OOTD 1/31/2012 - and the answer to...Why women need so many shoes?

As I was perusing a recent Redbook magazine, I ran across the article, "What Men Want to Know About Women."  The number one question men had was...."Why do women need so many shoes?"

Here's the witty answer given by Heather Cocks, co-founder of the celebrity fashion blog, Go Fug Yourself.

Shoes are a craving, like candy minus the calories. An especially hot pair can make us feel sexier, taller, and stronger, all without any creepy injectibles or carb-free crash diets. No matter what our drama — stress, bloating, breakups — shoes almost always fit, and if not, there's no guilt in going up a size. Not to mention that our wardrobes are as complicated as we are: Can I tuck those Jeans into boots, or are they stiletto-optimized? Do I need to wear my Triscuit-binge pants, which only take flats? Maybe an outfit requires brown shoes, but what shade? And if those brown shoes chafed my foot yesterday, then today I want a pair that won't hit the same spot. Hey, what would you guys prefer — that we stock up on actual crack?

I totally agree with Heather.  The right shoe can transform an outfit and give you that extra boost of confidence that you need to take the world by storm.  and there are so many different nuances that we need to consider when pulling a look together.

What's your opinion on the shoe issue...Can you relate to Heather?

J Crew Spotted Cat Cardigan - Size S

J Crew Factory Frances Stripe Blouse - Size S

J Crew Double Serge Pencil Skirt in Bronzed Ochre - Size 6

J Crew Plaid Spectator Mary Jane Pumps

OOTD 1/30/2012 - Classic Sparkle

You know the old saying, "You snooze, you lose"?  Such was the case recently with J Crew's Cafe trouser in wool herringbone.  So, when I ran across a pair of wool herringbone pants at Ann Taylor Loft, I thought I'd better move more quickly.  Not to mention, they were offering a 60% off promo and I could get them for $28.80...needless to say, I pounced.

These pants are well worth $28 but not a whole lot more, as they are somewhat thin and unlined.  The fit is tts.

 With the beloved black wool Bella....

J Crew Factory Perfect Shirt in White - Size S

J Crew Wynter Sweater in Sequin Stripe - Size S

Ann Taylor Loft Kate Wool Herringbone Pants - Size4

J Crew Juliet Patent Heels in Black

Here's another outfit that I wore out to dinner Saturday night with my parents.  I thought it was much cuter than these pictures reflected.

J Crew Strada Perfect Shirt - Size 6

Mossimo Ultrasoft V-Neck Sweater in Black - Size S

J Crew Matchstick Jeans - Size 27

Payless Dexter Kylie Wedge in Red

Review: J Crew Polka-Dot Popover

The polka-dot popover...the good, the bad and the dotty.  I love a good polka-dot piece so I knew I'd have to try this top.

Overall, I like it...my only complaint is that it's a bit sheer.  I wish they'd made it in a more substantial material. But with that said, for me, it's still a keeper.  I plan to layer it instead of wearing it alone and if I ever choose to, I can always put a cami underneath.

The fit is tts to a touch big.  I normally vary between 4 and  6 in J Crew blouses and went with a 4 in this top.  Unless you have broad shoulders, you should be fine with the smaller of your J Crew sizes.

Here are a few of the ways that I plan to wear it:

So, you've heard the good and the dotty.  Now for the bad...remember that i-phone that I was supposed to get?  I went to get it the other day and someone at the cellular store had given me incorrect information.  Instead of being able to upgrade in January, I have to wait until September.  What a bummer!!

Has anybody else tried the polka dot popover?  If so, what did you think?

OOTD 1/28/2012 - Lemon Drops

Today I wore my new ballet flats in golden sunflower...they are so cute and cheery!  I looked down at them and they reminded me of two little lemon drops.

They are extremely well made...super soft leather uppers with leather soles.  They also have a bit more padding for some extra cushion and comfort.  IMO, they run a touch bigger than some of J Crew's other shoes.  I still took my normal 7 but if your in between sizes, this could be an issue.

I wore them shopping today and they were very comfortable...no rubbing, pinching, etc.

J Crew Factory Striped Perfect Shirt in Blue - Size S

J Crew Factory Stripe Lambswool Popover in Navy/Gray - Size XS

J Crew Matchstick Jeans - Size 27

J Crew Leather Ballet Flats in Golden Sunflower

In my travels today, I visited the J Crew Factory store.  I tried on the factory sequin zebra tee but for some unknown reason, I didn't take a picture of it on.  It was super cute and the fit was tts. (my normal S was a good fit)  I did, however, have the presence of mind to snap a picture of the beading and sequin detail.  I never saw the original retail version but this one seems very well made and is a real work of art.  I probably would have taken him home if he had been on promo but he was selling at full price. ($59.50)

Has anybody else seen this cute little guy?  Did you bite? 

OOTD 1/27/2012 - Pinky

I love this outfit!  It has all of my favorites...stripes, chambray, tortoise and my new raspberry pink herringbone jacket.

I found this jacket on ebay as I was stalking for an azalea bella.  It's from holiday 2005 and it is gorgeous!  I should have taken a picture of the inside of the jacket...it's almost as pretty as the outside!  All the seams are covered in green satin and it has this great little pocket inside.  Also, the collar is lined with a patterned material so that when you pop the collar...Boom!  Instant cuteness!  I'll have to follow up with some pics...you girls need to see this.

J Crew Robert Noble Herringbone Blazer in Raspberry Pink - Size 4

Merona for Target Chambray Shirt - Size S

J Crew Stripe Painter Tee - Size S

American Eagle Skinny Jeans - Size 4

Mossimo for Target Leather Oval Belt - Size M

J Crew Patent Tortoise Ballet Flats

So, what did you ladies think of the spring rollout?  Impressed or not-so-much? 

Here are some of my favs:

Happy Friday!  Check back this weekend...I'm going to post a review of the polka-dot popover.

OOTD 1/26/2012 - Old Friend and Get the Look for Less

I'm pretty sure I've worn this outfit before or something very similar but I'm not sure that I posted an irl shot.  This is a great dress from ATL outlet that I got a couple of years ago, but I still get goosebumps today.  You know, so often the allure fades, but not so with this old friend.

Ann Taylor Loft Outlet Tweed Dress - Size 6

J Crew Factory Bling Button Cardigan in Light Berry - Size S

J Crew Crystal Ball Necklace

J Crew Black Patent Mary Jane Pumps

I also wanted to share a recent find at Payless.  The Kylie Wedge by Dexter is very reminiscent of J Crew's  Martina Suede Wedges.  I love the deep red color and they were a mere $23.  The online stock is very limited but you should be able to find them in-store.  If the store you visit doesn't have them, ask the SA to find them in a neighboring store.  If they do, you should receive a coupon for $4 off.  (That's how I got them for $23...the regular price is $27)

Payless Wedge $27

J Crew Wedge $228

Hope everyone has a fabulous Thursday...I'll leave you with a quote from Jimmy Choo:

"The right shoe can make everything different.  It can make you walk better, feel better."

Never have truer words been spoken!  :o)

OOTD 1/24/2012 and 1/25/2012 - Whew!!

Whew, is right!  I have been super busy at work this week, so today's post is going to be a quick one just to catch up.  I told someone yesterday that working for a living is affecting my personal life!  :o)

J Crew Cashmere Turtleneck in Vicuna - Size S

J Crew Herringbone Cafe Capri - Size 4

J Crew Crystal Snowball Necklace

J Crew Teuta Peep-Toe Pumps in Orange

 

J Crew Check Shirt in Navy - Size 6

J Crew Tippi in Vibrant Flame - Size S

Merona for Target Denim Trousers - Size 6

J Crew Trap Glass Necklace

J Crew Betsey Calf Hair Wedges



J Crew's Natasha Wildcat on Sale

Just noticed that the Natasha Wildcat is on sale with an additional 30%...total $48.65.

 
This is a great top! If you haven't snagged it already, now's the time!  See my mini review here.

OOTD 1/20/2012-"Red Hot" Theme Week - Day 4

Alright, I'm finishing out the week in my new schoolboy blazer in maraschino cherry. (maraschino cherry is a true red)  I ordered this back before Christmas with one of the many promos and it finally shipped a couple of weeks ago.

This little guy filled a void in my closet.  Surprisingly, I was missing a red blazer...and everybody needs a red blazer...right?!  It is very well made...100% wool, fully lined and the fit is tts. (I took my normal J Crew blazer size)  I also love the gold crested buttons which add a little extra bling!  One other nice feature worth mentioning, it has two cute little pockets inside...one about the size of a cell phone and the other is just perfect for that favorite tube of lipstick.  (My husband says I'm sucked in by packaging and he's right...it's those little details that get me everytime.)

It you don't have a red blazer currently in your closet, substitute a red cardi to complete the look.

Hopefully, everybody enjoyed theme week!  Thanks to some of you girls who've been playing along (Ina and Tiffany Rose)  We'll have to do it again sometime!

J Crew Schoolboy Wool Flannel Blazer in Maraschino Cherry - Size 4

J Crew Boy Shirt in Carrick Tartan - Size 6
Merona for Target Chambray Shirt - Size S
American Eagle Skinny Jeans - Size 6
J Crew Christiane Calf Hair Ballet Flats