Issues

The first of which is my completely frizzed out hair. It's been raining buckets here all day. Ordinarily, I like storms/rain, but not with the humidity, and not with babies to load in and out of car seats making it impossible to hold an umbrella, and thus defeating the purpose of doing my hair to begin with. But that's not what I'm here to rant about...

I know we've covered the topic of these boots before. But I can't get the nagging feeling out of my head that they just look "off" on me. I think the way the bows stick out, make me feel like my legs look wider...and if you enlarge the pictures you can see they do this weird buckling thing at the bottom of the shaft? At least I think it's the shaft, I'm not up to speed on my boot terminology. Basically they are loose around my ankle, but fit my actual foot - does that make sense? This causes the material of the boot to kind of sink in...hard to explain...

But, but, BUT, I love them in the box. I keep trying to talk myself into loving them on my feet, but somehow it's not working. Sobs.

And then there is the Clinton Trench...

I'm wearing a size 0P, which I think fits pretty perfectly. The sleeve length is spot on. The details are extraordinary, the material is divine, the lining makes me squeal with delight.

So what's my issue (besides the gray skies possibly dampening my mood?) The collar. Um, it's rather high maintenance. I mean, I'm not going to adjust those ruffles every five minutes when I have the thing on. And they certainly don't lay right without the proper attention. If you own this coat, does the collar have a mind of it's own when you wear yours?

Okay, wait - let's ditch the frumpy ponytail and take another look-see.

So what do you think? (Besides that I'm neurotic)

Am I being too picky? Will the boots haunt me if I return them? Will the trench take on a nice shape once it's had time to breath out of the box (does it need steaming???) I think I need to try them both on again tomorrow. And possibly the next day too - making up my fickle mind is hard to do.

I'm weak for...

Fall's new arrivals at Anthropologie - aren't we all? Here's what has me swooning

Stylist's Eye Dress - Could I wear this for Thanksgiving? I need some sort of justification on this one...but oh how I love it, and it even comes in petite's!

As for sweaters, I hope I can get to the store sometime soon and actually try them on. In the meantine if you get to the store sometime soon, feel free to report back ;)

The Tria Sweater Skirt is darling - but expensive. In theory this is such a basic and should "go with everything" but I'm not entirely sure what I'd actually pair it with from my own closet? I do love it though...(that's the theme here!)

I love the color of the Jacinth Dress, love it to pieces. But I did just buy the Compeer Dress. Would two orange dresses in the span of a month be too greedy of me?

Ditto for having just ordered the Clinton Trench. I could not possibly indulge in two coats, one right after the other.

but just look at how cute the back is!

I'm trying to be strong and wait for reviews until I order anything - but goodness, I feel the tug!

ROYGBV - Violet OOTD

Yesterday I decided to wear my In a Twinkling Dress to church (for those of you who asked, YES, the dress is itchy, it's like wearing a brillo pad. I suffered.)

So today is the wrap up of my rainbow challenge. Unless I come up with something gold for tomorrow ;)

I'm funny about purple. I like lavenders and eggplants, but I'm not a fan of royal purple. I actually think grape colors are one of the better ones for my complexion, so it's unfortunate that I'm not really drawn to them. As a result of not loving the color, I could probably count my purple pieces on one hand.

It had been awhile since I'd pursued The Loft's website, but when I saw Jenni's post about these two pieces, I raced right over. I'm wearing them exactly like they are shown in the product shot, and I love the happy dalmatian dots and adorable bow on the cardi. Unfortunately, it's not a good hair day - we are going to finish our basement soon, and a contractor was out at 8am so I didn't have time to curl it. Then I ran to Walmart. In the pouring rain. And at this point, I'm over it.

Loft 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan

Loft Polka Dot Shell
Gap Jeans

Nordstrom BP Stella Sandals

This weekend I had a chance to pull out some of my decorations for Fall - I love this season! Anyway, I've had a lot of emails about my Russell Family plaque - including ones from sweet souls who actually thought I was capable enough to make it myself. Not a chance! I purchased mine here and I've given them for gifts too - I highly recommend :)

P.S. - I'm guest posting over at Anthropologie Girl's today - so fun! Check it out and wish cute Ashley a Happy Anniversary!

ROYGBV - Blue OOTD

I love wearing anything blue, from baby to navy. Today I decided to bring out some old Ann Taylor Loft pieces for a casual Saturday at the soccer fields. Both of my older boys had games, and it was a hot 90 degrees outside - I baked out there for 4 hours!

Loft top & capris
Banana Republic Wedges, via Ebay (love them so much I bought a tan pair too!)

And while we are on the subject of blue...I had a moment of weakness when I saw the Clinton Trench pop up on Anthro's website in navy. I know that beige is more traditional for a trench, but the navy feels more me. Color can be a powerful persuader!

ROYGBV - (it's not easy being) Green OOTD

Look! I found my missing shoe! And I'm not sure why I didn't think to look there in the first place, but it was right in the bath tub all that time (roll eyes and sigh. boys!)

This morning I had a meeting with my co-teacher for the pre-teen girls Sunday School class. We were filling up the calendar with activities, and I have to admit I was running through in my mind, what might look cute when we go for a bike ride at the park and on a digital scavenger hunt in town. Fun!

Banana Republic Blouse (old)
Tucker for Target Orange Herringbone Skirt
Ann Taylor Sandals

I wasn't sure if teal totally counted as green for purposes of this rainbow challenge, so when I returned home to a day of cleaning I changed into army green (believe me, it's a battlefield in the playroom!)

Loft Starburst Knot Tee (Dusty Moss Green, XXS)
Gap Capri's (old)
AE Medallian Flip Flops

Harrison had a friend over after school, and Sawyer invited the neighbors in too - so basically my house was clean - but it didn't last!

ROYGBP - (I've never been called mellow) Yellow OOTD

Day three of the rainbow challenge, which brings us to bright & sunny yellow. I have to admit it doesn't match my mood today. At preschool drop off my friend asked if I had a black eye...um nope, that's just the dark circles from not getting enough sleep this week! That should explain why I chopped my head off for the picture ;)

As for yellow, I love the color, but have a hard time pulling it off. I have a limited number of yellow pieces in my closet simply because I don't usually look good in the color.

Forever 21 Dress
Anthropologie Soft Bow Belt (which I ending up taking off and decided to return, it's just too floppy for my taste)

Old Navy Sandals (old)

For Fall, I'm looking forward to wearing more mustard tones, like this Maya Cardigan from J. Crew Outlet

I was surprised at how much my yellow shoes were worn this Summer, and I've been debating whether or not to get a Winter shoe in this happy hue. Here are some cute options

The two pairs on the right are my favorites!

ROYGBV - Orange OOTD

Day two of the rainbow challenge, which means we are on the color orange. I love even bright orange, but most especially I am a fan of the pumpkin tones.

I wasn't able to find the In A Twinkling Dress in a size 0, but for $30 I was more then willing to try the size 2. Happily, it's just fine when I throw a belt around it, and eventually I'll bring it to have the straps shortened, like on it's sister dress, the Vappu.

Anthropologie In a Twinkling Dress (still some in stores!)
J. Crew Cardigan

J.Crew Belt

Target Shoes (which are not the ones I wanted to wear, but I could only find one of the shoe I did want to wear in my closet this morning) (FRUSTRATING!!!)

Book Club ran super late last night, and I had to be out the door super early this morning for See You at the Pole at Harrison's school. And now I'm racing out the door to soccer. It's been a day.

ROYGBP - Red OOTD

For something fun and different, I'm going to follow the colors of the rainbow when getting dressed this week! As eager as I am for Fall, the temperatures are creeping towards 90, so I'll make the best of it and wear my Summer favorites one last time. Here is my RED outfit of the day.

Anthropologie Summer Wandering Tank
NY&Co. Cardigan
Anthropologie Pulsations Skirt
Anthropologie Pessinus Garden Necklace
Keds Spright Wedges

I don't own a whole lot of red pieces, but I do hope to add this cheerful cardigan to my collection when it finally hits sale. If it ever hits sale. This mornings markdowns did little to excite me...

I'm off to soccer and book club tonight - if you haven't already read The Help, it's fantastic and I highly recommend it! I can't wait to hear the conversation it generates around the circle.

Tuckered Out

September has been a whirlwind at our house - back to school, Harrison's birthday (plus getting the invites and other details in order for Graham's 1st next month), both big boys in soccer (two games a week, each) and I need to read The Help for book club by Tuesday night (I haven't started yet!)

So here is one tuckered out mama in the new Tucker for Target line :) When I saw this outfit on their website, I about fell over from the cuteness. I positively LOVE both pieces. The skirt is snug in the waist, and the blouse fits comfortably true to size.

Tucker for Target Tie Front Blouse (XS)

Tucker for Target Herringbone Skirt (1)
All Black Soft Bow Mary Jane (black/beige)

And here is what I'm actually wearing today. Spiffy wore this awhile back, and it's been in my mind to recreate the cute look. We're home waiting for the repair man to come and look at the dishwasher - my dh is convinced we just need a water softner, but I want to be sure the thing is actually cleaning...

Gap blouse (old)

Anthropologie Scalloped Clouds Skirt

Anthropologie Bouquet of Roses Heels

If you were in my (neutral) shoes, WWYD?

I was excited to order the Ellsworth Blouse a couple of weeks ago when it got marked down, and I had lots of ideas in mind for how I would wear it. However, now that I've tried a couple of these outfit sets IRL, I'm thinking I'm going to return it and order the Blushing Bouquet Cardigan instead. I really do love the Ellsworth Blouse, but it's impossible to get on and off (no real idea why, since it's not too tight???) and I'm worried that other reviewers are right when they say that this piece adds bulk. It's just a pity because the bow is SO CUTE it hurts.

See if you agree with my decision to return....

Here I am in look #1 with jeans. I actually prefer this top with a cardi over it because it covers the almost too big armholes and cuts down on the poof of the top. Unfortunately, it also hides the bow!

Side view is nice, front view...I''m feeling wide.

If I get the Blushing Bouquet instead, here is my denim look

Onto the Ellsworth with the Alena Skirt (plus, note to self to buy some navy heels for Fall)

Not too noticable, but I am exposing a bit of my unmentionables from the armhole area.

Once again, the front view is killing it for me. Boo.

But I could pair the Blushing Bouquet with the Alena Skirt too. See!

If I were keeping the Ellsworth I love it with crisp white. Yes, even after Labor Day.

But since I'm probably not keeping it, here is another look with the Blushing Bouquet.

I think I've convinced myself. Does the blogging public at large agree that this top should go back?

I already shopped for a pair of earrings and a belt this morning, but I keep hearing the Blushing Bouquet call my name. I'm slightly concerned that it's not really appropriate for Fall/Winter though. Will I really want to wait until Spring to wear it? Should I return the Ellsworth and not buy the BB either? Tell me, what would you do?

Did you all shop? Can't wait to see what goodies made it into your closets this sale round!

OOTD - Dagmar Dress Confessions

Today was my son's laser tag birthday party. It felt strange to be celebratory on an otherwise solemn day of remembrance. On 9/11/02 we brought Harrison home from the hospital on the one year anniversary of the attacks. Celebrating new life, as our country mourned the lives that had been lost. I am once again struck with the fact that time moves forward, burdened hearts grow less heavy, but on 9/11, no matter what we may be doing, we never forget.

Confession #1

I reordered the Dagmar Shirtdress to see if I would get one with a better pattern placement (compare with my first one, here) and I think I did - the difference is most noticeable on the top portion of the dress where you can see more of the floral pattern then in the first dress I received.

Confession #2
See those cute Hallowed Halls Oxfords I'm wearing with the dress? An Effortless Anthropologie community member was super kind enough to email me that the original Scarf Tied Oxfords were available in all sizes at Endless (a million thank yous!!!). And I ordered them. They came today and yes, I really do need two pairs of the same shoe. Something so cute deserves to be purchased in multiples!

Brainwashed by the Bowtied-Beauty Boots + OOTD

So my long awaited Bowtied-Beauty Boots finally arrived this afternoon. I loved them upon first sight - the color is great, and the bows are darling. I quickly threw on an outfit I'd likely pair them with in the Fall to try them out. I am usually between a 5-6 in shoes and ordered these in a 5.5 - the fit was good, plenty of room to add a thick sock.

I'm just not sure about the height of the boots on me? And I'm kind of scared to ask for opinions because I love them. Even if they aren't the most flattering, they aren't un-flattering either...right? Right? Don't be afraid to tell me the truth lie to me.
I definitely love them from the side where the bows are in full glory!

Oooooooooh....they are CUTE! And I don't really have to bend my knees

And for a quick OOTD - I first saw the ever adorable Pamela pair the Field Scout Skirt with stripes, and I loved it! Then when I spotted impossibly cute Hollie on Anthrolic's Reader Outfits feature yesterday, I knew I had to recreate the combo myself! Yes, I did wear this skirt two days ago....and yes I did have to iron it again.

OOTD - Two Wheeler, Take Two!

Today is Harrison's 8th Birthday!

School is closed for Rosh Hashana, so we're taking the boys for a day of fun at Dave & Busters. Tonight they both have soccer games, and afterwards my mom will come over so we can celebrate with cake!

I'm wearing the my re-ordered on sale, Two Wheeler Dress from Anthropologie. I haven't had a chance to get it hemmed, and now I'm not even sure I'll bother? For whatever reason (the better price???) I love it so much more on the second spin.

Since my husband is home from work, he took these pictures...and told me that my head tilt is out of control - lol.

OOTD - Field Scout Skirt

Something you should know about the Field Scout Skirt? When reviewers say it runs small and wrinkles easily, you should believe them. No joke. This is a snug size 0 that I ironed the heck out of this morning to be presentable. The pockets? They make the effort worth it! This skirt was so impossibly adorable on Kritina J. and Krameymartin that I'm glad I have my own!

Today I took my oldest son to school with his birthday treat (soft pretzels shaped like the #8) his birthday is tomorrow, and he's lucky enough to have the day off from school! I thought I'd step it up a bit with the earrings, they were a clearance buy from Target, and are a departure from my usual posts. I figured if I was going with a longer length on my skirt, why not with my earrings, too? I think I like them (subject to change if Graham's yanks on them).

I'm wearing the Forever21 top on the left in this Polyvore, but I think the other tops would be really cute, too! Too bad I don't own the ones on the right...

Field Scout Skirt by JanRussell featuring anthropologie shoes

Both Sides Blouse, $88
Shine Through Button-Up, $88
Arid Season Button-Up, $78
Eyelet Ruffle Cap Sleeve, $18
Field Scout Skirt, $40
Bouquet-Of-Roses Heels - Anthropologie.com, $138
Mossimo Cognac Presta Wedge - 8.5 : Target, $25
Marc by Marc Jacobs Anabelle Stud, $48
Looping Lanes Belt, $44

Fall Frenzy

September is already proving to be a very busy month at our house.

Graham has gone from walking to running

(wearing Coarlie Cami from J. Crew in size 0P, I wish I had bought this in more colors - LOVE and sale items are currently an extra 30% off right now if your size is available)

Harrison is loving 2nd grade and looking forward to his 8th birthday on Thursday. I am frantically wrapping presents and preparing the favors for his Laser Tag party on Saturday.
Sawyer started Pre-Kindergarten today and had his first soccer game tonight. Actually, so did Harrison at the exact same time which had me hopping from one field to another.

I'm not complaining though - I love being busy! The only thing I don't love about September? The end of Anthro free shipping. Sniffle.

Between back-to-school and birthday preparations, I've been running to Target on oh....a daily basis...for real. Have you checked out the new collection from Temple St. Clair? Because you really should. I was only able to find one pair of earrings in store, but thankfully when one free shipping door closes, another opens - Target is offering free shipping on orders over $50, plus 20% off if you order over $75 (from experience, if you order two more pairs of earrings and two necklaces, you'll easily reach this total)