Turning Blaa into Something Better

{Blue top - Loft, Skirt - Gap, Sandals - H&M, Bag - Theit}

Cheeeese. How to make a semi-boring outfit fun? Orange lips & fringe sandals. It's the little things in life that can sometimes turn a blaa situation, into something a little more special!  Like this weekend, Hubs and I stayed home on a Saturday night (gasp!).  We had celebrated the Kentucky Derby during the day, and have been on the go for all to long.  So Saturday night, we hung out at home.

We didn't do anything spectacular (cue blaa), but it was a fantastic night.  Comfy clothes. Movie, Night Weather = Grilling.  Yummy dinner.  Best of all, hubs and I.  Just the two of us.  On a Saturday night.  It was a nice evening.  Hubs is the orange lipstick in my outfit.

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Kentucky Derby

This weekend I went to a Kentucky Derby party to watch the shortest big sporting event ever.  And funny story.    I knew nothing about the horses in the race, and the only one I'd heard about prior to going to the party was Pants on Fire due to all the publicity of the girl jockey (gasp-a girl).  At the party, there was a no-money down kind of vote.  We got to put in who we think would get 1st, 2nd and 3rd.  I just guessed based on the names of the horses (there are some really funny ones).

Anyways, race came, 1 minute late it was over and Animal Kingdom won.  That is the horse I'd picked to win (randomly)!!  I got a little prize of some lotto tickets and Jack Daniels - but man I wish i would have put some real money on that!  The odds on that horses winning were not high.

Ok, not so funny, but cool!  Maybe this is the funny part?  My Kentucky Derby outfit...

I have no idea if this hat is "Derby" enough.  I know women wear the big and floppy kind, but I already owned this little vintage number that was a gift from a friend.  I added pearls and a long skirt to class it up a bit.  Who knows, I went for the drinks.

{Hat - Vintage/gift, Pearls - Forever 21, Purple Tank - Target, Long Skirt  - H&M, Bat - Theit}

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And the winner of the Freschetta Pizza & Serving Tray giveaway is....

Carrie!

Favorite Blogger Outfit: Red.

Red is one color that my closet it definitely lacking. Sure I have some coral, loads of pink, a bit o' orange and one lonesome red dress (I think just one).  Then I see Christine of Court & Hudson in this fabulous outfit with a red skirt.

I love how she mixed the red with army green, cheetah and feathers.

Her Outfit Deets:

jacket: H&M 

cardigan: Mink Pink

skirt: Zara

necklace: Forever 21

shoes: Vince Camuto

Take Another Look

My new green, ruffle front top...

 ...is a swimsuit.

The pools are not open, it's not yet warm enough to lay out decked in a swimsuit, but here are I, already wearing my new one-piece suit courtesy of Simply Beach.  Interested in what this one-piece swimsuit looks like, worn as a suite?  Well, ok.

No, that is not me (I know - it's close)... ;)

Seafolly Shimmer Frill Front Maillot in Envy

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The Blues

So growing up, my very favorite color was blue (royal blue specifically).  Blue everything - room, clothes, sporting gear, etc.  As I've grown up (and mature - hahaha), I've come to love TONS of colors - all colors, mixing colors, wearing clashing colors, etc. But still blue is always a color I gravitate towards...

 {J.Crew Turquoise Cardi, Anthro Blue Sleeveless Cowl Neck Blouse, J.Crew Navy Skirt, Target Gray Wedges}

Awkward self photos taken on a work trip in Chicago at the Hard Rock Hotel.  

I was on the Keith Richards floor.  Rock on.

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I Just Had To: Lengthening Rays Skirt

Ever since I pinned the Lengthening Rays Skirt on the Anthro site, I've been wanting it.  It's a whole lotta hot pink and a bit expensive for my usual budget limits, but at first try on, I was hooked.  This is not like just any maxi skirt - it moves with you.  It's light and airy, yet has enough material to pleat over naturally.  It's so fun to wear.

So I did it.  I got it.

 {Anthro Skirt, Loft Stripe Top, H&M Fringe Sandals}

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Poor Chucky

My little Chucky-bear had his teeth cleaned last weekend.  To do that, the vet puts him under anesthesia .  Because he had something off with his blood work (which they take before the anesthesia to make sure he can handle it), he had to get a little IV in his arm with appropriate nutrients and such.  Anyways, I'm hazy on the details because it's like a foreign language to me, and little guy is just fine now!  But, he was sure out of it for about 24-hours...

Sad baby

And in the meantime, I wore orange and hot pink.

{J.Crew Hot Pink Cardi, Nude Tank & Orange Skirt; ASOS bow flats}

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Favorite Blogger Outfit: Midi Love

I'm evolving this feature - whenever I can, by adding an interview with the favorite blogger outfit of the week!  So make sure to read my interview with Jentine below the photo!

The midi is everywhere this season.  I've already told you how much I love it (longer skirt lengths - yay!).  But one look at Miss Jentine from My Edit, and you'll love it too!  She rocks a thrifted bright purple midi skirt that I wish I could get my hands on!

 {Her outfit deets: Blouse, skirt, purse and white necklace - thrifted, Shoes - French Connection, Necklace - Banana Republic}

Interview with Jentine from My Edit:

Q: What is your process for picking out outfits like?
Jentine: I try to pick out an outfit in advance if I have somewhere to go. It saves time and the inevitable break-down when an outfit doesn't look quite as I planned. I definitely have my go to last minute outfits (that often involve my Gap slim jeans and brown boots...) but otherwise, I will plan in advance just by playing in my closet, having a glass of wine (optional) and trying stuff on. Being prepared cuts down on marital strife and general lateness...:)

Q: If you could only utilize one source to find fashion inspiration, what would it be?
Jentine: B. Jones Style. I always mention her but she can dress.


Q: How did you get into thrifting?  I really want to get started myself, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by it.  Any tips for beginners?
Jentine:  I grew up with second hand clothes because money was tight. I thrifted sporadically as I got older but it wasn't about until 2 years ago that I got... well, addicted. It is the best way to shop trends and be unique! Shameless self plug but check my thrift tips on my blog especially these one (here or here) if you are not sure where to start in the world of thrift.

Q: What is your favorite piece to wear? Why?
Jentine: I love a dress! It highlights the good stuff and hides the bad stuff. And I can find a plethora of them in the thrift store (ha... love using that word...plethora).

Q: Do you have a favorite outfit that you've worn? If so what and why?  If not, why not?
Jentine:  Picking a favourite outfit is like picking a favourite cat...

Thank you Jentine!

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Don't Let Me Fool You...

Just a hint.  I am not in London, though this vintage red telephone booth sure makes me feel like I am!!  Last night I celebrated a good friend's engagement on the patio (finally -- patio weather!) of a bar in Westport.  I even donned a corsage for the occasion.

{Dress - J.Crew Jenny Dress, Leopard Cardi - INC via Macy's, Black Flats - Nine West, Floral Corsage - $1 each last summer from New York & Co}

And because it was a celebration...

mmmm....Cupcakes.

Happy Friday!!  I hope you can have a cupcake this weekend, or go to London. Something like that.

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Colorblock & Colored Jeans

You might be sick of this trend by now, but I'm still loving it.  And until I can get my hands on some red jeans, these not-denim-blue-but-royal-blue jeans will have to do.

 {Yellow Cardi - J.Crew, Turquoise Blouse - Marshalls, Blue Jeans - Old Navy, Turquoise ring - H&M, Gray wedges - Target}

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Chicago.

This past weekend I spent some quality family time in Chicago.  For one, my  husband and I actually got to travel together.  I also hung out with my sister, who lives there and is celebrating her birthday this week.  We got to see friends that live there attend a Cubs game.  The weather wasn't fantastic, but it could have been worse. So all and all, a pretty good weekend, and a lot shoved into only 2 days.

 Dressed for dinner at SUSHISAMBA 

{Stripe top - Anthropologie, Purple skirt & Red belt - Old Navy, Nude flats - ASOS}

 View from friends' apartment

Easter Brunch.
This photo was my this week's I See, You See Pic at A Candid Life.  Hop over there to give us next week suggestions!

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Swish Swish

Maxis and midis are my new best friends (as seen here, here, here and here).  After years of all minis, I'm so excited for the longer hems.  If for nothing else, but more options.  The length on a skirt can really change up an entire outfit.  And it is way more work appropriate.

Plus, the flowing fabric is fun to play with and moves with you as you walk.  This skirt was the 3rd item of my 1st ASOS order.

 {Denim shirt -Target, Midi Skirt - ASOS, Hot pink wedges - Nine West, Rosette Necklace - Twenty Five Design}

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Favorite Blogger Outfit: Unexpected Pop of Color

Scrolling through my Google Reader (how I read my blogs I follow & subscribe to), I came across The Pretty Life Anonymous' post.  I thought her outfit was lovely, and then as I was scrolling further saw her legs.  Pow! I love the mix of her bold tights with denim and floral.

Her Outfit Deets: 

Top: F21

Skirt: DIY

Tights: F21

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: ROS

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Double Trouble

Silver and Gold.  Red and Pink. Two Belts. $6 Jacket. One Outfit.

I got this jacket at Old Navy for $6. It was on clearance in store for $16, and I had a $10 rewards coupon.  I'd say that is a steal! I love mixing warm tones with cool ones - like the warm brown color of the jacket and gold jewelry with a metallic silver dress.  To add some color, I decided to layer on two skinny belts in contrasting colors - both from Old Navy.

 {Jacket & Belts - Old Navy, Dress - Anthropologie, Leopard Flats - Marshalls, Scarf - San Fran China Town, Gold Cuff - Loft}

 

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Leapfrog

I tried not to get blown over or spike myself on a yellow cement pillar during an impromptu game of leapfrog.

{Navy Cardi - J.Crew, Purple Silk Tank - Anthroplogie, Jeans - Gap, Yellow Flats - Target, Pink Cuff - c/o Art on a Wire}

Does this Pink Leather Cuff look familiar?  Michelle Money wore a turquoise version on the Women Tell All episode (seen here). The great people at Art on a Wire sent me my very own as a thank you for blogging about it.  I chose pink.

Now to the leapfrog game.  Lulu won.

 But to be fair.  I did get up a little further, but those photos were not attractive. Lulu makes it look effortless.

Happy Friday!

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ASOS Review & A Blue Dress

 Hey all! You saw my new shoes yesterday and I had mentioned I recently placed my first ASOS order.  I had a few questions on my experience, the fit, etc.  So thought I'd give you more info, while showing you what else I got from ASOS.

 {Dress - ASOS Soft Skirt Midi Dress, Stripe Tee Under Dress - J.Crew, Jacket -H&M, Leopard Belt - Target, Rosette Necklace - Twenty Five Design, Heels - Target}

So on to my experience with ASOS.  Once I learned about the free shipping and return shipping (should something not work out), it definitely eased my mind.  Ordering from a new online retailer for the first time can be scary, but especially if you've never tried on something by the brand.

Shopping on ASOS.com is easy.  Select the category you'd like to first browse (say dresses), then you can narrow by color (in this case, blue), skirt style (midi length), and even price range (under $100 for me).  Then your options are easier to flip through.

Selecting my size: I first inspected the dress I was choosing - the style and fit.  In this case, the dress was looser fitting and an elastic waist (no buttons or zippers). Then I read the size guide (clicked on the button next to the size selection) and ordered my size that I normally get (at J.Crew, Loft, etc).

If the dress would have been a more fitted options, I might have considered ordering 2 sizes, since I could return the one that didn't fit for free.

Once I selected my items, I checked out and paid - confirming it was indeed free shipping.  ASOS sent several emails to confirm order, once it shipped and tracking updates.  Keep in mind, it is coming from UK - so maybe took a couple days longer, but I didn't notice.  My 3 items came in two different packages a day apart (my shoes and dress together, and then a skirt separately).  Not sure why.

All in all, a great experience and I will now add ASOS to my go-to online shopping site list.

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