Jan of Arctic

We are snowbound today, and I took until noon to even bother getting dressed. My only venture out of the house was to the mailbox in my new Joan of Arctic snow boots that Jonathan surprised me with for Christmas. I absolutely love the foufy-ness of them! For me they fit true to size and are nice and toasty. I received an email from Jill earlier this month asking me which Sorel boots I liked best, and I have to say, my hubby picked my favorites!

It Was Almost a White Christmas!

Snow on Christmas would have been magical - but it also would have been a mess to travel around on slippery roads. My boys are just as happy to see lots of the white stuff today, and I'm glad my husband decided to surprise me with the Sorel snow boots I wanted so I'm prepared to venture out if I have to! The snow didn't start until after church this morning, so heels weren't a problem ;)

OOTD 12/26/10 by JanRussell

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours!

I've been waiting for a special occasion to break out my Flight of the Swans Dress, and while I was overdressed for church and dinner with extended family at my mom's, I don't think I could have a more "special" reason to dress up then celebrating our Savior's Birth! Merry Christmas!

OOTD - Pressing the Easy Button

This dress is ridiculously comfortable. If it came in 5 different colors, I would buy them all. I couldn't resist copying the Anthro catalog shot when I got dressed this morning, so to quote Staples..."that was easy" I'm off to Harrison's 2nd grade classroom this morning to help with gingerbread houses. I predict nothing about 8 year olds and plates full of icing will be easy, but it should be fun nonetheless ;)

Anthropologie D'armee Dress
Anthropologie Triple Ring Belt

Kohls Simply Vera Opaque Tights
Target Kady Boots

OOTD - Christmas Caroling

Sawyer's preschool class is Christmas caroling at the Senior Center today. While he's crying in a heap over having to don a fancy sweater, I'm fully enjoying the opportunity to wear something festive.

J. Crew Ruffle Cardigan (similar here)
Loft Tee & Necklace
J. Crew Cypress Plaid Skirt
Simply Vera Opaque Tights (Navy)
Mia Gigi Mushroom Crinkle Patent Pumps

OOTD - Delicate Drafts (not the current weather conditions)

It's freezing here in PA, and the wind is anything but delicate, it's knock over your trash cans strong.

I was so happy when my Target finally had this lace tank that Jessica posted about awhile ago. It's a pretty layering piece and definitely qualifies as delicate and drafty itself ;) The cardigan is precious, I love, love, love the pocket and collar detail, and the gray color is tinged with lavender. Super soft and comfy, just what you need on days as cold as this one!

Anthropologie Delicate Drafts Cardigan
Target Racerback Lace Tank
Banana Republic Ultimate Skinny Jeans

Target Kady Boots

OOTD - one, two, TRIA

Actually, if it weren't for Jamie, I wouldn't even have one way for wearing this skirt. As much as I love the adorable details, I'm not completely sure what works well to pair with it. Thankfully, I remembered Jamie suggesting the Blooming Lattice awhile back, and was she ever right - this sweater is a perfect compliment to the skirt! If you all have ideas - I'd love to hear them, or better yet, if you picked up this skirt on sale too - I'd love to see them!

I finally got my car back this week, and was all excited to be able to park in the garage again...but wouldn't you know my stall is full of insulation for our basement at the moment. I refuse to go out until that frost melts ;)

OOTD 12/11 by JanRussell

Tria Sweater Skirt, $128
Simply Vera Vera Wang Opaque Control-Top Tights, $12
Merona Grey Marylynn Suede Maryjane - 8 : Target, $27
BAROQUE PEARL RING - Single Stone - Rings - Jewelry Robert Redford's..., $68
PEARLS IN BUD EARRINGS - Post - Earrings - Jewelry Robert Redford's..., $230
Anthropologie Blooming Lattice Cardigan

OOTD - Hiking Ruffles

Today I am cold, tired, and overwhelmed by what I still have to get done in time for Christmas. I'm hopeful that the weekend will give me a chance to cross lots of things off my shopping list, wrap lots of things already purchased from my shopping list, and not buy anything for myself so that I don't end up on the naughty list ;)

Anthropologie Hiking Ruffles Cardigan

H&M Striped Tee

Banana Republic Ultimate Skinny Jeans

Target Kady Boots

En{trench}ed

I was so excited to see that my Anthro order was "out for delivery" this morning - mostly because I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Puckered Plaid Trench. I'm sure by now you've all seen better pictures and reviews of this beauty, but I just had to add my consensus...it's SO CUTE. I absolutely love how the hem swings out, it feels so gloriously girly. I don't usually like my figure in double breasted coats, but this one works. I was scared of the collar, but it's really not overwhelming in person.

I went with a 2P and the fit is perfect.

And here is what was on underneath the coat. My almost indecently short skirt from Banana Republic paired with Anthro's Curlytop Cardigan and Daisy Chain Tights (which btw are wonderfully warm).

OOTD - All Aglow

This weekend we finished decking the halls at our house

As for me I have a tiny bit of shopping left to do and a ton of wrapping to get cracking on.
Here is what I wore to church this morning.
I totally copied the colors from Anthro - but hey, it's a busy season I can't be expected to do everything myself ;)

OOTD 12/6 by JanRussell featuring leaf earrings

Long & Lean Cardigan, $49
Glowing Leaf Skirt, $98
Opaque Tights - Anthropologie.com grey, $44
Merona Grey Marylynn Suede Maryjane - 8 : Target, $27
MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Classic Q - Baby Groovee' Satchel, $239
Crystal cobblestone bracelet - J.Crew, $30
Anthropologie - Summer Wandering Tank customer reviews - product...
Anthropologie Pessinus Garden Necklace in Gold
Women's Tiffany Leaf Earrings

OOTD - Dazzling Deer

Today I was Mystery Reader (the kids don't know who is coming in to read to them that day) in my son's second grade classroom. I have definitely found the secret to commanding the attention of a group of 8 year olds....read them Chicken Butt! Thankfully, their teacher laughed right along with the group and I wasn't sent to the principal ;)

OOTD - 12/3 by JanRussell featuring a wool skirt

Long & Lean Cardigan, $49
J.Crew - Dazzling Deer Art Tee, $275
sale - AllProducts - Wool bell skirt - J.Crew, $80
Legwear - Clothes - Anthropologie.com, $13
Mossimo Cognac Kady Tall Flat Boot - 8 : Target, $35
Women's jewelry - bracelets - Small crystal colletto bracelet - J.Crew, $70
Beveled Button Studs, $12
Amazon.com: Mrs. Toggle's Zipper (9780689716898): Robin Pulver, R.W...., $36
Amazon.com: Chicken Butt! (9780810983250): Erica S. Perl, Henry Cole:..., $9.32

Out in Frill Force

I can't believe it's taken me this long to realize the importance of outerwear. Let's face it, at the bus stop, on errands, at preschool pick-up...no one is ever going to see the cute outfit underneath my coat! So the coat itself had better steal the show. The Frill Force Jacket definitely does just that - the ruffles are swoon worthy. This is a regular size 0 compared to my Clinton Trench also by Idra, in a 0p, I can tell I have a lot more room in the arms and shoulder area. I love that this jacket also has a hood and the pockets are at just the right spot. This beauty is sold out on the website, so I'd keep your eyes peeled in store - love it!

Seven

I love tags! And since I've been delinquent in OOTD pictures, I thought this would be a good chance to respond to both Spiffy and Tara. I'm supposed to share seven "interesting" things about myself - but I'm not that interesting, so I'm giving this my own spin ;)

1. Seven things I drank/ate today (which could explain why I've not lost all the weight I gained over Thanksgiving)

*Diet Coke

*Starburst

*Symphony Chocolate Bar
*Cheese
*Ruffles
*Soft Pretzel

*Actually, that's it...I should really speak with a dietitian....

2. Just to keep you interested - here are my 7 most recent Anthro purchases give or take two. Did everyone score at the surprise sale today?

Recent Purchases by JanRussell featuring a cotton jacket

Dresses, $60
Endless Plains Blouse, $78
Knits & Tees  - Clothes  - Anthropologie.com, $40
Flower Vendor Top, $78
Puckered Plaid Trench, $188
Frill Force Jacket, $188
Pompom Robe, $40
Daisy Chain Tights, $16
Time-In, Time-Out Belt - Anthropologie.com, $30

3. Seven Favorite Products

*MAC cosmetics
*Smashbox Eyeliner in Black Violet
*Clinique Dramatically Different Mousturizer
*Aveeno
*Philosophy Shower Gel

*Essie Nail Polish
*Fresh Lemon Sugar Perfume

4. Seven favorite things about Christmas

*Celebrating Christ's birth
*Ornaments that bring back a flood of good memories
*Handmade gifts from my boys

*Matching Pajamas
*Pottery Barn Kids Christmas stocking hung by the chimmney with care
*The Moravian Star on our front porch
*The kids faces when they open their most wanted gifts
*Bonus - extended holiday shopping hours and great deals

5. Seven things I do not love about the Christmas season

*Undecorating
*Gaining Weight
*Pretending you like something
*Wondering why you didn't get a card from ______

*Wrestling toys out of their iron clad boxes
*Kids acting ungrateful when they open a gift
*Long lines & crowds

6. Seven things on my Christmas List

*Ionic hair dryer

*A 35mm lens

*Tripod

*Anything from Anthropologie
*Sorel snow boots

*Perfume

*And if Santa is real, a 2011 Honda Odyssey in Smokey Topaz

7. Seven clothing Items I couldn't get through the season without
*Southward Stop Shirtdress
*Target Boots
*Banana Republic Ultimate Skinny Jeans
*J. Crew Atlee Skirts

*Tights
*J. Crew Dazzling Deer Art Tee

*Cardigans in every color

Black Friday - Black Sunday

Black Friday isn't a huge shopping day for me, but my husband did head out to BJ's and purchase a flat screen t.v. for when the basement is finished, and I went to Target in the afternoon and loaded up on lots of toys even though my boys are constantly on the "naughty" list.

I don't usually wear a lot of black, and have limited basics (pants, skirt, little dress) in my wardrobe, but something about packing on 3.5 pounds in one week makes me quick to reach for those pieces ;) Today I paired an ancient black skirt from The Limited with my new Bianka Blouse that I couldn't wait to wear. As we were getting ready for church my 4 year old became indignant "HEY! How come you get to wear short sleeves?" he wanted to know. I told him to pipe down or I'd make him wear a sweater over his button-up shirt. What is it with boys and insisting they aren't cold enough for sweaters, jackets, hats, etc???!

Of course, I could have done with a cardigan myself - but hide the adorable ruffle detail on the sleeves of this blouse? I don't think so!

the Wanigan Coat went wa-wa-wa all the way home!

Thank you all for being the voice of reason! After reading your comments about the fit of the Wanigan coat, I honestly wasn't sure whether to return it, or just burn the thing (I kid!) Happily I was able to swing by the store tonight while in route to my husbands high school reunion. I didn't have much time at all, just enough to try on a handful of things and make us fashionably (no pun intended!) late. After Kay's suggestion and seeing the Frill Force Jacket looking adorable on Carol, I was excited to find one in store to try on. The jacket was pulled from the back since my store only had a couple of them left, and the smallest size they had was a 2. I loved it. My husband loved it (well, he said I looked like I was ready to run off with Indiana Jones which clearly was code for "I love it!") I was all set to take it home when I realized it was missing the belt. I asked the sales attendant if she'd be able to look for it in the back, but instead she urged me to order the size 0 since the 2 looked big. Good thing I came straight home and did just that - there were only two left online! FYI - this jacket is not especially warm, but what it lacks in function it more then makes up for in cuteness ;)

Another lucky break? One lonely Bianka Blouse in the blue motif caught my eye on the rack. When I pounced on it, I was giddy with delight to find it was my size! So I didn't go home empty handed. If my husband hadn't have been there, I would have been really, really tempted to pick these boots up too. They are stunners!

Wanigan or Try Again?

So the quest for a casual coat continues, after a major fail with the Cassonade Coat last month (see here) I decided to give the Wanigan Coat a whirl when it went on sale.

It's definitely cozy. but I dunno?

It's like lumberjack on the top and ballerina on the bottom...
This is a size 0 (not petite, because that was already sold out online) and the sleeves are long, but otherwise, it fits well. Opinions?

OOTD - Getting Closer

So I'm getting closer to mastering my camera remote, but it looks like I literally need to move closer to the camera or adjust the zoom so you can see more of my outfit and less of my grass. The good news is that from this distance the horrible crease across the front of my skirt is less noticeable :)

Anthropologie Blooming Lattice Cardi
J Crew Chiffon Tiered Tank

J. Crew Cord Atlee Skirt

Anthropologie Corn Maze Boots

OOTD - Friends in Lofty Places

I love that Debye of Modestly Styled, Modestly Me puts together fabulous sets featuring goodies from Loft. I feel like she is my own personal shopper! When I saw her Polyvore pairing this shell and cardigan together, I was instantly sold on both! Loft Grosgrain Cardigan

Loft Mini Cheetah Print Shell

Banana Republic Cord Skirt

Target Mossimo Supply Co. Kachiri Leather Americana Boots - Taupe
MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Classic Q - Baby Groovee' Satchel - Currant

Happy Weekend!

OOTD - so you're not going to believe this...

but I'm in a rental van again. I got my car back from the garage on Friday. And on Tuesday morning, this happened.

Needless to say, I am crazy grateful that my 4 year old who was seated behind me, and took most of the impact is safe, sound and unscathed by the incident. The baby didn't even wake up from napping in his carseat. I didn't realize the extent of the accident until we were home, mainly because my door wouldn't open, so I never got out of the car to view the damage. I was struck by a Ford 150 truck behind me while trying to make a turn. YIKES!

OOTD - Coin Purse Cardigan

I ordered this cardigan so quickly the morning that it hit sale, that I forgot to read all the reviews warning to size up because it ran so small. I sweated it out waiting for UPS and crossing my fingers that the XS would fit.

Blue Book Blouse - Anthropologie.com, $68
Coin Purse Cardigan, $90
J.Crew - Donegal Tweed Atlee Skirt Forest, $178
Beveled Button Studs, $12
Anthropologie - Winding Ruffle Boots customer reviews - product...

Thank goodness, it does! I absolutely love this cardigan, the colors, the quirky feel, the granny coin purse pockets. Next time I'm so wearing this to Chuck-E-Cheese - Harrison's tokens in one pocket, Sawyer's in the other - perfect!

Today I'm headed to Macy's to pick up a new set of Corningware - I haven't broken a piece in 10 years....then along came Graham....

OOTD - I don't remotely know what I am doing wrong

I am so completely frustrated with my new camera remote. It worked perfectly, yesterday! Today? I got nothing. And I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I checked to make sure the battery was in correctly, I hold it at every angle, I move closer to the camera, farther away from the camera, outside, inside, lens extended, double and triple check that I have it on the correct "release" setting. I have literally tried everything. And now I give up. I also have given up hope of being able to park this monster van into the garage, which is why you continue to see it in my OOTD pictures ;)

J. Crew Traversa Cardigan
J. Crew Cord Atlee Skirt
J. Crew Chiffon Tiered Tank
Anthropologie Flower Chain Tights
Target Mossimo Supply Co. Kachiri Leather Americana Boots

What I didn't wear last night...

Last night my husband and I went to see Sarah Palin speak at a fundraiser. The tickets were purchased by his firm to support the partner who played a key role in organizing this event. What's funny is that one of their paralegals was a protester at said event. I guess that could be awkward around the water cooler today ;) Politics aren't my thing, but as a mom in the audience I found Sarah Palin to be relatable and lots of fun.
Also lots of fun? My new remote for the camera! I bought one this morning, and quick put on the outfit I didn't end up wearing to the fundraiser last night so I could play around with taking pictures.

I bought the Impressionist's Dream Dress off of Ebay, and it seems there are still plenty of listings available. I love the contrast of blue and green and can't wait to wear this beauty in the Spring! For last night it was a bit too dressy, and it was too cold to not wear tights.

Instead, I wore the Southward Stop Dress (again!) because what could be more appropriate then a wildlife print for the former Governor of Alaska?

OOTD - Clear the Roads!

I wore the Southward Stop Shirtdress to church yesterday and paired it with my Rushing Ruffles Cardigan and Berry Bush Tights, just like when I originally tried it on, here. To mix things up and be even more casual today, I experimented with wearing the Breezy Polka Cardi and my boots from Target. Even though there isn't any red in the dress, I think this works.

Today I am driving around in my rental van as my car is away for repairs....cross your fingers that the damage doesn't cost a bazillion dollars to fix. I never thought I was the mini van type, but I have to admit, I really love driving around in this thing - just be sure to get out of my way if you see me coming ;)

OOTD - I wish the sun would shine through

Today the sky is dark and it's pouring buckets in PA. Oridinarly sweatpants are what I feel like wearing on dreary days, but then I remember how the hems drag in the puddles, and kick muddy splatters all over the back of my pants.

I've been thinking about recreating this look from the J. Crew catalog for a few days now, and since I know a lot of you scored the Shine Through Button Up yesterday (I got a price adjustment - whoohoo!) I thought I'd pull mine out yet again.

Here was the Polyvore I made

Slate Blue & Army Green

And ta-da!

Special thanks to impossibly sweet Kathryn for helping me procure this cute pocket watch locket from Oh Hello Friend I love it and so do my boys who always want to "check the time" when I am wearing it :)

OOTD - I Resemble That Remark

So yesterday.

It was bad.

Yes the boys fought. But on top of that our CO alarm started blaring at 11am and even in heels on a chair I couldn't reach it to change the battery. So my husband came home from work, only to discover we didn't actually have any batteries the right size. After finally changing it out and returning to the office, the alarm sounded again. Back dh came and this time we called the company who told us how to reset things. That solved the problem for two hours, when the alarm once again started to screech. At that point, I was convinced we needed to open the windows and head outside.

For dinner I decided to leave and pick up the McDonalds I had promised the boys, only I didn't want to back out the garage at hit the service truck in the driveway. So I was very, very careful. Well, of what was behind me, at least. The side of the car smashed into the garage. Whoopsies. If you've known me for awhile you know this isn't the first time I've had spacial issues. Or the second. Or the third. Gulp.

My husband shook his head at me "not only do you spend all the money but then you cost me money on top of it."

It was hard not to laugh when the gas company asked if anyone in the home had a headache.

I did not make it to the camera class.

Husband will be happy to know however, that this dress did not cost him a cent. I bought it with the birthday gift card I received from SIL.

Old Navy Tie-Waist Shirt Dress
Hue Pointelle Tights
Anthropologie Corn Maze Boots

And for a bit of good news. There was no gas leak ;)