Outlet Finds

A few weeks ago, I was visiting my family and my sisters and I went shopping at the nearby outlets.  I am generally unsuccessful with outlet shopping because I tend to be sized out or the fit doesn't often work on my petite frame.  This time, however, I had a few victories!  At the J. Crew outlet, I snagged both this polka-dotty skirt as well as the not-quite-navy tee.  I paired this ensemble with an Anthro cardi to add both color and texture. The skirt is a bit loose, but certainly not unbearable. I think I will get a lot of wear out of it this spring and summer!

Beginnings and Endings

A lot of life changing news has come down the pike over the past few days!  My younger cousin, Ally, recently became engaged to her long time boyfriend, Derek.  Let the family wedding planning begin!  Too, my boss announced yesterday that he will be retiring in a few months.  While this is fabulous news for him, as he deserves more time with his darling family, it leaves a lot of unanswered questions at work about next steps and the future.

While pondering all of that, here is an Outfit of the Day:

Dress: Armani Exchange, 2012
Cardigan: J Crew Jackie Cardi, 2011
Shoes: Nine West, 2011
Necklace: Notice, 2011

Mingle with the Best and Brightest

Over the weekend, I received a flyer for Banana Republic's Spring Mad Men collection which is available for sale to the public on March 1 (pre-sale for Luxe card members in select stores on February 29).  Not sure if I will purchase anything from this collection, but there are 2 dresses I am currently crushing:

The first is the Betty Dress in silk taffeta.  I love the bold color as well as the style.  If I had a spring wedding to attend, I would definitely consider this dress!  Unfortunately, the only wedding I have lined up for this spring is one I am in, so I can't wear a dress as a guest.

The next dress I adore is the Joan Dress.  This polka dot sash is darling and I love the color!  Unfortunately, dresses with a straight skirt generally don't work on my wide hips so I am not sure this is one I will be able to fit into.  I will definitely try it on though!

Here's a non-Mad Men related outfit of the day!  I decided to wear the Aubergine Sky Dress again.  It was the first time I wore it to work, and I received a lot of compliments on it.  I paired it again with a mustard colored J. Crew Jackie Cardigan.

When The World Ends

On Monday I stayed home from work because I was feeling under the weather.  I was bummed, because I had planned to wear Anna Sui's Map of the World skirt!  I completely forgot about this guy, and I only wore it once in October.  Luckily, after a brief snow flurry, the weather went back up to the 50s and I decided to wear the skirt toward the end of the week. 

I am still not sure that I have a top that really works with this skirt, but I am trying to pair different things with it- suggestions are welcome.  The last time I wore it (here), I paired it with the wind rippled tee in maroon.  I decided the colors in the skirt are a bit more orange than maroon, so this time I paired it with Anthro's torsade tee (2009) and a mustard cardigan.

Skirt: Anna Sui's Map of the World Skirt for Anthropologie 2011
Top: Torsade Tee, Anthropologie 2009
Cardigan: Jackie Cardi, J. Crew Outlet 2011
Stockings: J Crew fishnets, 2011
Shoes: Nine West, Spring 2011
Necklace: 1luckysoul (Etsy)

I definitely need to get more wear out of this beautiful skirt.  The major problem I have with it is that it snags so easily! Is there something you own that you wish you wore more frequently?  I feel that way about half of my wardrobe.

To bring out the blue in the skirt, I decided to wear my nautical necklace from 1luckysoul (on Etsy).  The picture is a bit blurry, but you get the idea!

A Cautionary Tale

On Saturday, some friends and I went to the Kennedy Center to see Knuffle Bunny, a Cautionary Musical.  If you have small children or work with small children, you are probably familiar with Knuffle Bunny (pronounced KA-nuff-ul).  It is a story about a 16 month old who leaves her favorite stuffed rabbit at the laundry mat.  It is written by my favorite children's author, Mo Williems.  He has written many popular tales such as Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Piggie and Elephant young readers series, as well as the Knuffle Bunny series.  Recently, the book became a musical and since we love Mo, we decided to check it out while it was in town.

It was interesting to see a musical geared towards young children.  As predicted, it was very over-acted but a lot of fun!  The people watching was most interesting.  It was fascinating to watch the behavior of the kids who came with parents versus those who came with Grandma and Grandpa.  (Let's just say the older generation definitely had the upper hand).  It made me wish my niece was old enough to go!  Maybe in a few years.

Dress: Alary Shirtdress, Anthropologie 2011
Cardigan: Jackie Cardi, J. Crew Outlet Summer 2011
Shoes: Oxfords, Banana Republic 2011
Belt: Looping Lanes, Anthropologie 2010
Stockings: Navy, J. Crew

My Sense of Style, Your Steady Smile, The Way You Held My Hand

You may have noticed in yesterday's post that my hair is much shorter. That's right, on Thursday I had a much needed hair cut!  My hair has been growing wild and out of control which is part of the reason why I keep throwing it back in a pony tail. Now that it is short, I'll be able to wear it down more often.  These pictures (today and tomorrow) were taken the week before Christmas, so I still have long messy hair.

I love pairing the field skirt with another bright color.  I feel like the bold colors stand out nicely in the dreary winter. I've owned this red shirt since I was a sophomore in college... that's a long time for one shirt, people.  I've never found another one I like as much as this one so I've never replaced it even though it is fading.

Shirt: The Limited
Cardigan: J. Crew Outlet, 2011
Skirt: Field Skirt, Anthropologie, 2010
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: Notice

Sugar Coated

The final days of November have been rather warm here in Northern VA!  To make the most of it, I decided to wear the Sugared dress AGAIN before the frigid cold sets in.  This time I paired it up with a mustard-colored cardi.

Dress: Sugared Dress, Anthropologie, 2011
Shoes: Rennsselaer T-Straps, Anthropologie, 2010
Cardigan: Jackie, J. Crew Outlet, 2011

This week is exhausting me at work so I don't have time to write much.  Actually, the next few weeks will be a bit insane, but hopefully I can get back on track soon!

Run as Fast As You Can In Your Mind

For Thanksgiving week, the weather is pretty mild... my kind of November!  Don't get me wrong, I love a good snow day with a mug of hot chocolate and time to relax and read.  But, that kind of frosty day needs to come in January, not now.  So, I've been pretty happy to have the opportunity to wear my fall clothes without needing a coat!  I hope this weather lasts all week so I can continue to wear my fall threads without having to bust out thicker winter sweaters.

I decided to wear my cultivation skirt again because I bought it in July and only wore it ONCE.  GAH!  I have to get more wear out of my clothes.  The problem is, I can't think of anything to wear it with aside from what I am wearing here. I guess it I only wear it a few times a year, it is fine to wear the same top, cardi, and belt but I would like to mix it up at some point.  Suggestions on what to wear with this skirt?

Skirt: Anthropologie Cultivation Skirt, Spring 2011
Tee Shirt: Anthropologie, Summer 2011
Cardigan: J. Crew Outlet, Fall 2011
Necklace: Anthropologie, Fall/Winter 2010
Belt: J Crew, Summer 2009
Shoes: Nine West

"She's Has No Idea. The Effect She Can Have"

You may have heard that we received some snow over the weekend here on the east coast.  Yep, you read that correctly, SNOW.  Luckily fall is BACK and we've been having some beautiful in-the-low-60s fall weather over the past few days.

I decided to dust of my Leifsdottir Coming and Going skirt and wear a brand new scarf to create this "fall" look.

I received this beautiful scarf from Nordstrom from my Aunt for my birthday! This is the first time I wore it. I find I have a lot of scarves, yet I rarely wear them. To me, scarves can serve any of 3 purposes:
1. To dangle as a fashionable accessory
2. To warm your neck in times of cool weather
3. to protect your neck (slightly) from vampire attacks.
Those are three very good reasons to wear a scarf.  You might be wondering why I rarely wear them.  I frequently have trouble tying them in an interesting fashion. So, this morning I googled ways to tie scarves and came up with a plethora of ideas!  I wore this scarf as an accessory, however, it also protected me from a multitude of vampires.

Skirt: Leifsdottir Coming and Going skirt, Anthropologie 2010
Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Cardigan: J. Crew Outlet, Fall 2011
Shoes: Satin Swoop Heels, Anthropologie Fall 2011
Scarf: Nordstrom

I love a ginormous ring as a fashion accessory.  To pair with this outfit, I decided to wear this large Banana Republic ring.  The gold worked nicely with the scarf and cardigan and the blue stone went well with the skirt.

Ring: Banana Republic circa 2008

What are some of your favorite fall accessories?

Fun with Photobooth

Happy Tuesday, Readers!  I hope you enjoyed reading about my sister, Molly, in yesterday's post.  Today you'll get to meet another sister- Enjoy!

Hello.

Glad to meet you.  Amy has a guest blogger today:  I am her littlest sister, Erin!  I will be posting about my outfit-of-the-day while Amy is off vacationing in the sunny Caribbean.  A bit about me – I am a senior at Penn State who works part-time at the J.Crew outlet (not at school, at home).  The J.Crew outlet is the special feature of my post today!  I make occasional appearances on this blog in pictures or in the descriptions, but today I get the whole post all to me.  Hooray!

While Amy posts high quality glamour shots of her outfits, I am not so well situated in my teensy apartment.  Please forgive my subpar setup in my kitchen… it has the best lighting in the place.  I needed bright lighting because as you will see, I took my pictures with Photobooth.  Neither my roommate nor I could rustle up a camera, so my computer it was!

This outfit has become a favorite of mine since I bought the tunic over Labor Day.  I haven’t been much of a long-shirt-plus-leggings person, but I’m a fan of the simple button-down tunic with window-pane teal plaid.  Add in basic black leggings, a silver belt, and flat silver shoes, and I feel put-together but not overdone!

And there are my favorite silver flats!  Couldn’t fit everything into one shot on my poor laptop camera, so I made do.

In State College, I won’t be able to wear this outfit for too much longer – it’s already turning colder.  Fall is officially here!

Tunic:  J.Crew Outlet Fall 2011

Leggings:  Access Fall 2011

Belt:  J.Crew Outlet Summer 2011

Shoes:  Gap Outlet Fall 2011

Around the World and Back Again

Make a pot of coffee and get comfortable, friends, it's time for a story.

As many of you readers know, I have a bit of a shark obsession.  Not just because they are amazing and mystical and fierce predators but also because they have survived the test of time and have learned to adapt over millions of years- something we humans can take note of. Too, they are being needless hunted and killed, simply because they are misunderstood by people. It's true. You are far more likely to be killed by a vending machine than by a shark.  (True story: on average, worldwide, 13 people are killed a year by vending machines where as generally 4 or 5 are killed by sharks). You're not afraid to buy a soda, are you? Then, too, you shouldn't be afraid to encounter a shark!

Last week, the National Geographic Headquarters sponsored an illustrated talk by Juliet Eilperin focused on her shark research that inspired her book Demon Fish.  You can check out the event HERE.  My friend Jen bought us tickets because she knew it would be right up my alley.  If you've never been to the National Geographic headquarters (not the museum, although they are side by side) and you live close to the DC area, I would highly recommend.  The building is gorgeous with a starry ceiling and currently there is an amazing photography exhibit (free!) in the lobby called "Ocean Soul" by Brian Skerry.  (I kind of want to marry him, but that's a whole different story for another day.)

So, we're at this talk with, let's face it, a bunch of nerdy scientists and environmentalists (I am not excluding myself from this group, however, I am not a scientist by profession) and I decide I both need the book and Juliet to sign it.  After the talk there is a wine and cheese reception (with some of the best brie I've ever had, mind you, the National Geographic Headquarters knows how to throw a classy reception) where you can mix and mingle.  I purchase the book and wait in the queue to have it signed.  Everyone is chatting up Juliet asking extremely detailed questions about her research and writing. I realize, then, that I have nothing intelligent to say.  Gulp.  The line inches forward.  I decide I'll just stick with small talk- it's been a long night and she probably wants to go home so I imagine she will appreciate my "get in and get out" approach to meeting her.  I'm thinking of what I am going to say, and chatting with my friend, Jen, when the man in line behind me taps me on the shoulder and says, "I'm sorry to interrupt but I love your dress.  I've been noticing it all night, and I just have to tell you."  Thanks.  Turn back to my friend.  Man is still standing inches behind me as line isn't moving.  Slightly awkward silence.  And, I was wearing a skirt not a dress, but I know men aren't good about these things.

Finally, the conversation in front of me is wrapping up and it is my turn to have my book signed.  I am all ready to open my mouth with a polite but witty comment when Juliet says "Hi!  What's your connect to the ocean?"  Um, what's my connection to the ocean?  That was unexpected.  My mind is blank. I respond with, "Uh, um... we'll I guess I don't really have a connection to the ocean, except, well, uh, I like it and I really, really love sharks.  A lot."  GAH!  Idiot.  So, here is what she writes in my book: To Amy who loves sharks, showing that you've got good taste.  True story, I both love sharks and have good taste, so I'll take it.  Here's the outfit of the night.



Skirt: Map of the World by Anna Sui for Anthropologie Fall 2011 (still available AND on sale now!)
Shirt: Wind Rippled Tee, Anthropologie Fall 2009
Cardigan: Jackie, J. Crew Outlet, Fall 2011
Shoes: Satin Swoop Heels, Anthropologie, Fall 2011
Stockings: Fishnet, J. Crew, Fall 2011

Yep, yep!  Remember here when I wrote about how I must have the Map of the World skirt AND the satin swoop heels? Well, they went on sale the same week and I was able to snag them BOTH.  That was one happy week.  I decided to wear them together as they work well and, really, what skirt is more appropriate for the National Geographic Headquarters than the Map of the World?

Here's a copy of my book (sorry about the glare from the flash) and Juliet's message inside.

Is It Me You're Looking For?

The other day I wore this outfit and someone said to me "Is today a special day at work?"  I looked at him quizzically and said, "No.  Why do you asked?"  He replied, "I am just wondering why you are dressed like a colonial person."

Sigh.

I bought this dress last spring and I've only worn it twice, this being the second time.  While I like it in theory, it is troublesome to wear. First of all, the top is sheer, requiring a cami underneath.  Secondly, the ruffles on the top can be overwhelming on a small frame like mine.

I love the bright yellow bird pattern, though, and I like that this dress is a bit different.  In retrospect, it probably wasn't a smart buy (I'm not sure how often I'll actually wear it) but I am hoping when paired with some fall-colored cardigans that I can still get some more wear out of it this year.  Time will tell.

Dress: Anthropologie Sunny Soiree Dress, Spring 2011
Cardigan: J. Crew Outlet, Fall 2011
Shoes: J. Crew spring 2010

What's an article of clothing you regret buying?

Tights on Parade

Last year I fell in love with tights.  I know they've been back in style for a while now, but I am generally a few years behind these types of fashion trends.  I am not sure what I will do when they are no longer in style, because I've become obsessed with them.  They keep me warm and cozy all winter long, and make certain shoes more comfortable.  A few weeks ago I went shopping at outlets near my sister.  I bought a TON of tights!  It was hard to pass up the low initial cost plus the additional 30 or 40% discount outlets generally have.  Over the weekend, I was out and about and found MORE must have tights at J. Crew that were surprisingly on sale, so I snatched them up too.  Now, if I ever mention needing more tights, PLEASE STOP ME!  These are all the tights I've purchased in the past 2 weeks:

That's more than enough tights (considering I already have 10+ pairs from last year) so don't let me buy anymore.  Do we have a deal?  Thanks.

(PS I know some of you are anxiously awaiting the Birthday Outfit from yesterday's main event.  You'll have to wait just a little bit longer... this is a BUSY birthday week and I probably won't have time to post until next week, unfortunately.  Hang in there...it's coming!)

It's Back to my Town, Back to Your Life, 'Cause Summer Is Over

This week fall weather has set in!  Despite what the calendar says, I have to admit that summer is officially complete, so I am repeatedly singing Jon McLaughlin's song Summer Is Over while at work this week (check out his latest album if you haven't already!)  I am ready to break out the fall clothes in anticipation of the changing leaves.  Over the summer, I purchased Anthropologie's cultivation skirt when it went on sale.  Even though this skirt was in their spring collection, the colors are definitely "fall" in my mind.  I also purchased the bracelet (below) this summer when I was at the beach with my family. It is Q3 Art Jewelry handmade by artists Marvin and Michelle Shafer.  It is made out of 80% recycled aluminum and dyed in a multi-colored palette. Check out their other jewelry here.  I thought the colors were neutral enough that I would be able to wear it with many things.  This is the first time I've worn it, though!

Skirt: Anthropologie Cultivation Skirt, Spring 2011
Tee Shirt: Anthropologie, Summer 2011
Cardigan: J. Crew Outlet, Fall 2011
Necklace: Anthropologie, Fall/Winter 2010
Belt: J Crew, Summer 2009
Shoes: J. Crew, Summer 2010

So, this picture was a complete mistake (the camera fell over, and when I went to pick it up, it went off) but I thought it was funny, so here you go.  An up close and personal picture of my hand and belt.

The aluminum bracelet from Q3 Jewelry

Did you break out any fall clothes yet?

It's Complicated

A friend of mine recently graduated with her MBA and her husband threw a graduation party for her at their home.  The day of the party, I double checked the Evite to check the time and I noticed the dress code was listed as "cocktail casual." Umm... what?  In my head, cocktail= fancy and casual= well, casual (jeans and a nice top or maybe a cotton sundress?).  I called a few friends to ask for their opinion and many of them were unsure of how to dress for the occasion. I was a bit stumped as I dug through my closet. The party began at 6 and was going to be outside so I decided to wear the mompos dress with pearls as it can be a little bit fancy but also a little bit every day- certainly appropriate for an outdoor garden party.

I didn't realize when I snapped these photos that the sun was in my eyes on my deck.  I didn't feel like I was squinting, but when I downloaded these images, I see that I am squinting into the sun in everyone!  Ugh.  Please ignored my pained facial expression while you view the ensemble.

Dress: Anthropologie's Mompos Dress, Spring/Summer 2011
Shoes: Aldo
Necklace: pearls from somewhere!
Hair clip: J. Crew outlet, summer 2011

 What's your take on "cocktail Casual" attire?

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Hello, Readers!  Happy Thursday!  Do you read Sydney's blog over at The Daybook?  If you don't, you should.  Basically because she is the most adorable person on the planet and will always put a smile on your face.  She has a weekly post on Thursday stating all the awkward and awesomeness from the week.  While I will not join in her weekly post, I figured I would give one a-go here, and maybe participate once a month or so (not that I don't have plenty of awkward things to say, but rather that I don't want to always post them!) 

Let's start, shall we?

Awkward:
~Walking across a smooth, flat surface and completely tripping over nothing.  This happens to me more often than it rightfully should.
~My bedroom has 3 huge windows that stretch nearly from floor to ceiling.  Yes, I realize that is awesome, not awkward.  However, the other day a neighbor had some plumbers over.  I was very intrigued by what was happening as the plumbers had plastic buckets in the front yard overflowing with water.  I couldn't tell where the water was coming from and I kept peering outside trying to solve the mystery.  I was examining the situation as I stepped out of the shower.  After a few minutes of spying, I realized if I could clearly see all the action going on in the yard in front of me, it is pretty likely that the plumbers could clearly see what was going on through my windows and perhaps I shouldn't stand naked in front of the tall windows in the middle of the day.
~My license is about to expire as I have a BIG birthday approaching.  Friday I went to have my new license picture taken.  For the new state license, citizens are not allowed to smile. It is very awkward standing in front of a camera and trying NOT to smile for a picture.
~My hair in the pictures below. I was running late for work and didn't have time to dry it, so in some of the photos it is still wet and in others it dried rather funky and became huge and poofy in summer's humidity.


This is the yucky wet hair I mentioned above





Cardigan and tank: J. Crew Outlet, summer 2011
Skirt: J. Crew, circa 2005
Shoes: Steve Madden, circa 2008
Necklace: Unknown... a gift from my friend, Jill!

Awesome:
~Last weekend my friend Katherine was in town.  We went to dinner, ate ourselves silly, and had a lot of laughs catching up!  I forget how much I miss that girl when I don't often see her.
~Work in the summer.  I know that sounds contradictory, as a BEACH in the summer sounds more ideal, but I love working in the summer when life can be flexible. I've been going into work early and leaving around 3:30 which makes me happy.  I don't have that luxury during other seasons when my job is busier!
~The Help.  If you haven't read the book, read it.  Then, listen to it on audio book (FABULOUS to listen to) and finally, see the movie.  So well done!
~DC Restaurant week.  It only happens twice a year and happens to be THIS week!  Many restaurants in the area offer a 3-course meal for $35.11- an absolute bargain.  This week I have been and will be hitting up a few tasty new restaurants.
~Birchbox.  Sara over at You, Me, and Anthropologie always blogs about her birchbox goodies.  I decided I couldn't live without it any longer, so I signed up for a subscription, too.  Look for a post about my first birchbox once it arrives in September!