OOTD- Notes from the Dressing Room, Cheering for the New at J. Crew

New arrivals popped up on J. Crew's website and that meant I had to pop over to my nearest store to check some of them out in person. How could I not with hints of spring peeking out everywhere??

Teddie Dress in black, $198, available here

I'm sure I've confessed that I don't have a classic black dress, so this dress looked like it could certainly fit the bill. I love that the sleeves are bracelet length for a nice arm party viewing, the hemline is at a perfect point and the shape is just on point. With that said, the price just made me cringe a little. I suppose for a classic dress that will be worn often, a few extra bucks are worth it, but the 100% wool content does not make it work for all seasons like the website claims and that makes me sad because I would want to wear something like this all year long. I tried this on in my normal size and it was a bit snug for me, so you might want to determine your size depending on your bust. Overall, this is a pretty dress and I was very excited to find that is comes in other colors. 

 Jules Dress in Fanfare, $188, available here

I saw a blogger review this print in a top and was really interested in seeing it in person. The print is not too over the top and this dress is a thumbs up for me. It's a simple shift shape that can look a bit shapeless, but I thought the fit was skimming without venturing into muu-muu territory. A simple belt could make a difference, but then the length might be compromised. Hmm!! The length is a bit short, but isn't too bad (unless you are really tall, in which case, this is a great tunic). It has two pockets in the front and I think that was a good decision considering some designers would place them near the hips and that would add unnecessary bulk in a trouble spot. Fit is tts.

 Lillian Dress in Watercolor Floral, $198, available here

This dress has a similar shape as the Teddie dress, except it has shorter sleeves. Can't you just see the First Lady wearing this dress!!?? It has a conservative hemline and an interesting pattern that I'm not sure what to think. It's like it can't decide if it wants to be a dark print dress or a light print dress. Not a bad thing, but just interesting. Regardless, it is quite a lovely dress. My problem with it is a little more apparent in the second photo above. The wool and silk blend looks like a future wrinkle mess and if I'm going to spend so much money on a dress, I want it to look almost perfect even if I decide to raise my arms or sit down during the day. This dress is just not it. Sigh, too bad. I sized up in this dress and it fit well.

 

Jaspe Pullover in Heather Indigo, $49.50, available here

Crinkle Chiffon Skirt in Warm Peacock, $118.00, available here

Look at this skirt move!! It has such a soft flow and this turquoise color is beautiful. I thought this was such a pretty skirt and I could just imagine how beautiful it would look blowing in the wind. Can't you just picture that Marilyn Monroe moment and you wouldn't have to worry about your undies showing ? :) I believe I tried this on in my regular size and the waistband was a bit tight. Whether that was from my lunch that day, I can't say for sure, but it you are in between sizes or have a little bit of belly, you might want to size up. Also, this length can be tricky for a lot of ladies my height or under, but this skirt would look so pretty with a pair of heels or wedges to help counteract the lack of leg showing. Good thing is, it also comes in petite size too. I might have to put this on my wishlist.

I picked up this top just to have something to try on and I must say it is pretty nice. The color is a soft blue that would work with so many things and the texture makes it a step up from just a simple blue top. Why this is called a pullover, I am not sure, because it seems like a regular tee. Maybe they thought the higher price wouldn't fly for something that was described as a tee. This top is a little overpriced for what it is, so I would wait for a sale. Sizing is tts to slightly big.

Tillary Tote, $328 in Blue Sea and Warm Sienna leather here

I posted this on my Instagram last week (on a separate J. Crew trip earlier) and thought I would post it here since there is a bit of interest in the very cute Tillary bag. I am a big fan of the Celine that this is copied after, so I have my eye on this bag. I don't know if this particular bag is a store only version since it didn't show up with the other new arrivals, but instead of leather, the majority of the body is canvas. That would make it perfect for spring and summer and although the colors read patriotic, it doesn't scream American flag (if that makes any sense). My only concern is that the light color could be a dirt magnet. That might be something a Magic Eraser can take care of for those leery of light colored bags. I was a bonehead and didn't snap a pic of the tag since I was trying to be incognito about photographing out on the floor, but I do believe it was a bit cheaper than the leather versions. This is a thumbs up for me, but I really wish it came in a different colorway. It's still pretty though, my likey!!

What captured your eye in the new arrivals? How do you take care of your light colored bags, if you dare to buy them in the first place?

To Jean or Not to Jean, That is the Question?

So it seems that the print du jour for jeans this year is shaping up to be flowers (like last year was all about the leopard which I am still kicking myself for not getting a single pair). I fell in love with Citizens of Humanity's white flowered jeans after seeing them on Net-a-Porter's website and then I saw Alicia of Cheetah is the New Black rocking them so well as she does with any pair of denim jeans and couldn't help but love them a little more. I made a visit to Anthropologie this weekend and what did I find waiting for me on the racks:

Hmm, to flower jean or not to flower jean, that is my dilemma. My honey gave me a look when I picked them up off the rack and then proceeded to laugh when he saw the price tag, so I don't think he's a big fan; but there is something about these jeans that like. Now whether I splurge on these or wait for the inevitable lower priced look-alike version sure to pop up at Forever 21 one of these days (I've already seen similar flower shorts) or even let this trend pass by without a purchase, I can't say what I will do yet. But I can't help but wonder:

What do you guys think of the flower denim trend? Likey or no likey? Did you rock a pair of leopard print jeans last year or do you stick to classic washes?

CoH denim jeans are available here in light and dark.

OOTD-Brightness through the Haze

I was politely told that I looked a bit "not so hot yesterday", but I liked my outfit so much that I plopped my dapper new hat on my head and took some pics anyway. I'm telling you color has been a saviour this week. I might not be feeling 100% great, but having bright colors going on in my outfits gave me a tiny push towards the finish line of this week.

Have a fabulous weekend!! 

Outfit Details:

Blue sweater- (The Charter Club, gift) (similar style here)

Orange pants- Ebay find (similar here, darker orange in denim here)

Blue leopard scarf- South Moon Under

Striped socks- Missoni for Target

Burgundy fedora- Albertus Swanepoel for J. Crew (similar here)

Brown boots- Madewell (on sale here)

OOTD- Still Going Strong

I hope you can't tell, but I was feeling quite under the weather in these pics. But that sure didn't stop me from continuing the bright color theme I seem to have going on this week. These blue pants were another score of mine during my recent J. Crew clearance extravaganza. I've seen them on plenty of other bloggers and loved the color, but I certainly didn't want another pair of capri pants that would get no love during winter. Imagine my happiness at finding this lone pair in my size, except it was in tall and fits like a regular pair of pants. Yes!! I can work with that!! Since this color reads more spring, I thought a bit of darker colors would make it look more season appropriate, but I don't think hot pink is dark. I couldn't help it, I have a color addiction guys.

Outfit Details:

"Yacht Blue" wool capri pants (wearing tall size)- J. Crew (available here on sale now)

Polka dot tee- StyleMint (Charlton style available in white and black here)

Pink mohair cardigan and leopard belt- J. Crew outlet (similar belt here)

Pink necklace- J. Crew

Link necklace- gift (similar necklace here)

Gray oxfords- Forever 21 (similar here and it comes in other colors too)

OOTD- Don't Steal My Sunshine

The weather was decidedly gloomy today, but I was determined to make up for the lack of sunshine with my outfit today. I have been obsessed with finding all things yellow this season, so when I spotted this cords that I've been hemming and hawing about forever on super duper sale, I had to get them immediately; even if they weren't my size, but lucky enough they were and I didn't have to have a suffering for fashion moment.

So you guys know how much I love J. Crew, right?? There isn't an outfit that doesn't go by that isn't comprised of something from that store. It's an addiction, I swear! Well, my mother and I recently took a road trip to the J. Crew clearance center in Lynchburg, VA. It's near the company's distribution center and I don't know how some of the stuff ends up there, but you can find so many bargains. Do you know that I saw some Madewell items that I tried on in the retail store early December and posted on the blog here?? That pretty cream dress was sitting right on the rack for a steal! So kiddies, the lesson here is that you never really have to pay full price for most things these days. A little detective work for discounts, sheer luck or some good ole' Ebaying can keep your wallets much happier. Man, I'm going to be spoiled for any future purchases.

If you want to see the other goodies I scored on my little trip, follow me on Instagram (user name fshnonmymind).

Have you ever had a ridiculous, unbelievable shopping score? Tell me all about it!!

Outfit Details:

Blue cowlneck sweater- thrifted, no label (similar style sweater here)

Yellow cords- J. Crew (on sale here)

Brown pumps- Seychelles (available here on sale in 3 other colors)

Burgundy hat- Albertus Swanepoel for J. Crew (similar here and here)

Burgundy handbag- Marc by Marc Jacobs nylon "Natasha" (same style in a pretty red leather here, nylon style in fuchsia here and two other basic colors here)

OOTD- Oh, This Old Thing

Remember in my last post how I mentioned that I seem to have a purchase to wear ratio of about three months. I'm sure you thought I was joking, but I'd like to introduce on my blog the blazer that I bought back in August!! I actually wore it on Thanksgiving, but failed to document that outfit and so instead of admiring it in the plastic day after day, I figured it deserved a little showcase time. 

I'm a big proponent of blazers making a perfect wardrobe staple. It takes something so simple like a button-down and jeans and adds a hint of sophistication (or interest). Even better if it is a fun color or print!! My dream is to one day have a rainbow of blazers in my closet. The blue section is now complete! Next stop might be polka dot city.

Do you like to wear blazers or are you more of a cardigan girl?

Outfit Details:

Leopard top, jeans and colorful beanie- Forever 21 (similar top here, sheer version here) (similar jeans here and bargain priced here)

Blue blazer and belt- J. Crew (same jacket available here in tall and here in a lighter shade)

Brown boots- Madewell (on sale here)

Burgundy handbag- Marc by Marc Jacobs (same color, different style on sale here; same color in leather version here)

OOTD- Just A Little Late

This is frost on the ground people!! I shouldn't complain since the snow has been pretty absent this winter.

Yeah, so the whole Missoni for Target collab was how long ago? And I am finally getting around to wearing the one clothing item I managed to snatch off the bare rack. It seems like my purchase to wear ratio is about three months, really gotta work on that.     

I love the colors and that classic zig-zag pattern is the perfect, simple way to add just enough pattern without being to crazy or overwhelming. Plus, you can't beat an outfit that is so much easier to match-up. Instead of doing the exact same colors as in the skirt, I went for a different shade with the navy (rather than sky) blue and what outfit wouldn't be complete without a bit o' leopard. It's almost like garanimals for the adult set, I can get with that! 

Outfit Details:

Blue tee- J. Crew (limited sizes available here)

Blue blazer- Priorities

Skirt- Missoni for Target (blue version available here, similar dress version here)

Leopard hat- Albertus Swanepoel for Target (similar here and here)

Brown platforms- Charlotte Ronson (similar here and here) 

Olive handbag- 3.1 Phillip Lim (same designer, similar color in smaller size here and here, similar here )

I Should Be Working, But I'd Rather Be Shopping

It's time for a little shopping break. Perhaps you are all shopped out from the holidays, but ladies, that doesn't mean you can't look. Just don't blame me if it results in a purchase, I have enough blame for now with a recent buy.

Xhilaration Pleated Button-Up Skirt, $17.99, available here

I stopped by my local Target yesterday to see what was new on the racks and pick up some paper towels when I spotted this little number and was immediately smitten. It's hard to tell in this pic, but there are cute little bicycles on it. I thought this was certainly something that Anthropologie might have on their racks but at a price that would be five times more. Although I've been on a shopping hiatus, this skirt jumped in my bag and went home with me. It also comes in a navy blue/purple key print and several solid colors.

Cover Girl Blast Flipstick Lipcolor, $8.99, available here

 (source)

Speaking of Target, I almost got sucked in by one of their beauty end caps. Cover Girl has a product that's two lip colors in one little tube. They are designed to be worn separately or you can mix the two colors for a new shade. Pretty much three colors in one tube, I'm sold!! Now I just have to figure out what color(s) to get and add to my already stuffed make-up bag.

Forever 21 Scalloped Bib Necklace, $14.80, available here

A fellow fashion blogger, posted some of her recent Forever 21 scores and this bright number was one of them. I immediately went to find it on their website because this necklace is pretty special. Neon, elegant design and a bargain. Sounds like a winner in my book!

Banana Republic Polka Dot Trench $150.00, available here

I walked past Banana Republic recently and saw this in the window. It had me at hello!! Although, I already have two trench coats (tan and black), I think I can make an exception for this one since it is different, right? There's also a cute, similar version at Anthropologie that I'm in love with too. The question is, shall this be a birthday treat and which one?? Decisions, decisions!

Are you all shopped out from the holidays? Have you found anything that's caught your eye recently?

OOTD- Same Note, Different Tone

In my alternate fashionable universe, I'm a bad-a** dresser and have a ridiculous selection of leather pieces in my closet. In this real life of mine, I just have this one little pleather piece to fill that void. Its feminine shape and the fact that it was in a color other than black or brown made it a perfect buy. 

Gray is one of those colors that just plays so well with others and besides pink, navy blue is one of my favorite pairings. And so I went full-force with the blue and matchy-matchy with a touch more gray and this outfit was born. I love it when the outfit birthing process is so easy and I didn't even need to spend anywhere close to $1.3 million to make it happen, although Blue Ivy makes a great name to call this outfit. Thanks Jay-Z and Beyonce for coming up with a good name for my outfit, oh and your baby too!!

In a fantasy world where you can have the closet of your dreams, what would you buy multiples of? Would you buy certain things (sparkly party dresses, shelves of sunglasses) or a particular designer?

Outfit Details:

Turquoise tee- StyleMint Magnolia (limited sizes available here)

Palm print cardigan- Proenza Schouler for Target

Gray pleather skirt- (old) H&M (similar shape here, really cute version here that I might have to get for myself, mini version here)

Blue patent pumps- Talbot's (similar here, comfy version here, peep-toe version here)

Olive green handbag- 3.1 Phillip Lim (same designer, different version here)

OOTD- Over and Under

We are only a few weeks into the new year and I'm well on my way with tackling my fashion resolutions of getting in more prints. This sweater must have known what it takes to get me interested, pretty colors and cozy softness; I headed right to the register and felt determined to make it work in my wardrobe. But you see, the problem is that this is the only tunic length top that I have and I know the "ideal" pairing with a tunic is leggings and my poor selection of leggings are delegated as loungewear. And so I decided to just go on and add even more color with one of my favorite thrift finds to date, this lovely purple number. Ah, color just might help me make it through this winter after all....let's hope I'm feeling this way once the end of February hits and I'm jonesing for spring to get here.

Are you making it okay through the winter already, or do you want spring to get here soon? And seriously, is all of these resort wear collections in the store making anyone else sad to not be on a tropical getaway right about now?

 

Outfit Details:

Tunic top- Forever 21 (similar vibe here and here)

Purple skirt- thrifted (similar here)

Black belt- J. Crew

Black ankle boots- (consignment find) LOFT 

Bracelets (top to bottom)- BaubleBar (available here), J. Crew, Forever 21 (similar style here)

OOTD- Back to Basics

I watched Mission Impossible 4903021 (okay, it was just 4, but the other sequels are surely on the way) over the holiday and I couldn't help but smile at the image of Tom Cruise sporting a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses in the movie. It's been close to 30 years since he was doing the same in Risky Business and it goes to show that no matter how many things go in and out of style, there is something to be said for a classic. Now I'm a big proponent of having your closet having classic staple pieces like a simple blazer, a button-down shirt or a great pair of ankle boots, but I put a bit of a spin on them in this outfit. Bright color, shimmer and pattern are more my speed. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, but a little embellishment makes it just a touch more modern.

Is there anything in your wardrobe that's really a classic (Ray-Bans, a Louis Vuitton Speedy, Frye boots)?

Outfit Details:

Gray cashmere tee (old) and denim skirt (old)- Banana Republic

Black/white gingham button down (old)- Old Navy (similar here, similar in bright colors here, extremely similar in kids if you can fit it here)

Hot pink blazer (thrifted)- Gap (similar here and here in a more toned down color)

Sunglasses- Ray-Ban (same glasses, slightly larger size here, cat eye version here, bargain version here)

Black shield necklace- Forever 21

Silver metallic ankle boots (Ebay find)- Tory Burch (similar here in a wedge, similar here in limited sizes)

Green handbag- 3.1 Phillip Lim (similar here in a small crossbody, similar color here and here)

OOTD- Flight to New Beginnings

It's 2012 you guys!! Time for new beginnings and changes. Although, I'm not the biggest fan of using January 1st as an arbitrary date to make improvements, that doesn't stop me from putting the ever present resolution of working out more and spending less among my goals to achieve this year. But those can be rather difficult to get started or easy to get started and hard to maintain. Instead, I'll put some effort into a few of my fashion resolutions, among a few are to buy pieces that are instant loves to create a wardrobe that actually gets worn and take the tags off some things in the closet that are being sadly neglected.

I killed two birds with one stone (lame pun intended) in this faux fur vest. I spotted it in the store and really wanted to take it home. I've been on a relentless hunt for a good one since last year, but the bulkiness of most, the pretty high price tag or the poor (I'm sure they got this from some squirrels out back) feel of quite a few kept the right one at bay. This vest is so pettably soft, it has an interesting color and the slimmer silhouette is perfect for layering. To think I almost let it get away by being cheap about the price. Hey, that might have worked with the spending less part, but like I said, that resolution is a lot harder to start. There's always a next time.

Do you have any resolutions for the new year? Fashion or otherwise?

Outfit Details:

Bird blouse- Erin Fetherston (similar print in a tank version here, blouse version here and dress version here)

Gray faux fur vest- Simply Vera Vera Wang (similar here in darker color, same brand in different color available here, similar plus size version available here)

Olive knit skirt and pink knit hat- Forever 21

Olive handbag- 3.1 Phillip Lim (different style in similar color here and here, bag with similar color here)

Black buckle boots- Loeffler Randall (same brand, different style available here on sale)