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.

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!   

OOTD - Nothing New to Wear

The last few Anthro sales have been a big let down for me. I have my eye on a few pretty pieces, but I really want to hold out for markdowns since realistically, I'm not sure how long I'll be able to squeeze into non-maternity clothes. Here are the items I'm most tempted by at the moment

I think the flowy tops could be good transition pieces, and the dresses...well I'd be happy to wear them a couple of times and then save them for next Spring. Unfortunately, even if I bought these pieces today, it's not actually warm enough for short sleeves or bare legs. Sigh. It's another day in a sweater for me...

J. Crew Merino Silvana Cardigan
J. Crew Factory Printed Cap Sleeve Blouse (mine is from forever and a day ago)
J. Crew Factory Crystal Blossom Drop Earrings (new favorites!)
Loft Stretch Bracelet (don't see this color online)
Target Jeans

OOTD - Annona Dress (with tights!)

Impatience got the best of me this morning and I did in fact wear the Annona Dress with tights. Sadly, it may be the only time I wear this dress, since after just a few hours of having it on, the straps are fraying and falling apart. This is an isolated quality issue for me, and I've never returned something to Anthropologie for not wearing well. I love the dress, but even the sale price is a lot to pay for something that doesn't stand up to even one wearing :(

At church this morning my friend Luanne stopped me to say she'd seen my recent pictures on the blog and I'm looking as big as her sister who is SEVEN MONTHS along in her pregnancy. EEKS! I guess I have been a carb-loving fool this first trimester. I've gained fifty pounds, as in 1/2 my normal body weight, with each of my boys - so be advised that objects on your screen are as large as they appear and will only get bigger ;)

OOTD - Featuring Green, Of Course!

Happy St. Patricks Day! I happen to be 100% Italian, but my husband and kids have Irish in them. I'm still wearing green to be festive, and just in case there are any die-hards on the preschool playground that would try to pinch me otherwise ;)

I found this Country Life Top from Anthropologie on Ebay last year, and I love the pretty ruching detail.

And here is my outfit from yesterday that I didn't get a chance to post.

I hope everyone has fun today - I'm going to leave treats from the leprechaun for my boys to find after school.

Let's Catch Up

Weekends are the perfect time to catch up, right? So first let me tell you that I got my hair highlighted and my side bangs cut earlier in the week. A few of you have been wondering if I got my hair cut, I did not take anything off the length but I've been shallacking my hair pretty good these days and the tighter curls make it look shorter, I think.

Today we had some family pictures taken by a girl from our church who is graduating from a local photography school this year and building up her portfolio. When she asked if she could take pictures of our family, I was happy to agree, but when she suggested matching long sleeve tops in earth tones...well, I decided it was fine to let our own style shine for the shoot, instead ;) I actually didn't figure out outfits until this morning when I made a mad dash to the mall and picked up coordinating pieces for the boys at Gymboree and a polo for Jonathan at Gap. I figured I'd have something for myself on hand in my closet and I was almost giddy when I got home and my eyes landed on this dress, the colors were just what I needed! I can't wait to see how they turned out!

And here are some outfits pre-highlights and before I shared the news about my bump!

I can wear the Peppered & Striped Skirt really high on my waist, and I wanted to break it out one last time this season. I wore this to church this past Sunday, where I actually decided to feign being cold and keep my coat on because I wasn't ready to make an announcement and I felt too conspicuous. So the poor outfit never really saw the light of day.

The Abstract Shell from Loft had been hanging in my closet with the tags still attached just waiting for Spring. I first tried it on with pink and yellow cardigans and ended up not liking either, it was pastel overload! Once I reached for a neutral sweater, I loved it!

This last outfit is one I've waited a long time to recreate. Months ago I saw cute Carol pair these pieces together and I fell in love - only problem was that I didn't own the Sidestep Skirt at that time! Once I got my greedy little hands on the cute skirt, I decided to take a cue from another East Coaster, the adorable Sara, and add the burgundy tights - perfect!

Now, if only I could catch up on things around my house, like laundry and cleaning. Sigh. I hope you are all having productive weekends! Or even better, just relaxing! I'm so excited for the time change tomorrow, I love when it stays ligther, later in the evening! Happy weekend!

OOTD - Precious Materials

Every so often I feed myself the "you can live without it" line. After so much time passes, I find myself on Ebay wondering why I ever listen to that reasonable voice inside my head. Such is the case with the Precious Materials Cardigan - I thought I could live without out, and was wrong! I had this adorable piece all packed up for Disney, but decided I wanted to wear it to my uncle's 60th Birthday Party tonight, too. Of course I first had to attend Harrison's 8am basketball game (he scored three baskets!) and my husband was quick point out the obvious - I was way overdressed. Sometimes I think he's just jealous because he coaches the team and has to wear the assigned uniform...it's no where near as cute!

Anthropologie Precious Materials Cardigan
Loft Lace Trim Cami
H&M Skirt
Anthropologie Slinking Frills Pumps

We leave bright and early tomorrow morning for the happiest place on earth! I'll be excited to catch up with you all when we get back!

From a Blanket of Snow to a Sheet of Ice

God bless the groundhog for not seeing his shadow this morning!

Anthropologie Curlytop Cardigan

Loft Blouse & Denim Leggings

Not shown - pink fuzzy slippers

My two oldest have off from school today because of the freezing rain and slick road conditions. I'm glad the Anthro sale could get my mood off to a good start this morning...

OOTD - Alterior Motive

When I got dressed for church this morning, I had only one thing in mind...finding an outfit that I could once again wear my Slinking Frills Pumps with! I have these pretties stuffed with multiple insoles to keep them on my feet - they are worth the extra effort :)

Target Merona Essential Cardigan
Loft Shell
Anthropologie Scalloped Dots Skirt
Anthropologie Slinking Frills Pumps
Anthropologie Grapefruit Sugar Bowl (so cute!)

OOTD - If all your friends jumped off a bridge

Or in this case, bought the Peppered and Striped Skirt....

In the eleventh hour, I decided I had to see for myself what all the hype was about this skirt. I still wouldn't say it's a piece that makes me want to squeal and turn a cartwheel, but it is cute. And polka dotted. And surprisingly warm. It stays!

Anthropologie Peppered and Striped Skirt
Loft Blouse
Lands End Canvas Heritage Cardigan
Target Merona Marylynn Suede Mary Jane Pumps

Today we are heading to Sawyer's first tennis lesson and then to a birthday party for his best preschool buddy. After spending much of the week in jeans, I decided a skirt was in order to kick off the weekend - Happy Friday!

Worn in January

Just a quick catch up on some recent OOTD...starting with what I wore today. I've noticed a few adorable bloggers breaking out their Ice-Capped Blouses, and it reminded me that I hadn't worn mine in forever. And I've never worn it casually, so I was thrilled to copy Lisa and pair it with some jeans.

OOTD 1-13-11 by JanRussell featuring ballet flats shoes

Next is an outfit with one of my new J. Crew Cardi's - who could resist their awesome additional 30% off sale promos plus free shipping. Prices have never been so good!

I originally bought this cardigan in the gold color, but loved it so much I grabbed the pink as well. No regrets.

January OOTD by JanRussell featuring a crocheted cardigan

Finally, here is an outfit I've worn numerous times because it is just so easy to throw on. From the looks of this picture, I should have thrown on some lip gloss too...but overlook the exhaustion on my face ;) This is another J. Crew item that I had to go back for seconds on - I also bought this tee in white.

Comfy Cozy by JanRussell featuring knitted vests

For tomorrow, I'm busting out a skirt! See you then!

OOTD - Christmas Caroling

Sawyer's preschool class is Christmas caroling at the Senior Center today. While he's crying in a heap over having to don a fancy sweater, I'm fully enjoying the opportunity to wear something festive.

J. Crew Ruffle Cardigan (similar here)
Loft Tee & Necklace
J. Crew Cypress Plaid Skirt
Simply Vera Opaque Tights (Navy)
Mia Gigi Mushroom Crinkle Patent Pumps

OOTD - All Aglow

This weekend we finished decking the halls at our house

As for me I have a tiny bit of shopping left to do and a ton of wrapping to get cracking on.
Here is what I wore to church this morning.
I totally copied the colors from Anthro - but hey, it's a busy season I can't be expected to do everything myself ;)

OOTD 12/6 by JanRussell featuring leaf earrings

Long & Lean Cardigan, $49
Glowing Leaf Skirt, $98
Opaque Tights - Anthropologie.com grey, $44
Merona Grey Marylynn Suede Maryjane - 8 : Target, $27
MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Classic Q - Baby Groovee' Satchel, $239
Crystal cobblestone bracelet - J.Crew, $30
Anthropologie - Summer Wandering Tank customer reviews - product...
Anthropologie Pessinus Garden Necklace in Gold
Women's Tiffany Leaf Earrings

OOTD - Dazzling Deer

Today I was Mystery Reader (the kids don't know who is coming in to read to them that day) in my son's second grade classroom. I have definitely found the secret to commanding the attention of a group of 8 year olds....read them Chicken Butt! Thankfully, their teacher laughed right along with the group and I wasn't sent to the principal ;)

OOTD - 12/3 by JanRussell featuring a wool skirt

Long & Lean Cardigan, $49
J.Crew - Dazzling Deer Art Tee, $275
sale - AllProducts - Wool bell skirt - J.Crew, $80
Legwear - Clothes - Anthropologie.com, $13
Mossimo Cognac Kady Tall Flat Boot - 8 : Target, $35
Women's jewelry - bracelets - Small crystal colletto bracelet - J.Crew, $70
Beveled Button Studs, $12
Amazon.com: Mrs. Toggle's Zipper (9780689716898): Robin Pulver, R.W...., $36
Amazon.com: Chicken Butt! (9780810983250): Erica S. Perl, Henry Cole:..., $9.32

OOTD - Friends in Lofty Places

I love that Debye of Modestly Styled, Modestly Me puts together fabulous sets featuring goodies from Loft. I feel like she is my own personal shopper! When I saw her Polyvore pairing this shell and cardigan together, I was instantly sold on both! Loft Grosgrain Cardigan

Loft Mini Cheetah Print Shell

Banana Republic Cord Skirt

Target Mossimo Supply Co. Kachiri Leather Americana Boots - Taupe
MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Classic Q - Baby Groovee' Satchel - Currant

Happy Weekend!