Monday, July 30, 2012

That's a Wrap

You know you have a problem when you are constantly finding things in the back of your closet that you haven't worn in ages. Such is the case with this navy wrap dress. I totally forgot I even had it, but since rediscovering it, I have realized that it is extremely versatile. 

And speaking of versatility, I wanted to talk a little about my new work bag. The color is amazing and goes with pretty much everything. The bag has three straps and can be worn as a cross-body, a fold-over tote and, when it's really full, a regular tote! And it fits a ton without looking too bulky. I have been accused many a times of carrying my life around with me. With this bag I can still do that without looking like I am.

Navy Wrap Dress/Nordstrom Rack
Kylie Wedge Pump/Payless (seen here)
Decked Out Necklace/Mark. (seen here)
Turquoise Criss Cross Bead Bracelet/ Banana Republic

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

A J.Crew Binge

I knew it was coming. The dreaded J.Crew final sale. I had done a good job resisting. But once they started offering an extra 40% off final sale and promo priced items, I fell off the wagon. Real hard. One might call it a binge. Luckily, many of the items I purchased were not final sale and some were even regular price and can be returned if they don't work. Reviews below. And yes, I may have a slight anchor obsession.

T-shirt Dress in Dizzy Anchors/XXS/$68: This dress fit really well and I thought it was flattering for my body type, but the material was super thin. When I say super thin, I mean really, really thin. I worry that you would be able to see right through it in any kind of natural light. Verdict: Returned. Maybe if it goes on sale, but I did not think it was worth it at full price.

Sequin Anchor Tank/XXS/$42: I had been coveting this tank for quite sometime, so imagine my surprise when I didn't love it. The anchor placement felt weird to me and the length was a little awkward. On the plus side, it was super light weight considering the amount of sequins and the quality seemed really good. Verdict: Returned.

Cotton Crepe Cardigan in Anchors Aweigh/XXS/$36: Again, I wasn't crazy about the material of this cardigan. It was not soft at all. The length was pretty good considering it wasn't a petite size and I do really like the print. Verdict: Undecided.

Pink Peacock Tippi Sweater in Heart Me/XXS/$89.50: I know some people have said they don't like the lopsided heart, but I really love it. This sweater is super soft and I love the color. It's a little long for me as you can see by the bunching at the bottom. Not sure if I want to pay this much for a cotton sweater. Verdict: Undecided.

Ring-Around Eyelet Top/XXS/$27: I think this top is really cute and the length is really great considering it's not a petite. I think it would probably too short for anyone with a long torso or maybe even an average torso. The cotton is a really great weight and seems like excellent quality. I also really love the color. Verdict: Kept.

Scoopneck Blouse in Color Block Stripe/00P/$24: I was really drawn to the fun colors of this blouse along with the anchor button detail at the shoulder. It's a nice light weight fabric and I think it would pair perfectly with white pants or shorts. One downside is that the fabric seems a little wrinkle prone. Verdict: Kept.

 Vintage Cotton Boatneck Tee/XXS/$12: I purchased this basic tee in a couple of colors, but just wanted to post a picture for those of you that might be curious about the length. For most petites, this is going to be super long. It is super soft and comfortable though and comes in lots of great colors. Verdict: Kept.

I also purchased both the Lucille Dress in Lace (Yellow/00P/$56) and the Origami Sheath Dress in Wool Crepe (Charcoal/00P/$110). I had been wanting both of these dresses for quite sometime and the sale prices were good enough to warrant keeping them both. They both fit true to size, are fully lined and I know I will get a lot of wear out of them.
 



Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Wine and Stripes

My outfit for a recent trip to some local wineries. I have been getting a ton of mileage out of this cross-body I bought several months ago. It's just the right size and I absolutely adore the chain-strap detail. I have been noticing a patriotic theme in my wardrobe choices recently and it strikes again here. Luckily the yellow necklace helps to keep things in balance.

Striped Dress/American Eagle Outfitters
Shoes/Payless (seen here)
Cut to the Chase Necklace/Kate Spade (seen here and here)
Amrita Singh Cocktail Ring/HauteLook
Sunglasses/Kenneth Cole


Friday, July 13, 2012

Target + Neiman Marcus

Target and Neiman Marcus. I'm not sure how I feel about this collaboration. Nevertheless, I am excited to see what they come up with for this holiday collection set to be released at both Target and Neiman Marcus on December 1st. The collection is being marketed as a celebration of 50 years of design with Neiman Marcus, Target and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). It will bring together 24 of America's top designers and will feature over 50 gifts in categories such as fashion and home. Prices will range from $7.99 to $499.99, but most items will sell for less than $60.

Of the featured designers, I am most excited about Derek Lam, Jason Wu, Lela Rose, Prabal Gurung and Tracy Reese. See full list of designers below.

Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo, Jason Wu, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, 
Tory Burch, Tracy Reese

Monday, July 9, 2012

Red, White and Sparkle

I decided to continue my Independence Day themed attire into the weekend. It was crazy hot, which meant it was time to pull out something that would keep me cool, but was still party appropriate. These shorts and sparkly top fit the bill. And I'm totally obsessed with this necklace I just got from Etsy. It literally goes with everything!

I can also now say that I am a cork wedge heel convert. It's hard to find a cute heel that you can walk and dance in all night and these definitely do the trick.

Sequin Top/Nordstrom
Shorts/H&M
Shoes/Payless
Necklace/Byrd Jewelry Etsy Shop
Cocktail Ring/Banana Republic