How I Wore It: Pinterest Inspiration

I'm just going to put this right out there, I freakin LOVE pinterest.  The End. 

Here is an Inspiration board I pinned last night:

Mint and Coral - Great combination!! So I decided to pull out something *similar* from my closet for today:

Skirt - JCrew No.2, Mint Shell - JCrew, Cardi - BR, Belt - Forever21, Necklace - The Limited, Tights - JCrew, Shoes - Enzo

Vacation Wear 2013

Vacation!!! The word alone is enough to make most people get all tingly with anticipation.  If you are anything like me, you spend months planning your activities, reading reviews, and more importantly shopping for all of the great vacation things you "NEED" for your upcoming adventure! 

Because our vacations are regularly scheduled for January, I stalk retailer's websites for that exciting moment when "Resort 201XXX" is released, then for about a week after Christmas I go nuts. You know how you walk into a store to return a Christmas sweater for another fuzzy sweater (in the NE anyway) and you look around at all the shorts and swimsuits and think "jeeez all this summer stuff ALREADY?!, who is buying this?!"  ME that's who!!! 

Here is a list of my favorite (so far) Resort 2013 items!!

Lilly Pulitzer:

Noelle Cover-up $98

Heidi Cardigan $148

Charlene Dress $158

Maria Sweater $88

DVF Yasmine Dress $425

DVF Jamie Dress $398

DVF Porscha Dress $425

How I Wore It: Knee high boots, Tweed, and the Ann Taylor Keyhold Peplum Shell

I LOVE me some knee high boots, but I am always afraid of what they actually look like on me, and how the office environment will accept them.  The funny thing is I see women in knee boots of all kinds (heeled, pointed toe, flat, riding boots) in my office (and many others) every day.  And they always look amazing.  Me, I feel like the second I put them on I look a little "street walker". 

But I couldn't keep these in my closet in their box anymore damnit!  I wanted to wear my boots!!!  So I figured I would pair my knee high, camel leather, pointy toe boots with JCrew tweed.  Because Tweed makes everything classier right?!

Skirt - JCrew, Shell - Ann Taylor Keyhold Peplum Shell (new - here) Mine is Rose Taffy, Cardigan - Banana Republic, Belt - JCrew, Necklace - The Limited

Close up of top:  (This is much more pink in real life)

Boots/Tights/Skirt: Boots are Via Spiga Tights are Nordstrom

Bracelet selection for today: (a host of Kate Spades)

How I Wore It: Pearls & Lace

I love this skirt (JCrew No. 2 pencil in double serge wool) I've mentioned them a few times in the blog and I really just can't tell you enough how much I love them!  This is a tricky color for me it's a beautiful royal blue but sometimes the matching of tops can be difficult for me.  Today's pairing is with an intricate lace top from Banana Republic and a white Cardigan from Banana Republic as well. 

I'm pretty happy with this combo, plus it allows me to wear my super fabulous nude Christian Loubotin's, which quite frankly I never want to take off my feet!

Close up of top and necklace detail:

And just because my CL's!!

Ann Taylor pocketed cowl neck sweater

You might remember my "great sweater" post from the other day, as promised I'm reviewing as they arrive so here you go!

I purchased the Ann Taylor Pocketed Cowl Neck sweater in "sun deck", to start I LOVE this color it's a really nice light brown that went well with both my cognac riding boots and a pair of chocolate brown booties.

The fabric is great, it has a great fit - boxy without being baggy and still manages to hug you properly!, I am a huge fan of the length (hemmed and the sleeves), and the cowl is a great cozy cowl without being huge and overpowering!  I got this in an XS and feel like it fits true to size. 

Overall, this is a win for me!!

The Great Sweater

I usually don't discriminate when it comes to buying myself new things.  I also tend to hone in on something that I "NEED" (i.e. don't really need at all, but somehow have gotten it into my head that I clearly don't have a high enough volume of an item to sustain me through a season.)

This past couple of weeks it has been sweaters.  Maybe it's because my office is cold, maybe it's because I haven't even bothered to unpack my winter clothes from last year and it looks like I don't have many sweaters, or maybe it's just because this seasons smattering of sweaters is freakin adorable. 

In any case, here are some of my recent favorites for your viewing pleasure!!

JCrew Bling Cardigan (on sale for $59.50)

JCrew Tippi in Stripe (on sale for $79.50)

JCrew Buttoned Boat Neck (on sale for $59.50)

Ann Taylor Pocketed Cowl Neck $88

Ann Taylor Merino V-Neck $78 (I got mine in Berry)

Ann Taylor Merino Cardigan $78

Neither of these two would transfer well in photos sorry!

Be on the lookout for reviews of all the above in the near future!

Bracelet Stacking

I have to tell you I am a HUGE fan of the bracelet stacking trend.  Although, being as accessory challenged as I am, this one is a struggle for me! 

I highly encourage all of you to grab some bracelets and jump on board the trend!

Here are some photos of actual people that can bracelet stack:

Here are some of my attempts:

How I Wore It

I have discovered 2 things: 1) I need better lighting LITERALLY everywhere I go, and 2) I need a better phone camera.  I maybe also need to find a better place to take photos than in my office's bathroom ;-)

I love mixing up colors and textures for interesting looks

Skirt - The Limited (love the fit of their skirts!)
Shell - Ellie Tahari
Cardigan - LOFT
Belt - H&M
Necklace - local boutique


Close up of top:

How I Wore It: JCrew No. 2 Pencil and Jackie combo

As some of you know I am trying to make a better effort with accessories.  Not always the easiest task in a conservative office environment, especially when I like hot pink, bows and glitter :-) 

Here's todays outfit:

Pencil Skirt - JCrew (No. 2 Pencil in double serge wool)
Cardigan - JCrew (Jackie Cardigan - one of my all time faves!)
Shell - Banana Republic


Close up of the top:

Belt - Forever 21
Necklace - The Limited

How I Wore It: 9-5 edition

Ever since I started working I have had less and less time for my poor neglected blog.  I was reading a post on an on-line forum the other day with someone looking for blogs with inspiration for the business casual working set.  Well my friends that's me, although it's not exactly 9 to 5, it is a professional corporate environment with a business casual dress code. 

Basically, expect to see more business casual and less casual, although I suspect I'm not exactly doing a great job of either lately...... 

Close up of tights and shoes:

Close up of top/cardi/necklace combination:

Cardigan - Banana Republic (online in camel only, but in stores in white)
Skirt - JCrew's No.2 wool pencil skirt in charcoal gray (my favorite pencil skirt of all time)
Shell - Jcrew
Shoes - JCrew Mona in patent
Tights - Forever 21 herringbone in navy blue

Portland Maine Travel and Hotel Review

Maine the way life should be.  Or at least that's what they tell you.  Personally I love it in Maine, I don't think anywhere is as comforting, relaxing, and well rounded as Portland. 

This is a city we visit at least twice a year, you might remember when we were there in the spring 
http://findingloveinasize8shoe.blogspot.com/2012/03/portland-maine.html

In that post I mentioned both of my favorite portland hotels, the Portland Regency and the Portland Harbor Hotel.  On this trip we stayed at our old stand by the Regency.

The Regency really is a great boutique hotel right in the middle of Old Port.  It is a comfortable hotel full of incredibly friendly staff who are really excellent at what they do.  Everyone from the Valets to the Front Desk are always available for anything you need, and no request seems to rattle them.  The rooms are all very well appointed with some of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept on. 

Additionally, one of my favorite things about the hotel is every room you stay in is very different, different furnishings, different layout, different space.  The building itself is actually an old armory and a historic landmark. 

Finally - the bar downstairs is AMAZING.  Like really amazing.  I have had everything from dinners to afternoon appetizers and lots and lots of drinks here and I am NEVER disappointed.  If you ever go you have to try the Washington Apple Martini - the best RED martini I have ever had hands down.  This time we also shared an antipasto plate and it was perfection.

So to recap Service + awesome beds + great drinks and food + location + uniqueness of the space = one really special place to stay while visiting Portland. 

Dining:

We like to eat, that is no surprise to anyone.  And when we say eat it's usually some great new ultra modern super fancy place that is locally owned and makes designs out of the sides on your plate. 

Well this was no exception.  We went to a place called "555", or more technically "five-fifty-five" literally located at 555 Congress St. in Old Port.

Freakin delicious.  That's pretty much all I have to say.  We shared an absolutely amazing heirloom tomato plate with fresh mozzerella chesse and and awesome basil pesto.  Even the bread basket here was incredible, not so much for the bread, but for the out of this world butter they served with it.  Give me a thyme infused butter (?!) anyday. 

Entrees were so good they were devoured within minutes of their arrival.  Husband had a very yummy Halibut dish and I dined on some ridiculously good Truffle Lobster Mac and Cheese. so so SO good. 

Bottom line - go to Portland, eat at 555, live blissfully ever after. 

How I wore it - color and pattern mixing

I'm an trying to expand my comfort zone, I always see these great outfits all mashed together on pinterest with people looking fabulous and end up looking like a mess when I attempt a similar look.

One thing I have noticed is that I love mixing up patterns and colors and layers to create something fun!

Here is my attempt at fall color and pattern mixing fun!

JCrew Majesty Peacoat

It isn't often you find a coat that has you wishing for cooler weather.  This may be the only coat I have ever actually put on and LOVED.  Like really loved. 

The JCrew Majesty Peacoat

Now I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this coat, but the second I put it on I knew it was going to be a keeper and last forever.  It is a "stadium cloth" wool coat, meaning it's a tightly woven wool and it is VERY heavy.  I am pretty sure that this will do a better job with warmth than say my old Calvin Klein peacoat, and not be as warm as my North Face puffer coat. 

I ended up ordering this in a size 2, generally in Jcrew I wear a 0 or 00 or a 2 depending on the items.  Even in a 2 this has enough room for a sweater underneath while still maintaining a very nice fitted and flattering shape.

The details are what really make this a standout piece for me. 

I am weird about the sleeve length of all tops, jackets included.  This is the perfect length, it hits just below the wrist when your arm is extended. 

The collar of this jacket is another thing that has me completely hooked, it is oversized while being in perfect proportion to the coat and at the same time not overwhelming. 

Overall I am very excited about this jacket, it has a great fit, great details, and is currently 25% off.  What else could you want in a coat?!

I'm baaaaack

okokokokokok OK.  I get it, I've said this before, it's true.  This time though I mean it I really really really do.  I'm not going to neglect you anymore, I promise. 

Let me recap for you the last few weeks (months?) I started working again, yippie hurrah!!!  After yet another 4 years of school it's been a very long time coming.  However, it's been busy at work and extra super-duper crazy hours are required. 

Forgive me? 

Let's get this started out (again) on the right foot with a "How I wore it" post.  We love these don't we?

Today is a mix of Banana Republic and JCrew.  This wrap cardigan is OMG to die for.  I ordered it in Grey yesterday, because hey who can't use to wrap cardigans?  Trust me. 

I also want to tell you about how much I love this No.2 Pencil skirt from Jcrew, soft, lined, cute color.  Plus I'm a sucker for pink. 

And yes you have to fogive the fact that I took this in the bathroom at work.  I'm trying here!!!

Hair Donation 2012

Hair donation is something I have now done a few times, here is a re-cap of my chop! 

The last time I donated I did it with Locks of Love, I didn't realize it at the time, but apparently they sell the wigs they make with donations.  Personally, if kids and Women are sick I feel that if we donate hair for free, they should make the wigs and donate those wigs to those that need them.  I don't like the idea of selling the donation. 

So this time I donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, who takes all donations and in turn donates the completed wigs to Women in need of them. 

Before:

After:

If you can't tell from the above photo, I LOVE the new cut!!! I am a huge huge fan of short hair on me, so I am thrilled.  Yay.

Oh my!

Where on earth has time gone?!  My last post was March 29??? is that even possible?!  Ack. 

I'm going to recap my last ::ahhhem:: few months for you guys. 

May - final exams for my very last semester of my LLM program = very very very exciting stuff.  Graduation.  We bought a HOUSE :-) and then spent about a month re-doing/painting/unpacking the house.  We went to California for a beautiful wedding. 

I've also been shopping for my new job of course! 

Good stuff to come:

More (many more) "How I wore It" posts.  New job = proper dress everyday.

Travel - my second love

Rhode Island goodness - we have been out hitting new places, stay tuned for the reviews!!

Spring Dresses

The 70 and 80 degree weather last week got me really excited for all things Spring, with this week being cold and rainy, I feel like I desperately need to cling to that Sping-y mentality.  To me nothing says Spring like bright colors and dresses.  This post is all about the dresses!! 

JCrew: Big Apple Tunic Dress $150

Piperlime: Pim + Larkin Colette Dress $79

Nordstrom:  Diane Von Furstenberg Leandra Dress $425

Nordstrom: Alex & Ava Colorblock Wrap Dress $158

Nordstrom: Presley Skye Sloane Dress $138