Some (okay a lot of) Anthro Reviews

Today I made a big mistake, I found an excuse to go visit Anthropologie and not even a good one. I am not supposed to be spending money on myself right now and I am actually very good at avoiding costly Anthropologie purchases online but get me in a store and all bets are off.

So I brought two things home and I really love them both. If I had the budget I would have brought home more. So, I am now wondering if I brought the right two things home.....which do you like?

Four-If-By Sea Skirt -on sale for $49.95

great, great, great skirt. Has a beautiful underskirt, exposed metal zipper and hangs beautifully. This is a 6 and fits my waist (does not hang low). My hip and bootie make me an 8 normally but when the hips are loose, a size will usually work fine. So I would say this is TTS.

 Dripping Blossoms Tee-$68

In true Deletta fashion, this top runs large. This is a small,  I usually wear a Medium in knits. I love this top. It is a low v-neck so I would wear a tank under it. I loved the length as well.

Ice-Capped Blouse-$118

I missed out on it's sibbling, the wavelet and have always regretted it. I thought with the chiffon sleeves I'd be able to pass this one up but it is truly a beautiful and unique piece that is hard to resist, even at the price tag. This is a size 6, my normal size in blouses. Some reviewers said they needed to size up in the chest area, I don't have that issue so it fit perfectly. Also, the top is a little short but that will make it go well with slacks and skirts.

Fluttering Pencil Skirt $158

I lovey this skirt and will look for it to go on sale. This is a 6 and fits perfectly so this runs large since my hips usually demand an 8 in a pencil skirt. I will be looking for this to go on sale for sure.

Lacemaker Skirt $128

I want, I want, I want! I love this skirt, I just needed a larger size. This is a 6 and the mustard under skirt was bunching from being to tight so this seems to run TTS if not a tad small.

Whirling Ruffles Sweater Dress on sale now for $99

ummmmmmm........no thanks. Kim looks cute in it, me not so much. This is a Medium, maybe a small would have helped.

Sweeping Frills Sweater $128

This sweater is a beauty. I guess I was wearing it differently then shown but I loved it just the same. Very nice fabric, beautiful fit. Even with the fabric braiding, knotting and ruffling, it didn't seem bulky at all. I wish it were a tad longer, but I would just wear it over a tee. This is a small, I tried on the Medium as well and the length didn't seem to change.

 Laced Dots Sweater-$128

I just don't know what to do about this sweater. From the moment I saw this sweater in the catalog, I wanted it.... it screams Debye. Though there were quite a few in the store, they are almost sold out online and I know my window to purchase is closing fast. Still, I am having a hard time justifying the cost. The fabric didn't feel $128 worth. It wasn't itchy but it wasn't smooth and soft either so I am paying for the style and honestly, I am not sure how many wears it would last through. Still, I love it. Oh, and this was a medium, my normal size.

Windsor Scoopneck $98

I had high hopes for this top but it was soooooo unflattering on my body type. I can see how it would be beautiful on others but on me I look like a bloated tree trunk. This is my regular size, medium.

Small Packages Cardigan-$98

I am a sucker for any ballerina wrap top. I have been since I was a little girl. This is a size small but a medium would have fit well too. I was just wearing it higher up on the waist.

My Wind Rippled Tee has arrived

Today it is actually raining, raining (not just scattered sprinkles like we would normally get) so how appropriate is it that my Wind-Rippled Tee arrived today from Anthropologie? Even better, I am headed out to Anthro now.

My review? True to size and very unique and beautiful. The fabric is thinner then I expected and it is made for women who are blessed with a larger chest then I am so I didn't fill it out, leaving me with some saggy bust fabric but not enough to make it return worthy!

Since it is yucky out, I went for cozy comfort. I added a possibilities cardigan from Anthro and some skinny jeans, belt and my Kady Boots (of course) and off I go! I'll be sure to take some pics for ya

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

Can you say TGIF?

I have to hand it to working mom's, I don't know how you do it. I used to do it until I had my third son but now I just can't seem to remember how to juggle it all, I feel like I am living in chaos.Three more weeks of working full time and I am done....whew.

I tried to rock the booties today but I am still not sure this look works for me. I have teeny ankles maybe that's what throws me off. I see so many of you fashionable ladies with these on and they look great but maybe this is just one of those trends I just can't pull off. That's okay, you can't win them all!

I was happy to finally wear my Rose Print Dress that I got on Final Sale at ATL. It hugs the belly which made me a little self consious but the belt on long cardi helped!

Tomorrow, I am cooking pancakes at the kid's school for a fundraiser so I am going to break in the Tango Tank for it.

 Dress from the Loft

Cardigan from Banana Republic off eBay

Belt, came with a dress from Kohls

LifeStride Booties

Some Drool Worthy New Arrivals

How pretty are these new arrivals at Ruche?

and let's not forget these:

Ruffled Collier Top

My J. Crew goodies arrived last night and first up is the Ruffled Collier Top in the wildberry colorway. I just love the blue/black combo. They don't seem to have this color left online but there were plenty in my store in the sale section earlier this week when I checked.

I was wearing booties but I think I am going to switch to flats real quick because my feet are a little tired from wearing heels to work yesterday. Guess what ladies, the week is over half way through! Like the song says, everybodies working for the weekend..... and I am feeling that. I am looking forward to a weekend off!

I have got to put up my Christmas decorations this weekend or my kids will kill me. Have you done yours yet?

Top from J Crew

Cardigan from Banana Republic

Vera Wang Black Jeans

LifeStride Booties

My Macy's Loot

Here is a snapshot of my Macy's loot, I guess you can guess that I work in the Coach section. I got everything you see here for super duper low prices. Each item was clearanced and then double clearanced on a special sale day then  presold for the F & F sale for another 25% off and lastly, my employee discount. So they were at least 30/30/25/20% off. 
Here is a little Macy's Coach secret.......shhhh.......to make room for the new Coach items, they will mark down perfectly good bags to 30% off. When there is a storewide sale like the One Day Sale or the Black Friday specials, the clearanced Coach will go on a deeper sale while the rest of the Coach stays full price.

See my Steve Maddden boots? Aren't they pur-ty??

Most of these are gifts but they are still fun to look at!

Even More Friends & Family

Today is the first official day of Macy's Friends and Family Sale. 25% off almost everything, including Coach, watches and all the other items that the coupons don't typically work on. And yes, it applies on sale and clearanced items as well. There is a physical coupon to use in stores but if you don't have one, they should be able to scan one that they have at every register. Online you also get free shipping on orders over $100 with your 25% off.....great deal, huh? The online Promo Code I recieved it MACYSFRIEND but I saw that MACYSFF also works. Wait 'til you see the loot I scored at bargain prices, I'll try to upload them tonight when I get home!

Here is what I am wearing to work today, Ijust  love when you can dress up but still feel like you are in loungewear (besides the shoes). I can always count on Shade for comfy skirts, Elaine has this one in white

Etheral Ruffle V-Neck from J Crew

Pleated Tulip Skirt from Shade Clothing

HUE Nude Fishnets from Macys

Fireball necklace from J Crew

MaryJanes from Target

Also, Boden has a 20% off code (plus free shipping) through tomorrow. Promo Code is PR3F. I was able to call today and have the extra percentage taken off of my preview order that I placed right before Thanksgiving for the Spring collection being released in January.

Some J Crew Reviews while I am at it.....

Today I had to drive to the "snobby mall" in order to get some Angel perfume by Thierry Mugler (so sensational, ha ha get it?). So since I had to drive the extra distance I just couldn't pass up popping in J Crew.

They didn't have most of the new arrivals I really hoped to see but I did try on a few things for the blog and I took home a little too!

Slub Cotton Masquerade Tee $45.00

This is a Medium (my normal size) and is since it wasn't a tissue tee it clung to my waist a little too close for my comfort. I personally, would size up but if you don't have a reason to fear "muffin top" when you sit down like I do then you can stick with your normal size!

Tiered vintage fleur top $138. This top is pretty just not for me. I like the cut (it is the same as the silk tiered cami) but not the extra price for the flowers and the sash.

Ruffles and roses tissue tank $42.50. As Gigi would say, me likey. Our store was low in color/sizes. This is a small but I would have preferred my true size, medium, in this one. Really cute  and comfy tank!

Dapple Dot Cardigan-$ 98 (on sale online for sweater promo $78.40). The store only had one of these and it was a Large. It has a night fit and I love that it is a pale pink and the sequins are subtle. If they had honored the online sale price I may have purchased it even in the wrong size!

A Necklace Tee-On sale $19.99. I don't see this online anymore but I was excited to see this little shirt after Hailey on One Tree Hill was wearing it last night....yes, I watch that show, I blame my teenage niece. Consider it a guilty pleasure of mine. Oh, and I am also wearing the vintage matchstick jeans in this pic.

Merino Etheral Ruffle V-Neck Sweater -on sale $49.99. I had fallen in love with this sweater last time I tried it on and regretted it as soon as I got home and saw it was sold out online. So, I was happily suprised to find some pink and black ones in the clearance section. This is a Medium and is mine!!!

So, this is what I tried on except for one thing. The Tango Tank. Mine is due to be delivered tomorrow by my favorite UPS man but i saw some in the store and wanted to be sure I made the right choice and all I can say is wow. I just love this top on, it lives up to all the hype. I'll get you an IRL shot in the next few days.

Since it is Christmas coming up and I already have a J Crew package on it's way I didn't get much but here is what I did score: The merino ruffle v-neck sweater, the black/pink crystal libertto necklace that someone had just returned, and a simple oval shaped Fireball necklace on sale for $17.99

Oh, and here is what I wore on my little trip. I am starting to feel much better, thanks for all your well wishes!

Cardigan from the Loft

Silk Brulee Tank from J Crew

Weekend Jeans from Old Navy

Green Pumps from Target

Not Just Another Manic Monday

Sorry for going MIA for a few days but I have been really sick and working the busiest shopping days of the year so by the time I got home the last few days I pretty much collapsed but I am on the mend now, I just don't have a voice. Enough of my pity party, did you all have a great Thanksgiving and Black Friday? I worked them but luckily I was able to pick up a great Coach bag for my mom on super sale at Macy's so I was happy!

Don't forget that today is Cyber Monday and there are great deals again, especially at the Loft where it is 30% off plusFREE SHIPPING for orders over $100, enter code MONDAY at checkout. I did make a cyber purchase today, but not on a sale item. I finally broke down and got the wind-rippled tee that everyone has been raving about. It had just come back in stock and I knew I would regret it later if it sold out on me again. Here is a picture to swoon over:

And lastly, here is what I am wearing today to work. Comfort was key and I really feel like it looks better in person then these pics show, but maybe it is the medication talking.

Cardigan from the Loft

Shirt from a nickel auction for a whopping .25c

Skirt from DownEast Basics

Kady Boots from Target

My Christmas List

**Disclaimer: I know that I have all I can truly want in life. I have a great husband, a house full of happy kids, good friends and my faith. Oh, and did I mention that the adoption paperwork arrived in the mail today for our foster son who has lived with us for over a year (doing happy dance), the beginning of the long process has officially begun! But I am getting off track....**

I am, admittedly, a shop-a-holic and I do have a wish list. Since the Christmas Season is about to officially begin, I'd thought I'd share a sampling of mine!

The Nook I love this new eBook reader, it is so much better then carrying a paperback in my purse every day!

Ugghs, I mean UGG's. I have never owned a pair but I am obsessed with their knit ones!

Boden Spring Preview Items..... I know they aren't due to arrive until after Christmas but I can wait for this gorgeous line!

Steve Madden Boots-I think these will dress up and down beautifully!

So that is mine (well, at least part of it).....what is on yours???

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!

Odille Scalloped Lace Skirt

It took me a few outfit changes to find a cardigan that works in color and shape with this skirt. I think I may pick up this cardigan in ivory just so it is less distracting from the beauty of the skirt.

Odille Skirt for Anthropologie from eBay

Cami from The Loft

V Neck Shirred Cardigan from The Loft

Skinny Belt from J Crew

Nude Pumps by Apt 9 for Kohls

Unfortunately, the heels will not cut it for a nine hour work day on my feet so I had to do a wardrobe change. I am thinking of investing in J Crew's version since I love my nude patents so much.....any pointers on their fit or how comfortable their shoes are?

Here is how I ended up going to work today:

Ann Taylor V-Neck Cashmere Cardigan

Placed Petal Tee from The Loft

Marissa Skinny Pants from the Loft

Mee Too Shoes

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......

The Challenge Has Begun......

I will post the rest of the challenge pieces later this evening but for now, I'll jump right in with outfit number 1. This outfit actually checked two items off the list that I had yet to wear. This special occasion strapless dress from J Crew and this tie front cropped cardigan from Anthropologie, both of which were eBay finds from months and months ago.Strapless dresses are always tricky for me since I can't wear them strapless but luckily, these two pieces worked well together. I started the challenge easy so I could go into it positively but the next few pieces are going to be a little trickier!

I have a feeling that a majority of my challenge pieces are going be eBay finds. It is not that I don't get a lot of great pieces from eBay, it is just that I am often buying a piece "flying solo". To me that means 1. I am not finding the item in a store where I can try it on with other pieces to figure out an outfit in the dressing room 2. If it is not part of current line, I can't always look at how it was styled online, in the catalog, etc. It is not that the pieces are unstylable it is that sometimes (especially when they are really unique) it takes real thought to put the right ensemble together and it gets pushed back in my closet until I feel like making the time which often equals being totally forgotten about. Please tell me I am not the only one this happens to.....

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!

Cascading Ruffles And An Upcoming Challenge

Sorry for the blurry photo, my camera man was a little bouncy this morning. I had a hard time getting a good pic of this top but hopefully you get the idea. Did I mention how glad I am that you all talked me into the cadscading ruffle shell from ATL? I would like the top portion better with jeans but that is a no no at work and I don't have any grey slacks anymore. When you have four boys and are usually a SAHM, you don't have a lot of call for dress pants and my pants from before my last pregnancy don't even have a remote chance of fitting.....so black it is.

I've noticed recently that my outfits are more and more current ATL items which means I am shopping outside too much and am not spending enough time in my own closet. However, next week I have a personal challenge for myself. I am going to pick a few pieces in my closet that I loved but have yet to wear because I found them challenging and I am GOING to either make them work or kick them to the curb.  Do you ever have this problem?

Shell from Ann Tayor Loft

Cardigan from Ann Taylor Loft

Bow belt from Old Navy

Black Ann pants from Ann Taylor loft

Mee Too Shoes

Bed of Grey Roses

I know that oday's look is not that exciting  but I haven't even left the house yet and when I do, it will be for groceries and a trip to the bank. I am loving this Bed of Roses Tee that I picked up at The Loft the other day. I adore the salt and pepper coloring and the baggier fit balanced with the rose applique trim around the neckline. It just adds a little bit of extra polishing  to an otherwise "grubby" outfit.

LS Tee from The Loft

Banana Republic Belt

Weekend Jeans from Old Navy