Unseasonably warm

It's 50 in Kentucky today. That's nuts considering it's been in the teens recently. It was so nice to leave my coat at home this morning!!

Cardi: Lands End
Tank: Lands End
Pants: Worthington via JCP
Belt: J. Crew
Shoes: Cole
Necklace: gift

Casual outfits

Did I mention I didn't wear pants for 5 months? You know how easy of a rut that is to slip into. The spring weather is so nice, dresses feel so springy/summery...then the next thing you know, the air has turned cool and not a single pair of your pants fit. If you don't weigh yourself regularly, you can always tell if you've put on 5 or so by how tight your clothes are. Struggle to button your pants one morning? That's your sign to eat better that week. But when you wear a dress all the time? Not so much. The dress won't hold you accountable for all that beer and those burgers.

The air had a nice nip to it last week and I wanted to wear jeans. The only problem was that NONE OF MY PANTS FIT. Like, not a single pair. I'd given away my "very fattest" jeans and even my "fat" jeans wouldn't fit. Damnit. So off to Old Navy we went. Al had a pair of flip flops to return so I planned to use the credit toward a pair of new jeans. I found a pair (a size bigger than before. Ugh) and ended up paying $5 for them. Sweet! So here they are. Don't get used to them b/c they're going to be falling off of me soon!



Cardi: Target
Tank: Banana Republic
Jeans: Old Navy
Flats: Sam Edelman



I'm not very daring with the pattern mixing, but I know Kimberly would be proud of this!

I snagged this cute plaid dress off the clearance rack at Target for $5-something. It's so comfortable!



Dress: Converse/Target
Cardi: J. Crew
Flats: Liz Claiborne



I love the ruffle on this cardi and how it goes w/the ruffles on the dress. Little details like this always make an outfit come together I think.

J. Crew and pony hair

I know pony hair shoes freak some of you out, but OMG do I love them. I find myself petting my shoes all day. Weirdo...hahaha

Cardi: Target

Black dress: J. Crew outlet ($12 I think)

flats: Stuart Weitzman (via Zappos.com outlet)

necklace: Target

bracelet: Coach

watch: wedding gift from sweet husband


Today's the first day I've gone barelegged and boy did it feel weird this morning. They've not seen the light of day in MONTHS! hahaha

Messy shoes and info about the J. Crew distribution center outlet

Ever notice something about your outfit AFTER you've taken pics of it? Something you wish you noticed BEFORE you left the house? That's me today. Please disregard the big glob of mortar on my left shoe. Al was tiling our shower enclosure last night and when I got home I hopped right in to help and must have stepped in the mortar. Whoops! It's gonna be hell getting it off these boots :(

Black sweater: Old Navy

Jeans: Levi's

Scarf: J. Crew

Boots: Target










So remember how I got married back in September? Well we honeymooned in Asheville, NC and wouldn't you know but the J. Crew distribution center was about 10 minutes from our cabin. Al still thinks I planned that on purpose, but I swear I didn't. And what could be better than being 10 minutes from a J. Crew factory outlet? Oh being there the weekend they do their semi-annual warehouse sale!

We stood in line for probably an hour (thank goodness it was mild out) and got to dig through boxes and boxes and boxes. I would have taken a pic but cameras weren't allowed. Al and I split up and started digging. We ended up finding more for him than for me (figures) but we scored some AMAZING deals. This silk scarf was $3! I also picked up a few headbands, some gloves, and a couple of hats. Al found sweaters and some ties. Their actual store is far more organized and I was able to find a top and a cardigan there.

If you're ever in the Asheville, NC area, I highly recommend stopping by. The J. Crew distribution center and factory store are actually in Arden, NC but it's very easy to find and GPS-able. It's like any other outlet, hit or miss and usually off-season. They did have a nice selection of wedding and bridal party dresses. I don't remember the prices, but I do remember I wasn't bummed about missing out on a deal. I bought my wedding dress from J. Crew on clearance and it wasn't much more expensive than the outlet prices.

If I can get my you-know-what together, I'll snap a couple pics of what we bought and the prices. I actually saved the receipts so I could report back!

Closeup of scarf. I just love these colors together and was tickled that it had black in it instead of brown. You usually find brown w/these colors and I'm just not a brown-wearing girl. Black hides the black dog fur better!

Houndstooth Friday

I've been in a serious style slump, kittens. I gained a couple pounds on the honeymoon (it's all in my face it seems. UGH) and nothing feels cute or blog-worthy. This outfit, however, felt great and it looked good too. However, the double chin wasn't invited to the outfit, but showed up anyway. Not sharing that. haha

Houndstooth cardigan: Target

Dress: J. Crew

Belt: Walmart

Flats: Sam Edelman

Bracelet: Forever 21










For an item I've only had for 2 weeks, this dress has already been blogged twice - it's a keeper for sure!! I took a close-up pic of the ruffles this time:

Excuse the lint. I hadn't lint-rolled myself yet :)

I'm not sure who the top of this dress is cut for, but it sure as heck isn't cut for me. I had to pin it today b/c wearing a tank under it is just not easy. Too much riding up.







I snagged this bracelet at Forever 21 earlier in the summer (or spring??) for $4:

What a week!

I foolishly thought that once Al and I were married my life would be less hectic. Wrong! With the house renovations and the reception we're planning, I'm busier than ever. I tried to take outfit pics every day this week, but I never got around to posting them. That's half the battle, right?!

I'm unloading the whole week here!!

Red/black/white floral shirt: Target

Black pencil skirt: Target

Flats: Sam Edelman

Grey pearls: gift












Dress: J. Crew

Tank (under dress): Old Navy

Flats: Sam Edelman

Necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout

I snagged this dress for $12 at the J. Crew clearance center. It was conveniently located 2 miles from where we honeymooned! I'll be posting later about our J. Crewing experience!

The dress is darling and has the cutest ruffles up top but guess who didn't bother w/a detail shot? That's right. This gal.





Double-layer t-shirt: Target

Pencil skirt: Target (same as above)

Flats: Stuart Weitzman

Necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout


Despite appearances, I didn't wear the same things every day in a row :) These outfits were over six days.








It's remarkable how quickly the hot hot summer temps faded. I love being greeted by 60-something degrees in the mornings! I can't WAIT for fall, y'all!

Playing favorites

Ruffle Shirt: The Limited

Khaki Skirt: J Crew

Floral Pumps: Target

These floral pumps from Target and this ruffle wrap shirt are some of my favorite wardrobe items. When I bought them each a year ago, I didnt think they would turn out to be in favorite status the way they have been. The ruffles on the shirt are always a bit out of control -- but I've come to like that about it! And the shoes....well, wearing them always makes me smile! In fact, I showed them to a friend last year and she ended up having her bridesmaids wear these shoes with turquoise dresses/brown sash earlier this spring and they were adorable! Multi-versatile, I tell you--they work all the way down to jeans and up to bridesmaid dresses!

No outfit synergy here

Denim Jacket: Gap

White Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Chino Skirt: J Crew

Pumps: MIA

We always say how taking a picture makes you see an outfit differently. I felt so cute and sassy in my stripe pumps getting ready today. But when I looked at the picture, I don't like the outfit. I'm not sure what it is. I think maybe the proportion is wrong on the denim jacket? Not sure. I just know I'm not a fan of today's picture but don't know why. I like all the pieces individually--I'm just not liking them together for whatever reason. Don't ya hate it when that happens??

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.

Baby it's cold outside!

Orange Cashmere Sweater: J Crew

White Oxford: Old Navy

Brown Tweed Pants: Ann Taylor Loft

Boots: Maripa


Baby it's cold outside! These are one of my "super cold day" pair of pants. They are a soft wool tweed with flecks of ivory, blue and orange in them and a very soft lining to keep me extra warm. Add a long sleeve shirt and a cashmere sweater...and well, it gets me through the cold days!

J Crew is my ultimate favorite cashmere. I have this orange, a kelly green v-neck and a black turtleneck. Well worth the investment in my opinion! I try to get some on sale at the end of the season every year.

A girl should always be building her cashmere collection! I have quite the collection I'll tell you about in addition to the above pieces--but keep in mind it has been built over 6 years now and many pieces were Christmas gifts from family--I'm not a total glutton! I would also recommend checking out thecashmere at Lands End (you'll see my adorable lavender johnny collar one sometime soon) and the line at Kohl's (I have red and pastel lime turtlenecks). Both are cheaper than J Crew and are almost as good (the Lands End in particular is a steal for the quality and warmth you get). If you're looking for an "entry-level" price point for cashmere, Old Navy can be a good option (I have a gray crew neck tee and brown shawl sweater from their collection).

Cashmere can cost anywhere from $50 to thousands....A girl can be cheap--but for investment pieces like a classic cashmere sweater that will last for years, buy the best you can reasonably afford (end of the season sales can really help with this). The nicer the cotton, the longer it will last, less it will nubb, etc.

The purchase I never regretted

Cord Jacket: Mossimo

White Button Down: Bitten

Tweed Skirt: J Crew

Nude Fishnets: Vera Wang/Kohl's

Tall Boots: Maripa

Cashmere Scarf: Burberry (ok not cheap, but work with me for a day)

You always remember your first frivolous, designer purchase--the one you spend a good chunk of your paycheck on or in my case, almost all your Christmas money. That item that you look at and think "Yes, be jealous, that's mine."

This Burberry scarf is that item to me. I was 20 and Santa had just bought me a new camel peacoat for Christmas and I decided I wanted a Burberry scarf to go with it. So while Dad was fitted in Rodes for a new suit he was picking up in a day after Christmas sale, I tried on Burberry scarves.

Was it a huge amount of money for a 20 year old who's job was working for $6 an hour in the university's Admissions office? Absolutely. Most of my friends and family thought I had seriously lost my mind. However, have I ever regretted the purchase, even for a minute? Never, not one. It's classic, it's chic and will truly last forever and never go out of style. And come cold winter days, unless I'm wearing pink or some clashing color, it's the only scarf I reach for. And will for years to come.

What was your first frivolous purchase? Did you regret it?

My inner Blair Waldorf

Black Leather Jacket: Mossimo

White Button Down: Banana Republic

Printed Scarf: Mossimo

Brown Tweed Skirt: J Crew

Red Tights: Kohl's

Black Boots: Marisa (Rack Room Shoes)

I've said before that I was totally going to pull a Blair Waldorf and put on red tights one day. And you know I never lie--so as promised, here is my first red tights outfit!

I feel like this is exceptionally brave because, not only am I wearing bright red tights, but I'm also mixing brown and black which is one of those color combos that used to be so taboo that it's hard to get comfortable with it again. Luckily, this scarf has black, brown, camel, red and white in it, so it made it easy to incorporate all the colors.

Power of Plaid

Plaid Jacket: CAbi

White Button Down: J Crew

Black Vest: The Limited

Black Pencil Skirt: CAbi

Black Tights: Merona

Black Pumps: Type A

Continuing the jacket show, today features one of my newest additions to the closet- my double breasted plaid blazer. I should have taken 2 photos because I wore it buttoned about half the day and open the other half.

I've always been a fan of plaid. I owned numerous plaid pleated skirts as a child and have never tired of the pattern. For me it's like argyle--it will always be preppy, classic and winter chic. However, I love it when my personal tastes become "fashionable"! It's kinda like pointy toe stilettos--I'm going to wear them regardless but it's nice when someone recognizes you as "cutting-edge" and "trendy" even if you've been wearing it all along. According to an article in the Courier-Journal last weekend, plaid is officially a trend of the season!

What is something that you'll always like and wear- regardless of whether it's "in" or not?

(And just a random side note, I put on red tights this morning and they looked a-dor-a-ble with the black skirt, white shirt and vest. Then I put on the plaid jacket and while it all was technically "matching", it just did not look right and work. Hate it when that happens. However, I did find a new outfit for the plaid tights that was fabu that I wore for a short bit earlier in the week but didn't take a picture for some unknown reason--the top half of my "punk and prep" outfit paired with a denim pencil skirt and tall black boots....I'll wear again soon and take a picture--my faith in plaid tights was totally restored!)

On the search for a new red belt

Blazer: CAbi

Chino Skirt: J Crew

Black Lace Cami: Old Navy

Red Patent Belt: The Limited

Burgundy necklace: Gift from Jamie

Tall Black Boots: Some random Rack Room Shoes brand

This look is really a more "fall" version of my Corporate Casual look several weeks ago.

I love this red patent belt-- it's the perfect width and color. However, after about 3 years of much love, it's coming apart. I have already super glued back together once but it's falling apart again and looking pretty run down. Has anyone else seen anyone selling a plain, red patent belt about 2 inches wide? Help me replenish my wardrobe!

I just saw the cutest dressed girl walking downtown....

Ruffled Blue/White Stripe Wrap Top: The Limited

Belt: CAbi

Chino Skirt: J Crew

Red Shoes: Diba

I got back from an afternoon of meetings today and saw an email from Tracey entitled "I saw the cutest dressed girl walking downtown today." I was thinking "Ooh, Tracey must have a great outfit idea for us!"

So I open the email and she says she first noticed the large straw bag the girl was carrying, then thought her outfit was cute as well. Then she looked up at the girl's face-- and it was ME!! Of course I was be-bopping down the street in my own little world and didn't even notice the cars sitting at the stop lights so I didn't even see her. But Tracey, you totally made my day!! Thanks!

I'm feeling pretty bleary eyed because I literally took a nap to go to work today. Yes, I call 4 hours of sleep a nap, not an evening's sleep. I only got 4 hours sleep because I stayed up and watched the entire Women's All Around competition--and was totally pumped that Nastia won gold!!!! (And yea for Shawn too with the silver!). As such, I went ahead and added the red shoes instead of the planned brown pumps to today's outfit--to once again complete the Olympic Challenge in our gymnasts honor. Congrats girls! And their fabulous red, white and blue starred leotards that they wore for the team competition were pretty fashionable as well.

This may be my last Olympic Challenge outfit--unless Michael Phelps wins all 8 golds. And if so, I promise one more outfit in his honor!

Spiragirl, ohthatgirl, Kimberly and Maddy all participated in the challenge today as well! I'm telling you, I think all of our Olympic spirit is making the difference in the medal count. It all comes back to the clothes, you know?!?!? :-)

Showing some Olympic spirit!

RED Cardigan: The Limited

WHITE Cami: The Limited

BLUE Belt: Forever 21

Skirt: J Crew

Shoes: MIA






WHITE button down: Bitten

RED bangle: Forever 21

BLUE jeans: CAbi

RED Shoes: Diba

Belt: CAbi














Got so mad at the Chinese cutting off the national anthem on Michael Phelps' medal ceremony (on the word "free" at that) Saturday evening that I had to answer my Olympic Challenge twice. I'm just glad I didn't agree to dress in red, white and blue for the number of days of gold medals Michael Phelps wins!

Decided to wear some of my favorite "outfit" shoes to accomplish the challenge--they themselves meet the criteria. I threw on the red cardigan and khaki shirt this morning. And decided if I was going to be flaming USA, I may as well go all out so threw on the blue belt.

I went for a far more subtle look on Saturday evening when I went to movie, dinner and drinks with Jamie and some of our other friends. It was a gorgeous evening and we sat outside on the patio for almost 4 hours just talking and laughing. I only live 90 minutes from my Northern Kentucky friends--but still don't see them far enough so it was wonderful to get some true quality time.

I'm not the only one wearing red, white and blue this week showing their Olympic spirit! Kelly showed off her USA spirit and our favorite Shoegal and WorkthatWardrobe girls showed off their Great Britain spirit! Thanks for participating--it's not too late for the rest of you!!

Weekend - Tracey

T-shirt dress - J Crew

Bag - Devi Kroell for Target

Shoes - Walmart George

Hat - Festival vendor














This Saturday was the Indianapolis Microbrewers Festival so I took a little trip to visit our neighbors to the north! Actually this was my 2nd trip to Indy this weekend, but more on that another day! I knew it was going to be rediculously hot, so once again I went for a dress. This was a dress that I tried on at Jcrew a few months ago and liked it a lot, but just couldnt allow myself to pay $88 for it. I stalked it until it came down to $30 and snagged it!

I decided that a hot sunny day spent outside would be the perfect opportunity to bust out one of my sun hats and I'm so glad I did! Allison and I both own these hats. We picked them up at one of the festivals around town that happen at Kentucky Derby time. Between the 2 of us we bought 4 hats. He had so many great colors that we just couldn't decide which ones to buy! The guy cut us a little bit of a deal, but not as much as we had hoped! It's made of straw and it's totally packable and crushable. I know this because I stuffed mine inside my tote bag on the trip up. :)

These gold sandals are becoming a summer staple. Definitely a good find for $10!!

My "Go To" Summer Outfit - Tracey

So, I have this rediculous addiction to sundresses. Any A-line style that falls below the knee is what I gravitate too, but lately I've worn 2 strapless numbers that I really like. You can throw a cardigan over them for work and then after work you are good to go to sit outside with friends and enjoy a beverage on a hot sunny day. Don't forget your sunscreen! :)

Allison took both of these pics on location. The top one was taken this past Friday. It's a madras plaid sundress by Carole Little. I picked it up at Marshall's last Summer. The one thing I've always been curious about that maybe one of you guys knows is where other than Marshall's that they sell the Carole Little brand? I've only seen it there. I love practically everything I see and I own a number of pieces from that line.




This 2nd dress Allison took of me tonight. We went to the Louisvllle Bats game for the Friends of Lou promotion. It's a Jcrew embossed beach dress. I've had it for years and I bought it on super clearance ($20 for $98 retail!!), but they still make the style. At the moment certain colors are on sale and you can find them here. The cardigan that I am holding in my hand is Cherokee from Target. These cardigans are my fave cardis of the moment. I wish I had bought every color when I saw them, but I only bought 3 and now I can't find any more in my size. They are 3/4 length sleeve in a cotton/nylon/spandex blend and they are perfection. They wash up so nicely. I prefer these to the J Crew Jackie Cardis that I love so much. I have the white, red, and teal and I am currently on the lookout for yellow and pink!

I promise one of these days I'll switch out my bag! :)

Weekend - Tracey

T-shirt - Old Navy

Skirt - J Crew

Necklace - design by Sarah Balmer

Bangles - Forever 21

Shoes - Steve Madden


Sunday was dinner with my Step-dad, step-brother and sister and their families to celebrate a belated Father's Day. We went to the new Our Best restaurant in Jeffersonville. Now, I'm not usually one for down home country cookin', but this was some good eatin'! I had the biggest piece of peanut butter pie for dessert. The girl said it was the last piece in the pan, so instead of cutting it in half, she just gave me the whole thing!

I hate shorts and only wear them when I absolutely have to. Like doing yard work... which I NEVER do. Casual cotton skirts are my subsitute for shorts in the summer. They are cool, casual options for us ladies that don't have the prettiest of thighs.






Here is a closeup of my necklace. I've been hearing a lot of talk about "statement knecklaces" lately. I would have to say that I think this necklace would fit into that catagory. The stone is about 2" high and 1" wide, so it's pretty substantial. It was made by local artist Sarah Balmer. I have a couple of her pieces and I just love them. She uses quality materials and her pieces are done well. Her designs can be found at Scout (which I mentioned in this post here) and some other boutiques around town.





And last but not least are my leopard peep-toe flat wedges. I started thinking today when I had these on that along with my hate of Crocs, I am developing a hate of rubber flip flops. (Sorry, Les... I know you have a post wearing flippies, and you look adorable in them, but...) I guess I don't get when these started being acceptable to wear off of the beach and out to dinner? I guess about the time that it started to be acceptable to wear your pajamas to the grocery store? I just don't know. The only place I've worn rubber flip flops in the last year has been out to walk the dog and on my uncle's boat. These little flats are adorable and they take just as little effort to put on as a flip flop... and they look so much better. Just say NO to the flips, girls! I will step off of my soap box now. :)

Casual Friday - Tracey

Top - Jcrew Joelle blouse

Jeans - Gap Essential Fit

Shoes - Clarlos Santana

Necklace - Vintage

Bangles - Faux tortise shell from Scout

TGIF, Everyone! Just a typical Friday at work. Today was going to be a rainy, gloomy day so I wanted to be bright and sunny! I was originally drawn to this top because of it's vibrant blue color.

The shoes I've had a few years and this, are you ready, is the 1st time I've ever worn them! I got them on super clearance at Dillard's for like $12 or something crazy like that. I should be reprimanded for letting cute shoes like this sit in my closet unworn. Shame on me!

I just wanted to show off my locket... so allow me to be sentimental for just a moment. As a few of you already know, my Mom recently passed away and before she died she made sure to give me all her items that were special to her. This locket it over 60 yrs old. My grandmother wore it when my Mom was a baby. On the back you can see the little teeth marks that my Mom left on it when she was teething and putting everything in her mouth. I just think it's so cute!

Scout on Market Street downtown is one place here in town that I can always go to and find something to buy. It might be for my house or for me, but I usually walk out of there with my wallet a little (sometimes a lot!) lighter. The owners are fabulous and very personable. You will leave there feeling like you've found 2 new friends! One day I needed a little pick me up and walked in to find these little faux tortise shell bangles. I believe I paid about $11 for all 3 of them. I just love them!

The Marc by Marc Jacobs bag has made another appearance to brighten up a rainy day!