Playful Banter

So, my big boys didn't actually return to school on Thursday as I had hoped, nor did schools in our district re-open on Friday.  After entertaining my crew for so many unexpected days at home I am feeling rather drained.  So when my husband emailed me asking what I wanted to use our American Express point on? Perhaps a trip to Italy? I playfully responded that after the week I'd had, I was going to pack up and vacation there alone. Ciao! I told him.  He wrote back that I had certainly earned it...but we only had enough points to get me there.  Haha. I have a feeling after 10 days doing my "job" he'd personally give me a piggy back ride home from Europe if that's what it took to get me back ;)

Anthropologie Banter Tee - runs big and slouchy - I don't find it particularly flattering, but the horses are so cute (btw, they are A LOT brighter then they appear on the website!) and it's such a comfy piece, that I'm keeping it anyway. I really love the reindeer motif this tee comes in, too!

Loft Denim Leggings

Anthropologie Corn Maze Boots

Hurricane & Halloween

My family made it through Hurricane Sandy unscathed.  Our neighbors across the street had their entire chimney blow off, and some others lost siding and shingles - our power went out for 24 hours and school has been closed all week (the big boys go back tomorrow).  Overall, we are thankful we avoided anything worse and our prayers are with those who are still recovering from the storm.

Anthropologie Puckered Placket Turtleneck
Loft denim

 AEO Wedge boot (I scored this pair at Marshalls for less then twenty bucks!)

J. Crew Factory Braided Bracelet

Tonight it is on with the Halloween festivities as scheduled. My kids are very excited to don their costumes and collect lots of candy from the neighborhood.  Let's face it, I could benefit from some serious chocolate after having all four home for five days straight...

Expanding my Horizons

I've always been a fan of prints, and I've never shied away from cutesy or kitschy, but Southwest? Boho? Abstract? They haven't quite found their way into my closet - until recently. I notice more and more that I am drawn to a bigger range of styles and it's been fun adding unusual (for me) pieces to the mix.

This sweatercoat caught my eye on a recent trip to Anthro but I worried it might look like a stadium blanket on - luckily, the tie adds great shape and it only feels like a blanket.  It's not online yet, but if you missed out on the Dressage Sweatercoat (horses) then you'll want to jump on this when you spot it.  I can't wait to wrap myself up in it all winter long.  I hate bulky, cumbersome outerwear that you melt in once you get inside a store, so this is a great everyday option for me.  LOVE. 

The Lilium Shirtdress was another piece I wasn't certain about when I brought it into the fitting room.  After slipping it on, I turned several times in the mirror, kinda loving it, but needing a vote of reassurance.  I went to show my mom and ask for her opinion but the two fitting room attendants bowled me over with sweet compliments before I could get to her.  I definitely love those girls!  Pushing the envelope even further I wore booties with this thing.  Short legs be darned! Why squeak outside of your comfort zone when you can jump right in instead ;)

And sometimes it's nice to stick with what you know too...like quirky animal prints.  And I confess the next dress I have my eye on is covered in telephones.

I should really put some broken records on a t-shirt, because that's what I'm sure I sound like when I say I'm sorry for not posting in forever...blah, blah, blah, excuses, excuses, blah, blah, blah. 

Back to School Night

Recently my neighborhood has seen a lot of new construction, and we are thrilled for the new neighbors and lots more kids on the block.  Last night at Sawyer's back to school night one of the new moms approached me "Omigoodness, everyone at this school knows you!  They all say how sweet and bubbly you are....long pause...and that you are always dressed up"  LOL!  And to think I made a conscious effort to "just wear jeans" last night to better blend with the crowd.  

I was in love with the pretty detail on the Pocketed Peasant Blouse the moment I saw it on Anthropologie's website, but knew I had to hold out for a sale.  Later, I saw a sales associate wearing it at the store, and she look adorable, but I didn't have time to try it on for myself.  I was a bit nervous from all the reviews saying that it was nearly impossible to get your head through the opening of this top, but I am happy to report that I was successful.

Outfit Details Here 

Tomorrow night I have Back to School Night for Harrison, I think I will embrace my reputation and wear a skirt ;)

Side Splashed Tank

I have not seen much mention of this tank on blogs, but thankfully, Jenni and her eye for cute colors spotted this in her local store, tried it on and wrote a glowing review to entice the rest of us.  Hearing her approval was what totally sealed the deal for me, and I'm so glad I grabbed this piece when it went to sale.  It is vibrant, incredibly soft and comfortable, and a great length for pairing with skinnies.  I expected to like this tank when I received it, but instead I love, love, LOVE this tank. Don't let it fly under your radar!

Anthropologie Side Splashed Tank

H&M Cardigan
Anthropologie Filigree Crochet Earrings
J. Crew Enameled Giraffe Bangle

Old Navy Necklace

Seychelles Coy Sandals

here's my number, so call me maybe

I can't seem to think of the Rotary Dial Necklace without getting this song stuck in my head!  But that is the only drawback to this adorable piece ;)  I love this necklace and have already worn it numerous times since buying it on markdown a few weeks ago. Here are two recent pairing.

Outfit details here

Outfit details here

My big boys head back to school on Tuesday and their soccer practices have begun - sure signs that Fall is just around the corner! Got to cram in the white denim and tank tops before the temperatures dip!

Hitting the Target

I always love a good Target find!  The other night I was at the store without kids and was able to score a cute dress from the clearance rack for twelve bucks! Here is the outfit I was out running errands in - the sandals are another Target steal from earlier in the season that you can now find marked down in stores!

Outfit details here 

And the $12 dress that I hope makes Peggy proud!

Outfit details here

A few weeks ago Debra posted about some cute cords that caught her eye and not wanting to miss out on great deal, I decided to give them a try.  Initially, I passed on them since they were too big in the waist, but after trying them a second time I decided for the price they were livable.  I think when I take them in to be hemmed I will ask about adjusting the waist - anyone know if this is an inexpensive fix? I can always belt them too.  Here are some pictures to give you an idea of how they will fit the petite sector ;)

Surprisingly, Mossimo colored denim in the same fit is a lot more snug in the waist then the cords are.  I usually have the opposite happen, where cords run tighter - but not in this case.  I have been wanting to try some red jeans and on the cheap, so these were a perfect find.

Outfit details here

And a final feeling-the-love-for-Target outfit. I loved the cut and colors of this cute top and with a cardi and dark denim I think it will transition well into the fall. 

Outfit details & Fall look here

And that about covers my recent Target purchases of the non-essential variety! When you are there an average of twice a week, it's easy to be distracted from the paper towels and baby formula...

Hi-Low and Hello Again!

More catching up!

I really love the Parted Rays Blouse even though it is very long on me, and probably not the most flattering when I wear it untucked.  Although I hate the idea of hiding the cute yellow layer on this top, I knew when I saw the store inspiration post over at Effortless Anthropologie, that I had to recreate this outfit.

 

Outfit details here 

And here are two quick, casual outfits with some more hi-low tops from this season. I really like the way this silhouette pairs with skinny jeans, giving you good coverage in the back, the extra length makes me feel less self-conscious.

 

Outfit details here 

This top I have paired with dark denim, white denim, and now yellow - plus I've worn it with shorts - definitely a summer favorite!

Outfit details here

Yes, Campbell does steal the show, and our hearts every single day - she is our doll baby for sure! Thanks for the sweet words :)  Since she rarely leaves my arms, you'll be seeing lots more of the girliest baby sister!

Duets

I have been snapping outfit pictures all summer, but frequent jaunts to the pool, vacation (and all the packing/laundry associated with it) and just general madness and mayhem of having four young kids home all day has prevented me from finding the time to actually post them.

Time to catch up!

I wouldn't go so far as to dance behind my shopping cart in Staples, but with back-to-school upon us, I can't help but feel excited to return to a more scheduled life.  And with only two little people home during the day I should be able to blog with more frequency in the Fall.  Unless of course homework, soccer, street hockey, 3 kids birthdays and a trip to Disney come between me and being on the computer... Let's just hope my babies have mercy on me and nap simultaneously!

Shouts out to Gemma!!!

I was so excited when Gemma, reached out to me a few weeks ago to say that she would be vacationing in my area and wanted to meet up at Anthropologie.  Gemma is an incredibly sweet commenter who also added a darling baby girl to her family just a couple of months before we welcomed Campbell into ours. As a testimony to how much I really, really wanted to meet up with her I actually braved the brick and mortar with all four of my offspring.  Between us, we had five boys throwing pennies into the fountain... mine were the ones fishing theirs back out so they could toss them multiple times.  As you can imagine it was a bit hectic to actually do much chatting or hard core shopping, but I had a great time and I'm so glad I was able to meet Gemma - she is the teeny-tiniest and completely gorgeous.  Plus, she TOTALLY MADE MY DAY when she found the BEST ANTHRO SCORE OF ALL TIME and plucked a Pink Cottage Blouse in my size from the sale rack and handed it to me (she already owns this beauty) - I had to hug her on the spot!

As we gave a final once over to the sale section Gemma commented on having recently acquired the Shoaling Gleam Pullover. I have to confess this was a piece I had never noticed on the website and it looked rather boxy and shapeless hanging on the rack.  However, when it popped back online during the extra 25% off promo, I decided that such a cute, petite girl as Gemma wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't fabulous. I threw it into my cart to try out.  And what do you know, it's a total win - I call it a sleeper-keeper ;) Super comfy & easy with great colors to play with - the fish are way adorable once you have it on.

Two fantastic finds thanks to one kindred shopping buddy - shouts out to you Gemma!  XOXO!

loud

Summer break has officially begun and things at my house are as chaotic as ever...I don't think I have called the boys their right names once in the past 48 hours. This morning I took everyone to Kohls to buy a shirt for my FIL for Father's Day and Sawyer & Graham took turns singing potty words in their outside voices all throughout the store.  Harrison pointed out that the employees were looking at us - at least I am safe to assume that it was because of my loud entourage, and not my very bright pants they were raising their eyebrows at - though to be honest, I felt very conspicuous about both. 

I really do love the legging jeans from Gap, they are soft and incredibly comfortable and I can get away with the inseam.  These are a size 00 and I like that they fit well in the waist.  After trying this outfit on this morning, I decided I preferred the jeans with a wedge, and asked my husband to choose the nude pair or the black...he said "the black" and I had to go with it or else he would accuse me of never following his advice, and why to I even bother asking him blah, blah, blah.  Something about hot pink and black though...I feel outside of my element in this combination.  I definitely lean towards "cutesy" looks, and this pairing is pushing me out of my comfort zone.  The Silk Roads Mosaic Top from Anthropologie is also a little different then what I usually gravitate towards, but I really love the mix of prints and colors and even though there technically isn't any hot pink in the pattern - it works with these jeans. 

Silk Road Mosaic & Pink by janrussell

We are headed out bowling this afternoon, I'm hopeful that my crew won't cause a raucous at the lanes! Gotta keep 'em busy!

Ivy Tunic

The Ivy Tunic was one of those pieces that I had no real interest in online. Then I saw it in person and better yet, saw the price was down to 19.95 and decided it couldn't hurt to try it on. I am so glad I took this top into the fitting room with me - it's comfortable, flattering and I totally need more green in my closet since green and white are our school colors - a mom has to represent at field day and Race for Education, etc. Tomorrow is actually Harrison and Sawyer's last day - and I am a bit terrified that they might fight all Summer. The school year flew by so fast...maybe I will be saying the same thing about their Summer break come September - fingers crossed ;) 

Anthropologie Ivy Tunic
Gap Always Skinny Jeans
Seychelles Harlow Wedge

Anthropologie Beaconed Treasure Necklace

Anthropologie Fall's Memento Earrings

Loft Bracelet

Campbell wearing Baby Nay

Hint of Trend

The Narmer Earrings were my lone purchase from the recent set of markdowns at Anthropologie. I have been wanting some turquoise earrings, but nothing too Southwestern, and for the sale price, I decided to give this pair a shot.  I really love them and the size is perfection for not getting lost in my long hair.

And look Campbell matches my earrings ;)

Also, the Floral Printed Legging Jeans from Gap are the perfect way to dip my toe into floral denim.  I really love how subtle they are.  Fit wise they are a bit loose in my waist, but the rise isn't super low, so it's not a problem.  I have to tuck the hem under to keep them from being too long - eventually I will find the motivation to have them hemmed, but for now they stay in place this way, nicely. The jeans are soft and very comfy!

Gap Floral Printed Legging Jeans by janrussell
  
Happy weekend!

Ikat Cardi

I'm taking advantage of our slightly cooler June temps and breaking out my Ikat cardigan for today - I love how vibrant and bold this piece is!  I've made my way to Target this morning, and of course I forgot to buy the one thing I went there specifically for.  I might have rock hard biceps (thank you all for your way too sweet comments btw, I don't do anything to work out) but my brain has turned to mush!

here are the outfit details - my jeans are from Gap and I'm wearing the Rocks & Stones Necklace from Anthro since I don't own the one used in the Polyvore set (not yet, anyway!) ;)

Ikat Cardi by janrussell

On the Fence - Brimming Borders

Classic case of girl falls in love with a dress on the hanger, but isn't so sure once she gets it on.  I don't think the Brimming Borders Mini-Dress is as awful as some reviews suggest, but I also don't think it's as flattering as it could be.  But I love the dress.  Of course, I think love will overcome and maybe, (by adding a belt) the dress will change.

But you can never really change a dress (well, unless you have mad sewing skills or take it to the seamstress) I think I need to learn to let go.  Sometimes things just aren't meant to be. No matter how much you want them to work out.

Just like fish in the sea, I know there will be other dresses on the rack....am I right to throw this one back?  Should I stay on friendly terms in the event that it gets a second cut and I can find one in my size?  Can we work through our issues? Advice?

Rusicada & a Round of Fitting Room Reviews

On Memorial Day my boys were ecstatic to hit the community pool for opening day and I was just as eager to break out my white denim (yes, I still follow this silly "rule" for no good reason) and head to Anthropologie with my mom and my best girl.

Of course wearing some pretty Anthro for our jaunt to the store was in order! I loved the Rusicada Asymmetric Top the minute I saw the product shot on the website.  I tried to wait for an online review, but was too weak and had this pretty piece on it's way to me without so much as a hint to how it would fit when it arrived.  While my package was still in transit, Anthro added the model shot of this top and I got really nervous when I saw just how long and dramatic the hem (tail?) was - and that was on a girl no doubt 10 inches taller then me.  I  mentally prepared myself for disappointment. And what a waste of time that was! I LOVE this top - the colors and design are magnificent  and I just feel like I should be sashaying when I have it on.  I guess a lot of people are drawn to this unique piece, because it's already sold out online!

Anthropologie Rusicada Asymmetric Top

Gap 1969 Lightweight Cropped Legging Jeans

Anthropologie Saloni Drops Earrings (bigger then expected, love them more then expected, easy & gorgeous at a great price!)

Anthropologie Beaconed Treasure Necklace
J Crew Flower Bud Ring (yay for a popback!)
Loft Bracelet

Seychelles Harlow Wedge

Baby Lulu BLISS Andi Set
Headband - Etsy
Shoes - Carters

And here are a few quick snaps from the fitting room.  I would have tried on gobs more, but my mom was holding Campbell in the store, and when she realized I wasn't at her side she started wailing (we are kind of obsessed with each other!) Even though my mom brought her right to me, she must of been worried that I would leave her again, because she didn't want me to put her down.  

Hazed Landscape Tee - Size XS

Southwestern prints are really not my thing, but I was intrigued by this top online, I loved the cute hem and mix of patterns and the Southwestern vibe was subtle enough to not turn me off completely.  I thought this top was really pretty and appreciated the higher neckline and fit in the sleeves. The material was thin, but not see through.  Ultimately, it's just too long for me.  And while I really liked the colors, if I put this with dark denim I don't think I would feel summery enough - it looks like more of a Fall motif in my book.

Elornis Shift - Size XS

I fell hard for this dress when I saw it in person.  Holy moly, the colors are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous on this dress and the print felt strangely sophisticated for flamingos...???  Whatever, I LOVED IT. I had to exercise great restraint not to pay full price for this one.  If it had been even $20 less expensive I probably would have succumbed to the draw of this pretty frock.  It felt great on, and the length was sweet perfection for me.  I will be stalking this dress until sale time! I hope the rest of you hate it so it gets marked down quickly ;)

Undergrowth Tank

This tank was so cute as a button.  I couldn't even decide which colorway to bring to the fitting room with me because I wanted them all in my grabby hands! Just adorable and easy.  The fit was not too big by the hair of it's chinny chin chin.  I would probably wear a layering cami under this because of the neckline.  But I loved it.  Now I just need it to go on sale, along with the Elornis Shift and then I will be a happy girl.