Dog Days

Dress: Anthropologie Maeve Slate Shifts (worn here and here before)
Sweater: J. Crew lightweight cardigan (worn here before)
Belt: Anthropologie City Safari (worn here, here and here before)
Shoes: Indigo by Clarks Edamame (worn here, here and here before)

Just like the rest of you gals, for the past few weeks I had been slowly compiling together my fall wishlist and going on the search for my coveted items. My list has been mercifully short, and two of the items that I thought would be great additions to my current wardrobe had been a pair of casual flat brown boots and black booties.

The brown boots had been difficult - after many weeks of searching and whining and then having purchased (and then returned) three different pairs of brown boots (why do things just look better when you're trying them on in-store?), I finally found my pair about two weeks ago. I haven't worn them yet - um, when is fall finally going to show itself in the SE? - but I am so excited about them. The shaft on these is kind of also too tall for a shortie like me, but the leather is so soft that it doesn't matter (bed stü Bullet).

As for my black booties, these were luckily almost a no brainer since I'm a big fan of Vince Camuto (and if you buy shoes direct from their site, shipping is free, there's no tax and they often have 20% off deals). These will sure-to-be another workhorse for fall (Vince Camuto Bronco) - now if the darn weather in the SE would just go ahead and get fall-like! What is up with these 90 degree+ days in late September?!

To top off my fall shopping, I'd love to get a cozy wool jacket in a gorgeous jewel tone. J. Crew used to be the master of the colorful fall tweed but so far they aren't offering any this year (disappointing, JC!). But a recent perusal through Old Navy online recently did had me stumble upon this cousin to JC's previously highly sought-after Bella blazer (which also comes in petite and tall sizing ... tempting!):

Old Navy Ruffle-Collar jacket ($69.50)

What's been your favorite purchase of the fall so far? What are the next big items on your wish list?

Hot Mess Trench

I wrote a long whole post earlier today imploring you gals for some help to determine which pair of brown buckly boots I deperately need to purchase now for the fall. Lucky for you gals, I then erased everything when a peek into my closet revealed to me that short of an inch difference in heel height, I already have the exact type of boots I was pining for. So three days of Internet stalking aside, my shopping emergency had adverted - but why doesn't that make me feel better? I still really want a pair of casual brown boots (that I already own, sigh). Is it because fashion blogging is inadvertantly turning me into this girl:

Cute movie, btw, but am I the only one who found it disappointing?

In lieu of an OOTD post due to some general grumpiness, I give you instead a Hot Mess Alert! Thought these pics would just be funny to share. I have also been on the lookout forever for a nice looking trenchy-raincoat that is actually waterproof (so that's big no-no to all you really nice-looking but cotton trench fakers).

And this time, I actually don't already own one, so last week I finally bit on the Lands' End SunShower Swing Coat - and even though it wasn't the trench of my dreams, I thought it was cute, have been impressed so far with the Canvas line and their overall quality, and for the sale price plus an additional 20% off and FS, it was CHEAP.

So see how cute it looks on the invisible mannequin? And I dig a big pop-able collar.

I ordered the smallest size available (in petites too!) because the regular Lands' End line runs a bit large. And this is what I got:

I couldn't even muster up a smile for the camera. All I could think of was "oompa loompa doompadee doo ..."

Well, back to the drawing board. So short of forking over a small fortune I don't have for a Burberry trench, do you ladies have any recs for some nice-looking raingear?

Leifsdottir and Neiman

Chloe posted about this first - Neiman Marcus (I sometimes lovingly refer to them as "Needless Markups") is having a big last call sale right now with free shipping, no minimum on orders placed in the continental US with code "SHIPNM." Expires July 19.

Amongst the goodies are some of Leifsdottir's older offerings, which may interest you if you've missed them on sale at Anthro. As a bonus, it looks like Leifsdottir has also finally updated their sale site - so you may need to compare pricing at both sites (and figure in Neiman's current free ship offer):

Acadiana Ruffle Skirt (wasn't I just whining about this skirt?)

$99 at Leifsdottir or $132 at Neiman

Bougainvillea Tank

$105 at Leifsdottir or $99 at Neiman

Elysian Silk Dress
$190 at Leifsdottir or $253 at Neiman

I recommend you check both sites out if you're on the prowl for some Leifsdottir goodies - Neiman has some stuff that is now sold out (like the Harlequin dress for $116 or Medallion print dress for $129 - can't remember their Anthro-equivalent names), plus their current shoe sale is ridiculous! And Leifsdottir has some beauties on sale that were never sold at Anthro (like the gorgeous Jubilant blouse for $100 or the Mantelet cardigan for $140).

Leifsdottir has always been a little too rich for my wallet, but that Jubilant skirt is calling my name ...

Ruffled Peonies Seeing the Light of Day

Dinner tonight and one more meeting tomorrow before it is homeward bound for me. Though I love what I do for work and have had a satisfying week, there's nothing like going home for some "veg time." I  already have a date set with the BF to cuddle on the couch watching Netflix movies and chomping on takeout pizza from The Vintage. In my pajama bottoms and a soft slubby tee. With my stuffed sheep named Sheep.

What do you look forward to when you've been away from home for a while?

Sweater: J. Crew Sunshine Peony cardigan
Top: J. Crew Evie silk ruffled
Trousers: The Limited
Shoes: Sofft Vivian
Belt: Target

On another note, if you liked the idea of the Time Gone By Dress by Maeve but wanted something with more modern styling, check this out:

Ann Taylor Loft piped silk dress

Hello - LOVE!

Note to Self

Dear World's Worst Packer Ever,

Thanks for checking the weather before leaving for Amsterdam and noticing that all the forecasts said it would rain all week, yet still deciding not to bring an umbrella or raingear of any kind. It's that conscious effort to thwart Mother Nature that makes the daily soggy walks to and from the convention center - because no taxis could be had and my hotel is located in an area of town with nothing - especially memorable.

And thanks for deciding to bring two new pairs of shoes to "try out" at an event where you already know there would be a ton of walking. Kitten heels and 3+ inch wedges are not made for dragging around computer bags whilst balancing on cobblestoned streets.

I appreciate all the effort you made to seem like this is your first trip out of your house ever, and hope you come to your senses next week in sunny, hot Florida.

Sincerely Yours,
Self

Sorry for not posting for what feels like forever! I'm so behind on the bloggedy-blogs. Good news for me, my last meeting got cancelled and I got an additional day back, which means it makes sense for me to be able to fly home for the weekend before heading out again!

I'll be back this weekend with some outfit posts and hopefully some creative business casual outfiting for next week - thank you ladies for your patience!

Randomness: Hello, Anthropologie Aniseed Skirt as a dress -

Art Opening Party Dress

Playa de Lunares

The weather here in NYC the last few days has been "blah" to say the least. Not to mention I had a brief bout of head cold yesterday (or was it my first migraine? Well whatever it is where your sinuses feel like they're going to explode and your head hurts so bad you feel slightly nauseated and can only jab at your dinner and then go to bed before it was completely dark outside so you missed watching the new episode of The City - whatever that is, I had).

I feel a ton better today but unfortunately the weather is kind of iffy, so I thought I'd post a "fantasy" OOTD (what I'd be wearing if the weather would cooperate and if I wasn't carless and stuck working). This outfit is comprised from a bunch of recent purchases - those white shoes I'm still kind of scratching my head about and items purchased from the J. Crew Aficionada b-day discount:

Dress: J. Crew dotted Playa
Jacket: Banan Republic cotton sateen moto
Belt: J. Crew skinny croc embossed
Shoes: Vince Camuto ballet flats
Necklace: J. Crew Crystal Web

And remember me mentioning that I was Anthro'd out - oh say ... yesterday? Well I still am (or was) before I saw this:

Knotted Satchel - $78

Soooo pretty. And pretty affordable in Anthro-world. But I don't know, I kind of think it's a little too "sweet" (at least for me). And though it looks like a cute little crossbody purse, I think it is borderline messenger bag size (11" x 14"), which means you'd essentially be hauling around a massive bow. You gals likey?

This Has Got To Stop

I don't know what it is about Spring 2010, but it seems like all the retailers are going full speed ahead with coming out with really gorgeous clothes this year, moreso than in previous years. Have I just been living in a barrel or do you ladies feel the same way? My wallet has been killed so far this year.

My personal wish list has gotten increasingly long, especially with very recent new releases from the Urban/Anthro family of stores. I die for all the gorgeous, flowy, feminine pieces of Anthropologie and swoon over the edgier/younger looks of Urban Outfitters.

In lieu of an OOTD (because I'm traveling this week on another biz trip and can't be as lively in bloggee land as I'd like - sorry blogland friends!), here are some of the new pieces that have me drooling and my credit cards quaking with fear of more wallet rash:

Imelda Cardigan ($98)

Holy cow - the colors, the print, ooh la la ...

Lanai Breezes Shift ($188)

With this, you need nothing more than a straw hat, sunglasses and a pair of flip flops.
(And maybe about $100 slashed off its price, but that's neither here nor there ...)

Deeply Rooted Henley ($58)

How can you not love a top with beets on it?

I actually do love beets - to eat. Pickled ones too.

Punalu'u Beach Cardigan ($128)

Ooh, sparkly things.

Layered Lightness Tank ($58)

Something about a hole in the head and needing more tiered ruffly things ...

which I think means I need this. 

Qiana Skirt ($58)

There are a million of these type of skirts out this spring, but the slightly shiny fabric,

the bold blue, the fullish shape ... sigh.

Kimchi Ruched Blue Ruched Sleeve Pointelle Cardigan ($48)

What a pretty summery light-weight cardi. I'm a sucker for a shawl collar.

Sparkle & Fade Metal Detail Leggings ($58)

I don't even wear leggings, really, but that stud detail makes me wish I had this model's legs ...

Jeffrey Campbell Kitty Skimmer ($98)

I have no idea why I like these and probably would never wear them but I want them.

If you haven't had a chance to yet, check out Chloe's shopping dedicated blog here. Her site is a great resources for discount codes and updates on sales. I found this code for 10% off your next Urban online order with code "UOUOUO." Expires May 15.

Urban also offers free shipping (no code) for orders over $150. And check out their sale selection - always tons of great to deals to be found.

Geek in the Pink (and a Wee Bit of Miss Trish)

BF and I have been on a late '90s/early '00s music kick lately and have spent endless hours with the tunes of Counting Crows, Vanessa Carlton, Jazon Mraz, Gavin DeGraw, Lifehouse, Dave Matthews and even a little  Hootie blazing through our house as background. Is it bad to think that music was more meaningful and better back then? Granted, if you ask the BF, he thinks the best music was from the '60s.

If you ever doubted if I was a geek. Not that you ever doubted.

Shirt: Lands' End Canvas gingham poplin (worn here before)
Skirt: Ann Taylor cotton
Belt: Anthropologie Infinity
Shoes: Sofft Vivian patent leather slingbacks
Necklace: Anthropologie Double Torsade (worn here before)

And have I been living under a pumpkin? How did I miss out on the release of the new Miss Trish of Capri footwear line for Target? Well, I did miss out on her line last year because I was then not yet up-to-speed on the greatness of Target designer collaborations, but apparently she's got a new kids and womens line out. I can only find the kids line on Target's site now, but here is some more info from Target Addict and pics of some the awesome shoes from Target's pressroom and IRL ones from Dogmom's Dish.

Lastly, for of us who missed out on the Stormy Seas necklace from Anthro and don't want to pay $80 on Ebay (Really? Really?), it looks like F21 has restocked their homage necklace, the pear-shaped collar necklace for a whopping $8.80.

Have a lovely weekend, ladies!

I Think I "Love" You

First off, thanks for all your comments yesterday about great places to find jeans, dresses, etc. I've got some fun searching to do!

Secondly, I think I may have finally found THE perfect black sandals for me. I think they are simple and subtle (half-snort), but have got that perfect ounce of badass I was looking for. Granted, they may very likely kill my feet, but at least I'll be average height in them! (And since they will be the only pair of black sandals I own, I think I will get tons of wear out of them - and they'll go perfect with my chicken butt white legs). So they'll be the only pair I'll ever need - right, self?

Seychelles Gypsy

Now as I've never purchased Seychelles shoes before, do you lovely ladies out there have any idea on their fit? I am usually a 7.5 in most shoes, except J. Crew, which I am an 8 in most of their styles. I heard that Seychelles may run a half size small - is that right?

And here's my OOTD. BF thinks I've been looking through too many J. Crew catalogs and am taking inspiration from the wrong places. I'm not 100% about my look today either, but at least I'm not trying to rock two necklaces, ankle socks, three belts and a partridge in a pear tree with this look!

I'm kind of "meh" about the pants. They are not doing my thighs any favors today.

But I love the color and they are so comfy ...

(Yes, I know I've got the crazy hair going on too).

Cardigan: J. Crew Sunshine Peony (worn here before - no longer online, available on sale in stores)
Top: J. Crew milliner tee (available in stores - $10 off all graphic tees)
Pants: Lands' End Modern sanded poplin cargo
Shoes: Mossimo wedges from Target (worn here before)

On a Specific Hunt ...

I've unsuccessfully been trying to be good with my budgeting for spring/summer attire. I've recently told myself that I have plenty of clothes (which is completely true, especially stripes) and I really need to just concentrate on items to help me finish outfits with.

So in light of my recent spree, I put together a list of items I can purchase. Which means I can only purchase these types of items moving forward indefinitely (got it, self?!):

1. Black sandals (badass ones I can wear almost every day and still be super-comfy in)
2. Necklaces
3. Belts (but only life-changing great ones)
4. Day dresses (I'm a recent convert to the ease of dresses so I only have a handful and most of them are blue)
5. Cropped dark skinny jeans (I blame Rosa for looking so darn good in hers that I am trying to recreate her whole outfit and keeping fingers crossed that I will even look 1/10th as good)

I'm never good with trying to limit myself but I need to be better because the economy is still not awesome and money does not grow on trees (this is me trying to adult-supervise myself). Hopefully my personal rules will keep me from at least buying things I don't need (that means you, J. Crew graphic tees).

And I know that list still leaves the fields wide open to interpretation, so I have some questions for you lovely ladies out there -

• Where do you find adorable/affordable day dresses?
• Who do you think has the best skinny jeans out there for the not-super-skinny-leggy people?
• Where do you go to buy great-looking, yet not bank-breaking jewelry - specifically not too over-the-top statement necklaces?

By the by, here's a pic of shoes I DO NOT need but desparately want (and only in this color too):

Coach Karolina Heels

I saw them on Jessica from What I Wore and am now "dying" for them.

And my super-duper casual OOTD for some light box hauling and a multitude of errand running:

Top: J. Crew cotton Odessa tunic

Tank: Gap Body

Shorts: J. Crew chino 5" inseam

Shoes: Clarks Herring ballet flats

Monochromatic Wannabe

Another oldie but goodie Anthropologie dress. Another gorgeous item I kind of liked when I first saw but never bit the bullet because I didn't know what to wear with it. Another beauteous piece I now totally regret not getting after seeing the likes of Amy from kelinda.KELINDA rock it around the block here and here.

Good thing fashion likes to recycle and retailers like to take inspiration from Anthro so I can have another go. It's not the same thing but kills the craving ...

The original - Anthropologie Monochromatic Corset Dress (drool ...)

Jodi Kristopher Striped Poplin Dress ($69)

A pseudo-twin with a pop of red for the belt.

Urban Renewal Striped Fit & Flare Dress ($48)

A more casual knit version.

Calvin Klein Striped Dress ($99)

A more open neckline and sundress-y feel.

Baja Dress ($62)

Another knit version with cap sleeves. Also comes in red (called Circo Dress).

And yay, I've got 25 followers! I know that shouldn't be a big deal, but it is for me. Thank you all for sticking it out with me. Look out for a giveaway in the next few days - I've got some shopping to do first!