The Cassonade Coat

I had such high hopes when the beautiful Cassonade Coat first appeared on Anthropologie's website. I greedily ordered it with my birthday discount, and it arrived today. The moment I pulled it out of the box, I knew it was going to be too big. And it was. In the shoulders, the waist, the sleeves - everywhere. In addition, the color was not as rich as it looks online and the button closure sat so high (and didn't nip in) it just made the coat swing out babydoll style, making me feel large and dowdy.

And what was to be the cutest part of all, the back...well, it was rather anti-climatic in person.

Has anyone else tried this coat? With better luck? Mine's already been repackaged to send back, but at least I tried!

P.S. - these pictures aren't taken with the new camera, I've got a lot to learn with that puppy!

OOTD - Retake

About an hour after getting dressed and feeling uncomfortable in my jeans (see below), I decided to forget about being practical. I am going to PARTIES today. I should wear a party dress, no? I know I've been wearing the Compeer to death, but it feels like it was made for October. I had to share because this is my favorite way to wear it, to date. Plus, now you can see the cute shoes ;)

Anthropologie Curlytop Cardigan
Anthropologie Compeer Dress
Gap Tights
Target Temple St. Clair Earrings
Seychelles Ring New Year

~~~~~~~~~~My previous post, before I got changed!~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today is full of Halloween festivities. This morning we are off to Sawyer's preschool for a parade of costumes and puppet show. After lunch it's over to Harrison's school for another parade and class party. I will alternate between sitting on the floor and chasing Graham as he no doubt tries to escape from both activities. I decided jeans were in order.

Anthropologie Curlytop Cardigan
J.Crew Grand Ruffle Shell
Lucky Jeans
Seychelles Ring New Year (love them! Fit TTS)

Birthday Girl!

So everyone told me I would just love being in my 30's. Today I turn 32 years old, and nope! I'm not convinced, 30's are just so grown up. And me? I still want to be spoiled like a 12 year old.

Jonathan surprised me this morning with the Nikon D3000 (I am so intimidated!) and since everyone told us to skip the lens kit, he went with the Tamron AF18-270mm (I literally have no idea what this means) (I think it's good though because he said it cost more then the camera itself) (gulp.)

I almost didn't buy the Oleander Cardigan when it went on sale because I've been trying to limit my number of "cutesy" pieces in favor of more sophisticated ones, but like I said, I'm still in denial about being all grown up ;)

I did not make it to Anthropologie yesterday, as planned, but Customer Service was kind enough to honor my birthday discount over the phone. XOXO Anthropologie! You're the best!

....you too Jonathan

Birthday Discount by JanRussell featuring cotton tops

OOTD - since it's almost Halloween...

I decided to be bold and channel some Halloween colors. The purple and orange are a little crazier then I usually get, but more fun then the matchy-matchy gray cardigan I almost went with instead. I'm off to church with my fingers crossed that Graham will make himself at home in the nursery...I've just started leaving him and there have been lots of tears (for both of us!)

Anthropologie Compeer Dress
Old Navy Cardigan (old)
Target Merona Marylynn Pumps
Anthropologie Pessinus Garden Necklace

OOTD - I couldn't help myself!

Even though I wore the Shine Through Button Up yesterday, and the Atlee skirt once already this week, I couldn't resist putting this outfit together.

Original inspiration here

Shine Through Button-Up, $50
Breezy Polkas Cardigan, $98
Women's skirts - tweed - Donegal tweed Atlee skirt - J.Crew, $88
Hue Opaque Tights with Control Top, $13
ALL BLACK Women's Soft Bow 2 Mary Jane Pump, $112
Beveled Button Studs, $12

When I asked my husband if he liked the outfit, his response was..."it's a good thing I'm taking Harrison to soccer" Sigh, I live in the land of people only wear jeans and yoga pants on the weekend...

OOTD - Shine Through

I tried to wait for a second cut on the Shine Through Button-Up, but when the Breezy Polka Cardigan went on sale this week, I knew I'd be needing it sooner rather than later. I can't wait to pair them together as seen in this store inspiration shot that Roxy posted a couple of months ago. In the meantime, I'm able to find plenty of other things that this neutral layering piece is great with :)

Shine Through Button-Up, $50
Maya twist cardigan - J.Crew, $60
Old Navy Womens The Weekend Jeans, $35
Beveled Button Studs, $12
Forever21.com - Accessories - Jewelry - Necklaces, $8.80

I found my shoes online, but not in the tan color that I own...I hate when I can't find a picture to clip to Polyvore! Ah well, they are Marc Fisher Zaynee Flats, and they are perfectly adorable with the bow detail.

It's been a crazy week here - My husband was traveling, I hosted book club and playdates, went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch, to the pediatricians and Target countless times. I'm ready for the weekend!

And just for kicks, here is the outfit I did not wear today. I picked up this really cute tunic from F21 the other day and thought I could get away with wearing it as a dress.

Then I thought again ;)

OOTD - Atlee, Again

Last week, I had some fun using my J. Crew "red card" good for 25% off the entire purchase. Though I already own the Traversa Cardi in Orchid Shadow, I could not resist picking up the Nutmeg as well - it is such a gorgeous rusty orange and you know that color makes me weak! I paired it with the Atlee Skirt I also bought during the promo and you've already seen me wearing...it's earning it's keep in my closet. The eighteen karat belt from Anthropologie is also working out nicely, I can wear it low on my waist - cinched around the middle belt hole, or up higher, though it's still slightly loose at my natural waist. I like the way this belt fastens, so you don't have the excess flapping around when you cinch it tighter. Finally, I broke out the knee highs again - first time in my life I have gotten on board for this trend, and even though I've not been a "school girl" in a long time, I still like dressing up like one ;)

J. Crew Traversa Cardi
Old Navy Blouse
J. Crew Donegal Tweed Atlee Skirt
Anthropologie eighteen karat belt
Anthropologie Winding Ruffle Boots

P.S. - thanks for weighing in on the camera/bag decisions - I'm glad I don't have to choose the camera (sounds like they are equally great!) but I'm strongly leaning towards the Currant bag after looking at them longer - as wonderful as neutrals are, I think my rainbow collection of bags is an indication that I go for more of a "pop" when it comes to my purse ;)

Torn

Don't worry, a camera with a remote is in the works! We are currently in the SLR market, and I'd love to hear any opinions you might have on deciding between the Canon or Nikon? Really, that's more of my husbands area of expertise and I've put him in charge or researching and purchasing the camera but it doesn't hurt to poll the masses. I on the other hand, am obsessing over bags at the moment. I haven't bought a new bag in three years - so the time has come! I spotted the Marc Jacobs Baby Groovee in Bloomingdales recently and fell in love. I just cannot decide on which color - the Currant or Dirty Martini? Help! The bags I currently have in rotation are not even close in color to either one (orange, winter white, and yellow) so I can't rule either out for being similar to what I already own. Which do you think I should go with?

The bag and camera pretty much round out my birthday/Christmas/anniversary wishlist. With the exception, of course, of using my Anthropologie Birthday Discount at the end of the month - but I'll save those picks for another post ;)

OOTD - Molded & Melded

I have some bad news. My photographer quit. Upon asking Jonathan to snap my picture for the third time in one week, he snapped. "This is ridiculous. You're out of control" he told me. Well, okay then...it was....fun? while it lasted!

I need to get back into the swing of using the timer. Imagine Tyra Banks flipping over this picture and declaring "and here's your best shot"

NY & Co. Cardigan

Anthropologie Molded & Melded Tee
Anthropologie Pessinus Garden Necklace
Gap Jeans

The Molded & Melded Tee has some amazingly gorgeous details, but the cap sleeves are not actually working as sleeves on me???? They just scrunch up at the shoulders making it look like a sleeveless top??? And I'm not sure all the ruching and gathering lays right on me, either. But I love the color and I do think it's super pretty!

I went to bed at 8:30 last night and feel like a new woman! Of course, Graham has a 10am appointment at the pediatrician, and I have to take Sawyer with me too...so we'll see how long that refreshed feeling lasts ;)

OOTD - Sleepy in Silvana

Last night was another late night at the ER with Graham and bout two of The Croup. Thankfully, the little bear is just fine this morning (you can see him keeping watch at the window) after the nebulizer and steroid treatments. I on the other hand could use a good nap - between crying my eyes out watching Teen Mom on Tuesday night, and pacing around the hospital until the wee hours last night, I feel like I've been run over by a truck. Which is why this morning, I had zero energy to come up with what to wear. I happily remembered this great combo that Debye had put together during a round in her J.Crew fitting room and viola - an instant winner! The only thing more comfy then this OOTD is my pjs, which I can't wait to climb into tonight!

J. Crew Silvana Cardigan
J. Crew Coralie Cami
Old Navy The Weekend Jeans
Report Flats

In unrelated "I love olivey shades" news, I took advantage of Piperlimes 20% off promo yesterday and ordered these Seychelles Ring New Year pumps. Anthro is selling the black version of this shoe, here, for $30 more - plus shipping????

in fall force

Fall is far and away my favorite season! I love this light dress from Target because it's the perfect thing as the temperatures transition - today's high is in the upper 60's - perfect! When I put this on my son asked why I was in my pajamas. Then my husband asked if I was wearing a kimono. Sigh.

Tucker for Target Signature Dress in Floral Print

Target Kady Boots

Here is a little glimpse of Fall at our house. Welcome...


This cute hoot pillow was purchased on Etsy - I'm tempted to keep him out year-round.
ManicMuffin


Another favorite Etsy purchase is this burlap banner - I have ones for Easter and Valentine's Day too.

Funkyshique

Picture Frames are a new purchase from Target

The candle holders are Target goodness, too. I'll use them year-round and just switch out the colored candles.

The candy needs constant refilling.
I purchased this table runner from Etsy last year, about a week after Halloween. I'm glad I got it and tucked it away - the fabrics are so cute!

I absolutely love Lori Mitchell Figurines - I have ones for other occassions too, but the Halloween ones are my favorite! And that scarecrow? It's name is Sawyer - how could I not take him home?

Here are all the links I could find, just in case you need to add some more riff-raff to your own home ;)

Halloween Decor by JanRussell on Polyvore.com

Graham Dalton is One + OOTD

My baby boy is ONE today! I can't resist sharing some favorite shots that my friend Mindy took of the birthday boy. He is the love and light of our lives!

Happy Birthday

Graham Dalton!

We'll be celebrating with cake and presents later tonight. For today I decided to break out my new J. Crew Tweed Atlee Skirt and recreate the look I saw at my local store. They had this skirt paired with a plaid button down in more feminine colors, but this is one of the few plaid shirts I own, so I had to make due. They also had it layered with a puffer vest which I thought was just the cutest idea, and since I own oh, I dunno, ten of them, I had no problem finding one to incorporate in the outfit.

Calvin Klein Puffer Vest (purchased at Macy's a couple of years ago)
Banana Republic Plaid Shirt (purchased in the Spring)
Anthropologie Triple Buckle Belt
J. Crew Donegal Tweed Atlee Skirt
Target Mossimo Presta Wedge

OOTD - Chromatic Canvas Shirtdress

When this dress first appeared on Anthropologie's website, I thought the vibrant colors were pretty, but that the overall style was so not me. I don't know why but this one read as Southwestern? to me. Then when I was at the store a couple of months ago, I saw the dress and thought it was so much prettier then I gave it credit for. Still, I didn't try it on at the time. Fast forward to it receiving a second sale cut this week. $30? For real? At that price, I can be flexible about my style ;)

Anthropologie Chromatic Canvas Shirtdress
J. Crew Cardigan
Target Merona Maribel Peep Toe Wedge
Anthropologie Pessinus Garden Necklace

The weather is going to be absolutely perfect today and into the weekend. I probably won't need the cardigan come lunch time!

*If my husband is going to keep this photographer gig, he's going to need to find a new angle. I apologize for the scary big head...

The Last Time I Asked My Husband For A Watch, I Got A Goat

Yep, you read that right. Let me set the scene for those of you who don't know the story. It was a few weeks before our 5 year anniversary (milestone!) and I was 8 months pregnant with our second son (hormonal!) I wanted a (pricey!) watch for the occasion. Jonathan and I had some sort of CrAzY (I'm Italian!) fight and I sent the watch back days before our anniversary and told him I didn't want anything from him. My husband decided (and we still argue about the intentions!) to use the money he would have spent on my new watch (his words in the card!) to buy a goat through World Vision instead. A wonderful and worthy cause? Of course! What I wanted for our five year anniversary? Hardly. We do laugh about it now. But I have to be in the right mood, otherwise it just makes me shoot him dirty looks with death stares of bitterness...

All this to say, my birthday, Christmas and my ten year anniversary are all fast approaching. And he can totally make things up to me.

http://couture.zappos.com/n/p/dp/68904932/c/267784.html

Oh watch! You slay me!
This is all Carol's fault.

*Fine print - when I say, my birthday, Christmas and Anniversary - I do not mean to imply that this watch could be a combined gift for all three. I don't do combined gifts (aka the year I told my dh our new couches could also be my birthday gift and he believed me)

*Fine print II - yeah, yeah it's the thought that counts. Don't worry, I'm feeding that story to my kids ;)

Cute as a {military} Button

One of the big trends for Fall is military inspired pieces. It's a departure from my usual sugary sweet style, but when Banana Republic emailed me a promotion for 40% off two items, I decided to give the military mini skirt a try. I bought both the green and herringbone in 00P and intended to only keep one once they arrived. My good intentions were no match for how cute the skirt was, though!

J. Crew Cardi, chiffon tiered tank, bracelet
Banana Republic Military Mini (utility green)
Target Kady Boots

Bigger Issues & OOTD

So, my husband has finally discovered this blog...and he's already teasing me and asking too many questions about my buying the same shoes in two colors. He even told me I should wear my Twinkling Dress to an open house on Saturday, unless of course I'd be too uncomfortable with the itchiness. I told him this blog is "No Boys Allowed!" so hopefully, he'll feel too guilty to keep reading in detail...at least now I can just get him to take my OOTD pictures without having to explain!

It poured rain all night long - so much in fact that our schools have a 2 hour delay this morning because of flooded roads. Crazy!

Anthropologie Pinochle Skirt
Lands End Canvas Bow Blouse

Aldo flats