Giveaway: CSN Stores......gift card......

I'm very excited to be partnering with CSNstores.com to offer a giveaway to my readers.  This giveaway is for a $35.00 e-gift card.  

CSNStores.com offers over 200+ stores for you to choose from.  If you are like me and this winter weather is making you long for a tropical getaway, you can use the gift card at any one of their luggage stores to get yourself ready for your trip!  Or perhaps you need some new cookwear or some socks to keep your feet warm! You will find all of these things and MORE at CSNstores.com.

So entering this contest is super easy!  

-You have to be a follower of this blog through Google reader or blogger.  

-Just leave a comment below this post telling me what you would use this gift code for, and that you are a follower.  

-You can get an extra entry by following me on twitter and tweeting about this giveaway, if you do this, just leave a SEPARATE comment telling me this with a link to you tweet.
-You can get an extra entry by blogging about this giveaway on your blog, just leave a SEPARATE comment with a link to your post.

- Be sure to include your email on ALL comments! 

This contest will run through next Friday.  I will select the winner over the weekend using Random.org and I will send the winner their gift code via email.  

Good luck!!

xoxo,

J.

Future Final Sale....JCrew New Arrivals: Denim Jumpsuit

click here for more details...

For the convict in your life who loves couture, 

Jenna and her design team bring us the $298.00 denim jumpsuit.

Yikes!

Update: Resolutions -- Healthy Snacks on the go

The nature of my job makes it difficult for me to "plan" my lunch.  Some days I am going to lunch with clients or co-workers, other days I am working straight through lunch, but mostly I am grabbing a bite to eat in my "office" aka my CAR!  Packing lunch is not always a good idea especially in the heat of the summer.  I also don't have access to a microwave. 

Honestly, most days I don't eat very much during the day, it just doesn't fit into my schedule.  In my quest to lose weight, I've come to realize that this is a major factor hindering my progress.  With this in mind, I am consciously making an effort to pack and consume snacks with a total calorie value for a "normal" lunch between 10 and 3:30.  I pack things that will stay "good" if left in my car for a few days.  Here are some of my favorites:

1.  Peanut Butter/Almond Butter and Jelly on whole wheat sprouted bread:  I love this snack!  This is more of a meal and many days I have one of these in the morning for breakfast.  I love the blend of carbs, sweetness, and protein to keep me full for many hours!

My favorite peanut butter is Skippy Natural....I don't like to stir the other stuff!  I also love almond butter.  I try to stick to organic/natural foods when shopping.  The less ingredients on the package the better!

2.  Piece of Fruit/Veggie with Peanut Butter

This is rather self explanatory.......

I also like bananas and carrots.

3.  LaraBars

Have you heard of these?  OMG I absolutely love them.  They taste amazing and are sooo good for you!  They are gluten-free, organic, vegan, lactose free, etc.  

And they come in 19 amazing flavors; my favorites are the Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Pecan Pie, and Lemon.   

I buy mine at Whole Foods or in the organic aisle at my grocery store.  (Whole Foods has the best selection of flavors!)

4.  Tall Skim Cappuccino

Only 60 calories and a great pick-me-up during the day!  This def helps get me through the day and pairs nicely with any of my snacks....My favorites are from Saxby's....I'm not a big fan of Starbucks espresso or coffee, I only like their mixed drinks.

What are some of your favorite snacks?  I could really use some new recommendations!

xoxo,

J.

Future Final Sale.....JCrew Sequin Lattice Sweater-Vest

While recognizing the impracticality of this, for some reason I am coveting it!  Don't ask me why?  Maybe it is the sequins, like most JCA's, I'm like a moth to a flame when I see shiny things...especially sequins!  The bottom rack of my closet and several dresser drawers resemble shiny disco balls.  

Click on the picture for more information. The price is ridiculous and for this reason I see this item in Final Sale...but I think that if this is styled right it could be absolutely stunning on the right person.

What do you think of the Sequin Lattice Sweater-Vest? Yay or Nay?

xoxo,

J.

Huh to the what......Featuring Banana Republic....

Dear Jenna:  Oops, I meant, Dear Banana Republic:

WHYYYYY???  

Hugs,

J.

Apparently JCrew Spring 2010 catalogue styling is catching as this look, which could be right from the JCrew website, is currently featured on the Banana Republic website....ughhh!!!  Things like this make my shopping ban sooooo much easier!  I mean seriously, this makes the waif model look like she gained 30 lbs, how would this look on a normal person!!!  Answer:  NOT GOOD!

Just in case, you disagree with me and perhaps want to purchase this complete look click here:)

Fashion 2011: Spring Trends.....

My numerous magazine subscriptions are beginning to offer peaks at Spring 2011 fashion and beauty trends.  My longing for warmer weather and my spring/summer wardrobe has be devouring these magazines.....Here are two of the top trends I've noticed so far:

1.  NEON

This trend is NOT for the faint of heart.  Personally, very loud bright colors sort of scare me; so, I'll be sporting this trend with fun neon pedicures.

2.  High-waisted Flaired Jeans:

I love that this trend is coming back.....I think that a flared high waisted jean is universally flattering for so many body types....add a wedge heel, a drapey t-shirt, and layered gold chains and you are ready for brunch with the girls; add a strappy sandal, sequined tank, and statement earrings and you are ready for a night on the town.  Love this trend.  My favorite flared jeans are the universally flattering JBrand Love Story jeans...they have them every season in different washes.  Click here.  And check out all of the amazing ways Maegan at Love Maegan styles these jeans...she has impeccable style!

Random thoughts:

On a side note, has anyone watched "My Strange Addiction" on TLC?  That show is crazy, this weeks episode features a woman who secretly eats couch cushions.....ReallY!!  I think they just make this stuff up to be on TV.

xoxo,
J.

Window Shopping Wednesday: Featuring Spring 2011......and random musings

Ughhh....so sick of winter, we got MORE snow last night.  I'm ready for Spring!!!

While bundled up in flannel and wool and sipping my hot chocolate, these are a few of the things I am loving right now:

Christian Louboutin Jem Suede Peep-Toe Slingbacks click here

Sky high, red soled, peep-toe AND slingback, nude suede, and buckles....named after my FAVORITE 80's cartoon character; seriously, what's not to LOVE!

Vince Inside Out Striped Belted Maxi Dress click here

I could see this being an amazing and comfy summer staple.  Stripes are my obsession du jour.

Michael Kors Glitz Watch click here

I have this Michael Kors watch; but, I feel it is more wintery.  I NEED some gold in my life.  (I may be asking for the Glitz for my birthday).

In other news:  I'm watching the Tucson Memorial....so sad.  But the President is delivering a beautiful eulogy/speech.  

Also, I've read all three of the Millenium series and am anxiously awaiting the Hollywood adaptation of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo to hit theaters in December.  I've been loosely following the news about the casting/filming.  I find the Rooney Mara transformation absolutely amazing:

I think she deserves an Oscar nomination just for sporting this hideous hairstyle!!!

xoxo,

J.

Review: JCrew Cashmere Boatneck Sweatshirt + OOTD

click Here for product information.

I ordered this beauty back in December before my shopping ban took effect.  I absolutely love this sweater...it is so comfy cozy.  

Pros:

I got it during the 30% off promo for about $100...I would NOT pay full price for this.  The cashmere is a really nice weight, not too heavy and not too light.  I would say that this runs TTS to slightly large.  I took my usual size medium.  I actually ordered the S and M...they fit very similarly except the sleeves and length were longer on the medium.  I've worn this with cords, skinny jeans and boots, skirts both mini and pencil.  This sweater keeps its shape and doesn't stretch out at all...even the bottom band stays fitted which I love!

Cons:  

Price, as mentioned above.  I've worn this sweater about 6 times (for a grand total of about 14 hours for all 6 times) and it has already started to pill under the arms....JCrew:  I'm not impressed with this!  But I just used my cashmere/wool razor and it is good as new.  

 Here is a quick OOTD featuring this sweater:

Wearing:

Cashmere/Wool pashmina:  Gifted

JCrew Felted Wool Mini  click here

Tights:  Hues via Nordstrom

Boots:  Cole Haan Brookings Knee High Boot click here

This is the outfit I wore to see Les Miserables on Saturday afternoon with my husband.....one of my amazing Christmas gifts...the show was so good and if it comes through your city I highly recommend it.  In keeping with the french theme we went to dinner at this fantastic restaurant!  here are a few pics:

Spring view....it was snowy on Saturday:)

yummy food....best bread ever!!

The weather was snowy and slushy that day.  I had originally planned to wear high heeled suede OTD cuff boots with this outfit, but b/c of the weather I had to switch to these flat boots.  These boots are awesome....I wore them every day on my trip to Scotland and the Nike air technology kept my feet comfy...they are also completely waterproof!  such a great boot.  My only gripes:  I wish they were higher and that they were not so slouchy but overall the pros far outweigh the cons on these!

Well ladies....off to watch some Law and Order....it is snowing AGAIN btw!  Ahhh....

xoxo,

J.

For Sale: Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Monogram Canvas

Good afternoon Ladies:

I've decided to sell my Louis Vuitton Speed 25 Monogram Canvas.  She is in EUC.  There is a little bit of wear on the leather trim on the bottom, but no cuts or scratches in the monogram canvas.  I don't have the lock that goes on the side.  I took it off a long time ago and have no idea where it is now.  The leather handles have faded to that amazing honey brown color.

I have several pictures of my bag so just email me if you would like to see them.  I'm asking $325 this includes shipping in the continental USA.  Paypal only.  Will entertain all reasonable offers.

Reason I am selling is that I just don't use her anymore.  I'm looking to upgrade to the Speedy 30 at some point.

eighthourbrunch at yahoo dot com.

If I don't get any takers on here, I'm going to put her on ebay next week.  

xoxo,

J.

Window Shopping Wednesday: Featuring JCrew new arrivals.....

Just because I'm not buying doesn't mean I'm not coveting pieces from my favorite retailers.  This week's Window Shopping Wednesday features a few pieces from JCrew's new arrivals.

JCrew Ankle Stretch Toothpick jean in White Denim.

 I love these....I can just imagine walking in the sand at the beach wearing these and my favorite boyfriend t.  I also like that their is some stretch....essential for a flattering white jean in my opinion.

JCrew Knotted Twist Necklace

I love this and technically, since this is an accessory, I could buy this.  However, at $98 it is out of my monthly budget....fingers crossed for sale.  I love the mix of the feminine pearls with the chunky edgy box chain.  I'd have to see this in real life before committing....I feel like I could find something similar at Forever21.

Moonbeam Sequin Blazer

At $495 this is way out of my budget...but it is beautiful and I feel like I would get a TON of use out of this piece....I see if looking as amazing with a little silk slip dress as it would with jeans and a white tank.

JCrew Sailor Sweater

I find this sweater very interesting...I feel like it could be utterly fabulous or one big sack of hot-messiness....I'm anxious to see a few IRL and reviews of this sweater in blogger land.  I would wear this with skinny denim and bold gold accessories.

xoxo,

J.

Retail Ramble: Will we ever buy full price again??

When is the last time you paid full price for a clothing item you were purchasing?  If you are like me, the answer is probably rarely or not lately. 

This recession/depression our economy is in has really spoiled those of us to love to shop.  If you think about your favorite big retailers, every single one of them ran a promo during the Holiday season.  Gap/Banana/Old Navy had a different promo everyday, JCrew had 30% off sale/25% off site promos; Bloomingdales, Macys, Lord and Taylor, and Saks all had promos; and even Anthropologie, who notoriously never discount anything until sale, offered an extra 25% off their sale selection.

Additionally, websites like Shopstyle.com and even a basic web search allow me to check on the pricing of an item before purchasing it.  Online discount websites like ebates, coupons.com, etc also keep a running tab on the online offerings available out there and in the case of ebates even offer an additional percentage off.

I'm not currently shopping for clothing and won't be for quite sometime, but when thinking back over my past few purchases, I can not think of a single item that I purchased at full price.  There is the occasional item that I would purchase from JCrew at full price for fear it would sell out.  I would keep said item in my closet with the tags on and either wait for it to go on sale to get an adjustment or if the return policy window was looming and I decided I could live without I would return it.  But, now that so many retailers, especially Ann Taylor and LOFT, have promos every week where you can use multiple coupons on items, I have found it harder and harder to justify purchasing a full price item.  

There are certain items that historically I would pay full price for, ie anything I see as an investment piece, examples a timeless trench coat, an amazing designer bag, even the perfect pair of go-with-everything boots.  But in this economy even these items are becoming harder and harder to justify, because if you can force yourself to wait you know that Saks is going to have a Friends and Family sale; or if your lucky, you might find said item massively discounted at Neiman Marcus Last Call.  

I think the questions remains that once this economy recovers, how are retailers going to convince their loyal customers that they need to pay full price for their items again?  I know that other bloggers/friends are asking these same questions, I see the conversations all of the time on other blogs and on Twitter, even on Facebook.  What are your thoughts, Will you ever pay full price again?

xoxo,

J.

Manic Monday: Some blabber, updates, and A few additional resolutions....Advice needed..

Happy 3rd day of 2011, Luvas!!!  Wowser....I'm so sad the holidays are over...now is my least favorite part of the year...that dead time of January - March.....it is cold, dark, and wet and dull!  I have a few fun events to break this time up this year:  a.  a business trip to Vegas in Feb....I've never been!  can you believe it! and b.  my birthday in March....I'm sure I will have an entire list of clothing to beg my family/husband/friends/random strangers for if I am able to keep up my year long shopping ban for that long.  Fingers crossed!  

Random notes on day 3 of my 365 day shopping ban: 

1.  I haven't been to the mall in ages, I'm avoiding it and all of the temptation it holds.

2.  I am still keeping up my evening routine of watching tv with hubby whilst perusing my favorite online shopping sites...so far not too much temptation, not many sites have updated with spring arrivals yet, I'm not interested in MORE winter clothes (see above paragraph RE:  dead time), and my terror over owing beaucoup additional taxes has set in as it does every January 1, so I would be too paranoid to spend money anyways.

3.  However, I have decided to return a blazer I bought like 3 weeks ago, that I have since fell out of love with.  I think my tartan/plaid obsession went out with 2010.....some how wearing a red tartan blazer seems a little too preppy even for my conservative leaning self!  And, I'm in a conundrum....since that money was spent in 2010...does that mean I can buy something else with the money in 2011?  My husband seems to think so, I personally think it is sort of like cheating.  Hmmm....what do you think I should do?

In other random thoughts, it is kind of pathetic how excited I am for the Lifetime Movie premiere this evening of The Craiglist Killer.....this case has fascinated since it first broke in the news and I can't wait to watch the Lifetime version in all of it's cheesy glory!!  DVR is already set.

So I have a few additional New Year's resolutions for 2011....compared to the shopping ban, these should be easy:

1.  I'd like to get back in really good shaping, like wearing a size 6 shape. 

Some thoughts on this:  I'm certainly not unhappy with how I look now.  But, I'm not certain how much weight that would actually require me to lose....I'm quite muscular and when I work out a lot I have a body type that drastically changes shape.  I've been kind of half-assing it for the last year, mostly due to laziness because I certainly have the time to commit to this workout schedule.  Also, my husband has become a bit fitness obsessed this fall and in addition to losing quite a bit of his post-law school weight he is *gasp* getting more physically fit than me and that is just NOT acceptable!  Also, I did a bit of my closet reorg/clean out this AM and I found 2 skirts, 2 suits, 1 pair of jeans, and 3 pairs of dress pants shoved to the back of the closet from my smaller days (they are all size 4-6's) and I was reminded how much I love these items.....if I can lose this weight, then I can have new clothes again without having bought any!  SCORE!   

So readers I need some advice, I've never embarked on a weight loss quest before (for me going from a size 8/10 to a size 6), and I'm curious as to what people think is the best way to do it.....Firstly, is it better to lose some weight by changing eating habits and then amp up the working out after I see some results or is it better to lose the weight by amping up the working out and the eating habits?  I've also thought about Weight Watchers, thoughts on this?  (Please note:  Regardless what route I choose, at the minimum I do plan to keep up my current workout schedule gym 3 days per week for 1 hour, circuits/cardio/weight lifting and 30 minute per day walk with Gussie Dog....this is what I have been doing to maintain my current weight.)  I'm also participating in Meggy D of Chasing Davies Fitness Challenge to walk/run 100 miles in Jan 2011; this should give me a jump start on my goals.

2.  Go to church at least 2x per month. 

I'd love to make this 4x per month but I'm being realistic here!  I have sort of become disconnected from my faith and this makes me very sad.  We went to church on Christmas Eve and I was actually moved to tears...this is something that I need in my life and I must make getting back in touch with my religion/faith a priority in my life this year!  Honestly, this is the most important resolution I'm making because I feel doing this will help me to have the strength to complete the others.  

3.  Be a better all-around person.

I want to smile more, be more approachable, do more acts of kindness, and just be a generally less selfish/self-absorbed person.  I want to be able to handle the problems in my life with a realistic perspective and look at the glass as half full instead of half empty.

Today is my last day of vacation, sad face, so I'm going to run to the grocery store and the gym this afternoon.

So please give me any advice you can offer on any of ALL of these topics???  It is much needed:)  Thanks y'all!

Happy first Monday of 2011!!!

xoxo,

J.

JCrew New Arrivals: I'll take the "Product Short Desc" Skirt, please!!!

Dear Jenna:

Time to fire your web designer, this has been the "product short desc" skirt for three days!!

Hugs!

J.

Resolutions......Shopping Ban --

Happy New Year!!!!

I placed my final JCrew online order of 2010 on December 31st.  I bought a few things with the additional 30% off promo.....and I am here to announce that I am not going to be buying any more clothing/shoes until 2012.  That's right readers, I am going on a one year self-imposed shopping ban.

I have a few reasons:

1.  I have so many clothes I have never worn, with tags on them, shoes I forgot I owned, and to be honest just too much stuff.

2.  I've gotten to the point with my shopping where I am buying multiples of stuff.  Who needs 5 black suits, 7 pairs of black pumps, 3 pairs of brown knee boots, and 5 pairs of UGGS?  No one!

3.  I am taking this year to weed through my closet, discover what I love, what I hate and really decide what my own style is.

I do not return to work until Tuesday and I am going to be spending tomorrow doing a closet organization and inventory.  

A bit of the fine print:

1.  I am permitted to replace items...for example, a white t-shirt with yellow arm pits may be replaced, I also know that a few pairs of my JCrew Capri sandals, which are wardrobe staples for me in the summer, need to be replaced.  I can also buy necessities: tights, stockings, undies, bras, socks, etc as needed.

2.  I have a $50.00 per month accessories budget.  This includes the above mentioned necessity items and any costume jewelry, scarves I might want to update my wardrobe.  For this purpose, the definition of accessory does NOT include shoes or purses.

3.  Back to point #1, in order to replace any of these items, I have to use the money I get from selling my own items on ebay/JCA exchange etc.  Right now I have a $198 balance in my paypal account.  My accessories budget does not come out of this paypal fund.

4.  I can receive clothing and stuff as gifts for my birthday etc.

5.  This is a work in progress so I can amend these rules at any time:)

I plan on documenting my shopping ban on my blog...I think that will be fun.  I'm curious how this will affect me emotionally.  I'm used to pretty much buying whatever I want.

Wish me luck!  And please know that I still plan on doing OOTD's and product reviews as well as window shopping/trying on at my favorite stores throughout thsis year.

xoxo,

J.