Lovely TJ Maxx finds + New LOFT dress

My husband and I spent the dreary, windy, cold day yesterday running errands and ended up at TJ Maxx.  I especially love to explore their jewelry and home goods sections.  So many of their items have a delightfully vintage vibe to them.
Here are the two items I picked up:

Eiffel Tower Necklace: This necklace immediately caught my eye inside the jewelry display case.  I'm on a mission to add more simple, delicate necklaces to my jewelry collection since I usually buy statement or long necklaces.  This one fits the bill.  I adore the whimsical, feminine vibe it has.  It's sterling silver with just a little bit of bling along the top portion of the tower. 

I love the vintage floral design of this bowl.  Reminds me of something my grandmother would have had on display in her china cabinet.  I plan to put it on my dresser to hold odds and ends.

I wore my new dress from LOFT outlet last Thursday.  I had planned to post it last Thursday too, but couldn't because of the Blogger chaos going on that day.  It was the first hot & humid day we've had this season and this dress was perfect for it.  It is the perfect lightweight cotton dress for summer.  This is a true navy color, but it also came in purple, a black print, and a blue floral print.  The straps are wide enough that they'll easily hide a bra if I decide to go cardigan-free.  There is even a cute bow tie on the top of each shoulder.  I love the elastic waist and the ruffled hem!  I have a feeling this will be my go to dress for summer days.

I broke out a matching turquoise necklace and bracelet that I got at Ann Taylor outlet several years ago....I love this set and was so happy to re-discover it when I was going through my jewelry recently.  This is the first time wearing my new Anthropologie shoes.....I'll have to post a review of them later this week!

 

Dress: LOFT outlet

Cardigan: Target

Shoes: Anthropologie Strappy Stepper Shoes

Necklace & Bracelet: Ann Taylor Outlet

I'm so anxious about the Anthropologie tag sale starting tomorrow!  I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight!  I'm hoping for 2nd cuts on the Tiered Chambray Dress and Cinchona Cardigan .  I'm also hoping the Shape Suggestion Skirt and Cygnus Tank finally go on sale.  It would be nice if the Strappy Stepper Shoes would also go on sale so I can get a PA.  What are you hoping to hit sale tomorrow?!

OOTD + a few Anthro Reviews

Green has always been one of my favorite colors.  Lately, mint green has become my new obsession.  In fact, I've added quite a few mint colored items to my spring/summer wardrobe over the past couple months.  This outfit shows that off!

Cardigan: Target (HERE)

Blouse: Banana Republic Outlet

Skirt: JCPenney

Belt: Anthropologie

Shoes: Target

Necklace & Bracelet: J. Crew Outlet

I visited my local outlet mall this past weekend and when I saw this bracelet and necklace at the J. Crew Outlet, I knew they both had to come home with me.  I also picked up some other goodies at the brand new LOFT outlet, which I'll be sharing with you in the next few days....stay tuned. :)

Now on to the Anthro reviews:
I recently caved and placed an online order at Anthropologie when I saw that 2 "must-have" items were almost sold out in my size!

1) Anadyomene Cardigan

I knew I had to have this cardigan and really wanted to hold out until sale, but when I saw only 2 of the turquoise color remained in my size I broke down and ordered!  I'm wearing an XL.... I took the advice of many of the reviews and sized up for this one.  Glad I did because it is very form fitting.  The XL accomodates my 36D bust better and gives a *little* extra lenght than the L.  I know this because I did try on both the L and XL last month while I was in the store.  The fabric is so soft, the turquoise color is devine (it's a true, bright turquoise in person - my pics make it look darker than it really is), and I love the sweetheart neck and detailing.  It matches the teal color in the Shirt the Issue dress perfectly. 

2) Checkmate Tank

I've had my eye on this for a while - the reviews were all so good!  When I saw only one remained in my usual size 12, I caved.  The material is great and I love the subtle gingham detailing along the neck and hem.  I also agree with other reviewers that the shape is great - it nips in at the waist and then flares out again at just the right spot.  However, my normal size was too tight in the bust.  Even with the smocking in the back, I couldn't get the zipper all the way up in the back! :(  It's definitely a very fitted blouse, so I'd recommend sizing up.  Even if there was a pop back in the next size up, I think I'd pass on this due to the short length on my 5'7" frame.  It's just too short for my comfort zone.  Verdict: back it goes.

3) Tortoise Petals Barrette

While ordering the above 2 pieces, I decided to throw this cute barrette into my cart as well, seeing as it's an online exclusive.  I LOVE this barrette!  It's so well made and the tortoiseshell flowers are so pretty.  There are little faux pearls and rhinestones glued to the center of each flower.  I have thick hair, so many clips like this don't hold much of my hair (or pop open after I close the clip).  However, this one holds a good amout of my hair back securely - it's perfect!  Highly recommend!


Does anyone else cave and buy things full price if you see your size dwindling online???

OOTD + My "Top 10" Anthro Wishlist

The sun was out in full force today......finally! After a late night out at a local festival's beer tent last night, my hubby and I unfortunately got a late start to the day. We ran some errands and were able to enjoy the nice weather this afternoon though. I decided to wear the Eastpointe Garden top paired with a light weight burnt orange cardi to bring out the orange flowers in the top. I am SO glad I snatched this pretty top before it sold out. The print is wonderful and with all the colors in it, it can be paired with so much! I can't even count the number of times I've worn this since I bought it, which in my opinion makes it completely worth the full price of $58!
These pics were taken in the dressing room at Old Navy.  My hubby wanted to stop in to look around and ended up trying a bunch of stuff on.  I also grabbed a couple things to try, but didn't find anything great.  Instead, I snapped a few pics of my OOTD while I waited for him to finish up!  It's a rare occasion when I'm waiting around for him to finish up in a dressing room instead of the other way around...haha!

Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT

Blouse: Anthropologie Eastpointe Garden Top

Jeans: LOFT Outlet

Socks: Target

Shoes: Nicole Magical Flower Ballet Flats from Ruche

I've spent a lot of time looking over the new arrivals on Anthro's website this week!  In no particular order, here are my current top 10 Anthropologie wishlist items!

1) Loosened Shelby Blouse - $58

This is the exact same blouse as the Eastpointe Garden top that I'm wearing in my OOTD, except with a new name and new prints.  I'm digging the green print with polka dots, but it also comes in a pretty yellow with lemons print and a blue floral print.  This top is so great that I definitely plan to pick it up in another colorway soon.

2) Verdant Slip Dress - $138

This beautiful silk dress has been getting a lot of buzz in the blogging world.  Check it out on Molly here and Kim here - don't they look lovely (as always)?!  I know I saw a couple other bloggers in this dress, but now I can't remember who....sorry!  Anyway, this dress has everything I love.  Floral print, check.  Pretty green shade, check.  Smocking in the back to help get the perfect fit, check.  5 star reviews, check.  Plus, the price isn't too bad considering it's silk.  Something tells me this one may not make it to sale?  Can't wait to try this dress on next time I make it to the store!

3) Hamatreya Skirt - $88

I loved the Field Skirt from this past fall/winter and apparently this skirt is the same shape/fit, but with a whimsical flower/bird/butterfly print.  I adore it.  See Jacquelyn rock this skirt HERE.  Again, can't wait to see this one in person.  If the print is as cute as it looks online, I can see it being the perfect summer skirt and being an easy transition into fall with tights/boots.

4) Make a Wish Skirt - $128

This has been on my wish list for a while.  I have yet to see a blogger review this one, and I'm dying to see it on someone.  The reviews are mixed, so I'm holding out to see it in person.  Speaking of which, I really need to call my nearest store to see if they have it in.  The floral embroidery looks lovely and I also love the fact it's another pull-on style skirt.

5) Sky Drop Earrings - $32

I don't think these are actually new, but they never caught my eye before this week...so they're brand new to my wishlist.  I actually first noticed them when Molly  paired them with the Verdant Slip Dress.  Love the color....what a perfect match.  They would go with a lot in my closet.  I'm hoping they'll hit sale soon since it looks like they've been around since at least January. 

6) Teacup Traditions Necklace - $68

Wow....this looks like a precious vintage piece.  I fell in love as soon as I saw the upclose of the stock photo.  Reviews sound promising too...they are handmade and one of a kind.  I am always looking for unique necklaces and it's rare one jumps out at me like this.  Maybe I'll save my pennies up for this darling.

7) Anthology Bag - $178

I'm a handbag addict at heart and it's actually been awhile since I splurged on a handbag.  This may just be the one.  I've been looking for a leather handbag in a "not too bright" yellow shade for quite a while.  This one looks like the perfect shape, color, and size.  Plus, I love anything with tortoiseshell details, so the buckles make it even better.  I'm going to try to hold out for sale, but keep a close eye on the online supply just in case I have to pull the trigger.  

8)  Flore Pleno Maxi Dress - $328

I have never worn, or even really even thought about wearing a maxi dress.  Now that they're in fashion, I'm dying to at least try one on.  I love this one the most.  The floral print is so romantic, I love the ribbon and ruffles details along the bottom, and I adore the navy/pink color combo!  The big thing I dislike is the price!  WAY out of budget, but you'd better believe I'm going to stalk it for sale and pray it may make it to 2nd or 3rd cuts!!  Haha.

9)  Cygnus Tank - $88

This looks like a comfortable and unique tank for summer.  The colorful sequined detailing looks gorgeous, the material looks comfortable, and I love that the base is a neutral light brown.  Holding out for sale.

10)  Anadyomene Cardigan - $88

This has been on my radar for a while.  I even tried it on in store last month.  I've already decided that I need the teal version to wear with my Shirt the Issue Dress and new teal pumps (reviewed here).  I want to wear this outfit to my friend's informal wedding reception in June, so I'm hoping it'll make sale before then!

So there you have it..... my current Anthro top 10.  Which Anthro pieces are tops on your wishlist??!

Easter Outfit + A Shoe Review

Here's what I wore on Easter (better late than never!).  I haven't dressed up for Easter since I was a kid.  In fact, that was always my favorite part about Easter when I was younger.  My mom would take me shopping and I'd get a new dress and a new Easter bonnet every year! 
This year I decided I wanted to dress up for Easter even though we were just going over to my husband's grandpa's house to have a laid back Easter dinner with the fam.  I usually don't dress up for casual get togethers with the in-laws, so I could tell they were a little surprised at my ensemble!    When I first bought this dress on ebay, I imaged it would make a perfect dress for spring.  Check out my first attempt at styling this dress HERE.  This time I added more pops of spring colors with the cardigan, heels, and jewelry.  Spring color overload?  Perhaps....  Oh well, I definitely felt cheerful in this outfit!

Dress: Anthropologie Tulip Study Dress

Cardigan: The Limited

Belt: Anthropologie Crossroads Belt

Tights: Simply Vera for Kohl's

Shoes: BC Footwear Afterglow Pump in teal (here)

Necklace: Anthropologie Saturation Point Necklace

Earrings: via Etsy

I picked up these heels from endless.com last month during a sale.  I highly, highly recommend them!!!  First of all, I LOVE the teal color.  Even though they are a bright color, I'm finding they go with a lot! If teal isn't your thing, they also come in red, tan, black, or dark brown.  They are very reasonably priced ($60 on endless.com).  Despite the low price, they are very well made and I can see them holding up well for a long time.  The stitching along the edge is a cute detail and I adore the stacked wooden heel.  The inside of the shoe even has a cute floral print lining!  In my opinion, the heel height is perfect (about 2.5 inches).  I found they fit true to size.  They are very comfortable and classic pumps. 

I hope this shoe review helped!  Are there any new spring shoes that you recommend?



Cold April Showers + New Laptop and New Trench

Well, I finally caved and bought a brand new laptop the other day.  My old one was sooooo slow and the screen kept randomly going black on me.  I blame my stupid old computer for my lack of posting and commenting over the past couple months.  So glad I finally have a shiny new laptop!

It's been a cold and rainy week.  Depressing, yes.  But I found the silver lining in the situation by getting to wear my new trenchcoat this week.  I found this Guess trench on Macys.com last month.  It was on sale, plus I had a Macy's card member discount to use and a gift card, so basically I could not pass this cutie up.  I was worried it wouldn't fit (since it was from the junior's department), but when it arrived I was ecstatic to find that it fits perfectly.  I adore the feminine ruffles along the bottom!  Plus, it nips in at the waist in the perfect spot, has nice tortoiseshell buttons, and even a detachable hood.  It's the exact neutral khaki color I was looking for and the material is thick enough for some warmth.  Even though the fabric doesn't look like it, it's slighty slippery so it's water repelent.  The numerous compliments I've received this week made me feel really good about this find.  It definitely made me feel a little more cheerful this week despite the icky rainy weather.

On a sidenote, the picture above marks a huge occasion.  It was the second time EVER that I actually asked my hubby to take my picture for me.  I know all my mirror photos with my camera or iPhone really aren't the best, but I just feel too embarrassed to ask him to take my pictures.  The only reason I asked him to this time is because I didn't know how else to show off the cute ruffle on the bottom of my coat!  He knows about my blog and that I take pictures of myself to post on it, but he laughed at me about it the first time I told him!!  He just doesn't get it, but has since then apologized for making fun of me and at least understands enough to know it's just a fun hobby for me.  However, I'm still embarrassed to even have him see me taking pics of myself, let alone asking him to take photos of me.  He, of course, willingly agreed for this pic, but I would never make a regular habit of asking him.  Perhaps I should invest in a tripod soon.....

My question to all of you is - if you have a blog, does your significant other know?  If so, how does he feel about it?  Those blog readers only, does your significant other know you read and comment on blogs?

Surprise Spring Snow Day!

Well, after being teased with 60+ degree weather and sunshine last week, mother nature struck back and dumped a snowy/icy mess last night.  I woke up to a 5:30 a.m. phone call saying that school was cancelled today.  Horray!  I'm sick of snow, but at least I got to sleep in today!  And now only two more days until spring break.

I wore this outfit over the weekend for dinner out with the in-laws.  I really wanted to wear this to work on St. Patty's Day last week, but felt like it was just a little too short for that.  During my trip to Anthro last month, I spotted this Woody Nymph dress in the sale room.  The earthy print really drew me in and I think it's a versatile dress than can be worn year round.  I bought this belt specifically to go with this dress, but I've found that it goes with a lot!  I finally have a navy belt..woohoo!

Dress: Anthropologie Woody Nymph Dress

Cardigan & Cami: The Limited

Belt: Anthropologie Crossroads Belt

Tights: Merona Opaque Navy Tights (Target)

Boots: Steve Madden Intyce

I'm back! Spring Wish-List and "Already Caved" List

Hi readers!  Remember me?  It's been almost exactly a month since I last posted.  Sorry that I disappeared.  I don't have any real excuse for it except for the fact that my computer is really old and slow (I'm in desperate need of a new one!) and I've just been in a winter slump.  Well, today was the warmest day we've had in a long time (a whopping 54 degrees) so I guess it helped snap me out of my winter hibernation mode and got me thinking about sweet spring!

So, without further ado here are some of the spring things I've already caved in and purchased along with the pretties I'm still patiently wishing for!

Already Caved

Anthropologie Ardennes Skirt
Does this not look like the most absolutely perfect spring skirt?  Love the pastel colors and feminine pleats.  I just caved and order this the other day when I saw my size was already dwindling, so I haven't actually gotten it yet.  I really hope I love it because I'm already styling my Easter day outfit in my mind.

Anthropologie Strappy Stepper Shoes
I've had my eyes on these since they first hit the website.  The only reason I caved so quickly is because there was only one pair left in my size!  Still haven't received them yet, so I'll be sure to post a review once I get them!

Old Navy Ruffled Gauze Top - navy polka dot
I don't shop at Old Navy very often, but on a whim I popped in there after work last week.  This caught my eye and to my surprise, it fit really well!  It's so adorable with the ruffles along the neckline and hem!  If you are interested, I definitely recommend sizing down.  I've already paired this with the navy Blooming Lattice Cardi and with a grey cardi and I got many compliments on both combos.

BC Footwear Afterglow Pump - teal
I just caved and purchased these literally minutes ago.  Endless.com has a 25% off promo going on today through Saturday so I decided to treat myself.  A review will be coming soon!

Wish-List

Anthropologie Tuileries Dress
This dress has already gotten a lot of buzz in the blogging world.  I have yet to see this in person, but it sure is pretty to look at online!  I am a sucker for flower patterns afterall!

Anthropologie Tempore Cardigan
Love the lace detailing and neutral color.  I can imagine pairing this with so many spring/summer dresses and skirts.  Reviews on Anthro's website suggest that the arms are really tight though....so I'll be holding out on this one until I can try it on at the store.

Mariana Misty Ankle-Strap Pump
Another pair of shoes I spotted on Endless.com.  Love the green color.  Don't you think they would look wonderful with the Ardennes skirt?  Not really sure what else I'd wear them with though, so they'll continue to just be eye candy for now :) 



One more thing on my Spring Wish-list is a lightweight spring jacket.  I'd like a neutral color such as khaki or "army" green.  Not a trenchcoat, because I already have one.  I just want one that is about hip length.  I've been searching the internet and have not found one I like yet.  Any suggestions?