A cold morning but warm day

Red Shirt: NY and Company

Black Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

Olive Zippered Skirt: Express

Pumps: Pleaser

This time of the year can be so hard to dress for. You leave home in the morning with bare legs and it's 40 degrees and by the time you head home after work, it's 70 and you're ditching the jacket.

I'm excited to start wearing skirts again for spring (and will be even moreso when it's about 55 when I walk out in the morning!) However, last week, I did determine that if the skirts were coming out soon, it was time to pull out the sunless tanner so I didn't scare you all. Hopefully the blinding white will subside by the end of the week!

Girly and Edgy all at once

Perfume Bottle Ruffle Shirt: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Black Moto Jacket: Ann Taylor

Charcoal Cigarette Pants: CAbi (Fall 2008)

Pumps: Pleaser

(Side note before we get started--excuse the picture quality today, folks. One I have terrible posture and the other is fuzzy. I was running late getting out the door. This is what we have to work with. You get the idea.)

When I saw this shirt in the new CAbi catalogue for the spring, I fell in love with it. It's just feminine and dainty and totally girly--just like me. You can't see, but it's actually old-fashioned perfume bottles all over the shirt.

As nice as it is outside today, I knew I had to have a jacket of some sort on. I debated between denim, my new lime-greenish trench (coming soon to a blog post near you!)...but nothing seemed quite right. That's when I thought of grabbing my leather jacket and rolling the sleeves up. All the celebs are always wearing their leather jackets with frilly, feminine dresses...so I figured I could to! I liked the outcome. The shirt and pants alone looks completely girly. But with the jacket, it gains edge and completely changes the look. So I can change my look as my mood changes throughout the day. Jacket off...come on in, I'm sweet and happy. Jacket on--I'm a woman possessed so leave me alone! (Well, it's probably based more on whether I'm cold in my office, but I like to think it's more than that!)

Final wearing of the season

Blazer: CAbi

Tee: Banana Republic

Red Patent Belt: The Limited

Pants: Ann Taylor

Heels: Pleaser

Trying to give all my wool pants a last wearing of the season in the next week or so. I think the weather may finally start to turn for good, which means the wool pants and blazers go into seasonal retirement.

I'm the type that doesn't buy anything that can't be worn across 3 seasons. Whether is fall, winter, early spring or spring, summer, early fall, I try to spend my money on items that will layer and move through the year with little ease. What can I say, it just seems easier to rationalize that way. That's one of the main reasons I dont own any shorts or capris (besides the vain fact that I dont like them on me). It's always either skirts or dresses that can layer across seasons or pants that are often seasonless.

What about you? Do you change your wardrobe a great deal through the seasons or stay relatively consistent?

I look like a Brooks Brothers ad

Shirt: CAbi

Belt: The Limited

Pants: Ann Taylor

Boots: Maripa

Sometimes you finish getting dressed in the morning, not really thinking about what you are putting on, and look in the mirror and are a bit surprised with what you see? This was one of those mornings. I wasn't giving much thought, just putting on a basic outfit for a day of meetings and then I looked in the mirror and thought, "I seriously look like a Brooks Brothers' ad."

Not such a bad thing since I am an "American Classic" gal according to Lucky's Guide to Mastering Any Style. But amusing nonetheless when you see it jump out at you without even realizing it!

Shopaholic and Me :-)

Jacket: Ann Taylor

Cardigan: The Limited

Cami: Old Navy

Belt: The Limited

Jeans: Cabi

Pumps: Pleaser

Purse: Beijo "Unchain My Heart"

Anyone who knows me knows that I was beyond excited to see "Confessions of a Shopaholic." I adored the books, own and have read all 5, and couldn't wait to see how they made the movie. I hadn't been that excited for a movie premiere since The Devil Wears Prada (which funny side story-- I drug my entire family to it when we were on vacation in Hilton Head a few years ago and told them they all had to wear their most fashionable outfit to attend with me (I even bought tickets for everyone I was so pumped). Well they, and the rest of the theatre, looked at me like I was crazy as I bebopped into the theatre wearing designer jeans, a funky printed tee and gold heels, and boucned on my seat in excitement, surrounded by khaki short and flip flops!)

So on Valentines Day, Jamie, our friend Kim and me had a total girls day. We met for cupcakes at 2:30 (where Kim surprised us with gifts-- The Little Pink Book of Elegance: The Modern Girl's Guide to Living with Style!) and then headed out to movie #1 of the day "He's Just Not That Into You." (Side note--LOVED IT!!!! Seriously, every girl saw them self in some way in that movie even if you didn't want to admit it. I'll own up to being guilty of the "casual drive by" before).

We then headed to have a fabulous dinner at Cafe Lou Lou and then to Tinseltown for an evening showing of "Confessions of a Shopaholic." I was tres excited in the lobby as you can tell by my picture posing with the handbag sign. I wasn't the only one--the line to get into the movie was like a fashion show.

So all that said, my thoughts on the movie were this: It was cute, it was fun, the clothes were nice (but not nearly as good as Sex and the City) but they didn't do the books justice at all. I think my biggest issue is that they totally messed up the character of Luke Brandon. In the books, Luke is a little standoffish, a little edgy, a little egotistical, and completely intriging and appealing. I didn't really find Hugh Dancy's Luke to be any of those things. Isla Fisher was a great Becky though.

Did you see the movie? What did you think?

Wanted: My Camera Back

Fur Lined Puffy Vest: Ann Taylor Loft

Wrap Tee: Cabi

White Shirt: Brooks Brothers

Camel Pants: Ann Taylor

Boots (not seen): Maripa

Bad news. My camera, crappy as it is, is missing. Yeah. So you're getting a Blackbery picture today because that's all I have at the moment. And we (my co-worker and me) couldn't get a full length shot. So sorry. Hopefully I'll be able to locate the camera this evening. Because here's the deal-- either I find my camera or this blogging expedition is over. And I dont want that to be the case. But in the last 4 months, I've had to buy a new laptop (my 6 year old one literally fell apart), refridgerator/freezer (don't even get me started-- my 2.5 year old one crashed and burned and warranty is only one year) and tv (well, the tv was the only one I didn't HAVE to buy but I got such a great deal and I wanted HD). So no more electronics for me for a long while. Seriously. Need to find camera, because as old and crappy as it is, it's still better than the cell phone camera.

I walked out the door this morning to more snow! Ugh. So I layered and wore my puffy vest with a hood so I didnt have to carry an umbrella walking to the office. I know snow is precipitation just like rain, but I always feel dumb carrying an umbrella in the snow. But I feel very eskimo wearing my furry hood vest. So I went with the latter today.

Some fun weekend wear

Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

Wrap Tee: CAbi

Denim Pencil Skirt: Gap

Argyle Tights: The Limited

Tall Boots: Chinese Laundry

Was heading out for birthday dinner at P.F. Chang's with a group of good friends...I never get to wear denim to work so my weekend wear is always denim. Usually I'm in jeans, but decided to switch it up this evening and wear the skirt so I could wear my cute tights again!

With the ice storm we had last week in the Ohio Valley, cute tights are about the ONLY positive thing I can say about winter right now!

Tweed Pants: Ann Taylor

Green Cashmere Sweater: J Crew

Purple Cami: Old Navy

Boots: Maripa

Feeling a little Mardi Gras wearing green and purple together today but I just didn't want to wear a "normal" color underneath. It's kinda fun to have an unexpected pop of color.

These pants are so drapey, which I never realized until I started photographing my outfits. For maximum flattering and effect, I think they really need a tucked in shirt with a belt. But sometimes, as we all know, it isn't about what is the number one most flattering--it's about what is the most comfortable. And this outfit was indeed that!

Layering without bulk

Red Cord Jacket: Mossimo (appox $20)

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi ($54)

White Shirt: Banana Republic (approx $20)

Camel Pants: Ann Taylor (approx $80)

Boots: Payless (approx $15)

It's hard to layer without looking bulky but it's a necessity when it's bitter cold! Today was a perfect example. I hate being cold in my office and my space heater has died a slow death so I wear as much as possible. Two shirts and a jacket with wool pants keep me very comfortable! (I even had a zebra print scarf to wrap around my neck when needed--I am cold natured!) The hardest part is finding a piece of outerwear to wear overtop of all this!

This outfit does a good job of slim layering though because all the layers are so very thin. The white shirt is basic, the black tee is a hanky tee meaning it's very thin and the wrap feature gives some shape to the shirts under the jacket and the jacket has some shape to it and is cropped. All in all, I think the effect is one of extreme warmth all while staying chic!

Cold days and getting back into routines

Purple Turtleneck: Kohl's

Black Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

Pencil Skirt: Express

Argyle Tights: The Limited

Boots: Chinese Laundry

We are entering a major cold snap in the Ohio Valley--as in wind chills below 0! Yikes! Therefore, when my new argyle tights that I had been cyber stalking for a sale arrived in the mail, I decided to wear them immediately. As cold as it is (it's about 25 degrees right now) it's going to be even colder in the next few days which means there is NO WAY I will wear a skirt. Seriously, a girl's legs can only be asked to endure so much.

Other news to note is that I'm going to be getting back into the habit next week of working out. I'm serious enough that I have scheduled 4 days on my calendar! In the spring, I'm really good about going for walks but I don't walk in the bitter cold or when it's dark outside (and lately I leave home when it's dark and come home when it's dark). What I do enjoy doing, and find very relaxing after a long day at work, is pilates. And let me tell you something, if you do it correctly, it works! I did really well for a while and then just got out of the habit so I am going to get back into routine. I know it will not only make me feel better about myself (and maybe help me not regret my 7:30 a.m. chocolate binge this morning as much) but also give me more energy to get through the day. I get up at 5:50 a.m. every morning and by 9 p.m. I'm ready to fall flat on my face. I think even a half hour workout will help energize me a bit more--seriously, when I'm falling dead asleep before American Idol even goes off, we have a problem!

Weekend -- Ally with Friday bonus!

I've been particularly lazy this week with regards to looking cute. Louisville had some record cold weather and it sucked the life out of me. It was below zero when I got up Friday morning and I know that's not cold for you Minnesota girls or even the crazy weather Indy got, but for here that's COLD. Hadn't been this cold in over 5 years.

I surprised Al tonight with a surprise birthday dinner with all our friends. I remembered I had promised you ladies a dress this week and I wanted to look special for tonight.

Lime cardi: NY&Co.

Navy dress: Target

Lime dress: NY&Co.

Brown belt: Walmart

Tights: Walmart (wearing black under the brown for warmth and to darken the brown)

Shoes: Michael Kors via swap

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart




Leslie's been talking a lot about coats and outerwear on here and I've not had much to say since I wear the same coat all the time. I did buy that cute pink one at Old Navy but it's been WAY too cold for that. I have others but I love this one SO MUCH that I just can't possibly be bothered with wearing anything else.

I spotted this at Target last year a day or two before Christmas. I figured I'd be SOL because Santa shops early, but somehow he (um...she) knew and got the last one in my size!

The flash makes it look as though I'm missing a button, but I'm not :)

It has a cute Peter Pan/rounded collar and some pleats under the bust at the waist. My only complaint about the coat is it doesn't snap or fasten below those six buttons at the top so the wind and cold always blow it open. BURR!

My gloves are the same ones I wear all the time. Etienne Aigner and cashmere lined. Santa got those for me too :) Spoiled? Nah!






Close up of shoes:














Last week, the lovely Athena held a giveaway and I was one of the winners! Friday morning I received a big box of scarves!! I couldn't believe how generous she was - there are over 20 in there and they're all so pretty and so nice. Thank you SO MUCH, Athena! I can't wait to show them off on the blog on the next coming weeks.
The one on top caught my eye immediately so I decided to wear it to work!












I look so rough in this picture that it didn't justify its own post. I took it at 6pm right before I left work for the day so you'll have to excuse the "wings" of hair sticking out the side of my head. Those suckers will NOT lie down no matter what I do and when it's windy out, there's no use of even trying.
Teal sweater: Target

Black cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Grey heels: Old Navy

Ann Taylor scarf: from Athena

There were black fishnets down there somewhere but you certainly can't see them in that pic. I also had on a sick Calvin Klein belt - it's silvery gray metallic Python. I got it for right at $22 on clearance...LOVE IT. I'll post a pic soon.





Isn't it pretty???













I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend and STAY WARM!! It was 40 here this evening and compared to the past week, it felt like a heat wave. We're supposed to be done with the crazy cold, so cross your fingers!

Bye bye legs...see you again when it's Spring

White Shirt: Old Navy

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi

Camel Pants: Ann Taylor

Red Boots: Maripa

Long pearl strand: Christmas gift from my sister

Just a general announcenment to make....in fact you may have already noticed. My legs disappear during the coldest winter months. You know all those cute skirts I have? They sit abandoned in my closet. If it's below freezing when I leave for work in the morning, I refuse to let my legs see the light of day.

I will say that the one hope for my skirts is the fact that my grandparents gave me an automatic car starter for Christmas. This means no more scraping snow and frost in the cold and when I make it to the car, it's toasty warm and awaiting me. That said, there may be some hope for the skirts after all.

These boots were made for walkin....

RED Boots: Maripa (Rack Room Shoes for $20!)

Black Skirt: CAbi

Black Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater: J Crew

Black Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

I've been on the hunt for months for tall red boots--they were everyplace last year and no place this year. Imagine my surprise when one of my co-workers tells me that Rack Room Shoes has my boots that I already have in black and brown on clearance in RED! I went the next day! I decided for their first wearing that they should be the statement and wore all black so they would stand out. I didn't have it for my picture but my purse is a patent red Beijo bag with my red, white, brown and black scarf tied on it.

I took the picture with my coat on this morning--I'm not wearing it all day because I think it's bulky with the turtleneck sweater, but I had already gotten bundled up and didn't feel like taking it off just to snap a picture. Oh well, I figure it just adds to the outerwear addiction show.

Two Favorite Wardrobe Additions

Black Moto Cut Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

White Tee: CAbi

Necklace: Lia Sophia

Tweed Pants: The Limited

Pumps: Pleaser

Smooth Waistline: Invisibelt

Two pieces of news of note for this blog posting.

#1- As you can see from the picture, I did get the black leather jacket I've been craving for Christmas. I'm sure you remember my whines that they were sold out before Santa bought it. Well, Santa may have missed out but my dad didn't. He called all over and finally found it in an Ann Taylor outside of Chicago. I must have been really good this year. Or have a really nice Daddy. Yeah, I think it's probably the latter. My mom announced that I was a spoiled brat on Christmas morning when I gleefully opened it and hugged on it for a good minute (but in a lovingly way of course) I love it though--exactly what I was wanting. Thanks, Dad!

#2- I bought the new Invisibelt and it is great! I often need to wear a belt to keep my pants up or take care of that gap in the back but hate it because then you have the big bulge from the belt buckle. No more, my blog friends. I bought an Invisibelt. And it is indeed all it is cracked up to be. I've worn it already two times. And I've had it two days.

#3 (I know I said 2 pieces of info but I have to add this)- Apologies for my crappy posture in this picture. I look hunchback! I must not have been very awake this morning, that's for sure!

One Hand Down....

Wrap Tee: CAbi

3/4 Sleeve White Button Down: Bitten

Tweed Pants: Ann Taylor

Patent Pumps: Chinese Laundry


There is no such thing as minor surgery I've determined. I have had a ganglion cyst on my wrist several months that has really become quite bothersome so we made the decision to take it out. No biggie. So I thought. That is until I headed into surgery and they started hooking me up to monitors. And giving me sedatives. And I woke up with my hand wrapped in a cast. And I left in a sling. Yep, real minor.

It's actually not that bad- no pain. Biggest inconvenience is having to cover my arm in plastic to shower. AND figuring out what I can wear that will stretch over the bandage and casting. Well those things and how to flat iron your hair with one hand and put pomade in without being able to rub it in your palms!

Many of you have seen my raves over the CAbi wrap tee. The blue version came in the mail yesterday- since it has so much stretch, it was the perfect option to get on over the casting! My shirt underneath is 3/4 so that worked as well!

A little amusing photo below--me at work trying to look my most pitiful.

A little Audrey

White Oxford: Banana Republic

Wool Camel Pants: Ann Taylor

Leopard Belt: Calvin Klein

Brown Patent Pumps: Chinese Laundry

Nude Fishnets (not seen): Marshall's brand

I felt a little boring getting dressed today--but the more I looked at the outfit, I decided it was very Audrey Hepburn. And that can't be all bad!

I decided to try out the "pigeon toe" photo stance. I recently read an article (it was either the new People Style Watch or Glamour--only 2 I've read recently) that showed images of the latest "pose" struck most often by celebrities--the pigeon toe stance with the knees and toes turned slightly inward.

The rationale is that it's lengthening and flattering, similar to crossing your legs one over the other. Except this doesn't look like you are trying to keep from making a bathroom run.

What do you think? Are you a fan of the pigeon toe stance?