Friday, September 28, 2012

Bring on the cords!!!

A while back I posted about the Mossimo cords I picked up from Target after seeing them floating around blog land here and there.  I ended up getting them in 4 colors when all was said and done.  I mean, seriously, at $22 a pop when they fit me pretty much identical to AG jeans that would run me $150 each...yes please, I'll take 4!  The cool fall weather this week was all it took for me to break these out and give them a go and I love them even more than I thought I would!  They didn't stretch out through the day and get all baggy like many other lower priced pants do and they were super comfortable.


Tokonoma Tee-Anthropologie/ Premium Sheen Cardigan-Anthropologie/ Mossimo Cords-Target/ Lake & Land Heels-Anthropologie/ Colorblocked Strands Necklace-Anthropologie/ Double Hoop Earrings-Banana Republic/ Ring-Forever 21

See details from original Polyvore set idea HERE

Have you broken out your fall attire yet?  Or are you still living in the blazing heat of an Indian summer??

So what's on the agenda this weekend??  Our weekend is packed to the brim with things going on...no rest for the weary around here!  Tonight my boys invited some of their new friends over for a movie night...they are super excited!  Tomorrow morning I'm going to attempt to play some tennis with some of my girlfriends, tomorrow night both hubby and I have things going on and then Sunday we'll go to church as usual.  The weekend will be over before I know it.  Better to be busy than not I suppose!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Fall colors I couldn't resist

Back when the Soca Flutter Blouse came out I tried both colorways on and really liked each one for different reasons.  When they went on sale I decided I would choose only one to add to my closet.  I chose the more summery, sherbet-colored version.  I love it!  A few weeks later I received a request from a blog reader to create a few Polyvore sets with the Soca Flutter Blouse in the colorway I decided against purchasing, the more fall-ish colored version.  I started to play around with it on Polyvore and by the end of creating four sets, I had talked myself into needing it in my closet.  How had I missed the fact that it was so darn versatile, before?  Long story short, I was able to locate the top and it now hangs in my closet next to it's sister.  So glad I could still find one! They're actually available now again online in most sizes in the purple colorway.


Soca Flutter Blouse (purple motif)-Anthropologie/ First Light Skirt-Anthropologie/ Jackie Cardigan-J Crew Factory/ Seychelles "Hamburg" Pumps-Endless/ Necklace-Loft Factory/ Triptych Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie/ Bracelet-Silpada Jewelry/ Pop Stone Ring-Banana Republic

(Please excuse the mess on the floor behind me...now you know what it looks like while I'm trying to figure out what to wear!)

Do you ever go back on your decisions about an item and go hunting things down like a crazy person or is that just me? =)

Today is a gloomy day here in the mid-west...rainy and cold.  It makes me want to sit on my couch, curled up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate.  Instead I'm headed to the gym...gonna get my heart pumping for a bit.  Then I won't feel so guilty when I come home and want to do the whole sitting on the couch curled up in a blanket thing later. =)

Have a great day!

PS--I'm linking up to WWIW on The Pleated Poppy today...check out all the fun outfit ideas from tons of ladies!


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

What I Wore: Dinner and a Movie and my DV by Dolce Vita "Pilar" Bootie Review

This past weekend we went out to dinner and a movie with some friends.  I wanted to wear something that was layered since I knew we'd be in a movie theater at the end of the night.  Why are movie theaters always freezing??  It was a good thing I wore a long sleeved sweater because we actually ended up having dinner on the patio at The Cheesecake Factory and it was anything but warm by the end!  I pulled out an outfit that I've basically worn before, but changed a few things up to make it a tad different:


Hiking Ruffles Cardigan-Anthropologie/ Paradise Ascending Top-Anthropologie/ Rockstar Skinny Jeans-Old Navy (black)/ Chiseled Wedges-Anthropologie/ Torsade Necklace/ Anthropologie/ Double Hoop Earrings-Banana Republic/ Flower Bud Ring-J Crew/ Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry Chrono" Watch-Piperlime

For anyone who's curious, my DV by Dolce Vita "Pilar" booties were delivered a few days ago and I think I kinda love them!  They are SO crazy comfortable which was a major plus, and the color is a great neutral to work with.  I took them in my regular DV size 8.5 (for reference, I'm typically a size 8.5-9 in most shoes).  I'm still working on familiarizing myself with how to wear them best...they feel a bit odd as I've never worn this type of shoe before, but it'll be a fun little step outside my box.  So far I've found that I like them best with ankle length denim so I rolled up my jeggings a little in this picture to show you. 


Do you own this style of bootie?  How do you wear yours?  I'm open to suggestions, as always!

Monday, September 24, 2012

On the hunt for a denim jacket...oh yes I am

I almost can't believe I'm admitting this, but I want a denim jacket!  My former self would be dying a little inside upon hearing that comment.  I've been thinking about it for a few months now, and I've come to the conclusion that I need one in my wardrobe. It would be the perfect thing to throw on over so many different looks and it gives a slightly different look than a cardigan would.  Throw me right back to the 80's folks, I'm going there.  This is as far as I go though...no overalls or jumpers...I still shun the thought.  So here are a few denim jackets I've got my eye on as of now:

Nordstrom

This is a great color, good length, and good middle of the road price point.  

American Eagle

LOVE this dark denim color and it looks like the perfect length as well.  At the lowest price point without sacrificing quality (reviews are great!), this may be the way to go.  Wait for a coupon or sale and it could be a real bargain!

Anthropologie

This one looks soft and comfy. I am really drawn to the darker, almost slate denim.

Gap

Cute, more of a classic wash, but it's sold out of my size online so I'd have to go hunting.  

What do you think?  Which is your favorite?  Do you own a denim jacket?  Or are you like my former self and still against the idea?  Let's hear it!

Happy Monday!

Friday, September 21, 2012

TGIF...for reals!

I know I always proclaim my love for Fridays, but for some reason this week just seemed to drag on and on, and I need a break.  My kids need a break.  Hubbs needed a break so bad that he took the day off and went golfing.  Rough.  I went to Yoga this morning just to have an hour of peace and quiet and "breathe".  It helped.  Now I'm settling in to make some homemade bread and a pot of potato soup because tomorrow is the first day of fall and I'm ready to celebrate!  No, I'm not usually this domestic, don't be fooled.

This week has really cooled down outside and my toes are starting to feel it.  Sandals just won't cut it much longer.  I've known I've wanted to jump on the bootie bandwagon this year so I've been scouring the internet trying to decide what kind to get.  I like the idea of having something other than knee-high boots to keep me warm throughout the colder seasons. Being able to switch off is nice.  There are seriously so many choices out there...like, SOOO many.  It gets confusing after a while!  I finally decided to give these a go when I found them for about $50 on sale and with a coupon code:



We'll see how they work.  I was really looking for a neutral colored bootie that could be paired with multiple colored jeans that had a wedge heel since I have the good possibility of dealing with rain/snow here quite often.  On paper these fit the bill...hopefully they'll be just as cute on. I definitely like the price point.  I'll keep you posted.  

Before I go, here's an outfit I wore one day this week:


Perfect Fit Stripe Boatneck Tee-J Crew/ AG Stevies-Piperlime/ Shimmered Seagrove T-Straps-Anthropologie/ Tarn Necklace-Anthropologie/ Crackled Mosaic Bracelet-Anthropologie/ Strung Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie/ Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry Chrono" Watch-Piperlime/ Ring-Forever 21

It's one I've worn before (nothing earth shattering here), but I changed up the jewelry a little and wore my Tarn Necklace with it instead.  I'm so glad I held out to find a wired version of this necklace...I love it!  The rich colored beads are perfect for the fall transition.

Hope you have a relaxing weekend...enjoy!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Another round of "Found in my closet"...

Getting a second set of eyes on your closet is so helpful sometimes.  When my BFF was in town I had her look in my closet and help me brainstorm new ways to wear some older items that haven't seen the light of day for a while.  I have had this skirt for years now and think I've only ever worn it once or twice.  It's been sitting somewhere in the back of my closet ever since, being ignored.  For shame!  I love the color and the print but for some reason it's just stumped me.  BFF suggested I try wearing it with pink...so I took her advice and here's how it came out:


Sidebent Tank-Anthropologie/ Sequin Cardigan-Loft/ Gladiola Print Pencil Skirt-J Crew Factory/ Seychelles "Purr" Wedges/ Necklace and Bracelets-Tiffany/ Triptych Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie/ Fireworks Ring-Banana Republic

Now why didn't I think of that?  Why is it you can stare into your own closet for days and never see the same combinations another can see in 5 minutes?  It always baffles me.

Have you found anything in your closet lately that you've forgotten about or just haven't worn for a while??  I challenge you to go looking for something you haven't shown any love lately, and wear it!  

Monday, September 17, 2012

Bright and Colorful Pre-fall OOTD and some Anthro sale chit chat

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a great weekend! Despite battling being under the weather I had a pretty good weekend.  In case you missed it I posted a new batch of clothes for sale on my sale blog HERE so check it out!

This is the official last week of summer and I couldn't be happier.  I am so ready for fall...bring it on!  When we lived in CA, and even TX we never really got "seasons".  It was usually either hot or cold, nothing much in between. Now that we live in the mid-west we actually get to experience 4 seasons throughout the year!  I can't wait for the leaves to start changing colors and the pumpkin patches to open...I absolutely love this time of year!  It's only suppose to be in the 60's and 70's most of the week here so the change is already happening.

Here's an outfit I wore on Friday...it was a little chilly out in the morning so an outfit with a cardigan was quite appropriate:


Mixed Bouquet Blouse-Anthropologie/ Cardigan-Target/ Skimmer Legging Jeans-Gap/ Lemon Stick Wedges-Anthropologie/ Mixed Spectra Necklace-Anthropologie/ Earrings-Francesca's Collections/ Enameled Bracelet Set (some of them)-Anthropologie/ Ring-Forever 21

A little bright and colorful?  Perhaps.  Sometimes that's how I roll.

So if you're an Anthro fan you no doubt noticed all the sale action happening this weekend. I have to admit, I was pulled in.  BUT, I restrained from going too nuts.  On Saturday I used some return credit and the 20% off discount to purchase these:

AG Stevie Ankle Color
in Green


I couldn't be happier that my search for mint jeans has finally come to an end.  Although these aren't dead on "mint" they are close enough for me and I actually think I like the richer color of these better than a true mint anyways.  Check that one off the list!

Then this morning I woke up to find that there was another fun Anthro sale (two in two days, say it isn't so!!).  I was so excited to see that a pair of shoes I've been lusting after was marked down:



I'll be using my birthday discount and some birthday money I was gifted to add these to my closet today.  They are so pretty...love them!  And so perfect for fall (but I love that they are a color that can be used year round too)!   

I'll be doing some clothing shopping for fall today; not for me but for my crew.  My oldest came out this morning in his favorite pair of jeans and they were 1-too tight, and 2-total high waters.  The kid grew a TON this summer!  Luckily we had back-ups that were looking ok still.  So it's fall clothes shopping time for him, for sure.  My other two get lots of hand me downs from my oldest, but of course they get some fun new things each season too.  It's only fair!  I don't know about your house, but in this house the second something isn't "fair" I hear about it from them! =) Thankfully boy's clothes has come a long way in the past few years and it's actually pretty fun to shop for them.  The only problem is my oldest has to be with me or sitting next to me looking at everything online and approving everything before I push "purchase"...he's a picky little guy!  Off to check out some sites...

 Have a great day!

Friday, September 14, 2012

Shop My Closet--new items for sale!!!

Hi there!  

I have cleaned out my closet yet again and have a new batch of items for sale!  Come on over HERE to take a peek!!!  You can also access my sale page from the link at the top of the right sidebar.  All instructions for purchase are included in the new post.  Email me at jensmith001@hotmail.com with any questions.  

Thanks!

Middle of the Night Blogging

I'm sitting here at 5:20am in the morning typing this blog post...not because I'm actually up early for the day, but because I can't sleep!  I'm battling a sore throat and stuffy nose and seriously can barely breathe while lying down...I feel like a zombie at the moment.  It's gonna be a long day I fear.  I figured since I was up I might as well blog!

I'm so happy it's Friday!  I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures in our forecast starting this weekend...is fall actually right around the corner?  I'm crossing my fingers!  I am so excited for fall this year.  I can't wait for the chilly mornings, the pumpkin patches, crock pot stews, the holidays...bring it on!  With the start of fall it means it's time to say goodbye (temporarily) to sandals...my summer staple.  This summer I picked up quite a few flat sandals and put them all to good use.  Once pair in particular I really loved were my mint green sandals...they always provide that fun pop of color I'm looking for in an outfit:


(Outfit idea borrowed from Jessica here)

Fluttered Hem Tee-Anthropologie/ AG Polka Dot Stevies-Anthropologie/ ALDO "Tossie" Sandal-Nordstrom/ Ampay Necklace-Anthropologie/ Bracelet-Twisted Silver/ Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

As I say goodbye to sandal season I welcome boot season with open arms.  I'm super excited to pull out my boot collection and add a few more winter shoes to the rotation.  I am a little perplexed about how to go about winter shoes where I live now...with the possibility of snow.  I don't want to be wearing snow shoes all the time and some days I just don't feel like wearing regular boots either, so I need to find some good possibilities to get me through the winter.  Wedge booties are on my radar at the moment but I'm still just not sure which style suits me best...the hunt continues.  

I think I'll try to grab a few more zzz's before the morning officially begins in about an hour...if you need me you can probably find me wrapped up in a blanket on the couch today.  I'm hoping this cold passes quick!

Happy Friday to you!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Birthday wrap-up...the outfit, the fun presents and my wish list!

Happy middle of the week!  I put my best friend back on a plane to CA yesterday (sad!!!) so now it's back to reality.  This morning I'm strolling through my house, taking care of things I've ignored the past 6 days while she was here.  Cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, doing laundry...glam life today.  =) 

So I'm now 32 years old...I've decided that's still young.  So what if I start to feel old when my hip pain from running kicks in and my joints ache just a little more as I get out of bed in the morning?!  I'm ignoring all that for now.  I used to think anything past 30 was getting old...thankfully 30 is like the new 10 or something so I'm actually must younger than I think! =)  For my birthday this year I got to get all dressed up for church since it landed on a Sunday...here's what I pulled out of my closet:


Twisted Ascot Tee-Anthropologie/ Peppering Skirt-Anthropologie/ Belt-Banana Republic/ Mixed Media Heels-Anthropologie/ Bracelet-Twisted Silver/ Earrings-Ruche/ Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

I always loved how this top and skirt were paired in the Anthro catalog last year when they came out so I finally wore them together just like that.  Funny...I actually bought this shirt last year with my birthday discount!

I was spoiled by friends and family for my fun day this year...it's always fun to be remembered!  Hubby surprised me a few days early with my birthday present:


A new iPad!  
I've been wanting one for a long time and was totally surprised by it.  He did good! =)

I was also gifted this gorgeous necklace by my best friend while she was here, that I've had my eye on for a while:



Love it!!!  The colors are so fun and make it so versatile!  Thanks Elise!

And I may or may not have bought myself a little present as well:

Henry Chrono Watch
by Marc by Marc Jacobs
I have wanted a Rose Gold watch for quite some time and with a hefty rewards card and a great Piperlime discount, I made this watch mine for just a 1/3 of the retail price.  It still hasn't arrived yet though because I accidentally sent it to my old address in CA.  Whoops!  I was able to get it re-routed though (I think) so I'm crossing my fingers it will find it's way to Ohio soon!

I also got a gift card and some shopping money from family members which was so nice...I'm trying to decide what to put it all towards.  There are more than a few things on my wish list right now that I'd love to add to my closet for fall...just have to narrow it down to what I want the most!  Here's my current top ten wish list:


Birthday Wish List


Most are from Anthropologie, but there are a few things that can be found from other places.  The only thing that really should be on this wish list that's not is a pair of black riding boots. I haven't found the perfect pair yet so I'm still on the look out.  

So it was a very happy birthday.  I was spoiled indeed.  Even though all the things are fun and fabulous, my favorite gift came from my three boys.  I came home to find flowers and a homemade card waiting for me, and my oldest brought me breakfast in bed.  What more can a girl ask for?  I'm so blessed. =)

Alright, off to actually get some stuff done!  Hope you have a fabulous day!

PS--I hear rumors something fantastic is suppose to be happening at Anthro this weekend, but have no idea what!  Anyone get any tips from their local stores??







Sunday, September 9, 2012

Birthday girl

Hi everyone!!  I've been a little absentee this week, but with good reason, I promise!!  My best friend flew in from CA to visit me for my birthday!  We've been having a blast visiting, shopping, eating lots of fun treats and good food, watching our favorite shows...it's been so much fun!  So today is the day...my birthday!!!  I still love birthdays. I know some people hate them but not me.  I love them!  Check back when I turn 40. We'll see how much I love them, then. ;) This morning bright and early my 8 year old brought me breakfast in bed.  So sweet!!  Gotta love the benefits of being the birthday girl!  Since today is Sunday we're headed to church, so y BFF and I celebrated my birthday yesterday with a shopping trip to the big shopping mall, Easton, in Columbus and dinner out at our favorite stop, PF Chang's.  There was a little stop at Anthro involved where we both fell in love with a few things...I'll fill you in on that later this week.  It was a fun day all around and I definitely plan on returning to Easton soon.  That place is incredible!  

Since I'm not dressed for the day yet I'll have to share my birthday outfit with you in another post, but I will share another outfit I recently wore instead:



Silk Road Mosaic Tee- Anthropologie/ Cap Sleeve Tee-Shade Clothing/ Toothpick Ankle denim-J Crew Factory/ Steve Madden Veta Wedges/ Rotary Dial Necklace-Anthropologie/ Repercussive Light Earrings-Anthropologie/ Bracelets-Tiffany/ Rock Candy Ring-Banana Republic

This top is so fun and unique...and there's pattern mixing already done for me...added bonus!  :)

I hope you have a great Sunday!  Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Unexpected Punch of Color

Hi everyone!  Hope you had a great 3-day weekend!  We had a seriously productive weekend around our house and I can happily say I finally feel like this house is our home.  I would actually be ok with people coming over now. =)  So happy Anthro sale day!  Unfortunately the extra 25% off sale items promo ended last night so this new batch of sale cuts won't get that extra discount.  I didn't find anything I needed during the promo, but a few items off my wish list managed to make it to sale this morning, which I'm super excited about!  I picked up these cute tops:




Apparently I'm in a floral mood today. =)

All three are great fall transitional pieces and can be layered galore so they'll fit perfectly into my closet.  Now I'm just crossing my fingers they all ship!  Did you pick anything up this morning?

Last Sunday I wore my Diamond Kite Dress to church.  As I was getting dressed I decided to amp up the color a little by throwing on a bright orange cardi over it.  I balanced out the bright orange with some mint green.  A little unexpected and a little fun...


See Polyvore set HERE

Diamond Kite Dress-Anthropologie/ Jackie Cardigan-J Crew Factory/Extender Slip-A Slip Shop (Etsy shop)/ Split Surface Belt-Anthropologie/ Seychelles Hamburg Pumps-Endless/ Earl Grey Necklace-Anthropologie/ Double Hoop Earrings-Banana Republic/ Bracelet-Twisted Silver/ Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

A little color never hurt anyone, right?! =)

Have a great day!