On Being Stylish...

It is hard to put together the perfect outfit that will take you from running errands, coffee with the girls, picking up kids, running around the neighborhood after school, then running to different practices. Now, some would say, “Just wear sweats or workout clothes.” No, I don’t think so. I feel too sloppy and not put together. So, I begin my new school year (now that the kids are settled and we are more on autopilot) in search of highly functional clothing and accessories that fill my needs perfectly. They can’t be too dressy (no fancy fabrics or high heels), but they must look polished, but I refuse to be uncomfortable. When you try to do it, it can be tricky!!! Ann Taylor Loft used to be a go to place to find things, but with all the synthetic fibers, I just can’t take it!!!!

Here is an example of an outfit which would take me through a busy day:
Okay here is my point…I can’t find any looks!!! Then coupled with needing a petite size and wanting natural fibers, this may prove to be impossible! But I will try.

Oh, I did find this coat at Old Navy in leopard print in the petite size:

Old Navy Leopard Coat

Yes, it does have some synthetic fibers, but I am more lenient with a coat, a cheap coat. I just want a cool leopard print!! The thing about coats is that they can smarten up an outfit quickly without a lot of effort. On days I just can’t pull it all together, I just need to throw on some kind of pant/jean and top it with this coat. Bam! Instant cute. We’ll see how it looks. I got it with a 40% off code, so it wasn’t pricy at all. I’ll keep you in the loop.

Been A Bit Uninspired...

So there has been a marked absence…things got a bit busy and frankly, this time of year can be a bit uninspiring to me. Still a bit too warm for true fall things, but at the same time, I am pretty sick of my summer wardrobe. I did put this together for work the other day…

A Bit Uninspired

It is a cream (very old tank…just a cotton/silk blend from Ann Taylor…no synthetics) shell paired with a newish skirt from Ann Taylor. It’s called the Asymmetrical Ponte Skirt with Leather Zipper Pull. I bought this in the 4, in store, and it is already on sale. Things just aren’t moving at Ann Taylor. Take some time and check out some of the good deals in store and online. I am waiting for another percentage off sale items to pick up a cute dress in store…The rest of the outfit is the red Ann Taylor belt being currently offered at Nine West. I love these shoes, especially for working retail, but I did have to size up to a 7.5. The jewelry is some fun bangles from both Ann Taylor Loft and Ann Taylor.

Ann Taylor and Loft Bangles

I am really liking the plainer version offered by Loft as well as the animal printed larger bracelet from Ann Taylor. They are fun to wear and are an easy way to perk up an outfit.
I am planning on getting back on course now that the kids are settling in and I am getting my time organized better. I’ll be back soon!

We Have A Winner!

In-between getting the kids stuff for school (if they didn’t grow, this would be A LOT less expensive), I was able to located a pair of boots for this coming winter to wear with skinnys and leggings. Ta-da!

Gap Moto Boot

This is the Gap’s short moto boot. I have very complex criteria for boots. They have to be easy on, easy off while I am running in and out of the house all day. They have to not have much of a heel. I enjoy wearing heels, I just cannot, out of sheer practicality, be running around in 4 inch heels every day. The shaft of the boot can’t go too far up, otherwise it will chop my leg right in the middle. AND it has to be leather, not suede. I mess up suede too fast!!
Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner. The leather on the moto boot is pliable and the shaft is low, with an easy on, off fit. The sole of the boot is also nice and flexible, so it is quite comfortable. Nice job Gap!!

Boden Petite Review - Part II

I recently received the Canterbury Tunic that I purchased from the new Boden petite line. Here it is:

Canterbury Tunic from Boden Petites

I really like the fit that Boden did with their petite line. This tunic fits well in the overall length, the sleeve length is perfect, and the neckline is just the right placement; not too high to look stodgy, but not too low to look like I am showing off too much of the goods. Nice!! I got this in a 6 Petite. It is a bit snugger then my usual Ann Taylor 6 petite, but not too far off. Overall, I think we have a winner! This picture captures the color of the tunic a bit better…

Better Color Representation of the Tunic

So far, so good with the new Boden petite line! I would greatly recommend the line to any woman who finds a better fit with a petite cut, and order your usual petite size if you are solid in that fit. If you find yourself wanted a bit of a looser fit, order up a size. I am really excited for my pants to come…I have to wait a while for those though….happy shopping the new Boden petite line!!

Boden Petite Review - Part I

I received my Chic Velvet Coat from Boden in a Petite size 8. The fit is really nice. A bit bigger then I was prepared for, but I do like a bit more room for heavier sweaters. The sleeve length is just right and the waist hit at the correct spot, as well as the overall length of the coat was perfect for my height. So, good job on fit by Boden in the new petite line.

Boden Chic Velvet Coat

What I wasn’t crazy about was the print! It is a little bit too big, I think. For me, it wasn’t as “chic” as it could be…I was expecting a smaller, more classic animal print. Boo.

So far the fit is really nice for petites. I think if you were in the market for a transition coat or lived in a warmer climate, this would be a great option for you…maybe in the solid color. I am not going to keep this because the print just isn’t what I am looking for right now.

I am waiting still for my other items to arrive and will critique as soon as I can. It is hard to be patient!!

Striped Tie Waist Tank Dress From Loft

I wore this out on a casual date night with my husband:

Loft Tank Dress

I wrote about this sundress earlier because, well, I love it. (Got it in the navy too). It is easy to wear, cool, and is the right level of looking like I tried, but I really didn’t have to put a lot of effort into it at all. This dress is still available online at Loft and probably in store too.

Banana Republic Ring

I wore this ring with the dress. This showed up briefly online at Banana Republic. Because it was so cool, it wasn’t around for very long. I am loving coral and turquoise together (I however refuse to say pop of color) and my Dolce Vita Jollen Wedges, which are now on sale, in limited sizes, on Piperlime. We have been enjoying our summer, but I think I am getting really ready for the first few glimpses of fall.

Apparently I Have Boden's Ear... Not Really

So the other day I receive in my in box the news that Boden has introduced Petites into their offerings. Yeah!!! So, naturally I feel the need to try out the fit and the offerings. These caught my eye:

Canterbury Tunic

This is the Canterbury Tunic. I think I am going to try it in the size 6 Petite. I think it would be a nice transitional piece from the summer into the fall with some leggings and wedges or when it cools, boots.

I also like this velvet coat:

Velvet Coat

This is the Chic Velvet Coat…I will definitely order this in the 8 Petite as I like a coat to fit a bit on the looser side. I have ALWAYS wanted an animal print coat and I think the brown leopard color will work with either browns or blacks. I am really excited to see this one in real life!!

Then, of course, I need to try the pants. Really, I am just trying a crap shoot and ordering the 6 and 8 in the Petite size.

Straight Leg Wool Capri

These are the Straight Leg Wool Crops in the Slate Marl. We’ll see. Pants are tricky so this may work out or it may go horribly wrong. Unfortunately, I have to wait and see as they are back ordered for 4 weeks. Sigh. Oh well at least maybe the weather will be a little bit cooler by then.

Yea!!!! Boden for trying out a petite line!!! I am so excited to see how it fits!!

It's Been Hot... Duh!!

We had an outside, at noon, birthday party in the hood. I wore this:

Landsend Canvas Outfit

The outfit is from the Canvas line again. Nothing is in a petite size (GASP), but I think because they are catering to a younger demographic, it isn’t too bad on a petite. The shorts (great plaid) are the Women’s Madras Mini Shorts. I got em in the size 6, again to be a little longer as they are riding lower on my hips. The top is a looser fit tank, Women’s Scooped Neck Pocket Tank, in a size small. This one I am so happy with as it is a breezier fit and very comfortable and forgiving when the temperature soars into the 90’s and you find yourself (regrettably) outside.

Bumble & Bumble To The Rescue!

I highlighted my hair pretty light this summer and it was getting very dry and starting to break…Yikes!! I have fine hair and I think the chemicals were just too much for it. I needed a good conditioner fast. I did a little research and found this:

Bumble and Bumble Deep Conditioner

It’s Bumble and Bumble Deeep. It’s almost like a hair restorer; it goes beyond conditioning and into true healing and restructuring. After having it on my hair for the 20 minutes, my hair didn’t feel slippery like regular conditioners; it did not feel that much different at all. It is when it is dry, then you can notice the restructuring of the damaged part of the hair. This is really great stuff. If you hair is toasted after this HOT summer, give this a try. And, of course, this is just coming from me; I have no affiliation with this company.

I also picked up this trio from Philosophy for the kids:

Philosophy Snowcone Stand Set

They are starting to want to take showers and this body wash gets them into the shower without any arguments. The wash smells just like snowcones, (grape is my favorite), perfect for after a hot day at the pool. I love them and so do the kids. (Again, no affiliation). Now whenever I smell these scents it will remind me of this summer when the kids were small and life was simple and easy….

Stripes Forever!!!

Here is what I wore the other day:

Blue Landsend Canvas Tee Dress

The dress is from Landsend Canvas Line, Women’s Sailor Striped T-shirt Dress, a regular size small. I am disappointed that the Canvas line doesn’t carry petites, but I got away with this one. (I do think it can be shortened a bit, but I NEVER will get to it, so it works okay). I do have a bit of a beef about it as it has quite a bit of poly in it. My bad, it was listed right on the site; it can be a little bit hot. The belt is new from Ann Taylor, The Leather Skinny Belt in Red Maple:

Ann Taylor Skinny Belt Red Maple

I think red is going to be pretty big this fall/winter, so this piece is a cheap segue item for the next season. Yeah!

The flips are from Loft last year. They are the Havaianas for Loft. They have a little sparkle flower at the front of the flip flop and are very comfortable. I think they still may have some in store, but I know they are sold out online.
I am getting excited about the next season coming and have been already looking for boots!!! I feel like I miss out on the good ones if I wait too long….we’ll see.

Mad For Plaid!!

While the kids are keeping me busy, I have found a new love in shorts…PLAID. I have a million short sleeve and tank tops and a cute plaid short just makes everything look like I really tried, but I didn’t. Here are a few I have been wearing:

Plaid 6 Regular

This pair is from Old Navy and I might have spent $12 on them with coupon codes. These are a five inch length and while I didn’t get them in the petite size (sold out in my size) they still are a fine length and work well with purple and blue tees. I think I bought them in the size 6 regular.
I also found this pair from Old Navy:

Plaid Petite 8

These are 3 ½ inches and these I did get in petite size 8 (I decided to go up a size so they sit lower on my waist…glad I did!!) This pair is also on sale for a really good price, but sizes are getting limited.
Ann Taylor Loft also has a very cute linen/cotton blend plaid short that is sold out online. If you can find it in the store, buy them. That is the pair that started it all. They are comfy and cool (thanks to the linen) and I wish they had more colors to offer!!

Things Are A Little Bit Dry Around Here...

It sure has been difficult doing my blog while the kids are out of school…sorry. I have been shopping the summer sales and have found a few cute things, but not a lot of stuff is really catching my eye lately, I have to be honest. Ann Taylor and Loft have really been letting me down quite a bit! I did find this little dress at Loft:

Ann Taylor Loft Striped Tank Dress

It fits on my frame pretty well for not being a petite size. I got it in the small in this color (coral I think they are calling it) and in the navy. It works really well as a run around dress for the summer. It is a little bit long in the torso for me, but the loser style of the dress makes it not look odd. I actually reach for it as soon as it is dry after doing the laundry!! Not to mention I bought it in both colors…

Other then this little dress, I have been not seeing much I like. I have done a bit of shopping the sales for my husband, but he is neither petite or a woman (!!) so it really doesn’t matter what I picked up for him, but he still looks cute!

Planning For The Weather

Who gets married on Fourth of July weekend? My husband’s cousin does, that’s who!! So what do you wear to a noon, July wedding at an outdoor venue? Not a lot. I picked up this dress:

Ann Taylor Loft Sun Dress

From Ann Taylor Loft and will put a taupe belt with it. I also plan to punch up the color with this turquoise bag:

Banana Republic Clutch

The bag is from Banana Republic and I LOOOOVVEEE it. It has a very vintage feel to it and is surprisingly workable in my wardrobe. I am planning on wearing my tan Seychelles wedges and try not to look like I am sweating to pieces! I will post a picture when I have a chance to put it all together, but for now, I think it looks pretty good. Maybe we will have a cool snap and I will have to add a cardigan? Probably not. (Wishful thinking!)

No Summer Vacation For Mom!

Sorry about the two week hiatus…we had a graduate of Kindergarten at our house, so things got a little bit crazy. (Not really, but the end of the school year is kind of busy.) Anyhow, my camera was filled with Kindergarten stuff and I have finally gotten rid of the pictures…not that I have since taken any pictures of what I have been wearing, but at least now I am ready!

What I have been loving and using everyday this summer, so far, is this little bag from the Gap.

Super Straw Gap Bag

It is the perfect size to carry wallet, phone, and keys when you are just out running a few quick errands. The color is also really perfect to be a no brainer with all my summer clothes. I grabbed it while they were having a 35% off sale, so the price is really good too. Here it is in action while I was at my son’s soccer game. The size is really nice for a petite person.

Gap Purse at a Soccer Game

The only drawback is when I received it (I got it online and it came through the mail) it was a bit smelly (the straw) but it dissipated very quickly.

Hopefully I am back in the swing of things and I will be able to post more often!

I Knew I Was Going To Wear These A Lot

Still loving my Mossimo Target boy friend crops, I wear them whenever they are clean! They are comfortable and I think look really cute as a more ankle length cropped jean because they did not come in petites. I also resurrected another ANCIENT J Crew cardigan. Still looks pretty cute for being…I dunno…7 years old? The tank top is current Lands End. It is a cute striped cotton/modal shell that is good for layering as well as on its own when the weather gets smoking hot. I think the navy works well with the Kelly green cardigan.

Favorite Crops

Cardigan: J Crew Small Petite (from long ago when things were made better)
Striped Shell: Lands End Small Petite
Crops: Mossimo Brand for Target Boyfriend Crops
Shoes: Dolce Vita Jollen found on Piperlime (love these!)
Purse: Current Gap (cheapy for summer)

The Dolce Vita shoes are extremely comfortable and make my legs look long due to the color and the shape. These are going to get some major out and about time. Just as soon as it stops raining…not gonna ruin my shoes!!!

Dolce Vita Jollen

An Oldie But A Goodie!!

This cardigan is OLD J Crew. I figure it is at least 9 years old and it still looks pretty cute. The color is the very hot flamingo pink and is a fine cotton knit…now that I think of it, everything I am wearing today is at least a year old, except Mr.Roboto and the very nice purse from Land’s End Canvas Line. This purse is a great size (will come in handy as we travel a bit this summer) and has a very soft leather strap. I got it for a steal at 20 bucks. Check and see if it is still available!! But the bulk of the outfit is pretty historical. It is encouraging me to shop my closet more often and keep trying to bust out something old at least once a week.

Glad I didn't get rid of this

Sweater: Cotton J crew Small petite
Tank: Target Merona Tank Small Regular (worth checking out)
Pants: Gap (at least 4 years old) Petite 6
Sandals: Pierre Dumas last season Piperlime
Necklace: Clockbot Anthropologie
Purse: Land’s End Canvas Line

Mr. Roboto

Pierre Dumas Bronze Sandals

I tend to date my clothes pre or post babies and this sweater has been around way before the offspring came…proud of myself it still fits!

I Will Be The Sun

I have been trying to break out from my dark pattern neutral for a while. I think I accomplished it with this outfit.

Orange you glad you tried it

Shell-Ann Taylor Petite Small Sequin Shell
Sweater-Ann Taylor Silk/Linen Mandarin Orange ¾ Sweater
Skirt-Ann Taylor Loft Pencil Skirt
Shoes-Corso Como Delicious in Camel Patent
Pin-Ann Taylor Peacock

The thing I really like about this outfit is that it is pretty colorful, a giant step for me! I am loving AT Loft pencil skirts because they are 100% cotton (have you noticed the fabric contents in some items lately…YIKES) and they are washable. Very important when wearing whites! A lot of folks complemented me on this one and I felt pretty good in it too.

Peacock Pin

In Heavy Rotation

It has been raining quite a bit, but at least I have a fabulous rain coat that I did pick up from Boden. It does not come in a petite, but doesn’t run too huge. This is a size 6 and I think it is just a little bit big. The bigger size does help with layering underneath if it is cold and rainy (like today). This particular coat has a nice roomy hood that I can flip up over my head and carry a child into school or scurry to the car with groceries. If you are in the market for a raincoat, do check this one out. And while you’re on the Boden website, remind them they need to carry a Petite line too.

At least I have a great raincoat

L-O-L-A... Lola Buxom Lip Gloss

Now that spring has arrived, I am busy revamping my go to makeup kit to fit the warmer weather. My new favorite (rediscovered = didn’t cost me anything) is Lola Buxom Lip gloss:

Lola Buxom Lip Gloss

This shade shown is Dolly as Lola can be difficult to find. I have only seen it in store at Ulta and on QVC. I have a back up as this is a very neutral, pinky brown color which even outs and shines my lips without going over the top. It also feels good, a kind of tingly, plumping feel, but it is such a pretty color I don’t really care if it plumps or not! If you haven’t tried any of the Buxom products think about giving them a try, I think you’ll be very happy with them! (And no, I get no money for recommending them, I just love the product!)

I also dug out a Cargo blush in Rome. I had truly forgotten about this one, I love it!! I think it does what Orgasm is supposed to do. I have a darker skin tone (NC40-45 in the summer) and Rome adds just a nice amount of flush of peachy/pink with a lit from within glow. Nice.

Cargo Blush

I have been wearing it quite a bit and will continue pretty deep into the summer. At that point I usually skip much of anything on my face when it gets really hot. This blush can be hard to find too. I got mine for half price when Sephora was discontinuing carrying Cargo in the store. It can be found online at Amazon if you are looking to pick some up! (Again, no affiliation, just goooood blush!)

Cruising Along In Neutral

So I have jumped from wearing all black through the winter into wearing all light beige and white and cream in the spring. I am such a fashion daredevil. I wore this today:

Shifting into Neutral

I am head to toe Ann Taylor. Let’s start from the top, shall we? The cream top is a horizontal sequin shell that is on sale in store (no longer online) and has become a workhorse this spring. I actually ordered (because it is not available in store in petites…hate that!!) a few more sequined shells because they are so versatile. The cardigan is from last year, but AT is offering the same cardi this year (in a washable and comfortable silk/linen mix) in orange, tomato red and a couple of neutrals. I so far have picked up the orange and the red and am considering the sepia…they are wonderful for three season wear. The pants are still available online and in store, the modern crop pant. These are a nice ankle length and I think look super cute with my AT sandals that I purchased the other day. The shoes are so comfortable; I wore them to work and was able to be in them the entire time! Nice. Finally, the necklace was shed when I got to work because I NEEDED to pick up this little number:

Ann Taylor Peacock Necklace

How awesome is that??? It also is a pin, so when my orange cardigan gets here, I may just wear it as a pin too! I am trying to incorporate color and am trying it slowly, but surely. My peacock helps.

This Was Ridiculously Bad

So, I have to order a lot of things online from Old Navy because they just don’t carry petites in store. This is fine. I get free shipping, my neighbors get to talk about me because the UPS man is always around, and I can try my things on at my leisure. I take A LOT of things back just because, it is Old Navy and it can be very hit or miss. Case in point…

Empire Waist A-Line Dress

In theory this should have been a total hit. It has an empire waist with an A-line skirt at the bottom. Easy Peasey. I even understood that I would need to wear a camisole underneath because of the cut of the top. When it came to the house I immediately tried it on as we were in a heating up stage in the weather and I wanted to wear something new. I grabbed my cami and pulled on the dress. The skirt is cut so stupid full with pleating around the top where it connects to the waist band, it just looks like I am 11 months pregnant (yep that bad). So, I didn’t even take a picture. It is a shame, because the print is super cute (by the way, where are all the casual, printed dresses for spring???) and it was a great price. Nuts…

Latest Target Find

Finally I have been able to break out my cropped jeans and wear flats without socks!!

Target Striped Shirt

The striped top is from the Gap, last spring, in a small petite. I love the cowl neck on it and because it is a petite, I am able to wear it comfortably without worrying about too much showing should I need to bend over…I love how petite sized clothing really helps with the fit. The belt is my beloved Loft belt. The boyfriend jeans I recently picked up from Target. They are from Mossimo line and are a regular size 4 (I think I could have even sized down, but I do like the larger size. They are very comfy). Because I am longer in the leg then some petites, the regular length jean is workable for me. I also like my cropped pants to be a little bit longer on my leg. These are perfect! I didn’t even pay over thirty dollars for them. I love them paired with the bronzy flat Gale from Privo. This is one of my favorite times of the year, when you can really start mixing things up with cropped pants, dresses and more skirts as we slide into warmer weather. Now I actually look forward to figuring out what to wear!!!

New Ann Taylor Shoes

I do work retail, so I need shoes that will really be comfortable, but also look good. I found that in the Nine West Rocha. Those work well for closed toe pumps, but when it comes to sandals, I have had a hard time finding ones that are comfortable…until I found these.

Canvas Platform Sandal

These are called the Reid Stretch Canvas Platform Sandal from Ann Taylor and while currently on sale with a 40% discount, they aren’t too bad in price. They are very supportive with stretchy canvas straps which make it able for me to be on my feet for quite a while, at least four hours in these guys. I have been paring them with cropped pants and skirts for work. They are a little light for my skin tone to be considered nude sandals, but they defiantly have been working as a good neutral. This sandal is also available in black and in an olive color (which I am really considering to add to my comfy shoe arsenal). Check them out as Ann Taylor is having their 40% off sale for only a few more days. AT is also offering free shipping if you spend over 150 dollars (never a hard task)!!

Time To Go Out

Date Night

We have finally gotten some time to ourselves and were able to get the kids to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and we decided to go out to dinner. I struggle with what to wear when I go out and the weather is cool. If it’s cold, sweater dress and boots. Hot weather means a cute dress or skirt with sandals. It is the in between that can be sticky. So, I settled on the dressy jeans, heels, and sweater formula. Not the most creative decision ,but I think it came out okay. The tank under the sweater is the flower tank from Ann Taylor that folks went crazy for last spring. It’s a good one; I see why it was a favorite. I bought it last year in a size small petite and tonight I paired it with the merino sweater, again from Ann Taylor last spring, in the pretty orchid color in the size small petite. The jeans are Ann Taylor too, believe it or not, the slim leg modern in size 6 petite. They are very cute and comfortable and the nice thing is that they don’t completely stretch out by the end of the evening. Nine West Bonfire are the shoes, in the nude peep toe, it helps spring up the outfit.

Bonfire Nude Peep Toes

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!!

Off To Work I Go!

Yes, it is getting to be a busy time of year for me at work. I pretty much spent the whole weekend there. At least had something cute and comfortable to wear!!!

Hi Ho Hi Ho

The dress is a fun animal print cowl neck stretch knit from Ann Taylor. AT does a lot of very cute and comfy dresses in this stretch knit for the summer. There is a navy and white striped one now in store (not online) that I have my eye on. I wear these all summer, running errands, hanging with the kids, and even out to a casual meal. Then throw it in the wash when I get home. Nice. It is in the size small petite, but what is also nice about these dresses, they are forgiving. So if you are between sizes, you can move up or down depending on how you like the fit. The sweater is a nice light weight silk linen blend from Ann Taylor last season, in a small Petite. The bag is currently from Banana Republic, it can be found online. I recently bought this bag and have enjoyed it quite a bit. It is roomy enough to throw in a spare pair of shoes and my clutch purse, but not too overwhelming or too heavy. The front panel is sequined in a matte champagne color; it’s not too overwhelming or sparkly…just right for this time of year. My shoes are my beloved Jessica Simpson sling back wedges. They are from last year and nowhere to be found. I really want a pair of them in tan, but I can’t find them. What I really like about them is that they are comfortable and the closed toe is really just right for this time of year, when it is too early for full on sandals, but time for a little bit more skin. I love them.

In Search Of...

The perfect white summer t shirt is always an unwelcome challenge for me every year. It has to be the correct fit (not too tight, not too loose), v-neck and not see through. I have some white tees from three summers ago from Old Navy, but seriously, they are getting pretty bad looking. But not to fear, I have found an answer in a highly unlikely place where I rarely ever shop…JCPenney’s of all places, have a very nice white v-neck tee shirt.

V-Neck Tee Shirt

Okay, well this one shows yellow, but you get the point. It is nicely fitted without being tight, not see through, and the neck line is not too high, not too low. As perfect as I have gotten in a long time!
They are made from all cotton and get this, on sale for $4.99 right now. As soon as I am done writing this, I am going to go order some more, that is how much I like them. I did try Landsend, but I found that v-neck white tee to be too matronly for my taste. I think it was the sleeve length (too long) and the neck line was too high. It feels so good to find a white tee that fits me and is able to fit all my criteria. All the other usually suspects to look, (Gap, Old Navy, Loft) the fabric is so thin, I don’t even bother to try it on, it is that bad. Guess I will have to keep looking at Penney’s…I also hear good things about the jewelry too…hmmmmm…. (Wanders away to JCPenney’s site…) But before I go, here is a real life picture of the shirt.

JCP white tee

Whole Lotta Nothin...

This is what I wore today:

Whole lot of nothing

The top is from the regular Ann Taylor line, size small striped shirt. Because it is a regular size small, not petite, the neck line can drop a bit low, but not enough to make me too uncomfortable, I just have to watch it if I bend over. The jeans are petite size 6 from the Gap, the long gone Essentials line.
God, I loved this line of Gap jeans. I have a pair of straight jeans from the Essential line that I don’t really wear a lot because they fit perfectly and I don’t want to wear them out!!! Why do they change things that work so well??? Well, anyhow, the clogs are Lucky brand that I picked up from TJMaxx for a song. They are pretty cute and I really was comfortable wearing them today without socks, it was Juuuussst warm enough to do it.

Lucky Brand Clogs

The belt is a recent favorite from Loft; I love the burnished gold color on the buckle.

Loft Burnished Buckle Belt

Finally, the jacket is from Old Navy, I think one of the first things I purchased from their peite line about two years ago. It is a size Medium Petite and is really cute. The weight of it is just right for early spring or late fall and really helps balance out the fuller leg of the jeans.

Red Coat from Old Navy

Just as an aside. Really start to check fabric content as you are out shopping this spring. There is a ton of polyester everywhere and I will not spend 78.00 on a 95% polyester shirt. I refuse to do it. It is a cheap fabric which feels gross on the skin after a long day. I hate it. I recent have passed on the cutest little jacket from Ann Taylor because it was more than half poly and I knew it was going to feel yucky after a few hours of wearing it, the fabric just doesn’t breathe. Be careful out there ladies!

Giving The Boots The Boot

I have a confession to make: I am feeling very uninspired lately…nothing is exciting me (with the exception of my new nude/tan sandals that I did find during Piperlime Friends and Family sale…but I don’t feel like posting them because I can’t wear them yet.) I did get inspired looking at another blogger’s site. Her outfit of the day helped me tackle a problem I have been having with shoe choices. It is a weird time of year when you really can’t go sockless in your shoes, but boots aren’t really appropriate either. So I came up with this to wear to soccer practice and later to wear to work during a store set.

Giving the Boots the Boot

The tank and sweater, both regular size small, are Gap from a season ago. The boyfriend shape of the sweater balances out the skinny jean from Ann Taylor, a regular size 4, from fall ’10. The shoes are the Target Converse, really good for wearing around the neighborhood, playground, etc. as they didn’t break twenty dollars and are a good alternative to boots for this time of year.
There…that made me feel better, so I want to show you my Miz Mooz nude sandals I found.

Miz Mooz Nude Sandals

How cute are they!!!!???? Perfect for the summer as the heel isn’t too high that I feel silly trotting around after my daughter while I wear them. I am really trying to make purchases that are more applicable to day-to-day living, not just my work wardrobe. I would like 70% of all my new purchases should be able to do double duty. Not so easy….but I have fun trying!!