Kirklees Swinging Low

I found my Kirklees Sweater Coat over the holidays and wanted to wear it one time before the warm spring weather took over.  I also found the Swing Low Tee on the same day and figured that it would be a perfect match with the Kirklees sweater.  I wore this outfit to work yesterday in lieu of a suit.  I was happy that I was able to show a little of my personality...this outfit was a lot more feminine and colorful than my normal black, grey or navy suits.   Enjoy the rest of your Saturday and the rest of the holiday weekend!     

Sweater: Anthropologie Kirklees Sweater Coat

Shirt: Anthropologie Swing Low Tee

Skirt: JCPenney East 5th Belted Pencil Skirt

Shoes: Ann Taylor Dark Brown Pumps (really old)

Fresh Picks to Follow: Trench Coats

The classic trench coat is back for spring this year and this is one item that every woman should have in their closet. If you don’t already own this wardrobe staple, now is the time to invest. I bought my classic trench coat from Banana Republic almost two years ago and it was the best investment that I have made…in clothing of course.  While a trench coat may be pricey, it’s a fashionable piece that’ll last forever.  Even Audrey Hepburn wore a khaki trench coat in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”  The trench coat goes well with anything and it makes you feel glamorous and mysterious. You can wear it with jeans, skirts or dresses for different occasions.  And the trench is available in a variety of styles, colors and prints and it is always flattering. Looking to invest in this classic closet staple? Look below and let me know which one is your favorite. 

1. Banana Republic – Madras Trench…$198.00

2. Coach – Alexis Short Trench…$498.00

3. White House Black Market – Tipped Mini-Dot Trench Coat…$188.00

4. Burberry – Double Breasted Packaway Trench Coat…$650.00

5. Kohl’s – Lauren Conrad Trench Coat…$57.99 (was $84.00)

6. Ann Taylor – Allison Anorak…$198.00

7. Anthropologie – Subtle Survival Trench…$99.95 (was $188.00)

8. Banana Republic – Classic Trench…$198.00

9. J.Crew – Mackintosh® Dollar Trench Coat…$1,175.00

10.  Anthropologie – Femme Trench Jacket…$188.00

Fitting Room Reviews: Signs of Spring

I stopped by Anthropologie tonight to check out the sales and some of the store’s new spring arrivals.  Plus I had my birthday discount burning a hole in my pocket.    Here are a few of my fitting room reviews and some of my purchases.  What do you ladies have your eye on this spring?  Let me know!  I'll have to post the sale items tomorrow...stayed tuned!

 

Anthropologie – Draw The Line Cowlneck…$278.00

I love the look of this kimono like sweater.  My store didn't

get these in but there was an extra small (xs) returned to the

store.  The back of the sweater has a beautiful cut out too.

Anthropologie – Study Of Shapes Dress…$158.00

I love the cut of this dress, but I wasn't in love with

this pattern.   Also, the each dress has different pattern

placements that caused it to be unflattering.  I tried on the

size (4) and it was a little snug.  I didn’t go up a size because

it would have been too big on the top.  I also thought that

the colors were striking online and in person.  However,

this dress was not for me…I’ll have to pass on this one.

Anthropologie – Eastpointe Garden Top…$58.00

This top is true to size and I tried on the size (4).  It comes in

two colors: the blue motif and a mustard color.  The mustard is

sold out online and there is only one size left in the blue motif. I

don’t know if Anthro plans on getting more colors or more sizes. 

The flowers in this top are perfect spring colors and they are

muted colors.  I love the ruffled sleeve and neckline.

Anthropologie – On The Agenda Shell…$88.00

The polka dot pattern is fun and the neck tie detail is adorable. 

I originally tried on this top in a size (S) and felt that the top

was too baggy and not very flattering.  I later tried on the (XS)

and I was happy that I did.  The fit was much better. 

It wasn’t oversized and the armpit hold fit just right.

 

Anthropologie – Resonance Cowlneck…$88.00

I initially wanted this top in the orange/tamale color, but when

I saw this striped one in person I decided to pick it up.  I tried

on the small (S) and fell in love.  The cowl neck was very

flattering and this top fits beautifully.  I felt like it made my waist

 look smaller.  The length is long, but I think it’s great for tall women like me.

Anthropologie – A-Bit-Unruly Top…$48.00

I tried this top in the small (S) and found that it fit true to size. 

The material was very soft and I loved the stripes.  However, I

thought that the asymmetrical neckline and the twist was

a little off.  I didn’t really love it.

My Birthday Suit

I celebrated my birthday in style last Friday (Feb. 11^th) with amazing family and friends.  We had dinner at one of my favorite local Thai restaurant and ordered a ton of food.  My personal favorite menu item was the green curry chicken…it was delicious.  Anyways, I wanted to share my outfit that I put together for my birthday.   I apologize in advance because the picture quality is not great.  I definitely plan on purchasing a SLR camera real soon.  I started to look at some Canon and Nikon cameras a few months ago, but I still need to do some more research.  I would be happy to hear any advice you have on this subject.  I’ll let you all know what I decide to get very soon.

Sweater: Anthropologie Curlytop Cardigan

Tank: Ann Taylor Loft Scoop Neck Cami

Skirt: Anthropologie Circle the Globe Skirt

Tights: Anthropologie HUE Opaque Tights

Necklace: Anthropologie Thin Air Necklace

Boots: Nine West Leather Boots

My favorite part of my outfit was the Thin Air Necklace…Love it! 

miscellany monday

happy monday ladies – i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog here and join in on the fun. 

{one} happy valentine’s day. the poem, “i carry your heart with me,” by e. e. cummings has been one of my favorite love poems for many years.  it always brings a tear to my eye whenever i hear it.  the poem has gained renewed interest since being featured in the film, “in her shoes.”  this poem is often a favorite selection at weddings and is a perfect poem to give to your sweetie, family or bff on valentine’s day.   check out this beautiful letterpress version of the poem by satsuma press – this is a great gift idea.   

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear

no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

 e e cummings

{two} yours from this day forward.  i’m so happy to announce that bhldn has  finally debuted today.  i had a chance to review the wedding gowns and dresses and i’m in love.  for more details about the new company please check out anthroholic’s blog. she was one of several lucky bloggers that had an exclusive sneak peak  of the collection last week.  here are a few of my favorites from the website.

{three} candy.  what’s your favorite valentine’s day candy?  i have always loved anything chocolate:  chocolate covered strawberries,  pecan clusters,  and chocolate covered almonds to name a few.  i recently had the pleasure of trying some chocolate covered popcorn and graham crackers from peterbrook chocolatier…and it was pretty amazing!  check out the website for wonderful gift ideas for upcoming events.

Fresh Picks to Follow: Feathery Friends

I’m a little late posting my Friday Fresh Picks, so here it is finally.  I celebrated my birthday on Friday and Saturday, so I didn’t have time to post until now.  I have a handful of posts to upload in the next few days.  Please stay tuned. 

Anyways, this feathered fashion trend has been hitting the runways for the past several years and has been worn by many celebrities such as: Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry and Blake Lively (see here for other celebrities taking flight in these feathery fashions).  It’s almost impossible to line up all the accessories that are decorated and upgraded with feather embellishments or feathered prints. When I researched online, almost every retailer has feathers on pretty much everything such as hair pieces, shoes, hats, jewelry, purses, and clothing pieces.   Therefore, anyone will be able to achieve this trend by easing into it.   Remember the old fashion adage: less is always more.  It is wise to only wear feathers on one article of clothing instead of trying to match up too many feathery items.  Here are my top ten picks for adding feathers to your look.   Let me know what you think!

1. ASOS – Gray Feather Clutch…$44.83

2. Ann Taylor Loft – Feather Rhinestone Headband…$16.99 (was $24.00)

3. Daisy Knights – Sterling Silver Feather Hoop Earrings…$270

4. Campise – Feather Earrings: Peacock…$75.00

5. Pier One – Feather & Gems Pillow…$13.56 (was $16.95)

6. Anthropologie – Alabaster Peacock Earrings…$38.00

7. Etsy – Embroidered Peacock Clutch…$75.00

8. Anthropologie – Marabou Boa Pillow…$88.00

9. Banana Republic – Munich Feather-adorned Flat…$89.99

10. JCrew – Fluttery Sequin Mini…$329.99 (was $485.00)

miscellany monday

happy monday ladies – i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog here and join in on the fun. 

{one} super bowl. i love football! and i was super excited that the green bay packers won the title.  did you know that they haven’t won since brett farve was the quarterback in 1997? although i really love football, i really enjoy watching the commercials during the super bowl.  it must be my marketing background that plays a huge part in that.  did any of you have any favorite commercials? let me know.  i have 2 favorites: i thought the doritos commercial "the best part" was hilarious, a little disturbing, but hilarious.  my other favorite commercial was the volkswagen “darth vader” spot…the little darth was really cute.  check them out below courtesy of youtube videos:

{two} my birthday. my birthday is this friday and i can’t wait to celebrate it.  i have always been a big kid about my birthday…i don’t know why, but i just have.  well, so far i have a dinner planned with some of my close friends at my favorite thai restaurant on friday night.  my boyfriend is coming down for the weekend and we’ll celebrate by birthday and valentine’s day.  i think that my mom and i are going to meet up for dinner on thursday.  i'll keep updating my birthday festivities as they come up.

{three} valentine’s day gift ideas.  i’ve already gotten my boyfriend a valentine’s day card, but i have no idea what to get him this year.  if you have any gift ideas, please send them my way. 

{four} knitting.  so in december i blogged that i would post pictures of my  completed knitting projects.  however, i had to take a little break from my knitting projects, so that’s why nothing has been posted yet.  i’m still working on the baby blanket btw…i know it’s taking a while.  i finished my sister’s scarf recently…yeah…so much for giving it to her for christmas.  i will post a picture of the scarf later this week. 

February Wish List – Top 3

I was in the middle of updating the “My Anthro” page here on my blog when I realized that I have a serious problem.  Yikes! What kind of problem?  A serious Anthro shopping problem. So, I’ve decided that I’m going to limit myself to only buying 3 items a month.    I’ll have to start this plan in March because I have my birthday discount that I still have to use.  As you can see, this is already going to be a problem.

Here are my top 3 items for the month of February that I can’t live without.  What are your must have items this month?  Let me know!

                               Take Action Dress              Resonance Cowlneck             Seaside Fields Dress

    

Fresh Picks to Follow: Silky Blouses

My Friday Fresh Picks is inspired by an InStyle Magazine article about Silky Blouses.  Sexy, slouchy and gauzy are just a few words that describe these feminine tops.  Here is a quick guide to finding a perfect silk blouse: 

1. Soft Shapes - Make sure the shirt doesn’t fit like a normal structured button down.  Look for shirts that are more relaxed and has a slightly oversized fit.  Some examples include peasant shirts, . 
2. Coverage - The fabrics for these shirts are often sheer, so be sure to wear a camisole underneath.  Adding a camisole underneath gives extra coverage, or if you're really feeling bold, you can try pairing the translucent tops with a pretty, brightly colored bra underneath for a sexy look. Neutral color camisoles works best for these blouses because they do not distract from the blouse. 
3. Flowly - The idea of this look is to have drapey silhouette.  This look is best when worn hanging loosely over skinny jeans or tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt or trousers.  A silky blouse should not to be cinched with a belt. 

Here are my top ten (10) picks for silky blouses.  Let me know what you think!

1. D&G – Tie Neck Silk Chiffon Blouse…$280.50

2. Tory Burch – Harper Top…$278.00

3. Anthropologie – Dream Machine Blouse…$188.00

4. DVF – Bairly Louche Top in Hearts White…$210.00

5. Joie – Denisa Top…$214.00

6.  Banana Republic – Heritage Silk Ballet Tunic…$79.50

7. Anthropologie – Precious Particulars Blouse…$98.00

8. Anthropologie – Sunny Safari Blouse…$118.00

9.  Ann Taylor – Ikat Leopard Top…$88.00

10.  Urban Outfitters – Pins and Needles Peplum Surplice Blouse…$59.00 

My Birthday Month and a Sale!

February is my all time favorite month out of the year.  I especially love it because it’s my birthday month, my sister’s birthday month and a few of my very good friends’ birthday month (which is reason to celebrate throughout the month), and of course there’s Valentines Day.   I’ll definitely share my birthday plans and all of the upcoming celebrations.

Anthropologie had a pretty decent sale today.  Did you get anything today or did you sit this one out?  I haven’t bought anything yet, but I’m sure that I will before the week is out.  Let me know what you got!

Behold ~ BHLDN

Have you ladies heard Anthropologie’s awesome news about BHLDN yet?  I was so thrilled to learn that Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN), a leading lifestyle specialty retail company operating under the Anthropologie, Free People, Leifsdottir, Terrain and Urban Outfitters brands, announced that the wedding brand, BHLDN, will debut on Valentine's Day 2011. 

I was mesmerized by the pictures on the BHLDN website that revealed a sneak preview to a whimsical and romantic bridal collection.  Not that I’m anywhere close to being engaged, but I have to say I’m very excited to find this out before I end up walking down the aisle. Following in the tradition of Anthropologie, BHLDN plans to put emphasis on not just apparel, but the imagination and details of every element that makes up a wedding.  I’ve already starting envisioning my wedding dress and my Anthro inspired wedding.

Be sure to visit the BHLDN’s website (here) to sign up for future e-mails and updates.  Also, check out the press release from URBN (here) for more information about BHLDN.