COH manic mini crops: the good, the bad & the ugly

Sometimes I feel like I should keep the tags on clothing I buy the first time I wear it. A test drive of the item, if you will. Then if I end up deciding that I probably shouldn’t have bought it, I can spray a little Febreeze fabric refresher & back it goes. I say this because it happens all too often that trying something on & wearing it for a few hours do not yield the same warm, fuzzy feelings.

Take the COH Manic Mini Crops that I just reviewed a few days ago for example. I loved the look & was super excited to wear them. Hence why I packed them along for the conference.

The GOOD…

Simply stated, they’re super cute.

(Yes, I’m wearing the same top that I reviewed them in… I put that top on for the review photos & ended up really liking them together.)

The BAD…

I wasn’t able to get the side seams ironed down. I’ll have to try again when I have more time.

Also, they ended up being more see through than they appeared in the lighting at home. Probably not a huge deal since I wear long tops, but still disappointing nonetheless. In their defense, I am wearing light grey undies though. I have yet to purchase a nude pair.

 

The UGLY…

5 hours into wearing them – they’re stretched out & look sloppy. These aren’t the only jeans I have that do this, but with white I think it looks much worse.

Sigh. I’m definitely not as in love with these crops as I was the day I received them, but overall I still think they’re cute. I just wish they didn’t look so crappy after a few hours of wear.

OOTD: resort casual

The last couple days have been quite the learning experience for me.

1. Don’t use Sync’s directions to the Louisville Airport next time.
2. Ticketing is on the 2nd level, stupid.
3. Make sure your carry on isn’t too heavy to lift up into the overhead.
4. Descents are nauseating.
5. Convention centers are f-ing cold; bring more than one cardigan.

As far as the title to this outfit, I just happened to read that on the dress code for the hotel restaurant.

Anthropologie Shadowsleeve Cardigan in Ivory
F21 Rose Garden Top
J. Brand Gigi Crops in Pure
AE Woven Sandals
Jessica Simpson Element Hobo in Luggage

Getting to Orlando was rough, but things are going pretty smoothly now. I didn’t get to the hotel till almost 9pm, so I opted to order room service for breakfast instead of having a late dinner. Room service breakfast is always a good decision.

The conference has been great so far, however, the book they gave us is a behemoth. Can’t wait to add that to my already way too heavy suitcase. Perhaps I’ll UPS it back home instead.

Now if only it would stop raining. Orlando hasn’t been nearly as warm & sunny as I expected. It’s been cold, windy, rainy & humid as hell. If I soak my feet in one more 3” deep puddle, I’m going to scream.

review: citizens of humanity manic mini crops

I am waaay overdue on posting this. I bought these a couple weeks ago & never got a chance to write up the review. So, here it is. Better late than never, right?

First off, I scored these for a pretty good deal on Revolve. They’re normally $149 & I got them for $85 + I had a 10% off promo code. I originally planned on buying the COH crops I featured in this post, but those had yet to go on sale & I was too impatient to wait it out.

Being 5’4”, I figured the length was going to be way too long for me. I was okay with that though, since I had planned on rolling them all along. They didn’t actually turn out to be crazy long like I expected, but I still didn’t like how they looked unrolled.

Opacity is always a concern with white pants, so I was worried when I held them up to the light & could see through them easily. To my surprise & delight, I couldn’t see my undies at all. I’ll still buy a nude pair just in case though.

Something weird that I don’t like is the side seams. It will be difficult to explain in writing, so I’ll let the pictures show you the problem. The first picture is what it looks like when I first put them on. The second picture is after I’d stuck my hands down the sides & flipped the fabric over from the inside.

I’m hoping that turning them inside out & ironing down that strip of fabric will provide a more permanent solution.

This was my first time purchasing COH denim, so I wasn’t sure about sizing. I went with my usual size 30, which was definitely the right call. The fit is perfection.

Verdict: I love these! Definitely worth the sale price.

OOTD: forever 25

I did a whole lot of nothing yesterday, so this outfit pretty much went to waste. That’s okay though, I’d prefer to look cute even if I’m just watching Smallville & playing Xbox all day. :)

 
F21 Longline Knit Cardigan in Taupe
F21 Brocade Bib Floral Tunic
J Brand 901 Leggings in Palace
Jessica Simpson Grella Boots in Mahogany/Onyx
Matt & Nat Welles Hobo in Cognac

“I wish I had a dollar for every time I spent a dollar, because then, yahoo!, I'd have all my money back.”

Oh, how I love me a good Jack Handey quote.

I told myself earlier this week I was going to cut back on my shopping, that it was getting out of hand. Yeeeah… so much for that. I kinda sorta bought a car Wednesday night.

I had no intention of buying a new car anytime soon, but I spotted this beauty & it was love at first sight.

The spending freeze I planned on implementing was aimed at clothing, so I haven’t technically failed… yet. I have that trip to Orlando coming up next week though, which means I’ll be surrounded by temptation. It doesn’t help that I have an Anthro gift card burning a hole in my wallet.

Oh well, I tried. Kind of.

OOTD: test drive

So, I actually wore both pairs of my new Lilly flats yesterday. Yep, both pairs. I wore the black ones to work & the antique blush last night to hang out with the bf. I not only test drove Lilly, but I also tested out a 2010 Mercury Mariner that I LOVE.

Mossimo Zip-Front Hoodie in Heather Grey Floral
J. Brand Gigi Crops in Pure
Born Lilly Flats in Antique Blush

Lilly did rub me in a few places, so they weren’t as blissfully comfortable as I’d imagined they would be. I’m sure it will just take some breaking in.

It’s hard to get a good picture to show the “antiqued” look of this color. This was the best I could do with my Droid Incredible camera. (BTW, my first DSLR is on it’s way to me now! Yay!)

flat out craziness

I have quite the internal struggle when it comes to ballet flats. I think they look great on other people, but stupid on me. My friend, Emily, rocks flats all the time & always looks fantastic in them. It’s such a chic look.

I’ve tried them on countless times over the years, but could never get past the fact that I didn’t like how they looked on me.

Then I met Lilly. Oh, Lilly. It was love at first sight. Buttery soft leather & an adorable knotted detail at the toe. How could I resist?

Once I slipped my footsies into them, I was officially hooked. Oh. My. God. So insanely comfortable! I could walk for DAYS in these cuties. My true size 7 fit the bill perfectly. Surprisingly, no heel slippage whatsoever to report. That very rarely happens to me in closed-back shoes.

I waffled for a couple weeks, but after trying them on again yesterday I knew they had to go home with me. I not only snatched them up in antique blush, but also black. They were on sale for $79.99 PLUS I had a 20% off Star Rewards coupon AND a $50 gift card. So both pairs ended up being about $86. Two pairs for the price of one! Score!

OOTD: springified

Today’s outfit is basically the springtime version of my first OOTD.

FP Peace for Fleece Jacket in Ivory
Ella Moss Garden of Eden Cami in Charcoal
Genetic Kelly Flares
Dolce Vita Pela Wedges in Grey
Treesje Tristan Hobo in Grey
Fossil Lori Ann Wrap Sunglasses in Grey

I am soooo glad I purchased these Genetic flares. They are super soft & incredibly comfy. Not to mention uber flattering as well. The best part though? I got a fantastic deal. They originally retailed for $198 at FP, but I scored them on sale for $89.95 + my birthday discount of 15% off.

lust list: anthro loungewear

I love that most of Anthropologie’s lounge clothing is suitable to wear out & about. It provides super cute options for much less $$$. They currently have two lounge items that I’m not sure I can live without…

Superfluous Bellows Hoodie

 

 

Light On Petals Cami

 

I also really like the Pahoehoe Flow Top, although I’m not crazy in love with it. I envision it as a cute little top to throw on with cropped jeans & sandals for casual days. I’m hoping the store in Orlando will have it so I can try it on.

 

 

I’m big on layering, so the Reversible Seamless Tank is calling to me. One side is a v-neck, the other is a scoop. Pretty cool, huh? Plus it comes in 9 color options & is only $24.

 

 

 

And lastly, I’m keeping an eye on the Stormy Seas Chemise. I probably wouldn’t have given it a second thought seeing it online, but I tried it on in Nashville & thought it was really cute. It’s very flattering also. Come sale time, I might just have to snatch it up.

 

OOTD: urbanly outfitted

As the weather starts to take a turn towards warmth, I’m taking full advantage of my last few days to wear boots. Sadly, this is actually the first chance I’ve gotten to wear this particular pair. The bf snagged these babies for me on eBay a couple weeks ago when I was sick. Isn’t he the sweetest? I seriously have the best bf ever!

American Rag Ruffle Cardigan (Macy’s)

Kimchi Blue Babydoll Dress in Black Multi

BDG Stretch Belt in Black

HUE Opaque Control Top Tights in Black

Dolce Vita Ella Boots in Black

 

I originally discovered & tried on this dress while at the UO store in NYC. I’m normally a size M in Kimchi Blue, but it was a bit loose on me. I didn’t have time to try on a S, so I passed on it that day. I’ve been patiently waiting for it to go on sale ever since. It was worth the wait!

 

lookalike: FP lace trim bandeau

I so wanted to love FP’s Lace Trim Bandeau. I’m a sucker for lace & I’m beginning to become a bit of a bandeau addict. Plus it comes in 17 colors! Unfortunately, I was sized out of it. I tried on a size L & it was way too tight. It gave me a bulge in the front towards my underarms & around to my back.

I was very happy to spot a dead ringer for it on Ruche. Not only is it cheaper (nearly half the price!), but the two colors it comes in are ones I layer with constantly. Cream & grey are the options, which are not offered in FP’s version.

I ordered it in the grey, which is now sold out. (Ruche is great about restocking items though.) Fingers crossed it works for me!

OOTD: pennyworth of paradise

The bf & I saw the 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables this past Saturday. I LOVED it! It was only my second musical, but it’s definitely my favorite so far.

I took this as an opportunity to rock one of my lesser worn dresses. I try to give my clothes equal love, but living in southern Indiana can seriously hamper one’s need for dressing up.

FP Ivory Coast Cardi in Stone

FP Silk Burnout Dress in Black Combo

FP Corset Ruffle Bottom Slip in Black

Calvin Klein Ruffle Belt

HUE Opaque Control Top Tights in Black

Jessica Simpson Grella Boots in Black

need. this. outfit.

I’m lusting after these pieces something fierce. This outfit is officially on the top of my shopping list.

Fading Away Floral Flutter Top from Ruche

Citizens of Humanity Dani Cropped Straight Leg Jeans

MICHAEL Michael Kors Nora Wedges

review: FP sleeveless floral print cabo cowl

Given that I pretty much stalk Free People’s website, I was surprised to run across a mystery top in their sale room last Friday. Come to find out that top was the Sleeveless Floral Print Cabo Cowl. I guess I passed it by because all the product shots show it tucked in, which just doesn’t look nearly as cute.

 

 

I was immediately drawn to the dark grey because of the beautiful pop of color the orange, yellow, pink & purple floral print provides. It was so pretty, soft & airy that I just had to try it on. I grabbed my normal size small & headed to the fitting room.

 

 

It’s a shame FP keeps showing it tucked in, because what I love most about this top is how drapey & flowy it is. You lose that when you tuck it in.

The back is completely sheer, so a base layer is necessary. I think my Perfect Paradigm Seamless Tube in bordeaux is the answer to that. I haven’t tried them on together yet, but I think the colors will go well together.

As far as fit goes, I found it to be pretty true to size. I ended up buying the size small. It has a nice, loose fit through the bust & midsection. The back is fitted, which is likely why it’s so sheer.

This top is super flattering for someone with a stomach pooch, like myself. I can have some serious food baby while wearing this & no one would know it but me.

Verdict: A must-see in person. I wouldn’t have dropped $78 on it, but it’s most definitely worth every penny of the $39.95 sale price.

nashville shopping report

This past weekend was my first shopping trip in Nashville. Although it was riddled with disappointment (here’s looking at you Free People store), I was very impressed by the malls down there.

The first one we went to was The Mall at Green Hills. It has a lot of nice stores that you don’t see in my neck of the cornfields. To be quite honest with you though, I didn’t care about those stores. I just wanted to visit their FP store. I was beyond excited to try on about a dozen things I’ve been lusting over on the website. No such luck. They only had two of the items I wanted to try on & neither worked for me. It was a beautiful store & the ladies working there were fantastic, but I thought the selection just plain sucked. So, I walked out with $200 of unused FP credit. I did buy one top, which I’ll review for you soon.

 

 

LOVE that mirror!

 

We then traipsed over to an Anthropologie store, which was only a couple blocks away in an outdoor shopping center called Hill Center. Their sale room was unbelievably awesome. It had to be the best one I’ve seen in an Anthro yet (Not that I’m an expert…I’ve only been to three others). In retrospect, I probably should’ve snapped a picture of it, but the moment it caught my eye I was like a moth to the flame.

Surprisingly, I actually didn’t spend that much money there. I picked up two sale tops that will be great for office life & a lovely cuff bracelet.

 

Graceful Drape Top

 

Make a Splash Cowlneck

 

Orielle’s Filigree Cuff (sold out online)

 

On Saturday we hit up CoolSprings Galleria Mall in Franklin (just a few minutes outside of Nashville). It is huuuge! Like, 150 stores huge! The thing that got me most excited was the Aerie store. I didn’t end up getting any clothing there (shockingly), but I did take advantage of their 5 for $25 deal on undies (Aerie boybriefs are sooooooo comfy!)

 

 

Coming in a close second was Forever 21. I’ve only been once & never really felt the need to go back. I keep seeing Kim from Anthroholic rocking cuteness from there, so I just had to give it another try. I’m glad I did! I picked up three tops & a cardi. I was only able to find a couple of the tops on their website.

 

Brocade Bib Floral Tunic

 

 

 Rose Garden Top

I might be a Forever 21 addict now. I’m finding myself checking their new arrivals pretty much daily.

Lastly, I bought a pair of Artist crops from American Eagle. They fit well & look great on. They’ll likely be a go-to item for me this spring & summer on the weekends & casual Fridays.

review: FP drapeaholic top

I’m baaack! I’ve been MIA lately due to what I believe was a sinus infection. I’m almost back to 100% with the exception of a lingering cough (aaand cue The Cranberries “Linger” in my head).

My Free People Drapeaholic Top arrived today, which I scored last week on eBay for $31 (currently retailing for $98 on FP’s site). I was worried I wouldn’t like it since the reviews haven’t been favoring, but I LOVE it! It’s so soft & flowy! I’m somewhat disappointed that the “ivory” is more of a creamy yellow, but I probably shouldn’t be since it kind of appeared that way in the product shots. I guess I was just hoping it would be more ivory (I have an unnatural hatred of the color yellow). It’s still pretty nonetheless.

I went with my normal size small & the fit is perfection.

Verdict: Probably not worth the $98 price tag, but definitely a good buy come sale time.