OOTN - Lesson Learned, Drive Separately Next Time

Tonight was Girls Night Out with my neighbors, and since I don't drink, I'm always the designated driver. I wouldn't mind, except that staying out until 1am is way, way past my bedtime. The good news is that I got to wear my new top and cute shoes. The bad news is that my oldest has an 8am basketball game in the morning.

Anthropologie Deuxhill Cowlneck
Limited Cardigan

Joe's Provocateur Jeans

Seychelles Pot of Gold, Seafoam

Black Friday - Black Sunday

Black Friday isn't a huge shopping day for me, but my husband did head out to BJ's and purchase a flat screen t.v. for when the basement is finished, and I went to Target in the afternoon and loaded up on lots of toys even though my boys are constantly on the "naughty" list.

I don't usually wear a lot of black, and have limited basics (pants, skirt, little dress) in my wardrobe, but something about packing on 3.5 pounds in one week makes me quick to reach for those pieces ;) Today I paired an ancient black skirt from The Limited with my new Bianka Blouse that I couldn't wait to wear. As we were getting ready for church my 4 year old became indignant "HEY! How come you get to wear short sleeves?" he wanted to know. I told him to pipe down or I'd make him wear a sweater over his button-up shirt. What is it with boys and insisting they aren't cold enough for sweaters, jackets, hats, etc???!

Of course, I could have done with a cardigan myself - but hide the adorable ruffle detail on the sleeves of this blouse? I don't think so!

Brainwashed by the Bowtied-Beauty Boots + OOTD

So my long awaited Bowtied-Beauty Boots finally arrived this afternoon. I loved them upon first sight - the color is great, and the bows are darling. I quickly threw on an outfit I'd likely pair them with in the Fall to try them out. I am usually between a 5-6 in shoes and ordered these in a 5.5 - the fit was good, plenty of room to add a thick sock.

I'm just not sure about the height of the boots on me? And I'm kind of scared to ask for opinions because I love them. Even if they aren't the most flattering, they aren't un-flattering either...right? Right? Don't be afraid to tell me the truth lie to me.
I definitely love them from the side where the bows are in full glory!

Oooooooooh....they are CUTE! And I don't really have to bend my knees

And for a quick OOTD - I first saw the ever adorable Pamela pair the Field Scout Skirt with stripes, and I loved it! Then when I spotted impossibly cute Hollie on Anthrolic's Reader Outfits feature yesterday, I knew I had to recreate the combo myself! Yes, I did wear this skirt two days ago....and yes I did have to iron it again.

where have all the ootd gone?

I caved and signed up for a membership at the community pool this Summer. I thought it would be too difficult with all three boys, but Harrison is a confident swimmer, Sawyer is in water wings, and Graham loves to splash in my arms, endlessly. It's actually been quite enjoyable, but it also means I've been running around in my swimsuit most days. Today Harrison has a playdate, so I have the day off from my lifeguarding duties ;)

The Final Sale is up and running over at J. Crew - I recently picked up the Crystal Tides Bracelet, which is a very cute piece of bling if anyone is considering it. I wasn't sure when I saw it in the box, it looked a bit much, but once you get it on it's clear it's a keeper.

I was able to grab a couple of Tissue Garland Tanks this morning, which I've wanted forever now - yay! Who else shopped?

OOTD's - First Time for Everything

When the Openwork Vines skirt first showed up on Anthropologie's website, I saw my name written all over it. I ordered it immediately but that same urgency did not translate into my wearing this skirt right away - in fact, it's hung in my closet for months now! Today I finally decided to wear it for church.

Tank - The Limited ('09)
Openwork Vines Skirt
BP Stella Sandals

Another first for me? I went thrifting! It was 1/2 price Friday at a local thrift store, and I had some time to kill before an appointment, so Graham and I cruised the store. I can't say that I've caught the bug, but it was fun to look for treasures. Among them, these cute gingham Gap shorts! I was happy to find them, since the ones at J.Crew hadn't worked out. Even happier when they rung up for a whopping $1.50. And here's how old these shorts are - they are a size 6 and snug on my waist - my how sizing has changed over the years! I put these on after church - it's only been a couple of hours, and I've already gotten my money's worth ;)

OOTD - Baby Day

Our church dedicates one Sunday a year to "Baby Day" where the newest members of the nursery parade up front and have their pictures shown on screen. They are prayed for and celebrated, and a friendly petition for volunteers is passed around - who could say no to those cute faces ;)

Our baby has a case of the sniffles (where are you two bottom teeth???) and has never actually been left in the church nursery (I wait until my babes are over a year to leave them) but he's parading anyway!

Items in this set:
Tops for Women: The Limited for Women: The Limited, $45
Anthropologie Scalloped Dots Skirt Customer Ratings & Reviews - Top &...
gumdrops stud at kate spade, $38
Amazon.com: Women's Xhilaration® Takia Ruffle Sandal - Metallic: Shoes, $14

OOTD - diamonds in the rough

My closest mall has slim-pickings when it comes to stores, no Nordstrom's, no J.Crew, no Anthro...

Recently, I've tried branching out from my standby store (The Loft) and I've found some goodies in unexpected places. This ruffle top was an additional 30% off the sale price at my Limited. Plus, some seriously sweet customer gave me a coupon in line for another $30 off my entire purchase. How can you beat this?

Striped Ruffle Top
And I had an exchange for Forever21 and since nautical was already on my mind, I had to try this jacket. I wish I could find it online, because it is NICE - shockingly, nice.

$37.80 and look at the lining! LOVE.

It pays to keep an open mind!

Sunday School Teacher

Sunday's are the one day of the week that I can be all dressed up and actually have somewhere to go! Tomorrow I'm breaking out my new Twilit skirt from Antrhopologie - it's probably my last chance before Spring. I don't own the Both Sides Blouse (must rectify that!) but I couldn't find a picture of this Gap shirt in black that I do plan to pair with the outfit. Also, the Snakebite belt is on backorder for forever it seems, and my Aldo T-straps are plain, not wingtipped, also, they were only $17 in store. My Aldo practically gives things away - much better deals then what I find online!


Sunday School Teacher by JanRussell featuring Anthropologie

Items in this set:
Both Sides Blouse, $88
Snakebite Belt, $32
Legwear - Clothes - Anthropologie.com, $13
Shop ALDO Shoes, Boots, Sandals, & Accessories for women & Men., $70
The Limited Grosgrain Flower Cardigan, $32

Anthropologie has a very similar cardigan to the one I own above. I was happy to pay less for The Limited's version, but Anthro's is of course, very pretty as well.

Queenbee - Anthropologie Beribboned Buds Cardigan $88

*ETA - I looked at my Aldo shoe box and mine are the Harbolt style - how cute are they in brown? http://www.amazon.com/ALDO-Harbolt-Clearance-Heels-Womens/dp/B001LAGSCW

Double Take

Queenbee

Corey Lynn Calter Caranday Dress - sold out at Anthropologie

Wannabee

The Limited Stripe Tank Dress - $89 in stores now (but don't pay that, use a coupon/online code!)