Loft Sunburst Jaquard Skirt

I played dress up tonight for Amers72 who wanted some styling ideas for the Sunburst Jaquard Skirt.

First up....color!This is an older tank from the Loft that I love because of the satin pleated bib and the rich blue color. I paired it with a Jackie in Breeze. I picked up the moondrops necklace at BR the other day, it reminds me of the rock candy sticks I used to get at the candy store at Disneyland. I would probably wear patent nude pumps with this but since they are not in my possession yet, my Vera sandals had to stand in.

They say that pale is in this year so I went with it. I have an ivory embellished tee from the loft, a chalk merino flutter bow cardigan from J Crew and three J Crew necklaces to add some interest. I also think this skirt would look good with a solid button up but I forgot to try it out.

While I was playing around with tonal colors, I decided to put this outfit together with the Loft's Sequin Detail Cardi, the Zoey Lame Tank from J Crew (old but always on eBay), some Martin fit pants from Banana Republic and my favorite statement necklace, J Crew's Bubble Necklace

Okay, back to pj's now!

No longer going to be in the dark.....

....dress code that is! You guessed it, I got the job at the Loft....whoop....whoop (picture me raising the ceiling. can't? yeah, me neither). I am really exited!! My favorite part of all this is that Loft is now pushing for their sales associates to be more like stylists, how great is that? I love putting outfits together for people and now I am going to get paid for it....icing on the cake!

I will be sad to say goodbye to Macy's, I LOVE all my co-workers and my manager is a great lady but I won't miss the dark dress code.

Here is my outfit from last night, I love black and cognac brown together, it reminds me of a Burberry bag. I am off to T-Ball and then straight to work. Hope you all are having a great weekend!

Tuxedo IV dress: Shabby Appple

Belt: Banana Republic

Shoes: Mootsies Tootsies

Black & Brown by modestlyme featuring Miz Mooz shoes

A Muted Disco Ball

So yesterday I had two new items I wanted to wear, my Loft sequin detail cardi and the slub cotton embroidered flowers tee that I scooped up off eBay. So what is a girl to do? Wear them both together just for the heck of it. So why the title? It was a very muted, nuetral color palette but when I got into my car......disco time! The sun reflected off the sequins and it was a light show on the roof of my van. All I needed was a little Bee Jees or KC and the Sunshine Band it would have been my own (G-Rated) Studio 54.

I will wear the cardi again soon so you can actually see how great it really is. It has a relaxed fit so I sized down and it is perfect. Still relaxed but not overly baggy. The tee fit true to size, I have to get used to it. I don't usually wear crew necks but the floral design is amazing so I had to make an exception.

Here is the Polyvore, the pants are actually Old Navy.

Flower and Sequins by modestlyme featuring J Crew

The Scoop and the Stash

So the Loft interview went well, I should hear back this week if I got it, if not...that's okay too (although I'd really enjoy working there)!  The group interview was unlike anything I'd done before. There were six of us and they would ask a question and we'd all have to go around and answer it. For me, this was just fine and kind of fun once you got used to it, like girlfriends talking. There were some neat ladies there so I am sure the final decisions will be tough. I did feel bad for the younger, shy-er (is that a word?) applicants. I would not have been comfortable in that environment when I was younger and they clearly felt awkward.

And ladies, guess what? I was the ONLY ONE wearing any article of Loft clothing. That suprised me some in fact, a few of them said they had never shopped there *gasp*!

I did do a little shopping this weeken although I had said I wouldn't. I had a hard time not going crazy with the 20% AND free shipping on all tees and knits. There were so many I wanted but I settled on two:

This top is on backorder but I didn't want to miss out on it!

I know the buzz has not been big on this tee but I LOVE the peachy color and look how cute it is on Katie Holmes

And while we are at the J Crew tees, I finally caved in and got the slub cotton embroidered flowers tee off eBay:

And I picked up a great suckered gingham top at Banana Republic that I'll show you tomorrow. Here is my OOTD from Saturday at work. I love this top and plan on wearing it how I would really like to (without the dark dress code) this week!

Palmera Ruffle Cami-J Crew

Jackie Cardigan-J Crew

Pants-Banana Republic

Shoes-Naturalizers

Off to the Loft

I have really been enjoying the kids spring break. We had cancelled our trip last minute and have kept it simple. My days consisted of all the kids in my bed at 7am to watch two episodes of Ninja Warrior followed by the Unbeatable Banzuki (that's what happens with four boys) and then playing in the backyard while I grabbed some rays and read Her Fearful Symmetry on my Nook. I love not having to be anywhere in the morning!!

Now, I am off to my group interview wish me luck! Here is how the polyvore translated IRL....

Loft Interview by modestlyme featuring J Crew

I changed the necklace out to a Loft one at the last minute

Sequins, Sunbursts, Skin, Sunshine and OOTD

I have had a problem with self control and shopping this past week (or two) and my bank account is showing it. Now I am going to get back on the shopping within my budget wagon. But first, let me share some of my recent purchases.

Sequin Detail Cardigan $59.50

I haven't seen this in a store yet but I fell in love with it online. It reminds me of  J Crew's Shrunken Sequin Cardigan mixed with the Twisted Chiffon Cardigan.

Sunburst Jaquard Skirt $79.50

I kind of broke my own rule by purchasing a jaquard skirt with my lifestyle but it didn't really feel or look like what I think of as a jaquard. It was less dressy and softer. I purchased it in an 8 and it is a little loose so I wear it a little lower on my waist. Only drawback? The pockets. I know, since when are poclets a drawback? These are slit pockets right on my hips (directly below waistband) so they poke out a little adding bulk where I don't need any. That said, it is not drastic enough to warrant a return.

Dear Clinique,

I have fallen in love with you. In just two shorts weeks I have banished all others and am declaring my undying devotion to you.

My top picks:

1. Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream

2. Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief  

3. Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment

4. Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer (included in free gift set)

I really love their lipstick too, it doesn't feel like lipstick, clump or smell. I am hooked on this one in Bamboo Pink You should see my Clinique Wishlist. At Macy's they are having the free Clinique gift ($60 value) for any Clinique purchase over $21.95. Talk about a great deal. I have three gift sets already (shhhh......don't tell).

And lastly some Sunshine. I am such a bad blogger sometimes. I read (and thoroughly enjoy) all my comments on my phone but I don't normally get back to the computer enough to properly respond. I was lucky enough to I receive a Sunshine Award from Peggy and Lady Cardigan both of whom have great fashion blogs with wonderful senses of humor! Thanks ladies and sorry for the delay in posting the award!

Instructions for the award:

1. Put the logo on your blog within a post.

2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.

3. Link to the nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.
 
Okay, because I lagged thoroughly posting this award I noticed that it has gone through most of the blogs I frequent so I am going to cut my blogger number to 6. I know, I am a rule breaker....
 
1. Kelsey at Courageous Mother because she is my friend and I adore her!
2. Jan at The Girliest Boy Mom because I am convinced we were meant to be sisters
3. App Gal from Musings on the Mountain.....I know, I know....you are on an indefinite break but you still spread your sunshine around!
4. The Girls over at Sensibly Styled they are always ready to help with any fashion dilemmas
5. Chelcie at The Guilt Free Housewife  such cute style and so budget friendly
6. J Crew Chick at About All and Nothing at All love her style, what more can I say?

And here is what I wore today, I pulled out the new hat tee again already it was a happy accident....such a comfy tee. I was going to wear the palmera with my dusty blossom maya cardigan but decided it was too pretty together to waste on a not going any where day (plus who wears silk around the house except for PJ's) then I decided to check out the color combo with the guava maya cardigan, then the guava reminded me of the pretty flower on my new hat shop tee so I pulled that out, realized the maya "twist" covered the flower but decided it was a winner for me today anyways. See, happy accident.

Maya Cardigan-J Crew

Lester Hat Shop Tee-J Crew

Coral Necklace-The Loft

Weekend Jeans-Old Navy

Nude Sandals-Moda

Loft Interview Outfit Ideas

Since you had such great input on my Loft interview brand dilemma, I thought I'd run my interview outfits by you. Warning, I am terrible at Polyvore so far but hopefully I will learn the tricks one day but for now, you get the general idea.

Interview Outfit 1 (group interview):

Loft Interview by modestlyme featuring J Crew

Items in this set:
Slub Cotton Perfect Shirt, $60
Ann Taylor Loft-Chiffon rose cardigan (rosette), $90
Harper suede-and-patent platform heels, $230
J.Crew-Bubbe necklace (soft violet), $150
LOFT: Skinny Knit Pants

Interview outfit 2 (individual interview): I may change around the tee (this one isn't an exact match to mine)but I like all the tones together but we'll have to see how they translate into real life (the cardi is on it's way)

Loft Interview 2 by modestlyme featuring J Crew shoes

Items in this set:
loft contrast chiffon vines tee
LOFT: Sunburst Jacquard Skirt, $7,950
Harper suede-and-patent platform heels, $230
Fabric Flower Belt, Women's Clothing, Shoes & Accessories from Ann...
loft sequin detail cardigan

What I Wore, An Interview and a Question!

Is it really Friday  already, I don't know where this week went! I had a busy and unmotivated dressing week....ever have one of those? Ohhh, and I have an important question I need your help on after my OOTD so make sure to scroll down ;o)

This is me on a lazy chore day and I will warn you now, I look less then thrilled in my my pics this week. (Mental note: smile more during photos)

This was what I wore on a strictly "CDL" day (baby). I can't get enough of these Banana Republic Skinny Jeans, they keep their shape so well....highly recommend!

Knife Pleated Tank-The Loft

Cardigan-Banana Republic

Skinny Jeans-Banana Republic

I also decided to bring one of my wall outfits to life from my fashion wall here . I am not the biggest scarf person but it was a rare dreary day so I took advantage!

Cotton Corsage Cardigan-J Crew

Silk Ruffle Tank-Banana Republic

Scarf-DownEast Basics

Vintage Matchstick Jeans-J Crew

Vera Stappy Sandals-Banana Republic

And here is my question for you: I have a interview at the Loft next week (whoop, whoop) and I was curious as to your opinion on what I should wear. Should I try to wear mostly Loft pieces or should I feel free to wear whatever I want? Mostly, I wonder about J Crew.....should I not come in dressed head to toe in a competitor?

And lastly, here is what I picked up during the Final Sale Promo at J Crew, I was really proud of myself for keeping it under $40......it was hard to do!

Some OOTDs, color repeats and the leather moto jacket

Yesterday was a "catch up" day. Ya know when you go head to head with the never ending pile of laundry, finally go throught the "I don't want to deal with this now" stack of mail and so on. I didn't get dressed or leave the house until afternoon carpool and this is what I wore:

Bubble Tank-the Loft

Cardigan-?? had it for ever

Weekend Jeans-Old Navy

As you saw the other day, I have this clothing rack full of clothes for tomorrow's class so of course now I want to wear everything on that rack because......well, because I can't. Here is what I did end up wearing to work:

Olive Stretch Flannel Top-J Crew

Belt-J Crew

Jackson Pants-Banana Republic

I got a really great question from Jenni the other day, she asked:

"So I want to know how do you decide what colors to get of cardigans/tanks/shirts? Since you have quite a few I'm sure you repeat colors from time to time...how do you decide when to get another black cardigan vs a cream, etc? That's where I always run into issues...I think to myself well, I already have 3 black cardigans, do I really need this 4th?? Know what I mean? "

Coming from someone who has 71 cardigans, I can tell you that there are still color/styles I feel that I am missing. For example, right now I really, really want an apple green jackie (or other crew neck) cardi. But for me, I have some simple rules for myself that I use when I am looking at a cardigan I already have. First off, how similar is the style? A black crew neck cardi will serve a different styling purpose  then a v-neck boyfriend cardi. Also, if it is embellished I will get the same color that I may already have in a non-embellished. I opt for a lot of color in my cardigan collection, there are so many different shades of each color it is easy not to repeat. This rule, for me is different when it comes to tanks and tees. There are three colors I am ridiculously drawn to...pale pinks, dark gray and ivory. I have to work to avoid the over purchasing of these. I try to limit myself to one top in a certain colorway that is for the same type of style/purpose. For example, one lavender top that is casual and one that is for dressier outfits.....hope this all makes sense. Howevever for nuetrals (and my favs), I will allow myelf two of each without too much guilt!

JennC asked me for some IRL photos of the leather motorcycle jacket (which I should have done ages ago). I took these early this morning before my "photographer" went to school so they are NOT very well done. I almost didn't post them because they don't do the jacket justice. I will try to get some better shots posted tonight!

Before the heat was on......

Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend! Sorry I am a little late blogging and I will get to all your comments and post tonight *promise*

This was Friday's outfit when it was a little cooler still....it is over 80 degrees here today! I found this great blue knit double breasted blazer/cardigan at Banana Republic and it was on sale for just $31! I also picked up the Vera Woven Sandal last Wednesday with a 40% off coupon and I am wearing a pair of Banana Republic's Skinny Jeans that I cuffed. They fit really well and replaced my Lauren Conrad skinny jeans that stretched out way too much! I got my regular size 29 and they stretch out just enough to be comfortable without ever getting too saggy. The long sleeve tee is from the Loft winter '09

Here is a closer look at the jacket. I really wish there was an online version to show you, I love this piece, it serves as a knit version of a boyfriend blazer which us great for chasing the kids around!

On Saturday we are having a fashion show and class. Here is my clothing rack of outfits I am using to create clothing wall inspirations based off of A Bigger Closet's "Wear it 3 Ways". I will be sure to take some photos of the walls this weekend.

and lastly, I will be headed to J Crew tomorrow to see their new arrivals and will be sure to post some dressing room pictures. If there is something you have been wanting to see an IRL photo of just let me know and I will look for it!

Wishful Thinking

I am ready for Spring but yesterday it was raining. So I rebelled and dressed for Spring anyways......positive thinking can change the weather, right?

Yesterday they found the skeleton of another girl, Amber, who has been missing from a neighboring town for a little over a year. Chelsea helped to find her and it was just another example of how she is changing the world just like she'd always hoped to.

Crumpled Jacket-Banana Republic

Fallen Petals Tee-The Loft

Pleated Lawn Skirt -J Crew

Suede Juliet Heels-J Crew

Seeing Spots

It is almost Friday.....yay! This morning I headed out to Old Navy to take advantage of the Fundamentals Sale and stock up on some things for the boys. If I do say so myself, I showed incredible restraint and was able to walk through the womens section without grabbing anything but a casual cardigan for lounging. I am saving my shopping for a well deserved trip to J Crew for my birthday coming up next month.

Quick Note: The Weekend Jeans were well stocked in our local store and are $19.99 this week. Here is what I wore today:

Layered Ruffle Tank (on sale now): J Crew

Favourite Crewneck Cardigan: Boden

Denim Pants: The Loft via eBay

Juliet Shoes: J Crew via eBay

And here is what I wore later for date night. The strange thing about the weather in San Diego is that it may be warm enough for skirts and dresses but my legs sure aren't tan enough.

Jackie Cardigan-J Crew

Scattered Petals Tank-J Crew

Skirt-Kohls

Belt-J Crew

Shoes-Kohls

Speaking of shopping at J Crew, have you taken advantage of the 20% off knits and tees sale? I have a long wishlist but behaved and picked up just two things:

Tuxedo Ruffle Painter Henley 

and I finally caved in and got the Evie Ruffled Top in Ivory while it was marked down to $19.99, for that price how could I resist. See it on Gigi here.

My (not so) Triumphant Return

Sorry for the unexplained absence- we had a bad stomach flu in the house that started with me and worked slowly through three out of four of the kids and ended (hopefully) with my hubby. Needless to say, I have not been on the computer checking my favorite blogs and you would not have wanted to be exposed to my outfits of the day which consisted of yoga pants and my husband's t-shirts with a messy ponytail.

I am finally getting to leave the house a little now that everyone is on the mend. I don't have anything fabulous to share with you (sorry) but here are two OOTD so I don't say "hello again" with nothing to offer.

Cardigan-Boden

tank-J Crew

Jeans-Banana Republic

Cardigan, Tee and Jeans-the Loft

Shoes-J. Crew

I am looking forward to catching up on all your blogs and even though I didn't have the energy to respond to all the great comments, I have been able to read and appreciate them ALL!!!

A (not very pretty) Week in Review

Okay,this was Saturday's post that I hadn't put up. I even titled it "Don't hate me because it is beautiful outside" and wrote:

Yes, I am wearing flip flops, it is still in the 70's here. I grabbed this quick snapshot as I ran out the door yesterday for a picnic at the lake followed by the playground (which is why I have on flip flops. Sand with flats don't mix well. Sorry about the poor lighting and yes, the mirrors are really dirty in my bedroom. Cooper loves to hide in the closet (insert joke here) so his handprints and colored on it with an orange crayon  which left wax lines everywhere. I am sure one day I will miss that when they are all grown up......hmm.....maybe not.

So then what happens from my good weather bragging? Back- to- back storms bringing lots of rain and wind. I know, we So Cal girls are spoiled, I don't mind a little rain (since it is a novelty here) but four straight days of hard rain and wind.....makes me super lazy and stir crazy. So, even though I have been getting dressed and taking some snap shots, I haven't been posting any. Here is a recap of my uninspired week!

Monday

A little light rain (which I love) so I dressed in wintery colors and ran a few morning errands. This outfit was inspired from Amy's look from here

Top, Cardigan, Jeans-The Loft

Belt-Old Navy

Tuesday

First really stormy day. Dressed for extreme comfort and a morning run to Old Navy. Weather got nasty and knocked down a large part of our Eucalyptus tree, blocking the whole street and missing my neighbors parked car by inches (no exaggeration). Salvaged evening by watching Coraline and having a pizza party in our living room with the kids.

Dress-Shade Clothing

Possibilies Cardigan (knotted up)-Anthropologie

Wednesday

Getting really tired of the rain and wind. Plus my whole front yard is covered with cut up pieces of our tree. Got the bad weather blues and dressed that way since I only left the house for carpooling.

Wrap Cardigan-Layers Clothing

Jeans-Lauren Conrad for Kohls

Kady Boots-Target

Thursday

Still raining, everything is flooding but my kids rooms are actually clean from being held hostage by the weather. Can you tell how exited I am about the rain now? My shoes were on my feet for about an hour, the rest of the day was just fluffy socks! Really hoping my Boden order will arrive to cheer me up and remind me of warmer days. Does anyone know how Boden ships (i.e. UPS, USPS, Fedex, etc)?

Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan-Ann Taylor

Bed of Roses Tee-the Loft

Weekend Jeans-Old Navy

Hope your weeks are all going well! Check me out on Kim's blog along with some other Anthroholic followers!

Blooms Print Dress

et me start off by saying this dress is really beautiful. The colors are amazing, the fabric quality is amazing and it is a beautiful statement piece. That said, mine is going back. The problem is, I really wanted it as a tunic. I have been stalking some great tunics like this one and this one and when I saw the Blooms Print Dress I hoped it would fit the bill.

However, this is really meant to be a dress. A very well made dress that just does not work as a tunic and is too short on me (5' 9") to wear that way. It is too nice for the park much less doubling as a beach cover up. I am sad to see this one go back because it really is a beauty. My only complaint is that it has a very straight cut waist and with that fabric it isn't as flattering as on the online pics. If I stand just right, the waist dips in like online and it looks perfect but if I took a picture like that, I would feel a little dishonest! This is a size 6, what I usually wear in Loft blouses.

Roses and Blooms

Today was a day to be grateful for what you have. Some of our friends from church just had their eldest daughter pass away. I don't want to imagine how hard that is. I just wanted to be home today and cuddle in bed with my kids, keeping them safe and close. They, of course, had other ideas on how they wanted to spend their day.

This is what I wore. I love the viscose tango tank , it has the best fit. Also, I also wore my merino rose corsage cardigan that I snagged during the extra 20 (which is going on again). I didn't really think I cared that much about this sweater but once I put it on, I really loved it and am so happy I found one in the vintage rose color.

So, that was the rose, now for the bloom. I have been avoiding the Loft during my shopping break and then I cam across this dress on Gigi's blog.....uh, oh........

The Blooms Print Dress. I just love the bold print, the navy with lime green AND orange, the necklace detailing around the collar. I am in trouble. Did I mention everything is 25% off right now (Promo Code SAVE25). Tomorrow I will post some IRL pics for your opinion on the fit.

I couldn't get a good read on the fabric online so I had to go see it in person. It is a rayon/cotton blend with a good weight (mid) and a slight sateen/silky feel. It has a hidden side zipper that does not buldge at all and it is lined.

Fields and Fields of Flowers

I am feeling back to normal today, just in time to go back to work this afternoon (yucky) and tomorrow. This morning I had to run take care of all the errands I didn't do yesterday and here is what I wore. The cardigan and pants were eBay finds from awhile back that I haven't worn. Thanks to the closet clean out, I remembered they existed and was able to build an outfit. I love the embroidered appliques on this cardigan, they are so well placed and add just the right touch of whimsy.

Anthroplogie cardigan by Field Flower

Tunic/Shirt-Target

Pants-The Loft

Shoes-Mootsies Tootsies

Oops, I almost forgot to point out the adorable Anthropologie earrings that Sara suprised me with (and that I need to gushingly thank her for). Aren't they just the perfect addition?

Headed to the Park and Resoltions Can Stink

First off, Happy New Year! Hope you all had a great, safe one! I have been busy getting caught up with chores and time with my kids now that my work schedule has dwindled down. I do have to admit that just five days into my "no shopping in January" resolution , it has already been rough......really rough. There was a dress from J crew that I really wanted on final sale and it sold out yesterday which made me pretty blue. My husband does not understand any of this (not even a tiny bit) but he is loving the ban. Luckily, my J Crew order that I placed on Christmas Day arrives today...yippee! I really need to get my shopping under control.....anybody have some good tips?

Today we are headed out to the park to enjoy the beautiful weather. I threw on some denim leggings under a shirt dress and I am all set. My "bed-head toddlers" also wanted to be in todays pic. So you get a tiny peak at Christophers beautiful red hair but until the adoption is official, we can't post any pictures.

Shirt Dress-Trulli for the Loft

Leggings-Hue

Kady Boots-Target

p.s. can I tell you how excited I am that The Lovely Bones is coming out as a movie???? It is one of my favorite books and I can't wait to see Peter Jackson's interpretation. Now I need to read the book again, it has been a few years but I'll wait until my Nook arrives.