May Spending Recap

May has gone by in a blur and I can barely recall what happened in the first half of the month. I think this is somewhat right.. hah.

J Crew Cleo loafers - 59.99, my review here
J Crew Factory stripe tee - 18.99
J Crew Factory Pineapple tee - 12.99

Not pictured:
Gap outlet tank top, 6.00
Old Navy graphic tee in mint print, 8.00
Coach Reena sandals, 50.00

Total: 155.97

Not too shabby.. although I may have a pair of shoes hidden somewhere. Since I worked a ton of overtime I may see about keeping them (horrible, I know...). I love the pineapple tee as it reminds me of summer, and you can never have too many stripes. The coach sandals are perfect for summer and can go with anything from jeans to a maxi dress.

How did you do in May? Linking up with Fran!

J Crew & J Crew Factory shoe reviews

I'm in the middle of my busiest time of year at work - open enrollment, and with over 20+ programs it's my task to visit them all and hold information sessions. It's a blast to be able to get out and meet everyone but at the same time I'm exhausted.

However, I have two new pairs of shoes to keep that pep in my step up while I'm trekking across 3 counties.

When I first saw the J Crew Factory Addie loafers in the anchor motif I knew they had to be mine. I love the fact that they combine stripes, an anchor, and neutral colors that can go with any outfit. I took my normal 7.5 in these and I got them for super sale during the last big factory promo sale. I'd watch the site this weekend since it's Memorial Day for a big sale.

The second pair that I nabbed recently thanks to seeing several others wearing them and getting them on deep discount are the Cleo stripe loafers in canvas. I got these for 59.99 - they are marked 99.99 in store and then an additional 40% - and let's really appreciate that price since these are made in Italy! (And I admit now that I have a loafer problem... oi!). I love these. I think they will be perfect with shorts, jeans, and cutoffs for the summer months. I did go down to a size 7 as my SA advised that because they are lined in leather on the inside they will stretch. Call your stores - I know the SF Center store still had sizes in stock in the back as of Saturday! These also came with a lovely shoe storage bag and a Made in Italy care card.

Have you picked up any fun shoes lately - and most importantly, will you be stalking the sales for this upcoming Memorial Day weekend?

An ordinary Wednesday outfit

I have seem to forgotten how much I absolutely love this skirt and how often I should be wearing it. The red is a great color and pairing it with neutrals seems to tone down the brightness a bit. Finally - an outfit worth blogging about!

Today I paired it with my new sweater from the Gap that I picked up for 17.00. When I asked the husband about it in store I asked him if it looked like a pretzel on the front, and he agreed. So I bought the sweater and instantly wanted a pretzel with cheese sauce. Oi. And underneath it is the Banana Republic jeweled collar blouse I bought after Christmas and this blouse has been frequently worn. The jewels on the collar are so subtle and I love pairing it under a cardigan or sweater.

Adorable Kate Spade phone case... Love the flowers!

I did get lots of compliments on the skirt at the office today so I figured I'd finally add something fashiony to the blog again.

Linking up with WIWW & Mix and Match Fashion!

Sweater: Gap (similar)

Blouse: Banana Republic (similar here on sale!)

Skirt: J Crew (Factory version here - check stores)

Freezing in fair isle

Arctic blast seems to be the term of the week as SF bundles up for the first cold front of the year. Me? I'm not really complaining as it's an excuse to wear fleece lined boots to work and get the most use out of my blanket scarf.

The sweater below is the J Crew critter fair isle sweater from last year. I was drawn to it because of the cats (not gonna lie). But the colors are also lovely, and it's definitely keeping me warm today.

Some other fair isle sweaters I have my eye on - chime in with your favorites below!

Madewell

Boden

Target

Outfit details:
Fair isle sweater: J Crew (similar here)
Boots: Ugg (similar here, love the detailing)
Jeans: Banana Republic (similar here)

Recent Factory J Crew/Finds

For some reason, J Crew Factory has really hit it out of the park recently on items that I've wanted in the past but never had a chance to get (so, while my wallet begs you to stop, I'm interested to see what will be in the next roll out).

I took advantage of the last 40% off promo as well as the 20% off 3 or more items to get the following:

Factory classic button down in suckered plaid - item 41430. I took my normal M. I believe I missed out on this in normal J Crew stores last year so happy to find it at Factory.

Factory plaid flannel in grey - item 30519. Another retail gone factory. Again, size M. Also I'm totally on a plaid/flannel kick as of late.

Factory colorblock linen baseball tee, size M. While this is backordered until what feels like Christmas I'll eagerly be awaiting its arrival.

In stores marked down to 34.99 - 40% - the funny birds tee. I had to size down in this one to a S as I feel as though it ran huge on me. It has birds. And they are funny. I loved this when I first saw it but was turned off by the price. At 20 and some cents, I'm much more okay with that. What more can I say?

And one more marked down to about 20 and some change - the dots over stripes tee. Another that I took in a S. This still shows as full price on the website, but was marked down like the birds tee to 34.99.

So that's about it. Have you gotten any great buys from the sales recently?

Plaid on Wednesdays

As October is winding down wind gusts and falling leaves are picking up here in the bay area. Today I decided to do a bit of layering and reached for my plaid blazer for the first time this season. And with Halloween being tomorrow I'm scrambling to find some sort of costume. I think I have one in mind - and a coworker suggested another great one. But I'll see if I can put the pieces together fast enough to make it work.

Lately I have been increasingly busy and find myself wanting nothing more than a retreat for a few days in a cabin in the woods, a fireplace, and my books. I'm not sure if its due to the weather, or just having been away for the past 2 weekends in a row, or just things going on in life, but sometimes I feel as though I forget to take care of myself. Shopping aside, I think I need some time to recharge my batteries. If Tahoe had snow, I'd be halfway there.

Any low cost suggestions, aside from coffee and cheap books to work  on this?

Outfit details:
White button down: Polo Outlet, similar
J Crew factory charley sweater: exact
J Crew Plaid blazer: similar
Jeans: Gap, similar
Loafers: Bass Weejuns, exact

Linking up with Tucker Up for WIWW

J Crew Reviews: Floral T & Stripe Necklace Tee

Part of the best thing about ordering items online are getting packages in the mail. I feel as though receiving things via snail mail is a bit outside the norm these days, so I'm always thrilled when a box comes to my desk with my name on it (even if I did have to order it myself).

With the last 40% off sale promo I finally picked up the stripe necklace tee. I took my normal size M. I adore this. It pairs well under a blazer and with jeans, or it can be dressed up with a pencil skirt. I'm glad I jumped on it when I did - online is showing sold out of most sizes but I would try in store. I would consider getting this top in another color way I really like it that much!

The vintage cotton floral tee is another item I'd consider in its alternate color way as well. I almost bought both, but I decided not to. And now I shall kick myself. The top is so soft, and the flowers give it a dainty feel. Again, I took my size M in this. And if I find the cream version, it shall be mine too.

Something else I ordered awhile ago also came in the mail this week and its definitely becoming my new favorite necklace - my monogram initials in silver. I purchased it from groopdealz and have seen it pop back a few times but here's a photo of mine below.

Is there anything that's come in the mail recently that you've come to love?

J Crew 40% off sale picks

J Crew had me at extra 40% off sale. I finally had an excuse to use my gift card that I got for my birthday so here's what I got...

Polka dots on a baseball tee. Instantly sold. I would suggest wearing a tank top underneath the grey otherwise its pretty sheer. I had to size down in this one. 14.99 after discounts.

I adore peter pan collars and had wanted this one for awhile, but with the 40% off I was able to not feel so guilty. I adore the lace details on this and  took my normal size M and love this! Style 04691 and came to 29.99.

For the longest time I've been wanting a lace overlay top and finally they had one in my size. The cream color is a bit sheer, as evidenced by the dark skirt showing through underneath. I'm wearing a M, style 03280, came to 35.99.

I definitely think after this weekend that my sweatshirt collection is complete. I nabbed this cozy one for 23.99 and took a size M. Item 04811.

And notebooks. Who doesn't love notebooks? I clearly have a stationary problem and should probably seek help for it, but that's okay. At least I have pretty things to write in.

This scarf also made it home with me. Item is 05867 and is called the Cubist Houndstooth scarf. I think I shall call it scarf I'm now addicted to. It's wool and amazing. I believe it was around 25 after discounts.

And of course.. the skirt I'm wearing. Finally, the Number 2 pencil skirt in tipped wool. Item 03427 and still full price on the website (along with a lot of these other items I'm noticing..). I paid 59.99 and I ended up with a size 8. If it happens to become too large with wear I will get it altered.

Whew! Have you gotten anything during this awesome J Crew sale?

Mellow Yellow

So I finally found my long lost tripod (it had been hiding in my car trunk at my parents house) and now I can actually use the tripod for what it was intended for. Yes, that's right. Awkward outfit photos of yours truly.

When a box from Anthropologie showed up the week of my birthday at work I was thinking to myself, 'What the heck did I order?' But when I opened it, this yellow necklace was inside. Not only was I super thrilled because this necklace is so me, but because its yellow and this is my first yellow necklace. I'm really excited to pair this with everything from the outfit below to a simple t shirt and jeans. And on such a dreary day like today this brightened my mood and made me smile. So a huge thanks to KO for making my birthday that much sweeter (you are the best, really!)

Necklace: Gift
Black sweater: J Crew factory (exact)
Button down: J Crew (similar)
Skirt: Gary Graham, gift (similar)

Ooooh and stay tuned... the tripod and I will be sharing our deals and steals from the tax free land of Oregon fairly soon! :)

Rediscovering my closet

It appears (and feels) that summer has finally made its way to San Francisco. Fog has given way to warm days, gorgeous sunsets, and sadly balmy weather that I'm not that used to. I'm not complaining and wishing I could stop time a bit and enjoy the sunshine more.

This past weekend I decided to take every item out of my cedar chest and re-evaluate it. And I've discovered the following:
1) I clearly have an addiction to sweaters, and
2) I have a lot of items that I've forgotten I've even had.

I think that part of this is due to the fact that space is at an all time premium in our apartment - since my cedar chest stays closed to keep a certain furry female out of it it's very hard for me to search for items in my mad dash in the mornings. But after going through my clothes one thing has been made very clear - I don't need any more clothes any time soon. Sure, I might need a pair of black jeans or to replace a cardigan with holes, but other than that... I really have no excuse or reason to purchase anything new.

Take for instance this awesome sweater I discovered. Stripes. I love stripes. And black and white can be paired with just about anything. Like a blue blouse and my J Crew wanna be necklace. Pardon the bad lighting, but I'm hoping to get my camera up and going some point soon.

Has there been anything that you've recently rediscovered in your closet and are excited to have found?

Button down: H&M (similar here)
Striped sweater: J Crew tippi in linen (similar here)
Skirt: Gary Graham, gift
Necklace: GroopDealz
Shoes: J Crew cece ballet flats (new colors here)

Life lately.

Hello blog, I'm so sorry I haven't written in a bit. I feel as though I wrote so much through May that now I'm a little stumped as to what to blog about now. Perhaps I should look for another challenge to do...

Life lately has been busy but good. School is definitely giving me a run for money, but I do enjoy it. It feels great to be learning and doing something else in my schedule, although I'm already stressing about our final project and paper due in 8 weeks. Eep.

After coming off May's shopping ban I have to be careful to not go off the deep end spending in June. I'm trying to reassess my shoe situation (since I seem to only wear a handful of the same pairs) and I'm pretty much in love with this H&M skirt I picked up last weekend and want to live in it. And not gonna lie, I bought both items in the photo below:

Tippi linen sweater in whale and Liberty of London floral popover from J Crew. Whales on a blue sweater? Heck yes!

4th of July weekend might be what is keeping me sane as of late... my husband, parents, and I are off to Vegas and then on to Zion and Bryce National Parks in Utah. I'm really excited for a few reasons: 1) Vegas. 2) I haven't travelled (for fun) with my parents in at least 8 years. 3) this is the first sort of adventure vacation DH and I have had. I know it's going to be hot as all heck but I'm going to enjoy the scenery and prepare myself for lugging my big camera all over the place.

And so this isn't totally boring, some photos as of late...

City Hall on a walk before dinner.

Charles Phillip Shanghai flats I may have bought

It's always a treat to go back to the City Club

Oh, and to all those out there at BW/M.... ;)

Happy almost weekend!

Monarchs and stripes

Hello June! I'm finding it hard to believe that half the year is already over. But.. onward with the rest of the year and so far it's been pretty good so I'm not at all complaining.

With May's shopping ban over I'm officially back in the market and able to spend. But I'm being a lot more selective and thoughtful when it comes to buying items. The one thing I saw in May that I loved was the J Crew tippi in monarch. I finally nabbed it the other day for about 44 after the in store 30% promo and my mom's teachers discount.

You'll have to pardon the hair. I paired this over a white button down and a blue skirt. Also, I have no idea what my collar is doing but I promise it behaved itself for the first 10 hours of the day. I took my normal size Medium in this, and I feel as though it runs a tad larger than the other tippi's but since I tend to wear them over blouses I'm ok with that.

Props to dh for taking this photo and doing laundry last night. Boom.

Monarch tippi: Online, check stores for cheaper prices
White button down: J Crew factory