On The Hunt: Striped Peplum, Sophisticated Coffee Table, and Black Boots

January 17, 2015January 25, 2015Leave a comment

This week I am focusing on a random collection of clothes, furniture, and shoes…

1. Striped Peplum Top

In reading Pinterest Told Me To, I have had so many “inspiration epiphanies”. One of them includes the Striped Peplum Top that Sheaffer features on her main blog header. (Hers was from the GAP Outlet in 2012…obviously no longer available, but flattering is always in style. At least, that’s what I think!)

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Of course, J. Crew Factory has one, but only in one size, and it’s not mine 😦

I have seen more of these randomly on other websites, but I have such bad luck with online shopping that I really need to try it on 😦

2. Sophisticated Coffee Table

I have a beautiful trunk that I am using as my coffee table right now. And I really do love it, but sometimes I see other bigger ones and I get a craving for something bigger and fabulous, like this one from Birch Lane:

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The travertine top reminds me of marble and the antique gold is just divine. I get Trade discounts from Birch Lane, whose parent company is Wayfair. They have such wonderful things and is a favorite place of mine for work. Here is another one from Wayfair, that I am actually purchasing for work, but I would love it if it was in my home. The gold trim with creamy marble top is so dreamy! But, even with a discount, it’s too much for me 😦

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West Elm is another place that always has great stylish pieces. I actually get a little flutter when I think about it 🙂 This is the Box Frame Coffee Table. Obviously, I’m liking a stone top and architectural metal base.

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This last one has a rich Rosewood top and gold base, which is also very sophisticated.

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The lusting must continue for now…

3. Black Boots

I had a pair of boots from the DEB shop (remember that awful place?) The store may have been questionable, but the boots were actually perfect. They were calf height, 2″ heel, and shiny black pleather, which made it easy to wear in the winter snow. I wore them until they literally fell apart while I was wearing them…

So, now, I am on the hunt for another pair to replace them. It’s about time, since it’s been more than 2 years…

ALDO is having a huge clearance, but of course, they are getting rid of the shoes that are nothing like what I am looking for. Here are two options that I really like, but again, I need to find some in store!

This pair is almost identical to my original pair:

Pleaser Sexy Boot source

This pair from MayKool reminds me of my favorite button up booties!

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What are you gals craving?

Stockpiling

January 15, 2015January 15, 2015Leave a comment

Usually, I do a Pinspiration post on Wednesdays, but I have been doing some site visits for work (going through old apartments, measuring, that kind of thing) so I didn’t want to waste a cute outfit 🙂 So I have a different post for you on this Thursday!

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Do you stockpile your favorite clothes, in case you just LOVE something and have the fear that it won’t be available once the original item sees it sad last days? I think there should be a name for that fear, like maybe…nolongeravailablaphobia? Anyway, I am guilty of this and here are some of the pieces that I have saved for emergencies. Which it seems was a good idea, since 2 out of three aren’t for sale anymore…

Proof…these are still in the original bag…below are the ones I currently wear

Express Lace Leggings, “LACE LEGGING(7358124/W058 0600 01)” I just bought these in November and they are no more 😦

Here they are in action…

These CAbi skinny jeans (Style 338) are pretty comfortable (for jeans). I bought them in December 2013 and I just checked their site and no mention of this style…They have an elastic waist (gasp!) but I’m a lover of long tank tops, so you can never see it 🙂

See how cute?

Last, these wide leg pants from New York & Co. are still available! They are the 7th Avenue Wide Leg Pull-On Pant.

Here’s the 7th Ave pant around town.

A throw back, or what?! This photo was on the blog, circa Feb. 2013.

What I Wore: 1/5/15-1/11/15

January 12, 2015February 9, 2015Leave a comment

Cream Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Green Army Pants: Nordstrom

Ruffle Boots: Wet Seal, so so old!

Cream Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Necklace: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Black Pants: Express Columnist Ankle Pant

Shoes: Aldo, Sorah Flats These flats are majorly on sale, like more than 50% off! The catch is that they only have nude and blue, both with black tipped toes, so you’re locked into a black outfit. Not that it matters, I feel like I wear the same black pants every day. So, for that reason, I bought them, since I could get 2 pairs for less than the price of 1! Anyway, these are SO SO comfortable, that if they had them in black, I would have bought 5 pairs. Also, I normally wear a 7.5, but I needed an 8.5 in these.

Army Jacket: Charlotte Russe, old Similar, Similar

Nude Long Sleeved T-Shirt: Uniqlo

Wide Leg Pants: New York & Co., 7th Avenue Pants

Long Black Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Leopard Blouse: Express, Portofino Top

Black Leggings: Express

Camel Knee Boots (Style: Vienneo Boots): NEW from Christmas for $39.99!!!! Nine West Factory similar

My beautiful, beautiful friend, Elise, got married this weekend. (I really wish she had a blog, so I could link it. She is a modern day Martha Stewart and is fabulous in every way) Obvisouly, the event was black tie (she’s the fanciest down-to-Earth girl I know!) This black lace Max Studio dress from TJ Maxx ($40+$20ish for tailoring) was my dress of choice paired with a pearl necklace from Ann Taylor Factory. This one from Charming Charlie is similar!

Here are 2 versions of a similar outfit:

Navy Long Sleeved T-Shirt: Uniqlo

Flannel Shirt: Uniqlo

Pink Jewel Necklace: Charming Charlie, Similar

Dark Denim: Wit and Wisdom jeans

Leopard Flats: Rocket Dog
Flannel Top: Uniqlo

Pink Cardigan: American Eagle, old, Similar

Dark Denim: Wit and Wisdom jeans

Boots: Famous Footwear

Wit and Wisdom Jeans

January 11, 2015June 6, 20151 Comment

So, I did it. I bought the Wit and Wisdom jeans that Sheaffer from Pinterest Told Me To blogged about here.

And I freakin’ L-O-V-E them!

And a close-up:

I love them because:

-They are SO soft, like leggings, but look like jeans

-They don’t gap in the back

-They are stretchy, so they keep their shape

-They aren’t so tight that they are like a 2nd skin, they have a normal leg opening

-They have a mid-rise, so it hides everything you want to hide

-They are reasonably priced ($64.00)

*Just a tip: The tag says wash before you wear, so that’s what I did and I haven’t had any issues with the color transferring. At least I hope not, since I have been sitting on my expensive linen sofa while writing this post…

Do you need anymore reasons to go buy yourself a pair?! Just don’t buy them all, I want more!

On The Hunt: Leopard Denim, White Tank Top, Herringbone Vest, and Fur Vest

January 9, 2015January 11, 201512 Comments

1. Leopard Denim

I saw a few Pinterest images of this fun trend. I am still on the fence, since I have leopard print leggings that I could pair with ripped jeans…but look how fun it is!

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And since the link above is just a random image page, you could buy this pair by clicking on “source” below the image.

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And then I saw these, which are totally different, but still so cute! Unfortunately, the link only is for the blouse, and there is no mention of the cute jeans…if someone knows where to find these, then let me know!

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2. White Tank Top (or a tank top of any neutral…)

This should be the easiest thing in the whole world to find, right? Wrong! They are never long enough! Currently, I have a raggedy old white one from American Eagle. And I recently purchased a nude Maternity one from Target…seriously, that was my only option for a long tank top. What is the world coming to, people?!

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After some more digging, I found a bunch of online shops through this FABULOUS site. (WARNING!! This site is dangerous) and I found a few places that a might have a plain long tank top: Olivia & Jane, Ruby Claire Boutique, BeadsBee Boutique, and Elaine’s Unique Boutique… I am always hesitant to purchase online, especially from Boutiques, because I am wary of their return situation…and that 8 out of 10 times, I end up needing to return. What can I say? I need to try things on first!

3. Herringbone Vest

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If these Pinterest images above aren’t enough to completely convince you that you “Absolutely NEED” one of these, then I’m not sure what will…because it certainly won’t be the price. At $100+, I am having a hard time seeing how I could add this to my wardrobe collection 😦 And you really won’t BELIEVE what happened to me regarding this elusive beast…

STORY #1-Christmas Eve, 2014: I went on the J Crew Factory site and saw the coveted herringbone vest in my size for $108.00. I thought it might go on sale the day after Christmas (haha) so I put it in my cart and waited. By December 26, 2014, it was gone. Like, not-even-listed-on-the-website gone.

STORY #2-January 5, 2015: I was reading one of my new favorite blogs and Shaeffer had it listed in her new puffer collection. So you KNOW I bolted right to the site, and there it was, in my size, with only a few left. It was still for $108, but I put it in my cart and quickly searched for a coupon. By the time I entered my billing information, it was OUT OF STOCK!!! What in the world is going on? It’s like a snow leopard!

Here are some exact vests that are expensive, but available…vest 1, vest 2, vest 3, vest 4,

Here are some similar vests that are only really available in S, M, L…vest 5, vest 6

Here are some other blogs that post about the Herringbone Vest obsession…

Pinterest Told Me To

Everyday Fashion and Finance

This Black Cape Gingham one is also so cute…AND AND AND OMG OMG OMG!!! I just checked the site so I could add the link and it is MAJORLY on sale for $52.99!! What, What?! Yup, just bought it! What Herringbone Vest? I’ve always loved a good buffalo check…

j crew buffalo plaid vest

4. Faux Fur Vest

Similar to my #3 debacle, I had a similar sad experience at J. Crew AGAIN! On New Year’s Eve, I was talking to my lovely friend, Meg, about my hunt for the perfect faux fur vest. She so generously sent me this sweet text!

Unfortunately for me, it was the all black one in the photo below AND they didn’t have my size, but at only $25.00, I could have done a little copy-cat action of The Northeast Girl’s outfit:

What I was really looking for was something more like this tan one…but it’s Crew Cuts…I wonder if they have a Kids XXL…just sayin’…

Well, until next time, I’ll be On The Hunt!

Pinspiration: Checks and Army Green

January 7, 2015Leave a comment

I found this photo on Pinterest (obviously):

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So, here is my version:

Gingham Button-down: Uniqlo

Green Army Jacket: Charlotte Russe (old), Similar, Similar

Pearl Necklace: Ann Taylor Factory

Denim: Van Heusen Factory

White Keds: Keds, Similar

I love Pinspiration outfits. It makes getting dressed in the morning a breeze!

Annual Mother-Daughter After Christmas Outlet Spree “AMDACOS” and Other Christmas Gifts!

January 5, 2015January 6, 2015Leave a comment

I don’t normally do 2 posts in one day, but, I couldn’t help it. I have been promising this one for a few days. Oops!

I talked a little bit about the “Annual Mother-Daughter After Christmas Outlet Spree” in this post, so here are the photos to prove how successful we actually were…

I must admit, I started at the LOFT because I had to exchange some super cute pastel pants that my Dad and Barb got me for Christmas. Unfortunately, I tried on several sizes and they just weren’t working for me 😦 Interestingly, while there, I actually ran into my Dad, and he so generously purchased all of the LOFT pieces. Thanks, Dad! xo

Red Scalloped Dress: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

*The LOFT doesn’t have an outlet website, so I can’t find the links to these pieces, but they are new, so if you can, try and stop by an outlet near you!

Lace Embellished Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Striped Cowl Neck Sweater: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Chunky Cream Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Silky Trimmed T-Shirt: J. Crew Factory

Gray Plaid Button-Down: J. Crew Factory

Black Faux Leather Peplum Dress: Charlotte Russe

Sequin One-Shoulder Dress: Charlotte Russe

And here are the other fab clothes I got for Christmas. How lucky am I?!

Blue Peplum Top: Express Factory

Silky Pink Blouse: Express Factory

Striped Top: Express Factory

FABULOUS coral coat: J Crew Factory, Ruffle Dress Coat

Tweed Suiting Dress: J. Crew Factory similar

Checked Flannel: Levi’s Factory (my sweet 12 year old brother bought this for me. He has the same one. Twins!)

*This is a men’s shirt, so it is oversized, even though it is a small…I am thinking about getting it tailored, or trying to find a replacement…but I just love the little poinsettia print…

Plaid Flannel: Uniqlo

Basic Tees: Uniqlo

Printed Scarf:

Leopard Slingbacks: Anne Klein via Green Street Consignment, Similar

Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Banana Republic Factory: similar top, similar leggings

What I Wore: 12/20-1/4

January 5, 2015January 19, 2015Leave a comment

Here are some of the fabulous things I wore around Christmastime this year. Some of these things are new! Thank You, Santa!!

For more info about my glasses, check out this post!

Plaid Blanket Scarf-How cute is this?! It was a gift from my parents, so I’m not exactly sure which Etsy store it was purchased from, but here are some similar styles: Scarf, Scarf, Scarf

Red Vest: Old old old from Aeropostale (eek!) similar

Leggings: Express. I have been reading lots of reviews about leggings lately, so here are some other recommended brands 🙂 Maureen from The Northeast Girl loves these. Shaeffer from Pinterest Told Me To loves these.

Black Ankle Pants: Express Columnist Pant

Obvi this was late at night, which is why I am pairing this look with a bitch face…This pretty lilac top was one of my new purchases on AMDACOS

“Soft Wisteria” Top: J Crew Factory, Lightweight Tunic Sweater. Good News: This is one of those tops that I absolutely love because it’s fitted at the top and then blouses away at the bottom, so you can wear it whenever you are trying to camouflage problem areas. Bad News: It is from the Factory, but it still carries a hefty price tag at $69.50. I got an extra 20% off on 12/26, so that’s the only way I could justify that purchase.

Black Ankle Pants: Express, Columnist Ankle Pant

Flats: Aldo, Sorah Flats on sale (limited sizes)!

Fur Collared Sweatshirt: Aerie, no longer available

Cream Vest: J Crew, Quilted Puffer Vest on sale!

Navy Checked Flannel Button-down: Uniqlo

Vest: Same as above

Denim: Indigo Rein from TJ Maxx, Similar

And would you look what fantastic treat my Mom scored for me this year for Christmas?!

Coral Coat: J Crew Factory, Ruffle Dress Coat

Kate Spade Bag: Cadene Newbury Lane Tote Bag here and here

And here is my 18 year old brother, obviously *thrilled* that he was required to take the photos above…And my Mom, photo bombing this shot 🙂

These striped Christmas Jammies were from Victoria’s Secret last year. Similar

I wanted you to see the detail on this top. So cute, right?

Black Ruffle Blouse-Charlotte Russe (at least 5 years ago…)

Dark Denim: Van Heusen Outlet. Hmmmm, their website is totally wacky, you can’t buy anything online for women, it just has a cookbook, which happens to be pretty great in the pants department…

Plaid Top: Uniqlo

Red Vest: Aeropostale similar

Denim: Van Heusen again

White Sneaker: Keds, similar

Annnnnnnd, as you can see, I am trying to wear more smiles too! I really am friendly and bubbly, I guess I just felt funny smiling to myself in the mirror, but it does look better…

This outfit had to go from a Family Dinner to a Friend’s Birthday Party later that night. It was the perfect blend of sophisticated and sassy, don’t you think?

Light Pink Blazer: Bebe, I tried to find this online, since it was purchased for full price in the store (woah, totally unlike me!)

Snake Skin Silky Top: Express (These tops are all Buy One, Get One 50% Off!!)

Shoes: Sorah from Aldo

All-Lace Leggings: Express, Wow! I just bought these in the summer and then bought a second pair, because I loved them so much and I didn’t want them to be unavailable (foreshadowing?) I also bought a similar pair from Express that was lace on the front side, but then regular leggings on the back, so they are super comfy. I can’t believe they aren’t offered anymore! If someone can find them, please let me know so I can post an update!

Here’s a close-up:

Hope you liked my clothes! If you can believe it, I don’t wear something blog-worthy every day…so that’s why there’s only a few select outfits posted! On Wednesday, I’ll have a Pinspiration post for you 🙂

Photoshop Fun: Woodland Spanish Revival

January 3, 2015January 4, 20151 Comment

CK is back at his flipping of the Woodland house. Here’s my Photoshopped version of a brighter exterior. Welcome Home!

Before:

After:

No window boxes or shutter this time, but I here’s what I did:

-Painted the whole facade a brighter cream

-Painted the window trim darker brown

-Painted the front door a deep navy blue

-Replaced the original landscaping with plants traditionally found with a crafts am style home

-“Powerwashed” the roof tiles

-“Powerwashed” the front concrete sidewalk

-Removed the iron porch dividers

-Added a fun star pendant at the porch

-Added an address plaque near the driveway

I hope you like the changes as much as I do!

On The Hunt: Abalone Earrings, Red Lipstick, and Army Pants

January 3, 2015January 4, 20151 Comment

Tomorrow, I will posting about all of the fab finds that were purchased during the “Annual Mother-Daughter After-Christmas Outlet-Spree (or as I will now affectionately refer to it as AMDACOS) and other wonderful Christmas gifts that I received. But today, we are going to talk about the other things that I didn’t know I needed until I started shopping for other people’s Christmas presents. And since I always can find *something* that I want, I am going to start this new series called “On The Hunt”, which features new clothes, accessories, furniture, or other home decor that is catching my eye!

1. Abalone Earrings

I saw these abalone earrings on Charming Charlie’s website. They are only $8.00!!! And there is also an abalone necklace that is divine for $15.00. Since I am trying to do some New Year budgeting, I felt like I should wait. But then, a miracle occurred! My thoughtful friend, Stephanee, got me a Charming Charlie gift card for Christmas!

2. Red Lipstick

I’ve been wearing a lot of red clothes lately, but only have this old glittery red lipstick from an embarrassingly long time ago. Gross. So I did a little hunting at CVS today and found a great pinky-red color, Maybelline’s Very Cherry 635. I think it looks better on my skin (as apposed to an orangey-red). With my Extra Bucks, it was practically free!

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3. Army Pants

I love the laid back look of a good army accent with a classic white tee. And when I saw The Northeast Girl post about her J. Crew army green cargo pants, well, my wheels were spinning. I had some exchanges I needed to make at the mall today, so I stopped by Nordstrom and found these. I can’t wait to do some Pinspiration posts with these 🙂

I seriously have SO many fun things to crave, I am hoping to have these posts every Friday!