Expanding my Horizons

I've always been a fan of prints, and I've never shied away from cutesy or kitschy, but Southwest? Boho? Abstract? They haven't quite found their way into my closet - until recently. I notice more and more that I am drawn to a bigger range of styles and it's been fun adding unusual (for me) pieces to the mix.

This sweatercoat caught my eye on a recent trip to Anthro but I worried it might look like a stadium blanket on - luckily, the tie adds great shape and it only feels like a blanket.  It's not online yet, but if you missed out on the Dressage Sweatercoat (horses) then you'll want to jump on this when you spot it.  I can't wait to wrap myself up in it all winter long.  I hate bulky, cumbersome outerwear that you melt in once you get inside a store, so this is a great everyday option for me.  LOVE. 

The Lilium Shirtdress was another piece I wasn't certain about when I brought it into the fitting room.  After slipping it on, I turned several times in the mirror, kinda loving it, but needing a vote of reassurance.  I went to show my mom and ask for her opinion but the two fitting room attendants bowled me over with sweet compliments before I could get to her.  I definitely love those girls!  Pushing the envelope even further I wore booties with this thing.  Short legs be darned! Why squeak outside of your comfort zone when you can jump right in instead ;)

And sometimes it's nice to stick with what you know too...like quirky animal prints.  And I confess the next dress I have my eye on is covered in telephones.

I should really put some broken records on a t-shirt, because that's what I'm sure I sound like when I say I'm sorry for not posting in forever...blah, blah, blah, excuses, excuses, blah, blah, blah. 

Back to School Night

Recently my neighborhood has seen a lot of new construction, and we are thrilled for the new neighbors and lots more kids on the block.  Last night at Sawyer's back to school night one of the new moms approached me "Omigoodness, everyone at this school knows you!  They all say how sweet and bubbly you are....long pause...and that you are always dressed up"  LOL!  And to think I made a conscious effort to "just wear jeans" last night to better blend with the crowd.  

I was in love with the pretty detail on the Pocketed Peasant Blouse the moment I saw it on Anthropologie's website, but knew I had to hold out for a sale.  Later, I saw a sales associate wearing it at the store, and she look adorable, but I didn't have time to try it on for myself.  I was a bit nervous from all the reviews saying that it was nearly impossible to get your head through the opening of this top, but I am happy to report that I was successful.

Outfit Details Here 

Tomorrow night I have Back to School Night for Harrison, I think I will embrace my reputation and wear a skirt ;)

Side Splashed Tank

I have not seen much mention of this tank on blogs, but thankfully, Jenni and her eye for cute colors spotted this in her local store, tried it on and wrote a glowing review to entice the rest of us.  Hearing her approval was what totally sealed the deal for me, and I'm so glad I grabbed this piece when it went to sale.  It is vibrant, incredibly soft and comfortable, and a great length for pairing with skinnies.  I expected to like this tank when I received it, but instead I love, love, LOVE this tank. Don't let it fly under your radar!

Anthropologie Side Splashed Tank

H&M Cardigan
Anthropologie Filigree Crochet Earrings
J. Crew Enameled Giraffe Bangle

Old Navy Necklace

Seychelles Coy Sandals

here's my number, so call me maybe

I can't seem to think of the Rotary Dial Necklace without getting this song stuck in my head!  But that is the only drawback to this adorable piece ;)  I love this necklace and have already worn it numerous times since buying it on markdown a few weeks ago. Here are two recent pairing.

Outfit details here

Outfit details here

My big boys head back to school on Tuesday and their soccer practices have begun - sure signs that Fall is just around the corner! Got to cram in the white denim and tank tops before the temperatures dip!

Hitting the Target

I always love a good Target find!  The other night I was at the store without kids and was able to score a cute dress from the clearance rack for twelve bucks! Here is the outfit I was out running errands in - the sandals are another Target steal from earlier in the season that you can now find marked down in stores!

Outfit details here 

And the $12 dress that I hope makes Peggy proud!

Outfit details here

A few weeks ago Debra posted about some cute cords that caught her eye and not wanting to miss out on great deal, I decided to give them a try.  Initially, I passed on them since they were too big in the waist, but after trying them a second time I decided for the price they were livable.  I think when I take them in to be hemmed I will ask about adjusting the waist - anyone know if this is an inexpensive fix? I can always belt them too.  Here are some pictures to give you an idea of how they will fit the petite sector ;)

Surprisingly, Mossimo colored denim in the same fit is a lot more snug in the waist then the cords are.  I usually have the opposite happen, where cords run tighter - but not in this case.  I have been wanting to try some red jeans and on the cheap, so these were a perfect find.

Outfit details here

And a final feeling-the-love-for-Target outfit. I loved the cut and colors of this cute top and with a cardi and dark denim I think it will transition well into the fall. 

Outfit details & Fall look here

And that about covers my recent Target purchases of the non-essential variety! When you are there an average of twice a week, it's easy to be distracted from the paper towels and baby formula...

Hi-Low and Hello Again!

More catching up!

I really love the Parted Rays Blouse even though it is very long on me, and probably not the most flattering when I wear it untucked.  Although I hate the idea of hiding the cute yellow layer on this top, I knew when I saw the store inspiration post over at Effortless Anthropologie, that I had to recreate this outfit.

 

Outfit details here 

And here are two quick, casual outfits with some more hi-low tops from this season. I really like the way this silhouette pairs with skinny jeans, giving you good coverage in the back, the extra length makes me feel less self-conscious.

 

Outfit details here 

This top I have paired with dark denim, white denim, and now yellow - plus I've worn it with shorts - definitely a summer favorite!

Outfit details here

Yes, Campbell does steal the show, and our hearts every single day - she is our doll baby for sure! Thanks for the sweet words :)  Since she rarely leaves my arms, you'll be seeing lots more of the girliest baby sister!

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!