Long Merino Cardigan, Final Sale & Shopping Ban, here I come!

I forgot that my photographer was going to the fair after cross country so I am only fitting in one review today. Here is the long merino cardigan in bronzed twig IRL. I was in a hurry out the door today so this is it done very casually. The fabric is really soft and although it is thin it is not sheer or "snaggy". I bought this in a medium (true size) and it fits perfect and is buttonable without button pulling gaps. The sleeves are pretty long but the extra long ribbing makes it easy to scrunch.

I also really like this color but I may invest in more if I find myself going to this alot (but not until after July of course)

Did you notice that J Crew's final sale started today, did they know it was my last day to shop for a while??? I know most people don't like the Final Sale because the only difference from the regular sale is that it is supposed to be non returnable. That really doesn't bother me as long as I stick to items I have tried on before or I am confident will work for me. Another bonus, there was a great color selection this morning of Jackie's on sale (they are already sold out of most of them). Here is what I snagged:

Last Day Splurge..... by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Women - cotton - Jackie cardigan - J.Crew, $62

J. Crew Jackie cardigan - sand dune, $62

J. Crew Perfect-fit slim scoopneck tee, $25

Chiffon tiered tank - J.Crew, $50

J.Crew - Oak tweed pencil skirt, $110

J.Crew - Ink blossom pencil skirt, $110

JCrew - Crystal blossom drop earrings (crystal), $48

Now for my no shopping in July ban. Here are my personal rules and stategies:

1. No retail shopping for myself. That simple. I do not count skincare, make-up, nailpolish, etc into that.

2. I will avoid my sale emails and browsing through my favorite store websites.

3. I will not visit my danger zones. No browsing through the mall on my breaks, no trips to Target when I can get what I need at WalMart, etc.

4. I made myself four exclusions: The first three are old J Crew items that I am always searching for. If one is found I won't deprive myself. That said, it is highly unlikely. The fourth is if the Cantebury Bells Pencil Skirt goes on sale. I had hoped it would have by now and I have a feeling it may not make it to sale but just in case, I don't want to miss out. That said, I will allow myself to check on the availabilty of these items each day but only on a search for that item. No broad browsing at all J Crew skirts, etc. That may be too tempting.

Shopping Ban Exclusions by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Women's Merino Sweaters & Cardigans - J.Crew, $88

Women's skirts - pencil - Ochre ikat skirt - J.Crew, $88

Canterbury Bells Pencil Skirt - J. Crew, $98

rooster tee

5. The LOFT. This is a hard one. Working in a retail store and not being able to buy anything will be tough but I got to see a sneak peak of the fall line coming out at the end of July/beginning of August so I will keep those items in mind when I feel weak. There is some good stuff!

If you have some additional strategies and/or tips please feel free to share!

Today plus the Long Merino Cardigan in Bronzed Twig

Crazy enough, I am already going into shopping withdrawals just thinking about the July Shopping Ban. Pathetic...I know! Tomorrow I will lay out my personal rules and feel free to share your ideas.

Here is what I wore today. I had planned to wear a pencil skirt but I have been feeling a little yucky and couldn't motivate myself beyond jeans.

Cami, Cardigan & Shoes-Banana Republic

Weekend Jeans-Old Navy

The UPS man came today with some J Crew and Banana Republic goodies that I will give you a review on tomorrow. I had received some questions on the long merino cardigan and the coloring of the bronzed twig. I fell in love with this cardigan in the catalog and had to order it. It is hard to capture the color right so I put it next to the Pecan Coralie Cami and the spicy olive jackie so you could get an idea of the tone. It is more bronzey brown then green but it definitely has a green hue to it. First impression....love. It has big comfy pockets and is very long in length. More info to come......

Watercolors, Disguises and KEY LIME PIE!

 I love Sundays, what more can I say? Here is what I wore to church today. Once home I promptly put on a pair of sweats, my campfire cardigan, a lounge tee and slippers............ahhhhhh.......

tank, cardigan & skirt-J Crew

shoes-Bandolino

And now for the Key Lime Pie recipe. This is the easiest and yummiest key lime pie recipe I have ever come across....trust me, it is soooooo delicious!

Ingredients:

9"graham pie crust (this is a little larger size then standard)

5 T of powdered sugar
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of key lime juice
2 14oz cans of sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
optional: lime zest for garnishing

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Whisk together lime juice, condensed milk and eggs in a large bowl until fully blended and smooth. Pour into pie crust. Bake for 17 minutes.

Allow pie to chill for 2 hours in freezer, remove. Mix sour cream and powdered sugar and spread over the top of pie with spatula. Garnish with lime zest.

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And lastly, here are some pictures of the toddlers from the other day. Since Christopher is "in disguise" I can share his photo with you- I can't wait until the adoption is official! Can you believe they are just three months apart?? Cooper is a linebacker and Christopher is our little tater tot!

Spotted Again and a Crocodile!

Yes, I am wearing my spotted cheetah pencil skirt again but with the 40% off sale still going on in the store I wanted to "represent". I wore my new shoes today and for the first time, my feet had no achies after work. I could get used to that even if it means flats to work more often. I am making a key lime pie right now so I can post a picture with the recipe so stay tuned......

Skirt, Cardigan, Tee-LOFT

necklaces-J Crew

Shoes-Rocket Dog

Cooper wanted to get in here today with his OOTD complete with messy face from his strawberries and his flip flop tan line.

Shirt-Mini Boden

Shorts- Target

Big Blue Eyes-heaven sent

And here he is showing you his pinching the nose trick where her pinches it and sucks in so it stays that way after her moves his hand (for a split second). He is such a goof!

Work of Art

Today was another beautiful day in sunny San Diego!.I finished The Help the other day and was excited to finally read the new Stephanie Meyers novella I had pre-ordered. Note to self: Novellas are way too short. So now I am on to Heart of the Matter which so far is really promising. I love a book that is gets you from the beginning and even better I love picking out a book and being able to instantly download it on my Nook.

After lounging the first part of the day it was off to run errands and pick up some new flip flops and sandals for the boys. Here is what I wore, I am so glad I finally got this shirt (originally tried on here). I decided to pass on this shirt for full price, then again on sale. Finally I cracked and grabbed it off eBay. The detailing is so cool and it is not thin like the tissue tees.

Skirt-J Crew double surge pencil skirt in Papaya

Tee-J Crew Applique Art Tee

Tank-LOFT essential tank in Vintage Pink

shoes-oldies

So that is what I wore and this is what I picked up for me (hey, it is not July yet) on sale for just $19.99. My shoe wardrobe was seriously lacking flat sandals. Now to change into my sweats for movie night complete with icecream sundaes......yummmm.......

LOFT 40% off in-store picks

LOFT is currently running a 40% off your entire purchase (in store promo). It really does work on EVERYTHING, on sale, full price, jewelry, shoes...my kind of sale! Here are my top picks:

Knit Dress with Silk  Flounce:  A really simple dress with just the right touch of embellishing to make it extra special.

Updated Favorite Ruffle Top: LOFT does fitted blouses well but it has been quite some time since they have put one out. This top is flying at our store.

Chain Rosette Tank-much cuter IRL

Spotted Cheetah Pencil Skirt: of course I love this one IRL picture here

Piped Silk Dress: Much cuter on than it looks on the hanger!

Jewel Necklace Tee: If you haven't participated in the necklace tee trend, this is a good place to start. This is more fitted then most LOFT tees so you may want to stick with your true size (versus normal LOFT vanity sizing)

Spicy Olive

I am gearing myself up for some super strict budgeting for July, like no retail shopping at all (I did give myself one exception if it goes on sale). I am not looking forward to it but it is WAY overdue. Wanna join me? We could have a support system and everything.

Well, here I am off to work. It is nice working somewhere you can dress up or down as long as you look styled. Sorry I am lagging on getting back to your comments. They all come to my phone and I soooo enjoy reading them but sometimes it is hard to get back on the computer to respond but I will try to tonight. I am planning to post the Key Lime Pie recipe soon...it is so delish!

Cami & Cardigan-J Crew

Capris-LOFT

Earrings-Anthropologie

Shoes-Bandolino

Butternut & Snickers

I have had a love/hate relationship with the Coralie Cami. I fell in love with it online and then tried it on in store and was...meh. Phew, I was going to save myself some buckaroo's. Then Polyvore kept taunting me with the pecan color so I broke down and made a set with it and fell in love again. When it went on sale I decided it was time for a second chance. It arrived at my door today and I threw it on over my swimsuit because heaven forbid I wait.  Meh again. It hung lifelessly flat and the color was more butternut squash then pecan and I wasn't sure how good that would be on my skintone.

So, I decided to steam it while I was in the shower and it came back to flowy life and it is love again. I do like this color but it is a little trickier to coordinate IRL. I have on an oatmeal color here for ease but I know it will look good with black, gray, burnished olive, navy and the bronzed twig. Others may be tricky because this is a lot more yellow-ey than the sepia.

Today was sports supply stock up day. With Jonas training for cross country and Chase starting football next week, it was time for new cleats, mouthpieces and water bottles. Thrilling I tell ya.

Cardigan-Banana Republic

Cami-J Crew

Jeans-J Crew

Shoes-old

And here is my pie recipe from yesterday. I am known for my key lime pie but I had a friend going through a rough time so a super guilty pleasure pie fit the bill. I have lots of wanna be cooks so I tend to keep my pies quick and simple so they can help.

Peanut Butter Snicker Pie

you'll need:

6 snickers bars (or four king size)

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

4 cups cool whip

1 1/2 T of half and half

9" graham cracker pie crust

optional: whip cream and chocolate syrup for garnish

using a double boiler, melt and mix the peanut butter, snickers bars and half and half together. Once melted and mixed turn off heat and let sit for a minute. Fold in the cool whip. Put mixture in shell and freeze for 4 to 6 hours and then garnish with whip cream and chocolate sauce as desired.....and that's it!

Casually Khaki

I know I am not going to win any fashion awards today but it was a trip to the park, grocery shopping and a pie baking on the agenda today...the gain five pounds just smelling it kind of pie with snickers, peanut butter and whip cream in a graham cracker crust.........hmmmm..........and look! I lasso'ed my chest again......oops. I promise this outfit looked better then in this pic and the tank is a fun neon green.

Tank-LOFT

Top- Banana Republic

Weekend Jeans-Old Navy

Necklace-J Crew

Shoes-Target

Clutch-LOFT

 I picked this top up during the 40% off the Banana Republic cardholders event (there were a lot more colors in store) on Saturday along with this most comfortable cardigan EVER:

Did you get any shopping this weekend?

Spotted!

Hope everyone is enjoying the remainder of their weekend! Our LOFT finally put out their new arrivals so I was able to break out my favorite new items, the Spotted Cheetah Pencil Skirt. I love the colors and fit of this skirt but I especially love that it has an animal print feel without looking like a real animal print. I don't want to ever look like one of those adorable little old ladies on the casino bus, decked out head to toe in velour leopard....do you know what I am talking about?

Anywhoooo....Chase wanted to be in this picture, jammies and all!

Spotted Cheetah Pencil Skirt-LOFT

Palmera Cami-J Crew

Essential Tank-LOFT

Cardigan-Banana Republic via eBay

Shoes-Bandolino

Here is my other work outfit. I told you I was going to steal your look Amy K! After work Saturday the boys and I made up Spam Burgers (don't ask) and homemade lemon meringue pie for Father's Day dinner. My poor hubby can't move around much with his knee so we couldn't do our annual trip to Julian for Apple Pie so instead he gets to be waited on, treated to all his favorite meals and take an uninterrupted nap after church. He better not get it used to it!

Cardigan, tie blouse, skirt-LOFT

belt-J Crew

Shoes-Naturalizers

Oh, and yes Tricia....I did do some Father's Day weekend shopping for myself..!

Some J Crew Reviews.......

Shimmer Crinkle Shell and Featherweight Cotton Ruffle Cardigan (on sale)

There has been a lot of buzz about the shimmer crinkle shell, thruth be told it will have to grow on me. I sized down on this one (which I ofen do on their tanks) and I am not sure if I should have. I think if it were looser maybe the ruching would be more relaxed...hmmmm. Pros: The color and shine is so pretty. All of the colors  (there is one more blushy gold color that is in store only) were beautiful but I went with the carbon because I thought it went best with my skin tone. The length makes this easy to wear with skirts...oh, and it is comfy!Cons: there is a lot of ruching  on the sides so you tend to feel a little lumpy, it is like adding some muffin top/rolls on the side. The length also seems short to me compared to a lot of the tanks. Depending on your height, this may be good or bad.  I also sized down in the cardigan because I plan on wearing it open and I have heard that the featherweight cotton will stretch out over time.

 Perfect Fit Boatneck Striped Tee and Prism Necklace (on sale):

No big shocker, I love this boatneck tee! I sized down because well, my store had run out of Mediums and the fit was fine. These are so comfy and flattering. I have a small chest so I don't have to worry about horizontal stripes as much as those who are bustier. And the necklace....don't get me started. I just love it and it is the perfect amount of statement without being overwhelming to what you are wearing. And since it is clear....it matches everything! Cooper wanted to be in the picture with his one shoe on and his new Cars bandaid....his shirt is Mini Boden in case you were wondering :o)

And here is the other colorway in the boatneck tee. Told you I love it...I took a cue from Cooper and am actually only wearing one shoe too. Truth is, it was in my car and I didn't feel like running out to get it.

And lastly, here is a picture of the tee untucked so you can see the length. For me, the length is perfect but I can see how those who are petitie...cough...cough...JAN...cough.....might find it too long!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and Father's Day! My husband tore his ACL in his knee so we are just going to pamper him at home with Spam Burgers (don't ask) and lemon meringue pie.

....don't cry for me Argentina

I have no idea what "Tale Evita" means but I love this shirt with the Impressionist Skirt. This is what I wore today for a quick trip to J Crew to return my rose vines blazer. I liked it but wasn't in love with it. Maybe if I had picked up for today's sale price I would have kept it but I knew there were a lot of other items I had my eye on that I would love more....and there were!

tee, skirt-J Crew

shoes-Bandolino

I actually traded out these shoes when I finally found my BR Veral Sandals that were hiding from me! Ignore how yucky my legs look from this angle.....yuck.

And here is my J Crew loot, it felt good to walk out of there without spending too much (remember I had a jacket to return) and I scored the gilded jaquard pencil skirt for only $39.99 (down from $128).

my trip to J Crew..... by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Women - sweaters - Featherweight cotton ruffle cardigan - J.Crew, $80

Women's new arrivals - tees & knits - Perfect-fit stripe boatneck tee..., $40

J.Crew - Perfect-fit stripe boatneck tee, $40

Women - jackets & outerwear - Denim vest - J.Crew, $30

Gilded jacquard pencil skirt - J.Crew (Grass), $128

Women's new arrivals - jewelry - Prism necklace - J.Crew, $20

Women's new arrivals - tees & knits - Shimmer crinkle shell - J.Crew, $45

Buds & Bunches

Today I was feeling some Anthro love! For running around in the heat, I threw on the Buds & Bunches Tee (on sale now for $29.95). I really can't wait to style this top better. It is cute enough to wear with jeans but I think it has lots more potential!

top-Anthropologie

cardigan-Anthropologie via eBay

jeans-Old Navy Weekend Jeans

Shoes-Target

Tonight I am teaching a class for some of the Laurels (16 and 17 year-olds) from our church so why not pull out my new Rising Vipers Dress. This picture does not do justice to this dress is but it is very flattering and sooooo comfy! I hurt my knee this afternoon doing who knows what so I had to wear flats (gasp)!

dress-Anthro

cardigan-LOFT

shoes-Target

My hair is in a side bun here thanks to my new Goody Spin Pins which I LOVE!!! I have thick hair and little bobby pins just don't do the trick but these do job!

Sunshine & Peas

Monday is here already??? How did that happen? Here's to Friday coming again soon ;o)

This is what I wore to work on Saturday. I was lucky enough that a customer had brought this top back as an online return so I was able to scoop it up on sale during the 40% addtl off sale items promo.....yippeee!

tiered top-Loft

cardigan-J Crew

Jeans-Loft

Here is what I wore to church. The Primary kids and I named it "peas and grapes". And you are going to have to trust me that it looked better before three hours of church :o)

Necklace-Banana Republic

Shirt and Skirt-J Crew

Shoes-Mootsies Tootsies

And here is what I am wearing today for my errands and catch up day. I went to grab my friend Kim (not THE Kim) a present at Anthropologie and I ended up bringing the Rising Vapors dress home for me.....oops! I did manage to remember to grab her the Garden Party Necklace and the Climbing Cowlneck tee.

I ordered this vintage bateau top months ago when it was on backorder and it finally arrived. I must say, I LOVE this top more than I had hoped. I think it runs TTS, this is a Medium

Skirt & Top-J Crew

Bag- B Makowsky

Shoes-old

And here is an Anthropologie shout-out including my online purchase the other day:

Anthro Sale by modestlyme featuring Anthropologie

Rising Vapor Dress, $98

Buds & Bunches Tee, $58

Same, but.....different!

Today I took the kids to meet my hubby for lunch so I thought I'd pull out my Neapolitan pencil skirt. I am so ready for the weekend to be here, got any good plans? Less then a week into summer vacay and you'd think the boys had been cooped up in a room for a month the way they are fighting. Hopefully it will pass or my sanity will be a thing of the past.

Cardigan, tank & skirt-J Crew

Belt-Banana Republic

Shoes-Mootsies Tootsies

When I got home from lunch I was ECSTATIC to see that my favorite UPS man had been by with some J Crew goodies which I tried on immediatly and may be some of my fav J Crew purchases ever. Afterwards I had more errands but wanted to "caj" it up a little so in left the shirt untucked and put on some flats. Chase wanted to be in the picture and who can say no to this face????

Some Goodies and Fun

I spent the first part of my day yesterday in a swimsuit reading The Help and getting some sun. Then the second part of the day I was covered in puke-iness when Cooper came down with the flu. So, I figured you really did not need (or want) an OOTD picture!

So here are some other goodies instead...........

First, can I please get an intervention? I have been (yet again) doing way too much shopping. Good news is I am starting to clear some things out (more to come) here is my first round of for sale items:

FOR SALE by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Rose Print Dress, $40
Sweaters - Clothes - Anthropologie.com, $98
Women's shoes - heels - Serengeti midheels - J.Crew, $140
JCrew-Tiered crystal libretto necklace (black), $68
J Crew Collection merino Miriam cardigan
Loft stripped zigzag top
for sale sign

Secondly, have you seen the Summer Preview 50% off sale going on at the LOFT? If not, check it out ASAP!

Next, did you see the great giveaway on Tricia's blog? A $50 Anthro gift card AND a pair of earrings...hello I am in!

  

I even know exactly what I would get if I won, this top. Scratch that, I went to get the link for you and bought it. See, I told you I need an intervention.