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- Jammie Pants

My mother extended an invitation to a brunch buffet yesterday morning and I immediately thought this calls for being comfortable and these pants were the first thing that came to mind. I bought them month's ago at the J. Crew clearance center and this was the first time I wore them and when my honey saw me in them he asked if I was wearing pajama pants. No baby, pajama pants do not have a zipper and button closure!! Now, I was never the girl to walk into class with my pajamas still on in college and the whole pajama outfit trend going on in the fashion world has me saying no thanks, but I must admit, there is one benefit to having loose clothing on.....seconds (okay, maybe thirds) at the buffet table.

How do you feel about the whole pajama trend? Do you ever go out in your pajamas or work-out gear?

Outfit Details:

Gray v-neck top- (old) Forever 21

Polka dot pants- Madewell (similar here and here in limited sizes, similar in a wider leg here, similar here in denim)

Striped canvas bag- Rebecca Minkoff sample (cute alternative here, similar colorful version here, designer version here that I love)

Black wedges- Chinese Laundry "Dantie" (available here in taupe, available here in black, similar here)

Neon pink necklace- Ann Taylor

OOTD- All In the Family

I don't know if I should admit this, but I read Teen Vogue despite being out of my teens for about (oh, let's not calculate the real amount) what feels like a million years ago. But I can rarely afford what's in the grown-up version of Vogue, so the teen version offers some things that are a bit more attainable (sometimes) to my paycheck. There was an editorial in it months ago that I still remember to this day and tore out as inspiration of a model wearing an outfit with all shades of purple. Although, I'm not the matchy-matchy type, I got dressed with shades of purple and pink in my mind and created an outfit that I really like. Now, I'm not ready for shoes, bag and make-up to match, but baby steps are sometimes necessary when trying out something new. Hey, I took a step further...my toenails are pink!!! 

Do you still read teen magazines as a bona fide adult? Oh, and since I'm confessing, I still flip through Seventeen magazine too.

Outfit Details:

Gray polka dot cardigan- Old Navy (cute alternative here, chambray alternative here, alternative top version here, cool tee alternative here)

Lilac scoopneck tee and pencil skirt in bright dahlia- J. Crew (similar tee available here) (similar color skirt in  knit jersey here, warmer weather version of skirt in lots of other fun colors here)

Black double-buckle belt- Target (similar belt here)

White handbag- Forever 21 (similar here and designer version here)

Black laced wedges- Chinese Laundry "Dantie" (taupe version in limited sizes on sale here, limited sizes in black here, similar shoe in black available 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- Flight of the Crazy Bird

It's the return of the birds!! They just keep coming back. I had two reasons for wearing this dress: a.) I love it and would wear it at least once a week but I'm sure we'd all get sick of that and b.) in the span of a week I've seen two different bird dresses. I thought I would let you ladies get in on the tweet, tweet action too.

I have a lot of texture and pattern going on in this outfit, but it is a total win for me. I love all of these pieces, especially my new grandpa cardigan. Seriously, is there nothing better on a crisp day than a warm and cozy sweater? And if all of my birds and the pattern of my knit wasn't enough, I added polka dots on top of that. Is it all a bit too much? Quite possibly, but if it is, just let me be crazy pattern lady for the day.

Outfit Details:

Bird dress- Erin Fetherston (similar here and here)

Marled cardigan- J. Crew (similar here, here and plus-size here)

Polka dot tights- Madewell (available here)

Black belt- J. Crew (similar here in suede)

Black buckle boots- Dolce Vita for Target

Black handbag- barr+barr

Notes from the Dressing Room- All Tops at J. Crew

Do you ever go to the mall and not feel like trying anything on? I was having, what we will call, partial dressing room laziness. Therefore, these (long overdue) reviews are all about the tops. What's even better... J. Crew is currently offering 30% off select sweaters. Let's take a look:

Dream Crewneck Sweater in Heather Acorn, $74.00 (on sale for $51.80), available here

I'm determined to find a simple, tan top this season and gave this sweater a whirl. The color is a great neutral (although I'm not totally convince this is a color that is right for my skin tone), however this sweater was pretty shapeless. The fabric was also itchy and just not a dream to me. This sweater comes in some wonderful colors, but I didn't feel as if it was worth the full price (especially if it looks prone to becoming a future fuzzy, pilly mess). Fit is about tts.

 

Button-Shoulder Sweatshirt Tee in Heather Pacific, $49.50, available here

The buttons on this top were a cute addition, the fabric was soft and it would be perfect to throw on. I tried this on in my normal size and it had a good amount of roominess although not enough to need a size down. I appreciate the lower scoopneck which I think can be a bit more flattering than a crewneck. Nice tee, but the buttons aren't worth a $50 price tag.

 

Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt in Heather Carbon, $89.50 (on sale $71.60), available here

Holy boxy top!!! I knew this would be baggy and sized down, yet I still have a ton of room. The product picture makes this top look quite different and a lot nicer!! I'm not quite sure what to say about this one, although I love this deep shade of gray and the length isn't bad; but I have no idea who would look flattering in such a number. If this does float your boat, I would recommend that you size down at least two sizes.

 

Silk Polka Dot Tee in Navy, $98, available here

I love a good polka dot and was delighted to see this little blouse. It's cute, comfortable and a extremely versatile. I wasn't too crazy about the boxy shape, but that's nothing a bit of layering or a belt can't take care of. It has an exposed zipper that I think might be a pain to deal with (a button at the top might have worked better). I thought this was a great top, just not quite worth the price although given what some of those silk, Equipment blouses go for, it might not be so bad. I would have put this on my wishlist had I not just bought a tee in the same polka dot colorway. Fit is tts.

 

Cowlneck Poncho in Grey White, $198, available here

Out of all of the items I tried on, I have to say this one was my favorite. And to think I have never been into ponchos or capes. It is a bit big in shape, but it would be a perfect topper in the cool fall weather. I can just picture wearing a turtleneck, jeans and boots to complete the whole look. It is soft, it was pockets and I really like the cowl neck. The fabric is not heavy, but also not thin to where it provides no comfort against the elements. I would say to definitely size down at least one size. Although I thought about getting this, especially since the sales associate was trying to convince me that it would be selling fast, I left it in the store. I still think about it and see that it is available in all sizes. This will be wishlisted in hopes of it making it to sale.

Are there any new arrivals that you have your eye on at J. Crew?

OOTD- Spots on Studs

Happy Monday guys!!!

I decided to switch up my outfit location a bit to go along with showcasing a few new things. You all know that I love my red jeans (although they've been missing for a few months with this summer heat) and after trying on a few pairs while vacationing, I had it in my head that a new color was in order. This mauve pair said take me home and outfit me up, and so I did. The color seemed perfect for my new polka dot friend.

If you haven't jumped on the color jean trend, I highly recommend you do it. There are so many colors and tones out there now that you are sure to find a color that you love and that would work with what's already in your wardrobe. How could you not when J Brand claims to have over 100 colors!!!

Outfit Details:

Navy polka-dot tee- StyleMint (available here)

Mauve pants and medallion necklace- Forever 21 (similar here, similar jeans in brighter shade here)

Tan platform heels- Miu Miu

Choker necklace- JewelMint (available here)

Purple printed belt- taken from Tucker for Target dress