OOTD 12/30/2011 - English Countryside

Given my penchant for shoes, my collection is sorely lacking in the area of boots.  I may have three pair and none are the knee-high style for jean tucking.

So, Christmas money in hand, I had a mission...fill the void!

I made several stops before I hit pay dirt.  Too tall, too small.  Too dark, too stark.  Too big, too bad I have the calves of a twig.  But finally persistence paid off and I found just what I was looking for....perfect fit, perfect hit (right at the knee).  Perfect shade, perfect(ly) made.  Perfect heel, perfect deal!  Just $89!

 

    J Crew Tweed Ruffle Coat - Size 4

J Crew Honeycomb Cable Sweater in Heather Acorn - Size XS

Merona for Target Chambray Shirt - Size S

Old Navy Leopard Scarf

American Eagle Skinny Jeans - Size 6

Mossimo for Target Leather Belt - Size M

aBound Leather Boots from Nordstrom Rack

Happy New Year, Friends!

OOTD 12/29/2011 - Black And White And Red All Over

I'm still enjoying my time away from work.  Today, I'm on my way to visit my esthetician for an "end of year" facial. (pardon the no-makeup)  Not surprisingly, I've also been doing a bit of shopping.  I picked up this sweater at the Crewlet for a mere $12 and change.  All of the sale merchandise was an additional 60% off and another 20% off of that.  If you live close to a J Crew outlet, it may be worth a visit.

I also visited Nordstrom Rack for the very first time.  While I didn't find any awesome deals like Shopping with m did, (See here Prada for pennies) I was pleased.  I came away with a cute pair of leather boots ($89) and a leopard coat ($40).

As for the coat, you guys know my affinity for animal print.  It calls to me!  This time was no exception...I saw the coat and melted!  I love it and I will wear it proudly; however, I had to snicker...I can't decide if I look stylish or somewhat sketchy.  :o)

Leopard Lady by CoffeeShop

 Merona Chambray Shirt - Size S

J Crew Factory Stripe Lambswool Popover - Size XS

J Crew Matchstick Jeans - Size 27

Forever 21 Plaid Scarf

J Crew Lucille Mohair Coat - Size 6

J Crew Biella Patent Loafers in Black

Merry Christmas from Santa and his reindeer

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!  I hope Santa and his reindeer bring you lots of J Crew goodies!

Holiday Hugs and Kisses from Tweed and Toile!

OOTD 12/24/2011 - A Very Preppy Christmas

Not your traditional Christmas outfit...but that's me, somewhat unconventional!  :o)
This outfit is uber-preppy....The only thing I'm missing are the monogrammed initials on my button down.

The Preppy Check-List

• Argyle V-Neck Sweater - Check
• Button Down Shirt - Check
• Cuffed Jeans - Check
• Pearls - Check
• Penny Loafers (without socks) - Check

Yep, it's preppy alright!

J Crew Factory Blue Stripe Perfect Shirt - Size S

J Crew Jester V-Neck Sweater in Vibrant Flame - Size S

J Crew Matchstick Jeans - Size 27

J Crew Factory Twisted Hammock Pearl Necklace

J Crew Biella Patent Loafers in Poppy

J Crew Wool Ruffle Front Coat - Size 6

OOTD 12/23/2011 - Surprise, Surprise

Somehow I doubt that you're surprised to see me wearing  my tartan plaid shirt....Love it!  I wanted to wear it like "Apples and Pencil Skirts" wore it here but unfortunately I don't have a red gingham shirt.  Doesn't she look adorable!

I have desperately tried to find a red gingham/plaid shirt but I can't seem to find one in my size.  J Crew has the perfect shirt in red gingham but it is completely sold out online.  I also contacted J Crew for a "We will find it for you" search....much to my dismay, they did not. (find it, that is)  That being said, if you my bloggie friends, see a red gingham check shirt in your holiday shopping travels, please, please, pretty please let me know. (fyi...in the J Crew shirt I would need a 4 or 6) 

Consequently, this was as close as I could get to a re-creation of her precious, preppy combo.

 J Crew Tartan Perfect Shirt - Size 6

Merona for Target Red Chambray Shirt - Size S

J Crew Wool Bella Blazer in Black - Size 6

J Crew Matchstick Jeans - Size 27

J Crew Factory Twisted Hammock Pearl Necklace

Vaneli Zinaida Cap-Toe Slingback Pumps

 

OOTD 12/22/2011 - Stripes Squared

I am all over this layering trend lately.  I've layered sweaters over shirts, shirts over shirts, sweaters over shirts over tees....ACK....it's layering madness! (But in a good way  :o))

Today is no exception....and stripes over checks, no less.  I'm sure that used to be some sort of fashion faux pas...no stripes with plaids, don't wear black with blue, don't wear patent after labor day...way too many rules!  and hey look, I broke all three in one fell swoop.  I think some of the fashion rules are outdated and well just plain wrong.  Fashion is ever-evolving and we have to move and change with it or else we run the risk of looking frumpy, old fashioned and antiquated.  And who wants that?!  Do you follow "fashion rules"?  Or are there some that you're willing to break?

  

J Crew Check Shirt from Holiday 2009 - Size 6

Old Navy 3/4 Length Sleeve Stripe Sweater from Fall 2011 - Size M

J Crew Cords in Sandlewood - Size 28

J Crew Juliet Patent Pumps in Black

OOTD 12/21/2011 - Honeycomb Kid

Today's outfit was inspired by a picture from the most recent J Crew catalog.  I love those things...and have pulled together so many outfits just by recreating their looks with items already in my closet.  I have most of the catalogs spanning back to 2009 and periodically peruse them for looks that I can reproduce.  If  you were to gaze upon my catalogs, you would comprehend the depth of my love for them as a result of their dog-eared pages, post-it notes, etc.  You know, occasionally, we all have a "fashion mental block".  It happens to the best of us!  In those situations, these catalogs are a great tool.  Anybody else that's holds on to their catalogs for inspiration?  Or am I a lone wolf?

BTW...Also important to note:  I was in J Crew today and they are still running the 30% off promo of everything in store...regular price and sale items.

       J Crew Honeycomb Cable Sweater in Heather Acorn - Size XS

Merona for Target Chambray Shirt - Size S

J Crew Factory Wool Pencil Skirt in Gray - Size 4

J Crew Heather Carbon Tights

J Crew Crystal Ball Necklace

J Crew Gray Wool Flannel and Tortoise Pumps

OOTD 12/20/2001 - Olive You

I'm late to the party on these pants....J Crew's cafe capri in houndstooth wool.  They made their debut, I believe in September, as part of J Crew's Fall 2011 rollout.  However, I just snagged them for $59 with one of the many recent promos. 

They are gorgeous...beautiful colors, fully lined and fit tts.  I tried to get you some decent pics so you can actually see the color...taupe, spicy olive and hydrangea blue/purple.  (BTW...speaking of improved pics, 35 days until I trade in the blackberry for an i-phone.  :o))

There was only one downside to these pants....listening to my co-workers tell me I was wearing high-waters.  Eh, I'm used to it...I just smiled and said, "Didn't you hear the forecast?  They're calling for rain!"

J Crew Dream Turtleneck Sweater from Fall 2009 - Size S

J Crew Cafe Capri in Houndstooth Wool from Fall 2011 - Size 4

J Crew Alessia Patent Peep Toe Pumps

J Crew Factory Tortoise Fireball Necklace

OOTD 12/18 and 12/19 - Plaid Palooza

I'm in the home stretch for holiday plaid.  and I am so going to miss both my blackwatch plaid pants and my tartan plaid shirt.  I might have to wear them into January in order to squeeze in a couple more outfits.  What do you girls think?  Would that be appropriate...or do you think they carry too much of a holiday vibe?

 J Crew Tartan Plaid Perfect Shirt - Size 6

J Crew Honeycomb Cable Sweater in Camel - Size XS

J Crew Wool Bella Blazer in Black - Size 6

J Crew Bootcut Jeans in Dance Off Wash - Size 27

J Crew Mary Jane Patent Pumps in Black

J Crew Double Strand Confetti Necklace in Black

J Crew Factory Perfect Shirt in White - Size S

J Crew Factory Professor Blazer - Size 4

J Crew Factory Blackwatch Wool Tartan Pants - Size 4

J Crew Juliet Patent Pumps in Black

J Crew Crystal Snowball Necklace



My First Blog Award

A huge THANK YOU to Rose of 1 More Shopping Blog for awarding me the Liebster Blog Award.  It's my first blog award and I am honored!

Liebster means "dearest" in German. This award is given to bloggers with fewer than 200 followers.

The award has these stipulations:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.

2. Reveal your 5 blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Hope that the people you have sent the award to will forward it to their favorite bloggers.

So, my 5 blog picks are:

A Trail of Sequins

Confessions of a J.CrewAholic

ina in wonderland

jcrewismyfavstore

Life's Divine

Check out these great blogs...Happy Reading!

OOTD 12/16/2011 - Vintage Prep

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.  I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach....

I was very lucky to run across this gorgeous coat on ebay a couple of months back.  I love everything about it...plaid, ruffles, cut/fit...everything!  Even better, I paid under $70....I couldn't check out fast enough. 

You heard it here first...I have a great idea for J Crew.  I think they should introduce a "Vintage Crew" line.  They could revisit some of the tried and true, classic styles from past seasons.  This coat would be a great place to start!  I think this "Vintage Crew" line could draw some strong revenue...I know I would be on-board.  So, J Crew, if you're listening....we're waiting!  and don't worry...for conceptualizing the idea, I'll only be requesting a small percentage of the profits.  :o)

 J Crew Dream Turtleneck in Honey Glaze - Size S

J Crew Glen Plaid Tweed Ruffle Coat - Size 4

J Crew Matchstick Jeans - Size 27

J Crew Biella Patent Loafers in Black