OOTD- Cold Shoulders

How often do you dress out of your comfort zone? Strapless dresses are usually avoid territory for me due to my body shape and the mechanics of keeping said dress up where it belongs, but when I saw this dress in my local store, it was immediate adoration. Seriously, you guys know I like my fun prints and what is more fun than bikes. Bicycles always bring back fond memories for me as I remember when I was a young girl and one year my father bought me a pretty pink bike for Christmas. It was so warm that particular year that I was outside riding a few minutes later with no coat. I can still remember that carefree feeling while I rode up and down the block. 

So what was I talking about...oh, yes, saying no to strapless. I tried this on and couldn't stop smiling in the mirror. Always a good sign to buy in my book. I threw caution to the wind and made it mine and the construction is perfect for being flattering and it stays in place so I am happy to report that I'm glad to step out of the box on this little lady. Now, I probably won't be wearing strapless items every day, but I will definitely take another look at something I said "no way" to before. A good surprise might be in store!

Do you have any items in your closet that makes you think of your past? Old ex's tee? A jacket from hs? A fun print?

Outfit Details:

Bicycle print dress- Anthropologie (different print but similar style here and cute plus size alternative here)

Brown woven belt- thrifted (similar here, here and here)

Tan croc print handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAM (cute textured alternative here and here)

Tan sandals- Sam Edelman "Trina" (this website had the most sizes available here, almost the same shoe in a different brand available here)

OOTD-One Down, More to Go

So, my birthday was several weeks ago, but I've decided to declare a celebration throughout the whole month!! A little family-style Italian dinner this weekend with my loved ones was definitely a great way to round out the festivities (and have me completely stuffed by the end of the night). Although it might have been a better idea to wear some stretchy pants for such an occasion, I went for my new favorite "fake you out leather" pants instead. They certainly fooled my mother and went so well with my new "birthday" tee. I used my Anthropologie birthday discount on this top and I couldn't be happier, I would totally get it in the other colors. I'm trying to figure out if it is because I had to size down two sizes and now have something small in my closet with no need to hit the gym hardcore or if it is because it helps me meet that fashion resolution of adding more prints to my closet. Now if I could just learn how to properly walk in high heels, I'll be all set in meeting those goals. Until then, I'll be the one wobbling down the street in the colorful top.

 Would you ever be swayed into buying something partially because it's in a smaller size than you normally wear? Of course, we're talking about something that you would consider buying in the first place.

Outfit Details:

Hot pink blazer- (thrifted) Gap (similar here, pale pink version available here, similar here)

Watercolor tee- Anthropologie (available here, same tee in different print here, here and here)

Burgundy waxed jeans- J Brand (available here, similar here)

Navy patent pumps- Talbots (similar here, similar here in a metallic version, and round-toe version here)

Blue/brown handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAC (similar here, teal version here, similar mini version here)

OOTD-There's a Stampede on My Chest

I think I have some serious addiction to things that look like animals and animal prints. During the month of February alone, I purchased a pair of turtle earrings, bought a turtle knob, received an elephant hook as a gift and to top it off, brought this cute zebra top home with me. I'm going to go ahead and put the blame on Anthropologie for this overdose as 3 of those 4 items came from them. Someone needs to stop me because I'm eyeing this now. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? 

What do you tend to buy in multiples?

Outfit Details:

Zebra top- Anthropologie (available here)

Black cardigan-???

Gray skirt- Monica Ricci (consignment find)

Gray diamond tights- J. Crew outlet

Gray suede wedges- Yesstyle.com

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

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?

Notes from the Dressing Room- Anthro

I was able to skip out on work early one day and decided to head out for a little peek at some stores. Anthropologie was definitely on my list since I wanted to see if they still had an item I tried on before that was put on sale (curbing my impatience was a good thing, will it work this time though?).

I walked into the store and I was immediately bombarded with racks and racks of clothes, it was a bit overwhelming. So I just dived in and grab some items that were a bit interesting and headed to the dressing room.

Midnight Safari Dress, Sparrow, $148

I spied this on the website earlier that day and thought why not try it on when I got to the store. I loved the white, black and pink colors and it had an abstract watercolor feel to it. I thought this dress was extremely flattering in fit, surprisingly soft although just a tad itchy; but the length was a big fat no for me. It had too much length and probably wouldn't be fixable with a simple hemming, so this went back on the rack.

Pinochle Skirt, Edme & Esyllte, $98
Blouse by Sanctuary, $98 (not available on website)

I mainly tried on this blouse to pair with this skirt and I do need a nice white blouse, but this isn't it. I didn't find it flattering at all and it was way too sheer. If I'm wearing a nude bra and it is still showing through, that's a big no.

I thought this was such a whimsical skirt, but I wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing. I tend to go for much deeper and richer colors, but I thought the soft colors in this skirt were really nice. I tried on my regular size in this (I think) and the waist band was a bit tight, so sizing up might be necessary. I didn't feel extreme love with this skirt, so I'm going to pass. The bf thought it looked cute though, but I have a feeling that it has something to do with him liking poker. :)

Falling in Love Vest, Tabitha, $118

Sigh, I loved this vest so much when I saw it on the website (can't resist a ruffle) and I was so excited to try it on. I had to put on a sad face though because this failed in reality. It had such a flattering fit to it, but the ruffles are too far apart and although it is hard to see in the second picture, they sit out like a shelf. This vest is a wool blend and I think it would have benefited from being made out of a different material; that might have alleviated the stiffness.

Hidden Valley Top, Delleta, $58

It's the fancy mullet top, fancy in the front, casual in the back!!! I wrote a note saying this top was having an identity crisis, lol. This is just no!!! I love the soft color and give me draping any day, but not like this. It is too wide up top and creates a saggy boob illusion. No girl wants that. I think if someone had a longer torso, this would sit better and although I'm no expert at tailoring a few nips and tucks might be possible to create a better fit. I don't think it is worth it, so back to the rack it went.

Street Corner Serenade Top, Delleta, $88

White Noise Skirt, Sparrow, $98

This Deletta top was much better than the last. The fit was flattering (I thought it made me look slimmer, always a plus), it had great visual interest and it was comfy as any regular tee but with more pizazz. The only minus would be how long it was on me, but I could just tuck it in like I did in the dressing room. This will be wishlisted for me, along with this next item.

I saw this skirt and was initially perplexed about why the snaps were facing the wrong way at the bottom. Then I played with it and discovered its fun origami powers. The bf stated that it looked like I was wearing a onesie in the last two pics, but I assure you it was better in person. This skirt was soft, had a flattering fit (worn in my normal size) and the snaps give you the opportunity to play around with the look of the skirt. More bang for your buck, in my opinion.

Biker Melange Jacket, Cartonnier, $248

I was quite surprised to find this sitting on the racks of Anthropologie because it looks quite contemporary. This was a soft leather jacket with lots of interesting details and at $250 it is practically a steal compared to a similar Theory jacket I tried on months ago.

It is fitted, has stretch to it and the front drape gives it a girly touch. I don't have much to complain about this jacket (although I wish the zippers were black instead of silver), so I might consider it later (if it is even still available).

That concludes my review of what was a drop in a bucket of items available at Anthro. I feel like another trip might be necessary to uncover more goodies, but my wallet might not like that too much.

Outfit of the Day- Three Tiers of the Day

I spent an hour and a half of my life yesterday watching a movie that shouldn't have gotten any money at all. Thanks to the boyfriend's pick, we decided to head out and watch The Expendables with Sylvester Stallone and friends. It was a typical blow everything up kind of testosterone filled movie and I think Sly and Mickey Rourke have been seeing the same plastic surgeon. The bf apologized for the awfulness and I revoke his movie picking privileges for this year. We will be going to see Eat, Pray, Love three times before the month is over. :)

All is forgiven because I got to wear my new top, enjoy some popcorn and a cocktail. Sounds like a pretty good day to me.

Me being goofy

I attempted to balance the sweetness of the top with the ruggedness of the shorts and shoes. Did it work? Yes, no, maybe so?

I'm in love with my new to me bracelet

Enjoying a yummy watermelon margarita, can't you tell?

Outfit Details:

Black top- Anthropologie High Tide Tee (available here)

Ripped denim shorts- I "Heart" Ronson (available here at JCPenney)

Black peep-toe lace up wedges- Yesstyle.com

Black, lime, white bracelet- ??? Secondhand (my co-worker and I thought for sure this was a J Crew piece, but there's no label. I still love it)

Black handbag- Foley + Corinna city tote

Gold watch- Nixon

Lime braided bracelet- Hollywood Intuition for Target

Gold Initial necklace- Leila via Revolve Clothing

Purple open cardigan- Forever 21