I could not find the "perfect gift" to give. Silly, right?! I mean, any gift is going to mean something (as long as a little thought went into it). But I do stress about it a little. Mom gifts are the hardest for me (on the female side, at least...dad gifts are even worse, but I'm just chatting about girls today). My mom and mother-in-law are so hard to shop for because I feel like they both already have everything they need or want. There has got to be something they would like though, right?! That's probably like when my husband says he doesn't know what to give me for special occasions because I already have 9,876,4567 pieces of jewelry and 3,265,789 pairs of shoes (his words). There are always another 5,387,211 pieces of jewelry or pairs of shoes I would love! Same goes for the moms.

So what do you give? How much do you spend? For me it seems I tend to give jewelry and bags a lot. It's what I like and one size usually fits all so it's easier to match up to a person (maybe this Christmas I'll have to go stealth and look at all my sis-in-law's shoes to see what size they all wear so next year could be a shoe gift-giving year...hmmmm). If I give jewelry I like to give pieces that are more statement pieces than not...something that will stand out in an outfit. Sometimes though I will find a more delicate piece that is too cute to pass up. I typically spend $20-$30 on a birthday gift...sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. Then there's always shipping to deal with and whatnot. I used to buy and ship everything myself but lately I much prefer ordering online and having things shipped directly to the person. If I'm giving a gift to a friend/family member I live by I like to wrap it all cute, but sometimes I fail miserably at that too and end up shoving it in a plain colored bag with whatever color tissue paper came from the last kid's birthday party.

Here are a few cute gift ideas I came across when I was searching, just in case you're looking for an idea for an upcoming gift-giving event:

Rock Candy Bracelet-Anthropologie ($28)



Celestial Orbit Necklace-Anthropologie ($32)



Dew Drop Rings Necklace-Ruche ($13.99)



Etsy is one of my favorite places to find gifts:

Multi-Colored Stone Beaded Necklace-ETSY-store name: silverliningdecor ($32)



Chrysanthemum Earrings in Lime Green-ETSY-store name: lushboutique ($7)
(I believe these came in several colors)



Yellow Rose Necklace-ETSY-store name: MDsparks ($20)
--I've ordered gifts from this store before and the products have been great!



Now to decide! =) If you have any go-to gift ideas I'd love to hear them...I'm always on the look out for great ideas.

No OOTD from today since I'm being super lazy in sweats but here's what I did wear yesterday:



Details:
-Winter Beauty Pullover-Anthropologie (scored on 2nd cuts!)
-Wonder Tee-DownEast Basics
-Ultimate Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Dollhouse Boots-Endless
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs
-Earrings-Express
-Ring-Forever 21

I am so glad I held out for this sweater to go on sale again. When it went on first cuts it was still $70...I just couldn't pull the trigger. I waited it out and finally it hit second cuts...$39.99...much easier to swallow. It's a fun piece and a really comfy cold weather top to have on hand.

Enjoy the rest of your day everyone!

eBay Find and my OOTD

Every once in a while I look on eBay to see if any of my "gone and lost" Anthro items happen to appear at decent prices. These are mostly items that I missed out on either because I didn't realize I loved them until they were already sold out, or items that were sold out long before I started shopping at Anthropologie almost a year ago. One of those items was the Dwarf Quince cardigan.



I never noticed this cardigan in the store or online until one day my friend was wearing it in the blue motif. It's really cute! When I went searching for it online I realized it also came in a red motif which I loved. I searched for it but came up short. It had already hit sale and apparently many others felt about it the way I did! All well. I added it to my "gone and lost" list and until this week hadn't been able to find one at a price I was willing to pay. Finally one popped up and I grabbed it (yup...once again not sticking to my main wish list...whoops...it's been one of those months). Sorry Elise...we're gonna be cardi twins again (fraternal twins this time--different colors!) It's kind of hard when you have the same taste as your close friends because you always want to grab the same items! We like to copy each other a lot. =) It's fun to have an Anthro shopping buddy!

I've been playing on Polyvore, putting together a few looks with the Dwarf Quince cardigan and here's what I've come up with so far:

Dwarf Quince/Winding Roads Tank by jgj27 featuring gold bangles

Floral cardigan, $98
Gap jeans, $70
Seychelles shoes, $51
Gold bangle, $32
Silvertone jewelry, $35
Glinting Grand Hoops, $32

Dwarf Quince/Grand Ruffle by jgj27 featuring floral tops

Floral top, $98
Banana Republic skinny ankle jeans, $50
BP. bp shoes, $70
Twist jewelry, $40
Kenneth Cole beading jewelry, $26
Jules Capodanno - Stella & Dot Stylist, $59

Dwarf Quince/Skinny Cargos by jgj27 featuring floral tops

Floral top, $98
Old navy, $9.97
Old Navy beaded flower ring, $9.50
Jules Capodanno - Stella & Dot Stylist, $59
J.Crew - Search, $25

Dwarf Quince/Garden Rows by jgj27 featuring amrita singh jewelry

Floral top, $98
Banana republic
Anthropologie - Garden Rows Top customer reviews - product reviews -...
FOSSIL vintage flower necklace, $27
Amrita singh jewelry, $75
Polka Dot Bangle, $7.99
Sweet Laundry Loves

I LOVE POLYVORE! Of course the outfits I plan out on Polyvore don't always come out looking perfectly put together when I actually put them on but most of the time it works out pretty good. SO helpful!

The outfit I wore today was one I threw together at the last minute...I pulled out a top I haven't worn for a while from The Limited...it's the only thing I own from that store! It wasn't my favorite outfit ever but they can't all be right?!!



Details:
-Ruffle Front Top-The Limited
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Cardigan-Old Navy
-Perry D-Ring Boots-Loft
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Necklace-Forever 21
-Ring-Target

I've been sitting here watching last Friday's episode of "The View" while I've been typing this and they had Tory Burch on showing some of her new spring line...I LOVED this pair of yellow denim she showed:



How cute would these jeans be with a crisp white blouse and espadrilles! I feel like I'm channeling the 80's a little by lusting after colored denim but really, those are cute! Colored denim will only look good if done right and these look like they're done well. Would you wear colored denim??

Alright, I'm off to bed. Hope you all have a great day!!!

OOTD: Pastel Love

Today was an errand running day. My husband was off today so it was super nice having an extra pair of hands to help out...gotta take it while I can! The day started out with dropping my son (#1) off at school, then I hit the treadmill for a 4 mile run while hubs took #2 to preschool with #3 in tow, showered, met with the roofer who came to fix my leaky roof, went to the UPS store to send a few things, picked up husband's shirt at the cleaners, dropped my husband's car off at Jiffy Lube for an oil change, picked up #2 at preschool, ran to Target and Home Depot, went back to Jiffy Lube to pick up the car, came home and vacuumed so hubs could steam clean the family room carpet, picked up #1 from elementary school, took a quick 30 min power nap, went to pizza for dinner for family night, headed to Cold Stone for dessert (YUM!!!) and then came home to do homework with #1, get all three boys bathed and ready for bed, and then said goodnight to my cuties. Phew! I'm tired. Most of my days are busy but this one was non-stop. Hopefully tomorrow will be a little less crazy!

The forecast called for rain today but it looked so nice out so I ran with it (spring colors and open toed-shoes anyone???)

Here's what I wore:

Pretty in Pink by jgj27 featuring flower rings

J Crew ruffle cardigan, $98
Old Navy sheer top, $23
GAP low rise skinny jeans, $70
With Love From CA flower ring, $5.50
Rachel stud earring, $8
Forever21 necklace, $1.50

Details:
-Polka-dot Tank-Old Navy
-Celosia Cardigan-J Crew (Spring 2010)
-Ultimate Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Anticipation Heels-Anthropologie
-Earrings-Express
-Necklace-Tiffany
-Bangles-Gap Outlet
-Ring-Forever 21

I feel like I've just about represented every single label I like with this outfit in it's entirety...still missing a few I guess. Pretty good mix though!

Speaking of pastel, look what arrived on my doorstep this afternoon:



Can we say LOVE??!!!!!! Yes, it's love for sure. I adore these shoes and can't wait to wear them! I usually wear an 8 1/2 or 9 in shoes and ordered these in an 8 1/2 based on the reviews. The reviews were right on...they fit perfectly. The color is a little deeper than pastel toned actually, which makes them perfect year-round. I absolutely recommend these cute shoes!

Before I sign off I just had to post this pretty little thing I came across tonight at Anthropologie:



Hello cute skirt...wanna be mine? Pretty please??? =)

Have a great day!

Happy Spring???

On the first day of spring I was hoping to wear sandals, short sleeves and bare legs but what did I actually wear?



Details:
-Floral Print Tank-Loft
-Set the Course Cardi-Anthropologie
-Acting Out Skirt- Anthropologie
-Sweater Tights-American Eagle
-Ruffle T-Strap Heels-Old Navy
-Earrings-can't remember!!!
-Ring-Forever 21
-Necklace-J Crew

All well. Maybe next year!

I literally built my outfit around these sweater tights today because I was freezing and wanted to be warm at church. This is the first time I've worn my Acting Out skirt. I'm super excited I was able to track one down (it was part of my Valentines day present that I bought myself for my husband--lol) because it's such a fun twist on the usual pencil skirt. It's really comfy too! Two thumbs up for sure.

So I decided to change up the colors on my blog in honor of the change of seasons...out with the February pinks and in with some bright, fun color combinations for spring! This is my son's last week of school until his 2 week-long spring break...so excited! My 4 year old actually still has preschool the following week so we'll still be around but the week after that we're school-free. YAY! Time to start putting together a list of activities to do to keep us busy! Any ideas? I'd love to hear what you have in mind!

I'm off to spend some quality time with my hubs...hope you have a great start to the week!

Green Day

Happy Friday everyone! I'm so happy to see the week come to an end...it's been a long one. Unfortunately the weather will be very winter-like for the next week or so here in the Bay area...maybe longer, so that's a bummer. It makes wanting to get dressed cute for the day a little harder when it's pouring rain out. It really makes me just want to wear my pj's and stay home! Kids=school however, so no luck with that. Yesterday was indeed "green day" in our household...and the leprechauns did indeed show up and cause some mischief. My older boys were even up at 3am walking around the house to see what damage they had done (you would have thought it was Christmas morning or somehting...3am, really? It's not like these little trouble makers leave presents like Santa). I decided to pull out one of my Vegas Anthro purchases for the occasion...it's the most green piece of clothing I now own:



Details:
-Gathering Tank-Anthropologie
-Heritage Tie-waist Long Cardigan-Banana Republic
-Always Skinny Jeans-Gap
-Dollhouse Boots-Endless
-Small Open Circle Necklace-Shabby Apple
-Earrings-Target
-Ring-Forever 21

Did you wear green yesterday? Do leprechauns come visit your house on St Patrick's day? My kids get into all that fun holiday stuff...they eat it up!

We're headed to my parent's house for the night and all of tomorrow to visit and hang out with them...should be fun.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Did You Know??

-I really love the sun. I hope spring comes soon so I can get a glimpse of it again!!

-I have a thing for shoes. I just can't get enough of them. I will probably never think I have enough...so bad.

-I sorta love it when my husband sends me a random text to tell me sweet things like he misses me. =)

-My heart is aching for all the people in Japan right now. We have friends and family who are in various parts of the country right now (all are thankfully safe)...that has made all this so much more real to me. I feel the urge to "get prepared". You just never know.

-I eat a lot of cereal. A LOT. I don't like lunch foods so I eat cereal instead most days...cereal for breakfast and lunch.

-Getting good mail makes my day.

-I'm a night owl. I am rarely in bed before 11:30pm.

-I have a serious sweet tooth. I love my Sweedish Fish, Mike & Ikes, licorice, and Rolos a lot.

-I'm not a very politically interested person. I didn't even vote in the last election (I actually tried to but my absentee ballot never made it to my house). I have opinions but not strong enough ones to get in people's faces about it.

-I am really good at Skee-Ball. Random.

-I am the only girl in my family and then proceeded to have only boys. I still think that's just against the odds!

-I have chicken legs from the knees down. They are both a blessing and a curse. Finding boots to fit my legs is next to impossible...they're almost always hugely enormous on me. My third son who was 10 lbs 2 oz at birth also has chicken legs from the knees down. They are so cutie because the rest of him just doesn't match up. I'm sure they'll get bigger as he gets older but for now I can claim that part of him comes from me.

-I never used to wear the colors yellow or red. I thought I looked terrible in them. Now they are a few of my favorite colors to wear!

-I don't eat salad or most vegetables...and I majored in health in college. Go figure.

-I'm growing my hair out and it's taking a really long time. I'm torn because I think at this length it looks good curled but not as much when it's straight. Annoying.

-I bake better than I cook.

-I am dying to visit NYC again!

-I love Polyvore. Yesterday when I was trying to figure out what to wear I remembered a set I had created a few months ago and ran with it. So helpful!

-I get excited about reality TV a little more than the average person I'm guessing...not all of reality TV, just certain shows (The Bachelor, Say Yes to the Dress, The Rachel Zoe Project, Real Housewives, etc). They're my guilty pleasures.

-I sleep like a log.

-I was once in a place crash as a kid (I was like 8 years old). It was a small plane. To this day I'm surprised that I'm not afraid of flying because of that. Had it happened when I was an adult I think I'd now be terrified of flying.

-I used to collect pajama bottoms. I had a TON! I've since paired down to about 10.

-I love reading blogs...especially fashion blogs! It's so fun to get ideas from others who are much more creative than I.

I don't know what possessed me to write all these random things tonight...just trying to sit here and pass the time until #2, who is afraid of the dark and ghosts (thanks to my dear husband who let him watch Ghostbusters one night), falls asleep so I can move him to his bed. He's finally out so I guess that's my cue to end all this randomness.

By the way...here's what I wore today:



Details:
-Skinny Cargos-Old Navy
-Printed Tank-Old Navy
-Ruffle Cardigan-Old Navy
-Boots-Urban Outfitters
-Earrings-Anthropologie
-Necklace-Lisa Leonard Designs
-Ring-Forever 21

I didn't realize I was a walking advertisement for Old Navy today till I typed this out...geez!

Over half-way through the week now...bring on the rest of it already!!!

Have a great day!

Trying to Stay Dry!!

Hi all! Hope everyone had a great day! It was "one of those days" around my house...I'll be glad to start fresh in the morning. It's been raining non-stop today so we stayed home most of the day which makes me a little stir crazy. I like to be moving. I did wash and fold three loads of laundry and finally tackled my pile of hand wash items...all washed and drying now. I suppose rainy days have their redeeming qualities.

Just thought I'd share a few outfit pictures before I head to bed....

Here's what I wore today:



Details:
-Striped Top-Steve & Barry's (about 3 years old)
-Open Cardigan-Shade Clothing (about 2-3 years old)
-Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Kachiri Boots-Target
-Earrings-Express
-Necklace-Fossil
-Ring-Forever 21

Missing?? My wedding rings. I somehow got an infection on my ring finger and my knuckle is so swollen that I can't get my rings on! Sad. I feel so naked when I leave the house without it! Hopefully the swelling will go down soon.

Here's what I wore yesterday:



Details:
-Loosley Looped Tee-Anthropologie (Christmas gift from my friend Elise...thanks!)
-Cardigan-Old Navy (Summer 2010)
-Ultimate Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Kachiri Boots-Target
-Ring-Old Navy
-Earrings-Forever 21

Someone has a "thing" for Banana Jeans and Target boots!!! =)

So how about that Anthro sale?? How about the fact that the Monthly Meet-Up Pullover did NOT go on sale yet....ahhh! Come on Anthro gods...you have one more week to show me the love!!! I was excited to pick up a few things on sale that were on my "list" though...the Knotted Scarves Tank, the Borrowed Boyfriend Cardi (in the turquoise and grey stripes) and I was able to track down the Winter Beauty Pullover (in the Sky motif)! It got a 2nd cut finally so I happily grabbed it up as soon as I found one. I love looking forward to good mail!!

Well, I'm off to bed. I definitely need my beauty sleep.

Hope you have a fabulous Wednesday!

All About Anthropologie

Happy Monday everyone! I'm not gonna lie, it was painful getting up this morning in the total dark to run on my treadmill before my kids woke up...painful! The morning after daylight savings time in the spring is always the worst! After a pretty good day I'm now sitting here having a date with my DVR watching the season finale of The Bachelor...and looking forward to the "After the Final Rose" episode as well. Can it get any better? =) Um, yes it could...if Anthro has a fabulous sale and I get a price adjustment on my Monthly Meet-Up Pullover! Crossing my fingers!

Here's what I wore to church yesterday...it was an outfit entirely made up of Anthro pieces--except for the jewelry (not sure I've ever done that before--maybe once or twice??):



Details:
-Floral Frappe Top-Anthropologie
-Easy Keeper Skirt-Anthropologie
-Slinking Frills Pumps-Anthropologie
-Necklace-J Crew Outlet
-Earrings-Nordstrom
-Ring-Forever 21

I've made a few purchases in the last few weeks I'm excited about. That being said, I decided to change my budget up a little this month. I knew I would take this budget business month by month when I started a few months ago. I knew some months would be better than others. This month...not so good. I've decided to go off a wish list for the rest of the month instead of solely going by a budget. I'm not doing this so I can go crazy and buy up everything I want or anything (well, maybe a little. Just Kidding...No!). After my Vegas trip I made a list of the things I really loved and wanted to add to my closet. It's a big list so I still have to be choosy. I'm trying to really choose pieces that I can create several outfits with and that can easily blend in with what I already own. I had initially intended to stick to my budget again this month but it's just one of those months...I'm failing miserably. I'll own up to it! Because of that, I'm switching to the "list" from here on out instead. If I can get a PA on the Monthly Meet-Up Pullover that'll help too so please go one sale!!! If it does go on sale I'll just use that money I get back and add it to my spending money this month. It's money already spent from February so if I get it back it's like free money to spend and go towards March right? Right. So basically this is one of those months where pretty things are making me feel happy. Hopefully next month I will do better. Ok, now that I got that out of the way (guilt-ridden and shamed) I can move on. =)

Here's what I've purchased in March so far:

BP "Berty" Sandals in Seafoam (Nordstrom)



I saw Kim post these on her blog (Anthroholic) last week and could not stop thinking about them for like 5 days straight. I was in love! At that point I just gave in and ordered them. I don't own shoes this color and I don't have any heels this height. My shoes are all either flats or 4" tall for the most part so these are a fun departure from the norm. They are super cute and versatile...they could go with skirts or jeans. I ordered a 1/2 size down (per the majority of the reviews) and they should fit perfect (I later tried on the black version in the store in a size 8 1/2 which I ordered and they fit great). I can't wait for them to arrive...any day now!

Xhilaration Sinead Peep-Toe Flats (Target)



I saw these when I was walking through Target one day and couldn't pass them up. I searched for a cute flat yellow shoe last summer and could never find the right shade of yellow so when I saw these, they had to be mine! For $19.99 they're a steal.

Maryam Tank (Anthropologie)



I have held out waiting for this thing to go on sale for forever and it's just not happening so before it is completely sold out everywhere (which it nearly already is) I tracked one down. I would be mad at myself if I didn't because it's a great layering piece and so versatile. I haven't even tried it on yet so who knows...I may not even like it...but if I do, it'll be a keeper.

J Crew Factory Printed Poplin Skirt--got this for 30% off.



I saw this reviewed on AppGal HERE and bolted to my factory outlets to try it on soon after. On me it ran big...I took it in a 0. I love it. It's the perfect spring/summer skirt to wear everyday or to dress it up a little to wear to church on Sunday.

And here's what's on my wish list for the rest of the month--of course I would only consider getting any of these if they went on sale:

"The List"-March by jgj27 featuring a cashmere cardigan

Cashmere sweater,
Cashmere cardigan,
Striped cardigan,
Cardigan,
Silk scarve,
Braided belt,
Winter Beauty Pullover,

The only other thing I would love to find is a great pair of really dark trouser jeans. I have a pair of trouser pants that I wore in Vegas but just didn't like the way they fit. They are too long and too lightweight...just not my favorites. I want a pair of actual denim trouser jeans this time around, not pants that look like trouser jeans.

Ok...there you have it. I'm super flawed, sorta obsessed with pretty things and love an Anthro sale. Guilty as charged. Hope you can forgive me! =)

Brad just dumped the "other girl"...sad.

I just read a few tips on what's on sale tonight...looks like a few things on my list might be!!! =)

Happy Sale Shopping (and budget busting--be careful).

Happy Shortest Day of the Year!

Good morning! So how's everyone doing without one less hour of sleep? I have church at 9am so that really means 8am today. Fantastic. I set out everyone's clothes last night just to make sure we wouldn't run into any frantic "outfit drama" as I so lovingly call it in our house. With three boys you wouldn't think there'd be too much "outfit drama", but let me tell you, my 7 year old has quite an opinion about what he wears already. I secretly think it's hilarious but most of the time it just drives me nuts because I thought by having all boys I'd escape all the "outfit drama" everyday. Surprise! =)

So we kept busy this weekend...on Friday night we stayed in and just relaxed, which was nice. On Saturday I slept in (till 7:30am...and then laid in bed till 8:30am with my kids coming in and out of my room watching cartoons I had turned on for them). It was so nice to have a morning "off". Then I went to my friend's jewelry party which was lots of fun. Have you ever heard of Stella and Dot jewelry? They have the CUTEST stuff! So cute that I signed up to host a trunk show in April so if you are interested in getting anything from them, or want to see an online catalog, let me know! You can order right through a link I email you without having to be at my party in person. I picked up this cute necklace (it's a long one):



Adorable, right?!

After the party I headed out to Anthropologie to return a few things with my boys in tow. I promised them if they were good we'd stop by the fro-yo place that I LOVE on the way home...so really I was gonna go even if they weren't good. They were actually pretty good at Anthro and really did earn their treat it turns out. I didn't really try anything on so it made the trip into the store a little faster. I did throw this cardigan on over what I was wearing just to get an idea of what size fit me best:



The small was really long in the arms so the X-Small would be the way to go for me. I would consider it a little shorter than the average cardigan and the colors definitely aren't as bright as I expected them to be, but all in all I liked it and it would go with a ton of things. Wish listed for sale!

I also threw this on over what I was wearing just to see which size I liked in it too:



Turns out this is more like a parachute than a top...holy cow it's baggy! I did have another shirt on underneath so I couldn't get a true feel for the fit, but I would definitely go with an X-Small based on what I saw. The color is seriously gorgeous!

I thought these two pieces would be pretty cute together:

Anthro New Arrival Outfit ideas-1 by jgj27 featuring gap skinny jeans

After our little adventures we came home and it was almost bedtime already. Time flies when you're having fun! =)

Thought I'd post what I've been wearing the past few days...here's what I wore yesterday:



Details:
-Bianka Blouse (Blue motif)-Anthropologie
-Tank-Old Navy
-Ultimate Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic
-Anticipation Heels-Anthropologie
-Necklace-Fossil
-Ring-Forever 21
Earrings-Old Navy

And here's what I wore on Friday (I was having an anti-jeans day):



Details:
-Dress-Old Navy
-Cardigan-J Crew
-Leggings-Target
-Flats-Target
-Necklace-Anthropologie
-Earrings-Forever 21
-Ring-American Eagle

Hope you all have a great Sunday...back to the grind tomorrow!