Let's Talk About All Those Patterns

How adventurous do you get with your denim? Do you experiment with different styles, maybe try a new wash? I remember many, many years ago when dark or light were the most challenging options, but these days are a whole new story. There's skinny, flared, straight legs; all kinds of patterns and colors that pretty much run the whole color wheel spectrum. I mean just look at what I've been taking into the dressing room lately:

Clockwise from left (J Brand, Old Navy, ASOS)

Whether you are all for this trend or extremely hesitant to go into the world of printed bottoms, I want to encourage you to just give it a try. Fashion is all about experimentation and having fun and these jeans are a lot more versatile than you think. Let them be the star of the show and you can easily pull colors from the pattern (if it is on the louder side) to match other items in your outfit.

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Is this trend right up your alley or a out of your comfort zone?

I will definitely be trying this because I'm a bit bored with my current denim selection. Don't be surprised if you see me wearing one of these very soon!!

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- You Win A Car!!!

Okay, I didn't really win a car, but remember when I mentioned a blogger's event back in December (if not, see the post here). Well, what I didn't tell you is that I was lucky enough to have my name pulled as the winner of a brand new pair of J Brand jeans!!! I was completely shocked, but absolutely thrilled because J Brand is definitely one of my favorite lines and the universe must have known I was contemplating a new addition to my denim selection. I was determined to go for something a little different and I couldn't be more thrilled with my final choice. After a trip to the tailor, I excitedly threw these new babies on this past weekend:

Check out my new waxed jeans guys!! I felt like such a bad mama in these because frankly, this is about as close to a pair of leather pants as I'll probably get. That's fine by me because these feel great on, plus they are soft, but they deceive you into thinking they are fancy-schmancy leather. Don't be surprised if you see me wearing these every single weekend (or sleeping in them or vacuuming in them with my fancy heels on or trying to sneak a wear to the office. Do you think I can manage that last one?). Seriously, favorite jeans ever!!

Have you ever had a perfect jean moment? A pair that fit you so perfectly or were absolutely fun and frivolous?

Outfit Details:

Red sweater and vest- Old Navy (similar sweater here)

Jeans- J Brand Pencil in Turbulant Coated Clay (available here)

Leopard wedges- ShoeMint "Jolly" (same designer's style available here)

Necklaces (top to bottom)- Leila initial necklace (similar here), Spike the Punch crystal and pink glitter necklace (this style is no longer available, but check her store for other styles), gifted chain necklace

Let's Talk About those Jeans

I've already professed my love for a certain pair of red jeans in my wardrobe. So much so that I've even thought about adding another color to my arsenal of denim. During my last visit to Saks, I spied a rack of so many Crayola colored pairs of jeans and had to give them a whirl.

J Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Bright Green, $176, available here

AG Farrah Skinny Cropped Jeans in Ultraviolet, $159, available here

Shown with: Equipment Annabelle Anchors Top, $238, available here

Although I liked both pairs, I am a little partial to the AG's because they are by far the most softest pair of jeans that I have ever tried on. Seriously, they felt so good on and were just ridiculously comfortable.

I sadly left both pairs in the store and the AG Farrah's weren't in my size anyway, but I've noticed a lot of other retailers jumping into the arena. If you've been thinking about adding something different to your denim collection beyond just skinny or wide-leg, take a look at these options:

Blank Denim Spray On Skinny Jeans in Rust, $80, available here

I find red to be the most versatile color denim option. It could work with black, browns, grays, almost any other color you might have in your wardrobe.

JCPenney City Streets Super Skinny Yellow Jean, on sale for $19.99, available here

A subtle yellow shade that will still command some attention.

AG Stevie Ankle in Sulfur Plum, $158, available here

This soft mauvy pink shade would work well into the fall.

Rich & Skinny Bikini Flare Jeans in Heavenly Blue, $156, available here

Craving something other than a skinny jean these days? This pair will work perfectly and it comes in red too.

How trendy do you get with your denim? Are you a brand loyalist or do you branch out?

OOTD- Scenes from a Saturday

Fake toilet peeps!! I'm not that crazy!!!

Did you have a nice weekend? Enjoy some Easter yumminess (in the form of candy or dinner)?? I spent my weekend tackling a mile long list of things to do (and still not done crossing everything off) and that included a trip to Ikea for a bookcase. I'm in the midst of a some serious spring cleaning and order is the goal I'm aiming for at home, which can be a problem for someone with pack rat tendencies (seriously, why do I still have receipts from 2008?).

Are you a big vest wearer? Vest give me uniform flashbacks and just always seem a bit stuffy to me. However, this new vest of mine and after seeing a few bloggers wear a really cute Banana Republic moto vest has me rethinking the whole vest thing. I feel like a paring it with a dress, tanks or short-sleeves would give it a chicer vibe. Here are a few that have good potential:

Cotton Slub Sweater Vest, $69.50, available here

Perfect for throwing on with almost anything

Zest Vest, $118, available here

A little bit bohemian

QSW Love Potion Vest, $68, available here

A nice funky option, the back is pretty cute too!

Hepburn Vest, on sale $43.99, available here

Great option for work (minus the little hat)!!

Outfit Details:

White tee- Target

Chiffon feather print vest and olive jacket- Forever 21 (vest available here)

Gray ankle jeans- J Brand

Black wedges- Steve Madden (thrifted)

Black/white striped tote- Rebecca Minkoff (sequin style available here and nice option here)

OOTD-Don't Step on My Blue Suede Shoes

It's pouring buckets as I type (with thunder), so Friday's high temps and sun was the perfect opportunity to break out my new suede shoes. Bright and bold colors are the "trend" of the season, but can you really go wrong with such vibrancy and pop? Sometimes I like my work clothing to have a feeling of fun or as if I'm headed to a party later. That hasn't translated to a ballgown under a blazer, but I'm pretty sure that wouldn't really fly, even if I dared to try it.

Are you daring to try bold color this season? If so, what color are you looking forward to wear?

Outfit Details:
Blue cardigan- Madewell
X print sleeveless top- Forever 21 (available here)
Gray ankle length denim- J Brand (via Ebay)
Yellow belt- Anne Klein (secondhand)
Blue suede pumps- Zara
Blue handbag- Forever 21

OOTD-Perfectly Patent Red

Happy Valentine's Day to my feet!!! Last weekend the bf and I took a little side trip to the thrift store. We had hopes that going to one of the far out, nicer areas would produce a load of fancy, designer goods at a steal. Yeah, no such luck. He made out like a bandit in button-downs and I found nothing but these lovely red pumps sitting in a bin, looking completely unworn, in my size. The bf was nice enough to gift me an early Valentine's gift (or maybe I had a puppy dog face on). Don't they add just the perfect pop?

What's your favorite way to add some extra oomph, pow or pop to an outfit?

Outfit Details:

Black button back top- Yesstyle.com (similar style in stripes here, short sleeve and great price here)

Grey skinny ankle jeans- J Brand

Long pearl strand- Marc by Marc Jacobs

Black handbag- Foley + Corinna (similar available here)

Red patent pumps- Van Eli (thrifted)

In the Dressing Room- Shopping at Anthro, Zara, & Barneys COOP

I decided to stop into the city after work on Friday for a little retail therapy and to see what was out there in the stores. Let's just say it was a bit disappointing, but I didn't leave completely empty-handed.

One of my stops was to Barneys COOP just to see what was on sale. I tried on the cutest blouse from Parker with sail boats on it. Alas, it was not meant to be and that can be blamed on my girls being a bit too big for it. Pulling across the chest and flashing everyone would not be a good look. I can't subject anyone to that picture, but I can show the adorable print. :)

I love J Brand jeans and have a few pairs. After seeing this on several celebrities I decided to see what the fuss was about with the cargo skinnies. I do need a nice casual weekend pant, but this was not working for me. Oh well, the search continues.

J Brand Houlihan Cargo, available here

Another stop was Zara to load up on skirts. I've been hunting for a cute tan color skirt, but tried on a few others too. That included this black button front number:



Although I liked this skirt, it was a no go for me. I'm short-waisted and this came up a bit too high, plus I do need to breathe during the day. There was little give in the elastic waist and it's best that I not pass out in my clothing, especially in the summer.


I can't resist an animal print anything, so I was seriously intrigued with this next skirt. I decided to give it a try.





I was crushing on this skirt and it gets mucho extra points for pockets. I didn't leave the store with this one either. I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend $80 on this particular silk skirt (I felt like my butt looked twice as big due to the poofiness in the skirt) and no offense to the dog, but if it was a cuter breed, I might have been more inclined to pull the trigger.

I skipped off to Anthropologie to indulge in fantasies of living a semi-bohemian lifestyle that required fancy skirts and dresses. That's just not me and I'm not sure Anthro is completely my style, but I can't deny that it's a great place to find something fun, unique and most definitely feminine.

Flowering Pasture Blouse, Dolan, buy it here

Really like, but most definitely sheer. Might consider it at a sale price

Lane Change Skirt, Girl from Savoy, buy it here
As you can see a big thumbs down for me. I felt like I was wearing an apron and this did nothing for my figure




Rift Valley Shorts, Corey Lynn Calter, buy it here
This was such a fun pair of shorts, but I wasn't sure if it was love. This also comes in a giraffe print too (me and those animals again) that I really like. This will go on the wish list.

Grand Island Dress, LA Made, buy it here

Excuse the face in this pic, but it is telling. This is a big fat no for me. It has a straight jacket look and wasn't working for my figure, although I love that drapey neckline.

After constant changing, some sucking in to fit a few things and a couple of battles in my brain about whether I should get this or that, I made it home with my wallet still intact and one little bag. To be debuted very soon... its searching my closet for cute friends to go out with, lol.

Gossip Girl photo courtesy of gossipgirlshow.com