Keeping Cool in Fuchsia Halter and Seersucker



Banana Republic Fuchsia Pleated Wrap Top, Size 6 (closet)

Ann Taylor Seersucker Pencil Skirt, Size 4 (Factory Store 2012)



Gold Dipped Agate Slice Necklace (www.leifshop.com)  



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

Good morning!  My day got off to a relaxing start!  I waited until 6:00 to get up for my run since my children are home with my husband today and I wouldn’t have to get them ready/take them to daycare.  And I actually arrived at work before 8:30 this morning, which never happens!  It was so nice.  I heard from my husband a little while ago and his morning hasn’t gone quite as smoothly.  Apparently our daughter locked our son and him out of the house for ten minutes and just cried instead of unlocking the door.  He said he almost called me to come home, but Ava finally unlocked the door.  I can’t laugh, though, because I’m home with them tomorrow and there’s no telling what kind of toddler inspired atrocities await! 

Today I decided to keep my outfit light since it is ridiculously humid outside (94% when I ran this morning), so I am wearing a Fuchsia Halter”esque” top from Banana Republic, Size 6 (closet).  I wouldn’t call it a full halter because it has a back and I consider a real halter top to be backless (which I wouldn’t wear to work).  I paired the top with my Ann Taylor Seersucker Pencil Skirt, Size 4 (Factory Store, 2012) and accessorized with fuchsia and gold earrings, Etsy.com (seen in another outfit here), Gold Dipped Agate Slice Necklace (www.leifshop.com) and Franco Sarto “Roxanne” Wedges in Fuchsia (here for $59.99).

Well, wish me luck on my day “working from home” with the kids tomorrow!  Thanks for stopping by!

 



Polka Dots Make Everyone Happy!

Ann Taylor White Button Down Shirt, Size 4, (closet)

Ann Taylor Summer Dot Pink Stretch Cotton Pencil Skirt, Size 2 (Here for $38.93- final sale)

Pink Bubble Necklace, Etsy ($13.00)

Franco Sarto Neutral Strappy Sandals (closet)

Good morning!  Today is a bittersweet day for me.  I dropped my son off in the infant room of daycare for the very last time this morning.  I can’t believe that my baby boy is no longer a baby!  Both of my kids will be moving up to the next classroom after our vacation.  At least the cost of the daycare will go down a little! 

My daughter Ava’s classroom is holding their end of year party this afternoon and then I’m meeting a friend for a cocktail, so I needed to wear an outfit that I will not flash everyone in when I sit down in the tiny chairs, but still nice enough for an adult outing afterward.  I chose my Ann Taylor Pink Polka Dot Pencil Skirt, Size 2, which is currently on final sale here for $38.93.  If you are in between sizes, size down for this skirt.  It runs a little big.  Yesterday I wore an Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt in black in a Size 4 and it fit the same as this Size 2.  Last month I paired this skirt with a sheer top with a tie-neck (look can be found here).  This time, I decided to pair the skirt with a classic white button down cuffed sleeve shirt.  The shirt is from Ann Taylor, Size 4 (closet) and it’s one of my favorite button downs because the darting at the waist provides a slim fit.  I prefer a tailored look and hate when button downs billow out!  I accessorized with a white leather belt (closet), gold earrings, Pink Bubble Necklace (here on Etsy for $13) and neutral Franco Sarto Strappy Sandals (closet). 

Have a great day!  Thanks for stopping by!

 

Posh and Professional: Ann Taylor Keyhole neck top and Pencil Skirt

Ann Taylor Keyhole Top with Pintucking, Size 4 (closet)  

Ann Taylor Below the Knee Pencil Skirt, Size 4 (2013)

Vince Camuto “Horn” Necklace (T.J. Maxx, Summer 2013)

Nine West Peep Toe “Bow” Slingbacks (closet)

Good morning!  I hope everyone had a great weekend!  My weekend was very nice.  My husband and I had a date night on Saturday, which is always fun.  Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of my date night outfit.  I don’t know how it happens, but every time we are getting ready to go out, complete madness ensues at our house!  We also took the kids to the park for a picnic and made one of our last trips to the pool.  I’m back at work for a short week, since our daycare is closed on Thursday and Friday, my husband and I are taking turns working from home and then it’s off to the beach on Sunday for our annual family vacation!

Today I am in full professional mode, wearing an Ann Taylor Keyhole Top with Pintucking in blue, Size 4 (closet), with an Ann Taylor Below the Knee Pencil Skirt, Size 4 (2013).  I accessorized with a black leather belt (closet), Vince Camuto “Horn” Necklace (T.J. Maxx, Summer 2013), Gold and Blue earrings and Blue Nine West Peep Toe “Bow” Slingbacks (closet). 

I hope everyone’s week is off to a good start!  Thanks for stopping by!     

 

Farewell to "Shorts to Work" Fridays!



Ann Taylor Geometric Top, Size 4 (Factory Store, 2012)

Ann Taylor Knee Length Black Shorts, Size 4 (closet)

Nine West Strappy Black Sandals (closet)



Hello!  What a week it’s been!  I can’t believe it is Friday and this is the first time all week that I’ve had a chance to post a blog!  It has been pure chaos lately between work, after work activities and oh, the plumbing disaster courtesy of my well intentioned husband.  What was supposed to be an easy fix to a leaky shower turned into a big mess requiring an emergency plumber and a drywall contractor!  When my husband said he needed a blow torch for the project, that should have been my first indicator that this was beyond his realm of expertise!  Oh well, live and learn! 

Today, I am enjoying shorts at work for the last time this year!  Next Friday I will be home with the kids before vacation and when I return, summer casual will be over. (sigh)  I am wearing my Ann Taylor Knee Length Cuffed Black Shorts, Size 4 (2012) and an Ann Taylor Sleeveless Geometric Top with a Mini Cowl Neck with lots of bright colors.  I accessorized with coral leather belt (Ann Taylor Summer 2013), a simple gold necklace, orange earrings and an orange and gold chunky bracelet.  My black strappy sandals with braided heels are by Nine West (closet).

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  My husband and I have a date night tomorrow, so I will try to post a pic of my “Night on the Town” outfit!  Thanks for stopping by!     

 

Banana Republic Bright Pink Tweed Blazer With Navy Capri Pants



Banana Republic Bright Pink Tweed One Button Blazer with Seersucker Lined Sleeves, Size 6 (bought on sale in store for $35 this summer)

BCBG Navy Capri Pants, Size 6 (closet)



Pink Bubble Necklace, Etsy ($13.00)

Rag and Bone Navy Braided Platform Heels (2012)

Good morning!  It has been a crazy day and it’s only 10:00 am!  My husband is sick, so I’m pulling double duty at home, plus it’s a coworker’s birthday, so I made cupcakes this morning to bring in for my team and I am wearing a new jacket today, since we are getting brief reprieve from the heat, so I had to get pictures!  I don’t know why my camera does such an awful job when I use the self timer.  I’m always blurry!  Oh well, I’m sure my husband will be feeling better soon (I hope) and I will get normal pics again.

As I already mentioned, the weather has actually been brisk the past two mornings.  It was 58 degrees when I went for my run this morning and it felt like heaven!  No heat, no humidity, so I wasn’t gasping for air or completely drenched in sweat from a 4 mile run!  Looks like we get a few more days of the cooler weather before the temperature spikes again.  I’ll take it!  Since it is cooler today, I finally got to wear this Bright Pink Tweed One Button Blazer that I bought on sale at Banana Republic in June (size 6, $35).  The tops of the pockets are navy and the lining of the sleeves are seersucker.  The jacket is cut a little tight, so if you are able to find it, definitely size up if you are on the fence about sizing.  I paired the jacket with BCBG Navy Capri, Size 6 (closet), Bright Pink Bib Necklace (here for $13), gold earrings and my favorite summer shoes, Rag and Bone Navy Braided Platform Heels (2012).

Thanks for stopping by!

 

"Pretty in Polka" Polish and Polka Dot Dress




Ann Taylor Sleeveless Navy Dress with Polka Dots, Size 4 (Ann Taylor Factory Store 2012)

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

American Rag Shoes (2012)

 

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



Maybeline Color Show Polka Dots Nail Polish in

Pretty in Polka



American Rag Shoes (2012)



Hello!  I hope everyone had a great weekend!  We managed to get in two trips to the pool, dinner with friends and an outing to the Watermelon Festival!  It was a busy weekend!  My arm is still sore from carrying my little guy while pushing my daughter in the stroller (that was meant for my little guy) at the festival.  I missed blogging yesterday, but I was wearing a repeat outfit (from July 16). 

Today, I’m wearing an Ann Taylor Sleeveless Navy Dress with Polka Dots, Size 4, that I found at the Factory Store in 2012.  The fabric of this dress is so light that it’s perfect for the sweltering heat and humidity that is once again plaguing Richmond.  Have I mentioned that I’m ready for Fall?  I really am!  I removed the fabric belt that came with the dress and replaced it with my Skinny Yellow Patent Leather Belt (also from the Ann Taylor Factory Store 2012), Sabine Gold and Yellow Flower Necklace (here for $32) yellow glass ball earrings and Rag and Bone Navy and White Braided Platform Heels. 

Oh, I also have to mention the nail polish I have on my toes.  . . I read about Maybeline Color Show Polka Dots Nail Polish on line and thought it looked fun, much more fun than my usual choices, so I bought two.  Ulta has them here, buy one, get one 50% off, so I bought the Drops of Jade for me and the Pretty in Polka for my daughter.  The green was a lot of fun for a weekend out, but not something I would wear to work.  I painted my daughter’s nails in the Pretty in Polka on Sunday and decided that I would paint my toes in the color as well.  It adds a little bit of sparkle/bling to my pedicure!    

           

Feeling like a "Lioness" Today!

Ann Taylor Purple Print Top, Size 4 (Outlet 2013)

Ann Taylor Khaki Knee Length Shorts, Size 4 (2012)

Born B.O.C. T-strap Wedges in Neutral (DSW 2013)

Ah, it’s Friday once again and I am looking forward to having a weekend to recharge!  With only a few more weekends until Labor Day, I’m planning to hit the pool with the kids and hopefully make it to the Carytown Watermelon Festival (if it’s not scorching outside).  Also looking forward to dinner with friends!

Today, I’m once again sporting shorts to work.  I might as well enjoy the opportunity to wear shorts while I can!  My khaki knee length shorts are from Ann Taylor, 2012, size 4, and I paired it with what I refer to as my “Lioness” top.  The ruffle around the neckline kind of reminds me of a lion’s mane, but not in an over the top kind of way.  I found this Sleeveless Purple Print Top, Size 4 at the Ann Taylor Factory Store earlier this season.  I didn’t have any purple and it’s my daughter’s favorite color, so how could I resist?  Because of the busy neckline, I decided to skip a necklace and wear a simple Tiffany Lock bracelet (Gift) and Silver and Quartz drop Earrings.  For shoes, I’m wearing T-strap wedges by Born B.O.C. that I found at my local DSW store this season.  These shoes are so comfortable and cute and since they are neutral, I can pair them with just about anything!

Have a great weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!

 

Battling the heat with Silk Houndstooth



Banana Republic Silk Houndstooth Top, Size Small (old)

Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt with Zipper Pockets, Size 4 (2012)

Style&co. Pink Belt, Macy’s (currently on sale for $11.99!!!)



Jessica Simpson Black Strappy Heels with Bow Detail (2012)

Earrings from Etsy.com

Good morning!  It is so humid this morning and is only going to get worse, so bring on the big hair!  I’ve got my pony tail holder ready!  It’s usually at this point in the summer that I have had enough of the heat and humidity and am ready for crisp fall weather.  I am dreaming about new fall clothes: chunky sweaters, boots, jeans, jackets and more.  Alas, we still have about 6 weeks of summer weather, so I’ll put aside my daydreams of apple picking in a cute flat boots and a light coat for now. . .

Today, I’m wearing a super bright fuchsia and cranberry Silk Houndstooth Top from Banana Republic, Size Small.  I found this top several years ago and I remember looking at it and wondering if it was hideous or adorable.  Since I’m still wearing it, I guess you know the answer I came up with!  I think the cowl neck and puff sleeve add a little sophistication to the top, which in my mind made it less tacky and more “fun, but professional.”  I paired the top with a black Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt with zipper pockets, Size 4 (2012) to help bring the visual “noise level” down a bit.  I did throw in a little more fuchsia with my belt (which can be found here for only $11.99) and earrings, but decided that black shoes would work better than my fuchsia Franco Sarto Platforms (shown here).  Instead I’m wearing my Jessica Simpson Strappy Black Heels with Bow detail.

What’s your favorite “loud” article of clothing?  Thanks for stopping by!



Feeling Feminine in Banana Republic Silk Skirt

BCBG Button Down Tie Front Top, Size Small (Outlet 2012)

Banana Republic Pleated Silk Skirt, Size 4 (old)

Ann Taylor Green Leather Skinny Belt

Tie detail on BCBG top

Circa Joan & David Basketweave Brown Leather Shoes (old)

Good morning!  The sun is shining, my husband is back in town and my daughter got dressed without a fight this morning, so all is right with my world again!  And I got to go for a run this morning, so I’m happy!   

I didn’t realize how much my top was untucked and billowing out until I got to work and saw the picture.  I’ve since tucked it back in, so it’s not quite so voluminous!  This is a BCBG Tie Front Top, Size Small that I bought at the outlet in 2012.  It’s shown in another outfit here.  I love that this top is so versatile; I wear it under dresses, with blazers and by itself.  It is very sheer, so I have to wear a cami under it when I wear it as my main top.  The top is really long in the back and shorter in the front and would also look cute with skinny jeans, but I’ve never worn it that way before.  Too hot for jeans right now!  My Pleated Silk Skirt is from Banana Republic, Size 4 and it’s at least two years old.  It’s a departure from my usual M.O. of pencil skirts.  But I loved the colors and geometric print and the skirt is soft and feminine without being too girly.  I do worry about wearing silk, especially when my sticky finger children are chasing me around in the morning!  I accessorized with an Army Green Leather Skinny Belt from Ann Taylor, chunky dark green Jade earrings and Circa Joan & David Basketweave Brown Leather Shoes.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!



Feeling Peppy in my Preppy Rugby inspired Top

LOFT Striped Top, Size Small (2012)

LOFT Black Pencil Skirt, Size 4 (2012)

 

Pim+Larkin Blue Cabochon Necklace, Piperlime.com (here for $38)



Jessica Simpson Black Strappy Heels with Bow Detail (2012)

Hello!  It is a yucky, rainy day here in Richmond, but I am feeling peppy in my preppy wide-stripe top.  Maybe I’m just feeling peppy because my husband is coming home from South Dakota tonight and I’ve missed him.  Plus, it’s always nice to have man-on-man coverage with the kids! 

Today I’m wearing a LOFT Black and Green Stripe Top, Size Small (2012) with a LOFT Black Pencil Skirt, Size 4 (2012).  This is one of those “trick” tops.  It tricks you (or at least it tricked me) because you think it’s black, but then it’s really navy or vice versa.  I was on the fence about what color this top was and I decided on “Soft Black.”  It definitely seems to match black better than navy, but it’s not a true dark black.  Either way, I like the rugby inspired look and hope don’t think the wide stripes make me look wider, but maybe they do???  I like the mix of a preppy shirt with a sophisticated skirt. I think it’s a fun, but professional look for work.  I accessorized with a bold Blue and Green Cabochon Necklace by Pim+Larkin, which can be found on Piperlime.com (here for $38), simple gold earrings and Jessica Simpson Black Strappy Heels with Bow detail (2012).    

Have you ever bought clothes, thinking they were one color only to realize it was a different color?  Thanks for stopping by!





Orange is my new black! Vince Camuto Coral Floral Dress

Vince Camuto Coral Floral dress, Size 8 (Gilt.com 2012)

Gold Disc Chain Necklace (here on Etsy for $38)




Nine West Beige and Orange Pumps (2012)

 

Wow, what a day!  It has been crazy busy and didn’t get off to a great start.  My husband is in Sioux Falls, SD and this morning my 3 ½-year-old was acting like, well like a 3 ½-year-old!  She is as concerned about her outfits as I am, however we have very different ideas about what she should wear!  Hopefully tomorrow morning will go more smoothly (it really couldn’t go any worse)!  It's much later than I usually post and I'm actually watching and loving every minute of "Orange is the new Black" on Netflix and it made me think of all the orange in my wardrobe right now.  It's definitely my new black! 

On to my outfit. . . Today I am wearing a Vince Camuto Coral/Orange Dress with a silver and dark grey floral print.  The left shoulder and left side of the waist have ruching, which adds nice detail and the back has an exposed zipper.  I bought the dress on either Gilt.com last summer in a Size 8.  It’s a little big on my upper body, but fits nicely on my lower half.  I still hadn’t lost all of my baby weight last summer, so I think the dress is a little looser on me now than when I bought it.  This is my first article of Vince Camuto clothing (probably not my last).  I do love his shoes!  I paired the dress with a long gold disc chain necklace (which can be found here on Etsy for $38), orange and gold bracelet, brown leather belt and Nine West Beige and Orange Pumps.   

Thanks for stopping by!      

A spot of orange on a blah day!



Ann Taylor Pleated Blurry Polka Dot Top, Size 4 (Summer 2013 outlet)

LOFT Black Linen Skirt with Sash (not shown), Size 4, (old)

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

Orange/Peach Flower Necklace, www.piperlime.com (2013)

Orange and Peach Bracelet, www.piperlime.com (2013)



Flower necklace from www.piperlime.com

Print on Top



Jessica Simpson Black Strappy Heels with Bow Detail (2012)



Good morning!  It’s a rainy day here in Richmond and it was all down hill for my hair after this picture was taken!  I got to work looking like a frizz puff!  I just love what rain and humidity do to my naturally curly hair.  Oh well. . .

Today I’m wearing an Ann Taylor Top Pleated Top (Size 4) with what I would describe as a blurry polka dot pattern. I found this top at the Ann Taylor Factory Store earlier this summer.  I think I bought it on sale for around $30.  The pattern won me over since it has orange, black and a yellowish green in it, which works with my bright orange (shown here in another outfit) and of course with black.  I wore my orange skirt recently, so I decided to go with the LOFT Black Linen Skirt with Sash, Size 4 (old) today.  I removed the sash and added a little more orange to the mix with an Ann Taylor Exotic Leather Skinny Belt in Bright Tangelo, Size Small (on final sale here for $14.93), Peachy/Orange Flower Necklace Orange and Peach Bracelet  and Orange “Bird” Earrings (all three items purchased from www.piperlime.com earlier this season).  The black strappy shoes are by Jessica Simpson (2012) and add a little edge to what might otherwise be a “sweet” looking outfit.

Have a great day!  Thanks for stopping by!