Ain't Nothing Gonna Break My Stride: What I Wore (er...What I Bought)

My slow and inevitable death continues. I swear, Husband gets sick and complains about the sniffles for a few days. I get sick and I have to take a nap after cleaning the bathroom. It's pathetic.

That said, I'm in jammies again today and have no interest in posting that online so today's What I Wore is being amended to What I Bought because a cold may drain me of my will to live, but it will never take away my desire to shop.

Two of my most favorite things in the world are gift cards and rewards cards. This is basically free money - I have to spend it! Otherwise I might as well just throw money out the window! My post-Christmas shopping insanity has lead to a fair number of rewards cards which are just burning a hole in my pocket.

I also had a Macy's gift card gifted to Husband and I from my father-in-law. I had claimed it as my own after Husband skittered off to Best Buy with the gift card gifted to us from my uncle. I had very much thought that Rock Band drum accessories (i.e. cymbals and new drumsticks) were a good way to use the gift card. Husband came home with Windows 7. BORING! Then I found out the Macy's gift card was only worth $25 and the Best Buy card had been worth $50 - um, Husband, I think you owe me $25!

Last year for Christmas, I got my grandmother some of these towels. They had gotten good reviews and were majorly on sale. How on sale? Bath towels were buy one for $19.99 and get the second for $9.99. I also had two $25 off $100 coupons that they let me use (sadly Macy's current coupons exclude more than they actually include). So basically I was running back and forth from the register to the towel table trying to get my total up to $200 so I could use the coupons. Needless to say, my grandmother got a boatload of towels for Christmas last year.

In retrospect, I was really mad at myself for not getting myself some towels. We registered for towels and received them at my wedding shower three years ago. They were really nice at the time, but it is definitely time for an upgrade. I've been holding out hope for a similar sale for the last year but the best I've seen was $17.99 for the bath towels.

Until this weekend! I got a flier in the mail on Monday claiming that the towels would be $15.99 each. Not too shabby. All week my plan for this morning was to get up, run, and then head to Macy's (after a brief stop at Anthropologie - for returns only, I promise!) to pick up the towels!

But now I'm dying!

I checked online and the sale is the same and they are running a free shipping promo (HOMEFREE - well it's supposed to be free shipping on home items over $125 and 15% off, but they are claiming that the towels are a "special" and thus not eligible for the coupon. Punks. Although I will get my 3% back through Ebates - suckas!) So I got out my gift card and placed an order.

Here's what a good wife I am though! I got three sets of these towels for Christmas! So basically the order I placed today was so Husband would have new towels too! *Parumph!* And he buys Windows 7.

Although he did bring me flowers yesterday because he was sorry for getting me sick. That was nice.

But then he threw out my bowl of lemon juice that I was saving for my tea! After I told him not to touch it!

He's lucky he's cute!

Running Essentials: Garmin Forerunner 305

Every weekend I go on a "long run". Expert trainers recommend that you do one run every week that accounts for approximately 30% of your weekly miles and since I am incapable of creating my own training plan, I listen to the expert trainers.

When I'm in training for a race, the long run can be up to 14 miles. Right now, however, I am just attempting to fend off winter weight gain and stay in relatively good shape so I've scaled back to between 7-9 miles. This is the perfect run length in my opinion. Anything less than 3-4 miles and I'm annoyed that I'm going to all the trouble of putting on my shoes. Anything longer than 10 and my body starts to reject the run and I end up miserable and dying on the side of the road. But 7-9 miles? Perfect. I could run that distance every day and be completely content.

How do I know when I've run between 7-9 miles, you ask? Ah because I have my Garmin Forerunner 305 - the greatest invention of all time and my most favorite running purchase ever. Seriously, if you have ever even considered going for a run, you should buy this thing. It's that freakin' amazing.

The Garmin Forerunner includes a heart rate monitor strap and computer software that tracks all your runs (you can even enter your indoor runs manually). I got my Garmin in June 2008. I've logged approximately 1300 miles since then (I'd say close to 1000 of those runs were outdoors with the Garmin) and the heart rate monitor battery is just now starting to die. I know that it is starting to die because as I ventured out into the cold last week, it suggested to me that my heart rate was 39 degrees. Now, I'm definitely a hypochondriac, but I know for a fact that my heart rate was not 39 because if it was, I would have been at the hospital and not preparing to run 7 miles. I gave the monitor a tug and it appeared to straighten itself out, but I'm pretty impressed that it lasted as long as it did.

The Garmin works just like its automobile unit does - the device connects to satellites and tracks distance and speed. Pretty cool - the display allows you to choose heart rate, pace, total time, time remaining, total distance, and time. You pick how many you want displayed, which ones, and where you want them displayed (which sounds kind of unnecessary, but believe me once you get used to heart rate being in one spot, you don't want distance to be in that spot all of a sudden. "What? My heart rate is 5.39?")

You can also program in different workouts. The Garmin will beep for you to speed up or slow down depending on the workout you entered. It will show you when you are ahead of pace or falling behind. And if you get lost, it will direct you back to your starting point!

I've got the Forerunner 305 and there have been some newer models released since I got mine. I'm perfectly content with mine though (and now it is cheaper because of the newer models and that's always a good thing!) The unit is a decent size (bigger than a typical sport watch), but it fits my wrist fine. It comes with a larger wrist strap along with the computer software and charging cradle. On a few occasions I've needed to update the software, but customer service has always been really helpful and the issue is typically resolved right away. The display is large enough to steal a quick glance at which is important as the alternative is squinting down at your wrist and risking getting hit by a car.

So there you go - a running essential.

Happy Running!

Final Showdown, Round 2: How to Replicate this Look for Not $128

On Wednesday, our three Contestants faced off in Round 1: an attempt to recreate this look from Ann Taylor. Tonight, in Round 2, they face perhaps an even bigger challenge: coordinating with the dress I'm wearing to my father-in-law's wedding.

My father-in-law is getting married in March. That, in and of itself, is a pretty big deal and calls for me to look my best. However, he has asked me to do a reading at the ceremony so now it is of the utmost importance that I look simply mah-valous!

The dress I'm wearing is a no brainer. In June 2008, I attended a wedding and saw a girl wearing a dress very similiar to this one. I had to have it and when I got home scoured the internet looking for a replica. I finally found this pretty thing at Nordstrom. I ordered it immediately, was thrilled when it fit and was even more thrilled when it went on sale a few days later and I got a price adjustment! Since buying this dress, I've already worn it to two weddings and on my cruise this summer. I love it and have seriously considered befriending new single people just so I can be invited to their weddings where I will wear this dress.

My biggest issue with the dress has been accessorizing it. It is a pretty bold dress and usually detracts attention from any jewelry I attempt to wear. But this time, I'm prepared, dress! You may have met your match with the "Statement Necklace"!

Contestant #1 - frankly, I'm not loving the way the necklace abruptly ends on the sides here. I wish the ends tapered off a bit before the chain. The color really is pretty though which totally emphasizes how great the Mixed Media Necklace would be with this dress. *sniffs*

Contestant #2 - this looks pretty nice. I like the way it falls on a completely open neck. Still not sure about the color though - does brown go with green/yellow? The darker color does look nice against my skin here though (as opposed to below. Oh and as an aside, here's how much of a lawyer-loser I am. I was ready to write: Cf below. Cf is the official legal citation shorthand meaning Compare with. Loser city).

Contestant #3 - this is a nice size and fills the right amount of space on my neckline. Is it too much though? I don't want people thinking I'm the crazy daughter-in-law who wore the enormous necklace to the wedding. It is also a lot of lightness going on here since my skin is so pasty white.

So, there you have it. The Round 2 of the Final Showdown. If you want the true experience while viewing these photos and deliberating on which necklace I should keep, I recommend listening to this while you consider the options.

Which one should I keep? I'm leaning towards Contestant #2 unless someone makes a really compelling argument why it should be Contestant #3. I've basically eliminated Contestant #1 due to weird bead endings and potential paint chipping. Of course, the impending arrival of my new pretties from Banana Republic could change everything (which is I think why I'm leaning towards #2 because those necklaces are more similar to #3). Thoughts?

Jammin in my Jammies: What I Wore

Husband has been sick all week so I've been staying away from him. Somehow I got sick anyway. But being the good little attorney I am, I got all dolled up and went to court only to find out that my judge isn't here! Boo! And now I'm sick for the weekend - double boo!

After finally taking care of things at court, I drove home, put on my jammies, and am doing some research online, but here's what I wore this morning!

Top, Banana Republic from a few years ago
Skirt, Banana Republic tulip skirt, size 14

Belt, Kohls, size Medium
Boots, Matisse, size 9 (available here)
Necklace, made by my sister-in-law
Bracelets, Kohls, 20 for $11
Earrings, Kohls

I've basically come to the conclusion that my personal style is plagarizing other people! Last night while running I saw a super cute outfit on one of the QVC models so into my closet I went hunting for similiar items. The model was wearing a brown wide belt (which I don't own), a paisley scarf and a jaunty cap (sadly the last two aren't court appropriate) but other than that, I copied the outfit down to the color.

The shirt is the exact same purple shade that I wore on Wednesday, but I don't care. I love that color. It is also the color of my beautiful new kate spade handbag. I am fashion savvy enough to know not to ever carry the bag while I'm wearing either shirt! I'm absolutely in love with this skirt. I paid full price for it (a rarity for me at Banana) because I had to have it immediately and was so terrified that it would sell out. The boots are surprisingly comfortable for the height of the heel and I've gotten a fair amount of wear out of them this year!

I wore the outfit for such a short time, that it's all back in my closet ready for another day. Now, I'm back home in my jammies, sipping tea. Boo for a cold!

A Very Special Queen Song of the Week: The Unblinking Eye (Everything is Broken)

To say that I was not pleased with RT and Dr. May yesterday is certainly an understatement. Because Dr. May is currently obsessed with his stereoscope project and banning fox hunting (WTF?), I'm afraid that in my mind most of the blame for the "Jedward Fiasco" fell on RT (whether or not that is necessarily true). So today it seems really appropriate that I'm featuring RT in my Queen Song of the Week because this is exactly the type of project that I wish the boys would focus their attention on as opposed to karaoke contestant alliances (*ahem* You boys know who I'm talking about and I don't just mean Jedward.)

Okay so I will admit that this is not a Queen song, but it is a Roger Taylor song and, even more exciting, it is new. RT has released four solo albums during his career, the most recent being in 1998. Sometime soon after that album came out (Electric Fire - which is amazing and everyone should own!), he said in an interview that his solo career was likely over. This was sad news because RT's songwriting has been steadily improving over the years and his recent stuff is his best. But then last November, he announced that he was working on a single. The single was released for digital download (which I purchased) and then he released a special limited edition hard copy CD of the single. I initially didn't understand the need for the hard copy, but then found out that RT was actually paying for and manufacturing the CD on his own (i.e. no record company involved). My overactive imagination took this one step further as I imagined him sitting at his desk in London, burning CDs, and handwriting address labels. When my sister mentioned that he might even have licked the envelope, I frantically checked the Queen Online Store, saw that copies were still available, and ordered one of my very own.

The package arrived on Saturday and I swear the unsophisticatedness (that's a word, right?) of the whole thing has me even more convinced that RT might have actually actively had something to do with the creation of my little ole' CD. The envelope the CD came in is the type you can buy in bulk at Staples. This is a link to the actual company that made the envelope. Now do not tell me that RT did not go to the store and buy these himself because he did. Case closed.

Now, onto the customs declaration. That signature at the bottom definitely could start with an R, right?

On to the CD itself. The first thing I noticed is that it isn't shrink wrapped. I opened the envelope (very carefuly, of course) and there was the CD.  It' a slimline jewel case (not a typical commercial CD case). It is the exact kind of burnable CD that we have here in our home office.

The liner notes are also printed on regular shiny paper. They come out of the case and are solid white on the interior as it they were just run through a copier (RT's copier perhaps?)

I'm glad I purchased the hard copy of the CD. Obviously RT is not doing this for the money. It is a limited edition (the rumor is 1000 CDs have been pressed) and probably cost a few thousand dollars (or pounds, tee hee) to manufacture. I paid about $12 including shipping for mine because I live in the U.S. so best case scenario he stands to make $12K minus however much it cost to make. That's basically a drop in the bucket when you're RT. So I'm pleased he decided to release the hard copy, thrilled he decided to release the song in the first place, and downright giddy at the rumors that he is working a full album to release later this year.

Ah, yes, the song: The Unblinking Eye (Everything is Broken), written and performed by Roger Taylor, was released as a digital download in November 2009.  A limited edition hard copy of the CD was released in December 2009.

I like it a lot. Yes, it is very political. That's a trademark of RT's solo music (Nazis 1994, anyone?). I don't find these lyrics too over the top myself - I actually find it interesting that while he is singing specifically about life in the U.K., many of the lyrics parallel exactly what is going on here in the U.S. ("This kingdom's not united. Just a complicated mess." - hmm substitute states for kingdom and I think our boy is onto something).

Another trademark of his music is that he really doesn't hide the ball with his lyrics. If he has something to say, he says it outright; no need to decipher any of his lyrics. That means that often he finds himself in a situation where he needs to rhyme something with Afghanistan, as he does in this song. I just chalk this up to him not taking himself too seriously as an artist. He says what he wants to say and if that means using the word concubine or talking about "the way you boil your eggs", then so be it (yeah I'm not making those two examples up hence the links).

What I find extremely impressive is that RT plays all the instruments on the song. The video showcases him on guitar, drums (of course), piano, and stylaphone (which gets its own solo!). I've heard some folks complain about the synthesized violins but I like them. I think they add to the haunting element of the song. (I remember years ago Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots using the same effect on his solo album and I really liked it then too so maybe I'm a little biased.)

The chorus in particular is really catchy. The verses took a few listens for me to warm to, but I like them just fine now. When he originally announced the release, he had a minute and a half snippet available as a preview. I listened to it and immediately thought, "That sounds like the end of the song," so I was pretty pleased with myself when I turned out to be right.

The CD contains three tracks: the original single The Unblinking Eye (Everything is Broken), the instrumental version of the song titled The Unblinking Eye (Everything is Broken) - Almost Completely Nude, and the music video. RT encourages fans to write their own protest song with the instrumental version. Early reviews were that the instrumental version was great and I agree. It's nice to listen to all the different instruments and elements RT used in the creation of this song and there are some great moments where he utilizes feedback to suggest portions of his own lyrics (Does that make sense? What I mean is that you can hear him singing the words, but in a echoing/feedback way.) It's not typical the RT style singing down the telephone element though (or maybe it is the exact same thing, but I like it here because it adds to the instrumental version of the song rather than taking away from the full version). That's also not to say that I don't occasionally enjoy some of RT's soundboard antics, but use them sparingly, dear. Sparingly.

Overall, it's a good song. It is really too bad that his solo stuff has never caught on because it really is very good (with some dodgy moments, I'll admit). There's talk that he might do a tour with Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters later in the year which would definitely open him up to a larger audience which is never a bad thing. In the end, I'm just glad that he's making new music for fans to enjoy because I can only play Man on Fire so many times in my car before I get a little sick of it. Sorry, RT!

See, RT, you don't need Jedward or other pseudo-c-lebrities (to use your own phrase!). Release an album and go on tour - us fans will be there to support you! Now if we could only convince the good Doctor to put down those silly OWLS...

Let It Snow: What I Wore

"We are Friends Again! Hey!"

I'm happy to report that Banana Republic and I have made up. It was a short lived feud and they immediately recognized the error of their ways and took steps to remedy them.

The details: I ordered a bunch of stuff last week online and took advantage of their additional 20% off all sale items. The box arrived on Tuesday and while all my items were in it, there was no invoice slip. I emailed to ask what I was supposed to do about returns and was told that I could take the items to the store where I'd receive a merchandise credit for the last price the item sold at (potentially much less than I paid) or I could pay $6 to return the items via mail.

Um, no.

I emailed back and expressed my extreme displeasure being sure to drop the phrase "my Banana Republic Luxe" card several times.  Hours later, they responded and agreed to waive the $6 shipping fee. Yay!

Small victories. I love 'em.

But wait, there's more! Today I got an email from Banana Republic. They're running a new promo: enter the coupon code CARD25 and receive an extra 25% off everything (not just selected items like the promo they ran earlier in the week). This runs through the end of the month.

As a reward to Banana Republic for being so accomodating and because they are still having a ridiculous sale on their jewelry, I ordered four new pretties. Between my CARD25 promo and my MYCARD promo (free shipping), I got all four pieces for under $50! Nice.

Pearl Bauble Ring, $12.99 (before CARD25 promo)










Silk Ribbon Link Necklace, $14.99 (before CARD25 promo)









Cut-Out Necklace, $19.99 (before CARD25 promo)

Broochlette Necklace, $12.99 (before CARD25 promo)








BTW, the above-picture is taken from an episode of Mr. Show with Bob and David, the funniest sketch comedy show ever. Check out the full sketch here.

Moving on...

Today is a snow day. I mean that in the sense that it is snowing outside, not in the sense that things are closed because it is snowing outside. Typically where I live in New England, we get a few major snowstorms each year. Governors get all antsy and tell non-essential state employees to stay home and my boss tells us to work from home if we don't have court scheduled (because court literally never closes). Unfortunately this year, the pattern has been 1-2 inches of snow once a week. Not enough to shut down things, but enough to be annoying. It is enough though to wear my super cute new black winter boots.

Sweater, Ann Taylor, size Medium (from a few winters ago)

Skirt, Ann Taylor, size 12 (from Fall 2006)

Tights, Hue in Black

Boots, Anne Klein, size 9 (available here and on sale!)

Bracelets, Kohls (20 for $11)

Necklace, Kohls

Earrings, Honora Pearls from QVC (similiar here)

I've been this close to getting rid of this skirt many times. It's a bit too long and is a bit too big around the waist. It's older so it's not really worth paying to tailor and I don't even know what I'd ask to have done to fix it. Then a day like today comes along, I pair it with these boots and a grey sweater and I'm in love again.

The boots were an after-Christmas present from my mom. Typically, after my family exchanges presents, we do one (or more) big trips to the mall to take advantage of the sales. Since I live hundreds of miles away from my mom and don't get to shop with her every freakin' week like my sister does, she got me these cute little things. I've already got tan Ugg boots, but I liked these because they are borderline court-appropriate which means not having to stuff fancy shoes in my bag on a snowy day like today. Glorious! Thanks, mom!

Queen Rant

Dr. May. RT. Sit down, boys, we need to talk.

So this morning as I was perusing the QueenOnline website for news of RT's rumored solo album and tour, I came across this headline: Jedward Release Under Pressure

What is Jedward, you ask? Jedward are two brothers recently featured on the British reality show "The X Factor". This is the show that Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol at the end of the season to bring to the U.S.

This past season The X Factor featured a Queen week. Now inherently I have no problem with that. The boys had a new compilation album coming out (Absolute Greatest) and wanted to promote it. Fine, promote your album on a really popular TV show, meet the contestants, grin through your teeth as they struggle through your greatest hits, and then get a chance to play live in front of a rather large audience. I get it.

I might even understand allowing Jedward to release their completely ridiculous version of Under Pressure (which was actually more of a cover of Ice Ice Baby - see here) as a single. I mean, after all, you let them perform *ahem butcher* the song on the show so at this point the cat's out of the bag.

But, why in the name of all that is holy, are you promoting this single on your official website? Do you really think that your fans - the same ones who questioned whether it was wise for you to tour with Paul Rodgers, a respected frontman in his own right - are going to buy this crap? Do you really think that this is going to lead to anything other than more comments that you are only in it for the money and you are dragging the Queen legacy through the mud and that Freddie Mercury would be appalled if he were alive right now? It's bad enough that a few weeks ago you released the Muppet version of Bohemian Rhapsody as a single. Yeah, it was cute to watch online, but as a single? Who the heck is going to buy that? Especially after it was available for free for three weeks before you released the stupid thing?

What exactly do you expect to get out of this? It is making you look desperate and I can't believe that is the case.

Please, Dr. May, RT, if you want to do something Queen related: go on a tour, just the two of you, take turns singing the songs that you're each comfortable singing. Sure, it will be a smaller affair then you are used to, but it would at least maintain some small shred of dignity. Or release another Blu Ray - Queen Rock Montreal is amazing and there are tons of shows from the 1970s that fans would love to see polished up. Or release some of the back catalog, unreleased stuff that we've never heard before. OR GO INTO THE STUDIO AND WRITE SOME MUSIC!

There are so many options for you, why are you resorting to this?

Rant over.

Look, Ma I'm Famous!: What I Wore

Be sure to check out Anthroholic where Kim has featured my Monday outfit in her Anthropologie Reader Outfits post! All the featured ladies look so lovely in their different looks (and I'm sure I will be attempting to replicate many of them myself in the coming weeks!) Thanks to Kim for such a great idea!

Speaking of being a copycat, I'm guilty again today! Earlier in the week, my sister wrote about an outfit on her blog, The Square Root of Style (which everyone should go check out - she's almost as funny and adorable as I am!). I've seen this look before - tank top layered over a gauzy turtleneck - and think it is absolutely adorable. However, I, like my sista, didn't necessarily have the individual components necessary to wear this look...or so I thought.

Presenting what I wore today:

Turtleneck, Ann Taylor, size Large (from a few years ago)

Ruffle blouse, Ann Taylor, size Medium (from last fall)

Skirt, Banana Republic, size 14 Long (available here and on sale!)

Tights, Hue in Black Ribbed

Shoes, Rampage, size 9 (available here)

Earrings, Kohl's

This skirt arrived at my house yesterday. I'd been stalking it online for a while, but finally for $34 plus an additional 20% off, I couldn't resist ordering it. I'm glad I did because it is nice and unlike any other skirt in my closet. The material is very silky (in the interest of full disclosure, I do think it is polyester, but my point is that this isn't a wool skirt) so it wouldn't work for days that are too cold. We're in the mid-30s today and I did okay walking to the courthouse. Anything colder and this skirt is not going to work.

I sized up on the skirt so I could wear it lower on my hips. Between doing that and ordering the Tall length, I definitely think it is work appropriate, but otherwise, yowsers, it's mighty short! The ruffles are also definitely not as pronounced in real life as they are on the BR website so I don't think I'm on ruffle overload with this outfit (although I think I may be dangerously close!)

The blouse I love and purchased before my current "Only Buy Things With Ruffles" obsession began so clearly I really do like ruffles and am not just being trendy, right? Right. And it's purple which is my most favorite color.

I'll admit I had a hard time accessorizing this outfit. I considered a belt. I also tried on a few different bracelet and watch combinations. In the end, I just went with the earrings. I figure the ruffles are an accessory in and of themselves.

Overall, I'm relatively happy with how this outfit came out (although I may be decidedly unhappy with Banana Republic right now for other reasons - details coming soon!)

Final Showdown, Round 1: How To Replicate This Look for Not $128

Okay, folks, it's time for the finals. The Superbowl, if you will (to use a relatively timely reference). Three weeks ago, I challenged myself to recreate this look on Ann Taylor's website. I purchased the Cotton Ruffle Blouse (which is sadly no longer available online, but check your Ann Taylor store!) and simply adored the Mixed Media Necklace (as modeled by Chloe here), but $128? For costume jewelry? Surely, you jest, Ann Taylor.

So I set off to QVC's website in search of necklaces that had a similar look and style to them. I ended up purchasing three necklaces (coincidentally all of which came with matching earrings, which I would never wear together, but are definitely a nice touch). For all three necklaces, I paid about $90.

"You should be proud," I told Husband, "I'm saving money."

Husband: "How exactly is that?"

Me: "Well, I wanted to spend $128 on the Mixed Media Necklace but instead I'm looking for a cheaper version."

Husband: "But you still spent $90. You spent money, not saved it."

Me: "Um, no. I saved $100 because these necklaces were $30 each and I'll keep one and return the rest so at the end of all this, I'll have spent $30 not $128."

Silly Husband. It's a wonder he ever made it through elementary school math, let alone became a lawyer.

Anyway, onto the contestants!

Contestant #1 is the Robert Rose Fiesta Bead Necklace with Teardrop Earrings, Coral Color. It cost $26.

This necklace set is no longer available at QVC. Unfortunately the earrings arrived chipped and damanged.  Because I bought the last one, they can't replace the earrings; however, QVC offered me credit me $10 to keep the necklace and return the earrings. So for the necklace only, I'd pay $16.

I was the most excited about this necklace because the color was the closest match to the original Ann Taylor look. With the blouse, it sits nicely and the chain is adjustable enough that I can wear the necklace as high or low on my neck as I want. The downside: at what point is the necklace going to end up like the chipped paint on the earrings? This is also the most expensive of the three contestants.

Next, we have Contestant #2, the Venetian Style Beaded Cluster 19" Adj. Necklace and Earring Set, Brown. It cost $17.96.

This was the cheapest of the three choices. It included earrings, which are in good condition. I was surprised at how nice this necklace looked given the price. I had also been concerned about the color (it's called brown) but the stones have a nice gradation to the color that makes them look more realistic as opposed to just solid brown stones. This one also sits nicely against the blouse, but the color isn't really all that close to the original. I think it touches on the general theme well though. The necklace is available in several other colors though so there is always a possibility to switch the color out to something completely different.

Finally, Contestant #3 is the High Polished Bead 18" Necklace and Earring Set. It cost $20.

I took a chance when I ordered this necklace. It could very easily have been gaudy and completely ridiculous; however, I like it. The beads are just the right size to handle the gold color and not be too over-the-top. I think size and shape-wise, this necklace is the closest match to the original look, but is obviously seriously lacking in the color department. The clasp is a little annoying to work and I kept getting my fingernail caught in it. It may just take some getting used to though because sometimes I got the necklace on very easily.

So that ends the Final Showdown, Round 1. Stay tuned for Round 2 tomorrow night when the three contestants take on the next challenge: the dress I'm wearing to my father-in-law's wedding!

Office Day: What I Wore (or It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood)

So no new sales at Anthropologie today. I've heard that every few Tuesdays they don't discount anything - fingers crossed that this means that next week they'll discount twice as much stuff!

They do have some new items which I just had to check out (for research's sake, people!)

The Openwork Vines Skirt is lovely lovely and I can already see myself wearing it this summer with my Ann Taylor ruffle blouse. And the Both Sides Blouse that the skirt is paired with on the website is reminscent of the Rhythmic Blouse (worn here by Maria at Infinite Whimsy) that I loved and lost. They will be mine, oh yes, they will be mine.
Ann Taylor, on the other hand, is literally giving the store away: use the coupon code "Sale40" to take an additional 40% off all sale items. The sale is pretty picked over, but the promotion is good in stores as well (print out the coupon available on the website) so there might be a bigger selection there. More good news is that not many of the items are final sale so if they don't work, you can always take them back!

My picks are: Silk Georgette Open Stitch Shirt (which I bought in size Medium, returned and now for 40% off am considering buying again), Sleeveless Cowl Neck Top (which I own in size Medium Petite (it runs BIG) in a pretty ivory print that's no longer available online), Cashmere Ruffle Front Cardigan (limited sizes/colors available online but I've seen tons in my local stores - $49 - additional 40% = ohmygosh buy this right now. It's cashmere!), and Modern Wool/Cotton Perfect Wide Leg Trousers (I wore these pants yesterday and absolutely adore them!)

In honor of Ann Taylor's enormous sale, I'm wearing two of my recent sale purchases today.

Tuxedo Front Blouse, Ann Taylor, size 8 (final sale; available in stores)

Ruffle Front Cashmere Cardigan, Ann Taylor, size Large (I have a hard time with Ann Taylor cardigans. I need a Large if I'm going to button it like a sweater because the Medium pulls at the bust, but I prefer the look of a Medium when worn open like this)

Pants, Banana Republic, size 12 (similiar here)

Shoes, Bandolino, size 9.5

Necklace, Kohl's

Earrings: Kohl's

In retrospect, I'm feeling a little like Mrs. Rodgers today with the cardigan sweater and flat shoes. If I wore this outfit again, I'd probably wear some longer pants and heels. I'm really liking the tuxedo blouse under the sweater though and I'm glad I decided to keep it. I also spent about five minutes in the mirror today with threr different belts before making the executive decision that I didn't need one. I think that was the right choice.

Of course today is an office day (i.e. I'm not going to see a single person outside my eight co-workers and my tailor this afternoon) so I'm not going to stress too much about not being 100% thrilled with this outfit. I did get several comments from co-workers again so either I'm doing a better job at this fashion thing than I'm giving myself credit for or my fashion missteps are providing them with great amusement and they are encouraging me to continue. In any event, I like getting compliments so I really don't care what their motivation is! And there's always tomorrow!

Court Hearing: What I Wore and Some Dressing Room Reviews

I finally remembered which blogger had worn my new Anthropologie blouse (called the Reverie Top) and made me want to own it! It was Tien over at Adiaphane! She paired it with a pretty cardigan and I thought to myself, "Hey, I can do that!"

And today, I did do that! I styled this outfit yesterday and so fell in love with it that I decided to wear it right away. Yup, I may still be on the fence about the Free Flow Tank and the Beribboned Cardigan, but the Reverie Top has already earned a coveted spot in my closet. I cut off the tags and everything!

Top: Reverie Top, Anthropologie, size Medium

(no longer online but there were tons in my local store and on sale)

Cardigan: Crimpled Cardigan in grey (which definitely has a taupe feel),

Anthropologie, size Large (available here)

Pants: Wool/Cotton Modern Trouser in black, size 14

(similiar here in a new fit, Contour - I will have to look into this further)

Necklace: QVC, Joseph Esposito for Dimonique

Bracelets: Handmade by my sister-in-law

Boots: Nine West, size 9.5

In even more exciting news, I got a compliment from a total stranger on my pretty Reverie blouse. I also got what I wanted in court and didn't even have to have a hearing (although I did get to strut around the courthouse feeling adorable for more than two hours before my hearing got called off). AND I discovered that I can edit posts on my iPhone just by emailing them to myself. What a great day!

In other blogging news, today Roxy posted her review of the Vanilla Bean Blouse. I tried that on yesterday too so I figured I'd share my picture and thoughts. I'm also posting my picture and review of the Balletomane Tank because ya know it's Monday and I figured you all might need a laugh to start off the week.

Balletomane Tank - this was just a nightmare on me although I must say that the picture is not nearly as bad as it was in real life. I tried on a size Medium which typically works for me as I've got nothing on top. The fit was fine but the ruffles made it look like I had an enormous droopy chest. Perhaps if it was a true empire waist, it could have worked but the loosey gooseyness of the fabric was not doing me any favors. Boo because this top is really pretty.

The Vanilla Bean Blouse was better. This is a size 8 which fit fine. I asked if there was a 10 in the store for comparison purposes, but unfortunately there wasn't. As you can see, despite being two layers the top is still relatively sheer (Why, hello there, bright white belly!) The sash is also a bit of an annoyance. It's not tacked down anywhere so it really doesn't sit nicely (you can see where it is twisting up near where I tied the bow). And then of course there is the near outrageous $128 price tag for polyester. For now, I'll pass, but I'd reconsider when/if this baby hits the sale rack.


So it's Monday night which means sale day tomorrow at Anthropologie. I'm really really hoping that some of yesterday's purchases are discounted (although I'm hearing that they are relatively new items). In my mind though, I've convinced myself that I only spent $40 on them because I returned $140 worth of stuff when I walked in the store and then I got the $50 price adjustment on the Swirling Villages, Surplice dress so that's $190. My total yesterday at the store was $230 (eeek) so $230 minus $190 equals $40.

*Edit* AND I just remembered that I still need to return the Ice Capped Blouse so essentially Anthropologie is paying me $30 to keep these two tops, right? Right.

Ah now I feel much better!

Shopping Successes: Anthropologie

We are one of the few houses on our street that have a mailbox right outside our front door. Everyone else has a mailbox at the end of their driveway. I have a feeling that our mailman hates us already (he habitually leaves nasty notes on our mail when we've not snow plowed the .25 inch dusting of snow on our driveway), but I don't think the last few weeks of my incessant shopping activities are helping matters much. Now, not only does he have to walk to our front door carrying our regular mail, but he's having to carry packages nearly every day - sometimes two packages! And sometimes those packages weigh as much as 4 pounds! I'm hoping this is the straw that breaks the camel's back and he decides to retire because I hate him as much as he seems to hate us (When I'm running in the neighborhood and see him, I always wave; not only does he not wave back, but he actively looks away from me!)

In any event, the deluge of packages arriving at our house recently has truly been epic. I think I am singlehandedly keeping the cardboard box industry in business and I wouldn't be surprised if President Obama shows up at my doorstep soon wanting to hold a press conference at the home of the woman who has restarted the economy all by her little old self.

In the past three days, I've received two Anthropologie orders, a Banana Republic order and my limited edition Roger Taylor CD (see full review of that coming on Friday!).

My first voyage into Anthropologie has definitely been a success. Over the course of two orders (kicking myself for not doing it all at once and having to pay shipping twice! Ugh!), I have decided to keep four things.  These two things are going back:

There's nothing wrong with either of these items. The Midnight Squall skirt fits really well (I'm wearing a size 12 here) and I will admit briefly flirting with the idea of keeping it. Then it occurred to me that I live in a society where shirts are encouraged, if not completely necessary. That's where the problem arose. I could not for the life of me find a single shirt in my closet that coordinated with this skirt. Yes, I'm wearing a white blouse here and it looks find, but it seems a little ridiculous to spend $80 on a skirt that I can only pair with one type of top. From the looks of it on the Anthro site, this is a popular style skirt (it's available in like five colors and patterns) so I can certainly revisit the skirt at a later date.

This skirt is a whole different story. So much so that I didn't even bother taking a single picture of myself in it! I have a tulip skirt already from Banana Republic and despite my extreme hippiness, I like it a lot. The cut of this skirt, however, wasn't nearly as flattering on me. I think the difference is that this is more of a bubble hem rather than a tulip one. I felt a little like Violet from Willy Wonka - ready to be wheeled away to the blueberry (or in my case raspberry) juicing room. The waist was a bit tight (I ordered the 12) but I was trying to wear the skirt a bit lower on my waist (to get a little extra length - man, this was short!) When I pulled it up to my real waist, it was fine, but um sitting down or bending over or really any type of moving would have been a serious issue. I had spotted this when it was on sale for $99, the next day it went down to $49 so I figured I'd give it a try, but at the end it's just not going to work for me.

On a happier note, there were several Anthro success stories this week. I decided to keep the Forever Garden tee and the Crimpled Cardigan I also made the executive decision that I love the Swirling Villages, Surplice dress and made an appointment with my tailor on Tuesday for her to reline it.

I also am keeping the Grand Slam Bracelet which was only $10 and short of setting my wrist on fire, I knew I was going to make it work. In person, it's nice. A little smaller than I was expecting actually, but it's definitely pretty. I already have big plans for this baby for my father-in-law's wedding in March.

So off I went to Anthropologie this afternoon to make my returns. I should have made a sharp left away from the register and towards the front door, but instead I went right, further into the store! Eeek! I'd seen a few lovelies online that I was dying to try on in person (especially since I realized that Anthro does not refund shipping charges - I definitely need to get more comfortable with going to the store itself).

I grabbed the Free Flow Tank just for kicks. It seems like just about every blogger I read has this tank and it looks so cute on them (see Kim at Anthroholic, Chloe at The Chloe Conspiracy, and Amy at kelinda.Kelinda). I didn't really have high hopes for it since Roxy at Effortless Anthro didn't like it and I'm more her shape than Kim, Chloe, or Amy, but what the heck, let's go for it.

Ack I loved it. Double ack - I bought it in size Large! I'm definitely holding off on wearing it until the 14 day price adjustment period ends and until then I'll be doing a little sale dance every Monday night, but I really think this tank is cute and totally appropriate for work or play.

I also splurged and got the Beribboned Buds Cardi, size Medium. I have a cardigan the exact same color as this, but it's from 2004 and a size XL. I don't think I've even considered wearing it in three years. Once the 14 day price adjustment period passes on this baby and I decide to keep it, that old cardigan is going in the donation pile.

Then as I should have been heading directly to the register for the second time, I took another detour: to the sale room! Oh what a glorious place. I found the Snowscape Tank (sadly no longer available online and even more sadly, not available in store in size 10) and this (which I can't find online and can't for the life of me which blogger wore it with a pretty Jackie J. Crew cardigan. Help me!)

 

I am loving this top. I got it in a size Medium and it fits perfectly. It is snug around the bust and flows out nicely from the empire waist. *Sigh* Perfection. And on sale for $49. I bought it. I like the blouse with the Crimpled Cardigan so much I'm wearing it today - it's a big day after all since I have a hearing scheduled!

 

However, my love this this top has sadly made me realize something else: the Ice Capped Blouse is too big. There is at least an extra 1-2 inches of fabric along the bust. I sized up to a 14 because online reviews indicated that this ran a bit snug. I think I definitely could have used a 12 (or even a 10). The more I look at the two outfits I styled using this blouse, I could wear either the Free Flow Tank or the unnamed tank discussed above with the same desired effect. I briefly toyed with the idea of taking the blouse to the tailor with me on Tuesday, but I can't imagine tulle is an easy fabric to work with so I might just end up with a big ole' mess for $70+ (depending on the cost of alterations). I don't think this one was meant to be.

So I'm feeling pretty good about Anthropologie as an option for clothing at this point. I've had great success with them for online purchases, price adjustments and now in store shopping. The sales girls were really nice (although I was briefly completely confused when a different sales girl knew my name until I realized it was written on the fitting room door. Oooh they're tricky when they are so nice to you and the next thing you know, you've spent your rent money on cardigans!

Once I return the Ice-Capped Blouse and get the Swirling Villages, Surplice dress tailored, I'm definitely on probation from even thinking about Anthropologie (aside from doing my price adjustment sales dance) for at least a few weeks. They've already gotten me (and my wallet) into quite a bit of trouble!

33 Degrees and Sunny: What I Wore

One of the biggest issues for runners is what to wear on a run. In the summer, it's relatively easy. When it is 900 degrees outside and humid (as it tends to be for most of the summer where I live), the goal is simply to wear as little as possible while still abiding by any community decency standards.

In the winter things get a little trickier. My biggest dilemma is always: is it cool enough for long sleeves? Trust me, folks, there is nothing more miserable than setting out on a 2 hour run only to discover halfway through that it is still too hot for your long sleeved shirt and you aren't wearing a tank top underneath so you can't take the long sleeved shirt off. Oh the misery!

So yesterday I ran 7 miles. I started my run around 12:30 p.m. (meant to head out earlier but the mailman showed up unexpectedly early with two packages! *Squee!*). When I left the house, the thermostat on my Husband's computer said 33 degrees. When I got home, it said 38 degrees. It was a really bright and sunny day, no wind or rain.

So what did I wear?

Sports bra, Addidas, size Medium (similiar available here)

Tank top, Nike, size Large (similiar available here)

Long sleeve top, Nike, size Large (similiar available here)

Vest, L.L. Bean, size Medium (available here - um for $22? I might pick up a few more right now! I love this thing!)

Gloves, Nike (similiar available here)

Headband, Nike (similiar available here)

Pants, Nike, size Large (similiar available here)

Socks, Smart Wool, size Large (available here)

Shoes, Nike Air Zoom Vomero 3, size 11 (always size up at least 1 full size in running shoes) (updated model available here - and on sale!)

Insoles, Green Superfeet (available here)

Everything I run in is the special wicking material fabric. Yes, it is more expensive, but you really do notice a difference. I have gone running in snowstorms and all sorts of other horrible weather and I come home nice and dry with no blisters (there is nothing worse than running in wet conditions in regular socks - eek!) I got most of this stuff at Marshall's or the Dick's Sporting Goods clearance rack. Just shop off season and stock up for the next year.

You also might think I'm wearing not enough clothing for 33 degree weather. That's a personal preference. I have three layers on my core which is more than enough to keep me warm along with my gloves and headband. On really chilly days when I do wear a long sleeved jacket, the sleeves usually end up annoying me more than they are actually keeping me warm. Remember also though your body temperature will rise approximately 20 degrees during a run so dress like it is 20 degrees warmer than it is. Sure, you'll be a little frosty that first mile, but eventually you'll be glad you left your enormous winter coat at home.

Like I said before, though, this is total trial and error so don't be afraid to play around with it!

Happy running!

Court and a Home Visit: What I Wore

My thing with getting new clothes is that I'm so excited to wear them the first time that I want it to be for a really "special occasion". I look at a pretty new thing in my closet and say, "I can't wear that today. I'm just going to be sitting in my office," or even, "Yeah I'm going to court, but only for a status conference. I want to wear this for the first time to a trial." So for me to bust something out of the closet the first time is a relatively big deal.

After my recent splurge and return spree at Ann Taylor, I was left with quite a few new items just begging to be worn. Some are more spring appropriate, but others could definitely work with some layers in the cold cold New England winter. Yesterday, I bit the bullet, cut off some tags (which I never do until I'm halfway out the door wearing the item for the first time) and wore this.

Blouse: Ann Taylor, size Medium (available here)
Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft, size Medium (purchased last spring)
Belt: Target, size Large (for $12)
Pants: Ann Taylor, size 12 long (part of a suit, purchased winter 2008)
Shoes: Ann Taylor, size 9 (for $35!?!?)

I got to the office and by 10am had received three compliments on my blouse. I had been pretty excited about it already but that definitely sealed the deal. The even more exciting news is that I made it through the whole day in my shoes (which are more than a 4 inch heel - I'm 5'8" already, but I don't care how much of a giant the shoes make me. They also make my legs looks freakin' long and skinny which is my main reason for living). The only outfit fail for the day was my Assets undergarment which started out fine, but after removing it like 8 times to go to the bathroom was all stretched out around my torso. So much for sizing up (I had purchased the 4 so next time will get the 3). I also might just go for broke and get the real thing (Spanx with the *ahem* gusseted crotch).

All in all, an outfit success. Now I just need to figure out what to wear on Monday which is a "real" court day so I get to go all out! Will today's Anthro arrivals play a role in the ensemble?

Mally Make-up Review

I used my new Mally make-up kit yesterday morning and figured I'd write out a quick review.

The sampler kit I got is no longer available on the website. I'm not surprised it sold out. They were pushing it really heavily all weekend and seriously for $25, how could I not order it? "Very easily," my husband would say. Be quiet, you!

The kit contains: a mini-mascara, a mini-lipgloss, a mini-eyepencil, and a full sized dual eye compact.

First impressions? The eye compact is nice. It has a nice wide mirror that I can actually see a good portion of my face in. The mini sizes are relatively big. It all came packaged in a pretty pink box (which I'm a sucker for). I'm definitely pleased with the amount of make-up I got for under $30 (remember I did pay like $5 shipping - bah!)

So here I am without any make-up on:

Here I am with my Mally make-up on - please ignore the hair towel. My hair insists that I follow a really specific series of steps when I'm styling it each morning and even photos being posted online cannot deviate from that process:

The eyeliner was really nice. It literally melted onto my eyelid. No tugging or pulling at all. The shade is midnight which is a really dark blue. Normally I stick to traditional browns and blacks with eyeliners, but this isn't totally outrageous so I can deal with it. There was a minor moment of panic initially when I couldn't get the top off, but I finally gave it a little bit of a twist and it slide right off. Crisis averted.

The eye primer and eye shadow seem nice. They are nice big sizes and I really like the compact they come in. I didn't have to use much of either product so I can see this lasting a long time. I can't remember the last time I only used one eye shadow though so I couldn't stop myself from doing a little bit of highlighter (this in Sugar Sugar) along my brow bone and in my tear ducts. Mally sells a product that does similiar highlighting so I'm sure she would approve.

The mascara is really nice. Mally claims that she used to spend hours recreating this look before she invented this mascara. Now, I don't know if I buy that, but I will say that the mascara made my lashes (which are already relatively dark and thick) look pretty darn good. I also didn't have any issues with the mascara clumping off during the day and rendering me blind (which frequently happens when I wear mascara and is one of the reasons why I rarely wear it).

The lipstick is a nice muted pink shade and smells really tasty (I can't put my finger on exactly what it is though). The applicator is a pointed brush so you can use it to line your lips and then fill in the color. I liked the color on but it does tend to come off relatively quickly. By lunch I had already reapplied three times. I guess with a larger size, I wouldn't mind so much but with this mini, I was afraid that the lipstick would be gone at the end of one day! It's still a cute size and a nice color so I'll keep it in my make-up bag for mid-afternoon touch-ups.

So writing the last section about the lipstick coming off made me wonder - what about the rest of the make-up? Mally famously puts eyeliner on her hand and then rubs it furiously, claiming that it won't come off until you take it off. We'll see about that.

This picture was taken at the end of the day. The mascara held up really well (and didn't get in my eye once all day!). The shadow is still there but is covered up by the enormous smear across my eyelid that was my eyeliner. Now, I will admit that I am traditionally very heavy handed with eyeliner and this happens to me pretty much every day. I note, however, that more actual liner appears to have stayed where I put it than usual so that's a good thing. On my next attempt, I'm going to have to use a lighter touch to apply this stuff lest it end up all over my face by the end of the day.

Overall impression? It's a cute kit which I'll definitely keep. If I was a regular mascara user, I'd definitely pick up a full size (and I might become a regular mascara user after today's experience!) I'll probably pass on Mally lipsticks unless she comes up with a longer lasting formula. Eyeliner and shadow are something I could really see myself interested in. I'll give it a few more days of use will determine if I'm ready to make a bigger investment when my current Clinique shades run out.

I intend to spend the morning playing with my new Anthro purchases. If I can't make them into three outfits, they are going back. Last night I had a dream that I returned the cardigan and I wasn't too torn up about that so we'll see how this all plays out.