Embacing Summer in Seersucker!

Ann Taylor Blue Color Block Top, Size 4, ($29.99 outlet 2013)

Ann Taylor Seersucker Skirt, Size 4 (2012)

Nine West Blue Leather Bow Peep Toe (outlet 2011)

Sabine Gold Flower Necklace, Piperlime.com ($32 here)

Good morning!  I can’t believe it’s the last day of July!  This summer is flying by!  We still have another month until our beach vacation, but I know it will be here in the blink of an eye!  I always love our beach trip, but it’s bittersweet since it also means that summer is over when we return.  Of course there are so many fun fall outings around here that I don’t mourn summer for too long.

I’m embracing summer today in my sleeveless Ann Taylor Blue Color Block top (Size 4) with gold buttons on the side.  I bought this at the outlet earlier this season for $29.99 and this is the first time I’ve worn it.  I was trying to wear the top with a color other than blue, but alas, my Blue Ann Taylor Seersucker Pencil Skirt (Size 4, outlet 2012) ended up being the best option for work today.  I did spice it up a bit with a Skinny Yellow Patent Leather Belt (Ann Taylor Factory Store 2012), Gold and Yellow Flower Necklace (here for $32) yellow glass ball earrings and Nine West Leather Peep Toe Bow shoes (outlet 2011).

Have a fabulous Wednesday!  Thanks for stopping by!



LOFT Petal Print Dress



LOFT Cap Sleeve Petal Print dress, Size Small (Spring 2013)



Nine West Basketweave Slingback Wedges (old)

Pink Bib Necklace, Etsy ($10.50)

Good morning!  I am happy to report that my husband is still in town.  He will be heading to South Dakota on Sunday, so I’ll have him for the rest of the week.  However, if I’m looking a little stiff in this picture, I am. . .  I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of my cat vomiting and jumped up to move him to the bathroom (off our new carpet) and in the process I pulled a muscle in my back.  I can only move my head a radius of about 5 degrees before my back screams in pain.  It’s going to be a long day!

Today I’m wearing a LOFT Cap Sleeve Petal Print Dress, Size Small, that I bought on sale this spring.  I liked the bright print, but when I tried the dress on, it was shapeless and unflattering.  A belt made all the difference, although, it also made the dress a little shorter!  This is as short as I will go for work and I toned it down with sensible black wedges (Nine West Basketweave Wedges (old)) and not my bright pink platform wedges that would look really cute with this.  That would be a weekend outfit!  I paired the dress with a white leather belt (old) and Hot Pink Bib Necklace, that can be found here on Etsy for $10.50 and the aforementioned sensible shoes.  I’m just lucky that I was able to put on my shoes without my husband’s help.  Bending over is equally painful today!

Have a great day!  Thanks for stopping by!



BCBG Ruffle Sleeve Top and Ann Taylor Skirt with Piping

BCBG Ruffle Sleeve Top, (2012)

Ann Taylor Beige Skirt with Black Piping, Size 4 (2012)

Tiffany Black Onyx Bracelet (Gift)

Tiffany Silver Necklace (Gift)

Charles David shoes (old)

Hello!  I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!  Mine was very nice.  My mom took our daughter on Saturday to spend the night, so we just had one child, which is so much easier than two!  We went to a friend’s house for dinner and Grayson had a great time playing with their 19-month-old daughter.  We had a great time as well!  The rest of my weekend was spent shopping for bedding to convert my daughter's bed to a full size and on several projects for the same cause.  I wore sweat shorts yesterday while painting and my daughter kept telling me to change clothes.  I guess she didn't like my super casual outfit!

Now it’s back to work and in typical “Monday” fashion, my husband just sprang on me that he might have to go to South Dakota tomorrow morning for several days.  (Big sigh)  Oh well, I guess I should be glad that he was home this morning to take a picture for me.  Who knows what the rest of the week’s self photos will look like!  Today, I’m not wearing anything new, but I love my top and skirt, so I can live with that!  Plus, I can’t afford to wear new clothes all of the time, whether they’re on sale or not!  My top is from the BCBG Outlet.  The ruffle detailing on the sleeves make it feminine, but not over the top girly.  The slit in the front was a little too revealing for work, so I have a black cami underneath.  On the weekends, I wear the top without a cami, but obviously not to work.  The skirt is from Ann Taylor, Size 4, 2012 and the placement of the black piping provides a great slimming silhouette.  I paired my outfit with a Black Onyx Bracelet from Tiffany (a gift from my husband) Black Onyx Earrings and a Silver Necklace from Tiffany (another gift from my husband) and Charles David Black Strap Chunky Heels (old). 

I hope you have a great day!  Thanks for stopping by!    





Fuchsia for Summer Casual Friday!

Ann Taylor Fuchsia Eyelet Top, Size Small

Ann Taylor Denim A-line skirt with side zipper, Size 4 (2012)

Style&co. Pink Belt, Macy’s (currently on sale for $16.78)



Pink and Gold Earrings: www.Etsy.com

Jade and Gold Ring (old)

                                           



 

Franco Sarto “Roxanne” Wedges (here for $59.99)

Good morning and once again TGIF!  Sorry I didn’t post a picture yesterday.  I took the day off of work to spend with my daughter and my husband was out of town for the day on a business trip, so I didn’t get the chance.  We had a great day together and got to see Despicable Me 2 and do a dozen “fun for toddler” activities.  It was exhausting! ;-)

                                           

This morning, I was covered in children (okay, I only have two kids, but they wouldn’t leave my side/feet, etc.)!  My best accessory in this picture is my son, Grayson!  He just wanted to be held, so here he is, all dressed up his skull and crossbones swimsuit for water play at his daycare.  Aside from my adorable little guy, I am wearing an Ann Taylor Eyelet detailed top in Fuchsia, Size Small.  I bought this top earlier this season, but for the life of me I can’t remember if I found it at the outlet or in my local store.  I can’t find it on line, which makes me think it must have been the outlet.  It’s 100% cotton and light, so it’s perfect for summer!  I paired the top with an Ann Taylor denim A-line skirt with a side zipper from 2012, Size 4, and a pink Style&co. belt from Macy’s.  The belt came as a set of two, with a perforated gold belt as the other color and they are currently on sale here for $16.78.  I’d been searching for the right pink color belt for a while to match all of the bright pink and fuchsia currently in my wardrobe and I finally came across this one and it worked!  I decided to skip a necklace today and just wore a pair of bright pink and gold earrings from Etsy.com and a jade ring.  I was going to wear my jade ball bracelet and remembered that my daughter broke it and I have not re-strung it.  I really need to stop letting her play dress up with my jewelry!

I hope you have a great weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!



Loving my Banana Republic Color Block Key Hole Cutout top!

Banana Republic Contrast Cutout-Back Top, Size 6 ($24.99)

Ann Taylor Navy Pocket Skirt, Size 4 (2012)

Key hole back of top

Nine West Cutout Peep Toe Heels (Outlet for $29.98)

Good morning!  I am feeling well rested today.  Boy what a difference a good night of sleep makes!  I think I may have fallen asleep before my 3-year-old last night!  I saw her wandering out of her room a little after 9:00 last night, but when she saw our bedroom door close, she got back into bed, thank goodness!  I was tired all day yesterday, even my bright orange skirt wasn’t enough to make me wake up!

When I saw this top on the sale rack in Banana Republic, I liked the color blocking, but it looked a little plain.  Then I saw the key hole cut out in the back and I had to try it on!  I grabbed the Size 4 and 6, trying the Size 4 on first, but it was way too tight across the bust and the arm holes were too small.  Even the 6 doesn’t give a lot of wiggle room for your shoulders and arms. I loved the look of the top.  It was more fitted across my bust and looser in the waist, but this is probably because of my giant rib cage!  I loved the overall look and feel of the top and the back really won me over.  I bought the top on sale with an additional 30% off last month, but it can be found here for $24.99).  I decided to wear my Navy A-line Pocket Skirt from Ann Taylor, Size 4 (2012) and added a little color with my necklace yellow and lime green necklace (which can be seen in another outfit here).  I would normally wear my navy American Rag shoes with Navy, but I’ve worn them a lot lately and decided to switch things up with this pair of Nine West Cut Out Peep Toes Heels that I bought at the outlet earlier this season for $29.98 (buy one get one half off- my friend bought the same pair in a different color, so we bought them together to get the discount).  I couldn’t actually tell you the color of the shoes because they look gold in some light and platinum in a different light.  I think that’s why I liked them.  They are ambiguous and will match the color I’m wearing, at least that’s the hope! 

I hope everyone has a great day!  Thanks for stopping by!





Bright Orange LOFT Skirt to Wake Me Up!

Ann Taylor Multicolor Sleeveless Ruffle Top, Size Small (2012)

LOFT, Orange A-line skirt with pockets

Ann Taylor Exotic Leather Skinny Belt in Bright Tangelo, Size Small (on final sale here for $14.93)

Nine West Peep Toe Pumps (2012)

Gold Dipped Purple Agate Slice Necklace, Etsy (similar here for $30)

Good morning!  I had a hard time getting up for my run this morning and still felt tired afterward, so I thought a bright skirt would help wake me up (along with a big old cup of coffee. . .)  If nothing else, I’ll be sure to wake up those around me!  I found this orange A-line pocket skirt, Size 4, at Ann Taylor Loft in 2012.  It was probably one of the first bright articles of clothing that I’ve bought as an adult and it started the trend!  After my second pregnancy (and another 9 months of maternity clothes in drab colors designed to minimize my size), I did a 180 and wanted to inject color into my wardrobe.  I was so sick of wearing black, gray and brown, so I started buying more colorful pieces here and there.  Now when I look in my closet, it covers the spectrum of the rainbow and I love having so many bright, fun options.  I paired the skirt with a beige floral pattern ruffle top with purple and orange, that I found at Ann Taylor in 2012.  I think the main color of the shirt helps neutralize the ultra bright skirt.  The top has an elastic waist, so I emphasized it with the Exotic Leather Skinny Belt in Bright Tangelo from Ann Taylor, which can currently be found on final sale here for $14.93.  I accessorized with a Gold Dipped Agate Slice Necklace, which I found on Etsy.com; a similar necklace can be found here for $30.  Finally, I’m wearing a pair of Nine West Beige and Orange Peep Toe Pumps that I found at T.J. Maxx in 2012 after I bought the orange skirt.  I couldn’t believe that I found a pair of shoes by chance that matched my skirt so perfectly! 

What perfect pair of shoes or matching garment have you stumbled upon completely by accident?  Thanks for stopping by!



Milly Ribbon Bow Skirt and Ann Taylor Yellow Wrap Top

Ann Taylor Yellow Wrap Top, Size 6 (2012)

Milly Navy A-line Skirt with Ribbon Belt, Size 4 (old)

American Rag Shoes (2012)

Gold Branch Necklace, Etsy ($32)

Hello!  I hope everyone had a great weekend!  We spent a lot of time at the pool, although we did go out with a couple of my husband’s colleagues and their wives on Saturday night.  I wanted to get a picture of my “night on the town” outfit, but it’s always chaos right before the babysitter arrives and I didn’t get a chance.  We had a great time and I got to check out a bar/restaurant I’ve never been to before, so that was nice.  Jon (my husband) and usually get out once a month without the kids and that’s just not often enough to check out all of the cool new places here!

Anyway the weekend is over now and I’m back to work!  Today I’m wearing a Milly skirt, Size 4, that I found years ago in a boutique here in Richmond and I still love it!  It’s a simple navy A-line skirt, dressed up with a “belt” and green bow ribbon.  I love that you can change the color of the ribbon to go with different outfits.  I don’t know that I’ve ever changed the ribbon, but it’s nice to have the option.  I’m wearing an Ann Taylor bright Yellow Wrap Top with cuffed sleeves that I bought on sale last summer.  The brass detail on the top matches the brass rings on the belt of skirt, so that was a bonus for me.  I don’t like mixing metals on my outfits (although my watch is white gold and I do wear it with gold jewelry).  I didn’t need too much accessorizing today, since my top and skirt had a little hardware on them!  I paired my outfit with simple gold earrings, a Gold Branch Necklace from Etsy, which can be found here for $32 and my American Rag Navy Peep Toe Platforms, which are also shown in my July 11^th post here.   

 

Shorts to work! Ann Taylor multi color shell with knee length shorts

Ann Taylor Black Multi Color Pintuck Shell, Size 4 (2012)

Ann Taylor Knee Length Shorts, Size 4 (2012)

Gold Flower Statement Necklace, Piperlime.com ($32)

Madden Girl Platform Wedges in Mustard (2012)

Happy Friday!!!  I am so glad that the end of the week is finally here and I get my husband back tomorrow!  Of course the heat wave continues today, so I’m not so happy about that, but a cold front is coming through tomorrow that should bring the temperature back down to the normal oppressive heat and humidity for this time of year.  I’m so glad that I work somewhere with a “Summer Casual Dress Code.”  I took advantage of it once again today!  I’m wearing a black multi color shell with a pintucked neckline, Size 4, that I found at the Ann Taylor Factory Store in 2012.  The pintucking adds a stylish twist to what could have been a boring shell.  I love the kind of peacock colors in the top, blues, greens, yellows, purples and white blended in with the black.  I’m wearing a pair of knee length black cuff shorts, Size 4, from Ann Taylor 2012 and a yellow patent leather skinny belt, also from Ann Taylor Factory Store (2012).  I could have gone a couple of different routes with my accessories since the top had so many colors in it.  I chose yellow because it was the brightest color in the top (and I have yellow shoes) and the belt really stands out in the outfit.  The shoes are by Madden Girl, 2012 and I found the Gold Flower Statement necklace on Piperlime.com earlier this season for $32.  

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great weekend!



Keeping cool in BCBG Max and Cleo Dress!



BCBG “Max and Cleo” Dress, Size Medium (2012 or 2011)

Banana Republic 3” Brown and Black Weave Belt (Old)



Hush Puppies Renown T-strap Wedges in Green /Blue (I purchased on sale at Macy’s, but they can be found currently on sale here for $61.99)

Agate Slice Necklace, Leif (2012)

Good morning!  The heat wave continues, as does my husband’s long hours!  I will be so happy to have my photographer back on Monday! ;-)  I am really struggling with the self portraits, as is evident by the picture today.  My kids wanted to “help,” which didn’t make things any easier, but they are cutie pies. 

In general, I’m not a big fan of “stretchy” clothes, but I liked the print on this dress and it was a great price at the BCBG outlet (around $39) in either 2011 or 2012.  I’m usually a Size Small in BCBG, but for the Max and Cleo, I was a Size Medium.  When I wore this for the first time I was still on the fence about the fabric, but I received so many compliments, that I got over it.  It’s a super easy dress to throw on in a hurry.  I removed the skinny belt that came with the dress and replaced it with a belt from Banana Republic that I found years ago.  It’s a 3-inch wide brown leather weave, with black trim.  I think I spent $60 on it and I thought that was high, but I have been able to wear it for years, so I’m glad I spent the money on it!  I paired my outfit with Hush Puppies Renown T-strap Wedges in Green and Blue that were on sale at Macy’s earlier this season (they can also be found on sale here for $61.99.  This is my first pair of Hush Puppies; I kind of thought they were old lady shoes, but I love these!  The colors were perfect for all of the green and blue clothes I bought this season and they are very comfortable.  Finally, I accessorized with a gold plated Agate necklace by Leif and Agate earrings, from Etsy.    

What’s your favorite “hot weather” outfit?  Thanks for stopping by!  And stay cool

Pep in my step! Ann Taylor Peplum Top and not so high waisted skirt

Ann Taylor Watercolor Peplum Top, Size 4 (on sale for $34.99)

Ann Taylor Sateen High Waist Pencil Skirt, Size 4 (final sale for $29.93)

Silver Disk Necklace, Etsy ($49.99)

Good morning!  It is so humid and sticky here that my camera lens kept fogging up in the 10 seconds it took the self timer to go off, so today’s picture isn’t the best!  My husband is still working very long hours, which has forced me to get creative in taking pictures (imagine a step ladder and various props)!  I’m just glad I was able to get one non-foggy shot!

I have a happy hour tonight, so I wanted to wear something fun for that and appropriate for work.  Plus, it’s ridiculously hot and humid in Richmond (along with most of the East Coast), so I needed something light.  Not that it helped much, I could feel sweat trickling down my chest as I was getting my kids in their car seats!  Moving on, though. . .  I fell in love this Watercolor peplum top, Size 4, from Ann Taylor earlier this summer.  It fit TTS and the blues and greens in the print make it work with a variety of different color skirts/pants.  I was worried that the peplum wouldn’t work on my long torso, but the fit was great and the length was perfect!  The top can be found here and is currently listed on sale for $59.99 with an additional 40% off ($34.99). 

The Sateen High Waist Pencil Skirt is also from Ann Taylor.  I’m wearing a Size 4 and after wearing it for a few hours, I would say that it definitely runs big.  I didn’t even realize that it was a “high waist” skirt until I saw it on line!  The 4 sits well below my belly button.  If I realized that it was going to loosen up so much in just a few hours, I would have tried on the Size 2.  It has also wrinkled quite a bit. L  I think the color is great for summer and hopefully the dry cleaner will shrink it a little (and get the wrinkles out), so it’s a little more fitted.  I would definitely size down on this skirt.  Currently the skirt is on final sale and can be found here for $49.88, plus 40% off ($29.93).

I accessorized with a 46” Silver disk necklace, which can be found on Etsy, a blue and silver bracelet from Ann Taylor earlier this season, blue earrings and neutral leather sandals by Franco Sarto.

Have you ever regretted a purchase after it "grew" from wearing?   Thanks for stopping by!



Busy pants on a busy morning!

Ann Taylor Wraparound Waist Top, (2012) (Similar here for $41.99)

Ann Taylor Poetic Slim Cropped Pant, (Final Sale $34.92)

Jessica Simpson Shoes (2012)

Hello!  It has been another hectic morning of running around trying to get the kids ready and off to daycare by myself.  Fortunately it is “water play” day for my 3 ½-year old daughter and it is much easier to get her in a swim suit than regular clothes!  None the less, I am looking forward to having my husband working normal business hours again!  I managed to get us all ready and arrive to work on time.  I hope the rest of the week goes as smoothly.

Today I am wearing an Ann Taylor Wraparound Waist, Size 4, from 2012.  They have reincarnated the top for this season as well with a little change; the top comes in white with a black sash, pink with an orange sash and green with a blue sash.  The top is currently on sale for $41.99 and can be found here.  Once again, I love tops that tie at the waist, since it helps give my long torso an hourglass shape.  I would say the top runs a little big and can billow out some, but if you are better endowed than I am, it would probably fit TTS.  When I tried the Ann Taylor Poetic Slim Cropped Pant, on in the store, I was on the fence about them.  I liked the pattern, but I was worried that it was too busy/obnoxious.  I ended up getting them because I thought they were fun and all of my other capris were black or brown (boring!)  I opted for the black top to dull down or “tame” the outfit and I really it.  The pants fit great when I first put them on, but they definitely stretch out some throughout the day.  If you don’t want the “saggy butt look” (who does??) and are in between sizes, definitely go a size down for these.  Currently the pants are on final sale for $34.92 and can be found here.

I accessorized my outfit with simple jewelry, a Tiffany Black Onyx bracelet, which was a gift from my husband, black onyx ball earrings and a silver “O” necklace.  I’m wearing Jessica Simpson shoes from 2012.  I never thought I would wear Jessica Simpson anything, but I really liked these! 

Do you have a patterned piece that people either love or hate?  Thanks for stopping by!



Hot pink for another hot day!

LOFT Cut out Dress, Size Small (2012)

Franco Sarto “Roxanne” Shoes, $59.99

Pink Bib Necklace, Etsy ($10.50)

Good morning!  It’s a Monday morning and from the weather forecast this morning, it’s going to be all about keeping cool this week (heat index around 100 and higher)!  My husband is working long hours all week, so it will also be about quick and easy outfits!  This dress from LOFT (2012) fit the bill.  It’s a light fabric, also slightly sheer, so I needed to wear a slip and the cut out at the top makes it feel even cooler.  The dress comes with a sash in the same fabric, but I replaced it with a leather belt to dress it up a little for work.  I really wanted to wear a pink leather skinny belt with it to add a little more color, but the belt was too big for my natural waist, since I usually wear it much lower around my hips.  I accessorized with a bright pink necklace bib necklace from Etsy, which can be found here for $10.50, simple gold earrings and Franco Sarto “Roxanne” Suede/Patent Leather Platform Wedges in Fuscia.  I bought these on sale at Macy’s, but they can be found here for $59.99. 



Turquoise Chevron Dress. . . It's a mini!



Everly Turquoise Chevron Dress, Piperlime.com ($64)

It has been a long weekend!  Once again my husband had to work today, but not before we got to go to brunch with another couple.  I’ve had this dress for a few weeks and was excited to have an opportunity to wear it.  When I saw it on Piperlime.com, I thought it would be a cute dress for work, but when it arrived and I tried it on, it was abundantly clear that I would NOT be wearing this to work!  It was much shorter than I was expecting.  I loved the turquoise and the chevron print, so I decided to keep it, even though I haven’t worn a hem line this short since college! 

The dress is by Everly and I got the Size Small.  It fit nicely every where, but I would definitely not mind if it were a couple of inches longer!  As a frame of reference, I’m 5’8” the dress fell at least 4 inches above my knees.  I tried not to be self conscious in the dress, otherwise it’s not worth wearing, but I definitely made sure I sat down very carefully and found myself smoothing out the sides to make sure it didn’t ride up! 

I paired the dress with a mustard yellow platform wedge by Madden Girl and a Yellow and green necklace from the Shops at 5807 and yellow blown glass earrings.  Oh, I almost forgot, my favorite fashion accessory; my faux pony tail!  I call her "Audrey" and I love her!  I lost so much hair after having my son, that I finally bought a litte pony tail to wear on the weekends until my hair returns back to normal.   

 



Shorts for a day wrangling the little ones

BCBG Racer Back Top, (2012)

LOFT Cuffed Stretch Linen Shorts, Size 4 ($18 on sale in store)

Vince Camuto Horn Necklace ($26.99 at T.J. Maxx)





Racer back on BCBG top





Vince Camuto Horn Necklace

          

Good evening!  I usually take pictures in the morning, but my husband had to work today, so he took a couple of pics tonight, after a long day of me trying to keep my children entertained by myself on a rainy day!  So, if my shorts look wrinkled, that’s why.  Really, I think my outfit (and I) held up pretty well, considering! 

This top is from the BCBG outlet, 2012.  I liked the geometric print, but what really won me over was the racer back in the semi sheer back fabric.  The same fabric is used in the neckline and the hem, which you can’t see in this picture, since it’s tucked in.  I bought the Cuffed Stretch Linen Shorts from LOFT in store last week.  The shorts were reduced to $44.99 with an additional 60% off, so I got them for $18.  They are currently on sale on line here for $27.  The shorts have a 4 inch inseam, so they weren’t too short for a “mom” running around with children and the linen was great for yet another humid day here in Richmond.  I accessorized with this Vince Camuto Horn Necklace, which matched the mint in my top.  I found the necklace at T.J. Maxx for $26.99 earlier this summer, it retails for around $48 and can be found here.  I wore a simple pair of gold earrings and strappy black Nine West wedges.  I needed shoes that would be easy to chase my children around!;-)   

It's all about the necklace today!

Ann Taylor Mainsail Blue Seamed Shell, Size 6 ($38.49 on sale)

Ann Taylor Windsor Tweed Skirt, Size 4 ($41.92 on sale)

Purple and Blue Bib Necklace ($26.99)

Good morning and TGIF!!!  I usually dress down on Fridays, but I have a meeting today and didn’t want to be too casual.  Plus, I’ve been dying to wear this new necklace and this top and skirt worked with it.  I first saw this necklace at Banana Republic for around $79, which I thought was too expensive.  Low and behold, I was looking for statement piece necklaces on Etsy.com a few days later and came across an identical necklace for $26.99!   I was so excited and had to have it.  The only drawback was that it came from China, so it took 3 weeks to arrive, but once it did arrive, I was thrilled.  It’s made well and hasn’t snagged my top, which is a concern I have about these chunky necklaces.

It really was all about the necklace today, but I like the rest of my outfit too.  The top is from Ann Taylor (it seems like most of my wardrobe is from Ann Taylor these days).  I found the Mainsail Blue Seamed Shell in the store earlier this summer for around $30 on sale, but it can be found here on sale for $38.49.  It ran a little tight on me, so I bought the Size 6, which fits well.  I also found the Windsor Tweed skirt on sale in the store earlier this summer, which is currently on sale here for $41.92.  I bought the skirt in a Size 4 and it fits perfectly.  I don’t normally think of tweed as a summer fabric, but the skirt is light and doesn’t seem to retain heat, so it works for me!  As far as accessories, I already mentioned the necklace, which can be found here, I paired it with a simple pair of gold earrings, a blue patent leather skinny belt and Nine West Blue Leather Peep Toe Slingbacks with bow detailing.  

Have you ever based an outfit on a necklace or a fun pair of shoes?



Navy Made Fun! Ann Taylor Link Sleeveless Peplum Top

Ann Taylor Link Print Sleeveless Peplum Top, Size 4 (purchased on sale for $48.60)

Ann Taylor Navy A-line skirt with pockets, Size 4 (2012)

American Rag Shoes (2012)



Close up of print on top



Hello!  What a day I’ve had already!  I had to take my 17-month-old son in for allergy testing this morning and I forgot that I would be holding him for 20 minutes after the skin pricks and that they would give him a flavor ice pop to distract him while I tried to prevent him from touching his back.  Last time we both had streaks of red all over us from the cherry flavor icee.  I may not have worn this outfit if I had remembered the frozen ice pops, but I forgot and was quite nervous when they brought a green one to him today!  Fortunately my outfit made it through unscathed (unfortunately, my little guy wasn’t so lucky. . . he’s allergic to chocolate!  A world without chocolate??? Unimaginable!) 

Back to the positive, though. . . my top made it through without a drop of green, which is a good thing, because this was one of my purchases from Ann Taylor last week and I was wearing it for the first time.  The retail price for the top is $68 and it was one of the select styles on sale with 30% off last week, so I got it for $48.60.  The Link Print Sleeveless Peplum Top can be found on line here, where it is currently listed for full price.  When I tried this top on, I absolutely loved it!  The Size Small fit well and the shape of the color blocking print makes your waist appear to be tiny.  The print itself looks like a kind of geometric flower in navy and white with little orange circles.  And the peplum is subtle with the fabric draping nicely on the hips.  I think an orange skirt would work well with this top too but, I went with a navy A-line skirt with pockets from Ann Taylor, Size 4 (2012).  I may try orange next time or even white capris.  I did coordinate with the orange dots with my bracelet and earrings.  I also accessorized with a gold “twig” necklace and one of my favorite pairs of shoes, by American Rag.  I love the braided platform and heel and the white stitching on top.  And for as tall as these shoes are, they are surprisingly comfortable!