Happy New Year.....

Wishing all of my readers a safe and prosperous 2011!!!

 

Check back this weekend, I'm going to be a launching a new blog which will be tracking one of my major resolutions for 2011.  Stay Tuned!

xoxo,

J.

Celebrity Outfit Inspiration......Tweed, Black, and Wide leg Denim

After several seasons of skinny denim, I am very excited to see wide leg denim coming back into fashion.  One of my favorite pairs of wide leg denim is my JBrand Love Story jeans......I stumbled across this picture of Ashley Simpson out and about running her Holiday errands in an effortless look featuring wide-leg denim.

This look features several wide and loose silhouettes so I think that a more tailored jacket, like Ashley's, does a nice job of keeping the lines leaner.  I also love the flats...perfect for pounding the pavement for those Christmas returns next week!  The logo gold/black Chanel button earrings give the outfit a nice pop.  I would totally rock this look to run errands!

xoxo,

J.

Celebrity Outfit Inspiration......Tartan and Leather

Well, I said in my last post that I was on blog hiatus until 2011; but, when you are on vacation and your husband is working and all of your Christmas preparations are done.....one can get kind of bored.  So I was spending some time perusing the internet and catching up on my celebrity gossip when I came across this picture of Emmy Rossum in this fantastic outift:

Photo credit:  PerezHilton.com
Tartan BlazerLeather Leggings

I don't know what it is about this outfit, but I just love it.  So festive and effortless, yet stylish at the same time.  I'm currently obsessed with all things Tartan (the reminder of my Scottish vacation earlier this fall).  I love cashmere, and this gray cashmere sweater she has on looks so cozy and comfy.  I'm also on the search for the perfect pair of leather leggings/pants...black and skinny and I love this look so much!

Do any of you have leather pants?  If so, where did you buy them and how are you styling them?

Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

xoxo,

J.

Merry Christmas...Blog Hiatus until 2011.....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

The holidays are upon us, and I still have sooo much to do, this blog is taking a hiatus until 2011.  See you all on the other side:)  Stay Safe!!!

xoxo,

J.

JCrew Sutton Boots: Has anyone tried them???

So, again, I will voice my annoyance that the JCrew website does not have a review feature like the Anthro site!!!  So annoying!!

I've been coveting the Sutton Boots in both the flat and midheel style since they came out in early fall.  However, I cannot find any reviews on them.....so I am asking my readers for HELP!!!  (I haven't even seen anyone talk about them over at JCrew Aficionada).

The 25% off sale ends tonight, so I want to decide about them before that promo is over!  So any help would be soooo appreciated!

Has anyone tried these?  How did they fit??  Did you like them??  I want to order but have an overwhelming fear that they will be slouchy because they have no zipper.  

xoxo,

J.

Anthro: The cutest gift for the girl who has everything......

I love scarves and I would love this or this:

It makes: 

Leave it to Anthro to come up with the cutest gift for the girl who has everything.  

This little kit retails for $138.00 (the snood pattern is $118.00), a little pricey in my opinion.  However, the material provided for the scarf is 100% wool.

Do you have any suggestions to get for the a girl who has everything?

xoxo,

J.

Exciting News......

We are going to be picking up the newest member of our family this Saturday, just in time for the Holiday Season!!!  Stay tuned.........

HAPPY HANNUKAH!!!!

Scotland Trip Part 1.....

Here is a quick peek into the first few days of our trip to Scotland.  I have been to Scotland before, I was fortunate enough to study at the University of Edinburgh for a semester as an undergraduate.  However, most of my time was spent in Edinburgh and despite a few trips to the Highlands, I did not see that much of the country.  My husband has always wanted to go as golf and Scotch are among his top loves in life:)  So when it came time to book our fall vacation, the choice was obvious to both of us.  We rented a car and saw much of the country....here are a few pictures from the first few days of our journey:  We actually took over 500 pics!

We stayed in East Ayrshire for a few days, this is the golf course at our hotel.

Turnberry Golf Course

Entrance to Culzine Castle, seat of the Kennedy family, handed over to the Royal Trust of Scotland in 1948 because of the 75% inheritance tax.  (Thank you Parliament!)....The entrance gate was intentionally designed to look like ruins.

Culzine Castle which sits on a bluff over the Irish Sea...we went on a tour through the house, but no pictures allowed.  It was filled with amazing antiques and portraits.

The ruins of Kennedy Castle, the original home of the Kennedy family of Culzine.  Mary Queen of Scots stayed here at one point for a few nights.  The castle was abandoned in the 1500s after Culzine was built.  Over the centuries the castle has begun to crumble into the sea and their was a fire which destroyed the rest of it in the 1700s.

Glengoyne Distillery, located about 45 minutes outside Glasgow.

Inside the distillery.

Loch Awe

Waterfall into Loch Awe.

Chapel on Loch Awe.

Inveraray Castle.....it looks like a Fairy Tale palace.  

More to come.....

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

xoxo,

J.

Shout out.....Lisa Eldridge, Makeup Artist/Creative Director, no7

Gasp......your probably like "What the What????".....2 posts in one day from THIS blog!!  Yeah, what can I say, I'm trying to make up for my pathetic lack of posts during the month of October, and if I'm being honest, November too....but I was away and then playing work catch-up so that's sort of an excuse right?!?

Lisa with her kitten, Betty and her amazing beauty archives.

Seriously, have you heard of Lisa Eldridge??  If not, you should make yourself aware.....she is absolutely fabulous.  She's like this amazing makeup Guru/artist who has been working in the industry for 20 or so years.  Any given month, one or more of the beauty magazines on your coffee table probably has her work featured on the cover or in a spread.  She's worked with all of the big names in Hollywood.  

A little known secret, she has a Beauty Channel on Youtube.  Basically, she posts 5-15 minute videos detailing how to achieve different looks, wear makeup trends, fight aging with makeup, and use new products on the market.  She also does product reviews, she's so connected in the industry she is often sent items way before they launch.  For example, she had the new Burberry Beauty line back in May/June of this year and it didn't come out until this summer.  Most of her videos are her putting makeup on herself.  

She's a 42 year old woman and she always shows you how she looks without makeup and then how she looks at the end.  Basically, she's stunning and just plain fantastic!!!  She also uses a huge mix of products including drug store and high-end.  She approaches make-up as art.....and she is always talking about how she gets inspiration etc.  

Her videos are full of little tips and tricks like that which often lead to me to have my little a-ha moments.  It is amazing some of the differences I've seen in my own makeup looks because of her tips.

Lisa and one of her Japonesque lipstick pallettes.

Here are links to Lisa's YouTube channel, blog, and biography.

So go and check out her YouTube channel and tell me what you think.....I swear I learn something from almost every video.  

Do you love makeup?  If so, where do you get inspiration from?  Or where do you get makeup tips/tricks from?

xoxo,

J.

WOOTD: Shades of Gray......and Brown???

Good morning!!!  TGIF....it could not come soon enough for me this week.  My first full week back to work has been a little jarring....thank goodness, next week is a short week because of the Holiday.  Yay!

Slight delay on posting my vacation photos, we can't find the usb computer connection cord....I have to pick a new one up this weekend.  

But, I have been snapping a few pics this week of my WOOTDs.  You'll notice a theme here, black, gray, more black, and gray.  I only wore color one day this week...and it wasn't that bright at all.  I think that my clothing choices have been matching my mood and the weather.

Look one:

Leopard Print Shell:  Ann Taylor 2008

Suit:  The Limited, Fall 2010

Shoes:  Generic pointy pumps

Jewelry:  David Yurman Bracelet, Tag Watch

Dress:  Talbots Knit Wrap Dress in Black (here)

Jacket:  H&M Fall 2009, Waist tie is cinched in the back

Black Tights:  Hues via TJMaxx

Shoes:  Black Michael Kors wedges

Necklace:  The Limited or Accesorize (can't remember)

Quick review of the Talbots Dress.  I love this and actually purchased the turtleneck version in addition to this wrap version.  This dress runs huge....I had to get a size Small and I'm normally a size 8-10.  It is also relatively long, I am 5'9 and it hits at right below my knee cap.  But, it is a fantastic staple piece for my fall/winter work wardrobe and it looks amazing with sweaters, coats, and blazers.  The material is a wool blend with enough stretch to maintain its shape very nicely.  The wool blend is very soft and warm.  I scored this during a 25% off promotion.....check out Gigi's blog for the latest promo codes.

Scarf:  Leopard Print Gray from H&M

Pants:  Ann Taylor 

Sweater:  JCrew Merino Boyfriend Sweater

Shoes:  Cole Haan Air Miranda Pumps LOVE!!!! (click here)

Black Leather Handbag:  Audrey Brooke via DSW (click here for the suede version)

Quick review of the bag which I bought only about 3 weeks ago.  I had a credit to DSW and couldn't find any shoes so I wandered over the bags section and found this giant beauty.  With the store credit and a percentage off coupon, this went home with me.  This bag is HUGE!! and I specifically bought it with travel in mind.  It has two large zipper pockets and an open middle pocket.  There are separate compartments for cell phone, pens, etc inside the zipper part.  This bag is HUGE.....16x5x11 to be exact.  I can fit all of my regular purse items in it, in addition to several magazines, a wrap/scarf, water bottle, and (gasp) even my laptop.  I will say when it is loaded up, the thing weighs a ton.  But, it is convenient for sure.  I've taken it shopping a few times and have just put my small purchases inside of it instead of taking a bag.  It has gold detailing including a gold chain shoulder strap.  The shoulder strap is very heavy.  I specifically bought this bag because I wanted a huge black purse with gold detailing that would fit a ton of stuff into it.  I don't use this bag everyday, but it is fantastic for travel, running errands in the city, or taking my laptop to do work at a local coffee shop.

My one "colorful" outfit this week:

Suit:  JCrew Tweed Skirt Suit, Fall 2005

Sweater:  JCrew Merino V-neck

Scarf:  Anthropologie Scarf, Fall 2009

Shoes:  Cole Haan Air Talia Mid Pump in Chocolate Suede (click here for black suede)

Note:  Dear JCrew:  Please come out with an updated version of your tweed suiting....when it comes time to retire mine, I think I might cry!

Well ladies, that's it for this week's work wear.  Nothing too special, I had so much work to make up it is amazing I even managed to put any successful outfits together.....Adieu for now!

xoxo,

J.

  

You have my attention......

So, I'm back from across the pond.  Just a quick post today, I promise to post some pictures and stories from our Scottish adventures later this week.

I was pleased to see the JCrew Holiday 2010 catalogue waiting for me in my mail queue.  I'm not so impressed with the "mood" of the catalogue shoot.  I miss the days of amazing destinations catalogues; however, in this economy, I have to give the Crew some credit for not hauling their entire staff overseas.  However, even just a venture into upstate New York or out among the Manhattan brownstones would have been more interesting than the boring factory, white background setting.  Oh well, that aside, I pretty much covet every single thing in the catalogue.  A bit of the styling and some of the shoes are crap, but overall, I'm kind of in LOVE!

I really want this:

However, the $1800.00 price tag is holding me back....LOL!!!  (I wouldn't even dream of spending that much money on a JCrew purse).....It hasn't sold out yet online and I'm curious to see if it does, the price point is very high for JCrew in my opinion.

I'm really trying to be good, actually I don't have much a choice since we have to pay the massive Amex bill from our trip.......oh well, at least Christmas is right around the corner, time to take advantage of that "email to a friend" feature on my favorite websites.......

I ordered this a little while back from Forever21 and I'm trying to figure out how to style it.  (sorry it is not available online anymore, at least not that I can find):

I'm thinking skinny jeans, booties, or knee high heeled boots, and possibly my brown leather motorcycle jacket.  I'm not sure though....I also am thinking of throwing in a neutral colored knit scarf to "rough" it up a bit.  I don't know, what do you guys think?  Suggestions are always welcome......

xoxo,

J.

 

See you on the other side.....

WOW...I'm a terrible blog owner.....this is my second post for the entire month of October.....ughhhh!!!

I'm here to say Happy Halloween!!!!  Be safe and have fun.....

My DH and I are off to Scotland for a 2 week sojourn......

I'll be back with regular posts when I return.......

Adieu for now:)

xoxo,

J.

Anthro Fitting Room Reviews......

This Sunday found my husband at the Eagles v. Redskins game, and me, free to shop, at my local Anthropologie.  I did a quick run through the store and grabbed a few tops and sweaters to try.  I came home with a few things....I'll share those later.  I was on the hunt for casual tops for jeans this fall so that is all that I tried on.

Corinithian Top, Retails for $78.00, my Anthro had two colors.

My impression is that this top would look best tucked into a high waisted skirt.  I really liked the boat-neck.  It was very flattering, I also really liked the beading on the shoulders.  I thought this added an interesting touch to an otherwise plain shirt.  While I did really like it, I did not purchase it because it does fit into my wardrobe.  But it is a very nice piece.  I would say it fits TTS.  I'm wearing a Medium.

Humbled Hydrangeau Top, Retails for $68.00, I'm wearing a Medium.

I really enjoyed this top!  The print is very pretty, the cotton/modal is super soft, and the fit is flattering.  I think that it will layer very well under chunky knits for fall/winter.  I decided to wait until it goes on sale.  I don't really need another short sleeved shirt right now.  But, I liked the length (I'm 5'9 for reference).  And I think you could dress it up or down and wear it through all of the seasons.  Overall a good investment.

College Ruled Top, Retails for $58.00, I'm wearing a Medium.

I loved this piece.  And actually, this shirt was the entire reason I decided to head over to Anthro.  I found it located in the Lounge section.  The cotton is super soft and I love how long it is.  I think it is interesting how the stripes are only in the middle of the shirt.  It does a good job of cutting up the whole stripe effect.  I don't love this along!  However, when you add a scarf and a chunky knit sweater (I'm wearing it with JCrew's Marled Wool Cardigan) it really adds interest to a casual outfit.  This came home with me.  I'm still not %100 sold but I'm going to think on it.  (I also go the last one in my size!)

And a quick OOTD, super casual but oh well!  I had a camera and a mirror so here you go.

Go Eagles!  (They lost:)

Have you found anything recently an Anthro?  What are you craving from their fall stock?

xoxo,

J.

OOTD: Fall Staples -- JCrew Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt and Autumn Plaid Scarf and Gap Forever Skinny Jeans Reviews

I'm all about wardrobe staples....that key accessory, shoe style, denim brand, jacket, or outfit combination that "old reliable."  It always works and you know it always looks good.  

When I think of my casual FALL wardrobe staples....a few things come to mind for me:  flattering slim denim, merino wool sweaters, and scarves.  Every casual outfit I wear in the FALL consists of at least one of these elements....and also when paired together they work so well.....if it is a little cooler, throw on a blazer for your outerwear.  And in a very casual setting wear flatters, or for something a little more dressed up throw on some boots or heels.

This outfit embodies all three of my key pieces.  It really is nothing special.  But it makes me feel put together and confident.

Scarf:  JCrew Autumn Plaid Scarf now $29.99

Sweater:  JCrew Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt  now $49.50

Jeans:  Gap Forever Skinny jeans

Shoes:  Cole Haan Nike Air Nude Wedges from years ago

Watch:  Michael Kors Tortoise Chronograph

Now for a few quick reviews:

JCrew Autumn Plaid Scarf....mine is in the green color.  I was feeling under the weather for most of this week and my husband surprised me with this last night!  Thank you, honey!  I actually have been pining after this scarf for quite sometime now.  The material is lightweight and soft.  It is not overly long or too narrow and I like how the fabric drapes.  I wouldn't call it warm...it is really more for effect!  The scarf is a great buy because it looks good with beiges, creams, grays, and black.  So it a great way to spice up your neutral sweaters.

JCrew Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt.....I sort of have a problem with these.

As you can see.

Yes, I own 7 of these...and I plan on ordering 2 more.  I got my first one last fall in the dark charcoal color and have been addicted ever since.  The cut of these remind me of the jaspe sweatshirts from last year...but I like how the merino wool makes them a little bit more dressed up.  They hold up well to dry cleaning or sometimes I dry-el them at home and I never had a problem.  I have had issues with some of the JCrew merino wool pieces over the past few seasons.  However, for some reason, I think it may be the weight of the merino wool used for the boyfriend sweatshirt, I haven't had any problems with these.  (Last fall their vneck merino sweaters were too thin and the material showed pilling and even pulls after only one or two wearings.  I hated them and took them all back to my B&M.)  I like how effortless and comfortable this sweater is.  I like the longer length (I am 5'9 for reference).  I'm basically in love with them. 

Lastly, the GAP Forever Skinny Jeans.  I tried these on during the GAP denim promo BOGO a few months back.  I wasn't expecting much at all.  I haven't bought GAP denim since high school.  But I heard they revamped their styles and the BOGO lured me in.  I was so pleasantly surprised.  These jeans are very comfortable, super flattering, and relatively cheap at $59.50.  I could not wear them tucked into boots but they look great with flats or casual heels.  They have a lot of stretch in the fabric and they look good with a belt.  They are low rise without having the plumber crack issue.  Overall for fit, I would say that they run one size large.  I bought one size smaller than my usual denim size.

What are your fall staple pieces??

Have a great weekend lovelies!

xoxo,

J.   

OOTN: Drinks, Dinner, and Wedding!

I'm going through my ample backlog of OOTD photos and trying to pick the best to put up first.  These two outfits are not necessarily the "Best" so much they entail me being dressed up and for that reason, in my world, can go together in one post!

So first up.  This outfit is from a wedding we went to at the beginning of September.  We had 3 weddings back to back weekends earlier this month!  (Part of why I've been sooo busy and neglectful of my blog:)  Luckily, they were all local.

Dress:  White House Black Market 2008

Shoes:  Aerosole 2007

Necklace:  Forever 21 Fall 2009

I don't often shop at Black House White Market.  I'm not sure why, everything I've ever bought from there I have loved.  I have 4 dresses from there that I constantly rotate through for weddings.  This dress has attended 2 other weddings before this one.  I like the fit and I think the lace makes it edgy without being too provocative.  The shoes are old Aerosoles that I found at the back of my closet.  I've never even worn them! I also have them in brown and they are really comfortable!  The necklace is a great Forever 21 jewelry find...a double strand pearl necklace with a pearl and diamante brooch!  Love it!

Next up is an outfit from when my husband and I met some friends out for dinner and drinks.  I had spent the entire weekend in jeans and flipflops and I really wanted to dress up.  I threw this look together.

Dress:  Lauren Conrad for Kohls (picked up on sale for $20.)  I bought 2!

Cropped Jean Jacket:  Ann Taylor Loft spring 2010

Shoes:  Ann Taylor Strappy Sandals (no longer online)

Necklace:  Forever21 Box Chain Diamante twist (No longer but purchased in store last weekend)

Purse (not shown):  Gucci Joy Medium Shoulder Bag (click here)  (Mine has brown trim)

Watch:  Michael Kors Tortoise Chronograph Watch (click here)

This dress is a definite closet staple for me.  It is a heavy jersey material with an exposed silver back zip.  It has Pockets....LOVE!  and a sweet heart neckline....double LOVE!  It is just ultra flattering!  I've worn it with flipflops or strappy sandals as shown.  Wore the denim jacket because it was a little chilly at night!  Quick, easy, cute outfit!

What do you typically wear when you get dressed up?  Do you gravitate towards black like me?  Do you have a favorite dress?  Let me know!

xoxo,

J.

And the Winner is......

The winner of the CNSstores.com $35.00 gift certificate is:

And #3 is the lovely HEATHER!!!

Congrats Heather!  CSN will contact you directly to send you the gift certificate!

Thanks everybody!

xoxo,

J.