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????

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 - Hooray for the Red, White & Blue

I was surprised to be one of the few adults wearing red, white & blue at church this morning. Mainly, it was the seniors in their star spangled sweaters, and me....awkward. I am a greeter at the front door and there was no shortage of the "wow, you're decked out!" type of comments. Imagine if I had reversed things and worn my "circus skirt" today - I'm amused just imagining what the reactions would have been.

This dress is about 4 years old from The Loft, and I bought it on super clearance. Unfortunately, it's pretty big an shapeless and has hung unloved in my closet because of the poor fit. Then along came the Looping Lanes Belt to make everything better.

After church my IL's came for lunch and before dessert was served, I quick changed out of my dress and into something more casual.

Lands End Canvas is having a big sale right now, which includes this cute bow tie shirt, as well as the Heritage Cardigan I'm wearing above with my dress.

And if you are still not sold on needing yellow shoes in your closet, consider their close cousin "wheat". I spotted these adorable flats by Lucky on my way out of Macy's the other day and they were so neutral, while still adding a hint of color.


Lucky Brand Valora Flat


Happy 4th of July! I'm grateful for this amazing country, the men and women who have died serving it, and for God who offers freedom from sin every day.

oh how happy you have made me...

I know that technically speaking, money can't buy you happiness. But when I opened the shoe box today to reveal the Hallowed Halls Oxfords, let me just tell you that right or wrong, materialistic or shallow....my heart was singing!

I have pretty small feet, and can make anything from a size 5-6.5 work. I had heard that these shoes ran small, but I went ahead and ordered the 6 and they are perfectly roomy for me. I found them to be wonderfully comfortable, with plenty of room width wise, as well. The tweed is darling, and reminds me of the Twilit Skirt, because some of the threads are metallic, it's very subtle, but a cute touch. You can see Maria's review for another take. I tried mine on with tights, so you could see them that way as well.

The shoes are squeal-worthy adorable in every way!

good things come to those who wait

I missed out on the original Scarf Tied Oxfords from Anthropologie. Truth be told I'm not really sure I could have pulled off this version...but oh how I loved them...and hunted for them on Ebay, which is not easy to do with a brand name of "All Black" They eluded me for months.

Then I saw a Sara post about Mod Cloth's version, and I nearly turned a cartwheel in all my excitement.

Which was short lived when I realized they were all sold out. Alas, Alicia posted about them on her blog too, this time being sold at Imelda's. And what do you know? Sold out in my size! Blast! They had the equally adorable green version in a 7, and while I usually wear a 5/6, I considered them in desperation.
But alls well that ends well. Anthropologie's Hallowed Halls Oxfords were released on the website (I think today?) And Oh. My. These, are the pair I've been waiting for. I ordered them, and I might never leave my window waiting for the UPS man to deliver them...

I am a happy girl.

In Today's Mail - Circle the Globe Skirt & New Shoes

I have learned my lesson with full, poplin skirts. I will not Circle the Globe to find another one, rather I'll hope for this gorgeous teal to reappear on an

A-line.

And oh the teal! SO pretty! I love the color. I also really love the waistband on this skirt. The stitching detail, the comfy elastic and the width were all perfection (eta - I am wearing the size 0) Straight out of the box though it lost major points for wrinkles. Sure, I could iron this piece, but that defeats some of the purpose of an "easy" Summer skirt IMO. Still, the material I could deal with.

The obstacle I could not overcome with this skirt was it's volume. Look right above my left hand to see the "poof" factor happening in the back. I felt like Miss Muffet.I really wish the skirt had fit like this....
here's what was going on around back, to acheive the look I hoped for.
It pains me to see how cute this full style skirt looks on others. Color me teal green with envy for anyone who can make this one work.

In unrelated news, my Nordstrom order also arrived today. I listened to the sound advice and kept on keeping on until I found just the right pair for me. The BP Stella's are exactly what I wanted. The reviews are not exaggerating though when they say the soles of these shoes are slippery. I almost wiped out on my kitchen floor when I tried them on. I will majorly scuff them up on the driveway before I make any attempt to wear them in public.

And you all know how it goes, since I was placing an order anyway...I went ahead and grabbed these cute flip flops. They are very wide in the heel and I'll need to buy inserts for them, but they are so cute I put them on and wore them immediately.

I think the pair next to them is different enough in color and style to pick up next time. And with cute shoes, there is always a next time ;)

boot gluttony

Ordinarily, I would not buy myself two pairs of boots in one week. But these Winding Ruffle boots from Anthropologie have been sold out online for quite some time, and when Customer Service was able to find a pair in my size, I couldn't let them slip away.

And then just this afternoon I spotted the also long sold out Corn Maze boots on Ebay. And the seller accepted my best offer, which was a totally reasonable price for tall leather boots. And not just any boots, but ridiculously CUTE ones. As much as I've been longing for Spring, I'm glad I still have a month or two to wear these beauties.

more cute shoes

because a girl can never have too many!

Seychelles Bette

Comes in four colors, all of which make me wish I could wear flats

Pink Studio Whitney T-Strap

I'm pretty sure I don't own anything to wear these with
but in black - well, that would be a responsible purchase!

What's the first thing you think of when you hear the brand "Naturalizer"

Seriously, they should consider changing their name. When I buy a pair of cute new shoes, the last thing I want to feel is

-practical

-sensible

-elderly

Check here for active coupon codes http://www.retailmenot.com/view/naturalizer.com

PS - Piperlime

These super cute KensieGirl pumps also came in my order. I'm telling you - you could run in these, for real. The heel height is low, and the bottoms are not slippery. They are comfortable as can be. A cute navy shoe is hard to come by. I'd snap these up (on 10% Tuesdays - unless you have some better promo code for Piperlime in your hot little hands).

It's Complicated

Why J. Crew and J. Russell can never be BFF's - it really comes down to two things...

1. I am not as tall as a super model.
* they actually rub this in my face with a petite inseam that is still two inches too long.

2. I do not have a flat chest.
* Curvy girls CAN buy their cardigans. Just not button them.

Now, this is not to say that we can't be friends at all. There is always some common ground.

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Special_Sizes/size512shoes/size5/PRDOVR~16568/99101904485/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~flip%20flop/16568.jsp

Every Spring, Flip Flops bring us together. And if that's all we can ever agree on, it will be enough.

And while we're on the topic of J.Crew - here is a look for less for you

Queen Bee (J.Crew Cardigan - 200?)

Wannabee (at Target now. Also comes in black)

http://www.target.com/Merona-Elbow-Sleeve-Cardigan-Sweater/dp/B002XPPG68/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton