The Blues Have It

I just noticed it has been  more than a month since my last blog post.  Going back to work three days a week, vacationing in Isle of Palm and meeting social obligations just completely consumed the month of June. 

While I've been posting on FB via my iPhone, I haven't done due diligence about providing links to outfit posts.  Not sure how much any of you like/use the links, but I like to provide them on the blog. 

After a really lovely long Fourth of July weekend with temps that had you reaching for a sweater to watch the fireworks on Friday night, real July hit us with a vengeance yesterday.  In fact, when my Mr. Wonderful snapped these pictures for me this morning, I felt pretty snappy, I was so hot.  After a few failed attempts,  we got it done. Part of the problem lies in dressing for your deep freezer of an office, but snapping photos off your patio where the temp and the humidity is on the rise. I felt as if I were standing in a sauna.

Anyway, this is a nothing fancy outfit.  I love this no-iron white blouse, which though pricey is really no-iron and worth every cent of its cost.  When one shows wear, I just try to grab a new one when L&T has a percentage off everything sale. I scored the skirt when Ann Taylor had a promo that took 50 percent off the entire site.  I was delighted with its light weight and graphic navy print.

I'm also loving these new nude d'orsay flats from Halogen which I picked up at Nordstrom.  The leather is as soft as a glove and the shoes were comfortable right out of the box.

What do you have that you love and think is worth every cent you paid and maybe more?

Outfit Details:  Blouse - Jones NY no iron via Lord & Taylor; Skirt - Ann Taylor ; Vest - Old Navy ; Shoes - Halogen via Nordstrom

Pretty in Python

You saw almost this exact look a few weeks back, but today I mixed it up a bit with a gray striped tee.  Still looking for possible outfit combinations other than the obvious black, gray, ivory or white.

I didn't purchase this jacket until perhaps a month ago, and have only worn it one other time because of its weight.  It's actually a knit material, fairly heavy.  It's so comfortable, yet polished, doesn't wrinkle (great if I get damp from rain) and today's cool weather is the perfect temp. 

Normally I avoid  wearing white when it's rainy, don't know why, probably think it will get too dirty.  Today I threw caution to the wind; after all, these jeans do wash. 

If I were wearing this to the office, I would just switch out the white jeans for dressier white slacks or a white skirt...easy peesy.

Hope you have a great Friday.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Jacket -  Ann Taylor (on sale now, note that it has very long sleeves if that is an issue for you.  I just pushed them up); Tee - JCrew (on sale now); Jeans - Talbots (old, but similar on sale); Shoes - French Connection via Nordstrom (no longer available there but I lust for these by Jimmy Choo, and these would work, and I  almost bought these; Belt - Talbots - OLD; Bag - Michael Kors via Macy's - OLD; Necklace and Earrings  - Talbots (last year); Bracelet - Gifted; Watch - Kate Spade New York via Nordstrom.

Three Stripes and Your In

So I remembered, belatedly and only have reading a post by a fellow blogger, that this was Memorial Day Weekend.  It didn't particularly register for me as it is never a big deal for us.  Both our girls are in education, so one isn't yet done with school and the other is always dealing with Graduation at this time of year.  It doesn't lend itself to a family getaway.  And,  because we have always lived near I-95 which  in our area turns into a parking lot days before the holiday, we decided that unless we were flying somewhere, we weren't traveling.

But that doesn't mean that there aren't things to do  and nearby places to go.  Whatever your weekend plans, I hope you get great weather and have memorable times.

Here are my takes on three different holiday looks in red, white and blue.  Most of these things are closet staples, the sweater and gold pumps are from this month.

Outfit Details:  Tee - St. James (purchased in Paris last Spring); Jeans - Old Navy; Shoes - Talbots (old); Belt - Talbots - Old; Necklace - Gift; Sunglasses - Miu Miu.  Outfit Two - Same Tee; Sweater - Talbots; Skirt - Old Navy (old); Shoes - Macy's (old); Belt - Talbots - Old. Outfit Three - Sweater - Talbots; Top - Ann Taylor (love this one);  Jeans - Talbots (old); Pumps - Cole Hahn via Off Fifth; Bag - Coach via Lord & Taylor; Necklace - J Crew.

Which is your favorite?

Three Wins & a Wish

I've been loving a lot at Ann Taylor recently.  And I've had great success snagging great pieces at great prices. 

The first two outfits were earlier posts, I thought worthy of a visual revisit.  I can't tell you how much I love the top in outfit one and how easily I think it could transition to a business look by changing out the jeans for a narrow trouser or skirt. 

Swap out the white jeans in outfit two for a skirt or dress pants in white, gray, black, navy or small tweed and it becomes work appropriate. The white, sleeveless top adds perfect texture underneath any jacket or looks great on its own.  The subtle gray tones and print in the sweater jacket provide endless possibilities. 

Outfit three is a wish--as in I wish I had a reason to purchase this beautiful dress. I think it would be perfect for a graduation, a shower, a day wedding or a great office dress.   I'm a huge fan of the shirt dress and this full-skirted, pale pink, three-quarter sleeved dress is a grand slam.  When trying it on in-store, I just used the belt and sandals I was wearing.  It can be worn belt-less as it comes; but because I just love a belt and what it does for my shape, I think a pale snake print in any width would look terrific.  This dress is a Miss, making it a bit long on my 5'2 frame.  If you want or need a longer dress, this one would be perfect for you.  We shorter girls might want to hem it a bit so that is doesn't hit in the largest part of our calf. The possibilities are endless!

What do you think?

Shoe Score

 

 

 

 

I've been jonesing for a pair of gold metallic pumps this spring or a cute pair of low (key word low, but not flat, not to be found) sandals.   Hadn't had much success until I spied these Cole Hahns at Saks Off Fifth during a shopping trip to the Hilton Head, SC outlets.  My wonderful older daughter gifted them to me. (She is fabulous!) 

 

A terrific height with the Cole Hahn Air Nike sole, they were comfortable right out of the box.  This is testament to the fact that good-looking foot wear can also be comfortable foot wear.

 

I love the way this top from Ann Taylor combines a number of current fashion trends in a totally lovely and office and age appropriate way.  The neutral, the perforation, the crop all done over a longer under layer.  Perfection!

 

Both the pumps and the top provide a layer of polish to my favorite boyfriend jeans that makes them lunch, dinner, event appropriate.  That's a win/win for me!

 

Outfit Details:  Top - Ann Taylor (currently on sale with an extra 40 percent off); Sweater - Loft (old, but if you need a cardigan any neutral one will do, the threads on the front of this include some metallic which provides the darker tone); Jeans - Old Navy (currently on sale); Pumps - Cole Hahn via Saks Off Fifth (not available online but I also love these which seem perfect for summer.

 

Have you found a new favorite wardrobe piece this spring?  Please share!

 

Channeling Audrey

Not too long ago someone on Facebook posted a copy of a Talbot's Collection Look Book from the Michael Smaldone days.  I think Michael is a creative genius and am only sorry he is no longer Creative Director of one of my go-to stores.

Anyway, looking at the contents of that collection reminded me that I had this skirt, this Pantone color of the year, lilac skirt.   In the Look Book it was paired with a white, collared blouse and worn with a wide black belt.  I loved the white blouse, nixed the black belt for this more summer- like jute one. Because it is on the long side, I tried it on with several different pair of shoes.

Just for fun, because it is sunny and warm and racing season (one of these days I'm going to attend the Kentucky Derby again, attending when you are two doesn't count for the bucket list), I threw on the hat the for the last look. 

I felt Audreyish and Lucyish (with out Ms. Ball's red hair, however) and very fifties.  Somehow, it reminded me of my mom.  And I loved it.

Hope you have a lovely Mother's Day Weekend, whether because you are one, because you have/had a great one, or both. 

Outfit Details - Skirt - Talbots (old from 2010); Blouse - Talbots (old); Belt - Chicos (old); Necklace - JCrew (summer 2013); Shoes I - French Connection via  Nordstrom; Shoes II - Talbots (old); Shoes III - Boutique Blowing Rock NC (summer 2013). 

Which shoes do you like best?

Finding Your Stripes

 

I can't seem to get enough stripes in my life.  I gravitate to them like a bee to honey.

I found this dress at Loft on sale with an additional percentage off.  They regularly run a percentage off of sale or current merchandise.  This dress is a heavier knit and the stripes in the middle darken creating a great hourglass look.

Black and white is on trend this season and it's a favorite of mine.  Here I've brightened it up with a pop of color and a floral kitten heel.  I added a narrow, gold braided belt and a gold necklace and I'm off to brunch, lunch, dinner or church.  Switch out the cardigan for a jacket and it's office or meeting appropriate.   

Details:  Dress - Loft; Cardigan - Talbots (this one is from earlier this year, but it's available on sale with an extra 30 percent off); Shoes - AK via Macy's (old, but you may like these I LOVE them); Belt & Necklace - Talbots (old).

Happy Hump Day, got weekend plans?

 

Work Out Anyone?

Can't speak for anyone beyond myself, but now that we have finally passed through winter (despite its attempts this week to haul us back), I've found it easier and actually felt motivated to up my workout schedule.

I needed some new gear.  And, again don't know about you, but I'm just too cheap to invest big bucks in garments to sweat in.  Most of my stuff, save my shoes (where I never skimp), comes from TJMax, Gap or Old Navy.  I try to shop the sales at the latter two.  

Picked up these pants and the jacket yesterday at Old Navy with a 35 percent discount.  (Thirty percent through today for non-cardholders.) Great bang for your buck.  Last year I scored the posted tee for $7 and it is one of my favorite shirts.  While I got two, I wish I had picked up six.  They, alas, are no longer available.

The pants have a mesh vent in the lower calf (not sure what it's for beyond looks) and run true to size.  Same for the fitted jacket which has those holes in the cuff to accommodate your thumbs (perhaps this is something that runners need?).  It, too, runs true-to-size and comes in a couple of colors. 

They offer a fitted, sleeved shirt of this 'wicking' fabric which I love, but which doesn't love me.  Cut too close for my frame, one size is too snug (every roll and crease emphazied) and the next too loose. 

If you've a need for some new active gear, I highly recommend checking Old Navy out.  I also do a fair amount of online purchasing there and find most of their reviews spot on. 

What are you doing to get active?

Outfit Details:  Jacket - Old Navy ; Tee - Old Navy - Old (new mesh tops are great colors but seem to run small); Pants - Old Navy (similar - these may be capris but mine hit more on my ankle as I have a 29 inch inseam).

Chiffon and Leather

Taking some 2014 trends for a test drive in this post.

I really like the look of leather, or as is the case in this jacket, faux leather, mixed with lace or some other feminine detail. 

So this Ann Taylor sheer-yoked top with the cotton lace collar provides that 'sweet' detail to soften the black leather moto jacket. 

This would work great with denim, but as it was a 'date' night, I dressed it up a bit with black ankle pants.  Love the way a nude pump lengthens my legs. 

The final touch was the high-low necklace look that I faked with two necklaces I already had.  Ear sparkle was provided by an ancient pair of skinny, dangle sparkly earrings.  (And I do mean ancient, I think one of the girls wore these to one of their proms.  Sometimes being a pseudo-hoarder is a GOOD thing!)

Outfit Details:  Jacket - Calvin Klein via Lord and Taylor on winter clearance in January; Top - Ann Taylor (love it in the blue/gray tone also); Pants - Calvin Klein via Lord and Taylor (January Clearance); Pumps - Michael Kors (old); Necklaces - Gifts (old).

Happy Wednesday.

Spring Review

So I can't speak for any of you, but we here in the DC area would like Spring to cease making these humming-bird like appearances, flitting in and out.  AND just. stay. put.

Here's a review of some pieces I've tried in the last several weeks.

Ah, the printed pant.  While I loved the size of the print and overall look of this printed Talbot pant, I disliked that the fabric had no give.  While standing they were fine,  but were uncomfortable when I sat down. As a bottom-heavy lady, I find a bit of stretch in narrow cut slacks and skirts helps them to fit, hang and wear comfortably.

I liked the sweater, it's on sale; but it's just a repeat, though in navy, of the no close sweater of previous seasons.  It's a good deal if you need to replace or refresh.  The white shirt is, IMHO, too thin.  I'm no fan of the see-through white button-down shirt.

I've really been drawn to Ann Taylor's early Spring offerings.  It's the navy, the blush, the black and white prints, the feminine details with a bit of edge, the list goes on.  AT is great about offering 40 percent off at least once a month.

The skirt/sweater combo was an overall hit.  If I wear skirts this short (and this is a missy) I need a tight or a younger, great pair of legs.(It's only available online, pants in the same print are available in-store.)  I might opt for this length in the height of summer, fat, saggy knees bedamned, but not at this time of year.  I loved the weight, color and makeup of the fabric. The sweater was a hit, though it may be sold out online.  Shoes and belt are from three years ago.

The Ann Taylor dress is an unusual knit, very light weight and, I suspect, very packable.  Thought the round collar was a nice detail as was the raised waist.  But this dress has soft, wide pleats.  While this works well on ladies with slimmer hips, and looks fine on me from the front, it doesn't look so great from the rear view.  The next size up might have solved the pleat-hang problem, but would have been too large through the waist and top.  I recommend it highly if you aren't hourglass or bottom heavy.

Talbot's has a 40 off one item currently and AT is doing 30 off tops.  But watch AT, there's likely to be an overall site/store discount in the next 10 days. 

Have a great weekend.

March Madness - Week in Review

It's been a crazy week, a big snow on Monday followed by crazy cold for the next three days.  On Friday, boom we reached a balmy 37 degrees.

I don't know about you, but during these last two plus months of snow and artic cold, my get-up-and-go, got-up-and-went.  I'm sure it's moved to a warm climate planning to return along with warmer temps.  Come back, come back, wherever your are!

I've been doing a short consulting gig a few days a week.   This round up is from Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  All of these items have been featured before except for the camel skirt.  It's a bargain I snagged on sale from JJill after the first of the year.  My favorite JJill offerings are always their knits and this skirt is no exception.  A great weight and machine washable, a win-win.

I liked the navy outfit better without the belt, but added that look for interest.  Hope you are having a good day, sunny here at last. What are you wearing these days?

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful

As you can see, we got about a foot of snow overnight and now are experiencing a drizzling icy/rain mix with more snow expected overnight.  Pretty hunkered down here in warm and comfy clothes, not worthy of a post.  But fashion is almost always on my mind and through the magic of power and the internet, I'm been doing a little virtual shopping of the President's Day sales.  I mean I can't go outside!

While my world may be covered in white, I'm thinking about how much I love camel as a neutral--camel with black and navy and red...  I was pretty happy when I landed a camel cashmere pullover from Talbots RH sale. But once this dreadful artic weather clears out and the darn snow melts and our weather returns to normal (Lord I hope it returns to normal after this) it will be too warm here to wear much cashmere.  So I want something to wear into spring. 

Navy, under-represented in my wardrobe, has finally returned and I love navy.  I am so excited that it has once again returned in a big way and I think Ann Taylor is showing some beautiful things. 

So after receiving an  Ann Taylor promotion, good throughout the weekend, I did some online shopping and landed three sweaters and two striped tees.  The promo is for 30 percent off full price and an extra 60 percent off sale, use code SHOPANN. I found some great items in the sale stuff. 

I snagged a beautiful camel sweater jacket, a zipped navy cardigan, two striped tees and a blush sweater that just called to me.

Here's what ended up in my cart: 

Sweater Jacket
Striped Tee
Sweater
Striped Tee
Sweater

We'll see what works when it arrives.  Snagged any bargains lately?

Perfectly Plaid

 

I'm not a fan of Punxsutawney Phil, he is, after all a rodent, but the dislike really intensifies when his annual prediction is for six more weeks of winter. 

So. Over. Winter.

I've pretty much snagged up all my winter bargains.  It appears as if I'll get plenty of wear from them over the next six weeks.

Nothing more comfy than leggings and plaid flannel.  Loved the colors in this Ralph Lauren plaid on markdown at Lord & Taylor.  Throw on a pair of boots, a scarf for warmth and it's good to go.

Outfit Details:  Shirt - Ralph Lauren via Lord & Taylor (Similar;) Tee - Lord & Taylor; Leggings - Hue via Macy's (old, Similar); Boots - Vince Camuto via Lord & Taylor (available here: Volero Wide Calf Boot); Scarf - Gift. 

Same Dress, Different Day(s)

Camel dress on day two.   

I love camel with black.  Throw in a little leopard for pattern and it may be, for me, outfit perfection. 

The  middle look exemplifies what a difference a shoe makes.  The cognac flat breaks up the leg line from knee to foot.  Not good, IMHO for a short-legged, curvy girl.  (I'm not sure why I appear shorter in the middle picture, the pumps are less than an inch high.) Swamping out the flats for a pair of black pumps adds a touch of height and elongates my leg.

The short faux leather jacket in the second outfit adds a bit of edge.

Outfit Details:  Left: Dress, Jacket, Belt, Scarf, Tights - Talbots (dress is sold out online, other pieces are old).
Middle:  Jacket - Lord & Taylor similar; Scarf - gift; Shoes - Michael Kors via Nordstrom.
Right: Pumps (old).

So which one gets your vote? 

January is for Savings

 

I admit it, I'm a sucker for a bargain, I'm that person that a marketer loves, give me a discount and I'm on alert.  And markdowns on markdowns hook me every time. 

Like the lemmings (or maybe salmon, I'm not a fish person, but love a simile or metaphor) I will swim upstream for a great deal.  With each day providing an offer for additional percentages off sale and clearance merchandise, it's the perfect time to replenish, stock up, or replace. 

On a hunt to put some camel, one of those perfect neutrals in my wardrobe, I snagged this dress on major discount.  It's ponte, long-sleeved, what's not to love?  The camel is an extraordinary animal, capable of living in extreme tropical temperatures without water.  I expect this dress to have that same staying power and usefulness in my wardrobe -- only smell a great deal better.

To make the decision to keep or return, I put this dress to the test with existing wardrobe pieces.  I styled it a number of ways, here's two.

Outfit Details:  Left: Dress - Talbots, this one appears sold out online (similar); Jacket, belt, scarf - Talbots (old); Tights - Hue; Booties - Munro via Nordstrom.  Want these.
Right: Same dress, Jacket, belt, scarf  (old) - Talbots. 

If there are Bargains, It Must be January

Today I note that it's STILL January, a balmy 8 degrees this morning and our 10-day forecast looks as if I've been relocated to maybe Minneapolis.  Nothing against Minnesota or Minneapolis--I've some lovely friends there--but I'm suspicious of a city where the buildings are all connected by skyways and it isn't because of the hot and humid summers.

We all know that January is bargain bonanza month.  Likes Sirens the discounts lure you to spend the six cents you have left after Christmas. 

But I have been looking for several things--a new, heavier sewing machine, a new coat, wool or cashmere sweaters, items in camel, cobalt or gray. 

Last week at Lord & Taylor clearance items were an additional 50 percent off and there was a coupon for an additional 20.  (There's always a coupon at Lord & Taylor.)  I scored five items, all at about 70 percent off their original retail.  (Math isn't my strong suit, so I can't provide exact percentages--I need Math Head for that and he's at work.)

One of the L&T scored items was this cashmere, black-watch plaid sweater.  It's shorter length allows it to work with a tucked or untucked shirt or blouse or long tee.  Additional pluses were that it is warm without being heavy (now that I don't go to an 85 degree office daily, I get lots of wear from these warmer sweaters and on a day like today I feel as if I could wear two) and I'm a sucker for the pattern.

Outfit Details:  Sweater - Lord & Taylor (it's on the boxy side and runs large, I'm wearing a Large Petite); Shirt (old) - JJill (this one is similar, but they have quite a selection); Cords - Talbots (old); Shoes - Michael Kors via Nordstrom.

Happy Friday, scored any bargains lately?

Blue on Blue

I love most shades of blue and cobalt is one of my favorite shades. 

Got this tee on major mark-down.  This camel sweater does a nice job breaking up the monochromatic look of the shirt and pants.  The scarf serves to warm my neck while adding some visual interest and pattern. 

Yesterday winter made a big entrance in my neck of the woods.  Today our temps are in the minus numbers and we've got eight inches of snow. What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Outfit details:   Talbots -  Sweater- similar; tee; pants- similar and on major sale; scarf - loving this similar one;  necklace  - similar; belt - here's a cute similar one;  Shoes - Cole Hahn via Nordstrom. 

Two Shades of Gray

 

 

 

Black is my go to color during the winter months.  I never seem to have enough, have to prevent myself sometimes from purchasing more of the same, but  love how it always looks polished even on the most casual of days.  You never know who you might run into when you're out and about.  Black always provides me that pulled together feeling.  This new scarf reminded me how much I like gray with black and serves the dual purpose of keeping my neck warm while adding the perfect amount of pattern punch.

 

Happy Friday, make it a great day.

 

 

 

Outfit Details - Clothing - All Talbots - No Close Cashmere Cardigan, Gray Tee, Straight leg Cords -previous seasons; Scarf, Belt - December;  Shoes - Cole Hahn (old); Necklace - Chicos (old).

Oh Happy Day!

 

 

Today is one of the three happiest days of my life, so it called for a celebratory saturated color indicative of joy and girls--pink.

It's the first day of the 34th year that our lovely, talented, too-wonderful-for-words daughter has been here.

So to visually demonstrate my joy, I've paired my black with the deep-toned pink color I so love.  Magenta to me, this season at Talbot's it was Deep Sherry.  Regardless of it's name,  it's a color that brightens my day when the weather doesn't, brings a smile to my face and just says, "happy,"-- just like the girl whose birthday it is.   

Happy birthday darling Meg!

Outfit:  All Talbots, previous seasons or years.  Sweater is recent, but appears to be sold out.   

Happy Hump Day! What's your happy color?

Old Items, New Twist

I've been feeling a little less than fashion inspired during this after the holiday welcome to crummy January weather period.  So when a fellow fashionista posted some inspiration photos over the weekend intending to use them as her week's outfit inspiration, I had an "ahah" moment. 

Today's inspiration was an animal print coat paired with black and red.  It was a beautiful, yet simple outfit.  Just for fun I did a 'wear to work' outfit and my real outfit.  The color/print combination easily adapts to office or casual.  I added the scarf because I don't wear turtlenecks as a rule (I have that awful extra flesh bit hanging below my chin--ewww), so I often wear a scarf, even at home, to keep my neck warm. 

Outfit details - Left --  Coat - Banana Republic (fall); Sweater - Ann Taylor (fall); Tee - Talbots (old); Slacks - Talbots (very, very old); Shoes - Ellen Tracy via Lord & Taylor (old); Handbag - Michael Kors via Nordstrom.

Right -- Changed out dress pants for Cords - Talbots; Leopard flats - Talbots; Scarf - Talbots.

I didn't include links as none of the pieces were new.  You can find the original pictures on Facebook on Shop Your Closet.  How are your dressing during these often dreary winter days?