In Pursuit of Pretty Things

Sweeties (OOTD)

2012-02-27T19:08:00.004-08:00

Today, it's cold, windy, and rainy here in San Diego (it even hailed for a few seconds! It was like a half-hearted imitation of an upstate NY rain storm) and there's nothing I'd like to do more right now, than crawl back into bed with a good book and cuppa tea, and just hibernate for a while.

Alas, there are small children to be cared for and work to be done, so none of that, thank you very much. But speaking of small children, I want to introduce you to my niece, Ava, whom I got to visit with yesterday, while in the OC, to celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday (happy birthday, Alex!).

She wants to know why she wasn't told she would be taking an OOTD photo, which my sister - who is Ava's mother - so kindly snapped for me ("Mom, seriously??? I'm not even wearing my hairbows! I need my accessories, MOM!"):

Carol's outfit:

Sweater: Kate Spade Bow Ellis Top

Shirt: J. Crew Perfect Shirt in Gingham

Pants: J. Crew Minnie Pant in Stretch Twill

Shoes: Madewell Leopard Print Skimmers

Kate's outfit:

Sweater: Cherokee Long-Sleeved Cardigan Sweater (now on clearance!)

Skirt: Cherokee Ruffled Tiered Skirt (similar here, here, and here)

Tights: H&M sweater tights (similar here and here)

Shoes: Crocbands

Ava's outfit: Carter's Coverall

And look at Ava in this pic! (SO CUTE):

Seriously, couldn't you just eat her up??? Sigh...almost makes me want to have another baby. Almost.

Celebrating 2 Years!!! (A Blog-iversary and a Giveaway!)

2012-02-26T00:16:00.000-08:00

It's our 2nd blog-iversary!

If you all lived nearby, we'd throw a big party and everyone could have a pretty cupcake!

image via

But, er, since you don't, we'll just celebrate with a giveaway instead. (We love a good giveaway, don't you?)

What will one lucky reader win? How about...

A Jason Wu for Target Straw Clutch?

What, not enough?

Okay, well, what if there's a $50 gift card to your choice of three stores - Anthropologie, J. Crew, or Nordstrom - included inside?

We know. But it gets better. Four other readers will win necklaces and/or bracelets from Ember Arts, a socially-conscious company that partners with Ugandan craftswomen, helping them to design and sell jewelry made of recycled paper beads for fair trade prices, while also providing them with additional training in money and business management.

To be included in the drawing for this giveaway, this is what you have to do:

1) Be a follower of our blog (if you're not already, it's easy! Just click on the "Follow" button in the sidebar to the right, and follow with Google Friend Connect) and

2) leave a comment on this post, letting us know which store gift card you'd prefer, along with your first name and last initial to help us tell the difference between all of you with common names (e.g. Sarah L., Jessica M., Lisa C., etc.)

To get extra entries (up to 2 more!) you can

3) blog or tweet about this giveaway (be sure to include a link to this page in your tweet or post), and leave a comment telling us you did. If you blog about the giveaway, be sure to include a link to your blog in your comment. If you tweet, be sure to cc: @raphaela235;

4) "Like" our page on Facebook by clicking on the button in the sidebar to the right. Leave a comment, letting us know you did it.

Entries will be accepted through next Sunday, March 4th. We'll tally all the entries and then do a random drawing for the winner. Just a note - please don't leave your email in the comments. We want to help you protect your contact information. When we draw the name and number of the winner, we'll post it on our blog, along with directions for that winner to contact us. If for some reason, the winner doesn't get in touch with us within 48 hours, we'll redraw, and announce a new winner, etc.

Good luck to everyone!

Small Business Saturday: Footnote Books

2012-02-25T13:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first of a new feature I'm entitling, "Small Business Saturdays." Back in November, American Express and some other organizations started promoting the concept of spending money at small businesses on the Saturday following the annual gift-buying orgy known as "Black Friday," here in the States. I said, back then, that I wanted to use this concept as a reason to explore the small businesses in San Diego (and elsewhere) as well as continue to promote them, since they're the backbone of America's economy (one must remember, after all, that nearly every big business was a small business first).

So, as our first featured small business, let me introduce you to Footnote Books, located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, CA. It's a fantastic little used bookstore - and I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of used bookstores. I like my books glossy and new and smelling of fresh paper and ink - and I'll even admit that I was more than a little heartbroken when Borders bookstores went under. Having said all that though, I'll tell you right off that Footnote Books totally captured my heart, with my first step into the shop.

The modest shopfront on University Avenue.

The shop is small, but has a warren-like feel, with tall, crowded shelves and alcoves with unexpected armchairs, inviting the reader to curl up and lose themselves in a good book.

The shelves were sorted by genre and alphabetical order by author, though there were lots of less orderly stacks of books piled on the floor, near the sections they should have lived. I will note that there was a rather small kids' book section.

The back of the store had a glass case that stored some of the more rare and costly books. A copy of the Bladerunner Sketchbook caught the DH's eye. (A possible future gift idea...he's impossible to buy for.)

There was a fantastic science fiction/fantasy selection, which I'm definitely looking forward to carefully perusing, the next time I'm in the neighborhood.

Books were often interspersed with other random curios, giving the store a sort of curio cabinet feel.

Rowan and Kate sitting in one of the reading alcoves, surrounded by their mama's favorite things (books!).

This store is highly recommended for book-lovers!

Footnote Books

1627 University Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 294-8455

Casual Everyday (OOTDs)

2012-02-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

Late last year, I transitioned from working in an office, to working from home. This has resulted in a number of changes and adjustments for me, but none of them more noticeable in the day-to-day as the fact that on most days, I don't have to get dressed to go to work.

I still make an effort "to get dressed," whether or not I'm getting dressed for clients or for my dining table (which doubles as a "downstairs workstation" during the hours when I'm without a nanny to keep an eye on the kiddos). But there are seriously days when I'm only interested in wearing something easy and comfortable, not necessarily the most creative and cute. On days like that, when (if) I leave my house, I make sure to throw on one fun accessory. Basically, I pretend to have made an effort.

Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't.

Top: Jedidiah Tee

Pants: Joe's Jeans Ponte Knit Leggings

Shoes: Jimmy Choo 'Baxen' Peep-toe Wedges

Top: Gap Favorite Long-Sleeved Tee

Pants: Hudson Jeans Triangle Pocket Bootcut (yikes, those jeans are big on me. No wonder they're so comfy...)

Shoes: Madewell Leopard Print Skimmers (designer version: here; on a budget: here, and in adorable dots: here)

Scarf: Lulu Scarf, Nordstrom (Purchased in-store, from their junior department, Brass Plum. It's not available online, but similar here, here, and here)

Hope you've all got a great weekend planned! Thanks for stopping by!

In the Running (Wishlist)

2012-02-23T07:34:00.002-08:00

Hi, everyone! Happy almost-to-the-end-of-the-week! You know, for the longest time, Kathryn and I weren't the biggest fans of spring fashion. In fact, we've been known to be vociferously against the onset of spring fashions. And while this is a position Kathryn steadfastly maintains, I have to say, that for whatever reason, I kinda love it this year. Which means, in light of my shopping resolution, my wishlist is fast out-pacing what I'm actually allowing myself to purchase. So, with that in mind, I decided that it's a good idea to keep track of the things I actually want, so that I can 1) make informed decisions, and 2) hopefully keep myself honest.

So, here's my list of things I'm currently coveting:

1. Pieced Column Dress (I know this is one that Kathryn is loving too)
2. Jimmy Choo Baxen Peep-Toe Wedge
3. Kate Spade Sidekick Sweater (so that I can make outfit #3)
4. Kate Spade Louella Skirt (also for outfit #3)
5. Citizens of Humanity Floral Thompson (in the neutral motif)
6. Ping-Pong Tank (though, I really don't need this 'til summer...)
7. Great Outdoors Buttondown (the one with the bike print, please)

More things I wouldn't say 'no' to:

8. TOMS Valentine Women's Classic (still cute...)

9. J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double Serge Cotton (I'm loving citron and light rose...though, warm jade is fantastic too...)
10. J. Crew Peplum Top in Fresco Floral Sateen
11. J. Crew Cashmere Tee (unbelievably - or no, maybe it's totally believable - this is a less expensive option to the Kate Spade Sidekick Sweater. For that matter, this Banana Republic Button-Back Sweater is even more budget-friendly.)
12. Kate Spade "Daycation Lacey" Wallet (I can't shake the cute hedgehogs!)

And then, there was this whole Nordstrom February 2012 catalog...(or at least the stuff featured on this page):

How fun and perfect is everything in this photograph? I really need a bigger closet. And to win the lottery.

Oh, and by the way - In Pursuit of Pretty Things second blog-iversary is coming up soon, and we're planning some fun stuff to celebrate. I'm so excited!!!

Have a great day!

Tops & Bottoms (Anthro Fitting Room Reviews)

2012-02-22T00:34:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone, and happy Wednesday! Hope you've all been doing well. I just got back from a short pseudo-vacation to Las Vegas. I say "pseudo" because the DH had to work (he was attending a conference) but the kids and I took an extra day off and tagged along, for fun.

It was fun. Exhausting too. But overall, a good time.

Anyway, prior to leaving for the trip, I swung by Anthro this past weekend, and tried on a few things, thinking that I'd write up and post these fitting room reviews, during all my ample free time, in Vegas. Well, it would have worked out beautifully, had I not forgotten my phone in my car in San Diego. Yep. That's me. Mind like a trap. Sigh.

Anyway, better late than never, and now at least, we've got a bit of fun to enliven the mid-week slump.

Citizens of Humanity Floral Thompson (Blue Motif):

I first saw the Citizens of Humanity Floral Thompson show up in-store a month or so ago. And I remembered thinking, as I swept past them (I think I was in a hurry that day), that they were cute and had potential. Also, that I remembered seeing floral pants in Vogue, and that I found it intriguing that they'd translated so quickly down to mainstream retail so quickly. Anyway, I finally decided that I really should give them a try, so I grabbed the two different colors and gave them a go. Here, in these photos (directly above and below), I'm wearing size 26, and well, I didn't love 'em. I felt like my thighs looked huge - and while yes, I'm still hanging onto my stubborn leftover-from-the-holiday pounds, these pants certainly weren't doing me any favors in that area. Lengthwise, they weren't too bad - I don't think I'd hem these, and if I were trying to obtain a more "cropped" look, would probably just roll them up, since that seems to be acceptable these days. Taller women with legs longer than mine (not tough, really), will probably experience these as a more cropped length, especially after they've shrunk a bit from washing. Definitely a pass for me, at least in the blue motif.

Now, here's the funny thing. After I tried on the Citizens of Humanity Floral Thompson blue motif in a size 26 (my usual size), I pulled on the neutral motif in a size 25 (they were out of size 26), expecting total disaster, yet feeling obliged to do my blogger-ly duty (see photos below). Oddly enough, I found the lighter color in the smaller size seemed to work better on me...which is completely counter-intuitive, as darker colors are generally supposed to be more slimming, and well, when does a smaller size skinny jean ever do good things for you? Maybe the sizing is inconsistent? Maybe the smaller sized acted upon my thighs in the manner of shapewear? Or maybe they were cutting off the blood flow to my brain, and actually, I just imagined that they looked good? I don't know. Whatever it was, I liked the neutral motif a lot better. In fact, were it not for my renewed commitment to keep my resolutions, I might have brought these home with me. I was pretty tempted, let me tell you. And if they go on sale in the next few weeks - well, I'm all over them like...floral print on denim. Wishlisted for sale time.

Marled and Mixed Pullover:

I tried on the Marled and Mixed Pullover (now on sale!) in an XS, and was pleasantly surprised by it. I had brought it into the fitting room with me, to try it on with the Floral Thompsons, and you know, I think they worked really well. In fact, with the addition of a scarf (maybe the Threadwork Scarf or the Nerium Scarf?) and a pair of ankle boots, and you've got yourself a cute, casual outfit. The sweater is pull-on style, has a boxy cut with side vents. The front of the sweater is about an inch shorter than the back of it. It's dry-clean only. I'm tempted to go back in and pick this up, now that it's hit sale, but I'm going to wait a bit longer and see if maybe (maybe - I'm feeling a little dubious, as it's already sold out in XS online...) it makes it to second cut. If it does, it's totally mine. Wishlisted.

Flared Ancora Blouse & Well-Pocket Skirt:

So, a couple weeks ago, I wrote about this J. Crew catalog shot I was totally obsessed with. Well, as you can imagine, the Flared Ancora Blouse and Well-Pocket Skirt evoked that outfit in my mind, as soon as I laid eyes on them. I'm wearing the Flared Ancora Blouse in an a size 2, and the Well-Pocket Skirt in a size 2 also. Let's start with the top. This blouse is meant to be sort of loose and boxy (hence the word "flared" in the name, I'm guessing?) so with that in mind, I'd say that the size 2 fit me fine, though I probably could have sized down to a zero as well. However, taller women may want to be mindful of sizing down, in case it effects the length of the top - which while not cropped, certainly isn't long. Even I, as a 5'2" shorty, probably wouldn't want this top to get any shorter, in terms of tuck-ability, as well as general comfort and coverage. The top is cotton, a pull-on style, and machine washable. I really like it, with the exception of the open flap front - note the photo below. I could have pulled that flap all the way up to the point where the (purely decorative) buttons end, across the chest (I didn't, and you can all thank me later). Unless you're living in a super gusty climate, I'm going to guess this won't be a huge problem, though, when tucked into a skirt, any twisting or turning movement will cause the top to "blouse" a bit more than might be usual for a tucked shirt (you'll see what I mean in a bit). Overall, I liked the top, and thought it was well-priced for a non-t-shirt Anthro offering. Definitely tempted. Wishlisted.

Detail of the open-flap front of the Flared Ancora Blouse.

Below, I've included shots of myself wearing the Well-Pocket Skirt, in a size 2. It was definitely snug at the waist (darn those stubborn holiday pounds!) though the hip and thighs fit fine, and believe it or not, with room to spare. In the front-facing photo (below left), you'll see the skirt bunching out a little oddly right under the waist band (under my phone-holding arm) - this is not due to a fit issue, but rather, an oddly-placed anti-theft sensor issue (actually the sensor on the top, which is now tucked under the skirt, causing the weird bulge). Anyway, the skirt has a back zipper, pockets (though they're not as deep as one may be led to believe), is lined, and is also machine washable (yay!). I liked the skirt, but am not sure if I loved it. I do feel I need a couple good pencil skirts in my wardrobe (not a strong suit for my closet) but am not sure if this should be one of them. Wishlisted for further consideration at sale time.

Well, that's it for now, though I have a few more, which I'll write up later this week. Of these, anything catch your eye? What do you think about the floral-print jeans/pants trend? Is it one you think you'll try? (Haha, that rhymed. Good times. ^_-)

Thanks for reading!

Hits & Misses (OOTDs)

2012-02-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

I wore this a couple days ago, and I don't know. I'm not sure if it really works. Some days are better than others...and well...this may have been an "other" sort of day.

Sweater: J. Crew Tippi Sweater

Shirt: Tarpan Buttondown, Anthropologie

Jeans: AG Stilt Jeans (and here)

Shoes: Madewell Calf-hair Skimmers (similar here, here, and in polka dot - so cute! - here)

Necklace: Anthropologie (old; similar here, here, and here)

And another OOTD - this one I like better, though I think the next time I try it, I might pair the shirt and sweater with a skirt. Sorry about the poor lighting:

Sweater: Dog Trot Sweater, Anthropologie (old; similar here)

Top: Jason Wu for Target Blouse with Tie in Blush Dots (similar here and here)

Jeans: AG Stilt Jeans (and here)

Shoes: Madewell Calf-hair Skimmers (similar here, here, and in polka dot - so cute! - here)

What about you? Do you ever have days when your outfit feels more like a "miss" than a "hit?"

Spring Refresh

2012-02-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I have a new year's resolution to try and limit my rate of acquisition this year - mostly due to the fact that I just don't have the closet space for more stuff and also because I have this other resolution about saving more by spending less, overall. So, with a goal like that, I'm coming to realize that I need to be a lot more strategic about what I buy and why.

Jimmy Choo 'Baxen' Peep-Toe Wedge

So, if you can only buy one or two things in the month of March, what should they be, to give your wardrobe a sense of refresh and renewal? For me, one of those things will definitely be an accent shoe - something that picks up on the updated colors of the season. The great thing about the use of brights and neons this year is that they're being paired, pretty frequently, with neutrals - something most of our closets have plenty of already. And for those of us who are not quite ready to embrace neons with the open arms of a younger set who, er, may not remember the layered socks, rolled-sleeve layered t-shirts, and scrunchies of the '80s (the last time neons emerged...and boy, with a vengeance), then the shoe is a perfect way to be on-trend, without being trendy.

I personally, am lusting after the Jimmy Choo Baxen (pictured above) but am not sure I'll be able to track it down in my size (it's already sold out in size 6 on Nordstrom's website!) so have scouted out some back-up options:

1. J. Crew 'Drea' Peep-Toe; 2. Pour La Victoire 'Neysa' Sandal; 3. Mossimo 'Viviana' Platform Pump; 4. J. Crew Classic Leather Ballet Flat; 5. Seychelles 'Pansy' Sandal; 6. Ivanka Trump 'Pinkish' Patent Pump

So, what about you? Are you making any strategic purchases to update your closet for the spring? Will neon accents be included in your wardrobe?

Just Kill Me Now, Why Dontcha?

2012-02-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, Kate Spade. I'm talking to you.

Maricel Shirt; Broome Street Jeans; Anchors Away Long Necklace

Topliner Trench; Tracy Dress; Baublebox Bib Necklace; Mary Heels

Sidekick Sweater; Louella Skirt; Baublebox Bib Necklace

Chambray shirt (not Kate Spade) available here, here, and here

I swear, it's like they know exactly which buttons to push. And they happen to be multi-colored, octogonal ones....

NYFW Eye Candy: Rachel Zoe Fall 2012

2012-02-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

I'm not always excited by the Fashion Week news. I know, I know, this is like heresy coming from the keyboard of a style blogger. But I'm not that kind of style blogger, generally speaking. I love specific designers, who make clothes that can be adapted to the closets of...well..."normal" women (meaning the 99% of us who don't work in the fashion industry or can't afford high 3-digit or even 4-digit price tags for one item), elevating said closets to a whole new level - supernormal? ^_- Anyway, Rachel Zoe is one of those designers - and after my opportunity to meet her and hear her talk about her line and how she envisions it can be incorporated into the wardrobes of the average American woman - I do feel excited whenever her new collections are announced or unveiled.

So, from her NYFW Fall 2012 line, here are my favorite looks (the ones I can totally see me trying to chase down for myself) and also, some more budget-friendly alternatives to help out our groaning pocketbooks:

I think this is my favorite of all the Rachel Zoe outfits - what looks to be a lavender-hued Sullivan Leather Blazer just leapt from the screen (this jacket is currently available in four colors: rust, nude, dark beige, and black). I love and want the whole thing, and while I'm pretty certain that I'm just not cool enough (or tall enough) to pull off over-the-knee boots, I'll definitely be saving my pennies (okay, more like my $20 bills) for the jacket, and maybe the sweater dress too. I am determined to add that jacket to my closet this fall - if it's anywhere as wearable as its sister jacket that's already in my closet, then I know it'll be an excellent investment.

Budget/Want-It-Now alternatives: Modcloth Cute Recruit Jacket; Alberta Ferretti Knitted Wool Sweater Dress or 3/4 Sleeve Cashmere Sweater Dress; Caslon Boyfriend Shirt or Frenchi Silky Pocket Shirt; Tights for Every Occasion in Grape; Rockport Faye Over the Knee Boot; Lulu Buckled Lady Satchel

I love a good coat, and while my opportunities to wear one in San Diego are few and far between, I'd go out of my way to pretend, with a coat like the one above. I love the military details and the closely fitted cut. Also, that blouse that's layered underneath the coat, with the silver metallic print? Swoon. Just swoon.

Budget/Want-It-Now alternatives: Military-inspired Wool and Sweater-knit Coat or MICHAEL Michael Kors Long Military Trench Coat; Equipment Silver Metallic Silk Blouse; Solid Opaque Tights or UO Sheer Tights; Corso Como Queensborough Ankle Bootie; Kimchi Blue Ornate Lady Satchel

Mmm, let me see here...black velvet, satin ruffles, fitted shift, and a shirt-we're-pretty-sure-Heathcliff-from-Wuthering-Heights-wore-as-he-rode-across-a-moor. In all rights, this outfit-that-the-icon-formerly-known-as-Prince might have worn shouldn't be working. But uh...I'm afraid it is. I don't know what it says about me, but I really love this. Fun, fun, fun. In a weird...melodramatic-in-the-early-90s way. If you know what I mean?

Budget/Want-It-Now alternatives: Asos Shift Dress with Velvet Tape or Velvet Short Dress; Eliza Blouse; Solid Opaque Tights or UO Sheer Tights; Como Queensborough Ankle Bootie

I'll admit right off that what drew me to this was not the gray (hopefully faux) fur jacket draped over the model's shoulders. I know Ms. Zoe loves her faux fur jackets, but I've never been able to successfully incorporate one into my own wardrobe (and that may actually be a good thing, as I'm not entirely sure I could pull one off). What drew me in are the cropped velvet pants and jacket in that muted mauve, paired with that fantastic lace...coverup? Dress? Robe? Wrap-thingie? It's breathtaking. In my fantasy-life, where I sweep through spacious ballrooms, with my shining hair piled in coils atop my head, this is what I'm wearing (sans fur jacket). Naturally, that lace will billow out behind in me in the most appropriately dramatic fashion, as I walk. ;)

Budget/Want-It-Now alternatives: Free People Lace Enchantment Dress; MiH Velvet Pants; Crystal Satin Sash or Ada Leather Obi Belt

I just found this dress very striking - well-draped column dresses generally are, and white...well, please note that this is a fall collection, yet Ms. Zoe has elected to place a white column dress in it, defying all logic but managing to be completely fantastic, no less. I love it. Especially since I see that she wore the same dress in black below (and really, folks, she's not really any taller than I am, so shorties! That means this dress could be a possibility for us - with the right alterations, anyway).

Budget/Want-It-Now alternatives: Gypsy Maxi Dress; Ada Leather Obi Belt; Juicy Couture Tassel Necklace or Fragments Fireball Tassel Necklace

Here's the link to all the photos from her collection. What do you think? Do you agree with my picks? Do you think there was something I overlooked? Let me know!

Valentine

2012-02-14T00:14:00.000-08:00

Last year, I came across a tutorial on Grosgrain, for super cute home-made Valentine's Day cards.* At the time, it was too late to make them for Rowan's kindergarten class celebration (we'd already assembled the store-bought cards that he'd picked out earlier) but I made a mental note of it, and this year, we made our own for both his class and then Kate wanted some too, so we made a few more for relatives. It was a pretty simple process - here's what we did:

1. Have your subject stand for a photo, with his/her arm extended, and the hand in an "O" position - finger tips touching the thumb, as though holding onto a walking stick. Take the photo and print. I used Adobe InDesign to add in some text (see below). EDIT: I should note that I printed these photos directly onto card stock, so while they didn't have the print quality that might be expected from printing onto photo paper, they were vastly cheaper, and faster to make. Also, Rowan wrote the names of his classmates onto the backs of the card, himself.

2. Once the photo is printed, take your exacto knife, and make an incision (about 1/3" long) above the subject's hand, and a similar one beneath the hand.

3. Insert a lollipop's stick "through" the hand, by sliding it behind the hand, through the two incisions.

4. Pull the lollipop all the way through. You're done!

Wishing you all a wonderful and happy Valentine's Day! Thanks so much for stopping by!

xo,
Carol and Kathryn

*Original Grosgrain tutorial here.

Every Other Day of the Week (OOTD)

2012-02-13T01:36:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get myself in order, before I get on a plane for a couple days in Sacramento (whee?) for work, so I haven't much time. Here's my OOTD from Sunday (I know, I'm wearing this jacket to death, and you're tired of seeing it, but I can't help it. It's become one of my favorites. Because you couldn't tell....)

Jacket: Rachel Zoe 'Sullivan' Leather Blazer

Sweater: J. Crew Merino Tatting Lace Sweater

Pants: Tory Burch Wide Leg Jeans

Shoes: Donald Pliner Booties (old; similar here, here, and here)

Necklace: J. Crew (similar here, here, and here)

Hoping you're all having a wonderful Monday! Thanks for stopping by!

Wu Me (OOTD)

2012-02-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

We've been having some lovely days here, in San Diego - blue skies, temps in the 70s during the day, all kinds of goodness. Perfect Jason Wu for Target Collection weather. Until, of course, my shipment from Target actually arrived. And then, well, now we've got some rain, cloudy gray skies, temps in the low 60s.

But it's not snow. It's not even freezing. It'll take more than a bit of cool weather and rain to thwart me, in my pursuit of pretty clothes.

And if nothing else, I've got to admit that Mr. Wu's collaboration with Target has made it ridiculously easy to feel pretty...

Sweater: Cashmere Cardigan (similar here, here, and here)

Dress: Jason Wu for Target Dot-Print Shirtdress in Cream

Belt: J. Crew Patent Skinny Belt (old; similar here, here, and here)

Tights: Opaque Gray Tights (similar here and here)

Boots: Tod's Leather Lace-Up Boots

Handbag: Jason Wu for Target Flap Satchel

On a much more somber note, we want to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Whitney Houston. We grew up with her music, and are just so sad to learn that her life has been cut so short. Rest in peace, Whitney.

Cute & Good

2012-02-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

It has not escaped me that a certain holiday is creeping up around the corner, and in light of that, I thought I should share the first pair of TOMS that I'm dying to buy for myself:

for you: TOMS Valentine Women's Classic

and

for your favorite young person: TOMS Valentine Youth Classic

for your favorite little one: TOMS Valentine Tiny TOMS Classic

Seeing as how I've already cheated on my resolution for this month, anyway, I ask myself what could one more thing hurt? Especially when we know that when you buy one pair, TOMS will donate another pair to a child in need.

Hmm...maybe I need to get a pair for Kate too.... ;)

Happy Saturday!

Wearing Wu (OOTD)

2012-02-09T00:10:00.000-08:00

I suspect that this will be the first of many Jason Wu for Target-related OOTDs for me. Unfortunately, I'm nursing a cold which seems to be lingering and sapping the energy right out of me, so my writing is going to be particularly uninspired today.

That being said, I do want to mention that I didn't really care for this dress when I saw it online, but the bright colors and stripes caught my eye in the store. I know it's not particularly popular amongst the JW for Target stuff, but I kind of love it. Unbelted, it's a touch long on me - I think it needs to be a bit shorter to really work well without the belt (we'll see if we can lose some of the length on it after a wash).

Dress: Jason Wu Jersey Striped Dress (similar here and here)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Nude Patent Platform Pumps

Belt: J. Crew Leather Skinny Belt (similar here and here)

Necklace: Banana Republic Necklace (old; similar here, here, and here)

Bracelets: Invisible Children 'The Rose' Bracelet and Until There's A Cure Bracelet

Okay, I've got a bad case of chills coming on (ugh, I hate being sick) so off to bed for me! Hoping the rest of you are healthy and well! Thanks for stopping by!

The Problem With February (Fitting Room Review)

2012-02-06T23:48:00.000-08:00

The problem with February is that there have been too many opportunities to cheat on my resolutions - and this is only in the first week. So, as you know, I made *ahem* some purchases at Target when the Jason Wu line was released. Unfortunately, the large majority of those purchases were made online, and when I placed them at midnight, I was unaware that the line was sized bigger than most of Target's collaboration lines have been. Generally speaking, I usually wear a comfortable size Small in their collaboration and/or junior sized lines (in Merona and the misses sized lines, I'm an XS). I assumed Jason Wu would go the way of earlier collaborations, and that I'd be safe getting size Smalls, but it turns out I was wrong, and that this particular collection was cut "True to Size," (as compared to Anthropologie sizes). Given that, I'm not sure how many of these items are actually going to fit me, once they arrive, so we'll have to see. I may be able to successfully shrink them in the wash...but I may also just end up taking them back. Fingers crossed. I did pick up a couple items in-store that morning, though, so I'm hoping to wear them later this week. I was sick today (Monday, as of writing) and was in my pjs and in bed for most of the day.

That being said, the other thing that's happened to help sabotage my best intentions this month was the release of J. Crew rewards cards. With my reward card in hand, I went to the store last week, "just to look." Which was truly my intention. Until I came across some in-store sale items that I'd had my eye on online - and which are still full-price online. It's really mean, I tell you. Anyway, here's what I wore that day (my official and legitimate February purchase):

Sweater: Breezy Polkas Cardigan, Anthropologie (old; similar here and here)

Dress: Four Corner Shirtdress, Anthropologie

Shoes: Tod's Leather Lace-Up Boots

Belt: Mossimo Studded Leather Belt, Target (old; similar here and here)

Necklace: Miss November Studio Umbrella Necklace

Socks: Nordstrom Knee-High Socks

Bracelets: Invisible Children "The Rose" Bracelet and Until There's A Cure Bracelet

Background scenery: Rowan, being too cool for school

And here are the things I tried on...

Merino Tatting Sweater and Gimlet Skirt in Coaster Stripe:

I tried on the Merino Tatting Sweater in an XS and the Gimlet Skirt in Coaster Stripe in the size 0. Both fit me really well. The skirt was pretty straightforward - the fabric was a bit on the stiffer side, so it held its A-line shape without the help of underskirts. The waist sits high, which made me feel even shorter-waisted than usual, and that, aside from the fact that it didn't have any pockets, were its two major drawbacks. The skirt hit at the top of my knee, closes with a back zipper, and is machine washable. I already have a striped skirt in a similar cut (my Kate Spade Lillith skirt, worn here), so this one was a pass for me.

The Merino Tatting Sweater is something I've been eyeing online for a while now, and it didn't disappoint in person. I really love the pretty lace inset and the comfortable fit. It's a bit long on me, but I don't mind, as I'll either tuck it (see photos above), layer it (see photo below, right), or let it scrunch casually around the top of my hips. It's a lighter layer for sure, so don't count on it for a lot of warmth. It has three-quarter length sleeves, pull-on styling, and is dry-clean only.

Downtown Field Jacket:

My wardrobe leans strongly towards the feminine and girly, so sometimes, I like to balance all the sweetness with a tougher outer layer. The Downtown Field Jacket fits this bill perfectly, and I'm considering it as my new spring jacket (for later - this try-on was strictly for research purposes). I'm wearing it in the XS, and found that it fit pretty well, overall. The length was okay and the shoulders fit well - the sleeves were a touch long, but I think I'd probably wear them rolled anyway. I do wish the jacket was just a bit less boxy than it is, but it's nothing I can't live with. The jacket, which is made from coated cotton canvas, is unlined. Overall, I liked it, but didn't feel love. Wishlisted for further consideration.

Detail: the back of the jacket has buttoned tabs that can be adjusted for fit.

And a shot of my munchkins, who really enjoyed the J. Crew fitting room (which may account for all the shushing I did, while we were in there - apologies to the other customers!):

Kate's wearing:

Dress: Zara Bird Dress

Top: H&M long-sleeved tee (similar here and here)

Pants: Circo pants (similar here)

Shoes: Skechers 'Shuffle Lights Hearts' Sneakers

Hope you're all having a great Tuesday! Thanks for stopping by!

Bibliophile (Book Club!)

2012-02-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

When I was in Nordstrom the other day, this little bauble (a book locket!) caught my eye:

Kate Spade Elements of Style Locket Necklace

Which then reminded me - it's been a long time since our last book club "meeting!" So here's the next title (and it's a really appropriate one for the necklace above):

Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style (Tim Gunn's Guide to Style)

What do you think? Let me know if you want to join in! (And let me know what you want us to read next in the comments below).

P.S. I totally cheated on my resolution and went on a Jason Wu-spree at Target this morning. Eee! But back on the wagon! Honest!

Sunshine-tinted Wishes

2012-02-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

Wring? Sprinter? How does one describe this odd non-winter, we're experiencing this year in San Diego? I can't say I'm really complaining, because I still remember from my years living in Albany, the profound sense of dismay that hit me every time February came around, and there was no sign of spring in sight. Having grown up in SoCal, I always imagined that spring arrived with the onset of March. Upstate New York winters firmly - even harshly - corrected me of my mistake. There's nothing more depressing than snow and ice on the ground outside your door in May.

But then, as now, there was nothing to keep me from wishing really hard for spring's arrival. And nothing triggered that longing more strongly than new spring fashions - and nearly always, the color yellow.

There's been an image floating around on Pinterest, which I can't quite seem to track down the original for (and believe me, I've spent an unhealthy amount of time trying). I'm fairly certain it depicts a page from a scanned J. Crew catalog - maybe one of you Crew-iphites can help me confirm? But if I could run out and buy the whole outfit right this minute, I would, resolutions be damned. It's totally triggering my spring-is-here-because-I'm-wearing-yellow thing:

But since this whole entire outfit seems to have escaped me (&#$*&#^$%@#!!! - and please, if you happen to know the source of above outfit, and whether or not it's still available somewhere, please, put a girl out of her misery and let me know? Thanks!), I've spent quite a lot of time (also probably verging on unhealthy), looking for subsitute yellows. So here they are - my yellow wishes:

Starting at the upper left, going clockwise, we have:

1. J. Crew Toothpick Jean in Garment-Dyed Twill

2. Blumarine Boatneck Dress (oh! I die over this one!)

3. J. Crew Mona Pump

4. Michael Kors Wool Crepe Sheath Dress

5. Bobeau Stripe Henley Dress

6. Kate Spade 'Faye' Strapless Silk Dress

7. J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Herringbone

8. Soprano Print Ruffle Sleeve Shift Dress

9. J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton

What about you? Are you planning on adding some sunny yellows to your wardrobe anytime soon?

Elementary (OOTD)

2012-02-02T01:01:00.000-08:00

Happy February, everyone! The weather continues on its mild course, here in San Diego, with warmer days, cool mornings and evenings, and chilly nights. The name of the game is layers. This sweater that I picked up earlier, from Future:Standard has become a serious favorite.

Sweater: Cowlneck Sweater, Future:Standard

Shirt: Merona Chambray Shirt, Target (similar here, here, and here)

Pants: AG Stevie Cords, Anthropologie (similar here, here, and here)

Boots: Apeppazza 'Martin' Wedge Boots (similar here, here, and here)

Necklace: J. Crew Necklace (similar here, here, and here)

My husband and I have been obsessively watching the BBC show, Sherlock. And by obsessive, I mean, willing-to-stay-up-into-the-wee-sma's-to-watch-1.5 hour-long-episodes-even-when-we're-already-way-past-exhausted. The good news is there's only one season available to us, stateside, and that season only has 3 episodes in it.

The bad news is, there's only one season available to us, stateside, and that season only has 3 episodes in it. The second season is available on blu-ray in the UK, but not here in the US yet, and I'm already trying to figure out how to get my grabby hands on it. The show, that sets the classic stories of Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle in current day England, is smart, suspenseful, and fun - and the voice of actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the title role of Sherlock Holmes, is just yummy. I could just close my eyes and listen to him talk all day. If you like puzzles and mysteries and good character development, then I highly recommend you give Sherlock a try.

image source: IMDB

Hope you're having a great day! Thanks for stopping by!

Easy-Breezy (OOTD)

2012-01-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

There are days when I 1) have very little time to get dressed, 2) am out of clean clothes because I haven't done the laundry, or 3) am just feeling unmotivated. It's on days like these that I'm grateful for hard-working items like this Rachel Zoe jacket in my closet.

I was plugging away at writing a report for work, when my computer's calendar reminded me that I had to leave in 5 minutes to meet with my co-workers for a lunch meeting. I work from home, so had been sitting in this t-shirt and jeans combo all morning. I threw on the jacket and necklace (another hard-working denizen of my wardrobe) and was out the door in record time.

Gives real meaning to the phrase "effortlessly pulled-together." (Mostly because there was so little effort put into this outfit, but I still felt pulled-together.)

Jacket: Rachel Zoe 'Sullivan' Leather Jacket

Top: J. Crew Vintage Cotton V-neck Tee

Jeans: AG Stilt Jeans

Shoes: Madewell Calf-hair Skimmers (similar here, here, and here)

Necklace: Kate Spade 'Hang in There' Necklace

By the way, for those of you missing Kathryn, check out her "5 Minutes With" feature on Respect the Shoes. Hope your week is going well - thanks for stopping by!

Compeer-able (Fitting Room Review)

2012-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

Back in the summer of 2010, I was obsessed with the Tracy Reese's Compeer Dress, but after months of thinking about it and waiting for it to go on sale, that very pretty frock ended up being a bit of a disappointment.

I tell you this, because yesterday, I was killing time at the Grove in LA (the DH and Rowan were attending the Fitness Expo, going on at the LA Convention Center), and that included a visit to Anthropologie (of course...) and that is where I came across the Four Corner Shirtdress:

I'm wearing the Four Corner Shirtdress in the size 0. Similar to the Compeer, it's a shirtdress constructed of a riveting orange-red cotton eyelet. Unlike the Compeer, it's unlined, and not nearly as structured. It has an empire waist, functional buttons that fasten down the length of the dress, an asymmetrical hemline (the skirt hit me about 1" above the knee in the front, and a couple inches below that knee in the back). There are little pleats and tucks at the front and back of the dress, that keep the voluminous skirt from feeling sack-like. My friend Lisa, whom I was with, was dubious about the dress on the hanger - would it be too tent-like? We (and that included the sales associate working the fitting room area, who had yet to see the dress on), were all pleasantly surprised. (Okay, I admit that I had hopes for it from the start - which is why I decided to give it a try.) The dress has pockets, is machine washable, and is my February purchase (I know - it's not even February yet! But it will be, in a couple days! And you know my weakness for shirtdresses...). I'm going to guess that most will feel that it's worth waiting for sale on this item - the dress, despite it's many details, feels more like a $70 dress, than its full-price. It's definitely a spring-summer item, and wouldn't be very useful at all, in most winter climates. But here, in San Diego, we've been having a remarkably mild winter, so I'll be able to wear it immediately.

And a shot of it belted (belt not included):

It's love! And I promise to be good for the rest of the month (haha, and by that, I mean February)! Pinky-swear!

Hope you're all having a great Sunday!

Stripes, Smoke, and Mirrors (Fitting Room Reviews)

2012-01-27T01:48:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone and happy Friday! What's a better way to kick off the weekend (we're very nearly there!) than with some fitting room reviews? (Yes, I know. There are probably quite a few better ways, but let's all pretend together for a few minutes, yes? Thanks.)

Anthropologie has, for the past season, been bombarding our inboxes with lots of emails heavily promoting the striped Bailey 44 dresses. I pretty much dismissed them out of hand because 1) the length of the first iteration (the Tiered Stripes Dress) was such that I knew - knew - that I would look pretty ridiculous in it (and I think that conviction bears out in the review below), and 2) I'm not a fan of body-conscious dresses. They make me, if no one else, terribly conscious of my body and all its imperfections, and really, who needs that kind of added pressure? I was, therefore, totally ready to forget the existence of those dresses, despite Anthro's efforts to the contrary. That is, until I came across Jess's reviews of the dresses (in her blog, Consume or Consumed, here and here) and suddenly, I started to feel curious about them. This is, essentially how I ended up standing in an Anthropologie fitting room, with an armful of striped Bailey 44 dresses. And here's how it went:

Pieced Column Dress:

I decided that the Pieced Column Dress, with its shorter length, might be the way to go for someone with a petite stature, so started off with that one. I'm wearing it in an XS, and I have to admit - this might be the first body-conscious dress that I'm actually wanting to buy for myself. Ever. In Jess's review, she mentioned how the staggered, almost criss-crossing stripes created a "smoke and mirrors" effect that really disguised body flaws, while still accentuating your curves - and you know, I have to completely agree. At least, looking straight on, I had a really hard time, even with my own gimlet and fairly critical eye, spotting any unseemly lumps and bumps that would normally send me scrambling to get out of clingy clothing. It's a bit harder to disguise a poochy tummy from a side view (and for the sake of honesty, I'll admit I was totally sucking in for that photo, above right, having just eaten dinner), but overall, I think I could live with it. The skirt is shorter - it hit about an inch and a half above my knee, so for women who are taller, it'd probably be substantially shorter. The dress is a pull-on style, made of layered, jersey fabric. It's lined and it's dry clean only. It's pretty much unlike anything else in my closet and I think that alone makes it a great candidate for my February purchase. Totally wishlisted.

Tiered Stripes Dress:

This is the Tiered Stripes Dress, and I'm wearing it in a size Small, because the Fashion Valley store was out of XS on the night I was there. It's big on me - but I think that were I wearing the XS, it'd pretty much be identical to the Pieced Column Dress, except for the additional 12" (give or take a few) of fabric that add to the length of the skirt. As I suspected, the length was problematic on me - it's supposed to be midi, and ostensibly, the XS might be an inch or so shorter, but at least in the size Small, I felt like a little kid wearing her big sister's hand-me-downs, that she still needed to grow into. Like the previous dress, this one is pull-on, and dry clean only. Pass for me.

Sorted Stripes Dress:

Here's the third of the Bailey 44 column dresses - the Sorted Stripes Dress, which I'm wearing in the XS. I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much from this dress, and while it wasn't quite as good as the Pieced Column Dress at smoothing out my figure, I was pleasantly surprised at how pretty the dress is, on. It's definitely too long on me, hitting a good inch below my knee (the dress hits at the top of the model's knee in the product shot), but the variegated striping did a good job of accentuating the body's curves while distracting the eye from other figure flaws. The dress, like the other two, has a pull-on styling and is dry-clean only. If there was a petite version of this dress available, I might totally spring for it. As it is, I still like it enough to have wishlisted it for consideration at sale time.

And while we're on the topic of stripes, I have to share this little jacket that caught my eye, as I passed by the Kate Spade window display. Stripes! Peplum! Love! It's the Kate Spade 'Ari' Jacket:

Kate Spade 'Ari' Jacket

Thanks for stopping by!

In Bloom (OOTD)

2012-01-26T00:26:00.000-08:00

I don't remember what this cardigan's name is. I just know that I haven't worn it in many moons, so I decided to pull it out for a spin. I considered, briefly, wearing a skirt with it, but, well, I was feeling lazy. A skirt would have required tights because it was chilly the day I wore it (Monday, I think). And it already seemed like a ton of work to put that shirt and the cardigan together.

What? I told you I was feeling lazy.

Sweater: Anthropologie Cardigan (similar here, here, and here)

Shirt: Target Boys' Long-Sleeved Checked Woven Shirt (in size L; similar here and here)

Jeans: AG Angelina Bootcut Jeans (similar here for non-petites)

Shoes: Diamond Stitched Skimmers, Anthropologie (similar here, here, and here)

Watch: Michael Kors Clear Crystal Chronograph (similar here, here, and here)

Bracelets: Invisible Children, The Rose Bracelet;

Until There's a Cure Bracelet

Kate's Outfit (obviously, she's not too lazy to put on tights...):

Top: BabyGap (similar here and here)

Skirt: Peek Tiered Skirt (similar here and here)

Tights: Dotted Tights, Target (similar here, here, and here)

Shoes: Skechers "Shuffle Lights Hearts Sparks" Sneakers

For those of you local to San Diego, or planning a visit, I want to tell you that I had lunch at this amazing little place called The Carnitas Snack Shack. I had the Pork Sandwich, which had fried pork loin, pulled pork, and bacon on it (yes, that was three kinds of pork) along with the most amazing pepperoncini-pickle relish. I about died. How good can a pork sandwich be, you wonder? The answer, my friends, can be found here. (And you should note that it runs along the lines of, "pretty freaking amazing"-good.) For non-pork eaters (I hear you're out there), there were also vegetarian, fish, and beef options, which I hear are also fantastic.

Hope your day is a great one!

Pretties on My Mind... (Wishlisting)

2012-01-24T01:42:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to lie. I'm really glad we're in the last week of the month. I'm already listing, considering, weighing, rationalizing, finagling...trying to decide what should be my February purchase. I'm actually beginning to wonder...should I set myself a budget, rather than a # of items? On the one hand, I could conceivably allow myself to buy one thing that's quite pricey, which wouldn't help at all with the whole, "save more," resolution. On the other hand, if I were to set myself a monthly allowance for clothing, I could end up buying too many lower-priced items, which wouldn't help my "too-full closet" and "keep the house cleaner" (at least, my room-portion of the house...) situation. I suppose, what I should really do is set myself a budget in tandem with the one-item-a-month rule. But...well, this all comes down to the fact that there are two things that I really want. I mean, really, really want. And, of course, quite a few other items I'd really quite like as well. But two that I'd have bought yesterday, if not for this resolution:

The J. Crew Heart Me Sweater (now sold out, but am hoping to hunt down somewhere) and the Club Monaco Shawna Shirt.

I confess, I'm somewhat obsessed with Club Monaco's offerings lately. For instance, the outfit below:

In order to recreate this outfit, I need the following items:

1. Lexi Sleeveless Blazer (similar here, here, and here)

2. Dorothy Sweatshirt (similar here, here, and here)

3. Jessie Tank (similar here, here, and here)

4. Tylor Pant (similar here, here, and here)

There's also this outfit:

For which I'd need:

5. Tate Quilted Vest (similar here and here)

6. Elise Sweater (similar here, here, and here)

7. Shawna Shirt (I'm almost definitely certain to buy this. As soon as I'm able.)

8. Vaughn Skirt

And then, of course, there are a few non-Club Monaco items I'm longing for:

9. Kate Spade 'Gail' Dress

10. Kate Spade 'Adette' Dress

11. Anthropologie Bike Lane Dress

12. Milly Lettie Dress

And to round it all out, a stunning shoe:

13. Rachel Zoe Gored Platform Sandal

And no worries, friends - I'm not actually planning to cave and buy 13 things before the week is out. Nor am I planning to cave and buy anything before the week is out. I'm just, you know, thinking things through. Though, February 1st might see me sporting that Shawna Shirt... ^_-

Have a great day!

Like Candy (OOTD)

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words and encouragement regarding my resolutions (you all accurately honed in on the one that'll be hardest for me - the shopping one...). This top is my official January purchase - the Kate Spade Bow Ellis Top - which I found on the sale rack at Nordstrom, on second cut.

I know, right? What are the chances??? I don't know about the rest of you, but I find Kate Spade clothes to be...well, reamingly expensive. Especially at full price. Particularly since I'd love to buy nearly everything. So, on the rare occasions a Kate Spade item makes it into my wardrobe, it's either because I developed a wholly unhealthy obsession with said item, or because I completely, unexpectedly, and serendipitously came across that item on sale, and maybe had a coupon code to boot. Something like that. Or, like this. At any rate, this one is my January keeper, and I love her. She's like candy, isn't she?

Oh, wow, did I just anthropomorphize a sweater? Mmhm. Yes. Yes, I did.

Sweater: Kate Spade 'Ellis' Sweater

Shirt: Burberry Button-Up (similar here, here, and here)

Pants: J. Crew Minnie in Stretch Twill

Shoes: Madewell Leopard Calf-hair Skimmer (similar here, here, and here)

And while I was snapping my OOTDs, Kate asked me to pause and hold on just a minute...

Kate's Outfit:

Sweater: Target Cherokee Cardigan (similar here and here)

Skirt: Mini Boden Gypsy Skirt (similar here and here)

Leggings: Carter's Toddler Leggings

Shoes: Skechers 'Shuffle Lights Hearts Sparks' Sneakers

Apparently, she had some posin' to do:

(It would seem I do that with my feet a lot. Notice her intent focus and concentration...)

Hope you're all having a great Monday!