OOTD-How Does Your Garden Grow?

With summer getting closer to home base and making way for Fall, I figured I better get all the floral, neons and pastels out of my system before I have to retire most of them (although I'm going to hold on to the floral for a bit longer). First up is this adorable skirt that I found on one of my consignment store treasure hunts. Some days are fruitful and some days are not, so it was a total score to walk away with a cute new skirt. I'm even envisioning ways to fall-erize it. Tights, boots or maybe a sweater might be in its future soon. Oh I can't wait for layering, but in the meantime I'll try and enjoy the tank tops, bare legs and long days.

Do you have any fun plans to enjoy before the summer comes to an end?

Outfit Details:

Yellow silk blouse- J.Crew (same blouse in other colors here, more budget friendly option that comes in yellow as well as other colors here)

Blue flower skirt- (consignment find) Gap

Pink studded belt- Matthew Williamson for H&M

Brown necklace- Baublebar (available here)

Pink ballet flats- J.Crew (available here and also comes in other fun colors)

Bracelets- (on left side from top) Forever 21, JewelMint; (on right side) J.Crew (similar here with more pave links, similar here with less pave links)

Leopard watch- Timex (available here, alternative here and here)

Blue handbag- Zara (same bag different size in other colors here, similar in blue here)

OOTD-A Mixed Up Jumble

You know the mixing pattern rule that tells you to pull a color from one of the patterns and make sure it's in the other print for some level of cohesion? Well, I decided to take that rule and run with it for this outfit. I'm still trying to figure out if it worked....the jury is out on that one. I've had this top for awhile and I absolutely love it because of how many different colors are in it. This makes it the perfect candidate for mixing so I grabbed a few things with green, blue and a bit of orange in it and created this outfit. Not exactly pattern with pattern, but pattern with texture is close enough, right?

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!! I'll be attending some family reunion activities this weekend so I'm sure to meet a ton of relatives and long-lost cousins twice removed or something like that. :)

Outfit Details:

Top- (old) Thakoon for Target (possible top option here)

Green tweed skirt- J.Crew outlet (similar here and here in a darker green)

Tan belt- J.Crew

Blue handbag-Zara (similar here, here and here)

Colorblock flats- Isabel Toledo for Payless (an alternative for the new season here by the same designer, cute alternative here)

OOTD- Drop It Low

Do you guys notice a little something different around here? Thanks to Linda of the Little Tin Soldier blog and her amazing skills, I have myself an awesome new blog header and buttons. I've been a fan of her cute paper doll drawings ever since I stumbled upon her blog one fateful day, so I couldn't be happier to have a drawing of my own. And if you look, you'll see some things from my own closet. I love it!

Did you guys have a great weekend? If you follow me on Instagram (fshnonmymind), you'll see some glimpses of my weekend:

Clockwise from top- Goodies in the mail, trying on some spots at H&M, an arm party mix, gelato after a day of shopping in the city

Mother nature tried to rain on my parade, but I didn't let her get to me. I grabbed my umbrella and headed out. Nothing was going to come between me and my gelato. :)

Outfit Details:

Denim vest- Ebay find (similar vest here, here and here)

Drape back tee- Rachel Rachel Roy (available here)

Black knit skirt- Gap

Basketweave sandals (old)- LOFT

Black handbag- Foley + Corinna (different size available here, smaller size here)

Notes from the Dressing Room-All About the Details at J.Crew

I had a little time to check out J.Crew yesterday before it closed and I was excited to see some new items on the floor, especially in fall fabrics and colors. It's review time:

Boucle Peplum Jacket in Heather Graphite, $148.00, available here

I thought this jacket was really cute and it had a tweedy texture which you know I can't resist. The peplum is totally on trend and its size is perfect enough to not be overwhelming or too much. I tried this on in my regular size and while it fit well in the body, the shoulders and arms were a tad bit tight. Not enough that I couldn't move my arms or anything, but enough to make me wonder if I should size up one. This jacket also comes in a blue tone that was soooo pretty. I might have to go back and try on that one too. Overall, this is a pretty jacket to add to the collection. My only issue is that it isn't lined. That could be good for not adding bulk, but I have Forever 21 blazers with lining, so I'm not sure why they couldn't fork over some extra fabric for such a nice piece that's pushing $150.

Peter Pan Collar Tee (?), Style #15559, $89.50, similar available here

Cafe Capri in Navy Tweed, $148.00, available here

Hmm, this sure looks just like the Peter Pan top that's online, but it has a different style number and price. I thought this top would either be really cute or really matronly. I think it's somewhere in between, but either way this piece had such issues. I didn't take a look at the fabric content, but the second I put this thing on it was itch city. I'm not even that sensitive to fabrics, but it was unbearable. If you tried to remedy that with layering a thin tee underneath, it might not work well because this was also incredibly thin. If you look closely enough to the pics, you can see the outline of one of the necklaces I had on. If that wasn't enough, the arms were inexplicably baggy. I might have been able to size down, but I really think the arms would still have lots of room. As you can tell, I was disappointed in this top. The top version online might work better than whatever this is and can't seem to locate online.

On the other hand, tweed is my kryptonite and they had me at hello with these capris. The tweed feels substantial, the pants are completely lined and the blue mixed in with the metallic threads is just a touch fancy. I love these pants! Fit is tts. The one big issue I had though is that the there were some loose threads on these already, so I feel like this would be a problem with wearing and going through day-to-day activities. They might be a fuzzy mess after awhile. That's not going to stop me from coveting this pants though. Thumbs up!

French Hen Sweater in Acorn Blue, $95.00, available here

I saw another blogger's review of this yesterday and thought it was certainly an interesting piece. Sweaters with some kind of animal print seems to be the in thing right now. This is essentially the Tippi sweater with a print and I do think it is cute. What is not cute is the price! They want me to pay about $100 for a sweater that doesn't feel particularly luxurious or fancy with someone's random sketch. Hmm, I don't know. If you really like the hen, then this is certainly the sweater for you. It's cute, but not $100 cute. They should have put this on a tee instead. Fit is tts and the fabric did not cause the itch, so plus on that end.

 

 Oversize Merino Sweater in Modern Red, $118.00, available here

Minnie Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool in Cabernet, $118.00, available here

Excuse the blurriness, but I wanted to show the shape of the pants

J.Crew had an oversized cashmere sweater similar to this that I just loved, but never bought. I thought this orange (that is most certainly not red like the color description states) sweater would make a great substitute. Let's see, they certainly weren't kidding when they chose to include oversize in the product description. I didn't know what this was when I walked into the store, but I still had the thought to size down. As you can see, it is still roomy. I didn't have a chance to try an even smaller size, but I would venture to guess that it would still fit with no issues, probably not even the arms. I like the oversize feature although it doesn't quite like me back. This sweater is soft, it has a pretty deep v which might not work for some ladies and it has pockets although they are strangely made of nylon or a nylon type of material. I'm not sure why it couldn't have been made of the same wool material, but I wouldn't discount this sweater because of that feature. Overall, I really liked it, but am not sure about the fit.

These pants are a great color and are definitely on trend although these could work for years to come as well. I picked them up and think I could have paired them with so many different tops in a multitude of colors. Now, the description says wool, but these didn't feel like the wool Minnies I already own. So either the product description isn't right, I'm remembering the texture incorrectly or they've cheapen out on the wool this season. I'm inclined to believe the latter. These are like the other Minnie pants I've tried on before: fitted with plenty of stretch. These were my regular size which fit just fine, but I have a feeling they would stretch out by the end of a day's wear so sizing down might be a good idea. If these make it to sale, I might have to snatch them up, but I have a feeling other retailers might have some good options in this color too.

That's all I had time for as far as trying on new arrivals. I now have a few new items on my watchlist.

What about you? Any new arrivals that have caught your eye lately?

Notes from the Dressing Room-Print and Color Happy at LOFT

I had some time to kill one afternoon and popped into LOFT. Imagine my surprise and happiness when everywhere I turned there were color and tons of print options to be found. I even left the store with a wishlist. I managed to sneak in some dressing room pics and since LOFT is offering 40% off everything until Sunday, you guys need to run out and find yourself some new goodies. Use code FRIENDS if buying online.

Wispy Feather Print Bubble Hem Shell, $49.50, available here

Seamed Pencil Skirt in LOFT Scuba, $69.50, available here

I was immediately drawn to the skirt because it reminded me of a burgundy skirt that I tried on at J.Crew recently. I loved the color but not the fact that it was cotton. I just know if I bought it that I would be a wrinkled mess considering most of my day is spent in a chair. Anyway, this is a great alternative. The fabric is stretchy, but holds you in, the length is respectable (plus it comes in petite sizes), and it is the perfect piece to work with so much. I tried on in my regular size and it fit perfectly. Overall, a great piece to have in any closet. This went on my wishlist.

The top was just a piece I grabbed to work with one of the bottoms I picked up. It has a cute feather print and nice draping. I'm not always a fan of the bubble hem, but as you can see a tuck in will still create a top that works. Fit is tts to slightly big.

 

Sequin necklace tee, $49.50, available here

Color Pop Pleated Fluid Skirt, $59.50, available here

I love a good tee and thought that the sequin trim was a nice feature on this one. However, it just wasn't love. I don't like how the sequins stop on the side to draw attention to the pleat detail. The material of this is pretty thin and sheer, however there was another darker color available. They headed in the right direction with the sequins, but the gap kills it for me. If you happen to like this, fit is a bit loose.

This skirt is so much fun!! The pleating and material makes it one of those skirts that flows and you want to shimmy in which I might have been doing in the dressing room. The fit is tts, the length is a smidge short, but not enough that you would have to worry about bending over and it is easy to wear (just slip it right on). This one came in other colors including purple which is the one available online. This gets a big thumbs up from me and also went on my wishlist.

 

Marisa Dash Print Textural Stretch Crop Pants, $49.99, available here

J.Crew is top dog when it comes to printed pants, but LOFT is certainly trying to take a piece of the territory. This was only one of several pairs of printed pants I encountered this visit. This print is subdued enough to work with the pattern adverse people out there, but it is also simple enough that it could totally work with so many colors and would be perfect to do some pattern on pattern action. My only complaint would be that I'm not sure about the length, but a pair of heels would make it all good. They were comfortable, the slim fit was flattering and the print is great. Fit is tts.

Cheetah Print Shirt Dress, $69.50, available here

This was probably my favorite item. You might be wondering why considering its shape, but when I put it on, I just thought it was perfect (almost). This would make a great item to just put on and go, especially on those days when you don't want to think about what to wear (this usually happens to me when Monday hits). Throw this over your head and you're completely ready. The print gives it some interest, but it can certainly be jazzed up with a bright color shoe, a belt and/or some fun bangles and bracelets. Plus, it has pockets!! You can't beat that!! I tried this on in my regular size (L) and it was a bit baggy. I didn't mind the looseness, but would probably consider sizing down. This is one piece that I might buy, especially with the 40% off code. If the color is too boring for you, there's another cute dress in a bright color and tie neck here.

Star Print Trench Coat, $98.00, available here

I have two perfectly good trench coats in my closet, but this one had me thinking, I could use a third. The star print is so cute. The stars are small enough to just add some dimensions to an otherwise simple piece without being distracting. I tied it in the back in the first picture and you can see it has shape to it. I do think this was a bit big, but not sure if I would size down only because I imagine it being tight if I had a sweater on underneath. The material was relatively thick. Overall, I thought it was really cute, but it gave me pause because this seems more appropriate for spring than fall.

Well, that's all for this visit. I thought there were some great new pieces and after looking at the website, there might be more to add to that list.

Have you checked out LOFT lately? Are you taking advantage of this promotion?

Notes from the Dressing Room- Fall Into Gap

Do you guys remember when fall into the Gap was their advertising campaign? Do you remember the swing dancers in their commercials? Those were some fun advertisement days. So, I don't know when it happened, but Gap has been doing some pretty nice things for fall recently. I got an email from them a few weeks ago with really cute outfits so I decided to take a look-see at the website. Color me surprised when I spied many items that I wanted to add to my cart. And so I did! Here are two reviews of new items that seem to be quite popular. Get them while you can!!

Fitted Boyfriend Popover Shirt in Elephant Print, $49.95, available here

I've been wanting more prints and I definitely don't mind kitchsy so when I saw these popovers in an owl, horse and elephant print, I couldn't resist. The elephant won over for the color combo (and the fact that it reminded me of a J.Crew top that I thought about buying, but didn't) and I love it. I ordered my normal size and although it is a bit roomy, I wouldn't necessarily size down. It still has some shape, I can wear it out or tucked in and I took this pic to show it with the sleeves up and down to demonstrate that both ways could work. The cotton feels nice, there is hardly any button gaping and my shoulders didn't feel constricted. Overall, this gets a big thumbs up from me. The red owl print seems to be sold out and the elephant print seems to be sold out in the regular sizes but not tall or petites. You can't go wrong with this popover, so any print would be great.

Piped Academy Blazer in Vamp Red, $88.00, available here

I've been formulating my fall wishlist and burgundy/wine anything is at the top, so when I saw this blazer, I had to give it a try. It was a close call though between the burgundy and fuchsia color. I should note that the regular in my size wasn't available so I went with petite and I also went a size up. Although it is a bit short length wise on me, this blazer is great. It's made of a stretchy knit material that has give and feels soft. The color is fabulous, deep and rich with just a hint of redness. The piping isn't distracting but adds an element of interest. The shoulders and back didn't feel tight. This comes in several colors (although the burgundy is only available in tall now) so there's something for everyone. Overall, a great blazer and I noticed it in two different magazines (O and Teen Vogue) since I bought it, so this is sure to get some attention.

What do you think about Gap's fall offerings? Are there any items on your wishlist? They have a pretty tempting collection of colored pants and jeans. That might be next on my to buy list.

OOTD- Dots on Dots on Dots

It was hotter than Hades outside this weekend, so my first thought was give me an ice cold drink and then my second thought was, how about some shorts? I've had these shorts for ages but haven't worn them even though I say to myself, I'll wear them this weekend. So I just did it for once and went on polka dot overload. Dots on top and dots on the bottom, a little too much? I didn't give it too much thought because with my hair up, my shades on and legs and arms out, I was ready for the heat.

Have you gone full gusto with pattern mixing or have you taken baby steps like me?

Outfit Details:

Polka dot top- Old Navy (cute alternative here, here in petite size, cute cami alternative here)

Polka dot shorts and chain link bracelet- J.Crew (short alternative here and here) (bracelet alternative here, here and here)

Sunglasses- House of Harlow (cute alternative here)

Olive green handbag- 3.1 Phillip Lim (get the Pashli version here in big and here in smaller)

Arrow necklace- Stella & Dot (available here)

OOTD- On a Safari

I hope you guys have a fabulous weekend. I will be going on a safari this weekend. You see I already have the vest, my hat is waiting nearby, there's an SUV ready to go (nevermind that it isn't mine, minor details) and I have reading material ready. Now I just need a flight to maybe Kenya, some rugged boots and time off.

Actually, my weekend will more likely involve this:

My honey and I went to Ikea last Sunday, I spotted this little baby and he was wonderful enough to buy it for me. I've been thinking about getting a sewing machine for awhile, but with a lack of proper space and a fear of it sitting going unused, I put it off for another day. Not anymore!! So hopefully, I will be victorious in producing a skirt that is wearable by the time the weekend comes to an end. It might have some stitching that isn't exactly in a straight line, but if I can put it on and not be embarrassed by the results, I'll be a happy camper. :)

Do you  have any exciting weekend plans? Do you sew or think about sewing your own clothes?

Outfit Details:

Vest- Old Navy (this year's version here)

Chambray shirt- J.Crew outlet (alternative here, cool alternative here, polka dot option here)

Lilac skirt- Forever 21 (dark purple alternative here)

Colorblock flats- Shoemint (cute wedge alternative here, flat alternative here)

Brown belt- thrifted

Brown quilted handbag- Rebecca Minkoff "Quilted Affair" (similar here and here)

Get your own sewing machine here, mini version here, regular size version here

OOTD-Flower Power Activated

During a recent trip to Kohl's, I was on a mission to find a t-shirt. I have a million and one tees in my closet, but lack the very basics like a simple white or simple black version. Well, a peek through the racks turned up a pair of jeans that I was more than happy to take home with me. I tried on the designer pair that inspired these way back in February (Citizens of Humanity), but didn't buy them because I can be a real cheapo when it comes to paying for designer jeans. I mean seriously, I remember when $60-75 was a big deal back in high school. And although I feel a million years behind the trend, I was really happy to have these babies spice up my denim selection. And I'm going to rock these jeans like it was the 11th grade again and I bought myself a pair of fancy designer jeans for the first time. Ah, memories!! 

What is something from your youth that you just had to have and was so excited when you went out to actually buy it?

Outfit Details:

Seafoam top- Forever 21 (alternative here)

Flower jeans- LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's (available here, similar here, light color designer version here on sale)

Belt, chain necklace, pink bracelet, signet ring and pink ballet flats- J.Crew (signet ring alternative here) (similar ballet flats here, darker alternative here)

Tan croc embossed handbag-Rebecca Minkoff MAM (textured alternative here)