Hello, hello

Hope everyone had a wonderful (and well-deserved) three day weekend. I am not quite ready to admit that we are back in the work week even though it is almost over. I have some J Crew items arriving today so I will do a quick review on those later. I have to figure out a new strategy for my daily photos. With my regular "photographer" being gone from 5:40 am to 5:15pm it gets tricky. Maybe it is time to figure out how to use the self timer.

Her is an outfit I wore the other night to work. It was a little better IRL IMO (enough acronyms for you?).

 

Palmera Tank-J Crew

Cardigan-LOFT

lean boyfriend jeans-LOFT

Juliette Pumps-J Crew

No, that is not the double woven cardigan again....you are imagining things (wink). I love the new metallic jaquard tie front cami it is so cute and easy to wear. This Saturday, LOFT is having one of it's Style It events which are always a blast! It usually involves snacks and treats and a good deal........what more can a girl ask for espesially if shopping with kids?

Metallic Jaquard Tie-Front Cami-LOFT

Woven Bow Cardigan-LOFT

Modern Slim Jeans-LOFT

Shoes-Bandolino

p.s. I will also try to get my new LOFT picks together for you before the styling event.........

$5 BLOG SALE sweaters, cardigans & jackets

LOFT V-Neck green cardigan, Size Medium SOLD

LOFT dolman sleeve navy blue cardigan, Size Medium SOLD

Anthropologie Eyelet Swing Coat by Elevenses-Size 6 SOLD

Mossimo purple cardigan, Size Small SOLD

Merona Yellow Swing Cardigan, Size Small SOLD

Down East Basics Swing Bubble Hem Coat, Size Small SOLD

RXB Embroidered Cardigan, Size Medium

Old Navy Green Button Sweater, Size Medium SOLD

Moda Int. (Victoria Secret brand) navy striped cardigan w/removal fower pin, Size Medium runs small SOLD

ELLE printed cardigan, Size Small SOLD

J Crew Navy Chiffon Pleated Sweater-Size Medium SOLD

Axcess (by Liz Claiborne) fitted  Jean Jacket-Size  Small SOLD

GAP lightweight Swing Coat-size is cutout but I am guessing Medium but it could fit a Large

GAP velvety swingcoat in charcoal gray, Size 6 SOLD

Merona teal ladycoat, Size Small SOLD

Sonoma's (fiona look a like ) Jacket, Size Medium SOLD

DownEast Basics Sweatshirt Jacket w/ hood in cream, Size Medium SOLD

LOFT buy one get one 50% off sale picks

LOFT just launched a buy one get a second one 50% off sale on all tops and sweaters (regular priced only) . I closed last night and woke up to find out about the sale in an email. That is how secret they keep upcoming sales from the associates. Also, the LOFT savings card promo is still going on so you can earn $25 LOFT cash for every $50 you spend (this does work with promo items since they aren't considered "on sale").

Good thing is, the tops and sweaters just happen to be what I am loving most with the new rollout! Just thought I'd share a few favorites with you. I know in our store, some of these pieces just came in yesterday and may not be on the floor. Remember you can always ask if they are in the back, I sell from the back all the time.

Tipped Corsage Striped Sweater- I LOVE the way this looks on. I was able to size down one to a small. It was fitted (not too tight) but I am sure my true size (medium) would be okay as well.

 

 Long Sleeve Stripe V-Neck Cardigan- I found this to be pretty TTS. A medium will fit a little looser and  a small will be closer to my sides to keep it looking more fitted when unbuttoned.

Multi-tiered Shell-Autumn Spots (again with the names)-I put this one here because it is everywhere on the website. Take this top for what it is, a fun layering piece that will go with a lot of things (I love it with the cardigan above). Personally, I loathe the fabric they chose for this top. It is 100% polyster and it reminds me of J Crew's cotton lawn but even thinner and a little stiff. You really have to size down on this one and the fit is really cute once you do. It is in my hold pile because of the adorableness and versatility but the poor fabric quality is what is holding me back. That is just my opinion. p.s. I am not normally a fabric snob.

V Neck Cardigan-hands down, these are my favorite basic long cardigans. The fit is perfect and the length, for me, is just right. I prefer the fit of  these to my J Crew long cardigans and you won't hear me say that about too many things! IRL pics here and here

Tipped belted cardigan-warning, the sleeves are very tight in this cardigan so if you have larger arms it may not work out for you. I love this cardigan, the piping adds a great touch. It does run smaller then most. Mine is a medium. IRL photo here.

Long Sleeve V Neck Sequin Pocket Cardigan- I am always a sucker for a pea green cardigan, I blame Kurt Cobain for looking so good in one and the image was permanently engrained in my teenage brain. I found this cardigan to be more TTS then the others. A medium worked perfectly, I didn't bother trying on the small.

Flutter Trim Blouson Top-this top is so much cuter IRL. Almost every client I have asked to try it on has taken it home. It is really cute with just a simple pair of jeans and it is light and comfortable.

Pleated Fan Front Mosaic Top- I have no idea why they ironed the pleats this way for the web photos...it looks like those mushrooms that grow like like shelves on trees. They look much better (IMO) pressed flat like you should see in the stores. This top looks amazing under a black blazer, itt is such a great graphic print. I would recommend sizing down one. And as a side note for you online shoppers, this is a silk blend but it is primarily cotton and looks that way. Still adorable but again, I just don't want you to be suprised!

Short Sleeve Cardigan-this is a nice lighter layering piece. I love the latte beige if you can still find some. It does have a slight dolman cut so you definitely want to size down one.

Ruffle Bib Cami-this may just be my favorite LOFT top I own. Size down one and grab it if you can still find one. I know in our stores we are out of every size under a Medium. I just love this cami, so fun and easy to dress up and down. I know one of you had asked about the trim and I can't remember if I answered but it it is a black chiffon that is finished to avoid fraying (yay, I am over the unfinished chiffon that eventually shreds). IRL photo here

3/4 Sleeve Tipped Bow Cardigan- I haven't tried this one on yet but it is my favorite of all the new embellished cardi's. The bow has dark stitching so if you are shopping online make sure to zoom in on it so you aren't suprised when it arrives!

Gotta Love Some Contrast

Yesterday I finished the clothing part of back to school for the kiddos. I have very fashion conscious boys (especially Chase) which my husband blames me for. Since he hates shopping and clothes are just a necessity to him, I'd have to agree they take after me!

Afterwards, I had to run by the highschool to drop off some paperwork for Jonas' cross country and it was the first time I had been back on campus at my old highschool since I graduated. I have to admit it was pretty nostalgic. Have I ever mentioned that we ended up buying a house seven years ago that is just a mile from where I grew up? My parents don't still live here but it has been really cool to see my kids at the same elementary, middle, and now high schools that I went to. The walk around Poway High was by far the one that brought back the most memories (go Titans). 

Here is what I wore:

ruffle bib cami-LOFT

tipped belted cardigan-LOFT

Lived-in wash relaxed BF jeans-LOFT

Why I *heart* Polyvore

There are so many great reasons to love Polyvore but mine are simple. I can put outfits together without pulling my closet apart or even waiting for the item to arrive. Whenever I get something new or place an order, I try to make a couple of sets so I have ideas on how I am going to wear it. This helps make it versatile AND keeps it from being tucked back in my closet and forgotten about before I figure out how to wear it. And let's not forget all the great ideas and inspiration you can find!

And sometimes, while making one outfit I end up making something completely different that I never would have thought of and loving it. Like today's OOTD:

Grograin Ribbon and Flower tee, cardigan, belt: LOFT

unagi tweed pencil skirt-J Crew

Shoes-Mootsies Tootsies

Here are some Polyvore's I made using four new items (vintage yellow cardi, grograin and flower tee, sequin tissue tank and the piped and twisted cardigan)

Sunshine and Sequins by modestlyme featuring J Crew

another day by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Dreaming by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Relaxed by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Simply Neapolitan by modestlyme featuring J Crew

One of those funk things....

I am sure that I am not the only woman out there that occassionally suffers from what I like to call "funkiness". That was where I was last week. I thought I escaped it this weekend but sure enough it was here again today. So that is why I was so rude to ask all of your opinions on a dress and then not even say thanks. You all had a lot of great points and advice. 90% of you will be glad to know the dress did go back and guess what, I still haven't broken my shopping ban!

This morning Cooper had his three-ish year-old  doctor appointment. Can you believe he is the average size of a five year, three month old? Between the Dr appt, a church meeting and football camp flats were necessary even though they were not my favorite choice for this outfit.

 Coral Jackie Cardigan- J Crew

Safari Tee-J Crew

Abstract Lattice Pencil Skirt- J Crew

Shoes-Rocket Dog

Suprisingly enough, here are some pics of the day that threw me in the funk. One of my friends from church called me last Monday night and begged me to to do a four hour shift at the beach the next day to hold the fire ring for a youth event. Of course I said yes but four boys at the beach by myself is not my idea of fun. I worry way too much and with two toddlers it is hard to keep an eagle eye on the other two when they are in the water so I get a little (okay a LOT) nuerotic. Throw in Chase (he's just 6) disappearing  for 10 minutes and bring on the funkalicious mental break down.

A Motivationally Challenged Mean Mom

Yesterday was a cleaning day followed by a late afternoon appointment. Uncle Jef came over to wear out hang with the boys while we were gone and they had a blast but BOY am I paying for it today. I have tired, cranky, whiny toddlers and a six year-old who told me how mean I am because (get this) I made him take a shower AND go to school this morning. Really, they should lock me up for that type of cruelty.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love me an embellished tee? Yesterday's outfit was really a no brainer. This tee (on sale for $19.99) will look great with a white blazer or white jeans but yesterday I just went uber simple, lazy, motivationally challenged...whatever you prefer!

Cardigan-Ann Taylor during cashmere 50%  + extra 30% off promo

Hand-cut Flower Art Tee-J Crew

Skiiny Jeans-Banana Republic