super steal: anthropologie crisp chambray blazer

Sometimes figuring out you want something long after it’s sold out doesn’t turn out to be a bad thing after all.

I’m back into blazers (it comes & goes) & stumbled across Cartonnier’s Crisp Chambray Blazer on eBay. The seller wanted $54.99 + free shipping, which wasn’t a bad price really. Well, I’m guessing it’s not but I actually don’t know what it retailed for. I imagined somewhere around $100-$120.

ANYWAYS, it sold on me while I was ho humming around about it. :(

It was a long shot, but I decided to call Anthro’s customer service to see if any stores have it. Turns out the Austin store had one in my size! The best part? It was only $9.95!! Score!

OOTD: newness

Normally I don’t post my boring work outfits, but I’m completely smitten with my newest Anthro top & I just had to photograph it.

Anthropologie Tie-Back Tank by Weston Wear in Grey Motif
Urban Outfitters Dress Cardigan in Rust
Express Slim Cropped Columnist Pant in Black
Coach Jazlyn Wedges in Black
Ray-Ban New Wayfarers in Tortoise

OOTD: premature bootilation

I can’t believe it’s been almost two months since I last posted! Where has the time gone? I need to slow down & take the time to enjoy each day... & also to document my outfits & purchases!

A local boutique is having a 50% off sale at which I scored this super cute Kensie dress for $39! It’s a little too early to wear boots around here, but I decided to do it anyways. I’m such a rebel.

Kensie Plaid Chiffon Dress
Old Navy Denim Jacket
Frye Paige Tall Riding Boot in Grey

the comfiest shoes in the world…

…probably. I was in Chicago for the last several days attending a trade show in which our company was exhibiting. So of course I visited Nordstrom Rack while I was there. As I was perusing the shoe racks, a bit of black satin caught my eye.

It was the MIA Streamer flats. I slipped my aching feet in them & it was heavenly. They have a mesh lining inside, which I really liked. Unfortunately, I was in danger of being late for a cocktail party & the line to check out was outrageous. So, I took a picture of the label on the box & headed back to the hotel.

Last night I Googled them & discovered that Dillard’s has them marked down to $29.99! Not only did I buy them in black, but I decided to get pewter also. That is very weird for me. I’ve always disliked metallic shoes & thought I would never own a pair. I really like the pewter color of these though, so I decided to give it a shot.

Now I just have to hope that 7 is truly the size I needed & that my feet hadn’t just swelled. Almost every review I’ve read online indicates they run big. Fingers crossed!

it’s never too late

I always thought Anthropologie’s Soft-Structured Dress was pretty cute in the navy floral, but I never gave even the slightest consideration to the solid gray. I even tried the navy on while in Nashville back in March & thought, “Wow, I really like the style of the dress but the floral pattern not so much.” Why I never tried the grey, I haven’t the slightest. It would be perfect for work!

Well of course it’s completely sold out online & there are none in my size on eBay. So I called Anthro’s customer service (they are AWESOME) & I was told there is only one size medium left in any of the stores. I called the store & they did a charge send for me. The best part? It took a 2nd cut to $39.95! Needless to say, I’m a very happy girl right now. 

I can’t wait to wear this to work with a cute scarf & my Coach Jazlyn wedges!

cuteness for the office

I’ve been telling myself for weeks that I need to buy clothes for work, but I continue to buy after work & weekend wear. I FINALLY made a purchase for the office that I’m actually pretty excited about.

I finally pulled the trigger on the Print On The Line Cowlneck from Anthropologie. I’ve been stalking it for months. Since it’s by Twenty8Twelve, it was originally $178. They marked it down to $89.95 a few weeks ago, but I felt that was still too much. They finally did a second cut to $49.95 & there was only one size small left, so I went for it.

rediscovered love: h&m

I spent the last several days in Indy for a work outing to the 500. It was pretty awesome. I did a little shopping while I was up there, of course. Sadly, I did not find anything worth buying at Anthropologie. I did, however, find a few great buys at H&M.

I scored this maxi dress for $12.95! It’s a bit on the sheer side, but nothing a pair of nude undies won’t fix.

I also bought this cute maxi skirt for $19.95 & a rust colored racerback tank to go with it. I plan to wear the skirt pulled high up on my waist over the tank & belted with my BDG Stretch Belt in brown.

treesje addict

I just bought my third Treesje off Amazon. I love, love, LOVE their bags. The Italian leather is to die for. I have Tristan in grey, Hudson in cognac & now Bliss in black.

Bliss is on sale for $238 on Amazon & today is the last day for 30% off an $80 handbag purchase. I had a gift card, so my total ended up being $132! It retails for $595, so I’m pretty pleased with myself.

review: modcloth sorbetto in the garden skirt

I ordered this skirt on a whim last Wednesday. They were already sold out of it in size medium, so I went ahead & bought a large. ModCloth offers free returns & I figured it was worth paying the $7 shipping to try it.

 
I’ve never been so happy to fit in a size large! This skirt is perfection. It’s super flattering & it’s lined, so it’s not sheer at all. (I was worried it might be; seems like everything’s sheer nowadays.)

Even pulled up as high as it is in the picture below, it still falls right at the bottom of my knee. I consider that a perfect length for me. For reference, I’m approximately 5’4”.

 
It’s obviously meant to be worn with a top tucked in, so I bought this top from Maurices to create a perfect outfit for the office. I can’t wait till the weather warms up enough to wear it without freezing my ass off.

i’m reminded…

…that I really need to buy this shirt! I’ve only wanted it for about 4 years now.

Friday the 12th T-shirt

The next Friday the 12th is in August, so I have time. Which means I’ll likely forget again, until the next Friday the 13th.

And yes, I’m planning to wear it exclusively on Friday the 12th. Is it worth buying a shirt that I will only wear about twice a year? Yes. The answer is yes.

impulse buying

In case you were wondering, I am still alive. It’s been a crazy busy week. The bf & I have been doing some house shopping. We looked at house #3 this past Friday & fell in LOVE. It’s definitely the one! We’ll probably be making an offer later this week or early next week. Fingers crossed!

I went into my local Maurices today with dress pants on the brain & walked out $100 poorer with no new dress pants. Sigh. It seems like I do this every time I go in there! I usually end up experiencing buyer’s remorse & return most of the items. I’m actually pretty happy about the things I purchased, despite the impulsiveness.

Thin Stripe Tube Dress

I was excited to spot this dress. It’s a dead ringer for AE’s Striped Tube Dress, which I wanted sooo badly… until I tried it on in a store. I didn’t find it to be flattering at all & it was completely sheer. Maurices’s version looks great on & my panties were concealed. Yay!

Scoop Neck Tank

Casual items were buy one, get one 50% off, so I felt pressured to get something half off. I grabbed my favorite layering tank in black. I think it could potentially look good layered under my new tube dress. I looove these tanks! Highly recommended, especially for the price!

Floral Belted Skirt

This skirt is way cuter in person than it looks online, I promise! I’m more of a dress person, so it will be interesting to see if I ever actually pull for this.

Capped Sleeve Ruffle Button Up Top

The material of this feels a bit cheap for my liking, but it looks really good on. I love it tucked into the Floral Belted Skirt. It would also look great tucked into a grey pencil skirt, which is now on my shopping list.

lust list: anthro dresses

I sent the bf an email today requesting a trip to Indy or Nashville so I can hit up Anthropologie. As I explained to him, if I don’t try on these dresses soon I might die. Perhaps that’s a smidge dramatic, but I do need to check these lovelies out in person STAT.

Verdant Slip Dress

Between the color & floral print of this frock, I’m in looove.

Pezza Dress

Green isn’t my first choice in this dress (also comes in navy, sold out online), but I’m intrigued by this color.



Charcoal Terrace Dress

This dress is so pretty! I don’t $158 like it, but if it looks good on I’ll consider it at sale time.




Beaded Foliage Shift

There is absolutely no way I could justify spending $228 on a dress, but this is so gorgeous! I hope it lasts till a $99.95 mark down!



Gathered Hemlock Dress

Now with this one, my first choice is green. I loved the Soft Structured Dress on, but wasn’t sold on the print of the navy. I love the solid green & shorter sleeves on this. I imagine wearing it with a pretty floral scarf & my Rosegold Casey Wedges. I think I just convinced myself to move this dress to the top of my list.

i heart popbacks

When I notice something that was previously sold out pop back in my size, I can’t help but jump on it. It’s exhilarating!

I’ve scored two items this week via popback. Monday I snagged the Pintuck Pocket Cami from Free People. I was pretty stoked about it, but I’ve been to the site a few times since then & it seems there’s a new popback in XS every time. So, it doesn’t feel like such a win after all. Oh well, I’m still anxious to try it out.

Last night I pounced on the Heathered Ramble Hoodie from Anthropologie. I’ve always thought it was pretty cute & I just couldn’t pass it up at $19.95.

OOTD: working girl

I tend to push the boundaries of “business casual” in our office during the warmer months, but sometimes I manage to look fairly professional. I have a hard time finding professional-looking items that I actually like. I usually find them to be way too boring.

FP Peace for Fleece Jacket
Fading Away Floral Flutter Top from Ruche
Maurices Black Pants
Dolce Vita Webber Boots in Black

I love my FP Peace for Fleece Jackets. They dress up any outfit ever so slightly & look so cute doing it!

This was my first time wearing my Fading Away Floral Flutter Top from Ruche. I had originally ordered it in a medium based on the size chart, but it was too roomy. I exchanged it for a small & now it’s perfect! You can’t see the details of it in my photo (we’re still learning the DSLR), so here’s the product shot from Ruche’s website.

Btw, Ruche’s customer service is top-notch. They checked in with me via email throughout the process (not automated emails, real people!) & were extremely friendly.

the power of a picture

Every time I peruse my Anthro wish list, I see the Swing Pocket V-Neck & want to buy it immediately. It’s nothing special really. It’s just a plain grey t-shirt. Maybe because it’s flowy? I love flowy.

I think it’s the picture. It makes the shirt look like absolute perfection. When I look at the other colors, they don’t look so fantastic. I mean, look at the white & blue motif pictures. I imagine if I put either of those on, my hips will look huuuge.

It’s all the same shirt, so I should probably just delete it from my wish list & forget about it ($48 is too much for a t-shirt anyways). I won’t though, because Anthro hooked me with that damn picture. Sigh.

UO haul

I placed an order on Urban Outfitter’s site Saturday evening & still cringe every time I think of how much I spent on so little. I only bought 4 items & my total was $180… yikes. That’s with free shipping & a 10% off promo code (THEMUSICISSUE)! I’m sure a piece or two will end up going back, but still.

I had a mini panic attack the other day when I realized there is a serious lack of spring cardigans in my wardrobe. I practically lived in flowy tanks with cardigans thrown over them this winter & I feel the need to continue on with that this spring.

I’ve decided I need…

• a shorter length, 3/4 or short sleeve, ivory cardi
• same as above in a light grey
• a cardi in an actual color (gasp!)

This UO order (hopefully) takes care of two of those items. I have a few possibilities in mind for the grey, which I’ll either go over below or in a separate post. I haven’t quite decided yet.

Here are the items I ordered…

Pins and Needles Short-Sleeved Sheer Open Cardigan in Ivory

Pins and Needles V-Neck Dress Cardigan in Ivory & Rust

I couldn’t decide between the two ivory cardigans, so I went ahead & bought both. That way I got free shipping & since returns are free, why not?

Kimchi Blue Floral Printed Tulip Back Tank Top in Peach

Oops! That’s not a cardigan…

lookalike: anthropologie drifting by dress

I’m pretty sure every Anthro fan on the face of the Earth fell hard for Burlapp’s Drifting By Dress. ModCloth’s brand new Love of Language Dress is a dead ringer! At $57, it probably won’t last long.

third time’s the charm?

A pair of black wedges is an essential item for me. I don’t have a good reason for it, other than I love the way they look with cropped dress pants for work.

So, I ordered the MICHAEL Michael Kors’ Nora wedge. I’d been lusting after them for weeks, so they were on the top of my list.

Sadly, they did not work out. My true size 7 fit well (maybe a bit loose, but not enough to go down to a 6.5), but they rubbed a couple of brutal blisters on my feet after a few hours walking around the office in them. I also didn’t like how noisy the zipper pull was in the back. I couldn’t get them sent back quickly enough.

Next up was the Mia Limited Edition Chateau wedge. I really liked the uber strappy look of them & was anxious to see if Mia really upped the ante on their limited edition line.

These were a big disappointment. Nothing about them screamed $200 when I pulled them out of the box. Worse than that, I did not like the look of them on. At all. They are MUCH cuter online.

*shudder*

I will give them points for comfort though. The footbed was very well padded. Too bad they looked so stupid on. Back to Endless they go!

Yesterday I ordered the Coach Jazlyn wedges in black from Lord & Taylor (on sale for $159!). These should be a sure thing, considering I tried them on at Dillard’s last week & loved them. I scored the very last size 7! Maybe my luck’s turning around after all.

review: forever 21 racerback layering tank

My F21 racerback layering tanks finally arrived. I’ve been sooo anxious! Let’s find out if they were worth the wait…

As I mentioned in this post, I ordered these in grey, taupe & ivory. So far I’ve only tried on the taupe; I’m assuming they’ll all fit the same. I ordered a medium, despite that I normally go with a small in their tops. It’s a bit loose in places, mostly through the bust, but overall it’s good. A small probably would’ve been fine too, since I usually take my layering tanks pretty tight.

The FP Tuxedo Cami (which I pathetically own in the ivory & black floral versions as well) is one of the tops that necessitated the purchase of these layering tanks. So, I threw one of them on over it to see how it looked. All racerbacks are not created equal, so I was a bit nervous.

It looks great! The amount of layering tank peeking out from underneath was minimal. I’m so happy they work together!

I didn’t bother to check the material composition before I ordered these tanks, so I was surprised by how soft they feel. They’re 60% cotton, 40% modal. You would never know by look & touch that these were only $5.

Verdict: The best $15 I’ve spent in a long time. I highly recommend these!

fickleness

I really thought I was going to order Jazlyn, but then I got distracted.

I’ve had a thing for Rosegold’s Casey wedge since last year, but I wasn’t willing to put down $168 for them. By the time they went on sale, my size was sold out everywhere. I kind of forgot about them over the last few months. I came across them on Amazon yesterday & they had one size 7 left. I pretty much had to buy them.

They’re a darker brown than Trippin Out, but I think they’d look great together.

pali vs pela

Karmaloop is the best. I ordered Pali on Thursday evening & they arrived yesterday.

I had predicted that Pali would have more taupe to it & I was correct. However, I was wrong about the extent. They are waaaay more taupe than Pela.

Pali & Pela

Despite the extreme taupiness, I do think I prefer the color of Pali. I’m very happy to report that they coordinate much better with my Treesje Tristan bag than Pela did.

Pela, Tristan & Pali

Another thing I really like about Pali is the sole. Pela has a leather sole, which is slippery & doesn’t last very long. Pali has a rubber sole, which is much more practical.

Pela & Pali

The only downside is how much stiffer Pali is around the ankles than Pela. Pali’s ankle straps & back dig into my ankles when I walk, which is a bit bothersome. I’m worried that a whole day of walking around in them will end up being painful. I won’t know till I try though.

Overall, I’m pleased with Pali. I can’t deny how good they look with Tristan & how cute the style is in general. Of course I prefer the Italian leather of Pela, but for $100 less these are a much better buy.