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?



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?

Black & White with a Splash of Purple

I've been wanting to pair purple with a black & white print for a while now.  There was only one problem....out of my vast collection of different colored cardigans, I didn't own a purple one!!!  I fixed that problem last weekend when I picked up a simple one from Target.  Ah, how could I live without good old Target?

Here's what I wore to work today:

Cardigan: Merona Women's Essential Cardigan in purple (Target)

Top: Ann Taylor Outlet

Pants: Ann Taylor Outlet

Belt: Forever 21

Necklace: Etsy (here)

Earrings: Anthropologie Garden's Gate Earrings

Bracelet: Tiffany & Co.

Socks: Merona (Target)

Flats: Younker's 

Hubby and I went out to dinner tonight for a friend's birthday.  I wanted to stick with the "black & white print + a splash of purple" theme, so I came up with this:

Cardigan: Target

Top: JC Penney

Skirt: via TJ Maxx

Ribbon belt: detached from the top I'm wearing

Tights: Anthropologie Daisy Chain tights (in wine)

Shoes: Naya - Cara Mary Janes (here or here)

Necklace: Etsy seller LuxeDeluxe

Oh, and here's my cute little kitty Conan saying, "What the heck are you doing taking pictures of yourself in the mirror, mommy???"

Time to watch The Office now!  Have a good night!