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

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!

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.

Tops

I've been making a real effort lately to resist buying so many Anthro dresses and focus instead on cute, easy to throw on tops for Summer.  Most of them have been winners - like the Openwork Tee - now on sale!

I love the colors on this vibrant top, and the "flaws" mentioned in the online reviews didn't really bother me, personally.  For one, yes, you can see the straps to your unmentionables but only if you are really looking for them - the lattice detail and my hair camouflage them for the most part.  And yes, it is a trapeze/loose fitting swing style but the material is so soft and the cut feels really airy and comfortable.  I don't love to wear shorts, but this top seems like it will be absolutely perfect with them in the coming weeks.

On the other hand...the Painted Peacock Tee was a big disappointment in the fit department.  I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo above, but this top was swimming on me.  It was falling off my shoulders, and far too low cut in the front and the back - and there was no disguising my straps through the back cut-outs.  Huge bummer (no pun intended!) since this is a gorgeous print and the colors are awesome!  I just felt sloppy in it, so back it goes!

The only other top to find a spot in my return pile, was the High-Low Poppy Top.  Other reviewers are loving this one, but for me I just felt like a giant square - it looks so boxy on my frame!  And the print...on one hand I kinda liked it, and on the other hand it kept making me think of Ronald McDonald with the mix of this particular red and orange and I felt too loud in it.

It is a great price point for Anthro and the material is super thin, but not see through so it would be great for beating the heat.  I also really loved the extra length in the back.  From the side, I like this top - but from the front I am slightly horrified.

Happily, the other items in my online orders have been working out wonderfully - so you'll be seeing them in some outfits soon :)  Have you all tried any fun new tops at Anthro recently?  What are your favorites right now?

Bowman V-Neck (briefly)

Today has been a real doozy.  Despite not getting much sleep last night (not on account of the baby, just woke up not feeling well followed by the onset of insomnia) I got everyone showered, dressed and out the door so we could scope out the schools book fair a few minutes before my big boys had to head to class.  Unfortunately the librarian wasn't happy to see early customers (maybe she didn't recognize me from the past 3 years I've volunteered to run the registers) We arrived at the book fair at 8:25 and were informed that it wasn't "open" until 8:40.  Seeing that the shelves were stocked and ready to go, I asked if we might be allowed to just look around so my older two could tell me the books they wanted me to buy them once the fair was underway.  Thinking this would be no big deal, I was pretty surprised when I was told there weren't any exceptions and that we needed to wait out in the hallway - and to that tune she closed the door swiftly behind us and called down to the office to inform them they shouldn't be letting parents in for the book fair before 8:40.  Um. SHEESH! Graham (who is clearly very, very two) melted into a puddle of tears and screamed for new books the entire way back to our van.  That pretty much took the wind out of my sails - and I took my throbbing head and sobbing toddler back home where I changed out of my cute new top (which btw is wonderfully soft and stretchy and has awesome ruching detail) and spent the entire morning pouting.

Wearing 5/24/12 by janrussell

By afternoon I was ready to face to world again...mainly because I needed chocolate milk and to sign up for our pool membership and swim lessons.  Choosing to leave the house wasn't a good move on my part.  While signing up at the pool, Sawyer managed to tip my (huge-honkin' city mini) stroller completely backwards with Graham and Campbell seated in it (Unscathed! Thankfully!)  Graham threw another fit when he realized we were just signing up and not actually swimming at the pool.  And the store I quick ran into for chocolate milk didn't sell chocolate milk.  Good times.

Maybe I will bust out the Bowman V-Neck again over the long weekend - it's such an adorable piece, it deserves better.  Like a trip to Target! Alone!

Point me to the Picnic

This pairing was a happy match made on Polyvore.  I wasn't sure if it would be too busy once I actually put the pieces together IRL, but I think it works!  I bought this skirt when I was just a few months pregnant with Campbell and actually thought the elastic waist might allow me to wear it under my growing belly. Unfortunately, it just didn't look right while I was expecting, so I've had to wait quite awhile to wear it.  I love the playful mix of of patterns and cheerful colors, I'm definitely glad I didn't pass it by at the time.

Wearing 5/18/12 by janrussell

 I actually do have a picnic (well, a graduation party, technically!) to attend over the weekend, but I have another piece that I've been saving to wear for that ;)  I am so excited to break out pretty summer dresses and skirts now that it is warming up.  Happy Friday!

Rowena Tunic - Did I make a mistake?

I was surprised when the Rowena Tunic arrived, it was a much weightier piece then I expected - actually perfect "soccer mom" attire since it can get cool out on the fields.  However, while it was soft and fit well in the arms, the body of the top was super roomy, I had to really, really cinch the tie waist and I felt there was just too much material in that area.  Of course now that I look at these pictures, I'm having some pangs of regret for sending it back.  Probably enhanced by the fact that there wasn't anything I had to buy from the Tag Sale this morning.  Can you tell that this is too big?  Should I let the ship keep sailing or call this top back home again?

The added convenience of pockets!

Someone tell me what to do!!!

I need knee pads!

My boys are notorious for wearing out the knees of their jeans, but this is a relatively new phenomenon for me.  I've recently noticed that the knees on some of my jeans are looking seriously sad - the pigment has rubbed away and it's not subtle!  I have the hardest time finding jeans (don't we all!) and I'm really disappointed that I will have to retire some of my best fitting pairs!

Wearing 5-11-12 by janrussell 

What I really need is some replacement dark denim, but what I'm drawn to at the moment is any fun color from AG.  In this case, the Sulfur Nude.  I was able to buy this pair in a size 24 (Anthro seems to start carrying this brand from size 25 and up)  so the length is better then the Polka Dot Stevie's.
 

Wearing 5-12-12 by janrussell

Again, they are so soft and comfortable - definitely a perfect fit for the weekend!