Into Outerwear

It is that time of year again...time to take out my winter coats and put away my lighter jackets for what seems like forever. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate winter...for the first month or two. But come February, I will be ready to feel my toes again. 

I found this coat at Old Navy a few years ago, and have gotten a lot of wear out of it. I noticed a similar style there this year (here - It looks like it may be a little shorter, too). I love how the collar can either lay flat or be worn popped up if you use the top button, but what really sold me on this one was that the waist is actually at my true waist. I have to say, I feel a little bit like Audrey Hepburn when I pop the collar. I am not sure why. From looking at the pictures, I am just now noticing how long and wide the bottom can be. Maybe it depends how I hold my arms...or maybe not. The waist looks like it could use a little taking in as well. Still, it is my favorite, and I feel great in it.

Ever since I bought the black coat, this camel one from Ann Taylor Factory Store (circa 5 years or so ago)  hasn't seen the light of day very much (but hey, it's winter - there's no sun anyway!). How convenient is it that everybody is crazy about camel right now? It could stand a little taking in at the waist too (the waistband looks so misshapen in some of these) but then I think I will put it back in my rotation (Who am I kidding? Having a 'rotation' makes it sounds like I have a closet full of beautiful coats. I will just switch back and forth between the two. It is more of a flip-flop than a rotation). 

When I rediscovered my camel coat, I found another surprise: Cute Brown gloves from Ralph Lauren! I must have gotten them at TJ Maxx years ago and stuffed them in the pockets.


Do you have any suggestions about tailoring these coats? 

Petite Baby Style

I couldn't help myself:

It looks like I'm not the only one who needs a good tailor.

I love that little guy...and the big guy that actually wears the coat.

Accessory kind of day

I had the day off and decided to finish up my Christmas shopping. 

While I was strutting around stores, I couldn't help but pick up a few things for myself. 

I did not own one skinny belt....that is until today :) And coincidentally when I bought the belt I got this lovely ring for free.  Awesome. 

I ended up buying 3 skinny belts, one ring, and a pair of wedges. All for $19. 

Oh, and I also bought a bunch of Christmas presents for Leif.

Turquoise Ring: Charlotte Russe

 Skinny Belts: Charlotte Russe

Wedges: Target ($7!!!!)

While I was standing in line at Charlotte Russe, I remembered one of the reasons that I rarely shop in there. There are many reasons, the main one being that the clothes don't fit me, but their customer service was terrible. I stood at the counter waiting to check out for 15 minutes. A sales associate saw me right away and said "I'll be right with you," then proceeded to comment on another employees outfit that she was trying on... for 15 minutes. It was really rediculous. I was temped to just leave, but fortunately, another kind associate saw me standing there and checked me out. 

Not your finest hour Charlotte Russe. 

Have you purchased any unique accessories lately?

Review: Ann Taylor Modern Fit Skinny Jeans

I have been on the hunt for a new pair of dark wash skinny jeans to tuck into my boots. In the past, I found success with Gap's 1969 jeans, but my body is different post-baby, so my old go-to is now a no-go. 

I tried on jeans from several stores before I ended up at Ann Taylor on Cyber Monday, when everything was 50% off. As it turned out, their Modern Fit Skinny jean in 0P fits me really well. I was shocked and very pleased, because now I have jeans to wear with boots all winter! I was beginning to worry, since I no longer had every day skinny jeans, only thinner legging jeans that are not nearly warm enough in cold weather. What a relief!

I like them with heels too. Perfect to dress up or down.

Pros:
Dark wash thins and elongates legs
Material is 2% Spandex, which yields a very comfortable, stretchy fit
High enough rise to cover my curvy posterior when seated - without gapping

Cons:
A bit expensive at full price (for me) - $88, but well worth it when on sale
about 2 inches too long (I folded them under for the pictures but will hem later)

I guess I should have known that AT would make exactly what I needed...

Top: Gap Outlet (recent)
Jeans: Ann Taylor (here)
Shoes: Ann Taylor Factory Store

It's starting to feel like Christmas

I don't know about you, but I am SOOO excited that it is Christmas. 

There are several reasons for this :

1. I'm not moving!!! The last two years, I've moved right around Christmas

2. I love egg nog. Why can't stores carry it year round? 

3. I get to go to tons of Christmas parties! We have already had one party and we have two next week! (pictures coming soon)

4. I love the smell of pine in my house. There is nothing like waking up and feeling like you are outside.

I've always been envious of those women who have naturally textured and poofy hair. I was born with straight hair with little volume or texture. I put my hair up really quickly to wash my face, and this is what it looked like. I decided to just leave it since it had a "piecy-poofy" look at the top.

Dress: Banana Republic (Thanks Laura!)

Shirt: H&M (old)

Necklace: 10,000 villages

Earrings: Urban people