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

rainbow bright

Clearly, I am not a girl who shies away from color

I first became obsessed with this dress when I spotted it on ModCloth. But it was pricey and I had no where to go. Then I found a coupon code to buy it directly from the Tracy Reese website. Once Jonathan's secretary invited us to her daughters wedding it was my own happily ever after.

Plenty Tiles Applique Frock
Anthropologie Colorblocked Strands Necklace
Anthropologie Schuler & Sons Waving Grains Pumps
J. Crew Tights

On a more casual note, I finally embraced the colored denim trend! I found this cute green pair at Gap during their 30% off promo a few days ago...they were perfect for St. Patrick's Day! I can't find this color on the website, but they are the 1969 Skimmer Legging Jeans. I wore these to the mall with my family and my husband laughed at people "checking them out" Apparently, they still aren't super mainstream in the suburbs???

And one last colorful outfit - I am SO HAPPY I got my hands on this Drawing Room Necklace before it sold out like hotcakes. Not only is it cute, but it's great visual stimulation for the baby ;) ;) I hope they restock it on the website, because it's a great piece to brighten up anyone's Spring wardrobe!

went to Anthro...did not drink the Kool Aid

Today I had the rare chance to visit Anthropologie in person. It's been OVER A YEAR since the last time I was there, so I was pretty excited to check out the goods in person!

The real purpose of my visit was to return some curtains that did not work out for our bedroom, and this skirt, which did not arrive with the pink waistband it was pictured with on Anthro's website. I intended on exchanging it for the yellow but the color was really not appealing to me when I saw it in person.

Other things I tried on that did not work out included the Strung Symmetry top which I had hoped the reviews were wrong about - nope - it was just as huge and shapeless as everybody said. And the Sleeveless Shawl Collared Boatneck, which I really did love...when I was standing still. The moment I moved my arms the neckline just kind of flopped up and looked a hot mess.

Untitled #245 by janrussell featuring a tiered skirt

Split Stripes Dress, $148
Sls Mx Stripe Maxi Dress, $148
A line skirt, $68
Tiered skirt, $68
Symmetry
Sleeveless Shawl-Collar Boatneck, $48

And while on the topic of hot mess...I spotted this Split Stripes Dress and mistakenly thought it was another colorway of the maxi version. I could not for the life of me understand the hemline and why it looked so different in person, lol. The armholes were really odd on this dress too, so you would need a cami layered underneath. It was insanely comfortable though. It's the only piece I snapped a picture of - when I showed it to my husband he asked if it was a mumu? Does that mean he doesn't like it? Maybe the Maxi version would win him over?

Now, onto the things I did love...major yes please, to the Art of Pursuit top - the fit was adorable! And I actually really loved the Titan Blooms, which is already on sale, but my store had so many then I'm hoping I can score a charge-send when it goes to second cuts. The other two tops and dresses were all winners for me too, but I will be waiting (hopefully not too long!) for them to hit sale.

Untitled #244 by janrussell featuring flower shirts

Ribbon dress, $188
Dot dress, $148
T shirt, $58
Flower shirt, $98
Sheer top, $68
Anthropologie top, $88

So there you have it, I was not swept up into any impulse purchases even after my loooong dry spell of not visiting a brick and mortar store. Are you so proud of me? My husband (who was waiting in the van the entire time with all four kids) certainly was - proud, and probably very relieved ;)

Sweeter than Honey

Thank you all for your incredibly sweet, kind comments - the only thing I'm exercising is my willpower! It's been a whole lot of not eating the things I ate when I was pregnant to get my weight back down ;) Unfortunately, even at my goal weight I could still really, really benefit from a tummy tuck. But who wants to spend that kind of money on something you don't even see? I'd rather spend on cute disguises ;)

Anthropologie Honeyed Shirtdress
Anthropologie Gold Rung Earrings
Anthropologie Unexpected Treasures Cardigan
Anthropologie High Prairie Belt

LOVE the print on this dress - I am still a sucker for these old-school, kitschy pieces! I ordered the 0P and still found the sizing to be big in the armholes and at the back, but the length was perfect! Love that Anthro is offering more petite options for a lot of their dresses. I also really love these earrings and might need to go back for them in "Sky"

Here is a quick snap of what I wore today

The necklace is a recent Target purchase - they have a lot of cute, colorful pieces in-store right now! And Campbell loves when I wear beads - it's total entertainment for her!

Anthropologie Tempting Trellis Cardi
Anthropologie Sidebent Tank (via Ebay, I want more colors!)
Target/Mossimo Jeggings
Miz Mooz Siri Boots
Loft Earrings & Bracelets - recent, but not online

Popping In, Popbacks & Pop - My Bubble Just Burst

So, after correcting some technical difficulties with my browser and losing 54lbs of baby weight, I am finally able to start posting on this blog again! Though probably not as frequently since I am allocating the clothing funds to Campbell these days and what pretty things I do buy for myself she usually spits up on before I can snap a picture.

Today my much anticipated Visual Language Tank arrived from Anthropologie. I have been dreaming up ways to wear this cute piece, and collecting inspiration from others over on Polyvore - you can check out the sets here, and see for yourself just how perfect it is...

Hopefully, those outfit ideas will sell you on this tank, because seeing it on me certainly won't. I understand, and like that this piece is supposed to be "flowy" but it crossed the line over into moo moo territory when I tried it on. Such a sad shame because the tank is adorable - the colors are awesome and the hem detail is great. It's also lined, so you don't need a cami underneath (I put one on for modesty-sake) and the armholes are not huge either. Really, with this one it's a case of "it's not you, it's me" So disappointed that I can't pull this one off! If you are petite, it's probably going to be a pass.

Please overlook the fact that I did not curl my hair or put on enough make-up to look alive in these pictures! If we waited for those things to happen it might be another 4 months until I updated ;)

Next up was the fantastically priced Ruffled Ribbed Tee, which I loved enough to order in two colors. Pictured is the "red" which is more of a vibrant orange IRL. The detail at the neck, weight of the tee and comfort were all terrific. Not so great? The fact that it puckered and pulled across the top and made me look self-consciously busty. And for the record, I am not nursing and should not be having this problem...

Can you see what I am talking about?

The black colorway is on backorder, so I'm still holding out hope that it will fit slightly better. For now the red is being sent back. Even a great price at Anthro is still too much to pay for a piece I don't love.

Something I do love, and I mean LOVE, LOVE is the new Weekly Popbacks Thread over at Effortless Anthropologie. It's running today! I grabbed this cute Drape & Twist Top a couple weeks back for a steal. I can understand why it was returned as it's probably too short for your average bear. It's practically a crop top on me, and I'm barely 5ft tall. Happily, a cami solved this sufficiently and I might be able to tuck it into a high waisted skirt?

Another recent popback I was able to find and score for myself was the Earl Gray Necklace. A super cute accessory, but not nearly as cute as what I wear on my arm ;)

Hope to pop in again soon! I miss you girls!

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

Bow Topped

I'm not going to let the fact that I have FOUR (count them! four!) young children scare me from buying a white coat. Actually, I think it's the best option for being spit up on...

Anthropologie Bow Topped Coat - it was impossible to resist the outerwear promo! Merry Christmas to me!

And Merry Christmas to you, too!