The Evil Ruche Switcharoo

I ordered this pretty skirt last Friday:

It was actually this photo from Ruche's look book that sold me on it:



I've been creating various styling ideas with items from my closet ever since I clicked the "submit order" button.  I've also been stalking the tracking number like a mad woman since then.  As soon as I woke up this morning, the first thing I did was grab my iPhone to check the tracking status...AGAIN.  To my delight, the USPS site said "out for delivery."  Horray!  It was going to be delivered today!

When the box finally arrived this afternoon, I ran inside and opened the box.  I couldn't wait to try the skirt on and in the back of my mind, I was already planning to wear it out to dinner this Friday. 

So imagine my anger when I realized they SENT ME THE WRONG SKIRT!  No, not just the wrong size....a completely different skirt!  And furthermore, not even something that is remotely my style...so there wasn't even the "pick-me-up" of being able to try on a different cute skirt instead.  Oh no!  I'm really disappointed considering I've been planning various outfit ideas for this Friday night....all of which include this skirt!!!

Well, I went to the Ruche website and I could not find a phone number anywhere.  The "contact us" link only gave a spot for me to submit a message.  So I did.....  I'm still waiting to hear back, but I really hope they offer to send the correct skirt via express mail so I can get it by Friday!

This same exact thing has happened to me twice with Boden too!   It happened the first time and this past time I ordered from them.  Which is a lot considering I've only placed a total of 3-4 orders from Boden ever!  Unfortunately, the first time it happened with Boden the item I had actually ordered was sold out in my size....ug!  I was angry.  This past time, they were very nice and offered to correct the error, but I had changed my mind and didn't want the cardigan afterall.  I'm hoping Ruche will demonstrate good customer service about the issue!

Has anyone else ever received something completely different than what you actually ordered???

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??!

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?

Should it stay or should it go now??? Cream Confection Jacket + first Ruche purchases

I've had the Cream Confection Jacket (in neutral) on my wishlist for a LONG time.  I can't even count how many times I've admired pictures of other bloggers wearing this jacket.  Before I could bring myself to spend the money + shipping on it when I hadn't even seen it in person yet, it sold out in my size!  I figured it just wasn't meant to be.....but I didn't stop admiring it on my wishlist.
Then last week as I was doing my daily wishlist check, my heart stopped.  There it was...the Cream Confection Jacket staring back at me in my size without the annoying little caption "Out of Stock" below it!  I had witnessed my first wardrobe-changing "pop back."  Giddy with excitement, I immediately added it to my shopping cart and checked out. 
I do adore this jacket in person.  It is so well made and so classy!!  It fits great when it's unzipped.  However, when it's zipped it is a little too tight around my hips.  I'm just not sure if I should keep such an expensive jacket if it doesn't fit perfectly!  I love it and want to keep it, but I  need your opinions.  Maybe this could serve as some motivation to push myself to lose some weight in that area so that it will fit better come next season?  Do you think the ruffle look will still be in style next season?  I sure hope so, because I absolutely love it!

Here are some photos of me trying it out with my weekend casual outfit:

Cream Confection Jacket:  Anthropologie

Dark wash trouser jeans:  LOFT

Blouse:  Banana Republic

Necklace:  LOFT

On a side note, I made my first ever Ruche purchase last week. 

I got the Bed of Roses applique top - $28.99 and the Magical Flower Ballet Flats - $72.99

I love the tank because of the feminine vintage floral print.  Although the quality is not nearly as good as Anthro's (what do you expect for a fraction of the price?!), it will serve as a great layering piece under cardi's and jackets.  The shoes, on the other hand, are superb quality with impeccable flower/leaf details on the toes.  So whimsical!  LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

I was so excited that I wore both for my casual Friday outfit last week (when I got home later, I threw on the Cream Confection Jacket and for some reason decided to change shoes):

Tank:  Ruche Bed of Roses applique top 

Cardigan:  Old Navy

Belt:  Anthropologie Tree Trunk Belt

Skirt:  Eddie Bauer

Tights:  Banana Republic brown herringbone

Shoes:  Ruche Magical Flower Ballet Flats by Nicole
Second shoes: Unlisted brown leather wedges

Cream Confection Jacket:  Anthropologie

So, what do you think???  Should the Cream Confection Jacket stay or go???