Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter featuring Lilly Pulitzer pastels


Dress (size 6):  Lilly Pulitzer, 2012
Clare cardigan (size medium): J.Crew Factory, here
Mint pumps:  Calvin Klein (DSW, recent)
Seychelles chandelier earrings: Stella & Dot, here
I must admit, Easter completely snuck up on me this year.  One reason is it was earlier this year than it has been in at least 3 years.  The other reason is that it still feels mostly like winter here, so I kept forgetting Easter was actually right around the corner.  So while I managed to plan all of my boys' outfits, I didn't buy anything special for myself this year.  That's ok though, Lilly Pulitzer dresses and all of their pastel glory are  made for Easter Sunday.  I grabbed this one from my closet and threw it with a Factory Jackie (actually Clare) cardigan and I was good to go.  I was happy to finally wear my new mint pumps too, and even happier about how comfortable they actually are.

My best friend sent me these Stella & Dot earrings for my birthday. I didn't get a close-up shot, but check them out here. They're so fun for spring and summer. 

Today started out cool, gray, and rainy, and  I was dismayed that no one really seemed to bother with Easter colors at mass today.  Everyone seemed to be in blacks, grays, and other neutrals.  I kind of felt like a pastel-colored sore thumb sticking out.  A gray gloomy day is not going to prevent me from wearing Easter colors!

I'll leave you with a picture of all of the gorgeous men in my life. My husband is in a Lilly Pulitzer tie too, love it!  And my youngest son's outfit is from Carousel Wear.  If you like smocked clothing for children, it's a great website.  Thanks for reading and if you celebrate Easter, I hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends.




Saturday, March 30, 2013

Casual in chambray + colored cords

Perfect shirt in chambray polka dot (size 6): J.Crew, summer 2012
Denim jacket (size small): Old Navy, here
Skinny cords:  Old Navy, fall 2012
Cece ballet flats in tortoise: J.Crew, fall 2012
Sunglasses:  Banana Republic, check in stores
On my boy:  Gap hand-me-downs from big brothers :)

Hope your Easter weekend is off to a good start!  We enjoyed a beautiful spring day finally so we had a picnic at the park.  Since I am almost always showing my work OOTD's on the blog, it's fun to show a casual outfit once in a while.  This chambray dot shirt sold out pretty quickly...but one random one in my size recently showed up on the sales rack at my local J.Crew...I really did not need it at all but love it already.  I think I may even be able to make it work for corporate wear with a blazer and pencil skirt. 

I have been wanting a denim jacket for a while but did not want to invest much money in one, as I won't wear it very often. This one from Old Navy is perfect, in shape and price.  I bought a small because I wanted it to fit really snug...if denim jackets are even slightly boxy, they just look too 80's to me!  But if you don't want it really snug you may want to size up...it runs a bit small.  During the same visit these cords were on the sale rack for $9.99...I love the springy green color so they came home with me too.  They're really comfy but have a bit more of a "jegging" shape than I'm used to!

How cute is my littlest boy?  He just recently became potty-trained now so we are all finished with diapers in our house.  It's a bittersweet victory, as we've had diapers around for 7 years and now that we're finished it means all my babies are growing up. 

Thanks for reading!

Friday, March 29, 2013

Loft floral variety pencil skirt + J.Crew Collection wool crepe blazer


Shawl-collar wool crepe blazer (size 6): J.Crew Collection, fall 2012
Floral Variety pencil skirt(size 6):  Loft, here
Silk garland cami in navy (size 6): J.Crew, 2009
Pumps: Tahari
I took full advantage of the slightly-warmer day by dressing for spring, and I received a warm welcome wherever I went today.  It's like people in Ohio forgot the possibilities and potential of spring colors.  In one office, a girl said "I LOVE all of your colors.  I could never pull that off."  Ummm...why?  I don't understand why people think they can't "get away" with wearing colors.  Honey, if I as a near 6-foot tall amazon woman can do it, you can too!  The world love colors and reacts well to them.  It's time to grow out of your black and neutral shells! 

Loft has really been making up for lost time lately. Although the store still offers far too much polysester, there are some very reasonably-priced cotton numbers, like this skirt, that have made me happy lately.  Check it out!  I'm wearing a size 6, and it's TTS.

Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Anthropologie fitting room reviews: So many dresses, so little time

Hello lovely ladies!  In case you didn't know, Anthropologie is offering 20% off all regularly priced dresses until Sunday!  With that in mind, I decided to do some dress reviews for those of you who don't live close to an Anthropologie store.  Here we go...

Chessia Dress by Maeve
$148 + 20% off here
If I hadn't already purchased a white and navy striped dress for this year, I would definitely consider this cute one!  It is very flattering on, and the material feels good.  Plus, look how adorable the trim of the dress lining at the bottom is:

It's little details like this that make Anthropologie special.  This dress is cute, flattering, and TTS. I'm wearing a 6 and it feels great. 

Chroma Shadow Sheath by LeifNotes
$168 + 20% off here
This sheath dress has a great flattering shape and is made of sturdy cotton, which we all can appreciate.  The only thing I didn't like about it is the fact that the upper back is solid blue.  It's not a deal breaker but I don't love this detail at all, and wish it would be the same fabric as the rest of the dress.  However, I can see this looking great with a summer blazer for work, as it's not too low cut.  I will definitely consider this at sale time.  It is also TTS... I am wearing a 6 and it felt great.

Aurelian Brocade Dress by Leifsdottir
$228 + 20% off here
Leifsdottir is one of my favorite labels in Anthropologie.  But I've said it before...I can't bring myself to pay upwards of $200 for a polyester dress!   The colors of this dress are pretty, and the metallic sheen makes it appropriate for a formal occassion.  But I couldn't get past the poly, or the fact that the dress has an ugly exposed zipper.  Now I know exposed zippers have been on trend for several seasons, but I say enough already...an exposed zipper does nothing to accentuate the beauty of a formal dress.  Pass for me.  Also- I am wearing a 6 here and I found it TTS, but many online reviewers found it to run small.

Hannah Raceback Dress by Mirror of Venus
$228 + 20% off here
This dress is made of a heavy silk-cotton blend and looks sweetly retro.  The full skirt may not be for everyone, and the bodice may cause problems to someone with a large ribcage.  But I found it to be unique, fun, and classic.  Love the neckline and the cute back:


Almost like a half-bow...so cute.  My friend just purchased this dress for some upcoming spring occassions and she loves it.  Fits TTS also...I'm wearing a size 6.  I thought I may want to size down, but since the bodice is so close fitting, that wasn't necessary. 


Mysterious Eyelet dress by Maeve
This dress by Maeve is not on the website yet that I see.  It was $168.  I really, really wanted to love this dress.  I adore eyelet and the coral color.  But it was very stiff, rough metallic fabric, and so uncomfortable!  Plus I thought it made me look like I had a tummy, complete with a little eyelet hole right where my belly button is!  It also fits very small...this is a size 6 and I had zero room to negotiate.  Maybe it would work on a smaller-chested girl, but for me it's sadly a no. 

Flounced lace maxi dress by Mirror of Venus
$248 + 20% off here
This is so not my typical style but I was intrigued by this long dress and had to try it on.  It's really lovely but may be too long for shorter ladies....look how long it is on me!  I'm wearing a 6 and it is TTS.  Very pretty but not my style and I have no idea where I'd wear it.  Pass for me but it will look beautiful for the right occassion on the right girl.  And now the dress that came home with me:



Silk Mabel dress by Moulinette Souers
$168 + 20% off here
I think we all have certain labels that seem to always be winners for each of us in terms of style, fit, and personal taste.  Moulinette Souers is my Anthropologie label that I seem to always love, and the Mabel dress is no different. This dress is getting a lot of love online, with many 5-star reviews on Anthro's website. I can understand why.  I've had my eye on this pretty silk number for a while, and with the 20% off along with my birthday discount (and leftover birthday money), I finally went for it.  Silk and machine wash?  Love!  It's a pullover style, which is not my normal style, and the sizes went XS-L rather than numerical, which I found odd.  That's ok though. I'm wearing a Small and it fits fabulous, so comfortable and light.  The colors are beautiful too, and it's not too short.  It also has little hooks to keep your bra straps in place, and pockets.  Awesome!  When I showed my favorite Anthro sales associate, Trisha, my dress choice, she said "I knew you'd pick that one, it's so you!"  And she's right!

What do you think of the Anthropologie dresses?  Do you have your eye on any of them?  Thanks for stopping by, I hope my reviews were helpful!




Monday, March 25, 2013

Leopard + plaid = good...or bad?


Tippi sweater in leopard (size small):  J.Crew, 2012
Sunnie pencil skirt in yellow (size 6):  J.Crew Factory, 2012
Elizabeth silk cami (size 6):  J.Crew, old
Heels: Mojo Moxy (DSW)
I do not in any way consider myself  to be "good" at pattern mixing.  In fact, it still makes me rather uncomfortable and insecure that I just look like I got dressed before fully waking up. So when I do make an attempt, I take the safest route possible, making sure the patterns are in the same color family and one of the prints is pretty subtle.  Even still, when I looked at the pictures today, I was on the fence.  I can't decide if I like the outcome or not.

If you want to see someone who pattern mixes like a madwoman, head over to What I Wore 2day.  Kasmira's was one of the first fashion blogs I had ever seen, as she used to live in Cincinnati and was featured in the local media a few times for her blog.  She fearlessly mixes florals, plaids, animal prints, graphic prints... you name it, she's tried it.  And while I doubt I will ever have her pattern-mixing chutzpah, I have always admired her bravery. 

Do you see that white dot by my chin in the first picture?  Snowflakes and wind have literally been blowing in my face alllllll day.  March definitely came in like a lion and is going out....like a lion this year.

Thanks for reading!

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Collection cashmere plaited sweatshirt in stripe


Collection cashmere plaited sweatshirt in stripe (size small): J.Crew, winter 2013
Jeans (size 29): 7 for All Mankind
Willow riding boots in cognac: Banana Republic, fall 2012
Pearly bloom necklace: Banana Republic, here
Wearing this cashmere "sweatshirt" feels like wearing your softest, coziest sweatshirt but looks infinitely more put together.  Add jeans and a fun necklace and you're ready to go for a casual weekend look. It's sold out online, but check in-store, my local J.Crew still has a few left on the sales rack.  I bought mine a few weeks ago during an extra 30% off promo.   I had my $25.00 spring rewards card and money from consigning some clothes, so I paid very little out of pocket for it. I've worn it many times but this is the first time for the blog.  The only downside for me is that it is too casual to wear to work.  But it is nice having a few weekend-only pieces too. I know it will be nice with shorts also for cool summer nights. 

My question is, why does J.Crew like to call cashmere sweaters "sweatshirts" sometimes?  When I think of a sweatshirt, a gigantic hoodie like what you see on the participants on What Not To Wear comes to mind. I don't own a single gigantic hoodie.  (But I must confess that I sometimes steal this hideous one of my husband's when I'm schlepping around the house.)

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Jules Dress in scroll print, on repeat


Jules dress in scroll print (size 4): J.Crew, winter 2013
Red clutch:  Banana Republic, old
Heels: Max Studio
Pearly Bloom necklace:  Banana Republic, here

I wasn't kidding when I replied to a comment that I was already planning on how I could wear this scroll print Jules dress again!  I just wore it last weekend for a dinner out, and again this weekend for a night out with friends.  I changed it up with a different bag, heels, and necklace, and I think I love it even more with red heels.  Just changing up the heels changes the look of the dress, doesn't it?

Hope you're having a fantastic weekend!  Thanks for reading.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Gray tartan + schoolboy


Schoolboy blazer in heather gray (size 6): J.Crew Factory, 2009
Boy shirt in gray tartan flannel (size 6): J.Crew, fall 2012
Wool cafe capri in maraschino cherry (size 6 Tall): J.Crew, fall 2011, this year's version here
Black pumps: Nine West, similar here
So I am fully aware that I look more "Christmastime" than "springtime."  But considering there were snowflakes swirling around all day, I didn't feel too out of place and in fact this may be one of my favorite outfits since starting this blog.  I bought this flannel shirt on random popback a couple weeks ago, I think I paid around $27.99 after the 30% off.  I was on the fence since spring is hopefully around the corner, but I knew I wouldn't regret it.  I absolutely love it and have worn it several times now already, casually and now professionally.  Don't you love when you pick out a winner?

Thanks for visiting!


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

J.Crew's Peter Pan merino sweater

Peter Pan merino sweater in ivory/silver stripe (size small): J.Crew, here
Double serge wool No. 2 pencil skirt in vintage berry (size 6): J.Crew, limited colors/sizes here
Pumps:  Vince Camuto
Bubble necklace: J.Crew Factory, spring 2012
Siiiiiiiiiigh.  First day of spring and my legs are still being held hostage in tights as snow flurries swirled around this morning.  But that didn't stop me from at least enjoying some spring colors, anchored by a neutral sweater.  I adored this sweater from the moment it came out, I really love gray and ivory together.  It runs a bit bigger than the Tippi but a size small still fit great.  I think I will really love it paired with all of my colorful pencil skirts.  It's thin but not flimsy...and no itch factor at all. 

Is it springtime in your corner of the world yet?  Can you send some warm temperatures my way please? 

Thanks for visiting!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Two dress reviews: Anthro's Great Escape + Loft flower eyelet

Whew.  Between St. Patty's Day and my birthday festivities this girl is worn out. When am I going to remember I am not 21 anymore and therefore should refrain from partying like it's 1999?  I need a week to recover, or at least a good night's sleep.  But I did manage to muster up the energy to bring you two dress reviews, one from Anthropologie and one from Loft.  Please excuse my tired, makeup free face. Here we go!

Great Escape Dress by Tabitha
Anthropologie
$89.95 here
Anthro gets me every time with the dresses that look like a skirt/top combo.  The pretty spring colors of Tabitha's latest version really drew me to it.  I'm wearing a size 6 here, my normal Anthro dress size.  It fits me fine, but if you carry more weight in your hips you will likely want to size up as there is no give in this frock. 

This dress is a good example of  what irks me about Anthro lately:  The top of this dress is...gasp...polyester rather than the silk that these type of dresses have always been crafted in, in seasons past.  Plus, who remembers that up until about a year ago, when Anthro items got marked on sale, they would be at least 50% off, if not 60% off?  So this dress, at full price of $168, would have been marked to probably $79.99.  Those days are over apparently.  So higher prices + cheaper fabrics?  Not cool Anthro, not cool.   Anyway, the design of the dress, along with the colors, make it a keeper for me.  Despite the poly top, it seems like a well constructed dress and it's quite flattering.  It does have a decorative zipper on the bodice that may bother some of you...for some reason I am fine with it.

Flower eyelet cotton dress
Loft
$98 here
For some reason I keep finding little goodies in Loft lately, after having not shopped there for years.  I still don't like all the synthetic fabrics Loft uses, but this dress is a nice sturdy cotton eyelet.  I'm wearing the 6 here and it fits great, with some wiggle room.  If you are small chested you may even want to size down.  This dress has been featured in a lot of Loft's spring editorial spreads, and I can see why.  It's modern yet vintage-insired at the same time, and it remind me of something Jackie Kennedy would have worn.  The fitted bodice, wide cumberbund waist and flaired skirt will flatter many different figures.  And even though I'm not usually drawn to black, I think this will be a great neutral spring and summer dress.  I like the zipper with the ribbon in the back too:


Of course, I would have loved for both of these dresses to have been made 2 inches longer.  Such is life for a tall girl.

What do you think of the dresses? 

And now for fun, here's a picture of me and my dreamy Irish husband on St. Patty's Day:


On me: Green tippi sweater + bubble necklace:  J.Crew
Thanks for stopping by!



Sunday, March 17, 2013

Jules dress in scroll print

Jules dress in scroll print (size 4): J.Crew, other variations here and here
Black patent leather pumps: Jessica Simpson
Goldcoast Maryanne handbag in maraschino:  Kate Spade
I can't believe I'm actually wearing a Jules dress!  Most variations of  the Jules have been far too short for my 5'10" frame. When I tried the scroll print Jules dress during a review set, here , I loved it.  Yes, it's still very short, but I didn't feel scandalous in it, especially since the sleeves and neckline are so modest.  This dress sold out online almost immediately, but my local J.Crew still had a few.  When it finally went down to $129.99, the size 4 was gone, but one of the wonderful sales associates here in Cincinnati tracked it down for me.  Even better, I got it with the additional 30% off, so it was around $94.00.  Not too outrageous for a fun, pretty printed dress that I will wear for years to come. 

I wore this to my early-birthday dinner at the historic Cincinnati landmark, Orchids at Palm Court. Seriously, if you live in or around Cincinnati, or ever visit here, you simply must dine there, or at least have a drink at the historic bar.  Gorgeous art deco setting and delicious food!  Cincinnati Magazine recently ranked it as the top restaurant in Cincinnati, and I can understand why.  The food, and service were impeccable.  Here was the dessert we ordered, after a fantastic meal of chateaubriand.


How fun is that?  The pastry chef at the restaurant was a contender on Top Chef Desserts a few seasons ago.  It was delicious!

Hope you are having a fantastic weekend.  Thanks for reading!



Friday, March 15, 2013

A St. Patty's Memo (Dress)

Memo dress in landscape green (size 4 Tall): J.Crew, here
Leopard heels:  Nine West, similar here
Necklace: Gift
St. Patty's Day is always a fun time for our family.  My husband is half Irish, and my mom's due date with me was originally St. Patrick's Day.  I chose to arrive a day late, but she still gave me an Irish middle name, and so we keep the celebration going for two days to celebrate St. Patty's and then my birthday.  Because St. Patty's falls on Sunday this year, I had to wear a green dress today.  Everyone must have received the green message, as I saw plenty of other green attire today!

I first told you of my love for J.Crew Memo dress here.  It fits me great, it has sleeves, and it's a non-suit professional option for work.  So when the dress went way down in price, I knew I had to grab another color.  And since you know my obsession with green, (seriously, are you sick of seeing me in green yet?) of course I chose the landscape green. 

I will admit to one annoyance about my favorite work dress.  The sleeves are just a little tight.  Now I am not the thinnest-armed girl, but I don't have sausage arms either.  I even tried sizing up to a 6 to see if that would help.  Nope...it was big on me everywhere else, but the arms still fit oddly tight!  It's not too noticable, but could uncomfortable enough to be a deal-breaker for some ladies.  Just keep that in mind!  Other than that, I'd say the Memo fits TTS to slightly big, as a 4 is the smaller of my J.Crew sizes.

My legs have been begging to be released from tights-confinement for weeks now.  Winter can't last forever, can it?

Thanks for reading!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Leopard, lace and neutrals

Merino leopard cardigan (size medium):  J.Crew Factory, 2010
Lace & silk cami (size 6): J.Crew, 2010
No. 2 double serge wool pencil skirt in black (size 6): J.Crew, fall 2012
Black Garrah heels:  Banana Republic here
Look at me in another neutral outfit.  What is happening to the world as I know it?  I really wanted to pair something bright under this cardi but nothing looked right, and then I found this top in my closet and thought it was a good match!  I can't remember the name of this silk top from J.Crew, but I have it in this nude color as well as an olive moss color.  I probably wore each of them only one other time.  Such a waste!  It's quite an elegant little top so I will definitely try to get more use out of it.

I snagged this black wool pencil for $34.99 in-store the other day.  Really I can't believe how low in price the wool pencil skirts went this year.  They did not go that cheap last year, did they?  Nor did the Hacking Jacket get marked down as low last year compared to this year.  I'm not sure what that means for J.Crew.  I am happy to get good deals but I hope the quality doesn't go downhill.  Now I know a lot of people like to complain that the quality of J.Crew has already diminished quite a bit.  I can understand that argument,  however I still think the quality at J.Crew is better than at nearly any other retailer on that level.  But I hope the quality does not diminish any further.  I'd hate to see J.Crew start doing a lot of polyester tops, the way Banana Republic has, yet charge the same prices they used to charge for silk.  That is just so infuriating to me.  What is your opinion about quality and price?

Thanks for visiting!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Review: Pearly bloom necklace by Banana Republic

I recently purchased the Pearly Bloom Necklace from Banana Republic and I was so pleased with it that I wanted to share a review.  Banana Republic Friends and Family starts tomorrow, if you receive the coupon or email it is 50% off for up to 5 items.  You may want to grab this pretty necklace for spring!  I bought it when Banana Republic's website was offering 35% off any order, plus I had a $10.00 reward card to use, so it brough the price down from $89.50 to about $49.00 and I had free shipping.  That's still a little high for Banana Republic so I wasn't sure I would keep it, but when it arrived I really liked it!  One thing I love about ordering from Banana Republic is your items ship extremely fast.  I ordered this Sunday night and it was on my doorstep by Tuesday afternoon.  Here is the review:


I liked how it arrived packaged in a nice box


Inside the box it was protected in a plastic bag
So far, so good
Close-up of pretty blossoms


Looks awesome against a J.Crew Tippi sweater in retro jade

Side view.  Very pretty!

One of the online reviews claimed this to be a heavy necklace, but I disagree.  It's not so lightweight to feel cheap, but it certainly is not as heavy as some of the other necklaces I own.  I love that it is neutral so I will be able to pair it with nearly everything, and I love how springy it feels.  It also has a J.Crew vibe, which of course is what drew me to it to begin with.  All in all, I am happy with my purchase, and I think I will get a lot of use out of this necklace in the spring and summer months!

Thanks for visiting, hope you enjoyed my review!


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Pink, gray, and ruffles

Lightweight trifle cardigan in heather gray (size medium):  J.Crew, 2010
Kelsey silk top in ivory (size 6): J.Crew, 2010
Wool cafe capri in romance pink herringbone (size 6 Tall): J.Crew, fall 2012
Garrah pump in black:  Banana Republic, here
Thanks to everyone for such nice comments on the picture of me and my boys from yesterday.  Your kind words made my day! 

I have loved the combination of pink and gray every since I was a little girl.  It's just so soft and pretty.  I had told  the lovelyTasia over at Ruffles and Sequins that I was trying to incorporate more neutrals into my wardrobe.  I am such an odd ball...most people have to make an effort to incorporate more color into their wardrobes.  I, on the other hand, lover of all things bright and colorful, am working to do the opposite!  Not that my love for color has waned at all...I just think that neutrals look so nice and classic with colored pants and jeans.  (The darling Apples and Pencil Skirts has a great comprehensive review of how to wear colored pants on her blog, here.)  So anyway, I dug out this totally unloved but very cute gray cardigan and ivory top to wear with my pink capris today, and I really liked how it turned out. These pink wool herringbone cafe capris are perfect for early spring, aren't they?  I love that they're lined. 

Online prices vary so widely from in-store prices, no matter what the retailer.  These heels are still full price of $110 online, but I lucked out on an extra 40% off day in Banana Republic and bought them for a mere $32.00.  That's just crazy isn't it? 

Thanks for visiting!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Hot house floral + viridian green pencil skirt, and a picture of my boys

Chiffon top in hot house floral (size 6): J.Crew, fall 2012
Wool blend pencil skirt in viridian green (size 6):  J.Crew Factory, fall 2012
Mint belt (size small): J.Crew (recent)
Nude mary jane heels:  Sam Edelman
Here's a dose of boy cuteness to start your week, a picture of me and my three sons!  We were on our way to mass yesterday, and I wanted an OOTD shot so I thought I'd show off my boys too.  Don't they look like little angels?  They totally are...when they're sleeping! 

This pencil skirt was a steal during one of the Factory's promo offers in January.  I want to say it was $29.99 + an additional 30% off.  As long as I can nab it for such a low price, I don't mind that the Factory's pencil skirts are a wool blend (and therefore prone to wrinkling), and a couple inches shorter than the retail verison. I missed out on the retail viridian green pencil skirt in 2011, so I was happy to have a similar version this year.

This may be a whole lotta green for some ladies...but as you may know, green is my favorite color so I wasn't afraid to be mistaken for Kermit.  After mass I, along with some other boy moms, volunteered at our school's lovely mother/daughter luncheon.   I spotted a familiar print across the room, and realized another woman wearing this same top!  What are the chances?  We laughed and complimented each others' tastes of course. 

Thanks for visiting!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Banana Republic Ankle Boots

Silk dress (size 4):  Lilly Pulitzer, 2010
Small gold coast Maryanne handbag:  Kate Spade
Ankle boots:  Banana Republic
Bubble necklace:  J.Crew Factory
Hope everyone has had a great weekend!  I"m a little exhasted today...our weekends are kind of crazy between kid activities and nights out. I keep telling myself we're going to have a quiet weekend one of these days, but fun plans seem to always crop up.  We were invited to a wine tasting downtown last night, and this is what I wore.  I am late to the ankle boot look but I think I kind of love it.  I was hestitant to try it for fear of looking like I had cankles, but when I found these boots on super sale in Banana Republic last month, I decided to give them a shot.  The SA suggested wearing them with a dress and no tights, so that's what I did for their first time out.  She also suggested wearing them with skinny jeans rolled up, and I think that sounds really cute as well.

Do you like ankle boots, and if so, how do you style them?

Thanks for visiting!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

"Winterizing" a silk dress

Palma dress by Sariah (size 6):  Anthropologie, spring 2012
Black velvet jacket (size 6): Ralph Lauren, old
Black leather intyce boots:  Steve Madden

So often I have grand thoughts about winterizing a dress... ("I can just wear it with tights and boots and a jacket and it will be fine!")... but I never actually follow through with the idea.  It's a similar notion to the whole theory of post-wedding, you will "shorten this bridesmaid dress and wear it again!" Yeah, has anyone ever actually done that??  I don't know why I don't winterize my lightweight dresses.  I guess I just think it can look a little weird wearing a silk dress in the dead of winter.  But today I was so sick of wearing wool from head to toe that I was looking for something different, so I finally did "winterize" my Palma dress.  And guess what?  The whole "tights/boots/jacket" cliche worked out quite nicely.  It's not my normal structured work look, but still along the professional/creative lines that I like to follow.  I liked how the flat boots and dark tights balanced out the shorter-than-I-normally-wear-to-work dress, and I was comfortable all day.  The Palma dress has to be one of my top favorite dresses, ever.  It's comfortable, flattering, and colorful...Anthro please make more dresses like this!

Do you like to winterize your lightweight dresses? 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

A few minty fresh, budget friendly accessories for spring

I'm staring at a blanket of snow covering Cincinnati, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming of spring weather to come.  Is everyone else as happy as I am that mint is THE color this spring?  Who doesn't love mint?  So pretty, fresh, and springy.  I've picked up a few budget-friendly mint items lately, so I thought I would share them with you in a quick review set.  The first item up is this cute Merona tote I found at Target.

Merona Tote in mint
$34.99 in stores
According to their website, this tote is no longer available online, but check in your local stores...mine still seemed to have several.  Now I admit, I am typically very particular about my handbags.  But how cute is this trendy colored tote for spring, at a steal at $34.99?  Of course it's not leather, it's polyurethane, but the synthetic material actually doesn't feel too bad...it's a great tote for files, workout clothes, or kid gear.  I was actually quite impressed with a lot of Target handbags...there were many J.Crew inspired looks, especially Eden bag look-alikes in pretty colors. 

Calvin Klein mint green leather pumps
$79.95, DSW

I have been on the lookout for the perfect pair of mint green pumps for spring.  I found these Calvin Klein at DSW and fell in love.  They are the prettiest color, not too high, and a stacked wooden heel rather than a wrapped heel.  I love this because wrapped heels get nicked up so easily.  I wear anything from an 8.5 to a 9.5 in shoes, in this brand I wore a 9.5.  DSW is so strange in the fact that the stores don't carry the same labels as the website.  I couldn't find these online but hopefully your local DSW will have them because these are a great buy!  I had a $10 coupon and a $5 coupon that I used, which brough the price down to $65.00.  Not bad for a pretty pair of leather pumps.  They feel comfortable too, which is always important.

Audrey Brook pastel pump in multi mint
$69.95 here but check for sale in stores

Last are these pretty kitten heel pumps by Audrey Brooke, which I believe is an in-store label at DSW.  I never would have paid full price for these shoes, but I was strolling along the sale racks at DSW the other day and they were marked 50% off.  I then had another $5 coupon, which brought them down to just $30.00.  I love the low heel for work and the more trendy pointy toe.  Online the description says faux leather, but on the actual shoe it say leather upper with man-made material accents.  I'm OK with that for $30.00.  These are really comfortable but I recommend you size down.  I took an 8.5 in these, a full size down from the Calvin Klein pumps.  The online reviews say they run big as well.  I am surprised these are still full-price online, so check your local store to see if they're on sale.  I know individual DSW locations have different styles on sale at different times, but at my store, these were 50% off. 

Do you love mint for spring?  What do you think about these steals?  Thanks for visiting!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Guest post by yours truly at Effortless Anthropologie

Hi everyone!  No blog post here today, but I'd love for you to head over to one of my favorite blogs, Effortless Anthropologie,, and check out my guest blog post, here.  I talk about how to shop the sales at Anthropologie.  Thanks to Roxy for this really fun opportunity to fill in for her while she enjoys a vacation.  I hope you enjoy the post!  See you tomorrow!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Polka dot tippi + tweed

Polka dot tippi sweater (size small):  J.Crew, fall 2012
No. 2 pencil skirt in multi-color tweed (size 6): J.Crew, fall 2012
Necklace:  Anthropologie
Booties:  Enzo Angiolini
Oh Monday, you beast.  Why must you be so harsh?  This Monday definitely called for polka dots to help my ease into my week with cheer.  I added the tweed skirt because it's still fr-fr-freezing here!  This skirt has been a surprising work horse in my fall and winter wardrobe.  I remember back in the early fall, when I first tried it on, I thought it was pretty but that I didn't need it.  Well then of course when it went on sale for $49.99 plus an additional 30% off my tune changed quickly!  Now I'm so glad I purchased it... I have so much to match it, and my concern that the material would pull and ruin quickly has thankfully gone unfounded so far.  I paired it with my new polka dot tippi that I picked up in-store during a recent addional percentage off promo for a fun, yet subtle play on pattern mixing.  I REALLY love the polka dot tippi, both this version and my Factory version.  It's just fun and whimsical but professional at the same time.  Kind of like me, right?  Right. 

Thanks for visiting! 

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Liefsdottir silk top + denim, shopping my closet

Liefsdottir silk top (size 6): Anthropologie, 2011
Denim (size 28): Joe's Jeans
Bow pumps:  Seychelles
Necklace:  Anthropologie
The weather here is far from springy but I just felt like wearing spring colors for a casual gathering at a friend's house Friday night.  I haven't worn this Liefsdottir top in far too long...I love it.  The poofy shoulders, the colors...it kind of has an '80's vibe but in a good way.  Apples and Pencil Skirts mentioned that she is going to be shopping her closet more...I really need to do that. There are so many pieces in there that I love but never wear!  I've really edited a lot of items I wasn't wearing or loving anymore and shipped them off to consignment...so now it's time to enjoy what's left rather than always longing for the next new thing.  If only shopping wasn't so fun...sigh. 

Thanks for reading