OOTD-Playing at Dusk

Did you all have a great weekend? My co-worker asked what I did this weekend and I couldn't remember anything. I don't know if I was having a senior moment a big prematurely, but it sure went by in a blur. As you can see from my pics, part of my plans included a trip to the salon. Sometimes it is the smallest things that can make the world feel perfect.

I suppose it would be even more perfect if these were real Chloe shoes instead of the inspired version, but beggars shouldn't be choosers. I was just excited to see that they were my size and made me super tall. Is there some fashion items that you let slip through your fingers, but to this day still wish you had snagged when it was out?

Outfit Details:

Green jacket- Forever 21 (similar here)

Lilac tee- J Crew

Black skinnies- J Brand

Black wedges- Steve Madden (thrifted)

Taupe quilted handbag- Shopcuffs.com (vintage)

OOTD-Moving in Stripes

Goofy face time!

Check out the skills!

Hey, I've been teleported to London!

 

Our office is moving and it has been a whirlwind of packing frenzy this past week. We were given the okay to wear jeans, but as you can see my outfit is just a tad bit more fancy than some of the sweatshirts and denim that's been walking around the halls. A bit overdress for the occasion maybe, but this ensemble was created while lying in bed trying to figure out an outfit that would get me to work early. Guess what!!?? Success!! I got to work about 45 minutes earlier and had time for Starbucks. Today, it was back to lateness, but we'll just blame it on the rain (and Milli Vanilli).

Have a fabu weekend!!!

 

Outfit Details:

Striped dress (worn as a top, worn as a dress in this post)- Forever 21

Gold ankle cords- J Crew

Black cashmere blazer- thrifted

Black ankle boots- Dolce Vita for Target (ridiculously on sale here)

Twisted necklace- J Crew

Round ring- Jewel Mint

Having A Wii Kind of Time

The bf and I celebrated our 2 yr. anniversary earlier this week and decided to gift each other something special:

Yes, we are a million years behind the hype and I haven't really played video games since the Super Nintendo was hot, but we are so excited. Me even so because this is my chance at Mario redemption. Maybe I'll actually be able to get to the final level, although I'm guessing that will be a while (or not at all, like old times).

Now, who here has any good game recommendations? Particularly ones that aren't too complicated. It took me a bit to get the concept of holding down button A and B at the same time. This is going to take a little practice.

Yeah, my electronic bowling is just as bad as my real life game.

OOTD-Reds

Got some skeeball action going!!

Did you all have a lovely weekend or extra long weekend, if you were so lucky? A portion of my Saturday included some time at Chuck E. Cheese. It was crazy loud and I felt germy afterwards, but it was so cute to see kids being kids. I was especially amused by the little boy who was crying on the extremely slow moving merry-go-round. Maybe the horses were scary to him and he just wasn't having it.

I've been on the hunt for a pair of skinny red pants for quite some time now thanks to Isabel Marant and a few bloggers.

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I searched high and low for a budget-friendly pair, missed out on one from Forever 21 due to a slow buy it now trigger finger, but lo and behold I spotted some high on the rack during a recent Saturday morning shopping trip. This outfit was born from a recent Instyle magazine article about wearing a certain outfit element for the rest of winter and for spring. Lucky me, the first outfit had a pair of red pants. You can be sure I'll be stealing the spring outfit idea too. I'm pretty certain they won't mind.

Outfit Details:

Chambray button-down- J Crew outlet

Red cropped jeans- Forever 21 (available here)

Blue blazer- Priorities

Red knit hat- Anthropologie (old)

Leopard scarf- ASOS

Brown suede platforms- Charlotte Ronson

Blue/brown handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAC

OOTD-Perfectly Patent Red

Happy Valentine's Day to my feet!!! Last weekend the bf and I took a little side trip to the thrift store. We had hopes that going to one of the far out, nicer areas would produce a load of fancy, designer goods at a steal. Yeah, no such luck. He made out like a bandit in button-downs and I found nothing but these lovely red pumps sitting in a bin, looking completely unworn, in my size. The bf was nice enough to gift me an early Valentine's gift (or maybe I had a puppy dog face on). Don't they add just the perfect pop?

What's your favorite way to add some extra oomph, pow or pop to an outfit?

Outfit Details:

Black button back top- Yesstyle.com (similar style in stripes here, short sleeve and great price here)

Grey skinny ankle jeans- J Brand

Long pearl strand- Marc by Marc Jacobs

Black handbag- Foley + Corinna (similar available here)

Red patent pumps- Van Eli (thrifted)

OOTD-Warm Weather Confusion

Spring decided to give us a sneak preview yesterday and what do I wear, cashmere and corduroys. As much as I love spring, I don't want winter to quit on me yet because I still have a sweater I want to wear. How selfish of me to deprive others of sunshine fun? :)

In addition to yesterday's lovely weather, it was even better because I got my Girl Scout cookie order in and I dragged my butt to the gym for zumba. I'm not sure if those two things really mix well together, but it made me a happy camper.

On another note, do you see the Starbucks bag that I'm holding in the pics? That is my camera bag. No, seriously. I looked at the bag selection in Staples the other day and instantly frowned up my face. No offense to the perfectly functional sea of black bags I saw, but I need something cuter. Does anyone out there have a recommendation for a nice looking camera case/bag? A girl needs some pizazz. 

Outfit Details:
Blue sweater- JCPenney
Purple skinny cords- Forever 21
Purple scarf- H&M
Colorful knit beanie- Forever 21
Shades- Ray-Ban
Denim jacket- Gap outlet
Brown criss-cross wedges- Urban Outfitters
Blue/brown handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAC
 
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

Spots Everywhere

In my pattern mixing quest of 2011, I found myself conjuring up this little number. Abstract dots mixed with polka dots made for an easy mix. One of these days, I'll be bold enough to do two totally different patterns....just not right now. A girl has to baby step her way to that point.

Is anyone else dying for spring to get here already? I want to shed my coat for jackets and let the feet out for some fun in a nice strappy wedge. My legs might die from tight strangulation if it doesn't hurry soon.

Outfit Details:

Black polka dot top- Old Navy

White ikat dot skirt- J. Crew outlet

Gray cardigan- The Limited (via Marshall's)

Black belt- J. Crew

Black boots- BCBG

Black handbag- Foley + Corinna

Notes from the Dressing Room-All Tops at Anthro

A few weeks ago, I found myself on a little window shopping adventure. I stepped in the doors of Anthropologie and found an abundance of everything, but there was a definite theme in the items I picked up to try on (or perhaps laziness in not having to take everything off in the dressing room). Here is just a sampling of some new tops on the racks (and one dress just for the heck of it).

Sand Lines tee, $78, available here

With prints on my mind, I thought this ethnic-y and zebra-esque tee was fun. Although I would prefer that the red was more vibrant, this was comfortable and easy. The sleeves are less of a elbow-length and more of a drapey cap sleeve. More tees are the last thing I really need in my wardrobe, but this has a lot more detailing that would make it a possible addition. I tried this on in my regular size, but sizing down is possible for a less billowy fit.

Valley Breeze Tunic in blue motif, $98, available here

 

Tunics are completely missing in my closet. I think most look like caftans or are just plain boxy, but this little number is neither. It has a simple and pretty flower print. It is light-weight and would be perfect to throw on with some jeggings/leggings. It has a tie waist and buttons down the front to allow some skin to show up top and not look so stuffy. Fit runs true to size.

Supernova V-Neck, $78, available here

This top is slightly sheer with a bold print. The top is similar in shape to the first one with the side tails, but this one has a longer sleeve. I could see this being great on a warm spring day with some wedges and my skinny cargo pants. Although this was nice, I wasn't feeling love for it. I think the print and fit makes it look a bit blocky and that's after I sized down.

Cerrado Tunic in dark grey, $118, available here

This type of tunic did not work. The drape of the sleeves, the high collar and front pockets all make for wonderful design details, but created an unflattering look. The silk fabric does give it a slight luxurious feeling, but overall it was perfectly average and not absolute love. Tried on in my regular size.

Sudden Downpour Top, $98, available here

Are we noticing a pattern here??? This top is just like the others with a bit more of a subdued print. It has a nice neckline, but the sleeves are giving off a wing effect. It has some really pretty pleating in the front and back. Although this little number is made of silk, I don't think the $98 price tag makes it worth buying at full-price. Fit is true to size, but sizing down could work.

Counting Angles Dress, $168, available here

Hey look, I mixed it up with a dress! I love the blue and white print of this Tracy Reese dress and although it is definitely roomy, there are details to keep it away from the muu-muu zone. This dress has a faux wrap style top with an attached tank, a tie waist belt that blends in with the rest of the print and a drapey sleeve that doesn't show off your bra because the dress has fabric to keep that from being an issue. The linen fabric wasn't itchy and it is a perfect easy-peasy kind of thrown on and go dress.

Temperate Climes Pullover, $78, available here 

Can we talk about the beauty of this shade of blue? I'm on a light sweater search and the sleeves on this would be perfect. The bright color and interesting knit texture makes it even better. I can imagine wearing this with a pair of pants in one of the soft colors of the season like a blush pink. I tried this on in my regular size and would give it a thumbs up.

Since this was just a window-shopping expedition, I didn't pick up any clothing items this go-round. However, I have a birthday discount just waiting to be put to good use.

Do you think I should use it on any of these items??? What has captured you eye in the mall or online recently?

OOTD- I've Got the Vibrant Thing

Have you ever set an item of clothing aside for some kind of repair (broken zipper, hemming, sewing on a button)? How long did it sit in the pile? I absolutely love these tweed pants, but the hem came loose on one of the legs. I've had them hanging in my closet for at least a year before I finally got them fixed. How ridiculous is that? I'm sadden by the fact that I've been missing out on all of this tweedy goodness. At least they made a timely debut and all with the wide-leg trend back on the scene.

Are you a big fan of the wide-leg pants? I love the look of crisp white, long pants with a white blouse. It just conjures up an image of yachting or vacationing on some beach resort town. So fresh, so clean. However, I have my hesitations. Once when I was about 8 or 9, I went to an outdoor event with my mother in some really wide, flowy pants. A bee decided to take that as an invitation and flew up my pants leg and stung me. I was truly traumatized that day and now hate bees and prefer skinnies. Thanks Mr. Bee!!!

Outfit Details:

Blue cowl-neck sweater-No label (thrifted)

Brown tweed pants- Womyn (secondhand)

Green peacoat- Tulle

Necklace and digital watch- Forever 21

Brown criss-cross wedges- Urban Outfitters (limited sizes in black available here)

I Would Like to Thank the Academy

I just want to thank you all for the warm birthday wishes. I had a great day from start to finish and the comments helped to keep that big smile on my face. The morning started with being greeted by the boyfriend with a balloon and gift bag in hand. I had a nice, leisurely lunch and strolled through a million stores. And I enjoyed dinner and a drink with my favorite gal.

Thanks for the drink, mom!!!

 

Some loot: Thanks to the bf, I am the new owner of a fancy-pants camera and he replenished my supply of Viva La Juicy. He is totally awesome and gets a million gold stars.

I gifted myself a delicious smelling Capri Blue candle and some red Tom Ford lipstick.

What was the best birthday gift you ever received?