Accidentally Patriotic (not that I wouldn't be on purpose)

This Sunday I broker out my No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Porcelain Paisley and decided to keep it simple with red accents. I must have been subconsciously inspired for the Memorial Day weekend as I received many patriotic compliments. I have so much love for this skirt and I can't wait to discover new ways to style it.

Here is the Polyvore for this outfit, all of the items  (except the shirt) are current. I was able to get the red Valentinas in store on sale during an additional percentage off promo for $90.99 so it is worth checking out the sale section in your retail store.

unintentionally patriotic by modestly-styled featuring cotton shirts

J Crew cotton shirt, $60
J Crew long pencil skirt, $158
J.Crew mid heels, $228
J Crew belt, $20

And here is how I spent my Memorial Day. Sigh. I love living in San Diego......

Did you do anything special for your three day weekend?

Some days, easy and simple is best. When J Crew has the extra 30% off sale items (like right now with the LOVEIT promo), I usually grab the opportunity to stock up on basics like the Vintage Cotton Scoopneck Tee at a great price. As a mom of four boys some days quick and comfortable rule but that doesn't mean I resort to sweats and a baggy tee. Here are some recent basic OOTD's without a lot of fuss and muss.

This is what I wore for Kindergarten screening and errands. Light, airy, and quick. Plus, easy change bonus points. Get home, take off the bottom half.... throw on my lounge pants and uggs and I am set for the evening at home!

Jardin Skirt in Poppy-J Crew

Vintage Cotton Scoopneck Tee-J Crew

Tara Espadrille Sandal- Banana Republic

Braided Belt- J Crew

I had to run to a few quick appointments so this outfit fit the bill. They  had these two pieces paired together on the J Crew website so a mental note had been that came in handy as I was running behind. I wish I had captured the colors better but the rich violet and casablanca blue really popped leaving little need for accessories (which I always appreciate). I added my frog-clasp bracelet because, well.....I love it and the whimsy it brings.... 

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Casablanca Blue -J Crew

Vintage Scoopneck Tee- J Crew

Frog-clasp bracelet-J Crew

Tara Espadrille Sandal- Banana Republic

Here is a closer look at the frog-clasp bracelet which had been a Birthday present to myself back in March. It was supposed to be the blue/teal colorway but the wrong one arrived. It ended up being a happy mistake because I get a lot more wear out of this one.

and here are the Polyvore sets for these outfits with links to the items:

on the go day by modestly-styled featuring scoop neck tops

Simple by modestly-styled featuring a pencil skirt

Abstract Lattice

My Abstract Lattice pencil skirt is definitely one of my all time favorite classic J Crew pieces, luckily I was able to get a smaller size at a great price on eBay. Funny part is, when I bid on it I was on my iPhone so the picture was small. When I went to leave feedback I realized they used a picture of me wearing the skirt from this blog. So, I guess I sold myself a skirt.

Chambray Shirt- J Crew Facory Store

Abstract Lattice Pencil Skirt-J Crew

Necklace-J Crew

Tara Espadrille Sandals- Banana Republic

J Crew Seychelle Maxi Dress love

After seeing this post on Slastena's amazing blog, About All and Nothing At All , I decided to wear one of my favorite dresses that I haven't seen a lot of buzz about online (although I have no idea why). This was a retail only maxi dress and the minute I saw it, I had to try it on which quickly turned into taking it home. It is unlike any recent maxi dresses that J Crew has released and I love how it is so light, breezy and boho-chic for summer. This is a size 6 and it runs TTS with adjustable straps that button in the back.

I am wearing them with the Olympia Suede Wedges that are showing as $149.99 online but were marked down to $59.99 in stores. Crazy pricing discrepancy. I really didn't like the look of these until I put them on my feet and that changed everything. I had to size up a half size in these.

Seychelle Maxi Dress in Foulard Print- J Crew (in store only dress) pant version here

Jean Jacket-very old GAP

Oval heirloom locket necklace- J Crew

Olympia Suede Wedges - J Crew

Braided Belt -J Crew

 Here is a close up of the foulard print:

And here is what I wore yesterday. I didn't get an IRL picture because I was so exhausted by the time I got home with all the kids from church that I just threw on sweats and curled up on the couch. I am on the mend now though.....yippee!!

OOTD 5-20 by modestly-styled featuring a short sleeve dress

Director Dress-J Crew

Valentina Printed Patent Pumps -J Crew

Prism Necklace- J Crew

Stone Foldover Clutch- Banana Republic

Happy Saturday! I have been battling a rotten sinus infection for two weeks now. I was on antibiotics but started getting worse. I was quite assertive with the fact that I have four kids to take care of and I can't keep functioning at 40%. They prescribed a new antibiotic that, according to the printout, is used for treating certain types of bacteria and for Anthrax. So, I guess I will be better soon and if you have any suspicious mail, I can handle it for you!
My sick uniform is pretty much what I wore today. Maxi + knits+ flats. Then I can run errands without looking as bad as I feel (hopefully) and then transition to laying on the couch/bed until I have to get up and do something else.Today it was my Amie Maxi dress (size XS, I sized down one size) that my awesome PS kept pushing at me. I don't usually wear strapless so I never bothered to try it on. Once it went on sale I finally agreed to give it a shot and the way it is structured works for me and I found that I actually end up wearing it a lot.

Amie Striped Maxi Dress-J Crew (in store color)

Knit Blazer (old)- Banana Republic

Jeweled Elephant Pendant Necklace-J Crew

Abby Ballet Flats- Banana Republic (this color no longer online)

This necklace is really growing on me but the chain does like to twist (see pic) 

Do you have any items in your closet that you didn't think you'd like but now can't live without?

The Casbah's Return

I was a huge fan of the Casbah print when J Crew released in 2011. I grabbed the scarf and the iPhone cover but always wished I had more. Luckily, the Factory store decided to make a few items in this print and as soon as I saw the pencil skirt, I knew it would be mine. So here we are, together at last:

Here is the Polyvore of today's OOTD with all of the details except my cardigan is actually from the LOFT from a year or so ago

More Casbah by modestly-styled featuring knit tops

J Crew knit top, $60
J Crew knit top, $30
J Crew pencil skirt, $75
J.Crew wedge sandals, $150

Today is his Birthday....na, na, na, na, na, na

My mini-Cooper turned FIVE today. Wow, it never ceases to amaze me how fast it really goes. Cooper is my sweet boy, I like to say he is the one that keeps me sane enough to handle all the others.

So today is dedicated to strawberry crepes, hot dogs & watermelon, pizza and homemade ice cream cake. All his request of course. Gourmet to a now five year old. And, to top it all off, he now gets to chew gum. I see a future of finding chewed up gum in carpets, under tables and anywhere else imaginable but he is worth it!

With all the running around, I tried to get an OOTD shot IRL but a five year old and an iPhone camera created some laughable shots and since we will being running around once I get the older ones, I figured a Polyvore set was the best I could do!

Todays OOTD-Cooper turns 5 by modestly-styled featuring a locket necklace

J Crew striped shirt, $25
J Crew long silk skirt, $118
Banana republic shoes, $89
Banana Republic genuine leather handbag, $98
J Crew locket necklace, $50

J Crew New Arrivals May/June 2012 Fitting Room Reviews

Sooo.... before I start let me explain a little. At some point I realized this was the last school year that my youngest two boys would still be home so I had some refocusing and downsizing to do on my time and how I was spending it. So the blog was one of things put aside. Additionally, I changed my email and was not aware that people were leaving comments on my accidental and sporadic Polyvore posts. So if you emailed, posted a comment, etc and were ignored by me....I am truly sorry. To make up my long absence I thought I'd start with a dressing room post ;)

Jardin Maxi Skirt (Size 4) $118: I consider(ed) myself a true 6 now but they were out of 6's so I tried on a 4 and it fit well. If you can wear two J Crew sizes, Id go with your smaller on this. I really loved this beautiful mint color and the feel and cut of the skirt is the same as my other Jardin's in the shorter length. This fabric was still poofy but it fell nicely so it didn't add bulk and the length was great. I am about 5'9" and it was still long enough to not look off. Overall opinion, super cute I just didn't love it enough at that price so I will wait for a sale.

Keeper Chambray (Size 4) $78. I don't know why I never bring this shirt home with me. I really do love it but I am not sure if I should do a 4 or a 6. One day this shirt will be mine, it goes with everything.

 Silk Bow Cami in Stripe (Size 6) $98. I thought that I'd fall in love with this top but I really didn't. It was just okay. It didn't feel or look stripe although the solid version in brilliant purple looked stunning IRL, I just didn't try it on. It fit TTS if not a little small. It wasn't very flowy and untucked it was boxy. I may reconsider during a sale but probably not.

Featherweight Cotton Cardigan (Size Small) $65 Looks like this color may be in-store only. Really nice lightweight. If you wear your cardigans open you may want to size down, if you wear them closed I would say its TTS. I didn't fall in love with this style but I would probably get one or two for the summer.

Number 2 Pencil Skirt in Neon Tweed (Size 6) $128 (on sale online for $98) I love the colors of this skirt, it is neon without the flashing signs. A more subtle foray into the neon trend. This shape did nothing for me and the 6 felt a little tight (or maybe my PS had grabbed a smaller size....wishful thinking). I really like the newer tweed skirts fit better (later in this post)

 Ella Dress in Porcelain Paisley (Size 6)  $298. I don't wear strapless dresses very often but if you do, check this one out. It really is beautiful and very well constructed plus it has pockets. I love this porcelain print, it reminds me of antique china, and the fabric they have it on is almost quilted up close while still being lightweight. Very comfortable and easy to move in.

 Midsummer Maxi Dress in Raj Paisley (Size 6) $198 I have had my eye on this dress for sometime and was so excited to try it on. It impressed and disappointed me all at once. I really loved the print and the fit but it was a little short-not deal breaker short, but I wish it had a few more inches. The real disappointing part was the fabric at that price point. It is a very light cotton yet it was priced $10 higher then the Director Dress (reviewed below) which was a much higher quality.

 Minnie Pants in Stretch Twill (Size 4)  $89.50. I love the deep orchid color! They were a little short on me, I'll have to order the tall online eventually.

Sailor Boatneck Tee (Size Small) $45  This top reminded me of the vintage bateau top from a few years ago that I loved. Highly recommend! Runs TTS, not like some of the other J Crew knits

 Director Dress in bi-stretch wool (Size 4) $188. I have been drooling over this dress online and in the blogging world. First I am a HUGE fan of the bright dahlia color and second, a dress with real short sleeves is hard to find. Since I don't wear sleeveless this is much appreciated in the summers so I don't have to layer! I was so ecstatic to find this in store but they didn't have my size so I tried the 4 and it fit perfect...yay! It is not a heavy wool and it is very stretchy and well made. This dress is worth the price point (although it would always be nicer if it were lower)

 No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Caribbean Tweed (Size 6) $128. I liked everything about the skirt. The cut was very flattering (especially for tweed) and the greens are really soft and summery. I felt this one fit very TTS.

Camp Popover In Stripe (Size 4) $69.50 I don't usually go with popovers but I really liked this one. Very lightweight  but it ran a little large, This is a 4 and it fit perfectly with plenty of room to blouse.

 Drapey Elbow-Sleeve Tee in Stripe (size small) $39.50 I loved this color combo, we haven't seen this one and it's fresh and perfect for summer. It is shorter in length then a lot of their knits.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double Serge Cotton (Size 6) $89.50. On these skirts wear a 6 if I want to keep it looser, a 4 if I plan on belting. The succulent green in pretty enough but I prefer the warm jade...it's a little bolder and brighter'

Elephant Pendant $68

 No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Porcelain Paisley (Size 4) $158- Again they were already sold out of the size 6 but the four fit perfectly. The fabric is the same as the dress and is so stretchy and comfortable. When I put on this skirt I did not want to take it back off.....I loved it that much. I do want to note that the pattern is not lined up perfectly on the sides (see shot below) which I wish J Crew would try harder to do more consistently but it wasn't too far off.

 Workwear Shirtdress (Size 6) $118. I knew this would be too short for me but my PS had put it in the room so I decided to try it on for blog purposes. The 6 was a little baggy but the 4 would have been wayyy too short.

and here it is belted......the boys are really ready to go at this point.

And lastly, here was today's OOTD:

Eden Cardigan- J Crew

Vintage Cotton Tank- J Crew

Crinkle Chiffon Skirt- J Crew

Tortoise Belt- J Crew

Mona Suede Pumps- J Crew

Frog Clasp Bracelet- J Crew