Back in Bussiness with Bows

The fabulous Gigi posted about this Macy's tee back in January, and I've just been waiting for the warm weather to break it out! Love the big bow on the shoulder!

Macy's One Clothing Bow Neck Tee

Old Navy Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Trousers

Forever 21 Wedge (old)

Today I also had to pop into H&M and scout out the insanely adorable bow top that Tien wore on her blog this week. Found it!!! It kind of makes me think of Minnie Mouse, in a good way, of course ;) And as I was leaving this bow dress caught my eye. My pictures do not do it justice. There is so much bow goodness out in the stores right now. How can you not feel cute when you have bows on your clothes?

There is a bit of ruffling at the neckline, and elastic in the waist, to give the dress a nice shape.

Top of the Tops & an OOTD

New arrivals are rolling out on Anthropologie's website and there is much to drool over!

The moment I saw Sara from Confessions of a Serial Thrifter wearing a similar outfit to the one on the left of this Polyvore set, I knew I had to recreate the darling look! Loved it! I own the sweater and pants already, but my striped green tank from Gap proved a smidge too casual when I tried to clone Sara's outfit in my closet. I'm thinking the Button Seed Tank could not only work in it's place, but also stand alone with any pair of capris this Summer. It's at the top of my Wishlist.

ButtonSeedTank by JanRussell

And I must be turning a corner, because here is another item of clothing covered in birds, and I have nothing but love for it! It's hard to see the brass buttons on the front, but they add such a cute touch!

flock together by JanRussell

And since cute tees are my M.O., here is the one from Loft that I wore for running errands today.

Loft Grosgrain Necklace Tee
Lands End Canvas Heritage Cardigan
Old Navy Weekend Jeans
Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Floral Ballet Flats

OOTD - I'm Okay With That

Copycat, Thief, Repeat Offender? Yeah, it's all good.

Yesterday Sara posted about feeling bad when she copies an outfit she sees on another blogger, from head to toe. And Maria posted about feeling bad when she duplicates an entire outfit that she's worn before. And Sweet Tea in Seattle? Well, she posted this great Polyvore set, that I'm wearing for the third time this month. Maybe the guilt just hasn't set in yet?

I'm finally wearing a scarf!

Thank you Sweet Tea! And just a head's up...I really like the outfit you wore yesterday, too...

OOTD - Old School

I have quite the stockpile of Boden cardigans hanging in my closet. The fun prints and bright colors would get me every time a new "range" would roll out. I couldn't stop ordering them, especially when Johnnie would send me emails offering 30% off. I finally came to two realizations though (1) as fun as these cardigans are, what I really needed to be adding to my collection, were some solid colors (2) the boxy fit wasn't the most flattering for me. I've actually even considered putting the whole lot of them on Ebay. But they are just too happy to look at. And I'm going to be better about actually wearing them, too.

For those of you who don't already own 20 of these things, you can find them here

Polyvore is my Playground

I was able to return my Loft order over the weekend, and found some cute tees to take home in exchange for my rejected items. If you missed out on Friends & Family, The Loft is now running a promo for 30% off full-priced tees and tanks. I'm actually wearing the outfit on the left today, but try as I might, I can't get the ivory beading to show up in a photograph. I love these tees because of their pretty details and "throw on with jeans" appeal.

Last week I noticed a pop-back in the Anthropologie catalog, for the Golden Discs Oxford's. The shoes are not exactly "me", but I think they are really cute, and figured I would give them a try. I rarely buy black shoes, so these could actually help fill the void if I can pull them off. The Flowing Tiers Tank reminds me of my new Pearly Glow top (worn here) I haven't ordered it yet, but it's creeping up on my wishlist.

GoldenDiscsOxfords by JanRussell

And finally, the whale sweater is on it's way to me from LL Bean. I'm already plotting a course of action in the event that it's too big...anyone ever shrink a sweater? I wonder if I could simply ask my husband to wash it? Seems like the men are always being accused of laundry misdemeanors...

JerseyShoreMom by JanRussell

Did anyone shop this weekend? I'd love to hear what goodies you are stashing in your closets for Summer!

the mail came...it was the best of times, it was the worst of times

My husband took the afternoon off today so he could attend Harrison's "Writer's Celebration" and mulch the flower beds afterwards. Package #1 arrived in our mailbox via USPS. Packages #2 & #3 arrived by UPS an hour later. And an hour after that Fed-Ex pulled up with Package #4. By this point, I was beginning to wish my husband back at the office...

He'll be glad to know that every single item in my Ann Taylor Loft order is promptly being returned to the store. I am kind of at a loss for words over this batch of new arrivals. The Loft has been my "go-to" store for a few years now, but recently I'm not sure what's going on with them? I feel like we might need to break up. And in this case, it's not me, it's you!

TURNS OUT, NOT EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH BOWS...
Bow Neck Top

Cornflower Wash Bootcut Jeans

I cannot even tell you how disappointed I am in this bow top, I'm pretty sure it's bigger then most of my maternity wardrobe. Also, these jeans are a size 00P, and the length is ridiculous.

Next up is the V-Neck Cardigan, which the website describes as "The ultimate cardigan: lightweight, versatile, and with a touch of sheen."

Not so much. You can pretty much only pair this completely sheer cardigan with dark colored tops. And I wouldn't call that versatile. To be fair, the Willow Green is very pretty, and the buttons are super nice. But I want a cardigan that's going to pair with more then navy blue blouses, so back it goes.

Also, the Linen Trousers? Meh. I actually like ON's better. Like, way better.

Happily, along came my Anthro Box...

The Red Delicious Blouse (size 0) cheered me right up. Oh heck is it CUTE.
I also decided to take a chance on the Oolite Necklace. It was either going to be Joan Rivers, or adorable.

ADORABLE! The other two boxes were less thrilling, more cardigans from Lands End Canvas (ordered with F&F discount and free shipping. That's my defense) and Playmobil for the boys (sorry, Graham - you'll be banished from the playroom with the jillions of small pieces)

Better with Bows OOTD

Everything is cuter when it has a bow on it - agreed?

Anthropologie Pearly Glow Tank
Banana Republic Cotton/Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan

Ann Taylor Loft Trousers
Merona Maribel Peep Toe Wedge Shoes

Forever 21 Bow Ring

Swarovski Bow Earrings

I wore these earrings for my wedding!

I love my new Pearly Glow tank - I know this tiered style has been popular for awhile now, but I personally have nothing like it in my closet (I think this is due to be enormously preggo last year and missing out on the trend!) I love that this one has the big bow on top. The sheerness of the tank hasn't been an issue for me at all, but the neckline is a smidge lower cut then I normally go for. I think a cami would kill it, so I'm just keeping an eye to make sure it doesn't get shimmied down throughout the day ;) The whole family is headed to Harrison's school this morning for his "Writers Celebration" and I'm glad I have somewhere to trot off to in all my bows!

An Almost OOTD

Today's outfit was inspired by krameymartin - no one looks as cute in a coral cardigan, as she does! I love how she paired hers with her green striped dress, and knew I wanted to put those colors together, sometime, too. I am not very intuitive with mixing colors, but I can copycat like no other ;) Which brings me to my next point of inspiration! The ever adorable Ginger Girl wore this Banana Republic necklace on her blog earlier in the week, and I couldn't scout out my own store quickly enough to see if they still had one! Once again, I don't have a real eye for costume jewelry, and I wouldn't have looked twice at this piece if I hadn't seen Pamela looking so cute with it on!

I was excited to complete the outfit with my new Miss Trish for Target seahorse sandals, which made me feel ready for The Hamptons! In the end, something about this look felt too Summery for our barely Spring temperatures today. I ended up changing, but I know I'll wear this soon. I love how it all came together! Lands End Canvas Heritage Cardigan

Ann Taylor Loft Striped Tee (old)

Old Navy Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Trousers
Miss Trish for Target Seahorse Flat Sandals

How I know I'm Old, and an OOTD

Normally, I receive the catalog from LL Bean and recycle it without even cracking the pages. But today I had a few minutes to myself at the bus stop, waiting to pick up Harrison, while Sawyer and Graham were at home with my mom. I had grabbed the mail, and was flipping through catalogs, when I spotted this cute little sweater.

I know I'm old, not because I like something from LL Bean other then their Wicked Good Slippers, but because I don't really care what anyone else is going to think when they see me wearing this...

Harborview Cardigan

This cardigan reminds me so much of a sweater I had in...wait for it....kindergarten! Seriously, I can't resist it, it makes me feel so nostalgic!

Here are a couple more cute, preppy pieces to consider

Coveside Canvas Skirt

Coveside Canvas Shorts

Piper Cork-Wrapped Wedge Sandal

And finally, my OOTD was totally throw on and go. I had a field trip to the farm with Sawyer's preschool class, and when they sent home a letter reminding us to wear appropriate footwear, I ran straight to Target and picked up a pair of their Liberty of London rainboots. They are a size too big, but I bought them anyway. I wasn't going to risk stepping in cow p** in anything else ;)

Button Up - Forever 21

Ultimate Skinny Dark Wash Jeans

Liberty of London for Target Poppy Print Rain Boots - Pink

OOTD - Sweet Course

I thought this tee was adorable when I first saw it on Anthro's website, and even cuter when it hit their sale a couple of months ago. I had it in my online cart several times, and ended up nixing it at the last minute, because I just wasn't certain if the colors would be too Christmasy or too lumberjackish. Finally, the top sold out in my size, but I've kept it on my Wishlist just in case it popped back...

So when I saw the one lone Sweet Course Top hanging in the store yesterday, and that it was my size, and that it was neither too Christmasy or too lumberjackish, I seized the opportunity to finally make it mine!

Anthropologie Sweet Course Top

Ann Taylor Loft Jeans

Mossimo Presta Wedge Sandals, Cognac
Urban Outfitters Beaded Disk Posts, White

I also fell hard for the Pearly Glow Tank, and bought it without hesitation.

The Fifth Form Shift was at my store. In my size. And it took iron will not to purchase it on the spot. I'm hoping it will finally go on sale tomorrow, and I didn't want to hassle of having to drive back so soon for a price adjustment. I even called today to have them hold the dress for me, for 24 hours. Fingers Crossed!!! Toes, too!!! It was even cuter then I thought it would be, and I thought it looked pretty darn cute online.

I was also impressed with the Blooming Lattice Cardi in navy, and hope it too will go on sale, sooner then later.

Finally, I loved with all my heart the Red Delicious Blouse, but the store was already sold out of size 0/2/4 so I couldn't even try it. I love it especially with the sleeves rolled up. I plan to order it tomorrow - and I've only held off until tomorrow just in case of mark downs and not wanting to pay shipping twice.

Seriously, should I not wear this on my kiddos first day of school come September?

Oops, did I say finally? I actually still have one last thing to say. The Midnight Roses Tee, from ysterday? I slept on it, and I think there are too many other things I want more - maybe an Aniseed skirt? But I played around with it on Polyvore anyway, and here is what I came up with

Oh going to the store has done so much to shift my wishlist priorities!!!

Brought to you by the letters G, P & S

A little FYI - I am the wimpiest, scardiest driver. I don't drive on highways. I don't venture more then oh... 15 miles from my home. But today, after church, I went on an adventure. All by myself. And I paid a toll (this was only the third time I've driven through a toll booth, and the first two times I was following someone) So thank you, GPS, for making my roadtrip possible. Wow, is that thing handy! I know many more visits to Anthro will be in my future now that I have this device to guide me!

I went with the purpose of returning the Wright Dress. But of course, I was also eager to check out everything in the store. Highest on my list of things to try on was this jacket...

Vala Jacket

Not only was it my first time using the GPS, but it was also my first attempt with the camera phone. Not as successful. As you can clearly see.

Anywho, the Vala jacket buttoned easily, had a great shrunken shape and sleeves that were not too long. In the "minus" column, was the way this jacket totally flared out on the sides. I wanted to love this piece but felt it made me look really wide. While I was trying it on, the fitting room attendant asked if I was doing okay, and I actually asked her opinion, too. She flat out said it did not look right. We pinched the fabric back and tsked over what a shame it was that there was so much excess material at the hips. I tried and rejected this in a size 0.

Next up was the Coulis Cardigan - which I didn't remember seeing online, but the cute button detail and relaxed style caught my eye. This looked like an "easy to throw on with jeans" piece on the rack.

Coulis Cardigan
I can not for the life of me understand the five star rating this one has on Anthro's website. I have one word for this sweater. Dowdy. Honestly, I felt like a cow in this, and couldn't get it off fast enough.

The next two pieces were ones I've seen and liked on other bloggers. The Climbing Cowlneck is a major hit with seemingly everyone.

Climbing Cowlneck
Pulsations Skirt
Everyone, except me. I tried the navy in XS and could not keep it up on my shoulders. It actually drooped off of both sides IRL, but I pulled one sleeve back up for the photo. It was just too wide on my frame. Also, the armholes made me uncomfortable, they didn't expose anything, but they felt too big, just the same??? I'm laughing at myself in this disaster.

The Pulsations Skirt, I'm undecided on. Help! I wish it were a couple of inches shorter. But I LOVE the print. I think this skirt is playful (circus!) and adorable, with bare legs and sandals I could see myself wearing this throughout the Summer months. What do you think? Does it lose it's "fun" appeal because of length on me? This is a size 0. I want it. Unless you all convince me otherwise.

Millefeuille Tank
The award for worst picture of the (very bad!) bunch is next, but I wanted to post the Millefeuille Tank to show the length of the XS. Too long. This cute top was down to to the middle of my thighs. It's a great layering piece, for anyone taller then 5ft!

Midnight Roses Top

Finally, some good news from the fitting room! I loved this top, and was tempted to bring it up to the register with me. The price actually feels right at $68. I thought it was both flattering and comfortable and something way different then anything already hanging in my closet. I'm just not sure what I'd wear it with, though? Any ideas?

Oddly, I did not photograph the pieces I loved the most from this marathon try-on session. I have a few things that have rocketed to the top of my Wishlist now that I've tried them on. And I have a couple of things that made it home with me. I'll post more on those, tomorrow ;)

OOTD - Celebratory

Today is a busy day. Graham has his six month well visit, the appraiser is coming out to our house at 4 (I don't understand too much about this, but apparently our house will appraise for less then we paid two years ago (lovely) (I try not to cry too much about it since we plan to be here 20+ years) and then our taxes will be lowered??? At 6 o'clock I need to run Harrison to a laser tag birthday party...which is where the celebratory comes in...

Anthropologie Celebratory Blouse

Merona Cardigan

J. Crew Hipslung Capris

Aerosoles (what is with me and elderly shoe brands?) Wedge

Hey - and it's FRIDAY - the weekend is always cause for celebration!

yes, even if I have to spend all day Saturday on the baseball field...

PSA - If You Plan to Stuff & Save

Old Navy is running their Stuff & Save promo, starting on Friday. I was at the store yesterday to make a return, and Graham must have kicked off one of his monkey booties. I had to run back that night and reclaim it. I'm glad they found his sweet little shoe, and I'm also glad I took a moment to peruse the store.

The Twill Three-Button Blazer caught my eye, it's hard to see the detail in the online photo, but the material on the cuffs is a really cute peach stripe. They didn't have the white in an XS, so I grabbed the small to try. I wasn't as fond of the "Rolled Oats" color, but I took the XS to the fitting room with me, so I could compare the fit.

Strangely there was a huge difference between the XS and S. In the XS I wasn't able to button the blazer. Or bend my arms.

The Small was much roomier. I couldn't resist taking it home with me. I think it's more cropped then it appears in the stock photo. I wouldn't have given this a second glance on their website, but IRL it's a great casual layering piece. I think it will be perfect for cooler Summer nights.

Three Button Blazer
Chiffonade Top
Gap Jeans

OOTD - Partly Cloudy

The sun is shining and the skies are blue, but Ginger Girl's post yesterday wearing the Partly Cloudy top, reminded me that I haven't worn this cute shirt yet, myself! She paired hers with a peppy yellow cardigan and it made for a super cute combo. I don't own a cardigan that color, probably because me and bright yellow don't usually mesh well...

So I improvised with Target on top.
Anthropologie Partly Cloudy Top

Merona Open Front Cardigan, Cream
Lucky Jeans

Xhilaration Tabitha T-Strap Peep-Toe Pumps, Grey

As a side note, Jonathan was concerned this morning that I might be flashing people through the keyhole in this blouse. I assure you, I am not, this pretty top is totally rated G ;)

Not Wright

After a full week, my Wright dress finally arrived from Miami, today. And I am so sad. Vanity prevents me from posting the 50 or so awful pictures I took of myself in this thing - I tried it with belts, cardigans, countless different shoes and the love just wasn't there. The fit is off for me, the pockets are too high, the top falls down without the detachable straps, and the skirt poofs in ways that remind me of the Lands End Poplin skirt - not good. And for $168, this dress needs to be better then good.

It is insanely cute. And it pains me to have to return it, but I really felt like it was unflattering on me. I wanted to love it, I tried to convince myself, but looking through the pictures and not even wanting to post them because it looked so "off" really does tell me it needs to go back. SOB!

The only silver lining is that I will need to return this in-store since it wasn't purchased online. That means a field trip for me to the brick and mortar - and surely I'll find something while I'm there to lessen the blow ;)

ETA - oh what good am I if I don't post the ugly truth - here is the dress from the front...
and look at how it poofs under the bust - eeks! I am too newly postpartum to want to start any rumors.

So Many Pretty Dresses

so few places to go...

Cockadoodle...do you like this?

The Cockadoodle Dress arrived today and it fits like a glove. I love the pockets, the print, the color...basically everything except where the band of fabric is under the bust...I'm thinking it might be more flattering at my waist. I'm trying to make peace with my hips in this.

What do you think?

Reality Check

So my Alena skirt arrived this morning (record speed) and wow, what a difference material and a knee make! Here is a side by side comparison with the Lands End Canvas poplin skirt (left).

And shoot, now I really want it in pink, too.

Today I am heading to BJs for trash bags and baby formula in addition to at least 10 things I don't need that always end up in my cart. Also, I am going to the park. Again. My mommy guilt drives me there every time we have nice weather. And today looks like the last warm day for awhile, so swings - here we come!

I can tell that I'm going to have a problem not wearing these ON weekend jeans...oh, every day. I also threw on an old J.Crew outlet tee and critter flip flops from 08? This OOTD is clearly not to inspire anyone, I'm just keeping it real ;)

OOTD - Peaches & Cream

Since I was so happy with my other lace top from Forever 21, I decided to give this one a try too. It comes in ivory or peach, and since peach is one of my favorite colors to wear, I went that route.

Lace Yoke Shirt

I was able to sneak away for a pedicure this weekend, so my feet are flip flop ready! I admired these Clarks in the Garnet Hill catalog for a long time, and finally gave them a try last Summer - I wear them a ton, and they still look brand new. Being Clarks, they are incredibly comfortable, too. Which is just what I need, because I am headed to the park with my two youngest this morning.

I'm also trying to get better at doing my own hair. My braid is sloppy - but that's the style. Right? I hope.

3 Wishes - Come True!

Err...sort of.

So, the Cockadoodle Dress at Anthropologie did get marked down today, and I was able to scoop it up in my size online...where all sizes are still currently available...apparently, livestock on dresses, isn't for everyone.

CockadoodleDress by JanRussell featuring Prada shoes

The Alena Skirt is a bit of a mystery, it went on sale in stores, but not online. And now it's listed an "currently unavailable" even though both colors in all sizes were available earlier in the day. Odd. But not enough to deter me from having it shipped from a good ole brick and mortar. I am desperate for a navy skirt. The Lands End Canvas went back, and I'm hoping this will be a much better fit for me. I can't wait to finally wear my Ice Capped Blouse if the skirt works out.

AlenaSkirt by JanRussell featuring Anthropologie

And finally, the beloved Wright Dress. Not on sale. Afre@kingain. Sold out in my size online and super scarce in stores as well. I couldn't wait any longer. Especially since I really want to wear this dress for family pictures. I hearby take a solemn vow to not buy another article of clothing this month in order to justify my frivolity. except maybe, maaaybe, the Fifth Form Shift if it gets marked down.

WrightDress by JanRussell featuring Anthropologie dresses

So my newest wish? How about a price adjustment? Pretty please, with planes on top!