Foiled Again!

Another Tuesday, and no new clothing markdowns at Anthropologie!

What is a girl to do? Thankfully, they provide a sale-shopping alternative, and offer plenty of new arrivals on the website today.

And oh be still my heart!!!

Lettuce Florets Blouse

Nevermind that I don't eat anything green, especially not lettuce, this is beyond words ADORABLE.

This is pretty cute too, despite it's unfortunate name. Wouldn't it be great with skinny, rolled up denim....
Crows Nest Top

And I love the details on this pretty blouse - it's hard to make out, but those are green polka dots scattered all over
Picture Frame Blouse

I plan on pairing my Openwork Vines Skirt, above, with my Both Sides Blouse, but the Picture Frame could be a great alternative!

3 Wishes

Since there were no new markdowns last Tuesday at Anthropologie, my 3 wishes for a sale this week, remain the same.

Instead of sale wishes, I'm posting 3 lovlies that are newer to the site, and not likely to see a price reduction for some time. I still wish to make them mine, eventually...

Each one also features a favorite detail of mine when it comes to clothes that make me feel happy.

1. BOWS
Pineapple Island Heels

These insanely CUTE shoes would go with practically everything in my closet. I've been proving it to myself on Polyvore!

2. EYELET
Peeking Lace Blazer

Blazers aren't usually my thing. But this one? I might not even wait for a hypothetical sale. Especially with it's shrunken shape and a sleeve length that works for the vertically challenged.

3. POLKA DOTS
Sweet-and-Sour Blouse

I don't look particularly good in yellow. Or gray. But I do love me some orange. And polka dots are a cuteness guarantee!

So let's all cross our fingers for a sale tomorrow, and a money tree in the backyard, shall we?

Blue Book Value

My verdict on the Blue Book blouse? Worth it! The ruffles and slightly puffy sleeves are darling! It is on the sheer side, and low cut, so a cami is probably in order. I'm wearing this in a size 0.

Blue Book Blouse

I don't know if you can tell in these photos, but the dots on this skirt are more ivory/beige then they are white. I am a matchy-matchy girl. Do you think the white of the blouse is too bright IRL to pair these two pieces together?

On the other hand, I can't say the $58 was warranted for this tee. At least not on me. The fit was just overall too big - at the neck, and especially at the bottom, it really bagged and floated away more then I would have liked. This is a size XS. The print is really cute, and I love the fold over neckline, but the material was not overly soft and it's a bit too long on my frame. This one is going back. Reluctantly.

Sea's Epitome Shirt

OOTD - I'm with the Band

I think I need to try for pictures outside now that things are warming up. I have zero good light in my house! Anywho, I have my headband on! Let's hope it doesn't cause me any headaches...although my husband will be travelling, so chances are solo parenting my 3 boys for the weekend will take care of that ;)

J. Crew Crinkle Chiffon Ruffle Cardigan - Burnished Olive
J. Crew Outlet headband
Gap Faded Dark Flare Jeans
Gap tee
Nine West Wedge

*I fixed the necklace

What's the Skinny?

I have some reviews! But first, my scale broke last week. I thought it just needed a new battery, but it turns out it went kaput. Unfortunately, my new scale is inclined to tell me that I am four pounds heavier then I thought I was. I liked my old scale better!!!

Whichever number is accurate, Banana Republic's Ultimate Skinny Dark Wash Jeans are making me feel like I weigh what I supposedly did just days ago. I LOVE these jeans so much, they are the pair I hunted down during the Give & Get promo last week. The material is lightweight, and the petite length, as you can see, is absolutely perfect for me! I would say if you are even a couple of inches taller you could get away with these in the regular length. Another thing I love about them is that there is no whiskering on the thighs. My thighs are my trouble spot, and I think whiskered denim calls extra attention to them. I highly recommend!

Last week I also placed an order for some Lands End Canvas items. This is their newer line that is supposed to offer a more modern fit.

Here is the Bow Tie Shirt in Silver Frost, size 0. I think this fits well, a little long and slightly see through, but overall a winner for me.
I'm wearing it with the size 0 Poplin Skirt. A few bloggers have mentioned these skirts are a good substitute for the hard to find Thousand Days Skirts from Anthro. The waist on this is a bit big, I could pinch a good inch or two on the side. Also, I'm not sure it's flattering on my figure? Maybe too long? Maybe too poofy? Something just seems a little off? Or maybe I'm not used to such a full skirt? Not sure, but I want these skirts to work because they would be great basics and pair with tons of tops I already own...honest feedback welcome!

Also, the Heritage Cardigan in Coral Blush was a success for me. The fit is great and the $39.50 pricetag is more attractive then the price of a J.Crew Jackie. I'm wearing this in an XXS. I'll be going back for more colors!

Another look at the Poplin Skirt, this time in navy. I really wanted this skirt to pair with my Ice Capped blouse since I've seen this combo on other bloggers and loved it! Again, I'm just not sure the skirt is working on my figure though.

And while the Heritage Cardigan was a hit, the Boyfriend V-neck Cardigan was a huge fail. Huge being the key word here. This is an XXS and look at the extra material in my arm. And like every single other boyfriend cardigan I've tried this year petite or otherwise, it was too long. Heavy sigh.

LOVE my new Bayside dress from Anthro though! $30? Hush!

I Consoled Myself

Blue Book Blouse

There were no new clothing markdowns today at Anthropologie - a big boohoo to that! I decided to have a last hurrah with their free shipping promo instead and order the Blue Book Blouse. I had the hardest time deciding on which color to get! Also, those cute earrings are on backorder, and when I called CS they said there were NONE in-store either. Another boohoo. I'm going to try to hunt down something similar this week, because I like the pop of color to match with the subtle stripes in the blouse. I hate finding the perfect thing and not being able to get my grabby, impatient hands on it!

OOTD -- Bonus Points

Today's challenge item was ballet flats, but in getting dressed I realized I could also use a belt and viola! Two for one!

Both the belt and flats are recent impulse buys from Target. And the shoes are from the girls department but they run huge, I am normally a 5/6 and I took these in a 4. I actually tried the 3.5's and while they fit, the 4's were more comfy. For $9 I couldn't resist the simplicity of them! I have other black pairs with ruffles and bows already - I may never turn back from flats, so look for them on my feet, soon!

Xhilaration Natausha Ballet Flats

Two Flower Skinny Belt

Cotton/cashmere crewneck cardigan

Gap ruffle blouse & pants (similar here)

3 Wishes from my Wishlist

I love blogs with "weekly features"

So fun!

I thought I'd add my first to this blog.

Anthropologie usually marks down merchandise on Tuesday's. Not every week, but most. On Monday nights I'll wish for items I hope to see included in the sale. If they don't go on sale, it's a victory for my wallet. If they do, I hope my wishes will be granted by the genie's over in Customer Service ;)

Wright Dress

As a mom of boys, I need this fun dress. I think it could even be cute for family pictures - right? Wright.

Fifth Form Shift
Already sold-out online. This is where the CS Genie's work their magic and find it for me in-store. I have church picnics just calling out for this cute number.

Bouquet Of Stripes Tee
Casual, cute, and it has ruffles - this is a no-brainer for me. But speaking of my brain, it keeps reminding me not to pay full price for $68 t-shirts. So I've been holding out - maybe tomorrow will be my lucky markdown day!

And finally my "Wishful Thinking" It's not realistic to think that this adorable and fun dress will get a markdown yet. But...I wish it would. Roosters? They might as well have embroidered my name on the dress!

Cockadoodle Dress
I'll be up when the rooster crows excitedly checking Anthro's website for any of these goodies at sale prices!

What are you wishing for?

OOTD - Giving in to Temptations

It's gloomy and rainy here today, but my Tempting Trellis sweater is channeling Spring ;) Tempting Trellis Cardigan

Boden Tee (similar here)

Lucky Lola bootcut jeans

Apepazza Orione boots

Lutea Barette

Ritzy Misfit Initial Wax Seal Necklace

I had to have this pretty barrette after seeing it on Carrie over at My Inner Fashionita

It actually blends with my hair really well and ends up looking subtle - what was I so afraid of???

And in unrelated Spring accessory news - I bought a cute new bag! I had been tempted by Coach Tattersall before, but the pieces I'd seen all had the Heritage horse drawn stagecoach, which isn't my thing. When I heard our nearby outlet had gotten some Tattersall in, I decided to check it out, and I'm so glad I did! I think this preppy little bag wil be perfect for the warmer months ahead :)

OOTD - Spring Things

And we're off!

Today I am wearing my new(ish) necklace from Anthropologie that I have been waiting until Spring to break out! Happy Spring! Did you think it would never get here?!

A few days ago Kim from Anthroholic wore a pretty lace top from F21, so I had to check my store and see if they still had some. It was the one lone blouse left, and I was excited to snap it up! It's a size Medium, but it works just fine and dandy.

Anthropologie Double Torsade Necklace - Mint

J. Crew Jackie - Breeze

F21 Lace Top - see detail, here http://blog.forever21.com/blog/perma.asp?articleid=342

Mia Mabel T-straps

Gap black trousers

I opted for pants today because I have to run Harrison to a Chuck-E-Cheese birthday party after church. I might sneak away from the party to check the nearby Old Navy for any last minute Give & Get purchases. Maybe even some more costume jewelry ;)

Challenging Myself

I have the bad habit of buying things and then never wearing them. Mostly accessories. For whatever reason, I lose my confidence before going out the door. When I start doubting if I can pull them off - I literally, pull them off.

So starting tomorrow, I am challenging myself to wear one each day, of the the following ridiculously-not-too-hard-to-pull-off items. Prepare to scratch your head and say "huh?" when you hear what I have stockpiled but rarely taken for a spin around the block...

1. A piece of costume jewelery - anything bold or chunky.

2. A scarf
3. (and I just bought a half dozen more of these) A Skinny Belt

4. Hair Bling - my hair will not look overdressed.

5. A Wide Headband. I wore a headscarf every day for MONTHS, but somehow I'm not sure of myself in a headband? Plus, they give me headaches. But I own so many of these it's criminal not to wear them.

6. Ballet Flats. I've long avoided wearing them for fear that they will make my legs look even stumpier. But they are cute and over time, a few pairs have made their way into my closet. They can't be any less flattering then my sneakers or flip flops and I certainly wear those on a regular basis.

May the fashion force be with me!!!

Get to Getting

Give & Get Promo starts today - 30% off your purchase at Banana Republic, Gap & Old Navy.

Are you shopping?

Here are my top temptations

Wool/Cotton Zip-Front Vest

My lifestyle is casual. Like, sweatpants casual. But I don't want to be the mom in sweatpants everyday. I don't care for this product shot with a tank top, but in-store, over a button down - this vest was cute. I wish it came in Petite sizes!

Silk Honeycomb Blouse

A lot of tops do not catch my eye on Banana Republic's website, but then I see them in-store and I fall in love. This blouse is beautiful - I love the combination of gray and yellow.

Ultimate Skinny Darkwash Jean

These I tried on in regular length in-store and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED them. When I saw they had sold out of my Petite size online, I called Customer Service and had them hook me up with a store that had them in stock. They honored the 30% off and waived shipping since I paid with my Gap Silver card. I will be stalking my mailbox for them.

Ruffled Eyelet Tank

I am a lifelong fan of eyelet. So pretty. So girly. So can never have enough of it in my closet.

Eyelet Tank

Shawl Cardigan

Why yes, this does look cute thrown over them. Very cute, indeed!
Gray. Off White. Or both?

OOTD - 70, 80's

The sun is shining (finally!) and temperatures are creeping towards the 70's here in PA! It was our turn to host playgroup this morning, but since it was so beautiful out, I suggested heading to the park instead (I didn't get out of cleaning my house though, since my girlfriends wanted to stop and check out our new flooring downstairs. Ah well, Spring cleaning is always beneficial!)

I was drawn to this little sweater in Forever 21 a couple of weeks ago, it has an 80's vibe to it...unfortunately, it makes me look like a linebacker. Since the F21 return policy is a such a hassle, I decided to deal with the broad shoulders.

F21 Button Down $11.50 (love and bought this in yellow as well!)

F21 Wave Crochet Sweater

OOTD - Green Enough

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Old Navy Cardigan

Anthropologie Drenched Helenium Tee

Lucky jeans

strike up the band{wagon}!

It's a (very!) good thing that my Target was sold out of the Liberty of London Women's Cruiser because no amount of self-restraint would have been enough to keep me from bringing one home. How impossibly CUTE is that thing???

I was excited to see all the pretty clothing in person. I was drawn to the color of the Isis Print Ruffle Neck Top

The quality seemed great, and the XS fit me really well but in the end, I really didn't need this one (that's my husbands voice of reason in my head, not my own!) I was tempted, though.

The Pleated Dress in Jumper Print I really wanted to love. But it swallowed me up and was too long. Too bad, so sad. This print is by far my favorite of the entire line.

So much so that I had to own something in it! This tankini (I don't see it online, each piece was $19.99) is amazingly soft and the halter neck can be cinched up really tightly for a good fit up top. I tried on both the XS and Small tops, and decided the small was more forgiving over my tummy area. I took the bottoms in an XS, and even though I prefer skirted swim bottoms, these do at least offer full coverage and don't feel like they would ride up at all.

I made sure to peek at the umbrellas, wallets, bags and houseware goodies - but I behaved myself. I cannot stop thinking about the bike though. Think they'll restock them online?

Dotty Downpour

Its raining it's pouring...the kids at church are probably snoring...

In an effort to help ease the frantic Sunday morning rush heightened by pushing the clocks forward an hour, today was deemed "Pajama Day" at church.

But only for the kids!

I decided since it was pouring buckets outside, my Dotty Downpour tights would be perfect. Plus, I teach the preteen girls Sunday School class, and those girls are the only ones I've got to appreciate bows and polka dots with ;)