Playful Banter

So, my big boys didn't actually return to school on Thursday as I had hoped, nor did schools in our district re-open on Friday.  After entertaining my crew for so many unexpected days at home I am feeling rather drained.  So when my husband emailed me asking what I wanted to use our American Express point on? Perhaps a trip to Italy? I playfully responded that after the week I'd had, I was going to pack up and vacation there alone. Ciao! I told him.  He wrote back that I had certainly earned it...but we only had enough points to get me there.  Haha. I have a feeling after 10 days doing my "job" he'd personally give me a piggy back ride home from Europe if that's what it took to get me back ;)

Anthropologie Banter Tee - runs big and slouchy - I don't find it particularly flattering, but the horses are so cute (btw, they are A LOT brighter then they appear on the website!) and it's such a comfy piece, that I'm keeping it anyway. I really love the reindeer motif this tee comes in, too!

Loft Denim Leggings

Anthropologie Corn Maze Boots

Hurricane & Halloween

My family made it through Hurricane Sandy unscathed.  Our neighbors across the street had their entire chimney blow off, and some others lost siding and shingles - our power went out for 24 hours and school has been closed all week (the big boys go back tomorrow).  Overall, we are thankful we avoided anything worse and our prayers are with those who are still recovering from the storm.

Anthropologie Puckered Placket Turtleneck
Loft denim

 AEO Wedge boot (I scored this pair at Marshalls for less then twenty bucks!)

J. Crew Factory Braided Bracelet

Tonight it is on with the Halloween festivities as scheduled. My kids are very excited to don their costumes and collect lots of candy from the neighborhood.  Let's face it, I could benefit from some serious chocolate after having all four home for five days straight...

Expanding my Horizons

I've always been a fan of prints, and I've never shied away from cutesy or kitschy, but Southwest? Boho? Abstract? They haven't quite found their way into my closet - until recently. I notice more and more that I am drawn to a bigger range of styles and it's been fun adding unusual (for me) pieces to the mix.

This sweatercoat caught my eye on a recent trip to Anthro but I worried it might look like a stadium blanket on - luckily, the tie adds great shape and it only feels like a blanket.  It's not online yet, but if you missed out on the Dressage Sweatercoat (horses) then you'll want to jump on this when you spot it.  I can't wait to wrap myself up in it all winter long.  I hate bulky, cumbersome outerwear that you melt in once you get inside a store, so this is a great everyday option for me.  LOVE. 

The Lilium Shirtdress was another piece I wasn't certain about when I brought it into the fitting room.  After slipping it on, I turned several times in the mirror, kinda loving it, but needing a vote of reassurance.  I went to show my mom and ask for her opinion but the two fitting room attendants bowled me over with sweet compliments before I could get to her.  I definitely love those girls!  Pushing the envelope even further I wore booties with this thing.  Short legs be darned! Why squeak outside of your comfort zone when you can jump right in instead ;)

And sometimes it's nice to stick with what you know too...like quirky animal prints.  And I confess the next dress I have my eye on is covered in telephones.

I should really put some broken records on a t-shirt, because that's what I'm sure I sound like when I say I'm sorry for not posting in forever...blah, blah, blah, excuses, excuses, blah, blah, blah. 

Back to School Night

Recently my neighborhood has seen a lot of new construction, and we are thrilled for the new neighbors and lots more kids on the block.  Last night at Sawyer's back to school night one of the new moms approached me "Omigoodness, everyone at this school knows you!  They all say how sweet and bubbly you are....long pause...and that you are always dressed up"  LOL!  And to think I made a conscious effort to "just wear jeans" last night to better blend with the crowd.  

I was in love with the pretty detail on the Pocketed Peasant Blouse the moment I saw it on Anthropologie's website, but knew I had to hold out for a sale.  Later, I saw a sales associate wearing it at the store, and she look adorable, but I didn't have time to try it on for myself.  I was a bit nervous from all the reviews saying that it was nearly impossible to get your head through the opening of this top, but I am happy to report that I was successful.

Outfit Details Here 

Tomorrow night I have Back to School Night for Harrison, I think I will embrace my reputation and wear a skirt ;)

Side Splashed Tank

I have not seen much mention of this tank on blogs, but thankfully, Jenni and her eye for cute colors spotted this in her local store, tried it on and wrote a glowing review to entice the rest of us.  Hearing her approval was what totally sealed the deal for me, and I'm so glad I grabbed this piece when it went to sale.  It is vibrant, incredibly soft and comfortable, and a great length for pairing with skinnies.  I expected to like this tank when I received it, but instead I love, love, LOVE this tank. Don't let it fly under your radar!

Anthropologie Side Splashed Tank

H&M Cardigan
Anthropologie Filigree Crochet Earrings
J. Crew Enameled Giraffe Bangle

Old Navy Necklace

Seychelles Coy Sandals

here's my number, so call me maybe

I can't seem to think of the Rotary Dial Necklace without getting this song stuck in my head!  But that is the only drawback to this adorable piece ;)  I love this necklace and have already worn it numerous times since buying it on markdown a few weeks ago. Here are two recent pairing.

Outfit details here

Outfit details here

My big boys head back to school on Tuesday and their soccer practices have begun - sure signs that Fall is just around the corner! Got to cram in the white denim and tank tops before the temperatures dip!

Hitting the Target

I always love a good Target find!  The other night I was at the store without kids and was able to score a cute dress from the clearance rack for twelve bucks! Here is the outfit I was out running errands in - the sandals are another Target steal from earlier in the season that you can now find marked down in stores!

Outfit details here 

And the $12 dress that I hope makes Peggy proud!

Outfit details here

A few weeks ago Debra posted about some cute cords that caught her eye and not wanting to miss out on great deal, I decided to give them a try.  Initially, I passed on them since they were too big in the waist, but after trying them a second time I decided for the price they were livable.  I think when I take them in to be hemmed I will ask about adjusting the waist - anyone know if this is an inexpensive fix? I can always belt them too.  Here are some pictures to give you an idea of how they will fit the petite sector ;)

Surprisingly, Mossimo colored denim in the same fit is a lot more snug in the waist then the cords are.  I usually have the opposite happen, where cords run tighter - but not in this case.  I have been wanting to try some red jeans and on the cheap, so these were a perfect find.

Outfit details here

And a final feeling-the-love-for-Target outfit. I loved the cut and colors of this cute top and with a cardi and dark denim I think it will transition well into the fall. 

Outfit details & Fall look here

And that about covers my recent Target purchases of the non-essential variety! When you are there an average of twice a week, it's easy to be distracted from the paper towels and baby formula...