Magic Jeans

Top: Ann Taylor; Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft;

Shoes: Guess via DSW; All Jewelry: Silpada

You know how Jack had magic beans? Well, I'm calling these my magic jeans!! I felt so thin all day Friday and it really helped put a spring in my step and I felt a little more confident all day. I read an article recently that quoted Rachel Zoe stating wide leg jeans are actually more slimming than the skinny version. I have to agree! I love my skinnies, but now for tall boots in the winter. I've decided it's wide leg all the way this winter!

 I got these jeans a couple of weeks ago during the Ann Taylor Loft Friends and Family sale, which also happened to be tax free weekend in MO, so I made out like a bandit! I love them so much that I'm going back for a second pair. I've said it before. If you find a jean that fits, and you love them, buy a second pair! One is always in the wash.

We were heading to dinner after work on Friday so I wanted something that would carry me from day to night. That's what's so great about dark denim. They are dressy enough for work and play. The top was purchased in early spring and I haven't been able to wear until now. I couldn't believe that it finally fit, and because of the draping around the bodice, it continued that slender look that the jeans were giving me. A win/win all the way around!

I toyed with wearing rose gold jewelry but those shell earrings caught my eye. A perfect tone for the champagne color of the top. Not sure if you can see it, but the earrings have tiny CZ's scattered at the bottom. Just a nice little touch of bling. I paired my square bangles with my mother-of-pearl bangle and I love how the different textures and angles hung off my wrist. And check out that statement ring! Every girl needs one in her jewelry collection.

We had a great time at dinner with our dear friend and McKinley was enamored by all of the things to look at in the restaurant. And he loved the live jazz music. Again, he was a dream. We were blessed with the best baby ever! 

A Little High Waisted

Top: Ella Moss via Anthropologie; Skirt: Boutique Event;

Shoes: Carlos by Carlos Santana; Belt: Anthropologie;

Earrings: Ann Taylor; Zipper Bracelet: Jewelmint;

Coin Bracelet: My Mom's; Shades: Prada

I've been reading a lot of fashion blogs lately and most of the ladies I follow are wearing some really adorable skirts, something that's totally lacking in my closet. I wore my Italian villa skirt a week or so ago (seen here) and I do have another cute skirt my mom made, but other than that it's really just dresses and pants. This little skirt is part of a "suit", and when I say suit, I mean it came with a cute sleeveless top that resembles a vest. I purchased it several years ago at a boutique event here in town. That was back when high waisted skirts weren't the current trend. I've always been years ahead of fashion. (That was said with dripping sarcasm. I just buy what I like.)

Anyhoo, the skirt fit! I decided to go sans vest so you could see how flattering a high waisted skirt actually is. For me, it creates the illusion of a much smaller waist, and when a belt is added, it really helps cinch in the whole waist line. I originally thought of pairing it with a plain white tee, but I don't really have a good quality tee anymore. I need to invest! This little lace cami was a huge favorite during my pregnancy. I think I wore it more then than I ever had before! (Seen here and here.)

I love this coral belt. I saw a similar version that was much thinner, but they didn't have my size. So glad too because this version can be paired with so many more things. Another great thing about this skirt is the extra long belt loops. I love how my belt is playing peek-a-boo all around my waist!

I didn't add a lot of jewelry yesterday. I let the belt and shoes do the talking. I did, however, really want to wear my zipper bracelet. This is a new piece I ordered from Jewelmint. The picture online didn't do it justice. I noticed yesterday that along the zipper teeth there are tiny black crystals and if you look closely, you can see them in a tiny row just above the actual zipper. What a great attention to detail. This is also came in silver, but I felt like the bronze was more authentic to an actual zipper.

These shoes have been in my closet forever and I honestly thought about giving them up when cleaning out shoes this spring. So glad they made the cut! How perfect are they with that coral belt? There is something so 70s about them. Actually, that 70s vibe is what drew me to them in the first place. And, I love pairing them with bootcut jeans. It's fun to see the different colors peaking out from the bell of the jean.

Is there something you feel that's missing in your closet? Are you heavy on pants and not dresses? Too many skirts and not enough tops? I really need to take inventory of my items and weed out what I have too many of and replace with items that will make for a well rounded closet. Not sure if that will ever happen, but it sounds like an amazing plan!

Missoni for Target

Okay, fashionista's, this is huge! Missoni is coming to Target and I am beyond excited! Margherita Maccapani Missoni, the woman behind the label, is famous for her amazing color combinations and Chevron prints. I purchased my first Missoni dress last winter from Gilt Groupe and I can't wait to wear it this fall! Now, you too can have your own piece of Missoni at a much more affordable price. There is literally something for everyone! Here are the things I'm looking at adding to my collection.

See the additional items from the collection at nymag.com! The collection is available September 13th so mark your calendars! For me, it's highlighted in yellow and in all caps!

Summer Suits Me

Suit: Ann Taylor; Top: Nordstrom; Shoes: Banana Republic

This morning the temps were in the low 70s and only hitting the low 80s overall so I rejoiced by wearing my summer white suit. Remember a couple of weeks ago when I wore the tuxedo jacket (seen here) and lamented about not purchasing the pants to have a full suit? Well, I went back for the pants only to find them on sale and 40% off. I got a pair of $98 pants for $48! It pays to not purchase a full suit all at once.

The top I paired was once considered a "going out only" top and I'm really not sure why. Is it because it's sleeveless? I wear sleeveless all the time to work. Is it because of the draping neckline? I've worn other tops with lower drapes than this. Is it because it has that great built in necklace? I wear a necklace almost every day. So, I am no longer designating this for nighttime outings. Welcome to daylight my fun little top!

My husband asked me if this was my Saturday Night Fever look and I guess it could be if I was John Travolta and had a hairy chest! I could take this into an awesome "Saturday night on the town" look by adding a darling black sequin top that I tried on last night. It made for the most chic reversed tuxedo look and I'm now searching for an event, or just a dinner out, to wear said creation! Here's hoping!

Watercolor

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft; Belt: from a different dress;

Shoes: Ann Taylor; All Jewelry: Silpada; Shades: Prada

I keep passing this dress by in my closet so last night I decided to play fashion show. This is game I play often. You go through your closet, try several pieces on and ask your husband how they looks. You know the drill. "Do I look fat in this?" "Do you like how it looks?" "Could I wear this to work?" This was one of the many items tested and it passed.

I love the muted tones even though the pink is a bright fuchia. It's not as harsh as some pinks can be. And the ruffled neckline and detail around the sleeve seem to float around me. The waist of the dress is just a simple elastic band that I spruced up with a belt. It just adds a little pop to the look.

Because the dress is so colorful, I wanted to keep my accessories simple. I love these multi-strand CZ necklaces. They go with everything and just add a little sizzle. And the earrings are so delicate and whimsical. You don't need much with such a powerful design.

I love a t-strap pump. They are so classic but the platform keeps them modern. Invest in a pair. I promise you, you will wear them with everything! This is my fourth pair because I keep wearing them out!

I hear tomorrow is supposed to be in the mid 70s! Good grief! I haven't a clue what to wear but I will be inspired by the cool temps. In the mean time, hope you guys have a great day!

Bridle Wear

Dress and Belt: Anthropologie; Shoes: Seychelles via Habitat Shoe Boutique;

Sunglasses: Prada; All Jewelry: Silpada

It was raining yesterday morning so we decided to take photos later in the afternoon. Had I known it was going to rain, I wouldn't have worn a floor length dress to work! With all the bags I carried in, and having to hold the dress up, it made it very difficult to get in the building. Once in, I loved the comfort and ease of the dress for the remainder of the day. And, the rain was gone by mid day.

With the dark blue skies over head, this dress was a perfect color combination. Who knew? I wore this dress a month after McKinley was born but didn't get a photograph. You didn't miss much. It was the same exact look with the exception of accessories. I can't even remember what I paired with this look the first time around, but I love these wooden touches. It keeps the whole look kind of earthy with the deep brown belt and cool blue dress.

This whole look is very Western to me. The long "prairie" dress, the bridle inspired belt, and again, wooden accessories keep the look grounded. And there are so many different details to this dress that I love. The neckline is made up of a tied key-hole and scoop neck that resemble a cape. The sleeves are drapey and create a curtain like effect across the shoulder. The pockets hang nicely through the bodice but are deep enough to actually use. And the length is so dramatic for daytime. I can't wait to pair this in the fall with boots and chunky sweaters.

Bear with me as I try new poses. I'm trying to mix things up and I'm taking a lead from some of the major bloggers I flow. I feel so silly, like I think I'm something more than I really am, but I need to jazz things up from the time to time. Check out Cupcakes and Cashmere, Jen Loves Kev and What I Wore to see what I mean in regards to posing perfection!

Rolling Along

Well, the day has come where we can no longer leave McKinley unoccupied on our bed, the couch or any other surface that isn't the floor or his crib. That's because he has official begun rolling over! Now, it's only from his back to his front, but that's better than nothing, right? The first time was a couple of Sunday's ago, when my camera was no where near me, so I made up for it by taking photos on the second time I personally witnessed this major accomplishment!

Starting Position

 On His Side

 Ready to Chat

I was beaming with pride at watching my baby boy roll from his back to his side and just hang there ready to chat with me for a while. Then he just rolled again and from there the trouble seems to begin. He gets to his tummy, which he still HATES, and to make matters worse, he can't figure out how to get his left arm out from underneath his chest. He works and squirms and huffs and puffs and eventually gets it but hasn't figured out "Oh yeah, I just need to lift my body up!" He just squirms which in my opinion makes it even harder. Then, after all of that, he is flat on his tummy, red faced and screaming to get up. We always oblige and he's almost always panting from working his little self to death. I know he will eventually get it, but in the mean time, it's fun watching him discover!