The Cargo pant: my pick...

So a few days ago, I posted about the Cargo pant trend for this fall and decided to indulge myself with a pair. The ones I ultimately decided on were the Blank Denim skinny cargo pant in Army. The choice was easy-- the price, fabric, style and retailer (ahem, free shipping and no tax, hellloooo Shopbop!) made it a no-brainer. I was a little worried that they wouldn't work, but lo and behold, it's love at first sight! Here's a quick review:

I got a size 27, which promptly sold out hours after I purchased (I kinda love when that happens!). One weird little annoyance: they smelled funky when I opened the package. It's probably the fact that they sat in the heat for days whilst being shipped, but still... a strange, sour smell. They're currently in the wash and I'm sure the odd odor will go away, so no biggie.

The detailing is super cute. The pockets are on the side rather than the front, which is my preference. The zippers near the calf go up to the knee, which would make it difficult to hem if you're a shortie. These are just the right length on my 5'6 frame, if not just a teense too long. So that's a consideration. There are some tabs and non-functional zippers placed horizontally at the back of the knee (the knee-pit?). Overall, just really cute and comfortable! The material is super stretchy, which is a plus in my books, and really soft. I can't wait to wear these when the weather cools a little.

Also in the mail today was my BB Dakota Branson sweater. Ladies, fear not the kinda-poor product shots and baggy look of this sweater. It is adorable in person, really soft and chunky and right on trend for this fall. Way more expensive looking/feeling than the $40 I paid. Get one while you can! Its sure to be a staple in my closet, I just know it.

OOTD: Free flowin'.

If there is one style I love love love, it has to be the easy breezy cotton/jersey look. Granted, I think my style incorporates a lot of femininity and sometimes even edginess, but I'm always most comfortable in a loose top and leggings. I think that's why I fell pretty hard for the Seventy Two Changes top at Nordstrom's Anniversary sale. Its also great because it can be as easily worn now as it will be in the fall months. It may not be to everyone's liking (my friend's mother saw it on my blog and said, "What is that?!", hehe) but as long as you're not wearing it with some loose pants or sweats, it really looks adorable. Case in point: ---->

(Batwings!!)

Top: Seventy Two Changes boxy tee

Shorts: F21

Shoes: Nine West

Necklace: Flavanilla (Etsy shop) Love necklace

There is a good reason this thing is called the boxy tee, and you can best see why in the last photo: it's literally in the shape of a square with holes in it for arms to pop out. The pockets just drape. The thing that really makes it has to be the little metallic stud details that add a little fun and make it more than just a sweatshirt-type top. This will look super cute with some leggings and booties for sure-- it even looks cute off the shoulders.

Well... I like it, anyway.  :)  Have a great Monday, lovies!

(and look, Ma, I'm finally getting a tan! Zoiks!)

OOTD: All tuckered out...

It's quite the task to pack, lovies! I'm just tuckered out thinking about all that has to be done and has been done. I mean, it's so hard watching husband pack up all the boxes. It's really tough to see him having to take all those things down to our cars in this Texas heat. It's super tiring looking at all those books and knick-knacks get wrapped up and put away.

Ha. Just kidding. (sorta, ahem.)

So, to take a break from all the strenuous watching packing, I got tuckered out in the best possible way... say hello to my little (new) friend...

Top: Tucker "Washed out Watercolor" blouse

Jeans: AE super skinnies

Shoes: CV for Target wedges

Belt: Express skinny belt

Necklace: Francesca's Boutique

Oh god how I love this thing. I think I might say that too much on here, but fo'realz. I do. The shape of it is so fantastic-- true, there is no "shape" to speak of, but it just drapes perfectly. Maybe that's really the credit of the pretty fabric, but I just love the relaxed but still somehow tailored aura it gives off. A nice little buy, if I do say so me'self.

You may notice a void in my photos. That would be my tacky Van Gogh picture. It's getting packed (see above discussion).  :)

Thanks! and some obsessions.

Firstly, thank you for the blog-sale interest yesterday! I really underestimate the power of the Anthropologie bloggie collective, because within about .2 nanoseconds of posting, the Moulinette Soeurs dress sold! There are still a few items for sale which I'll be taking to the consignment store soon, so pounce on 'em if you are interested!

There is sorta a reason I did this impromptu sale. 1) I'm moving soon (duh) and really, really don't need to be taking items I know I don't wear enough to justify a spot in my closet. 2) I want something. I really want something. Here it is.

(Tucker's "Washed out Watercolor" blouse, from their resort '09 collection. Doesn't she look so freekin' happy? As in, if I own and wear this top I'll be as happy as her and I'll just be carefree and I'll have pretty, healthy naturally auburn hair and porcelain skin and OHMIGOD I'll just stop now.)

(Ohh! And if you're not yet privy to this knowledge, Tucker is collaborating with Target for a future Go Line, due out September 10th! Get excited.)

No, but seriously. I spotted this on sale at Barneys the other day and had to have it, despite the fact that it's over my budget for the month. Solution? Sell stuff to make room! and money! (more importantly the money part, natch.) So it's quite the win-win situation.

Also, just received these pretty little silky shorts in the mail from the ever-amazing Shopbop. I'll be sure to do an outfit with them soon, but for now the product shot must suffice. And yes yes yes, I know. Shorts-obsessed, whatevs. :)

 IRO silk Mya shorts (sold out)

I heart these things, even though I was secretly hoping to not like them because they weren't a necessity per se, but they're just so stinkin' cute and the perfect "I'm not casual but I'm not dressy, either" short. (I think I analyze my shorts a wee bit too much, huh?)

Anywhooo, go check out the remainder of my sale. And happy hump day!

OOTD: Love, zebra.

Two years ago, I had an unhealthy obsession over T-Bags. It's not to say I don't still like their designs, but there was something about the comfort of the material and the bright colors that had me in a tizzy. I'm glad I loved them when I did, because the dresses and shirts that I own are super comfy and are a great way to look cute + still be comfortable. Not sure I'd shell out the price for a rayon dress these days, but back then I did and thank goodness. :)

Wearing the Love necklace again... can't wait for Monday's giveaway. :)

Also wearing the CV for Target wedges. Wore them all weekend. Srsly. Heart.

Copying my newest style icon, Anh from 9 to 5 chic. Love the way she folds up her skinny belts and had to try myself! :)

Dress: T-Bags zebra print dress

Sweater: Anthropologie Summerweight cardigan

Belt: Express from forever ago

Necklace: a mystery Etsy designer (mwahaha)

Shoes: CV for Target cognac gladiator wedges

OOTY: a hint, and a score.

Sorry about the lack of fun posts lately! Inspiration seems to be waning this week. Ya'll were so helpful on the shoe decision, and I think I've also made the purse decision too, so thanks! But I know that's not all that fun for you... just bare with me. My inspiration will find its way back soon. I think it's related to this cold thing I have goin' on. It was bad on Monday, then got better, but now I have this gross snotty/coughy thing going on that's just not cuttin' it in my books. Oh well... the show must go on.

Yesterday, if you follow my Twitter feed, you may have heard I went on the typical wild-goose chase for the Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges. (Quite frankly, I'm getting sick of this, Targhetto! Just produce more than you usually do 'cuz you know they'll get bought! I'm done with the whole "sold out" crap!) After searching a few stores and calling a million, I walked into the North Irving Target (for any of you DFW'ers) and got there juuuuuust as the lady was opening the shipment boxes! I waited in fear as she opened them, knowing there were only one or two styles that came early.... and lo and behold, there were the brown wedges! Yippee! Now, I have been debating between the brown and black, especially seeing how cute the black ones were on Wendy of Nitrolicious. But the decision was made for me, and that's ok. They're really pretty in person, and definitely very comfy. I found them to run slightly big. Not by much-- I'm normally between an 8 and 8.5 and typically just have to size up, but I definitely had to size down on these. That's also because the ankle strap was way larger on the 8.5 and I have teeny tiny ankles. They're still a little big on the 8s, but not noticeable enough. Anyway, here's my OOTY (what I wore to play Wits and Wagers and watch the BoSox on TV at a friend's house last night):

(Not many pics today-- my time was short and my lighting was really, really bad.)

Shirt: UO shoulder detail silk top

Jeans: AE super skinnies

Necklaces: Nordstrom BP, and a mystery designer...

Belt: F21

Shoes: Cynthia Vincent for Target gladiator wedges in Cognac

I'm being a little sneaky here, did ya see? See the "love" necklace in my photos? It's courtesy a certain Etsy designer who will be hosting a giveaway on my blog on MONDAY! I know I promised this week; there were some technical difficulties with getting it on time, but the item is here and ready to be given to a lovely who deserves it. :) Can't wait, and stay tuned! 

And have a faboo Saturday. I'm working on that inspiration building, don't you worry...

WWJW: Back to (almost) normal!

Thank God that was the quickest cold known to man... I think because I really laid low yesterday, I feel a ton better today. Still, you know that "I'm better but I'm still kinda icky" feeling? You can't pinpoint it, but there's something that's still off the day you start feeling better? Well, that's how I was today. I feel a ton better, but instantly grabbed a button-up and boyfriend jeans this morning when I went in my closet because it was easy. After looking at myself all day in the mirror, I kept thinking, blah blah boring. So naturally, I decided to play a little dress up this afternoon after work. Perfect time for a WWJW post, eh? :)

:::WHAT I ACTUALLY WORE:::

 Shirt: Express ombre button up (knock off of those James Perse ones from last year, remember?)

Jeans: Rich and Skinny boyfriend jeans

Sandals: Nine West gold sandals

:::WHAT I WANTED TO WEAR:::

(if I weren't gross and phlegmy. TMI?)

Shirt: Urban Outfitters Shoulder Detail top

Necklace: Anthropologie Ranuncula Necklace

Skirt: Banana Republic, aeons ago

Shoes: Linea Paolo reptile slingbacks

Belt (first pic): Steve Madden (via Nordstrom)

Apologies for the gazillion photos of the dream outfit, but I was super excited about it because this skirt has been sitting in my closet for 1000 years, totally unworn. The tags were removed, suggesting I had in fact worn it at least once, but honestly I can't remember when that would have been. Here was the problem: see how high it sits and how long it is? Stupid me thought it was supposed to sit on the low waist and I was baffled by its ill fit and long hemline. Now, I know this had to have been purchased a long time ago, because I've had the high-waisted skirt figured out now for some time. Musta been back when that really wasn't in style (was that even ever? who knows. I've not always been style savvy, lovies). Also, how I could have ever worn that thing on my low waist is a mystery. Aaaanyway, point is this is a fantastic spring skirt and I'm already envisioning a ton of ways to wear it. It's a fun change of pace from my uber-short skirts and dresses. Plus, (bonus), it's work-appropriate! Yippee Hooray! 

Oh and that shirt? So glad I bought it in the blue after loving it in the pink. I think it goes with everything I own, not even kidding. I heart it. And the material, and the simplicity, and the color, and the everything. It has FF seal-of-approval all over it. Go buy it, now. :)

One last thing: look ma, I'm a blonde again! You can still sorta kinda see the underneath-roots because I waited too long to get it re-done, but it's a hell of a lot better. And the girl I had at the Aveda Institute was fabulous-- I scheduled an early-summer appointment with her so the root issue wouldn't be a problem again. Done and done.

OOTD: ruffly ruffles rufflester.

(p.s.: There's still time to ask me questions! Thanks for the questions so far, and I can't wait to share my answers with you-- probably tomorrow evening.)

Have I mentioned how much I heart ruffles?! Thank you for not going away this spring, you pretty, ethereal things, you.

Top: UO Shoulder Detail Blouse

Shorts: UO Ruffle Tap Shorts

Shoes: Liliana Bardor pumps

Belt: Express

Necklace: Express

I bought these two items last week because I fell in love with these shorts and thought I might as well get a top to go with 'em, too. Honestly, I think the top works better in "theory" than in "practice" but it still works alright (maybe it's a matter of a different belt/necklace combo; maybe it's just not the perfect top for these shorts, I'm not yet sure). And I'm mixing metals again... livin' life on the wild side, I am. I love the pastels here... it's what I've been lusting after since the rays of spring started seeping in to my mind. I feel so feminine, as evidenced by the second photo (is that my ode to the tap short? heh!). As a quick review for anyone interested in either piece, the shorts are a 2 but I'm planning on exchanging them for a 0. I'd say that means they're pretty TTS. I knew I might have trouble with sizing since I've never ordered shorts/pants/skirts from UO, but I wanted to get them anyway and try my luck. And this top was an amazing spur-of-the-moment buy-- it's a thin silk chiffon with gorgeous up-close details that I failed to photograph, but trust me. It's understated and gorgeous. I am quite tempted to get the other colors, too-- there are so many options for styling this shirt. And both items are under $50. That's my kind of deal. :)

If you love it so much, why don't you MARRY it?!

... well maybe I will!!!

(Sorry, hubby.)

It'll soon become apparent why that's my title, but before I continue I must shout-out to TWO Rosas right now:

1. To Rosa, who doesn't have a blog, but many of us bloggies know her because she is fantastic and leaves sweet comments on a buncha blogs. Girl, you need your own blog stat. I owe her the biggest thanks because without her, this dress would not be in my possession (I promise not to get too Oscar-y here, k). She kindly scoured her H&M for this dress and apparently got weird-eyed from her husband for beeline-ing to it when she spotted it. Teehee.

2. To Rosa of Love at First Shop, because I first spotted it on her and her sister and fell. in. love. immediately. They looked freekin' adorable, and when I heard it was only $19.95, I begged Rosa (ahem, see above) to find it and send it to me. So thank you to both Rosas!!! :)

Anyway, here is what I love so much that I might marry (well, at least wear until its a dingy shade of tan) (and please pardon the five-gagillion following photos, I'm a tad excited if you can't already tell):

 Dress: H&M Garden Collection dress (made of 100% recycled cotton, eeepp!)

Shoes: Linea Paolo reptile wedges

Review-wise, the dress is made of a very heavy recycled cotton. The dress is unique because it has this reconstructed, bulky look about it, but it somehow maintains an air of lightness and femininity that I love. The flower appliques at the top are a bit frayed at the edges, lending to that gruff demeanor. I just heart.

...and some pics with my new Immutable Jacket (a la Anthropologie) --

Belt: Rodarte for Target leopard belt

Shoes (in 2nd pic): Charles Charles David cage bow pumps

p.s. This jacket goes with everything. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed when I received it-- the material is very polyester-ey and felt cheap. But when I found it literally goes with everything in my closet, I was sold and hooked. So no returning happening here.

And can you blame me for breaking the shopping ban for these things? Hmmm? Nope didn't think so. :)

My oh my...

As many know, Lucite accessories are in for the spring. To be honest, it's not really a trend I really cared to much about. That is, until...

...I spotted this.

Oh dear. I lost my breath a little. This makes me want Lucite, like, NOW. The perfect way to sport this? White tee, tattered denim and sky high heels. Love love love. OMG, and for under $50? Yes yes please.

Ok, enough of my hopeless dreams. But will one of you get it, wear it, then send me a pic please? Thanks. :)

OOTD: (g)ruched skirt.

OK. That is not how you spell her Etsy name (it's gruhche), but it was just too punny to pass up. Sorry folks.

As per expected, I'm in total lust over this skirt. It's a beautiful tulle over a knit body-con skirt and is the most amazing cream color. And again, I'm finding a lot of ways to style it... I totally recommend one for everyone. That is, if you're ok with the super-crazy-body-hugging clothing. Because nothing is getting hidden in this baby, whew. Here are some of my stylings (again, PICTURE OVERLOAD follows).

 

  

 

1. Pretty casual. I think the fun pattern and colors on this top make the skirt a little more casual. Although, it's not really a casual skirt. Could be paired with my fave denim jacket (heh) for the afternoon and then worn as is for the evening. 

Top: Express

Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors

Necklace: Nordstrom BP jewelry

  

  

  

2. Sexay. The lace + tulle combo definitely says "nighttime" to me and would be gorge for dancing and drinks. I spiced it up a bit with the edgier shoes. 

Top: Free People lace top

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Necklace: Express, ages ago.

  

  

  

3. Color! This is wearable tucked in or out and is a popular way to style for this season. Pair a loosey-goosey top with a fitted skirt and voila! Insta-spring.

Top: F21 satin top

Shoes: Chinese Laundry zebra hair wedges

Necklace: (top) EPIC apparel; (bottom) ModCloth 

  

  

 4. Copy cat. OK. I copied this idea from Coley. Heh. I like the striped idea, especially belted like this. But this top is a little too long (since it's a tunic), so I would ideally go with a shorter top. Still like it, though. :) Plus, it's definitely casual!

Tunic: F21 striped tunic (this would be better prolly)

Belt: Steve Madden via Nordstrom

Shoes: Circa Joan and David kitten heels

Faves? Dislikes? What would you pair with it?