OOTD- Walking Shorts Stroll

Pardon the goofy face, but isn't that wind action awesome!!??  :)

I've come to the conclusion that linen bottoms just don't work for me, so I broke out some of my warm weather items that were packed away last year and took these linen shorts for a last hurrah (off to the consignment shop you go). I have a pretty purple pair in mind to replace you.

Elaine of I'm Clothed Much posted a picture last week wearing the cutest scarf headband bow in her hair. I commented to her that she shouldn't be too upset if she sees me rocking it. Although I only have a little baby bow going on, it was the perfect touch to keep my hair off my face and add something fun to my outfit.

Are you big into headbands/turbans/headscarves??

Outfit Details:

Scoopneck tee- J. Crew (similar color here)

Blue cardigan and blue anchor belt- Madewell (similar cardigan here on sale)

Tan linen shorts- Banana Republic

Yellow/white scarf (as headband)- Forever 21

Yellow wedges- Target (available here)

Handbag- Louis Vuitton Speedy

OOTD- Pinch Me For Not Being Green

 

Oops, I picked out my outfit today and totally blanked on the fact that it was St. Patrick's Day, so no green for me. I think the green wings at the office party and the wasabi with my sushi lunch will have to do.

The first official day of warmer weather and sunny skies had me craving something bright and fun, so out came this skirt from my closet. Pink is one of those colors that is hard for me to resist, so you know I had to make this mine. I thought the leopard print pumps would add a little sexy to the skirt party and I was thisclose to adding some extra color to my outfit, but I chickened out at the last minute.

Is there a fashion trend that you want to try, but feel a bit afraid to pull off in real life?

 

Outfit Details:

Cream tie-neck blouse- Banana Republic

Black cardigan- random from Marshall's

Pink pencil skirt- J. Crew (other colors on sale here)

Black trench- DKNY

Pumps- J. Crew (via Ebay)

Tan woven belt- secondhand find

OOTD-Another Bad Creation

I was all excited that I took a shower the night before and had extra time in the morning. Little did I know, having my outfit ready is a more essential key to getting out and having my butt at work on time. After pulling out a million things from the closet, consulting my Stylit and continuing the debate as to whether I should keep this black jacket (I have the exact same one in blue, see post here); I finally produced a hodge-podge of an outfit. I didn't think it was that bad of a creation, but next time I know that maybe I should both shower and pick out an outfit before going to bed. Otherwise, that snooze button will be always be the morning enemy.

Have you ever created an outfit out of thin air and desperation to get going and ended up really liking it?

Outfit Details:
Black/white dress- Express (thrifted)
Sheer gray turtleneck- Banana Republic (consignment find)
Black knit sweater jacket- J. Crew (consignment find)
Black patent bow belt- no label (consignment find)
Black bag- Foley + Corinna City Tote
Green boots- See by Chloe
Gray hat- Forever 21

Notes from the Dressing Room- Banana Fana, Republic

With a day off from work, I was free to do what I felt like and so I ended up at the mall to check out a few stores. I must admit, I rarely step foot into Banana Republic. I think of it as a good place for work basics, but that's just it, everything is very basic. Not much pizazz or fancy colors, however I made it a point to take a look at the selection in store. I like to have variety in my wardrobe, so it might help to check out places not normally on my radar. I'm almost tempted to go to Express a store that hasn't been a must visit for me since college.
Disclaimer: This was all tried on at the petites store.

Silk Origami Blouse, $79.50, available here

Layered Skirt, $79.50, available here

This was a lovely silky blouse with some pleating details and a flattering neckline. My only issue is that this blouse is super sheer, so it would work best with a nude bra that is an exact skin tone match. Or at least pair it with a cardigan or blazer if you want to make sure it is office appropriate. It wasn't love with this top as I think $80 is a bit steep and I think this sleeve length looks like it wasn't sure it wanted to be short or long.

This skirt reminded me of a ruffle skirt I tried on at J Crew awhile ago. This skirt was very cute and the tiers worked well since they didn't poof out like some ruffled bottoms can do, but I ran into the issue of the length. Maybe I'm overly modest when it comes to skirt length, but I suppose it could be remedied with a pair of similar colored tights. 

Rose Ruffle Vest, $89.50, available here in clay

This vest looked cozy and the flower detail was cute, but the ruffle flap didn't lie flat which isn't good when it comes to a knit item. Otherwise, it creates bulk and who wants that. I liked it, but it was not quite a ten.

Morgan Knit Biker Jacket, $89.50, available here in limited sizes

Boyfriend Light Wash Busted Jeans, on sale here for $29.99

Such a cozy knit and I love the asymmetrical zipper. The only thing I'm not sure about is the shorter back, longer front (reverse mullet jacket). I can only imagine that coming in handy if you had to lift your arms, perhaps? My regular size was a tiny bit snug, so this would probably work best with a thin tee or tank underneath.

Although, I'm sure the trend is on the way out, I've been wanting a pair of boyfriend jeans. I found these on the sale rack with an additional 40% off sign which is always up my alley. They weren't horrible, but as I've heard on Project Runway a few times, the crotch was insane. :) Not flattering there, so these are a no go. I would appreciate a pair of jeans that do not give me non-existent man parts.

Boucle Zip Jacket, $198, available here

I dream of the day when I win the lottery and can afford to buy a Chanel blazer, so anything that evokes that vibe, I gravitate towards. This boucle blazer called to me and I absolutely love it!! It was warm, cozy and nicely fitted. The downside for me as that the snap buttons should have been black or gunmetal to blend into the jacket in case you wanted to wear it open.

That's all I tried on this time and to be honest, I still think Banana-Rama Republic is still a bit on the boring side. However, they do make some lovely dresses and I always see coupon codes floating around the blogosphere. I won't totally ignore it in the future because there are some gems among the racks.

Are you a regular Banana Republic shopper?