Blazer Dilemma

Okay - perhaps its not really a dilemma, but really I'm on the hunt for a fun colored blazer to add to my wardrobe of drab blue, black, and grey ones. I need some spicing up in the blazer department - and I have a visa giftcard that I'm going to put toward the purchase.

Below are some of the ones I'm considering... I'd love to hear your thoughts on them and welcome any other suggestions you might have!

Photo via nordstrom.com

I saw this online and tried it on in store the other night... perhaps it was the lights there or maybe I'm just not confident enough but I'm half wanting to buy this right away and half wanting to turn and run. It is a bit more reddish orange in person. It also comes in a cobalt blue which was not in my size and I liked as well, and white was gorgeous too (but I'm paranoid to spill something on it...). Gibson blazer, 88.00 via nordstrom.com

Image via nordstrom.com

Another option from Nordstrom - but this one is in a pure red. I like red. I'm not quite sold on the sleeves. But.. the price is fantastic - and it also comes in yellow, green, and white. Ambition twill blazer, 59.00 via nordstrom.com.

From Forever 21

This is a more cost friendly option from forever 21. I would definitely have to go in store to try this one on because their sizing can fluctuate on me. I also really like the pink option they have.. but I'm not so sure this is something I could wear to the office. Single button blazer, 24.90 at forever21.com

Image from Loehmann's.com

I saw this on Loehmann's.com and if it was in my size I would possibly order this. It also comes in several other colors as well. I know, I know... its blue. But.. Cobalt is different than navy, right? Necessary Objects Boyfriend Blazer, 39.99, loehmanns.com.

Adorableness from landsendcanvas.com

I know, I know. Grey. And tweed. BUT IT HAS ELBOW PATCHES! Do you know how excited I get over elbow patches? You might now. Anyway. This is on sale. I kinda sorta love it. Just had to throw this one in there... just because. Women's wool hunting jacket, 64.99, canvas.landsend.com.

So that's my round up... any input is more than welcome!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Holiday nails

Readers, I apologize for my absence over the past few days. I came down with a horrid cold that kept me cooped up for most of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I'm still suffering from congestion and a runny nose and cough, so hopefully I'll be better before getting on board that plane on Sunday.

Today I thought I'd talk about something that I love... indulging myself in manicures and pedicures. Seriously - when I look down and see nicely colored nails there's a little part of me that squeals every time. With Dave's holiday party on Friday night, two get togethers on Saturday and then vacation starting Sunday I decided to look into the new gel manicures that have been gaining popularity. It's similar to having acryllics put on but there's no nasty formula that goes with it or ruins your nails - and its supposed to last 3 weeks. So I ponied up my 28.00 (which is cheaper than a manicure a week + tip, mind you) and plunked myself down for a gel manicure.

The process itself took quite a while. It took about an hour because you have to let each layer of polish dry invididually underneath a dryer. So you're looking at 5 layers - your base, three layers of color, and then a top coat. But let me tell you... today is day 5 and my nails still look as if I got them done earlier today. Sure the process is a bit intense, but the major difference is that they were dry right away. Which means not having to worry about smudging or messing up my manicure.

Here's a photo - I quite enjoy this red. It's very similar to OPI's "I'm not really a waitress". So needless to say... I'm happy. We'll see how well it holds up after time in the sun and swimming pools...

And just so this isn't text only - a lovely shot of my hands on day 4. Four!!!! (sorry for the awkard lighting in my office... but there's no chips or anything).