Ahead yet still behind

I managed to take some OOTD photos last week (just didn't find time to post them). I am trying to get ahead this year for Christmas....so far so good but everytime I think I am in good shape I think of other things. So far I have all the Christmas cards ready to mail next month, all the big presents and everything I need for the packaging of my homemade goodies. Yet somehow I know I will end up rushing around like a mad woman at the last minute. I keep trying to remind myself of the true meaning of Christmas so I can keep it all in perspective.

Oh yeah.....and there is Thanksgiving to host still.....oops. Well here is some of what I wore last week:

long lean cardigan-LOFT

buds and bunches tank-Anthropologie

Denim Pencil Skirt-J Crew

Come Dancing shoes by Seychelle

necklace-Banana Republic

cardigan-J Crew

Long Sleeve Tee-LOFT

Pencil Skirt-J Crew

Belt-LOFT

Come Dancing shoes-Seychelles

Terra Paisley Shift Dress- J Crew

Bling Cardigan-J Crew

Shelley Pumps-Bandolino

Skinny Belt-J Crew

Perfect Shirt-J Crew

Maya Cardigan (factory version)-J Crew

Long & Lean Jeans-GAP

shoes-super old

No title today...so there!

Hope you all had great weekends! Saturday was a mad house here with my hubby gone but guess who he sat next to on the plane....Brody Jenner. He didn't ask him about LC but they had lots of "guy talk".

Here is what I wore in the morning for a meeting with the Temple President last week

Pilar Paisley Cami-J Crew

Burnished Olive Jackie-J Crew

Spicy Olive belt-J Crew

Pencil Skirt-Apt 9 for Kohls

Shoes-Bandolino

 Later in the day I changed it around for running errands. I completely copied this look from shopwithm's Polyvore here

Paisley Pilar Cami-J Crew

Velvet Eden Blazer-J Crew Factory

Long & Lean Jeans-GAP

Merona Myka Suede Wedge-Target

And here is what I wore to Jonas' cross country meet....soooo not a spectator sport. If you watched last weeks episode of The Middle -you get it :)

Lester's Hat Tee-J Crew

Maya Cardigan-J Crew

Cardgo Pants-LOFT

I finally caved on J Crew's Factory Store online. I called my crewlet and they didn't have these and I had always been sad I had missed out on this tee the first time around. A gal was in my store last week with one on and I loved it so when it showed up online, I was a sucker and paid too much for a tee.

p.s. for all those of you who got some goodies at the blog sale, they are on their way ;)

Okay, I am here now

It is time to officially come out of hiding now but I am okay with that. I have realized that I really love my job because I missed it *gasp*. This Saturday Jonas and I went to the outlets for his back to school shopping, it is amazing how the older they get the less far your money goes for their clothes and shoes...ugghh. He did find some great stuff and there were a lot of good deals so I can't complain too much.

maya cardigan-J Crew Factory Store

Cami-Banana Republic

Linene Pencil Skirt-J Crew

Shoes-?

We did stop by the crewlet and they were having some great specials. It was 40% off jewelry, belts and clearanced items. I had been wanting the twisted hammock necklace for a long time now and although I am sure the crelwt version is different it was good enough for me. Not to mention it ended up being just $29.70 after the discount (versus $98 in regular stores). I have also wanted the vintage cord pencil skirt for ages and I was able to bring that home for just $39.50. My biggest score was the boyfriend sweatshirt for just $17.98. I could have done a lot more damage, the jackies were 25% off and the forever cardigans were 30% off but I had to watch it since it was Jonas' shopping day not mine.

crewlet 8.14 by modestlyme featuring J Crew

J.Crew - Jaspé boyfriend sweatshirt, $50

J.Crew Vintage cord pencil skirt, graphite, $60

Women's jewelry - necklaces - Pearl-and-crystal symphony necklace -..., $135

Pearl twisted hammock necklace - J.Crew, $98

Women's accessories - belts - Leopard patent belt - J.Crew, $40

At lastly, here is what I wore today to church. It looked much better IRL, I am going to get a lot of wear out of this skirt, it is so comfy. I may have to get the deep plum color that they had as well. If any of you need it, the J Crew Factory store style number was GY6529. It is $49.50 but was on special for $10 off.  The belt was just $17.70 (with the 40% off promo).

cardigan-LOFT

coraline cami-J Crew

belt- J Crew Factory Store

Vintage cord pencil skirt-J Crew Factory Store

Shoes-Mootsies Tootsies

Feeling not so "Imperial"

Okay, first off let me explain about my whirlwind of a day yesterday. I was on a super tight schedule. Drop off Jonas at Cross Country by 8, pick him up at 9 drop off some of the other boys on his team....head straight to the outlet 40 minutes away, head directly to a pool party at 11 and then be back at the house to meet the social worker at 12:15...phew.

Trying to get showered, have everyone ready with floaties, sunscreen and swim diapers (for some) by 8 am was craziness but then after we dropped of the Jonas at cross country I took the other three boys to Starbucks and my ATM card was declined....what???? So, I immediatly went into panic mode which was only slightened lessened by the sweet people at Starbucks who let me have the drinks AND goodies we ordered for free (bless them, I need my hot cocoa).  I ran home to see what was going on and my mortgage which was scheduled to be taken out on the 13th was somehow taken out on the 2nd.....yikes! I had to go into serious scramble mode and come up with a solution and then head to the bank after Jonas' cross country practice. I had quite a few of you waiting for my "maya" review and I didn't want to let anyone down (or incur overdraft fees) so I dragged all four boys with me and headed to the outlet which ended up being right at the Mexican border ( I could literally see the border wall right across from where I parked). But we got there alive and the crewlet maya's were all still there being held for me.

By now I was seriously flustered. Chase was mad because we drove all that way for a "stinkin' sweater" and in my haste I had forgotten the stroller. I tried on the Maya and two tees and ignored everything else since I only had the cash on me to spend because of the bank craziness. I tried on the yellow Maya and the two tees, loved them and I did not notice anything different about the crewlet version. I emailed the ones that had requested a quick review, ran to the party and then posted the quick review and picture while waiting for the social worker to get out of her car and get to the door.

When I read Francesca's comment with her thoughts about the cardigan I realized I may have seriously let some of you down. I personally am happy with my crewlet version. The original amber yellow Maya has not been on eBay in my size for the past four months I have been searching and I like that it is cotton versus the Meriono wool. However, in my haste I didn't even notice that the gathering was much less on the crewlet version, especially since I was sizing down for the color I wanted. So, I am sorry if my review wasn't thorough enough and I hope you will all forgive me!

So here is the now infamous cardigan IRL. This is also the outlet version of the Imperial Tee which I had been wanting but had missed out on. You can still get them on eBay but the size of the jewels had bothered me on the original, the outlet versions are much smaller so it was a no-brainer.

Canterbury Bells Pencil Skirt-J Crew

Yellow "maya" cardigan-J Crew outlet

Imperial tee-J Crew outlet

shoes-Rocket Dog

Crewlet Maya Cardigans

Okay this is a quick, quick post until I can do more later about my mad trip to the J Crew Outlet. They had four colors of the 100% cotton Maya's (retail version was Merino) and I snapped a quick picture with my phone.  The style number is 29128 and it was $59.50 minus 25%= $44.63. It seemed exactly like the retail version and the cotton is very nice and honestly, I couldn't tell the difference.

Let the Shopping Begin....okay, continue.......

The Friends & Family Sale has begun my friends! Last night for the preview sale (cardholder exclusive) I wore one of my favorite dresses, honestly this dress is amazingly comfortable and easy to wear. The cardigan I am wearing here is a medium while my yellow one is a small. I like the fit of both...go figure! Have you stared shopping the sale?

 cardigan, belt, dress-LOFT

shoes-Mootsies Tootsies

I know a few of you have asked about my Maya Cardigan's when I wear them. I got a great tip from my Polyvore friend MIW-Make it Work that they are in the Crewlets now. So, I called my crewlet and sure enough there is a cotton version in the crewlet in a mustardy yellow, charcoal gray, purple, and light pink. At my crewlet they only had two yellows left so I had her hold it (and one of every color) so I can go look at them tomorrow....YEAH! I have been looking for a yellow Maya forever! I will be sure to take my camera along with me tomorrow.

Some J Crew sale reviews & ways to wear them

Here are some reviews on some of the newer sale items and some ways to wear them.

Oak Tweed Pencil Skirt ($59.99 on sale )-this reminds me of my parents couch when I was a toddler but I love it anyways! The skirt sold out quickly online once it was marked down but I am sure it will start showing up on eBay and popbacks soon. It fits true to size and is the new shorter 21" length. I have it on here with the papaya silk tiered cami and an older J Crew corsage cardigan (my hair is blocking the flowers). Cooper was dancing for the photo...

Here it is again with the Perfect Fit Tee Slim Scoopneck Tee ($12.99 on sale) and the maya cardigan (still can find on ebay) in Sweet Guava. I grabbed this tee in my TS and it fit, well, perfect.

And here it is again with the Sand Dune Jackie ($39.99 on sale) and the ivory chiffon tiered tank ($29.99 on sale) . I sized down on the tank and it fit perfectly. I love that there is some weight to this tank, unlike the tissue tanks, but this baby is long. Much longer then on the model (more pictures later).

Now we will move onto the ink blossom pencil skirt ($59.99 on sale) paired casually with the Perfect-fit slim scoopneck tee again. I found the skirt TTS and I really love the print. It is easy to wear casually and doesn't need a lot to stand out!

Excuse the fact that I look like a scary doll here. This is my attempt to dress up the skirt a little with the silk frances cami in orchid shadow (on sale for $69.50) and the San Remo Cardigan (older but you can still find it on eBay). I obviously have not pressed the cami yet but you get the idea. I would also switch out the shoes but this was just for playing dress up.

Again, here it is with the metallic Jaspe Sequined Slouchy Sweatshirt. Not so sure about this one but it may grow on me!

And here is what I wore yesterday. The sand dune jackie, the ivory chiffon tiered cami (see how long it is) , the pearl and silk wrapped necklace in natural (check your stores for this color, the urban grey is still online $19.99) and the vintage matchstick jeans  in the vintage dark distress wash (some sizes still left for $49.99).

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!

Ribbons & loose thread

Here we are at Friday again! I am headed for a packed next 7 days. Between finishing up at Macy's and starting at the Loft I will be working every day but Monday. So  I am going to look at it this simply....more hours = more employee discount shopping......see, now it sounds so much better.

Here is what I wore yesterday before work. I had another Social Worker visit and then ran out for some errands. For those of you eyeing the necklace, I grabbed it at Banana Republic this week. It is not online but may be in stores....it is a beauty. And yes, I did cut that wild thread before I left the house. 

shirt-Banana Republic

tank-J Crew

Jeans-Banana Republic

necklace-Banana Republic

Here is what I am wearing today inspired by this polyvore set . I ended up throwing my hair into a loose, messy ponytail because it went with the feel of the outfit better.  I am picking up Chase early from school as a special treat to take him out for lunch and a little shopping. Before you go thinking I am a bad mommy, it is an early release day so all he is missing is lunch and recess. Speaking of shopping, I decided I needed to have the neapolitan pencil skirt and I went to grab it and WHAT? They only have size 14 left so I called CS and they are doing a storewide search for me.....wish me luck! Have you ever done the storewide search? If so, how did it work out?

Ribbon Front Blouse-J Crew

Maya Cardigan-J Crew

Vintage Matchstick Jeans-J Crew

Juliet Heels-J Crew

Dreaming of an Abstact Lattice Pencil Skirt...........

I was finally able to find an abstract lattice pencil skirt on eBay and I won it...whoop whoop! While I am waiting for it to arrive, I have been dreaming of outfit combinations.....

A little Papaya please by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Items in this set:

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

Life is Short...Buy the Shoes

J. Crew Abstract Lattice Pencil Skirt, $98

Bandolino Adiva, $69

Amazon.com: B. MAKOWSKY Tempe E/W Shoulder Bag: Shoes, $190

Cinnamon Lattice by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Items in this set:

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

sale - AllProducts - Tissue garland tank - J.Crew, $45

J. Crew Abstract Lattice Pencil Skirt, $98

Bandolino Adiva, $69

Metallic mirror belt - J.Crew, $35

minty fresh by modestlyme featuring Miz Mooz shoes

Items in this set:

Women's Apparel: Silk ruffle-front top: new arrivals | Banana Republic, $70

Women's Cotton Sweaters & Cardigans - J.Crew, $62

J. Crew Abstract Lattice Pencil Skirt, $98

Miz Mooz Sachi, $105

Amazon.com: B. MAKOWSKY Tempe E/W Shoulder Bag: Shoes, $190

There are some other GREAT ideas in this Polyvore Collection , can I wear this skirt everyday for a month...would that be strange ;o)  I have been making a few last employee purchases at Macy's. I finally grabbed the Nude Bandolino pumps but I did them as a pre-sale for the Friends & Family event so I don't get to bring them home until the 28th. I also snagged the B. Makosky bag shown for under $40 (from $188). It is a great nuetral color!

7 Years of Sunshine....

Yesterday was my husband and my seven year anniversary. Our friends watched the kids and we were able to get away for a nice dinner. I am still full. Here is what I wore:

I just love my sunshine peony pencil skirt and I noticed this morning that it is now on SALE for $64.99. If you have been eyeing this one, I say grab it!! It goes with everything! I had created this outfit as a Polyvore set last month. The only difference is that I switched to the dusty blossom maya cardigan versus the sweet guava.  Thanks for all your sweet words on my new job, I can't wait to start!

Sunshine and Spice by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Items in this set:

sale - AllProducts - Tissue garland tank - J.Crew, $45

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

J.Crew - Sunshine peonies pencil skirt, $98

Harper suede-and-patent platform heels, $230

Sugar & Spice

Okay, more like Sepia and Dusty Blossom but you get the point. This has to be one of my new favorite color combinations, I can see it looking great with white denim this summer. I love how the embellishment on this tank works with a cardigan. This is one of my favs the Maya Cardigan , which is designed to be closed. I hate covering so much of the embellishment but the dusty blossom pink was my favorite tone match to the "cinnamony " color.

On a completely unrelated note, today my Nook arrived....yay. I have been waiting anxiously for my backordered Christmas present and have been cursing at (well, not really) every thing that has taken me away from starting a book today like showering, feeding my kids, running to the grocery store but now I am off to read Shiver.

Tissue Garland Tank-J Crew

Maya Cardigan-J Crew

Matchstick Jeans-J Crew

Ballet Flats-Old Navy

Back to the grind

Three days off sure felt good but now it is back to work! My Maya Cardigan (see it on Gigi here) from J Crew fit perfectly around this ruffled blouse I picked up at Steinmart a few months ago. I put them with a classic pair of Ann's from Ann Taylor Loft. I can't imagine anyone under 5'8" being able to wear ATL's pants unless they are in a petite size. I am 5'9" and these are still a little long which is okay for me but I can't imagine I am the majority here.

Hope you all are having a wonderful week so far! Can you believe Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away...yikes!

J Crew, i can always count on you....Part 2

Here is part two of my J. Crew trip. I tried on a few other pieces that I didn't get a photo of. It is so quiet in the dressing room and I feel like a hoodlum taking pictures in the dressing room and I get nervous every time the camera beeps. I am a goob.

Silk Tiered Cami in Bright Papaya

I had always liked this cami and how this version kept all the tiers symmetrical and straight across. However, I didn't $88 like it. But guess what ladies, in store this cami was in the sale section in this color, deep aubergine and the toffee for just $19.99. Online it still shows as the $88.Here it is in a great black and white print (paired with the Maya cardigan) that I really liked but this was only marked down to $49.99. I stuck with the bright melon.

Ruffled Collier Top

I had low expectations for this shirt but I ended up being pleasantly suprised. The side zipper didn't bother me at all, it flowed so well I didn't notice it until I specifically looked for it. This is in a size 6 and the fit is just right, the fabric is soft which kept it from being as boxy as some of the other camis. I passed on it for this trip but I will be keeping an eye out for it to go on sale, especially in the wild blackberry colorway!

Here it is with the Ruffled Celosia Cardigan in Bright melon. I expected to love this cardigan, I knew for sure I would take it home but it didn't ended up "wowing me" and the fit seemed a little big when it was buttoned up. This is a medium but I think a small would have worked better.

Most of the new arrivals hadn't made it to our store yet but I can't wait until they do!

J Crew, I can always count on you.....part 1

So, I took that jacket back. It was a great jacket, I loved it but it did not make me want to pray for cold weather. So I headed far, far away to J. Crew and I am so glad I did, they did not disappoint. Here is the first part of my trip.

Stretch Flannel Olive Top in Heather Graphite



This top is beautiful on. The fit is so flattering and it is a very classic piece. It fits TTS and it can easily be used dressed up or down. That being said, I have a hard time spending $98 on a top that is not a statement piece. As soon as it drops under $60, I will grab it. If it never makes it to the sale section, I will be very sad and it may haunt me forever.

Ribbon Front Bow Top.

I had missed out on this one online after it went on sale but luckily that had one in the store. It is a fun top, pretty boxy but paired with a jacket or cardigan it has a fun element. I ended up having to size down to a 4 (they didn't have a 6 or 8) so it has a slight pull above my chest but for $19.99 I couldn't pass it up.

I paired it with a pair of black minnies which you definitely have to size down on. The 8's were fitted throught the leg and thigh but the waist was huge. The 6 fit much better but these pants were just not for me. I had high hopes but in the end I passed.

Stretch Wool Noir Shift Dress

I was suprised to still see some hanging in the sale section. i know some JCA's had issues with the fit, but for me it fit beautifully and I love the blue/black combination. I think this was a 6 but it could have been an 8. If I worked somewhere that would give me more occasion to wear it, it would be hanging in my closet now.


J Crew Ink-dot Print Dress



I was so happy to find this dress hanging all by its lonesome self and I was even happier to see it was a size 8, cha-ching! This dress is so fun and bouncy, with the navy and cream print will go well with so many colors. A size 6 might have fit a little snugger in the chest but the 8 was still good. I paired it here with the delightful Merino Maya Cardigan (Medium) in color code SGU which I think is Sweet Guava.

Merino Etheral Ruffle V Neck Sweater

Me loveth. Me didn't buy. Me now see it is sold out online, uh oh. I usually would have walked by this sweater without looking but after seeing it on GiGi I made a point to seek it out and it is just lovely on. Simple and pretty, soft and flattering. This is a medium.