Thursday, October 31, 2013

Leaving on a Jet Plane - What I Packed!


We are on our way! We're goin' back to Cali and I am so excited! I can't say I'm excited about turning 40, but it's better than the alternative. And, I'm older and wiser, right? Okay, I'm just plain older!
However, just because I'm turning 40 doesn't mean I am not stylin', in my opinion only! So I've tried to pack accordingly. I can't wait to show you my creations! I have to admit, I didn't pack as many repeats as I would like, but that's okay. It's my birthday, right? I am repeating shoes and a leather jacket. That counts for something.
We fly out on Halloween so I have to sport the appropriate colors! Orange and black it is! I've paired skinnies with my orange Kate Spade cardigan, a white tank or v-neck t-shirt, and a black blazer to keep warm on the plane. (I freeze on planes!) I'm wearing my Rebecca Minkoff booties because they are so easy to pull on and off during security and, they go with a couple of other looks for the trip. And speaking of Halloween, McKinley has the most adorable sweater for the day! I'm packing his costume for later in the evening because he will trick-or-treat!

On Friday, we are headed to Disneyland and I don't know who's more excited, me or McKinley? We have been prepping him for the experience. We started with the Johnson County Fair by riding our first rides at a small fair. We headed to World's of Fun later in the summer and Camp Snoopy was amazing! He had a blast and we loved watching him. Now, he's telling us how he's going to tell Mickey and the gang "hi"! How adorable is that!!! 

We have been told to wear light layers so layers it is! I'm starting with a tank and v-neck sweater and adding a fun scarf and leather jacket. As it warms up, I can remove the jacket and push up the sweater sleeves. I plan to live in boyfriend jeans, so comfy, and these new Converse tennies that feel like I'm walking on clouds! I got them on sale at DSW over the weekend! On sale and an additional 40% off the sale price. Gotta love that! Oh, and they are a repeat shoe for the trip!


Saturday we are taking a drive to San Diego to visit the zoo. I can't wait for this. This was on my Forty Before 40 list and so hope I really get to check it off! Fingers crossed. I plan to wear boyfriend jeans, a light-weight, pullover sweater, tank, and navy scarf with darling birds! Again, I'm wearing the Converse tennies and leather jacket!  


Sunday is my birthday and we're heading to Rodeo Drive! I just thought it would be fun to walk around, window shop at places I love but can't afford, share a bottle of champagne with all of my family and just relax! Doesn't that sound like the best day? It does to me! I am going to sport my Chanel inspired sweater/jacket from Ann Taylor. Remember when I blogged about it during my Dream to Reality Friday? I thought I would pair it with a light t-neck, faux leather shorts and my Rebecca Minkoff booties. And how luxe does my necklace look? Super chic! If it's too cool for shorts, I will pair it all with my skinnies.


For dinner, we are heading to Newport Beach and dining at the Coliseum Pool and Grill at the Pelican Hill Resort. It's a gorgeous resort and I thought the terrace that over looks the pool, golf course and ocean sounded like a dream! And, they have a kids menu which is perfect for McKinley. I think everyone in our party will find something to their liking. I had originally thought of wearing these, but I have decided to go a completely differnt direction. I got a gorgeous black, leather dress for my birthday and I thought the Ann Taylor sweater would look awesome over it! And, if it's too cool for the dress, I will wear my Rachel Zoe winter white pant suit. Either way, I don't think I can go wrong!


 How fabulous are the shoes? Another early birthday gift that will be stunning with either look! 


Monday we are heading to Santa Monica to play on the Pier! And, I am meeting up with my college friend Brandy who I haven't seen in 20 years! I honestly can't wait!!! This is one of the looks I have in mind, but I'm waiting for these pants to arrive. If they do, I plan to pair them with my sleeveless black t-neck, denim jacket and booties. And, of the look I don't wear to Santa Monica, I will wear it home. This Old Navy sweatshirt has been a great investment. I wore it again last week, not photographed, and I thought this time around it would be cute paired with a denim button down and jeans. And those booties, can't get enough of them!


And that's it! I hope I've packed appropriately for activities and weather! My biggest beef with travel is not having my closet handy. However, there are stores all around us and things I might just have to buy! I love vacay! 


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

An Early Birthday


Sweater: Piperlime; Top: Ann Taylor; Jeans: LOFT; Booties: Rebecca Minkoff;
Sunnies: Marc Jacobs; Earrings/Ring: Silpada: Lip Color: MAC Dark Side
 
Saturday was an amazing day! We spent the morning running errands, which I know doesn't sound like fun, but it was. We headed to the mall for returns, lunch, car "shopping" (tons of sports cars line the mall that we can't afford but McKinley loves to look), shoe shopping for McKinley, a ride on an antique car ride and a twirl on the carousel! Fun was had by all.
 
Later that evening, my family and I celebrated my birthday a week early. We leave Thursday for Cali and my dad's not going. We had a filling birthday dinner of all my favorites, an incredible chocolate cake that my mom made from scratch (it took her three hours) and I'm still only 39! I love that! I also completed number 35 and 37 on my Forty Before 40 list! It was a fabulous day complete with a pretty fabulous faux fur sweater!

 

 

 

 



Tuesday, October 29, 2013

BOOM!


Sweatshirt: Phillip Lim for Target; T-Neck: Target; Jeans: Banana Republic;
Shoes: Shoedazzle; Sunnies: Marc Jacobs
 
I actually wore this outfit twice over the weekend, and both times, I found myself singing the Will Smith song Boom! Shake the Room. Now, I only know the chorus so "boom, shake shake, shake the room" got really old after it replayed in my head a 1,000 times, but what can you do when your shirt says Boom!
 
Because this shirt is such a statement piece, if I wear it more than once, you're going to remember it. I will need to be more creative next time! However, I liked its laid back vibe with ripped up boyfriend jeans and glam wedge sneakers, a trend I've totally embraced! They are super comfy and not a real tennis shoe in appearance, which I love! BOOM! I can't stop saying it!

 

 

 


Monday, October 28, 2013

Throwback.....


Poncho: LOFT; T-Neck: LOFT; Jeans: LOFT; Booties: Tory Burch; Sunnies: Ann Taylor
 
I love a poncho! It's a sweater and a coat all in one. So comfortable and hides any/all imperfections. Plus, it's 1970s collegiate chic! With this look, I feel like I should be strolling the grounds, chatting with friends and playing hooky from class! Ah, to be young again....
 
 



 
What you would like to be doing on Monday?


Friday, October 25, 2013

Dream to Reality - Polka Dot Sweater


If you read yesterday's post regarding how to pack for our trip to LA, then you know that I'm loving the polka dot sweater theme that seems to be taken place this season! Jessica Alba and Gwen Stefani felt the love of the dot as well and I've been scouring the net looking for an affordable version for myself!
 
The black sweater that Jessica sports is from Madewell and is so last season! May be last season but totally on my wish list! eBay, maybe????
 
 
Gwen's sweater is from Michael Kors and no longer available. Again, a trip through eBay might be needed! Also, I love how she's paired with them with an army green/gray pant. I have these on order and hope to get them before we leave!
 
 
Fortunately, the polka dot craze is still on trend! I've been able to find four versions, all within my budget!
 
This gray and black v-neck sweater is perfect for layering and it comes in at $28!!! LOFT is having a 50% off sweater sale as we speak! And, it just happens to be in stock at a store near me!

 
This sweet sweater is from Anthropologie. It's a little dressier than what I'm looking for but had to share it with all of you. Darling! It is, however, a little more on the dream vs reality side....

 
I love this cardigan from Old Navy!! Great with a tank, tee or t-neck later in the season. And, would look so cute with faux leather leggings or my LOFT cords!

 
And last but not least, this Equipment sweater is the closet to Jessica's I could find. A lot more than I might be willing to spend at the moment, but worth keeping an eye on!

 
I'm thinking the LOFT sweater might fit my current packing and budgetary needs at the moment, but we'll see! I could make a final splurge at the eleventh hour! What do you think of polka dots? Too cutesy or too cute to pass up?
 
Happy Friday!
XOXO

Thursday, October 24, 2013

California Packing


We leave a week from today for our big LA trip for my 40th birthday and I am stressing over what to pack! Yes, it's warmer there than here, but the temp changes from warm to cool as soon as the sun rises and sets. This leaves me in total contemplation on what exactly I will need on a daily basis. I'm told lots of light layers, but how many is too many and how few is too few? I've researched last seasons looks from some of the California bloggers I follow. I've reached out to them via Twitter for advice. And, my mom has been asking her friend Joan on her thoughts as well. Layers, it seems, is the underlining theme.
 
I've continued my search by looking at some of the fashionable ladies of Hollywood to see what they are wearing around town. Again, layers are key. Let's take a peek at the looks from the always stylish Jessic Alba! Check out the key pieces in each look. Sweater, boyfriend jeans, leather jacket, scarf and "comfort" shoes. All of these items I have in my closet. And, what I love most, is that she's not afraid to repeat. That's a key essential to any suitcase. Repeatable pieces worn throughout the trip!
 
 

 
Then I looked at Reece Witherspoon, another reliable fashionista from the Coast. What I love about Reece is that she's stylish in the preppiest of ways. Not a stuffy preppy. Just a darling prep with luxe finishes!

 
I personally love this look!
 

Another regal LA Lady is Gwen Stefani, however her looks are entirely too cool for me to ever achieve. But, I was able to find two looks that are similar to something I could pull off. And, I'm thinking I need a polka dot sweater....
 

 
 So here's what I'm thinking I need to pack: boyfriend jeans (which I have plenty of), scarves, blazers, sweaters and flats. Again, all things I currently have in my closet, but now I'm going to be tasked with how to style them without looking like a tourist! Photos of outfits to come...
 

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

A Busy Saturday


Jacket: Banana Republic Outlet; Sweater: J.Crew Factory; Cami: LOFT;
Jeans: LOFT; Boots: Steve Madden; Earrings: Gorjana via Gilt; Sunnies: Prada (gift)
 
Saturday was an "all about me" day. My husband plays golf every now and then on the weekends so this was my golf day! But, instead of playing a round of 18, I had a facial followed by a driver's ed sewing machine class. I literally hopped in the car and headed to my first ever facial, which turned out to be a facial plus a full body massage, and then hopped back in the car and headed home. Once home, I grabbed my sewing machine, kissed the boys, and was off with my mom to my class.
 
Because I knew I was going to be running around all day, I wanted to be comfy yet cute. I mean, if it's a day about me, I had to be cute, right? Plus, it was a crisp fall morning so a little wool was in order. I purchased this hen sweater earlier in the season, one I wanted last year but was sold out. And with the little cream jacket and tall boots, it was a perfect fall look!  

 


 

 
P.S. This is me without a single product in use, aside from anything left over from the facial! I rarely show my non-makeup self, but this was my Saturday!
 
 
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