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!

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!

This week

Me and my girl on Sunday morning.

Boden Dotty Wrap Dress - ancient
Anthropologie Ampay Necklace - If you don't own it already, BUY IT, so pretty!

Anthropologie Gold Rung Earrings - I want these in the grey, next!

On Tuesday I wore Spring colors and froze my toes off in sandals.

OOTD 4/24/12 

And today I busted out my new J. Crew Cardi and Anthro Sandals because I was so excited about both. 

OOTD 4-25-12
 

I don't usually wear flats, but the backs of these were just too awesome to pass up.  I know the online reviews mention that they run small, but I ordered my usual size and they fit comfortably, I've also find they stretch a bit as you wear them.

We have rain in the forecast for the rest of the week - which is great for the grass, but not so much for my motivation...it might be sweatpants tomorrow ;)

Sometimes it Works in my Favor

Being Short does foil my plans for lots of cute pieces, but sometimes it works to my advantage too! Case in point - this dress.

Anthropologie Dessau Dress (regular length version)

Anthropologie Whirl & Wind Cardigan
Anthropologie Filigree Crochet Earrings

Anthropologie Enameled Bracelet Set

Anthropologie Waving Grains Pumps

I'm curious to see where Campbell will end up in height - right now she is holding in the 50th percentile.

Tarn It!

Has anyone had luck with the Tarn Necklace? My first one arrived broken, and so did it's second and third replacements. I called a local store and ordered a fourth so it could be carefully packaged and not have to travel far to reach me...and while it arrived in perfect condition, I only got to wear it to church for a couple of hours before there was an explosion of beads all over the floor :( Here is a quick picture I snapped before the necklace bit the dust.

On a much happier note, the Mixed Media Heels are truly as amazing as the online reviews indicate. They are immediate favorites - and every bit as comfortable as they are cute.

Anthropologie dress, $138
J Crew long sleeve top, $90
Anthropologie snake skin heels, $148
Facets jewelry, $58
Target Gld Petal Cluster ER, $13

Newbie

Being brand new to the world of colored denim, I've been looking online for inspiration on what to pair my bright new bottoms with. When I spotted this picture on the Gap website, I knew it couldn't get any easier!

I have this similar top from H&M a couple years back, and my cobalt jeans were scored in the girls department for less then $15. Sweet.

And speaking of too-good-to-be-true deals, I couldn't check out fast enough when I saw this sweater being sold for half price on Ebay. I submitted a best offer and brought it home for $60 shipped!

Anthropologie Highlighted Frequencies Cardigan
Anthropologie Tria Skirt
Kohls Simply Vera tights in Lavender
Pink Studio Bellina Heels

Dulcie Dress

I bought the Dulcie Dress months ago with Campbell's baptism in mind. I needed a special dress for such a special day! I was stumped on which tights and cardi to pair with it, but in the end I went tone on tone and let Jonathan pick which shoe he liked best.

Really, I find it doesn't matter what I wear these days since we can't take our eyes off this little lady! She is truly a gift from heaven!

Baby Beau & Belle - Melissa Collection

OOTD - Perilla Dress

I was so excited when I saw that Lisa was selling her Perilla Dress...stretchy jersey is a pregnant girls best friend! I was hopeful I'd be able to wear the dress for my uncle's 50th Birthday Party and luckily, it fit! Not everyone shared my enthusiasm though...my husband wanted to know why they would make maternity clothes with horizontal stripes. I explained that the dress was non-maternity, but it didn't make him feel any better about the pattern on my expanding frame. Oh well, did I mention that it fit? Because that is all that matters these days!

Anthropologie Perilla Dress
Anthropologie Pessinus Garden Necklace
Target Merona Essential Cardigan

OOTD - Pond Reflections Dress

I was so happy when the Pond Reflection Dress finally went on sale at Anthro last week. I was even happier when it arrived and the reviews held true - this dress definitley has a forgiving waist with the drawstring closure. I am in my usual size 0 and I think I can wear this for another month or two. On the other hand, I have the Sing Sweetly Party Dress lined up for Easter Sunday and I'm saying my prayers that it will still zip next week ;)

Anthropologie Pond Reflections Dress Loft Belt Seychelles Ring in the New Year Pumps

OOTD - Minty

Whoohoo for 80 degree temps today! I switched out the shoes from my Polyvore set so that I could break out a pair of open toe sandals instead. I was dissapointed that the BP. Berty was sold out in my size a few weeks back, but happily Nordstrom restocked them and I was able to snap them up. They are very comfortable and true to size.

When I came downstairs my husband asked "Where are you going today? To the prom?" Haha! I have already hit up the grocery store, and tonight I'll take my oldest to baseball practice but nothing glamorous on the agenda ;)

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 ;)

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 - Partly Cloudy

Funny how my past two outfits have been representative of our weather...

When I saw Kim's recent outfit of the day featuring this cardigan and her very similar Tambour Blouse, I knew immediately that I wanted to copy the look with my Partly Cloudy top. Turns out I wasn't the only one with this lightbulb moment, because earlier in the week, Lisa did the very same thing! Loved it! Of course, I needed to button the top of my cardi, because my stomach isn't the only thing that's begun to pop out ;)

Here's hoping for lots of sunshine over the 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!

OOTD - Woody Nymph Dress

This little number might not be the most special or exciting dress, but the Woody Nymph scores bonus points for comfort and ease! I have a parent teacher conference this afternoon at Harrison's school and then I need to start packing for Disney World once the boys are in bed - I can't wait for the surprise on Sunday morning!

Anthropologie Blooming Lattice Cardigan
Anthropologie Woody Nymph Dress
Anthropologie Triple Buckle Belt
Loft Bracelet
Mia Gigi Mary Jane

Before my stop mail goes into effect, look what I spotted in my Down East Basics catalog today!

Sculpture Tee Reminds me a ton of Anthro's Molded and Melded Tee

Too Big a Bauble - Spinning Top Necklace Review

I had really high hopes for Anthropologie's Spinning Top Necklace, which is why I pulled the trigger at full price. Unfortunately, this piece just didn't work IRL, the chain is really dark, the bauble is really big, and overall I just felt it didn't lay well. The colors are beautiful, I'll give it that.

Anthropologie Volante Tee (a last minute sale buy,
thank goodness I didn't miss out!)
Anthropologie Glowing Leaf Skirt
Anthropologie Spinning Top Necklace

OOTD - Tea Party

Okay, technically the party we attended this afternoon to celebrate my adorable little cousin was a Pirate and Princess theme...but since I wasn't daring enough to wear a tutu and tiara I went for the girliest new addition to my closet and paired it with pink shoes. Sidenote - I think I'll have this dress hemmed...

Anthropologie Sugar & Cream Dress
Anthropologie Pessinus Garden Necklace
Target Cardigan
Gap Pindot Tights
N.Y.L.A Pink Sonia Pumps

Harrison scored two baskets in his game today, the party was a lot of fun with family and included TDF Red Velvet Cupcakes (I'm bowing to you, Gina!) and we were able to buy couches for our almost completed basement (I am so ready to be done with the dust!). All in all it was a great day, but I'm so exhausted it would take a magic wand to keep my eyes open much longer. I hope I can catch up on some sleep tonight!