old skool

Fashion Friday: 9th Edition

Happy Friday bloggies! It's been quite an uneventful week around here, lacking in content, and you have my apologies. Not much has been happening...I did turn 26 this past Monday. Unfortunately, it wasn't much fun--I wasn't feeling well--but fortunately I am feeling better :)

I love wearing tank tops in the summer, especially tanks that aren't too revealing. I found this cutie on Gap's website...and it is just my style. Plain, with the right amount of detail and fun! I wish it were available in additional colors. The best part is that it won't break the bank!

Gap: Corsage Tank

While poking around the Gap site, I happened upon this fun scarf. Now you probably know that I have a thing for scarves. They're a great accessory to dress up something plain, or add some "pop" to an otherwise boring outfit. The funny thing about this scarf is that it costs more than the tank! It is available in 2 other color varieties, but I liked this one best. The only thing I'm not sure about is the material--I'd have to see/touch it in person, but I worry it'd pick easily.

Gap: Lightweight Painterly Scarf

Last weekend, hubby and I went to Westfarms. I popped into Banana Republic to see if I could find anything on sale (found a top I featured here a few weeks ago, at 50% off!). I picked up these pants and took them into the dressing room. I got them on, and they felt great. Now I have a bad habit I'm not sure I've shared with you. That bad habit is not looking at the price tag until it is too late...and by too late, I mean after I've tried on said item and decided I must have it! Now like I said...they felt great, and I expected the price to be ridiculous, but fortunately they weren't too bad! I liked the cuff, and the pockets are sewn down perfectly. I got them in the color below, but once my self-imposed Shopping Ban is over, I might get them in another color.

Banana Republic: 718 Martin pant
Put the above 3 items together...and I think you've got a cute little outfit! ;)

While looking around the Banana site, I found this cute dress. If you have a hot date or special event coming up, perhaps this is just the ticket! I didn't see this in person, so I'm not sure if it is truly a "hot item," but it is worth a look.

Banana Republic: Silk Ruffle Halter Dress

I'm a sucker for cute shoes--always have been. Once, when my grandparents took me shoe shopping, a store clerk said "May I help you?" My grandfather replied, "Yes, we need the ugliest shoes you've got. Because those are the shoes she's gonna want!" ;) It is definitely no secret that I love shoes. In fact, my birthday card from my parents this year says "Happy Birthday from the people who love you...your family and every shoe store owner around!" ANYWAY!! I think I've mentioned before that I'm always on the lookout for cute flats! I saw these at Target--and they're only $20!! I might be able to justify these to the hubby as a needed item! ;)

Target: Mossimo Desta Ballet Flats

Lastly...some cute faux-vintage earrings. Also available at Banana Republic, but you could probably find a comparable pair at Overstock.com (sorry the pic is huge)

Banana Republic: CZ Vintage Earrings

That's about it! Anything exciting going on this weekend?? I may go see Eve 6 on Saturday evening at The Wolf Den. Do you remember them..."wanna put my tender, heart in a blender, watch it spin around to a beautiful oblivion...." Reminds me of high school, haha.

Fashion Friday: 8th Edition

Hello dear friends! I've been somewhat of an irregular blogger lately, but I'm back today with another round of Fashion Friday! :)

From time to time, I read the blog JCrewAficionada. Let me just say I'm far from being an aficionada...though I wish I was! I find lots of cute things on there, but a blog I linked to from there was Gigi's Gone Shopping. Gigi tries things on and reviews them for her site. Because of her, I've found a lot of cute Target things (haven't purchased yet, b-day comin up). So to get us started, let's look at some pieces from Target, shall we?

I first saw this skirt on Gigi's blog. Apparently it is a knock-off of a J.Crew pattern (Copelle) from a year or so ago. When I first saw the skirt, I wasn't sure about it. I wasn't sure of the pattern--and different skirts will obviously have different patterns because they're cut from different portions of the fabric. I like the pic shown on the website because it isn't so "orange-y" across the front. However, I would only purchase this item in a store because I wouldn't know what size to get.

Target: Copelle Pencil Skirt

Of course, as I say so often...I wasn't sure what to pair it with. But as I was browsing the site, I noticed a blouse paired with the skirt. I especially like the keyhole neckline. Paired together, I think this would make a sassy little outfit! Kicker? Under $50 for the whole thing!


Target: Ruffle Neck Top

Another sassy little piece I found while browsing the Target site is this twist-neck halter. The site calls this Cherry. I don't consider it Cherry at all...perhaps they meant to say Berry? :)

Target: Twist-Strap Halter

Since I purchased something from the jcrew.com website, I receive a ton of emails with promo codes. Usually they aren't super enticing, because they're always for a minimum of $150 or $175. Well, I like shopping the sale section at J.Crew and usually don't want to spend that much. However, this last time I found a gem, IN MY SIZE. It was under the minimum, so I purchased a t-shirt to get the discount. Stupid of me probably, but I wanted the "gem" and I will definitely wear the shirt.

J.Crew Grenada Palm Halter Dress
Anyone else wonder why she is wearing orange shoes?! As for this dress, I would much prefered to have the halter top. However, I WILL wear the dress and may stumble upon an Ebay deal on the blouse one day (doubtful).


J. Crew Perfect Fit Tee

Speaking of J.Crew and ebay, I found a gem there recently. The best part? It arrived the same day as my order FROM J.Crew. Good mail day :) I'm so excited to wear this blouse!

J. Crew Gladiola Cami on eBay
(seller has more available)

This next item is more of a Wish List item...because I'm probably NOTTT gonna be paying $168 for a pair of sunglasses anytime soon. However, I tried them on in the store last weekend and really liked them. Aviators are usually too small for my big face, but these weren't. I also love the Lilac color.

Coach: Lilac Allegra Aviators

I just realized I don't have a lot of variety in my "fashion" posts. Many of the items I show you are from Target or J.Crew huh? Guess you know what I like :) I also realized I should probably clarify that I do NOT own all the items I "feature." In fact, I own very few of them! If only I could find a money tree...*le sigh*

So on that note--is there anything in particular you'd like to see? A different style, questions, etc? I'll do my  best!

Happy Friday everyone, and have a great weekend! Any big plans?

I lost it a little

Today I lost it a little.

I was/have been home alone all day. My husband has "duty" which occurs once a month. It started at 7 am this morning, will turn over at 7 am tomorrow morning, but then he has to work all day tomorrow. Anyway--my dogs like to bark and cry incessantly when my husband is not home.

I don't know what happened. I've had my period, I've been grumpy, constantly stressed out lately, and full of worries. My pants have been tight, I feel fat, it's been one of those WEEKS. I just couldn't handle it anymore.

This evening at about 6:00, I lost my mind. I screamed at them, a blood curdling scream I've SWORN I would never do--"SHUT UPPPPP!" Apparently they got it...because they did.

These are dogs. DOGS that I love dearly. What will happen if I become a mom who does this, who screams like a crazy person? I don't want that to happen.

Anyway. I then went to Margaritaville with my friend. It is at the casino. I parked in the wrong garage so we literally had to walk from one end of the casino to the other. I'd said I wasn't going to have a margarita, but from all the blood boiling at home and calorie-burning from walking a country mile, I failed.

I had a margarita, and it was delicious.

Blogging was not on my to-do list, but I'm doing it anyway!

Are you guys big list makers? I am totally a list maker--at home, at work, just in general. It helps keep me in line, as long as I follow it. But obviously I'm not following it since I'm blogging and it isn't on the list. However...so far I've scratched a few things off my list. 30 Day Shred, check; Walk the dogs, check; Take out trash, check! The majority of my list includes MBA work. Bleh.

Anyway, I thought I'd finish up the photos I've been posting!

Hubby and I--Central Park. We did not dress like this on purpose. And for the record, I got dressed first. Just so you know ;)


Laurel and I with our Jamba Juices. I love Jamba Juice, thanks to my friend Andrea who introduced it to me in the summer of 2004 while visiting her in Salt Lake City. The only place I can get it "around here" is in NYC. Any time I go to the city, I get one :)


My cousin Jonathan and his wife April--baby-wrangling on the train ride home. This looks fun dontcha think? haha!


Fast forward a few days to when I was in KY...this is Laurel in her flower girl dress. I know the photo isn't super sharp but I thought she was so cute. I love it!


Laurel and I at the reception. She was really excited about those Skittles!


My cousin Stephanie and her new hubby Chris. Doesn't she look gorgeous? LOVE her dress!


Laurel and I dancing. She really surprised me...she LOVES to dance!


Better view of Steph's dress! I cannot imagine how hot she must have been because I was burning up (as evidenced by my shiny face and ponytail'd hair). Whatever, we had fun!

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Just to update you guys--I mentioned that I had an interview while I was in KY. I found out this week that I did not get the job. Naturally I was disappointed, but I was also angry. Not angry about not getting the job, but regarding how I was notified. I got a system-generated form letter EMAIL. It did not even originate from the person who interviewed me face to face, wasn't signed by her, nothing! I'm sorry, but this place is a high-calibre educational institution, and that reflected VERY poorly. I'm not going to mention the particular school because I have more class than that. She knew why I was in town, and I committed basically half a day to that interview. I just don't feel like she could have interviewed that many people personally that it would have been a terrible burden on her time to let me know. Ultimately, the email notification gave me the feeling that my time was not respected.

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Ok...that concludes today's posting. I'm gonna go sit outside and try to get some sun while I read for school. Talk to ya soon my bloggies! :)

{family} photos: part deux

More photos from my family's visit to CT & NY :) I don't know if you all know this (short of Lauren), but I try to keep up with 2 blogs--this my personal blog, as well as a blog for family. Sometimes it is hard keeping up with both!

This picture is of Laurel when we stopped for lunch on the way to the beach. The deli had a dessert case with delicious cakes. She first chose red-velvet cake, noting that it was pretty. She later changed her mind to chocolate. Can you blame her? Look at this stuff! Who brings that size piece of cake to a little girl!?

Once we arrived at Misquamicut Beach in Rhode Island. It was a beautiful day, not too hot and just the right amount of sunshine! This is my Aunt Debbie and her grandson Will (my cousin's little boy). Will and Laurel had never been to the beach before and they weren't quite sure what to make of it!


Laurel, taking it all in! This was probably the most fun the kids had the whole time they were here, and who could blame them? I love the color on this picture! Would you believe it was taken NOT with my 30D but with my Kodak Easy Share point & shoot? No color saturation or anything!


TJ and Laurel "building" a sandcastle. We quickly stopped by Walgreen's to get Laurel and Will some cheap beach toys, which they thoroughly enjoyed!


Making shapes with her toys: Laurel and I


April (my cousin's wife) and her baby Will :) He is about 16 months; Laurel will be 3 in August. April has her hands full but she takes it all in stride. She doesn't get frazzled like I think I would! She loves kids and wanted them for a long time :) I think they will probably try for a 3rd baby sometime in the next couple of years.


Laurel decided to bury my feet to keep them warm! Please ignore my insanely pale legs!


Mr. TeeJ and I :)


Poor Will...he fell in the water and got his shorts soaked! Oh well--I think he was content to just run around in his diaper! Thank goodness he didn't fill'er up while we were there!


Laurel "catching another one" (wave, that is). This water was absolutely FREEZING. However, there were people actually out in the water waist deep. I question their sobriety, however, since upon getting out of the ocean it was evident the girl was wearing only white panties and a t-shirt.


Laurel's grammy buried her in the sand!I think this picture is so funny!


Will chasing the seagulls. He was determined to get them!

I was really glad some of my family got to come visit! We will be moving soon, and this was only the 2nd time anyone from my side of the family had been up to visit. The first time was when my brother came on his spring break a few years back. TJ's parents have been several times, but my parents just aren't that willing to fly...and it isn't exactly an easy trip by car!

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I went shopping Friday night, and I purchased the white floral halter/tank/cami from the most recent Fashion Friday post. I tried on another dress at NY&Co, and while the dress was cute, I looked awful. It appeared as if I was trying to hide a) a really fat belly, or b) a pregnancy. I'm really not trying to hide either of those things! I had decided not to make the trek to Black & White; just wasn't feeling up for the journey! As such, I only had a new tank top and was still faced with what to wear to the bridal shower, but I totally saved money.

My friends...ENTER: J.Crew Jacket and the Wal-Mart dress. Honest! I got this $14 jersey sundress in a coral color and paired it with my white Atelier jacket. Totally cute! I got several compliments on the dress, which was a total accident! I went into Walmart (which is practically across the street from my neighborhood) because I needed an oversized giftbag for the shower gifts. I happened to see the dress and thought...I'm gonna try that on (by this time, it was 2 hours before the shower and I still had no idea what I was going to wear). Talk about working out perfectly! No shame in the game my friends! hah :o)

Fashion Friday: 7th Edition

This week's Fashion Friday may be slightly boring for some of you, since there isn't a huge "variety" in the items featured. I'll try to do better next time, k? :)

First, I saw this great tank/halter/cami in a photo my friend Becca was wearing. I could only see a portion of it, so I didn't realize it was white on the bottom, but of course HAD to know where she got it. Thankfully, she told me ;) I'll be making a trip to the mall this weekend to look for it...and of course to Target. But the Target trip can be justified, because I have to buy a wedding shower gift. That is why I'm going.

But I'm sure I'll find stuff I despereately need while I'm there, because isn't that how it always goes? Anyway, Becca's tank top...isn't it cute? It is also available in 2 additional colors.

 

American Eagle: Floral Vine Halter Cami

While browsing the American Eagle website, I of course happened upon another little pretty. I have to see it in person before making the final judgment, because I'm unsure of this neckline.In the model on the site, it dips kind of low, exposing her Cleveland for all the world to see! To be frank, I have none of that, and I'd prefer to keep what I do have mostly under wraps! Anyway, what do you think?

 

American Eagle: Braided Print Halter

The verdict is still out on this next item, too. It is a "maxi" dress which seems to be all the rage. Here's the problem I think I would encounter. These dresses? Seem to be made for tall(er) people. At barely 5'3, I do not consider myself one of those people. Instead I feel like I might look a bit...uhh...draped in a circus tent? Seriously pregnant even though I'm totally not? Or just plain fat? I really don't want to look like any of those things, but hey, its cute on the website chick, so maybe I'll try it on.

American Eagle: Floral Maxi Dress

I found another cute dress at NY & Company, but to be quite honest with you I have no idea where I'd wear a dress like this. I feel like I'm always saying that about particular items, but to me this says "going out and hitting the town," which I don't really do all that often if we're being honest. Maybe I'm boring; I dunno. Maybe I need to put some spice in my life! Anyway I really like the ruffles on this!

NY&Co: Tiered Ruffle Dress

The last item is, go figure, another dress! I happened upon this one as I was searching for something to wear to a bridal shower I have coming up. Chances are, I won't be wearing this dress, because I don't know what size I'd need anyway (if I were to order online), and the closest White House|Black Market is about 45 minutes away. Who knows though, maybe I'll take a little trip tomorrow after work! ;)

White House|Black Market: Floral Sheath Dress

In other fun fashion news, last week I scored an awesome laptop/briefcase bag at TJMaxx for $20! It had a red sticker on it, so I think someone had purchased it, then returned it without an inner accessory. Whatever, it was nothing I needed, AND my laptop fits! It is black crocodile pattern, and if you know me you knoooowww I love Croc pattern (my wallet, my Nine West shoes, my J.Crew cocktail jacket, etc). I've received so many compliments on the bag--people at work, my mom, my mother-in-law, a lady in the airport...booyah! $20 well spent people! :) I'll try to get a pic soon.

In other crocodile sale-related news, I got a super cute pair of deep red crocodile ballet flats at Wal-Mart for $5! I haven't worn them yet, because they're a tad floppy--the 9 was loose but the 8.5 strangled my foot. Dang you Wally World. Maybe that is why they were only $5.

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I've got more photos to post from my family's visit, but it will have to wait for another day. I need to read about Management Information Systems! If I finish the chapter perhaps I shall reward myself and go to White|Black tomorrow. Happy Friday!

Long overdue: photo sharing {family}

This is a long overdue post, full of photos! Hooray! I just wish Typepad would let me upload more than one photo at a time. Laurel and Will, in the photos below, are my cousin's children. They came up to visit about 2 weeks ago and we had lots of fun!

Laurel with my hand weights. She called them her babies and even wrapped them up in a blanket. They are 3 lbs. each so I imagine they were pretty heavy for her...she is pretty small! Isn't she cute in her pink pajamas?


Laurel and I...self-portrait with the point and shoot! She was pretty fascinated by this method of capturing a photo!


I tried to get Will to color a page of Thomas the Train. He had about zero desire! He just wanted to play with the colored pencils and the plastic bowls. A budding drummer, I tell ya!


Laurel and Will...Laurel was using a little ladybug stamp and a multi-colored ink pad. She used every color and each time she stamped, she would say "I make a ladybug!" At first she was game for coloring but after I showed her the stamps, she had no interest in the colored pencils! See the Wet Wipes in the floor? Those were necessary for Will's hands and feet that he kept putting in the ink!


Laurel with my dog Lilly. Notice her pajamas: "Make it pink or I'll raise a stink." Haha!

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Laurel and I, waiting for the train into Grand Central Station. She had the giggles!


TJ playing with Laurel...he will be a good daddy. Someday (but not today)!


Laurel with her doll at American Girl Place. This store is crazy! I wish I were the brains behind this concept...I would be filthy rich!


Rockefeller Center


I let Laurel borrow my sunglasses on the ride back. After I took this photo (and shared it w/her), she giggled and said "That's funny!" I have to agree...they are bigger than her face!

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Since their visit, I've actually been to Kentucky for a wedding AND an interview, and am now back in CT. Needless to say, I have lots of updates! But for the moment, I don't have a ton of time. Summer session started yesterday, so for the next 8 weeks I will be pretty busy with Management Information Systems and Business & Legal Transactions! Fun fun fun!

Talk to you soon bloggies!

PS--I hope to get back on the Shred Wagon soon. I fell off...yeah. We'll leave it at that.