I'm grinning like the old lady who yelled BINGO

Not sure what today's blog title has to do with the post, but I enjoy it. So there it is :) Now on to clothes and shopping and other uber-serious mega-critical topics I wrestle with day in, day out....



I personally wasn't a fan of the Anthropologie Tracy Reese Dreamy Wanderings dress - the cut and fit was too fluffy and flowy. Just didn't speak to me. I also knew I'd look like a giant cream puff in it, so perhaps that created a teeny bit of bias :)



However, I'm stuck perusing the interwebs this evening while the hubs bogarts the TV watching college hockey (bow-ring), and I saw the Dreamy Wanderings Dress as a top on the Tracy Reese site, and I have to say, I'm intrigued. Perhaps it's the embellishment (read sparkles!!) along the neckline, but I also think the flowy top would look lovely paired with some structured jeans and black patent flats or heels. And, it's on sale! I think it's a pass for me now, but I'm bookmarked in case it goes to a second cut - then I think I'd have to buckle and order.

You are the light in a dark room and I'm the moth who can't resist it

Some new Anthropologie roll-outs came online last night, and I fell immediately in love with a skirt I had to buy right then and there. The Soft Sakura Skirt is definitely priced higher than I'd like, but I have a feeling this skirt will go the way of the Fulmar sweater skirt of last year, and wouldn't make it to my greedy greedy little hands, much less sale if I held off and waited. Who knows, I could be wrong, but I love the print and sweater skirts are amazingly comfortable and easy to pull off.

And that coral pink lining? Drool.



So I bit the bullet and ordered it. Full-price, no reviews. Eek, and i can't wait for it to arrive!

I *might* have also threw in the D'armee Dress and this gorgeous green glass bead necklace I think will look smashing with it! Hey, I had my reasons: it got me free shipping, I was sold when I saw the awesome OOTDx5 stylings post from the fabulous blogger Wardrobe Review, AND the splurge quenched my need for something military-esque.

I'm a Caped Crusader

UPDATE: Cape update - it arrived and I *love* it. I'm typically I size 10 in tops, went with the M/L and it's plenty roomy so if you're smaller, consider sizing down to the S/M. I love the detailing on the shoulders, and the material seems study and soft :) Thumbs up from me!

I'm on a crusade to end crappy meetings. Crappy meetings which wouldn't have happened if you'd been given all the info available prior to said meeting taking place.

LOFT (or ATL as I still fondly call it) is a fab place when a girl is in need of some plain and simple retail therapy. The clothes are cute, decently made, on-trend, but wont break the bank. so when you have a tough day and need a little pick-me-up but your nails are already done and you've already maxxed yourself on vanilla lattes, stroll on over (or log on) to Loft.

I picked up this lovely cape to add to my ever-expanding coat collection (hey, I live in Chicago, it's only fair I get to splurge on cute coats!). At 20% off and free shipping, I think the cost/wear totally excuses this mid-day shopping indiscretion.

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe??

Whats a girl to do??

I must have some blue shoes. Must. And not suede (so not Chicago-weather friendly!). I want blue patent shoes with a small but adorable heel. A bright blue heel has been on my 'wishlist' for eons, and these have been on my mind for months, but if I haven't pulled the trigger yet, doesn't that means something? Its not like I haven't placed about a half-dozen Anthro orders in the past couple of months.



And if only these sensible heels would have a baby with this amazing electric blue 4 inch heel... then I'd be getting that match made-in-my-heaven.





On the other hand, isn't it possible I need to wait for the peeerfect blue pump, and instead fill my black-bootie void?

I totally heart these boots but wish I could see them in real life before splurging. Do they look a little orthopedic? Oh Chie Mihara, why do you have to be so pricey?




Thoughts?

Buon Giorno! A sneak peek of my Bella's...

Our trip to Italy was amazing.

Beautiful weather, amazing sites, delicious meals of pasta and tasty house wines... oh and some unforgettable shopping. We found (and purchased, cha-ching) my first year wedding anniversary (which is right around the corner since we opted for a delayed honeymoon), and I also picked up a couple of other amazing jewelery pieces and two great bags, including a 60s-style one-of-a-kind pocketbook, from a well-known artesian in wonderful, wonderful Firenze. The bag is, as I type, currently being custom-made for me in Florence, and shipped in early October.

How freaking amazing and decadant is that?

Through one of my many guidebooks I came across a Florence-based leather store, Cellerini, which has been around since the 50s, and are known for their impeccable quality, Hermes-style bags (but not Hermes-style prices), and their high level of customization. Upon finding the store, I worked with the lovely and debonair Allesandro (such a delightful man!), to select the style, leather, color, color of stitching (seriously?!?!), and length of strap. And voila, my purse goes into the creation stage. Needless to say, I can't wait for it to arrive, and will post pics asap.

In the meantime, wanted to post my other treasures I picked up along our Italian adventure. Obviously, I went the jewelry-route, but in addition to my Cellerini bag, also picked up an amazing Balanciaga dupe.






Apologies for the uber-grainy amateur photos... obv don't do the goodies the justice they deserve!

That's it for now. Blog will be back up in running now that I'm home... thanks for sticking it out while I was traveling!

Which is the best way to blow 325 big ones?

Deep breathes, because in reality, I wont be splurging on either of these fab-but-totes-unnecessary accessories. But if I happened to find money, say, growing on a tree, I would have such a hard time deciding between the two of you.

First, this amazing book-clutch...







OR...

These gorge shoes. I heart sequins.

A wedding next week, what to wear??

I'm heading to New Hampshire next week for a wedding and a visit with the in-laws. Of course, traveling always comes with the big question... what should I pack?? It's been unbearably hot both here in Chicago and there in NH, so comfort is going to be a high priority, but since I get to spend time with so many people we don't normally see, I of course want to look cute and sassy.

The big event of the weekend is a wedding. I have the J Crew Lorelei Dress I bought last year, and have only worn twice. The dress is gorgeous, and quite flattering, though I'm always wishing it had straps. That being said, it's definitely a front runner. I'd pair it with my the Anthro Demi-Sec gold sequins cardigan made by Sanctuary and gold Corso Como strappy sandals.




So that's option 1. I truly think it's a lovely outfit, and next weekend would certainly be a good opportunity to get another wear out of the Lorelei dress. Yea? I give it an 8 out of 10.

Butttt, if I were to splurge on something new, it would hands down be the Anthropologie Mullany Dress. Oy, I'm smitten. I love the 50s styling, and the polka-patterns... and my mind goes wild imagining how I'd accessorize. I have these mint flats that I think would look lovely...




So, there is my dilemma. Thoughts? Do I save my pennies and wear the Lorelei or give the Mullany a try with those minty lovelies?

I'm like Tinkerbell, I need applause to live.

I openly admit I have an addiction to graphic Ts. I own enough J Crew deco'd T's to sink a small ship. But all fairness, they are a good investment because I get as lot of wear out of them. They are often my weekend go-to, and because I can dress so casually at the office, sometimes I'll dress up a graphic T with a cute belt or chunky necklace to make them work-appropriate.

While online window-shopping last night, I came across the oh-so-cute and for-a-fab-cause Gap (PRODUCT) Red T-shirts, and added two to my growing collection. I LOVE the white V-neck with the dancer, but also wanted to see the Rhino T in real life (is it lime or puke green - that is the question).

Fingers crossed that these are soft and comfy, because with half the cost going to a global fund to fight AIDS, you can feel good in these shirts in more than one way.

I need this.

I am getting this skirt. This weekend. Nuff said.

I'm wearing tights and buying bathing suits. Big old WTF.

Today's post is an extension to Sunday's ramblings...

As suspected, the Anthropologie sale is on, but more of a mini-sale than a lot of fellow bloggers hoped or expected. That being said, I was suckered in to order 2 random items that showed up on my wishlist as second cuts.

First, the Bluebells Awakening Cardi.

I don’t know why I’ve always been drawn to this sweater - probably the color combo of jet black and pastels - but at $39.95 ($158 originally) I just couldn’t pass it up. The online reviews are promising, and I think it would look fabulous with my J Crew symphony necklace and a grey pencil skirt or dark jeans.







The Circle Adornments top went 50% off, but weirdly, I decided to pass after a reality check on my wardrobe - I think I have enough light-pink flowy tops to sink a small ship.



So, beyond those, not much else on my wishlist went on sale today. Except for this random swimsuit I added a loooong ways back. Yea, totally random. I mean, I hate buying bathing suits, and certainly have never bought one from Anthro (holy hell why would I spend that much on an item of clothing I will never feel hot in?!?!), but an oldie one-piece with a fun red/white/navy print and a cute skirt that might make me feel a bit more covered went on super markdown... and I decided to give it a go.



The item name is On-The-Dot Maillot, but doesn’t seem to be an active posting any longer... so apologies for the teensy picture. They have several sizes available (according to my wishlist) and it’s a steal at 30 freaking bucks (especially as opposed to the original $268 price tag – wtf?). Style number is 953665, in case you are interested in picking one up for yourself.


Bottom line: including tax, I got in and out of the sale for under 85 bucks… I’m actually kind of impressed by myself.

That's a wrap.

P.S. I should have my Aniseed Skirt doppelganger today or tomorrow. Will post a review asap!

Deja vu...

Happy Friday everyone. Oh wait, not everyone has tomorrow off. Ha, sorry to those of you who have one more day before the sweet sweet weekend.

I have yet to order anything from ModCloth, but have to admit I've been quite tempted lately, given their excellent knock-offs. First, off the Cricket Match Skirt:



Holy MOLY, when I saw this skirt I about screamed because I've been wanting the Anthropologie Aniseed skirt SO bad but haven't pulled the trigger as of yet (shouldn't that darn thing go on sale soon??). I'm worried about the fit of the ModCloth impostor... actually, more about the length... I can't do short/mini. Oh, conundrum.

Which brings me to the next ModCloth clone, the Ivory Symphony Skirt, which looks strikingly like the J Crew Tiered Brique Skirt, but... LONGER! I likely. The Tiered Brique skirt is way cute for both evenings out and work, but not long enough IMO...

ModCloth Version

J Crew Version

Thoughts? Anyone had luck with ModCloth??

I’m more of a shoe-gal anyhow…

One major danger of the blogosphere is the extra spending it causes -- buying things you simply don’t need, but rather just because you saw it on another blog. Seriously, this is how it will go: I’ll be catching up on my fashion blogs, see how adorable Ms. Bloggy looks in her outfit of the day, and literally have a physical reaction and need to have her shirt/skirt/shoes. Sometimes I’ll be satisfied with just a little virtual window shopping, others, the itch just wont go away. I think this pesky situation might be called ‘addiction’, but who’s wanting to get all scientific?

So this routine of jonesing happened recently when I saw a review of this bicycle-covered dress from Anthropologie and it reminded me of that oldie-but-goodie Moth cardigan they had a few years back. And I realized… crap, I want it. Bad. It’s SO Emma Pillsbury: dainty, minty, yay!

So I started my search. Sadly, instead of lucking out with finding one up for a super fab sale, I of course I saw this cutey blogger rocking the cardi with a skirt I already own, and it made me crazy to have it even more. And of course, the two-wheeler cardigan is impossible to find.

So I started looking for a substitute - something else to get this monkey off my back. Cha-ching, I’m hoping I’ve struck gold (but you never know with F21)! Perfectly similar, but even slightly better (shoes, little ladies traveling, thaz me!) I stumbled upon these fab cardi’s, which in the end are distinctly a way better option (read:cheaper) than anything I would have found at Anthro. And now both are now on their way to my office (sorry mailroom guys, but don’t want to risk someone stealing them from my front stoop).

How can you beat this one for 14 stinking bucks.



And naturally, I bought a back-up to my back-up.
It has ruffles, TOO. How am I not sick of ruffles? I'm not.

Oh, and because I saw this top, and I have zero self-restraint, I got it, too. It’s minty, bedazzled, looks super comfy for summer, and got my to the free-shipping level with F21. Now here’s crossing my fingers that it isn’t too booby-ish.

Free AND fast shipping...? You're rocking my world.

UPDATE - the items arrived, and sadly the jacket was horrible! As in already returned, back to AT in a day, horrible. The fit was impeccable, no gaping at the chest, even when buttoned, but that was the only pro. The color was a bland beige, not at all the subtle pinky nude I'd expected. The ribbons were droopy and pathetic looking, not like the picture... and the material was meant to be super duper wrinkly. I know I shouldn't have been shocked by that, given the name (Crinkle Jacket), but in the picture it doesn't look wrinkled, just kind of a nice fabric with a subtle texture. Even the other jackets I saw in store when I made the return looked terrible - the wrinkly thing would have driven me insane ... why would I wear this chic jacket, that I look like I slept in? Oh well, better for my wallet anyhow :)

Emily



So as I mentioned in my previous post, I did a teensy bit of shopping at Ann Taylor this week. I just couldn't resist the 30% discount - that's too much temptation for one weak girl. That being said, I think I truly practiced restraint by what I ended up ordering. To be clear, I loaded my cart up with about dozen tops and necklaces, then realized I don't need 3 more tops that are all in the shade of Dusty Rose... so out they went. And in fact, my jewelry box is always bursting with things I forget all too often to wear, so I held myself to only the one necklace (which again, was a giant steal. It's like I saved money by buying that necklace).

So what else did I allow myself to click "submit" on... well, after quite a long time of browsing, I happened upon this jacket which I never noticed and immediately loved. Well not immediately. Check out the back of it. Wowzah!! Ahhh, I can't even take it - so darling! And the bracelet-length sleeves will be perfect for my shorty arms and the warmer temps that will be coming to Chicago, hopefully, sometime soon. Plus it was ONLY available in my size at the time, so, really, it was destiny.



And here's a picture of the front... which is darned cute as well with the peter pan collar and all.



Ok, taking deep breathes, waiting patiently for my adorable jacket.

Lastly, I picked up this slightly-over-priced-but-not-at-30-percent-off tank because it's fun and girly, but neutral in color... so a good add to my wardrobe. I'm a thinker.



What's even better is the shipping was free for my whole order and I have already received the "your items have shipped" notice. Hellz to the yes. Ok, enough writing like this. I don't even know where it is coming from because heck, I'm a girl who wears J Crew and Ann Taylor. And says heck.

And that's a wrap.

God, help me!

Dear God (yeah, I'm calling on the big guy),

I want these shoes. They are gorgeous, they scream my name, and they are absolutely flipping cozy as could be in size 37.5.

Why do they have to cost the same as a month's worth of food?

Maybe I should give up eating? That's not an option.

Maybe I can become best friends with Chie Mihara and then because we're Bestie's, she'd of course hook me up with all of her fabulous shoes at a price that doesn't make me want to puke. Because that's what BFF's are for. Hmmm... I wonder where she lives.

Chie Mihara, we'd have SO much fun as best friends... call me.

I'm addicted to J Crew T-Shirts

I popped into the Michigan Avenue J Crew last night and couldn't resist a couple of their T's. It's like I have a disorder. A JC T-shirt obsession. The one point of redemption on last night's spree is that the two I bought were on super-sale, marked down from $42.50 to $14.99 and $19.99. That's a sweet bargain for tops that I'm sure to wear quite often.

The two I came home with aren't currently online (or that I can find), so posting some irl OOTD day pics in case you're interested in picking either up. the photo quality is awful so apologies, but using my BB camera to be speedy about getting these up and out there for you!

The one I wore today has a cute tulle and cotton rosette design along the neckline, accented by one antique-ish gem/crystal bead. It's a nice weight (meaning not see-through like some JCTs)and at $14.99 a total steal if you ask me. The only draw-back is this will have to be hand-washed, but I'll wear cami's to extend the number of times I can wear it before cleaning. I know. I'm grubby. Lazy and grubby.

I paired this T with my beloved short-sleeved cashmere cardi in Dusty Shale and jeans. I piled on some faux pearls and my new Alexis Bittar bangle, and popped on my gold ruffle flats.





Stay tuned for the other T tomorrow.

Olivia Palermo does something worthwhile

Love her or hate her, The City socialite and star Olivia Palermo is launching a jewelry line with Roberta Freymann. While I personally don't care for her as a person (in fact, I'd say she sucks at life), I do indeed admire her style AND think these stunning statement necklaces blow both Whitney's and LC's duds of a clothing line out of the water.

The collection will be called the Roberta Freymann by Olivia Palermo Collection. WWD reports that the inspiration for the collection of statement necklaces is Olivia's favorite cities (note, not just THE City). The collection just launched this spring at Roberta Freymann boutiques and you can view/buy a few pieces online. Prices for the pieces will range from $175 to $300, and I'm personally lusting after the one on the golden/mustard gross-grain ribbon.



Has anyone seen any other pieces from the collection? A quick Google search hasn't turned up other online retailers, but if you live in the NYC-area, you can check them out in person... I'd love to see more.

For tomorrow, I'm working on a post on statement/bib necklaces you can find elsewhere, just in case you're not feeling Olivia's style or price-point :)


(portions of above post found via Fabsugar)

I want my place in the sun...

There are so many adorable spring dresses in stores and online making me drool. But since coats are still a must-have here in Chicago and my legs are still a scary winter white hue, I just can't get excited to try on much less bring home any. So to live vicariously, here's a little outfit I've put together from one of my favorites designers, Kate Spade. Now let's turn up the sunshine!



I love the cut and the girly pink and coral stripes, and of course the lovely bow sash that would accentuate the waist. Buy it here.

I'd pair this lovely classic dress with these two gold-toned baubles.





I love the simplicity of the knots, and think they pair well with the charm and whimsy of the bracelet.

I'd complete the outfit with these adorable bright yellow patent peeps. Again, a bow, so maybe it's a little over the top or too matchy-matchy for some, but I think I'm smitten :)



Boo for tomorrow being Monday, but at least the forecast is for some warmer temps!

That's a wrap... and it's tied up with a pretty bow :)

Is this so ugly it's cute?

I know I need to get my new-found love in peaches and lilacs in check before it turns into a full-blown obsession. BUT, before I do, can I post yet another couple of JCrew items that just appeared on their web that are calling to me:

First, the Chiffon Stripe Tier Tank, which I really like in the Light Ginger color. I really like that color, and if the shirt is being accurately pictured on the site, then I am truly crushing on the texture of this shirt. But then there is a part of me that worries that I'm being clouded by peach-lust... is this shirt really puke-meets-clown, and I can't see it?



Next up is the charming Cropped Ruffle Cardigan in Sheer lilac... how feminine and lovely can a cardi get??!! This one is going to be mine, assuming the cropped aspect isn't totally unflattering. I'll keep you posted.



Next up, I need to think about 'bottoms' for all of my delicate new tops. I wont rock white pants, am even quite reticent on khakis because I feel like they show ever crease, line and dimple... what are my other options? I'm considering the
Cotton Nico skirt in sandlewood, but I've not seen one single review on the many blogs I read. Has anyone tried these skirts on? Love it or hate it? I am a lover of a-lines, so I might need to give it a try.

Love it or leave it? What do you think?

I'm waffling on this necklace currently for sale on the sample sale site, Hautelook. The designer is tuleste market,it's reasonably priced, and gold-plated meaning it wont turn gray. However, it is borderline (??) huge. Is it too big?

Amplified Bow Necklace

I, or you, have 20 hours to decide.

I have a purse disorder

Though the trend has been out there for some time, I still love bows, ruffles, and unique/multi textiles. And any one thing that manages to pull these off in a combo is squeal-inducing.

While reading this month's InStyle magazine, I came across an oh-so-adorable grosgrain bag that is just so me, I had to do a little more searching online about the designer and the bag. The designer Anya Hindmarch, is HQ'ed in London, but has a speckling of stores in the US (unfortunately for me, none in Chicago). The website is fantastic with easy usability and great photos of the items, including scale images.

The particular purse I am coveting, is a beige colored Grosgrain shoulder bag with a tan leather and gold-toned hardwear strap. I can't seem to find that particular color online (boo), but found an almost-equally cute bright purple version of it. The bag style is Gracie, and the size looks perfect for both day-shopping and evenings-out. The bag aesthetic is timeless and classic but with the sophisticated pleating and lovely strap design, it doesn't bore you to tears.





For the price, I'd opt for the neutral beigey-taupe color, but again, I haven't been able to find it beyond the pages of InStyle. I'm also not familiar with this designer and their quality or durability, and let's face it, we're all a little tough on our purses from time to time, so would love anyone's reactions who may have been to a store or own one of their purses.

Another cute Hindmarch purse is this Grosgrain Corsage bag. I'm always a fan of the X-body style, and the color is divine.