Can I get a 'Witness' (sandal that is)

The other night I hosted a bridal shower for my work. Unfortunately, I am sick with a cold so I am a little droopy looking here plus after wearing it all day I am a little stretched out....oops but I did remember to at least get a picture. I don't think there is a more comfortable pencil skirt out there then the J Crew corduroy, I have several of them!

ruffled dot blouse-Banana Republic

Vintage cord pencil skirt -J Crew

Witness Sandals-Seychelles

Now for some better shots of my much beloved Seychelles Witness Sandals. I love, love LOVE these sandals. They have a great vintage vibe and they look like s peep toe pump from the front.......

.............and a bootie from the side, back! Like all Seychelles, they are very comfortable for a pump. I am leaning forward so the gap in the back looks larger but there is always a gap there because of the height of the back. There is no rubbing at all so I am blister free. Oh, and excuse my chipped toenail polish.

Here is a quick picture of the favors we gave out. It was a cooking themed shower so I made cupcakes in a jar with the soon-to be-brides favorite kind of cake, funfetti.

Fall J Crew Fitting Room Reviews

Today was the older boys first day back at school so to take my mind off missing them I ran to J Crew for a few returns and try ons.

Maisie Dress in Abstract Floral. Size 6 $178. I usually prefer an 8 in J Crew dresses but if they aren't fitted on the hips, 6 will work. I LOVED this dress on I just wanted an inch or two more length. If there had been an eight in the store that was a little longer, it would have gone home with me today.

 Maisie Dress in getaway green, Size 8 $168. I tried on an 8 in this one to see what it did for the length and imagine my suprise when it was shorter then the floral 6....strange. My PS said it should be the same in length as the floral but somehow I lost a few inches. Also, I am not sure if it just is because it was a slid versus a print but the arms were more sheer.

Blythe Shirtdress in poppy.Size 8, $178. I have a long waist so when I first tried this on with the fabric belt it came with it looked off to me. However with the belt switched out I liked it soooo much better! This dress is so comfortable and classic and the length was just to my knee (I am a little over 5'9"). The lower half is lined so no slip needed and it should go great in the fall with tights. I wish the poppy was a little more saturated and I have a red silk dress so this was going to be a no for me until my PS grabbed me the dark navy which I fell in love with. So gorgeous with browns and/or tortoise accents.

 No. 2 Pencil skirt in vintage tweed. Size 8, $148. I am loving the longer length on this falls pencil skirts. This is my favorite tweed J Crew pencil skirt so far. I love the colors and the little pocket. It is very stretchy and doesn't flare out at the bottom like a lot of tweed does. I have this on hold because I have a hard time getting past the tummy pouch that tweed always seems to like to show off.

 No. 2 Pencil Skirt in plaid. Size 8, $138. I was suprised how much I liked this skirt on since I am not usually drawn to dark or dull colors but I really ended up loving this one. I did notice however that on the hanger every skirt looked like it had been crumple on the floor for a week. On, the wrinkles went away so I am guessing it is the fabric.

 And lastly, the Merino Pleated Skirt. Size Medium $128. I liked this one on better then I thought but it is not a love. The color, length and cut are great but I don't like the way sweater skirts hit my hip/thighs. It may grow on me though in time

And I couldn't resist snapping some pics of the window displays *swoon*

J Crew Jardin Skirt

As you can tell from the luggage on my bed, I am on my way out of town to do nothing but lay at a pool, not cook, do a little shopping and oh, did I mention not cook? I am headed to the world famous garlic capital of the world, Gilroy. Why you ask? Well simply, that's the small town my parents live in.  Nothing glamorous just good ole' relaxing with the kiddos.

I did not want to leave without a quick picture of the Jardin skirt. I ordered this skirt back in June when it was first released on the website and was back ordered. It finally arrived on Tuesday. I must admit, I thought the odds were low that I would end up liking this skirt, even lower that I'd love it. Truth is, in a lot of their pics it looks too poofy and hard to wear. Nut in person, I LOVE this skirt. It is so light and it falls nicely...not too poofy at all. Oh....and it has pockets, need I say more? For a proper review and pictures that aren't rushed on an iPhone, check out App Gals post here with a perfect review. I did have to wear a slip, the skirt it is lined but it is lined with the same light cotton fabric which still equalled too sheer for me.

For those of you who are interested or have this skirt at home, here are some styling ideas from my Polyvore collection.....

And the catalog image I have fallen in love with:

J Crew New Arrivals Fitting Room Pics

Today I rushed to see the new Fall Arrivals at J Crew. Unfortunately, my store didn't get in a lot of the items I was hoping to find but there were some fun surprises.

Perfect Shirt in Leopard $78, Size 6. Okay, excuse the belt in this picture I was playing around with it and forgot to get a picture without it. I am not a lepard print person but J Crew always seems to find a way to so it well. This print is no exception.

Wool Cafe Capris in camel $118 I was hoping these would fit like the lollis and they do...whoo hoo. My stylist accidentally grabbed me a 6 instead of an 8 in these and I almost cried thinking I had to go a pant size up but luckily it was just a mix up....funny how we get so caught up on numbers isn't it? Anyways, these pics will show them a little tight because of that. These are the camel and I love them and want all the colors (well almost). They are unlined and light which is not typically what you think of with wool pants. I think they run TTS if not a little big.

Tippi Sweater $69.50 Size Medium. I don't know what to say except this sweater is a perfect wardrobe staple since it works with pants, skirts and jeans. The stylist grabbed me black (which I rarely wear) but the vibrant flame, viridian green and the heathered camel were my favorites. I found this to be TTS. You could size down  but I like the slightly slouchy fit.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Leopard, $118 Size 8. I would not have tried this skirt on if the amazing Cyndi at Fashion Valley hadn't pushed me. I love the fit of this skirt, the length is longer than recent J Crew pencil skirts and the fabric is so soft. The leopard print on the skirt is slightly lighter than the perfect shirt and the tippi sweater version.

Perfect Shirt in Medium Gingham $72 Size 6, artillery fatigue. This fabric is stretchier then my other perfect shirts so it has a little more give across the back which I like.

Stripe Boatneck Painter Tee $39.50. Love the fit and length of this tee. It is thinner and very soft , feels more like a fitted tissue tee. I am 5'9" with a long torso so if you are shorter it may not work as well.

Suede Hook Belt-On sale for $39.50 plus the current 40% off sale promo online (LOVEIT). This is a size Small. The medium was really big (see first picture). Fun little belt but it slips around a lot and you can't really adjust it.

Minnie pant in Stretch Twill $79.50, Size 8 Vibrant Flame. Love this color and the look of these pants. What I couldn't get comfortable with was my plump booty on full display. Even when I was a size 2, I still had bootie to spare. Maybe the matchstick cords will work a little better.

Featherknit Floral tank $39.50, Size M. I had this in a small as well but I like the relaxed fit of the Medium. I really like the flowy feel of this tank and I am planning to grab it in some solids as well. Great layering piece, tucked in or out.

Jackie Cardigan $62, Size M Laquer Yellow (?). I had just asked my stylist to grab any cardigan real quick and this is what I ended up with. I am assuming this must be the laquer yellow, it was much brighter then I thought it looked on the website.

Chambray Shirtdress $118-If this had been 6 inches longer I would have been happy but hello...short enough? It looks longer on the model. Also, the price is a little high but seeing it could be a "go to" dress for years you may want to splurge. For me it was a may be a sale pick...with leggings!

Here it is with leggings.....

I wish I had more to show you but most of what I was on the lookout for was not in the store ;( On the positive side, My purple Jardin skirt shipped Friday so I should have a review soon

Wedding Bells and Crystal rays

Yesterday was the wedding and I am now free from the kitchen...yee haw! Here is what I wore to the event, it was outside in the evening so it cooled down just enough that the cropped sweater never got too hot. I scored this dress for just over $35 during a recent promo at Banana Republic where they were offering 40% off sale items plus at 25% off coupon. I also had some rewards so it ended up being a great deal. It's hard to capture in a picture how cute the smocking on this dress is so you'll have to trust me that it makes it extra special. Oh, and it ended up that the Bridal party all had cropped purple cardigans on so I blended right in.

During the same promo I picked up this clutch for $21.99.......

And here is a close up of the Crystal Rays Necklace that I grabbed during a promo for just $34.99. I feel like such a bargain hunter right now

And here is the Polyvore for the outfit, all the details are accurate.

another wedding by modestlyme featuring a cropped cardigan

Banana Republic long dress, $120
Banana Republic cropped cardigan, $50
Seychelles shoes, $40
Banana Republic beaded clutch, $80
J Crew anchor necklace, $88
Lemon Bars, $22

Have you seen the new Fall Arrivals on the J Crew site? Our store is getting theirs in tomorrow so I should have some dressing room pics for you.

Stuck in the Kitchen

Aren't summers supposed to be laid back? Well, I am still waiting. My eldest, Jonas, is leaving at 5am (ugghh) tomorrow to go rapelling in Utah. I will be a nervous wreck until he is home with all bones and limbs in tact. I also have another friends wedding  next weekend that I am preparing some of the desserts and a few small decorations for. So after church today I was flash freezing cookies, squeezing lemons for lemon bars (my favorite) and making (and freezing) homemade cinnamon rolls for a church event the same day as the wedding. So after all that I was too tired to make dinner.....oh well. Sorry fam.

This is what I wore this morning. I noticed 15 minutes in to church that I had my scarf inside out but you get the picture.

I have been enjoying all the summer sales going on, what about you? I got some great deals at Boden USA, Banana Republic, Talbots and LOFT. Somehow I avoided any J Crew purchases. I think I am just ready for their amazing fall line to come out and take all my extra money.

Here is the Polyvore of today's outfit. Everything is accurate except for the cardigan which is actually from Banana Republic last year.

today by modestlyme featuring a skinny belt

J Crew merino cardigan, $88
Bandolino gold shoes, $79
Post earrings, $24
J Crew embroidered shawl, $50
J Crew skinny belt, $25

Stripes and some Paisley

Happy Monday (if there is such a thing)! I hope you are enjoying your summer so far....I know we are but it never seems to be as calm and relaxing as you think. Did you see J Crew started an extra 30 promo on sale today? I am trying to  be good. I ordered a sale dress from Boden this morning and that has to be it. I admit, the fact the we are receiving 16 hours of new shipment at work that I can't wait to check out tonight is helping.

Here is what I wore to work over the weekend. This dress sold out fast this Spring (I am not sure if it ever was online) but we just got in an opposite version last week (navy with white stripes) that is perfect if you missed the first one.

Cowl neck striped dress-LOFT

belt-LOFT

knit jacket-Banana Republic

Shoes-Mis Moos

And here is what I wore to chirch yeaterday. The lighting made this shirt look a little orange but is more of a red orange and it is soooo light and comfy. The skirt is one of my new favorites as well!

Cotton Silk Camp Shirt- J Crew Factory Stores

Printed Skirt in salt- J Crew Factory Stores

Shoes- Bandolino

I would have posted sooner but my camera "mysteriously" disappeared. I finally found it this morning with about 40 pictures like these.......

Outdoor Friday Wedding Reception

Thanks for all your patience, sweet emails and support while I have been on a blogging break to spend time with my family. Sometimes, you have to let go of things for a while and just get back to basics.

One of my dear friends was married yesterday and she had a simple elegant, casual backyard reception so I grabbed a quick picture before I left....sorry for the crummy lighting.

Ella embellished cardigan-J Crew

Lace embellished tee- Banana Republic

Ackee Pencil Skirt-Anthropologie

Belt-LOFT

Lyons Pump-Banana Republic

No title, just a post

Okay, well this has been a very long, unplanned absense (more like disappearance) on my part. I am going to work on getting back to all your comments this week as well. First off, we had major sickies that ended up with my oldest and youngest having pnuemonia. It was the cold/flu that wouldn't go away, three weeks of being a nurse...no thank-you. Also, as I had briefly mentioned, my husband isn't working right now, and not by choice. So, I switched to working days and took a lead position at the LOFT so I have been working over twice as much as I am used to. I don't know how I used to work full time and take care of the house. Working mom's my hat is off to you....bravo! Between work, school carpooling, baseball, wrestling and that whole making dinner for a family of six thing, I have hardly touched my computer. Oh, and then we all came down with the stomach flu this week within hours of each other. I will spare you the details but I assure you, it will go in my top five of the toughest things I have been through.

Now, I don't want to sound like a complainer I could have found a way to blog but my family needed me and they win. It was nice to be home more in the evenings and I truly love my job. Plus, I took the opportunity to work on my baking skills and we have thoroughly enjoyed eating a multitude of pies, lemon bars and homemade donuts. Things are hopefully going to get back to normal soon since my husband is about to go back to work (phew) and homemade banana pudding topped with meringue is about to go in the oven.

I did try to get some quick OOTD shots during my absense, here you go! 

coralie cami-J Crew

long lean cardigan-LOFT

lolli pants-J Crew

skinny belt-J Crew

wedges- Target

tiered maxi dress-Banana Republic

full needle cardigan-Banana Republic

scarf-Banana Republic

"Purr" wedges-Seychelles

Ackee pencil skirt-Anthropologie

pulling it together sweater-Anthropologie

banter top-Anthropologie

come dancing peep-toe pumps-Seychelles

perfect shirt-J Crew

cotton tiered ruffle skirt-Talbots

pearl hammock necklace-J Crew Factory

shoes-Bandolino

Here is to wishing you all well and I hope to be a little more regular soon....miss ya ;)

a little Sunshine and Peonies

Sorry for the faded picture. My camera battery was out and this was the best the iPhone wanted to before I went to work this morning. Speaking of work, I officially was promoted to Sales Lead today which just means I can act as the Manager when she isn't there. Oh, and I can potentially get yelled at more...just kidding!

My husband isn't working right now so I am working mornings which I really love so I am going to enjoy it while it lasts. Here is what I wore to work today:

cardigan-LOFT

tee-LOFT

belt-LOFT

sunshine peonies pencil skirt-J Crew

Lyons Pump-Banana Republic

Tonight I actually get a little girl time with my friend Kelsey...it feels way overdue! Completely off topic, have you seen Off The Map yet? If you love Greys Anatomy, you'll definitely love this show. It is on tonight at 10

J Crew New Arrivals-dressing room reviews

 Well it is February and I am back and 8 pounds heavier (oops). So lets start this off with my trip to J Crew yesterday.

Forever Cotton Cardigan in smoldering brick ($69.50 item 35751). This is a size Medium and was very comfy and lightweight. Because of the fabric, I would recommend sizing down (which I do later). I liked this cardigan a lot and I liked the way it fell much better then the infinity from the fall/winter.

Vintage Cotton Sunburst Tank in grey ($58.00 item 34085 ). this is a size small, I sized down like I do in most J Crew cotton tanks. This tank lived up to everything I had hoped it would be. The belt makes it hard to see but this tank fits beautifully, I love the detailing and it looks good tucked and untucked. This was a must have for me.

Aurora Tweed Pencil Skirt ($118.00 item 38137). This is my normal size in J Crew skirts, 8 and it fits TTS. I loved this skirt online and in the catalog but I wanted to see it in person. Don't let the word tweed fool you...it is lightweight and shimmery. So gorgeous IRL. The coloring is a red/orange with cream threading. It photographs more orangey but to me it is similar to the nutmeg color in person.

Braided Wrap belt ($52.00 item 39359) Size Small/Medium. This belt is really pretty in person but I could not make it work for the life of me. It did weird bunching things belted over a cardigan and slipped off the waisband when worn under. A no thank-you for me.

Camp Pocket cardigan in smoldering brick ($88.00 item 35750). This is a size medium, my true size and I think it runs a little smaller. I loved this cardigan in the catalog and ended up getting this one over the forever because it was different then my other cardigans. Only dislike was that the bias tape lining like to poke out a little (you can see that in the picture) but that wasn't a huge deal to me.

Scalloped Lace Shell in weathered sage $48.00 item 36952. This is a medium (my true size) I tried it on in a small and it fit but the medium flowed better and was more flattering. Really cute top, easy to wear. Staying on my wishlist for sure!

Horizon Stripe Pencil Skirt ($138.00 item 37986 ): This is my normal size 8 and it fits a little snug. If you go between two sizes in J Crew pencil skirts I would say go with the larger but I wouldn't say you need to actually size up. I liked this skirt better IRL then I thought I would. Don't get me wrong, it was on my wishlist already but in person the quality was better then I expected. The fabric is very thick and crisp (which is good when we are talking about a fitted white skirt) and the detailing was really lovely. I even liked the black waistband.

Here is the forever cardigan in a small (sized down since I wear my long cardigans open at all times)

Striped Drawstring Dress ($69.50 item 34960): ummmm, no thanks. This dress did nothing for me. I feel better about it now that I see it did nothing for the model either. I did like the length of this dress though. This is a medium. I tried on the small also and it fit more like it did on the model so you might want to size down on this one for that look.

 Striped Button Back Tee ($39.50 item 37810). I sized down on this one and it was still away from the body (as designed). I really like this tee. It is cut a little boxy but it drapes well so I don't think it adds a bulking effect.

While I was there I ordered the much coveted No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Citron that is on the website but won't add into a shopping cart for some reason. Ladies, this skirt is in stock it appears to just be a glitch so you can order it over the phone .

What are your thoughts on J Crew's Spring line so far? Any must haves or already gottens??

would LOVE your opinions

We are going to do another family photo shoot with Tara at AlaMODE and this time I thought we'd go for color. Which dress are you liking best? I may do a little more tweaking but wanted to pop in for some feedback! Oh, and the absence of shoes is strategic ;)

Help Please by modestlyme featuring cocktail party dresses

Christmas, Court, Goals and a New Year

So sorry to go MIA on you all and make you worry! We had family in town and I was working a lot up to Christmas. Then my husband was in the ER on Christmas evening and was out of commission for several days. Luckily my work was great and got my shifts covered for me. He is on the mend now. Ended up being a staph infection that got into his ears...not fun. He had to go in every day for fluids and antibiotics via IV until he finally got into a specialist who realized it was staph and the antibiotics were all wrong. 2 days later and he was human again but our medicine cabinet is like a pharmacy now. My respect  goes out to single moms, I could barely handle a week of feeling like one.

But it wasn't all bad crazies around here, beside the trip to the emergency room, Christmas was wonderful and we finally had our court date at the tail end of all this and it is official, Christopher ("CJ") is officially one of the family!

After 2 1/2 years, three social workers, an adoption worker, classes and a bundle of paperwork we were in chambers for 2 minutes with the judge and it was done! We are so happy to have all the red tape behind us and to just be a normal (but still crazy) family!

For those of you looking to adopt or who are considering fostering with the possibility of adopting, it was well worth it and wasn't too bad. It was just so long in our case because Christopher was actually placed with us once as a foster child and then was sent back home (much to the suprise of everyone). Then the mother kept asking us to come take him so it went back in forth for over four months until we were finally able to get CPS to put him back in the system so she couldn't keep abandoning him for weeks and then taking him back when she was having a good day.

We worked with a private foster agency (which I highly recommend) called Angels Foster Family Network and they were there every step of the way with all of our foster kids, not just CJ. Anyways, on to the adoption day outfit details for those who are curious....

Finally by modestlyme featuring pencil skirts

Women's shirts & tops - camis - Coralie cami - J.Crew, $40

Stretch double-serge pencil skirt - J.Crew, $35

Julienne suede heels - burnt sienna, $198

Women - accessories - Mongolian lamb stole - J.Crew, $148

Banana Republic: Leather woven belt, $50

 I did change out the shoes because of the rain. And here is my rocking New Years eve get up with the family. If you have kids 7 and up, I highly recommend Qwirkle-it is a blast!

Our New Years Eve by modestlyme featuring chinos pants

J Crew Facotry San Remo Cardigan, heather grey $40, $70
J.Crew Paillette panel silk-chiffon top, $150
Women's size 00 - pants - Waverly chino - J.Crew, $70
Seychelles Women's Come Dancing Peep-Toe Pump, $49
Tano 4650, $198
Amazon.com: Qwirkle Board Game: Toys & Games, $25
Amazon.com: The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Nicolas Cage, Monica Bellucci,..., $15
Amazon.com: Shrek Forever After (Single-Disc Edition): Mike Myers,..., $14
Jessica_Alba | Haircuts, Hair Styles & Pictures of Celebrity...
Flavoured Popcorn - Salted Popcorn, Butter Popcorn, Tomato Popcorn and...
M&M's Milk Chocolate Theater Size Candy

Now for the New Years resolutions.  We got the Wii Fit for Christmas so with that and some serious junk food restraint I am hoping to lose 10 pounds. I am actually less concerned with the pounds then I am with the tummy flab and muffin top....those just need to go. So far it is going well on the scale and the Super Hula Hoop is giving this out of shape momma a run for her money ;)

My toughest goal is to stop shopping for a while...my goal is nothing for a month and then reintroducing it with a strict budget. This is hard to do period but when you blog about fashion, read others fashion blogs AND work in retail it becomes nearly impossible. First move was I gave my notice at work. That didn't go so well because they counter offered with great schedule flexibility. So I am just cutting back for now and seeing how that goes. I LOVE working at the LOFT (and all my co workers) so it wasn't too hard to twist my arm not to quit. Second, I am going to be taking a blogging break for the rest of January. I may still pop in a few times but I will be reading less of your blog posts. You are all just too darn cute and make me want to go buy whatever you have. So basically, this is my "shopping detox", wish me luck!!

Do you have any set goals this year?