Patriotic

I guess I'm in the Independence Day mood.  I wasn't too keen on the Raj Paisley print at first, but as the price went down, my interest went up :).  I really like that it gives me another outfit to wear my red bubble necklace with.

I understand that 30% off is still going on in the stores.  Will you picking up anything else this week-end or are you waiting for the fall roll-out?

Happy Friday and have a great week-end!

J. Crew Perfect Shirt
J. Crew Raj Paisley Pencil Skirt
J. Crew Bubble Necklace
Guess Pumps

Safari Cat & Chambray

I grabbed the J. Crew Safari Cat Cafe Capris during the 30% off.   I wasn't a fan of these at first, but for $44.99 minus 30%, they grew on me.  I think the biggest issue was the fit - I originally tried them in my regular Cafe Capri size 2.  I sized down to a 0 and the fit is perfect - so I would say these run large - or my spinning classes are really paying off :).

Gap Chambray Shirt
J. Crew Safari Cat Cafe Capri
J. Crew Belt
Steve Madden Flats

J Crew Review: Tessa Top

I ordered the Tessa top in Dazzling Sun during the 30% off promo as a ride-along.  I fully intended to return it, especially since I already have the Safari Cat Tessa ($29.99 + 30% off) and picked up the Chili Tessa ($49.99 + 30% off) last week.  I really thought it would be more of a mustardy yellow like the #2 pencil in Golden Sunflower, but it's not.  It is a beautiful yellow - bright, but not neon.  As you can see below I immediately put together several outfits.  I guess it's a keeper :).

As I mentioned previously in my review of the Safari Cat Tessa, I love the fit on these tops.  They are flowy, but no overwhelming.  I took my regular J. Crew Perfect Shirt size of 4.  I could have gone with a 2 and it would have been more fitted, but I like the flowy look.  I like the weight of the linen - not too light and not too heavy - just right.  Also, I wore the Safari Cat to work all day and suprisingly I was not a wrinkled mess at the end of the day.

I have much love for the linen Tessa top! 

Excuse the wrinkled mess - it just came out of the J. Crew bag.

Dazzling Sun Tessa with Royal Paisley Pencil Skirt

With Watercolor Floral Pencil Skirt

With Golden Roses Pencil Skirt

With Fleurette Pencil Skirt

With Toile Cafe Capris

Recycling

Yes, I know, I wore this cardigan yesterday.  I guess I'm just in a mint mood :). 

I went to J. Crew this morning just to be sure I didn't miss anything while 30% off was still going on.  And more stuff was added.....  Damn J. Crew!

The yellow and burgundy pencil skirts have been added to sale - $59.99 minus 30%.  I scored the metallic Sperry Top Siders for $35 and a pair of matchstick jeans for $27.

Are you doing more damage at J. Crew this week-end? 

J. Crew Jackie Cardigan
J. Crew Beaded Tee
Gap Boyfriend Khakis
Express Belt
Steve Madden Sandals
Kate Spade Earrings

Red & Mint - No Giant Ants

Ever since I saw this dress on a blog many months ago I have been obsessed, obsessed I tell you.  I tracked down that it was sold at Anthropologie - sold out.  I found it on Ebay, a couple of times, for like $200.  Every time I would put it on my Ebay watch list, my daughter would delete it.  What the heck! 

OK, OK, I understand - really what is a 50 year old woman going to do with a dress with giant red ants on it?!?  I'm still not over it, but I've moved past it. 

I really love the colors so I re-created them in my outfit today.  And replaced the giant ants with my lobster critter necklace.  Maybe it is my total lack of sleep due to the basketball game, but I don't think it looks half bad. 

Happy Friday!

Charlotte Taylor Fire Ant Dress



J. Crew Jackie Cardigan
White House Black Market Tee
J. Crew Cafe Trousers
Express Bow Belt
Guess Pumps
J. Crew Necklaces



NBA National Champions - Miami Heat

The Miami Heat won the NBA Championship last night for only the 2nd time in franchise history.  And I was lucky enough to be there both times!!

A couple of pics from the big night..........





Fancy Pants

My husband calls these my "fancy pants".  I guess they are kinda fancy :).  Have a great day!

J. Crew Jackie Cardigan
Ann Taylor Cami
J. Crew Belt
J. Crew Cafe Capris
Mia Flats via TJ Maxx

Gap Sale

Since I was checking out the Old Navy sale, I decided to see what was going on over at the Gap website.  Today only they are having 25% off your purchase with code GAP25HOURS.  Free shipping on orders over $50.

DON'T FORGET TO GO THROUGH EBATES FOR EXTRA CASH BACK!!!  I forgot for my Old Navy order, but remembered for Gap.

My picks:

Slim Cropped Refined Pants
Navy Pattern
$49.95
These remind me of J. Crew Cafe Capris.
I have several pairs of Gap cropped pants & love them!
Fit TTS - Same as J. Crew Cafes

Broken-in Straight Khakis $49.95
These come in many great colors.
I have these in the neon pink & LOVE them!
Decided I needed a neutral and went with these olive green ones called Greenway.
Fit TTS

Boyfriend Roll up Shorts $39.95
Again, lots of great colors!
I usually take a 4 in J. Crew shorts but sized down to a 2 in these and they are still slouchy (which I love).

Utility Jacket
Greenway - $69.95
Red - $79.95
I bought this in the greenway & LOVE it!
I have been looking for a military-like jacket for awhile & this one is perfect.

Old Navy Sale

I've been watching for an Old Navy sale as they have some cute shorts recently added online.  My patience has paid off and today they have 15% off your order or 20% off when you use your Gap, Old Navy, or Banana Republic card with code ONSUNSHINE.  The sale runs through June 23rd.  Free shipping on orders over $50.

My picks:

5 inch Sailboat Shorts
Blue or Orange
$24.94

5 inch Polka Dot Shorts
Nutmeg, Green, or Black
$24.94

Plaid Shirt
$22.94
I have several of these shirts and love them!

Chiffon Maxi Skirt
$14.99
This was my first foray into maxi skirts.
Fully lined!  Love it!

Garden Floral #2

How cute is this skirt?!  Even better that it started out at $138 and I ended up paying $32!!  I love that it has so many colors I can mix and match it with tons of tops in my closet.  A few months ago I would not have purchased this skirt because I wouldn't have know what shoes to wear.  But I love these Franco Sartos that I bought at TJ Maxx for $35 because they are a neutral that goes with everything.

Please note that this skirt does seem to run a little big.  This is my normal size 2 and a 0 would have been a better fit.

What recent J. Crew buys are you loving?  What are your go to neutral shoes?

J. Crew Haberdashery Shirt
J. Crew Garden Floral Skirt
J. Crew Frog Necklace
Franco Sarto via TJ Maxx Pumps

I love my critter necklaces!  The frog wanted to go in the garden today :).

Sketchbook Roses

Fortunately,  I was able to score this Sketchbook Roses skirt on Ebay in a size 2 to replace my size 4 that is too big.  I am selling several of my favorite J. Crew skirts in size 4 and size 6 that are just too big.  Check them out HERE.

J. Crew Sketchbook Roses Skirt
J. Crew Jackie Cardigan
J. Crew Turtle Bauble Necklace
Guess Pumps

Heat Win Game 3 of NBA Finals!!

We went to the Heat game last night.  We won 91-85!!  Yippee!!  Game 4 is Tuesday night.

So sorry my Oklahoma peeps, but we've earned bragging rights :)!

Thunder Down!!  The Heat is On!!

American Airlines Arena with Biscayne Bay in the background.

J. Crew Online Sale - 30% off - SHOPNOW code

As of 12:30 am ET the 30% code SHOPNOW is working.  It is not advertised, but it worked on a mock check-out.

Happy Shopping!

National Lobster Day

OK, actually National Lobster Day was yesterday.  But I love me some lobster - eating and wearing :)!

J. Crew Factory Critter Tee
J. Crew 5 inch Chino Shorts
J. Crew Belt
Target Sandals

Review: Lands' End Canvas

I recently discovered LEC thanks to Gigi, and I am a huge fan.  The quality of their stuff is great IMO.  During the dress promo I re-ordered the silk navy polka-dot for $27.20 which was originally $130!!  I also ordered the navy eyelet dress for $27.20 and a striped polo for $15.97.

The navy eyelet dress is super cute.  I had fears that it would be too short, but as you can see it hits right at the top of  my knees (I am 5'7".).  It is fully lined and has pockets.  The dress only has a short zipper at the neck and I had a heck of a time getting out of it.  This is a size 4 and I typically wear a size 2 or 4 in J.Crew dresses so I would say it runs TTS to small. Overall, I think it is great quality and the price was fantastic.

Lands' End Canvas Eyelet Dress - Size 4

Fabric detail

I also ordered the Lightweight Rugby Shirt in navy and ivory on sale for $15.97.  LOVE this shirt!  It is a great weight - not too light as to seem flimsy.  The sleeves are 3/4 which some may not like, but doesn't bother me.  I also like the chambray collar.  It has a tennis tail hem (longer in the back) and hidden button placket.  I think these details make it seem more expensive and higher quality.  This is a size small.  The online size guide says a small is size 6-8.  But this seems to fit more like a 4-6 to me.

Question:  The chambray collar is the exact same color as my J. Crew chambray shorts and I think they look cute together.  Cute or too Garanimal?

Lands' End  Lightweight Rugby Shirt - Size Small

It also comes in Oro/Ivory

Reviews: J. Crew - Polka-dot Popover, Talitha Blouse, Raj Paisley Pencil

My recent J. Crew order was mostly sale items that weren't in my local stores - the Polka-dot Popover and the solid color Talitha Blouses.  Also, at the time I placed my order the Raj Paisley #2 was still full price in store, but on sale online.  I'm soooo glad it wasn't final sale....................

First up, the Polka-dot Popover.  I thought the color was going to be black and ivory and the fabric semi-sheer.  Wrong on both counts.  The shirt is black. but the polka dots are a tan/khaki color.  The fabric is a silk and cotton blend, but different than the silk & cotton perfect shirts.  This fabric is awesome and didn't seem at all sheer to me.  This is a size 4 so I would say it fits TTS.  If the dots had been ivory, this would have been a keeper for me at $69.99.

J. Crew Polka-dot Popover - size 4

I was so excited to receive the Talitha blouses.  I ordered the Vintage Berry and Bohemian Red.  I LOVE my Talithas in Peacock Paisley and Feather Paisley and expected these to be the same.  They are not.  The fabric is totally different.  The solids are a washed silk and are much more sheer and flimsy feeling.  They also run larger.  I love the fit of my Talitha Paisleys in a size 4.  These in a size 4 were way too big, I think I may have needed even a size 0!  Needless to say, these are going back.

My final item as the #2 pencil in the Raj Paisley.  Although you know I am a sucker for a paisley, I just wasn't feeling this one.  For some reason it felt too 4th of July to me.  But after seeing it on my fellow bloggers, I started feeling it.  I was hoping to wear it with my new Talitha blouse in Bohemian Red, but how cute with my Madewell Chambray pocket tee, red pumps, and my red bubble necklace?!  I ordered it for $89.99, but my PS told me that it is down to $79.99 with 30% off.  For $56, you will be seeing it an OOTD very soon.

Talitha Blouse - Bohemian Red - Size 4
Too big, too flimsy, going back
Raj Paisley #2 Pencil Skirt - Size 2
Feeling the paisley love

Review: Ann Taylor

I stopped by Ann Taylor today as my daughter told me they have a new chambray tee and I just had to check it out.  LOVE!  It didn't come home with me today, but it will very soon.  I tried to take a fitting room pic but it turned out very blurry.  Come on fellow bloggers what is your fitting room photos secret??

Anyhoo, this Ann Taylor shirt is awesome.  It does have an exposed back zipper which may be a deal breaker for some.  The zipper is trimmed in brown leather with a leather pull.  I love the darker denim wash which makes it seem dressier to me.  Also, the fabric is fab - it has a little stretch in it which makes it great to get in and out of.  Highly recommend!

These copied website photos are as blurry as my fitting room shots.  Check it out HERE.