Elementary School Meets Fountain of Youth

Took the day off on Friday so I could attend the Mother's Day Brunch at my daughter's school.  It was so nice to not go to work and to watch my little girl put on a show with her friends.  I was told the night before, in no uncertain terms, that I was to "dress up" for the event "in a dress".  Since the weather seemed to be cooperating, I chose the Fountain of Youth dress.  Can't tell you how much I love it!  There doesn't seem to be much you can do to dress is up or down so basically my outfit consisted of dress + shoes.  Easy!

I did put on a cardigan for the walk to school.  The show and all the little notes and gifts the kids gave to their moms were so cute.  They sang us some songs, we enjoyed some bagels and juice, and took pictures with the teacher.  It was very well put together and extremely adorable.  Here's me and my little princess in her classroom.

On me: dress - Anthropologie Fountain of Youth; cardigan - Merona for Target; shoes - Seychelles "Joan"; toes - China Glaze Purple Panic (neon)

On Lil Miss (she asked me to include her OOTD deets): dress - Target (was a mere $17 and we get so many compliments on it); cardigan - ? from Neiman Marcus a few years ago; glasses - Sears

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

Feeling Like Me - OOTD

Alright, I confess.  This is me.  If the weather is anywhere under 70 degrees, I just adore my jeans.  Simple, simple, simple.  Fussing over accessories just ain't my bag man.  A plain tee or blouse, an awesome pair of jeans and some cute shoes is how I'm comfortable.  It makes my day seem less stressful and I feel light.  That's not to say it's not fun to shake it up a bit now and again, but I've been fussing so much over trying to look like I've "got it", whatever "it" is, that mornings have been much less than fun.  Top that off with being tired from long work hours and we've got one miserable momma.

So today, well actually Friday, I went back to me.  With just a touch of classic Anthropologie girlyness (see belt which actually reminds me of Laura Ashley).  :)

jeans - Paige Lou Lou via Anthropologie (big giant Xs and Os for these); top & belt (from a three piece set) - Anthropologie; shoes - Target; bracelets - gift; necklace - Ruche

And words cannot describe how I feel about these jeans.  I mean the back could be a little more butt flattering, but they fit like a dream.  No squeezing the muffin top, perfect length; just super comfy.  You want your legs to look long and lean, definitely give these a whirl.  Sold out at Anthro online, but quite a few have popped up on ebay recently.

Not Feeling It OOTD

Another day when there was a dress and heels on the agenda.  Another day where I woke up and said yuck, can I just wear my sweats.  We didn't resort to sweats and I did manage to keep the sweater and shoes from the original plan in the mix, but this was the best I could do.

Anybody else really missing warm weather?  I don't need 80s, although that would be great, but can I just leave my damn gloves and coat at home already??!!

Here's my cold weather alternative to a beautiful feminine dress that's begging to be worn.  I really love this sweater.  The details and fit are very nice, but something about the collar reminds me of that ruffly ring clowns wear around their neck (see close up below).  What do you think?

cords - Blank NYC via Piperlime; tank - Madewell; sweater - Anthropologie Ha'Penny; shoes - Target; nails - Zoya Eve

I did make a discovery today.  I have no bright colors in my closet.  There is color yes, but bright color, no.  A nice bright tank would've been better under this sweater today in my opinion.  Gonna have to remedy that with more shopping!!

Ok, ok, I admit it - I changed into flats before work.

The Look for Less - Anthropologie

Does anyone remember a show called The Look for Less?  I think it was on E! or TLC, or maybe I'm just nuts.  Anyway, those types of shows, television segments and magazine articles are always my favorite.  It's so great to see a designer outfit get cut down in price for us regular folks.

This is my first attempt at re-creating a look I love but didn't want to fork over the big bucks for.  My look is not exactly close, but just a loose interpretation and, well, much less expensive (still on the lookout for a rockin' anorak though).  Plus, it was comfy!

The Anthropologie Look (approx $350 not including oversized ring and shoes which are currently sold out online, poop)

Betty Ray's Look for Less (approx $155 with shoes)

Jeans - Lucky Brand (way old); tank - Tinley Road from Piperlime ($29); scarf - Ann Taylor Loft ($12 from 40% off sale); jacket - Target ($20 on sale); booties - Madden Girl ($39 after $10 coupon); cocktail ring - vintage, gift from the hubs; nails - OPI's Lucertainly Look Marvelous

Of course, I'd still love the Anthro outfit - especially those cute shoes!

Haul With a Purpose

When I get a Saturday without the kids, I usually like to get any shopping done early in the morning.  Well, this past Saturday I was kidless and did something I've never done before - went to the mall - with a list, determined not to stray from it.  And we did good!!

Since my resolution to become a better shopper, I have reorganized my closet, purged all yuckiness and made a list of the items I need to tie everything together.  That list resides in my bag and is updated regularly.

My current list includes: black blazer, denim/chambray shirt (dressy & casual), black tote, anorak jacket, pencil skirt, floral scarf, trench, cloche, bow blouse, red cardigan, blouse to go with white trousers, thin belts (brown & black), bow neck silk halter (in a bright color), short black leather jacket, a great dress

So, Ann Taylor 40% off coupon in hand, I set out.  Parked and headed straight to my planned destination.  Another thing out of the ordinary, I tried things on in the store!!  I never do that.  I usually buy, take home and then return whatever I didn't like.  This typically causes me to hold on to things that I may not love.

After Ann Taylor (regular & Loft), I hit Lord & Taylor (have a gift card), left empty handed and drove to Target.  Here's what I ended up with (all of it from my list - well, one exception but I know what I can wear it with).

Ann Taylor Haul by BettyRay featuring a snake belt

And my "bonus" shirt (the one on your right).  It was just so soft and comfy and I loved the asymmetrical neckline.  Oh yeah, and it was $12.  But, did I buy it just because it was cheap?  Nope, it will go perfectly with a black wool mini I've had for years.

Hope you enjoyed my haul. I know i did!  Keep your eyes out for some OOTDs using these pieces.  I have three in mind already.

 

Enjoy your day everybody.  I'm off to cut these items from my wish list.  Yay!!