animal print

This belt would match just about everything in my closet.

Jcrew, again

I wish this jacket wasn't over $1000.00! Yikes.

statement necklaces

Bubble Necklace in new colors at jcrew

Hoss Papaya Rind necklace

(I found this at Koros for 70%off)

coin necklace by Dana Reed

(she will be at the Gold Coast Art Fair next weekend)

epic stones from anthro

(and also seen at Atlantis Home)

multi-chain from BR

giant turquiose Cliffhanger necklace from anthro

fall preview

I hardly feel like we have had a summer yet in Chicago. Is it the crappy weather or the fact that I am teaching summer school? I only have 2 weeks left! :) I have even started seeing fall sweaters and school supplies at stores. Maybe in another month I will be in the mood for fall. When I first go the jcrew fall preview email I didn't want to look, but I could not resist.

Summer Wedding / Class Reunion

I have my cousin's wedding and my husband's class reunion to attend this summer. I am hoping to finding one dress to wear to both events. I am envisioning a classic/modern dress with a pair of adorable/funky shoes or the other way around (classic shoes and a funky dress).

Should I pick a more relaxed summer dress or something more fancy?

jcrew dresses

kate spade

nordstrom

And some shoes:

school boy blazer

I really like the school boy blazer look with jeans. It looks like a Jcrew catalog.
Speaking of Jcrew, here is their version. I think I am going to hold out until the fall.
(pic from cupcakes and cashmere)

Kentucky Derby

If the weather cooperates on Saturday, my husband and I will be going to the derby. And I already found a hat (or hats) to wear.

Here are the options:

#1

Jcrew hat

#2

hideaway hat

I actually found this hat in black at TJMaxx for $12.99

4/18/09

My quest to find a perfect trench coat was reached on Saturday. It all started when my brother-in-law's wife went into labor and I needed to stay busy in order to stop worrying. I decided to walk to Jcrew. I entered 900 N Michigan Ave through the Bloomingdale's shoe department and headed straight for the sale section. I tried on a pair of nude heels for 40% off. The clerk asked me if I wanted to save an additional 20% if I picked them up on Wednesday. I, of course, said yes. (they were doing a pre-sale - which means you pick it out and then they set is aside for you to come and pick up on the day of the sale)

***

And I need to mention that Luke Michael and his mom are doing excellent.

He was born on 4/18/09 at 4:36 pm.

8 pounds 3 ounces and 21.5 inches

***

After visiting Luke, my husband and I celebrated the birth by having nachos and beer at Rock Bottom.

***

We then walked home in the first warm night of the spring.

The perfect day.

Pink + Red

I love pink and red together.

As seen on ...

the Jackie Cardigan

on Pam in The Office
(I see the sweater in almost every episode)

boyfriend jeans part 2:

Remember my post about Katie Holmes and rolled jeans here? Well, this trend is growing on me.

(image from style.com)

A couple weeks ago I tried on the following jeans at Nordstrom and JCrew. I recommend that everyone should do the same. Why? Because they are all comfortable, flattering, and run large. (I would be lying if I didn't say that it was nice to try on a size 27 and have it fit) I am still deciding which pair to purchase or I might just make my own with an old pair of jeans.

Current / Elliot boyfriend jeans

Joe's Jeans ex lover

JCrew vintage distressed jeans

Spring at Jcrew

yellow dress

+

anchor belt

tulle skirt
(I would buy this in a heart beat if I had a daughter
or if it was in a size I could fit into)

and the winner is...

Desert Flower!!! (the yellow belt)

Thank you to everyone who left such kind comments! This giveaway was fun and I hope to do more in the future.

JCrew belt giveaway

I found some great belts on sale at Jcrew today and I am giving one away! You get to pick between the yellow satin with rosettes or the purple with crystals. (both are one size fits all and just need to be tied it in the back)

All you have to do is leave your name in the comments along with which belt you would like by Wednesday, January 21st. Make sure to also include an email address or a blog so I can contact you for more information. The winner will be selected at random and I will send / deliver the belt as soon as contact info is given!

Does this happen to you?

Every so often I encounter a picture in a magazine or catalog that makes my heart beat a little faster... because it looks and feels like something I would actually wear for the next 10 years. This happened to me when I was reading the January issue of In Style and saw this picture of Keri Russell. I immediately ripped this page out and saved it.

(image from here and page 123 of In Style)

Sweater: Jcrew - this is similar, but all one color

Shirt: Cacharel - I can't find this

Jeans: Earnest Sewn

Cami: Rebecca Taylor

Shoes: Dolce Vita Nadine oxfords - these are similar and on sale for under $40.00

(here are more ideas)

JCrew final sale

I really try not to make resolutions, unless I know I can actually achieve them.

But this year, I will not miss a Jcrew final sale. I missed the final fall sale online and I have been kicking myself over the sweater (pictured below) ever since. (no luck finding it on ebay)

Another resolution:

try and buy less clothing, but better quality

I am going to checkout the store on Michigan Ave because they offer 30% off. (online = 20%) It is a final sale meaning you can't return an item, which makes it hard to order clothing. I would have ordered more (like the stuff above) if I could return it.

Update: Since I started writing this post at 8am, many items have sold out.

Sorry Semi-hipster Homeowner - the bridesmaid purse is gone (the "satin fleur clutch" to be exact)

I do like this belt to accessorize a bridesmaid dress.

(and you can remove them)

Does anyone have this? I need a small or medium.

(cashmere martine cardigan)