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

OOTD - Nexus Top

It feels like time is standing still.

It still feels like Winter (snow is in the forcast for tomorrow!)

Our basement is still not completley finished (we are 99% of the way there)

I still don't know if this baby is a boy or girl (and won't for another month yet)

I still haven't cleaned my house for SIL's visit this weekend because I still have zero energy.

At least I still fit into my regular clothing! I had a minor catastrophe with my Nexus Top this morning...it got stuck in my jacket zipper! I was in such a hurry, I had to just yank it out without much care. Thankfully, the already frayed edges on this top disguise the small area I ripped.

OOTD - Soldiering On

My sickness has been reduced to a minor sniffle and the laundry is done!

This week brings Sawyer's Kindergarten registration, 5 year well visit and school pictures! It's crazy how each month feels like our busiest ever....until the next month rolls around ;)

Anthropologie Soldierly Sparkle Top
Target Merona Essential Cardigan
Old Navy Boyfriend Chinos
Aldo Flats

OOTD - Frill after Frill

My outfit for church this morning is one frill after another. I love all the ruffle details going on.

I was disappointed when I called Customer Service after the Slinking Frills Pumps went on sale only to be told they had sold out in my size in stores as well as online. I actually persisted in calling again the following Monday to see if the computers reflected any updates and was told the same sad news...no shoes anywhere in my size. I decided I wasn't going to believe it until I called some stores myself - and what do you know? The third store I called had my shoes, and it happened to be a store in NYC so I still received an additional 25% off the sale price. Consider me giddy. After all of that, I had to wear the shoes the first opportunity I had.

J. Crew Traversa Cardi

Old Navy Blouse

Anthropologie Tria Sweater Skirt

Kohls Simply Vera Opaque Tights

Anthropologie Slinking Frills Pumps

OOTD - so you're not going to believe this...

but I'm in a rental van again. I got my car back from the garage on Friday. And on Tuesday morning, this happened.

Needless to say, I am crazy grateful that my 4 year old who was seated behind me, and took most of the impact is safe, sound and unscathed by the incident. The baby didn't even wake up from napping in his carseat. I didn't realize the extent of the accident until we were home, mainly because my door wouldn't open, so I never got out of the car to view the damage. I was struck by a Ford 150 truck behind me while trying to make a turn. YIKES!

OOTD - I Resemble That Remark

So yesterday.

It was bad.

Yes the boys fought. But on top of that our CO alarm started blaring at 11am and even in heels on a chair I couldn't reach it to change the battery. So my husband came home from work, only to discover we didn't actually have any batteries the right size. After finally changing it out and returning to the office, the alarm sounded again. Back dh came and this time we called the company who told us how to reset things. That solved the problem for two hours, when the alarm once again started to screech. At that point, I was convinced we needed to open the windows and head outside.

For dinner I decided to leave and pick up the McDonalds I had promised the boys, only I didn't want to back out the garage at hit the service truck in the driveway. So I was very, very careful. Well, of what was behind me, at least. The side of the car smashed into the garage. Whoopsies. If you've known me for awhile you know this isn't the first time I've had spacial issues. Or the second. Or the third. Gulp.

My husband shook his head at me "not only do you spend all the money but then you cost me money on top of it."

It was hard not to laugh when the gas company asked if anyone in the home had a headache.

I did not make it to the camera class.

Husband will be happy to know however, that this dress did not cost him a cent. I bought it with the birthday gift card I received from SIL.

Old Navy Tie-Waist Shirt Dress
Hue Pointelle Tights
Anthropologie Corn Maze Boots

And for a bit of good news. There was no gas leak ;)

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 - 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 ;)

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????

ROYGBP - (I've never been called mellow) Yellow OOTD

Day three of the rainbow challenge, which brings us to bright & sunny yellow. I have to admit it doesn't match my mood today. At preschool drop off my friend asked if I had a black eye...um nope, that's just the dark circles from not getting enough sleep this week! That should explain why I chopped my head off for the picture ;)

As for yellow, I love the color, but have a hard time pulling it off. I have a limited number of yellow pieces in my closet simply because I don't usually look good in the color.

Forever 21 Dress
Anthropologie Soft Bow Belt (which I ending up taking off and decided to return, it's just too floppy for my taste)

Old Navy Sandals (old)

For Fall, I'm looking forward to wearing more mustard tones, like this Maya Cardigan from J. Crew Outlet

I was surprised at how much my yellow shoes were worn this Summer, and I've been debating whether or not to get a Winter shoe in this happy hue. Here are some cute options

The two pairs on the right are my favorites!

OOTD - Take Two!

Last week our family snuck away for a couple of days to The Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains. After check-out we tried taking the boys to nearby Knobles Amusement Park, where we were unfortunately rained out early in the day. We promised the boys we'd take them back soon, and today we're making good on it. I threw my hair up and chose an outfit to keep cool in.

Anthropologie Unveiled Tank
Old Navy Cargo Skirt (old)
Lucky Valora Flats

Was everyone able to score something pretty at the big Anthro sale this morning? I happily ordered the Vappu Dress, finally!

OOTD - Musikfest

Today we piled the boys into the car and drove to Bethlehem, PA for Musikfest. We've been going every year, since our dating days and now it's a family event!

I was excited to break out my new Green Thumb belt, this belt is adorable and really stays in place.

And here is my big moment up on stage doing the Chicken Dance with Sawyer. He is usually a total ham sandwhich, but today, he froze in the spotlight and I was up there dancing like a fool, all by myself.

My favorite part of the afternoon was my corn on the cob smothered with parmasean cheese. You've got to try it sometime - YUM!

Happy Weekend!

The Right Accessory

With all the new arrivals rolling out in stores, I'm starting to look ahead to Fall and compile a wishlist of items I'm longing to add to my closet.

Hands down, at the tippy top of my list are these boots. I've already decided they will be a birthday gift. I don't like surprises, and my birthday is in October making them a seasonally perfect present. Of course, fear of them selling out won't allow me to wait that long until purchasing them...I'm hoping I can hold out until September and then tuck them away. LOVE. LOVE. What's a word stronger then love, these boots?

Bowtied-Beauty Boots

Bows are my thing. If they aren't for you (I won't judge) here are another cute pair of boots I spied on Endless recently.

Poetic Licence Toughen Up Boot

But back to bows. How cute is this bag? It's inexpensive and will match everything. Plus I know I can fit a sippy cup and wipes inside ;)

Melie Bianco Bag in Taupe

I have a pair of Kate Spade Gumdrop earrings already, and I love the statement they make when I wear them. They are definitely noticable. Wouldn't this Emerald pair be perfect around the holidays?

Kate Spade Round Leverback Earring

And here is my OOTD from yesterday, featuring what would be a perfect accessory, if it weren't defective on the one side. I feel like I'll never get back to the brick and mortar store to exchange this, so I'm making the best of my Looping Lanes Belt.

I smooshed it together for this picture.

Since I don't really like having to hold my belts into place, I'm thinking about ordering the Tie Game Belt, which looks similar to the Looping Lanes IMO, but skinnier. Cute, classic and definitely on my accessory wishlist.

Tie Game Belt

OOTD - People Change

I would still say that I don't like birds in general...but on clothing? I'm changing my tune. I really love this cute blouse and I'm glad I was able to grab one on sale. I'm also happy with my decision to embrace shorts this Summer, because I think it's the hottest one we've had in a long time!

Anthropologie Bountiful Birds Blouse
Old Navy Shorts
Target Mossimo Presta Wedge
Urban Outfitters Beveled Button Studs

OOTD - Looping Lanes, Who?

So, kind of embarrassing, but this is a third outfit in a row that was completely inspired by Spiffy. Hopefully, she's flattered and not freaked out by my enthusiasm for her cute choices ;) What can I say? We have the same body, so what looks good on her, is a safe bet to order online!

The Bayside Dress from Anthropologie is so ridiculously comfortable, it reminds me to add more jersey dresses to my closet. And I know the Looping Lanes Belt is supposed to be the holy grail of belts, but personally I can't stop reaching for the Tiny Twines. I wear it at least a couple of times a week, and it's one of the rare belts that fits me both high and low on my waist.

There's something not right with my Looping Lanes.... I wore it to breakfast on Saturday, but it kept being all weird on the one side???

OOTD - Summer Camp = Sanity

This is two outfits in a row inspired by the ever adorable Spiffy. She's hosting a great giveaway for an Anthropologie gift card, plus some way cute stationary - be sure to check it out! When I saw her in this dress from Forever 21, I knew I'd have to hunt one down for myself. It's gone from their website as quickly as it appeared, but try checking your stores. I am wearing an XS, and it's the perfect little frock to run around in on this blazing hot day. Check out how great it looks on Lisa too! My older boys are off to day camp - totally worth the cost - and I am off on errands with the baby.

Forever 21 Dress
J Crew Belt
Old Navy Sandals (old)

Happy Friday!

OOTD - While I'm Waiting

None of my orders from last week have arrived yet, thanks to the long weekend and no mail on Monday. Not my J. Crew, not the Janie and Jack I ordered for the boys and not my much lusted after shirtdresses from Anthropologie. Sadness.

Today my 7 year old has a friend over and I've taken the gaggle of boys bowling and to McDonalds Play Zone for an early lunch. At 1:30 we are heading to the pool. I'm hoping by the time I get back there will be at least one package on my doorstep. Fingers crossed.

I'm running around in an H&M tee I recently bought on a whim, some Old Navy shorts and Target flats. Nothing exciting.

On the other hand, these dresses? Very excited for their arrival!

I'm holding my breath to see how they'll fit, I don't have a good track record with shirtdresses...the anticipation is killing me!

Snootie & Cutie Patootie

My husband took my two oldest on a church sponsered camp-out over the weekend. While the big boys were off in the wilderness, Graham and I set out for the mall. And not our mall, but the other mall that is 45 minutes from my home and has much better stores. I don't usually brave the trek with all three, or have enough time to run there during my preschool window, so this was a great opportunity! I was most excited to stop at J. Crew and try out their shorts. Unfortunatly, they didn't have my size in the cute gingham checks, but I decided to try the size up. I also grabbed some 5" chinos and a few cute tops.

Beware! RANTING AHEAD!!! I took my selections into the back fitting room, and while there were other women trying things on in there I didn't see an employee to unlock the door. I left the stroller with Graham while I poked my head out to see if she/he were nearby. The sales person caught my eye and beckoned me to the fitting room at the front of the store. So I popped back in to get the baby and no sooner was the guy behind me telling me "You can't use this fitting room. It's closed. You need to come up front" Obviously, it's not what he said, but the way he said it - he sounded so annoyed. Okay great, I have no problem coming up front, except, I DO need to bring my child with me, you ding dong!

So in I go up front, and I didn't have good luck with the gingham - they were literally falling off. The chinos were okay, especially with a belt, and the fact that they were roomy in the waist allowed them to sit low on my hips and long enough to not feel scandalous in.

Online there was a promo for 20% off all shorts, when I asked a different sales girl whether this was the case in-store as well, I was told no. So I decided to just buy the one pair of shorts in pale blush because I hadn't noticed the color online, along with a cutie patootie blouse I had never noticed online either, a sale belt, and a great pair of boyfriend chinos. In the fitting room "return to sales floor rack/cart" I left behind the other 4 pairs of shorts (two of them being too big (gingham), and the other two with the intention of buying online with the 20% off) I also hung up 3 tops that were too big (J.Crew sizing is redunkulous).

All this to say, that I bought about 1/3 of what I brought into the fitting room with me but when I walked to the register I saw the girl fitting room attendant making a face and talking to the other employee saying "she's not getting any of this?" in the snootiest-patootiest sort of way. I felt so embarassed. It was really uncomfortable, and made me want to plop my other purchases down and walk out. It wasn't as if I had left the merchandise strewn all throughout my room, unhung, inside out or on the floor. I put it back to the return area at the front of the fitting room and clearly someone is stationed there with the JOB of returning those things out to the sales floor. I know this sounds petty, but it really turned me off. Boo for rude sales associates! The overall vibe at my (not-so) local store is not friendly :(

And it turns out this blouse IS on the website, I just hadn't noticed it before. It has a side zip which isn't my favorite and it does make the top tuck in funny...but I love the neckline detail so much! I'd actually buy this in a second color! But only online, since I don't want to go back to the store any time soon and be treated like an inconvenience (if I could insert a sticking-out the tongue smiley here, I would!)

ootd 5-21 by JanRussell featuring J Crew

This is another pair of bermuda shorts from Old Navy that I recently had hemmed. I'm so happy with the length that I took 3 more pairs in yesterday for the same chop-job!

I've already been to a dr.'s appointment this morning, and now we're off to our first swim lesson of the summer!

Gotta keep 'em busy!

OOTD - Unveiled Tank

So today I was excited to tear the tags off my Unveiled Tank which looks very cute tucked in by the way. I'm feeling a bit pudgy at the moment and wasn't in the mood to tuck, but definitely next time ;) The tag calls this color orange, which is really a lovely rust and still not available online. Back to the tucking - the gray could be really cute with the Pulsations Skirt, hmm?

Anthropologie Unveiled Tank

Old Navy Perfect Bermuda Shorts

Old Navy Black Sandals