Over & Underwhelmed

As I mentioned yesterday, there are a few packages from Anthropologie that I am waiting for. I ordered the pink Nexus top from a store in New Jersey, and living in nearby Pennsylvania, I thought it would be the first to arrive. Also, this morning when I checked the shipping status for my shirtdresses, neither were marked en route for delivery. So, naturally when the very small box arrived inside of my mailbox today, I assumed it was my top. I almost squealed out loud when I pulled back the tissue paper and spotted the bicycle print instead! Wheeee! At last! I was overwhelmed with excitement and tried the dress on, straight away.

I was relieved that the fit was much better then the Reed had been on me, and I felt so happy and inclined to dance around in this thing. As the online reviews indicate this dress is cut very generously. It was roomy everywhere on me, even the notoriously tight sleeves fit just fine. Yay! Er...wait a second...

Once I had Harrison snap the pictures and looked back at them, I suddenly felt my elation leaving... The pockets look low, and the length isn't the most flattering for me. From the waist up, I love it. I'm unsettled about the skirt portion. I wish the Dagmar Dress were here too (that shipped UPS) so I could compare them. It would break my heart to send both of these dresses back, but I don't want to keep them just because I love them on other people, either. I want this dress to work for me, but from the pictures I'm just not sure that it does?

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!

OOT{hundred degree}D

Today was one for the record books in PA - hot, hot, hitting 100 degrees, hot. So it may be awhile before I'm able to wear my new purchase, but when I heard the Blooming Lattice Cardigan was finally on sale, I had to call and snap one up!

For today, I went with the coolest attire possible - a linen dress. This is another oldie from Gap that is just really easy to throw on and beat the heat in. I knew I'd be doing a good amount of walking today, so I wore my Enid Flat Sandals, put my hair up to avoid frizz and off I went.

My husband has the day off from work, so this morning we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast, and then to the Camden Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey.

We thought about stopping to see the Liberty Bell too, but were afraid we'd melt in the sun. We'll save that for another day, and settle for the pool this afternoon instead ;)

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.

OOTD - At the Parade

I was so thankful when Cat posted the Summer Wandering Tank with the Pulsations Skirt, so I could stop torturing myself (and all of you!) over what to pair mine with. This tank really is the perfect match, and I snapped one up the moment it went on sale.

Unfortunately, my family didn't have the same appreciation for the outfit I was finally able to put together.

"Why are you wearing circus clothes?" my 7 year old wanted to know.
"Are you in the parade?" my husband teased.
"Mom, you know the ball that a seal balances on it's nose? That's what you look like." my son continued. And when we arrived at the 4th of July parade he hoped out loud that he wouldn't see anyone we knew because of how embarrased he'd be.

Boys. What do they know anyway.

OOTD - Heatwave

We are heading to the pool later this morning, but first I have a couple of errands to run, so I took the opportunity to wear my new Heatwave shorts. They fit in the waist, they're cute, and they meet my new short-length requirements - big thumbs up.

Boden Tank (old)

Anthropologie Heatwave Shorts (check stores)
Anthropologie Tiny Twines Belt
J.Crew Outlet Starfish Earrings & Necklace (current)
Mossimo Presta Wedge

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?