Stop and Smell the Roses

Even though it was freezing outside, today was a beautiful day.  The sun was so bright that it caused the snow and ice-covered parking lots to sparkle.  The sky was so blue that if you only looked up and ignored the large snow piles, it appeared to be a spring day. 
Despite the fact that I have a super-busy next couple of weeks at work, I was able to find moments today to relax and enjoy my surroundings.  I especially enjoyed taking time out from working with one of my students to hear about his weekend and play a game of "Hang Man."  He loved it and it brought a smile to my face as well!

Today I'm wearing a top which is the only thing I've ever bought (and actually kept) from Ruche.  I just adore the pretty rose print.  So much in fact, that I decided to overlook the awkward fit and keep it.  Well, not the fit exactly...that is fine.  The problem is that the fabric twists around at the top causing the vertical "stripe" down the middle to become misaligned...I have to constantly readjust it throughout the day!  Oh well!  I also pulled out a bright coral-colored skirt that I bought from J. Crew years ago.  It's lovely, but I haven't worn it forever because it's way too long and I still haven't gotten it hemmed yet.  I pulled the waist way up Steve Urkle style to make it a little shorter, hence why I decided to leave the shirt untucked and belt over my cardigan.  Guess I really need to take it over to my mother-in-law soon so she can shorten it for me in time for spring!!!

Blouse: Ruche

Cardigan: Old Navy

Skirt: J. Crew

Belt: Forever 21

Tights: Merona Premium Opaque Tights in navy (Target)

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks - Purse

Earrings: Etsy shop Nest Pretty Things by tamar (very similar here and here....or, check out all of her super pretty jewelry HERE!)

Are you able to "stop and smell the roses" even when you are really busy and stressed?  If so, what are your favorite ways to do so?

Pretty Cute Casual Friday + Some Mini-Reviews

It actually felt good to get up this morning and get dressed for work after having two days off!  Fridays are casual in my school district and everyone wears jeans.  Although most teachers/staff just wear sweatshirts or t-shirts with their jeans, I always try to dress up my outfit and look as cute as possible.  I decided it was the perfect day to break out my new boyfriend cardigan that I got at Banana Republic outlet last weekend. 

Kim at Anthroholic recently did a post on how to dress casual, but still look cute and feminine.  (Check it out HERE!)  Her post really inspired me not only because this is what I strive for with my style, but most importantly, because I learned some great new tips!!  Many of her tips were racing around in my mind as I put together todays outfit.  In fact, looking back at her post I realize that she was even wearing a long, light pink cardigan.  Must have been engrained in my subconscious to inspire this outfit!! 

Cardigan: Banana Republic Outlet (probably still in stores)

Tee: Banana Republic (Spring 2010)

Cami: The Limited

Jeans: Gap

Necklace: LOFT Long Silver/Mother of Pearl Flower Necklace (still in stores)

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks - Purse

 The soft mauve/light pink color is so feminine and I really like the silver contrasting along the edge.  The longer length is great (I don't really own any cardis this long besides the Anthropologie Dwarf Quince) and I love the two front patch pockets and v-neck.  I loved this cardigan so much that I couldn't decide between the two colorways they offered.......so I ended up buying the tan one with gold contrasting too!!! 

 I knew I wanted to wear a long necklace with my outfit today and I was rummaging through my jewelry box for a while trying to find the perfect match.  Then it clicked!  My new LOFT necklace that just arrived in the mail on Tuesday would be perfect! 

I mentioned last weekend that I bought this necklace off the website with a coupon I had.  The next day I noticed it was no longer on the website (sold out I guess?)  When it arrived I was disappointed because I hadn't expected it to be so big.  I packaged it back up and decided I was going to return it.  Then as I was trying on my new cardi something told me to dig it back out and give it a second chance.  Sure enough, I think it was the perfect match and after a self-pep talk I was brave enough to venture to work with the biggest statement necklace I've ever worn.  Got several compliments, so I guess it was a success.  Plus, the pretty feminine quirkiness grew on me as the day went on.  Now I can't wait to try to figure out another outfit to pair it with!!!  Any suggestions?????  Help!

Week in Review: OOTDs

Sorry for the lack of posts this week!  It's been the longest and most tiring week at work in a long time.  Part of that may be because I worked on Monday and I usually don't.  Guess I've been spoiled with 4-day work weeks.  However, in addition to 5 whole days of work (gasp!), I've also had a lot of new things get thrown my way, many meetings to attend, and a lot of paperwork, phonecalls, & emails to complete.  Anyway, the past 3 nights I was so tired when I got home that I watched tv or fell asleep early...too tired to even turn on my laptop, let alone blog.  Tuesday and Thursday night I got home so late that I immediately switched to my pjs and forgot all about OOTD snaps.  But, I did remember 3 days this week....none of them are too special, but I thought I'd go ahead and share anyway!

My simply casual Friday outfit from today features one of my very first Anthro purchases ever.....a pretty headband!

Cashmere sweater: Old Navy (2008?)

Lace cami: Maurices (2007?)

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks - Purse (on sale here!)

Necklace: Pandora w/ murano glass beads

Earrings: NY & Co.

Anthropologie Serpentine Shimmer Headband (Summer 2009)

In Monday's outfit I was going for business-like, yet cute and feminine for my day full of meetings.

Anthropologie Oleander Cardigan (Fall 2010)

Lace cami: Maurices (2007?)

Dress pants: LOFT

Flats: Macy's

Anthropologie Garden's Gate Earrings (Fall/Winter 2009)

Necklace: gift from the hubby

Bracelet: Tiffany's

 And Wednesday I threw together a rather preppy ensemble...not my typical style, but I thought I'd try something different.  Not really sure how I feel about the final result.....looking back I think it's a little boring and too matchy with the top and tights.  Any suggestions for next time?

Skirt: JC Penney Chambray Pencil Skirt (2009)

Blouse: Banana Republic Outlet (Fall 2010)

Cardigan: NY & Co. (Fall 2010)

Anthropologie Looping Lanes Belt (Fall 2010)

Tights: Simply Vera Geometric tights in port royale (Kohl's) 

Shoes: Unlisted Buckle Wedges (really old)

Necklace: Ann Taylor Outlet (really old)

This evening I caught up on some DVRed shows from this week.  Just watched The Office from last night and it was by far the funniest episode I've seen in a long time!!  In fact, I really want to watch it again now...haha.  Any other Office fans out there???  It's one of my hubby's and my favorite shows!  Now I just need to watch Modern Family from this week...my other favorite :)  Have a great weekend everyone!

Seasonal Remix: Winter White Camilla Dress

As I hinted at on yesterday's post, today I'd like to try out another new blog feature entitled "Seasonal Remix."  I have several spring/summer items that I'd like to try to winterize.  Plus, come spring/summer time I would like to challenge myself to wear some of my fall/winter items.  And so, this new blog feature is born as a way for me to practice my remixing skills and get your feedback!

First up is the Camilla dress in cream.  I purchased this dress last summer to wear to one of my bridal showers and I have not worn it since!  It's such a shame that this pretty little frock has only been worn once!  Carol's "Winter White" post inspired me to pull out my Camilla dress from the back of my closet and try to style it for winter.  Here are the options I came up with.
    

1)  Feminine Chic

I immediately thought to pair this with the Oleander cardi because of the similar white lace accents.  The classic black mary janes with flower details compliment the flower details on the buttons of the cute cardi.  Something made me reach for my 3 strand pearl necklace to finish off the classic chic look.

Anthropologie Camilla Dress in cream

Anthropologie Oleander Cardigan

The Limited - grey cami

Banana Republic Glitter Ribbed Tights in pewter (buy here)

Naya - Cara Mary Janes (here, here, and here)

Pearl Necklace - bridesmaid gift from friend

                                   2)  Blooming Boots Casual

The Blooming Lattice cardi seems to go with everything, so it was an obvious choice.  I wanted a little pop of color so I went with the reddish-purple tights and decided to finish off the look with my boots to make it more casual.  In hindsight, I think maybe adding a belt would have made this look a little more pulled together.

Anthropologie Blooming Lattice Cardi (bought via ebay)

Simply Vera Geometric Tights in port royale (Kohl's) (here)

Steven by Steve Madden Intyce Boots in cognac (here)

3)  Pretty in Neutrals

This color pairing (beige, white, brown, and grey) is not something I'd normally come up with, but I'm pretty proud of the way it turned out.  The Beaded Eglantine Cardigan is my newest sale purchase and I haven't worn it yet!  From there, the brown belt, grey tights, and cognac colored shoes just came to me.  I'm really happy with how pretty this neutral combination turned out!

Anthropologie Beaded Eglantine Cardigan

Anthropologie Looping Lanes Belt

Grey Cami - The Limited

Simply Vera Brocade Tights in coal (Kohl's) (here)

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks - Purse in chestnut (on sale here)

Necklace - J. Crew Outlet

I also think it looks pretty cute with the boots!

So, what do you think?  Which "winter white" outfit do you like best?



Anthropologie via ebay scores: Tulip Study Dress & Blooming Lattice Cardi

Happy Sunday night readers!  What a wonderful Sunday....my husband and I had a very nice day together.  We were productive this morning and cleaned the entire house.  My husband is the greatest when it comes to cleaning.  Honestly, he does more than I do and usually is the one to volunteer to clean the bathroom!  This makes me very happy :)  We took some time in the afternoon to just relax and play with our kitties.  Then, since neither of us have to work tomorrow, we decided to go out on a "date night."  We decided to go to the casino that is 45 minutes from our  house.  It's been a really long time since we've gone there together, but it was just a spontaneous idea for something different to do.  When we got into town, we had a nice dinner at Ruby Tuesday (this is a treat for us since this is the closest one to our house and we never go there) and then hit up the casino.  We very rarely go there because a) we usually just lose $$$ and b) it's SOOO smokey in there!  Well, tonight we were lucky!  We were only there for 1 hour and I won $100 and my hubby won $500!!!  Think I can convince him to share his money with me so I can take an Anthropologie shopping trip?  My hair stinks and my throat hurts a little from all the second hand smoke, but I guess it's worth it since we both actually won!

I didn't want to wear nice clothes knowing they would just end up reeking of smoke, so I just wore jeans, a BR grey cardigan, & a lace print t-shirt from LOFT.  Didn't even think to take pics because it really wasn't anything special.  Oh, and I wore my Anthropologie Pessinus Garden Necklace - perhaps it was my favorite necklace that brought us good luck!

However, I do want to share some pics with you of 2 items I recently bought off ebay.  I've been meaning to show them off for a while now.  My post last night was full of many new pretty flower print pieces on my wish list and it reminded me that I have yet to debut my new Tulip Study Dress and Blooming Lattice Cardi.

Cardigan: Anthropologie Blooming Lattice Cardi (via ebay)

Dress: Anthropologie Tulip Study dress (via ebay)

Cami: The Limited

Tights: Banana Republic brown herringbone

Belt: LOFT

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks - Purse

I don't think I can pull off wearing this dress until it gets closer to spring.  Any styling tips to winterize this?  Maybe I'll try it out with my boots soon and see what I can come up with.

I also haven't worn the Blooming Lattice Cardi yet.  This is way more cropped than I was expecting, so I'm only planning to wear it with dresses.  Never saw this cardi in store, so to be honest I'm not even for sure that this is authentic.  It sure looks like it and has a "Field Flower" tag inside, but this cardi does look pretty easy to copy and I've noticed a TON on ebay so my guess is this one's pretty easy to counterfit.  Oh well, I still like it even if it may be a fake.....

Second time's a charm

For my OOTD, I wore a shirt and necklace that have only been worn once before (and never paired together either).  I was drawn to this green top last spring not only because of the color (I LOVE green!) but because of the unique floral/swirl embroidery on the front and back of it.  I wore it once right after I got it and then it got lost in my closet!  I stumbled upon it this week and decided it was about time this top was paired with a cardi.  I can't believe I haven't worn this necklace more often either...it has tons of colors in it and could be paired with so much.  A closet/ jewelry box re-organization is much needed in the near future so I can take inventory of what I have and start doing some remixing!

Shirt: Studio M (Macy's)

Cardigan: J. Crew Outlet

Pants: LOFT Denim Trousers

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks - Purse (my review here)

Necklace: LOFT

Bracelet: Pandora



Even though I didn't have to work on Monday, this week has seemed to drag on.  I've been exhausted all day and I can't wait to crawl in bed!!  Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday :)  Perhaps I'll attempt a closet clean out/ organization this weekend.  It's been a while since I've tackled this and my closet is a disaster.  Any advice of where to begin???

All Mixed Up {Pessinus Garden Necklace re-mixed + OOTD}

Anyone else fans of the band 311?  My husband and I are obsessed with them.  Blog title popped into my head because it's the name of one of their most popular songs.  Plus it's a way to describe my new Anthropologie necklace purchase!

I picked this lovely piece up when I was in the store on Monday.  One reason I went to the store was to return the Either-Ore Necklace that I had fallen in love with online.  Didn't love it so much in person only because it actually has bright red beads added in (there's NO red in the online product shot).  Anyways, when I saw this necklace I forgot all about my disappointment with the Either-Ore.  I knew this one was meant to be mine.  It's a more delicate version of the Pessinus Garden Necklace (see my previous blog post about it - it's one of my FAV necklaces ever).  This is not on the website, so that made it even more exciting....like discovering a secret treasure.  It comes in both gold and silver, but the gold was an easy decision for me since I have the Pessinus Garden Necklace in silver.  If you look closely, this necklace has almost all the pieces of the PG necklace but they are just strung on a delicate chain.  SO happy I found this!!!


                              Pessinus Garden Necklace            VS.                 "Delicate Garden" Necklace


That brings us to my OOTD.  I've been out sick the past few days, so I dressed up a little more today than I normally would on a Friday.  Wearing pjs for the past 2 days straight had put me in a funk!  What better way to make myself feel better than to wear 3 new items in one day!?  People at work commented on how I looked cute, but must have thought I still had a fever since I don't usually wear dresses to work (especially on a Friday and especially after being sick this week!)  Oh well, it definitely helped improve my mood :)

Cardigan: Anthropologie Dwarf Quince Cardigan

Dress: Calvin Klein Jeans denim smocked dress (from Macy's)

Belt: LOFT

Tights: Banana Republic

Shoes: Indigo by Clarks - Purse (now on sale at Zappos.com!)

Necklace: Anthropologie "Delicate Garden" Necklace

Yep, I wore my new necklace, the Dwarf Quince Cardigan that I scored on sale from Anthro on Monday, AND my new Indigo by Clarks shoes.  In my review post about these shoes, I mentioned that I was pretty sure I was going to return them.  Obviously I changed my mind and I'm so glad I did!  I really love these shoes and they go with so much!

Have a good weekend and thanks for reading!  :)