With Butterflies In Mind

This weekend I decided to break out the Papillon blouse that I tried on here . The lighting just wouldn't let me capture all the oragami butterfly details in this top but I loved the soft violet color with the navy jackie. How did I ever live without a navy jackie? And, because it was a work day, the pencil skirt came out. The Cotton Papillon Blouse is still full price online but it has been in the sale section of my store for weeks now. I can't tell you how many compliments I got on this top, it really is so pretty and feminine!

 

I tried to get a better close-up of the top but it still didn't come out that great....boo

Cotton Papillon Blouse-J Crew

Jackie Cardigan-J Crew

Belt-J Crew

Apt 9 Pencil Skirt-Kohls

Shoes-Target

Silk Ruffle Cascade Jacket.....oh my!

I was going to save the debut of this jacket for the girls night out tomorrow but since a few of you requested IRL pics, I had an excuse to wear it early. I LOVE this jacket. It is a little boxy when you first put it on but it seems to deflate take a closer shape as you wear it and your arms hit it, relax it, etc. I really love the way it looks great with skinny jeans/pants tucked into boots but since it is in the mid-seventies here today you are getting a more "Springy" look.

And for an added bonus, look how cute the back is:

Silk Cascade Ruffle Jacket in Rosebud-J Crew

Silk Brulee Tank-J Crew

Weekend Jeans-Old Navy

Tiered Crystal Libretto Necklace-J Crew

Apt9 Shoes-Kohls

Drama at the Starbucks Drive-thu

This morning I was out of cocoa mix and it was drizzly out so I threw all the kids in the car to head out for some Starbucks hot cocoa.....yummy. We have a drive-thru that can get really backed up so you get stuck in the main road so I was sure to leave early to beat the morning rush. As I pulled in I was happy to see that there was still room for two cars (hopefully this makes sense) and I saw a car approaching from the opposite direction. So, to be nice, I stopped and let her turn left in front of me. Then to my horror, a little car that was behind her got right on her tail so they could also turn in and cut me off taking the last spot. I was shocked and she could tell by my wide eyes (and mouthing what are you doing), it was blatenly rude.

My older son was in the front seat and told me I should honk at her. I knew I needed to use this example as a lesson to him, so I explained that honking wouldn't get my place back in line and would only create a conflict and more anger. Eventually I was able to turn in behind her and I sat there behind her for 10 minutes as we all waited. The entire time I resisted the urge to knock on her window or shoot her dirty looks, I was really upset and was desperately trying not to act on it.

When it was my turn to pick up my order, the guy working the window (who cracks me up and talks a LOT) told me that the woman in the car in front of me said that she felt bad for cutting me off. I told him that she had really cut me off badly but I was glad that she was sorry about it then to my shock, he told me that she had paid for my order as an apology. I was immediately touched by her kindness and felt ashamed for all the mean thoughts that went through my head and was really glad that I had not reacted negatively.

I went from thinking how rude some people are to being reminded of how good  people can be. I wanted to share the story immediately so I called my mom and was quickly pulled over and ticketed for talking on my cellphone while driving (didn't see that coming, did ya). Anyways, I just wanted to share this story with you and here is what I was wearing:

Tunic-The Loft

Vest-The Loft

Lauren Conrad Skinny Jean-Kohls

Kady Boots-Target

The Last Day of Shopping

before Christmas, I mean....not EVER! I am off to work on Christmas Eve which seems, well-wrong but it will be an entertaining one. Lot's of men with no clue what to buy their wives, it is really sweet actually!

So here is what I am wearing, warm and comfortable.........just what the day calls for. As soon as I get home it is cooking time for our yearly hor'doeuvre night with friends and family and then it is time to get ready for "the big guy". Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

Cardigan- Banana Republic from eBay

Tunic/Shirt Dress-eBay

Leggings-Simply Vera from Kohls

Kady Boots-Target

Playing Catch-Up

True to Debye luck with phones, another one has bit the dust. Unfortunatly it drowned in hot cocoa on the way to work. Since almost all of my communication with the outside world is done through my phone, I lost access to an entire day of emails and phone calls so if you tried to reach me, I promise I wasn't ignoring you! It is truly driving me nuts not knowing what emails I am missing......technology, I am becoming a slave to it. Okay, I have been one for a few years now.

Here is the outfit I wore on the day of the hot cocoa in car disaster:

Cardigan-Merona Collection for Target

Shirt-Banana Republic

Belt- J Crew

Skirt-Merona Collection for Target

Tights-Hue

Shoes-Candies

Here is what I wore the next day getting chores done and meeting with the adoption worker:

Cardigan-INC for Macy's

Tee- The Loft

Jeans-Elle

Flats-Old Navy

Here is what I wore Saturday to work even though it looks a little like a nightie in this picture. I had seen it at the Loft several times without paying much attention. I saw it on the Final Sale rack the other day and I tried it and ended up liking it alot. So comfy and pretty!

**please ignore my dirty stove, I have been baking pies like a mad woman**

Cardigan-The Loft

Dress-The Loft

Shoes-Target

And lastly, today's outfit! I just love this dress and it is such a playful piece. It is hard to tell in a picture but the white pattern and trim is all done with embroidery so it makes a really unique while being my favorite......a knit dress!

Dress-INC for Macy's

Shoes-Candies

Next step, catch up on reading all my blogs.......I haven't had time to be on the computer the last few days and I am in serious withdrawals!

2-Fer Sunday

Today I am going to post two outfits of the day. One for church, one for after church.

First up, what I wore to church. I just love the vintage feel of this dress, peach lace on black, key hole button, peter pan collar.....what more could you ask for? Black Mary Janes, my wardrobe is lacking them but not for long I am sure!

Next up, after church casualness. See my new Steve Madden boots? I love them. They didn't make under the Christmas tree, maybe the box will. I still haven't put the Christmas decorations up. We moved it to tomorrow night. Can you say procrastination?

Longsleeve-Shade Clothing

Wrap cardigan-Old Navy

Elle Skinny Jeans-Kohl's

Simply Vera Belt -Kohl's

Steve Madden Boots-Macy's

It only takes one to Tango

Today started with serving pancakes at my son's school for a PTA fundraiser followed by an equally exciting trip to some furniture stores for new beds for the toddlers, soon to be followed by sewing three aprons and getting centerpieces started for our churches Christmas party next week. But you know what? It was all made more enjoyable because I had on the magical Tango Tank that I am head over heels for!

I ordered this last week and have been anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I sized down on this one because the other J Crew ruffle tanks I own run large but then I heard this was running TTS so I was worried about the fit. On Monday I tried on the medium in the store and it fit perfectly but the small fits perfectly too. I think because the ruffles are so flowy, the under tank can fit closer and not bother me since no rolls are going to show. It appears this top is now sold out online but there were quite a few in the store the other day when I looked

And don't let the flowy ruffles fool you, this tank is very slimming on it's own. I don't know how they got that to work out but they really did a great job on this top! Today was a rare day in San Diego where it actually looks and feels like Fall so I threw on a cardi, skinny jeans and my Kady boots (best $30 I ever spent) and I was set! Well, now it's time to go back to work although I am really "jones-ing" for a trip to Anthropologie...hmmmmmm

Cardigan-J Crew from eBay

Tank- J Crew

Jeans-Lauren Conrad from Kohls

Boot-Target

Kohl's version of the Fiona Jacket

I threw my fiona jacket look a like over the rolling ruffles tank and some bootleg cords. I am still not sure if I LOVE this jacket because of the bozy fit but I may keep it. What do you think?

Here it is buttoned:

Last night I was on J Crew's website and saw that they had some items I was hoping to get on sale so I ended up gobbling them up. With 20% extra off of sale prices (code EXTRA 20) and free shipping on orders over $150.....I just couldn't pass it up!

I got the beautiful stretch flannel olive top that I tried on here and the ruffle collier top that I tried on here, except in the Wild Blackberry colorway. The other top is a tank that I didn't think I wanted until I saw so many JCA's looking fabulous in it. I'll show you when it gets here

Polka Dot Disaster Zone

First of all, you guys had some GREAT ideas! I am going to try the skirt again with the all black like a few of you mentioned. As soon as I read the idea of pairing this top with a dark jeans, a honey/mustard cardigan and the brown from my chunky belt I was sold.

So this morning I excitedly threw it all on and you know what, I still don't like the fit of this top on me. It is too short and I can't get it to tie right and the ruffle falls strange. I think my torso is just too long for it so the decision is made.....this top has gotta go.

But, it was not a total waste. I still loved the color combo and ideas for this outfit so I just changed it out with the navy dot tie front shell from ATL.....much better IMO.

Dot Tie Front Shell from Loft

Antique Button Floral Cardigan from NY & Co.

Elle Skinny Jeans from Kohls

Mootsies Tootsies Shoes

Oh, and do I look a wee bit tired? Well it was worth it because my friend Kelsey let me tag along with her family of goofballs last night to see New Moon. It was so much better then Twilight and since it was my least favorite of the books, I was suprised to have enjoyed the movie so much. There were still some cheesy, poorly acted moments like when Jacob speeds down the hill on the dirt bike to check on Bella, his dismount from the bike looked like a Jack Black move from Saving Silverman yet it was meant to be dramatic versus the giggles we all chuckled. If you have seen it, I am sure you know exactly what I am talking about :o) Before anyone starts thinking less of me, I still loved the book New Moon I just spent the whole book waiting for Edward to come back making it my least favorite of the series. Team Edward...woohooo!

The Remaining Challenge Pieces this Week

Okay, so like they say, go big or go home so I am going big with four "challenge items" this week. Here they are, if you have any suggestions, please feel free to chime in!

1. Odille Skirt from Anthropologie from eBay:

Gorgeous, huh? I fought hard to win this skirt and have never worn it. The scallops and lace paired with the beautiful mint color have made it a little challenging for me (not that I have tried that hard) but the time has come to make it work or give it to a better home. I think I have convinced myself I need to but a mint, cream or pink jackie cardigan for this so I stopped trying to make it work with something I already own.

2. Blue & White Polka Dot Tie Top from DownEast Basics.

I picked this up in the store when I was visiting my friend Kelli in Idaho. I had just tried on a bunch of things and last minute grabbed this off the rack and into my purchase pile as I was paying. Looks easy enough, right? Well, the fit is weird on me and I think that just upset me a little so I pushed it back in my closet without ever wearing it.

3. White Ruffle Jacket from Kohls

You might recognize this little number from Gigi's blog here, it is Kohl's fiona jacket look a like. Fell in love with it at the store but the fit is a little boxy and I always end up passing on it when I try it on.

4. Plaid Embroidered Skirt by Lulumari purchased on eBay

This skirt is so fun and unique. It has a cowgirl feel and a nice "puff" to it. Just have never made the time to figure out what to wear with it!

Wanna know what is funny, I am already getting nervous about the challenge I created......

Chiffon Rose Cardigan In Use

Before I start my "wardrobe challenge" I had to squeeze in the Chiffon Rose Cardigan I tried on here from The Loft . This color has sold out online but I believe there are still in our store. I love this cardigan. The fit can be a little tricky to style but I like it unbuttoned over a tee. This tee appears to come only in pewter in store but the online version is here .

Since it is a work day (boo) I chose a grey pencil skirt, belt and MaryJanes from Target. Don't worry, I packed flats in case my feet start to hurt! I hope you all are having a great weekend! Anyone going to see New Moon? Let me know how it is. Tomorrow I will post my challenge pieces and input will be welcome!

Chiffon Vines Tee

Have you ever woken up and are ridiculously excited to get dressed because you have some new clothes you can't wait to put on? Well, hopefully I am not the only one or I am going to feel like a big ol' dork. I have teacher conferences today plus a meeting with my awesome Angels worker and a visit from my visiting home teacher.  I had a few comfy outfits in mind but knew I should wear the ivory tee I picked up yesterday so you could look out for it when you hit the F & F sale at the Loft this week.

Don't let the look on my face here fool you, I love this tee. This style appears to still be online in the stores. I know it also came in black and one other color (sorry I forgot which but I would guess pewter or a purple).

Here is a closer look at the tee. I think it the same as this one just without the contrasting color. I am pretty sure J Crew had a similar top or I am just thinking of the whirling ruffles cardigan.  Oh, and one more thing for those of you hitting the sale, they had a great necklace tee that is in store only that was really cute. I haven't done a necklace tee yet but this one looked great I just wanted a chance to try it on first.

Shirred v-neck cardigan from The Loft

Tee from The Loft

Lauren Conrad Skinny Jeans from Kohls

OOTD for the Zhu Zhu hunt

Well, it is 8:48 am and I am about to go off to work after a bright an early morning of shopping for this years impossible to find Christmas item, the Zhu Zhu hamsters. I love the holiday hunt, so when my Mother-in-law enlisted my help I was down for the mission. And guess what my ladies, I was victorious. I now have four Zhu Zhu hamsters, one in each color, sitting on my kitchen counter as I type. These retail for $7.99 each and are on Amazon and eBay for $40-$60......craziness!!! What we will do for our kids.

Now the initial shopping euphoria has worn off and now I am exhausted, just in time to start my work day....oops. Here is what I wore:

Level 99 Denim Blazer-Anthropologie

Blouse from Kohls

Odille Seersucker Skirt-Anthropologie

Black and Blue, not the bad kind

Today was one of those yuck, nothing feels right on today kind of mornings. After too many dress changes I ended up in one of my favorite color combos, black and blue (with a little gray). Speaking of gray, is there anyone else who has a hard time spelling that word since Grey's Anatomy came out? Anyone, anyone?

Cardigan by Merona Collection at Target

Shirt from Ann Taylor Loft

Apt. 9 pencil skirt from Kohls

J Crew Belt

Patterned Tights by Hue

Me Too Shoes (that I really wish I could change up more often but 9 hours on your feet demands comfort over preferred style)

Ahhhh.....back in jeans!

Today I have a whole day off  to relax catch up on all my chores and errands but it is all good because I am in my jeans! I have been really good about not shopping on my lunch break but yesterday while sitting outside Starbucks reading this book , I saw this "dress" by Poof and it instantly said to me that it would be perfect with my Kady Boots. I tried to avoid the temptation but ended up having to give in and make it my own!

Also, can I just tell you how awesome all you readers are? Even though I can't respond when I am at work, I see all the comments on my phone and they really make my day so thank-you!

Tunic by Poof from Windsor Fashions

Lauren Conrad Skinny Jeans

Belt from Kohls

Boots from Target

The Accidental Outfit

Don't you just love when you accidentally throw an outfit together that you end up loving? I had intended to wear my J Crew Ink-Dot dress with my Maya Cardigan but I just couldn't push my foot recovery by wearing my navy heels two days in a row. So, I tried a pleated flutter sleeve LBD from Target that I picked up after seeing it on GiGi . Since I am 5' 9", it is shorter on me (obviously) so I added tights and a black full slip under it since it is so light and goes up high when I bend.

The Maya Cardigan covered too much so I grabbed my ATL Ruffle Trim cardi while browsing and I liked the combo with the fabric belt. I decided for fun to try my red patent leather cinch belt from Kohls that had fallen on the floor and here was the end result:

Here is a close up of the details:

It may be a bit much, what do you think? I really liked it but I may be delusional from lack of sleep!

My J Crew Catalog Interpretation

I love my scattered petals tank and have always loved the different ways that J Crew styled it. So today, I made my own "inspired" creation. Here is J Crews version:

And here is mine with a boyfriend cardigan from Old Navy and an Apt 9 pencil skirt from Kohls:

Have I mentioned how much I am missing my "mommy clothes"? I think my jeans are all going to start ignoring me. It is fun to be able to wear some of my nicer clothes but I am already over it!

I think next time I wear this tank I will go for this look:

It's Not Just Halloween......

Did you know that besides Halloween today is also "I Don't Care How I Look, I am Tired and My Feet Really Hurt Day a.k.a. IDCHLTMFRHD? Well, for me it is. I don't even care that I look like I may be hididng a baby bump and just to clarify, I am definitely not.

J Crew Eyelet Boho Tank

White Mossimo Tank from Target

Calvin Klein Cardigan from Costco

Lauren Conrad Skinny Jeans from Kohls

One of the first things I did today was buy some new black shoes that I can wear all day and some booties that have a thicker heel to wear with my new dress (post coming next week) once my poor feet recover!

Sunday, Sunday

And you thought I was exaggerating about bringing green back to my life. I just love this green tulle skirt by Lulumari, which is a small Los Angeles based fashion line. It is a vibrant jewel toned green that really stands out (much brighter and darker then the picture looks) with unique detailing. You can sometimes snag their clothing online at Lulus, Anthropologie and eBay.

Kohls
Lulumari skirt purchased on eBay

Apt. 9 Cardigan from

Black Wonder Tee from DownEast Basics

Anthro Anyone?

I have been in Anthropologie withdrawals the last few weeks and this dress Gigi picked up, pushed me over the edge so, where do you think I am headed? Where we live we have a lot of great places to shop but the part I hate is that Ann Taylor Loft is at one mall about 15 minutes away, Anthropologie is at another that is about 20 minutes away but in the opposite direction and J. Crew is at yet a different mall which is 30 minutes away. What I would give to have all three in one spot! Then again, I may never leave if that were the case.

My goal today is not to be sidetracked by cute tanks, tops and sale prices but to instead focus on one fabulous splurge item. Let's see how I do.......
p.s. I am convinced that my new silk brulee tank is missing a bottom ruffle

Silk Brulee Tank from J. Crew

Shirred V-Neck Cardigan from Ann Taylor Loft

Tweed Flower Pin from The Limited

Weekend Jeans (that I live in) from Old Navy

nude pumps from Kohls