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.