Ann Taylor Shoe Sale (plus additional 30% off!)

I've blogged before about how much I adore Ann Taylor shoes. Yes, they are expensive, but they are 100% leather and shockingly comfortable (for 3+ inch heels).

Now selected Ann Taylor shoes are on sale for $99.50 (down from anywhere between $145-$198 so huge savings!) and because I'm super sneaky and always looking for the best deal, use the promo code "EBATES30" to get an additional 30% off. You have to spend $100+ to use the promo code, but it works on the shoes too (even though they technically aren't full priced!)

Personally, I'm having a hard time deciding between these, these, and these. Eeek! What to do - I want them all!

Running Essentials: L.L. Bean vest

Ooooh I love this vest. Seriously, it might be illegal in some states how much I love this vest.  I first got it for my birthday in June 2008. So into my closet it went for nearly six months while I waited for the temperature to drop enough for me to wear it.

Finally, it did and ohmygosh most amazing article of clothing ever. It's got tons of pockets for my iPhone, tissues, extra gloves, keys, anything. And the fit - oh the fit. I buy this vest in size Medium and it fits me absolutely perfectly - as if the L.L. Bean designers snuck into my room, measured me, and then designed the vest with my measurements in mind. It fits nice and snug but not too tight. I've got plenty of room to breathe and move. It's made of wicking fabric so it pulls the sweat and moisture away from your body while you run and since it is a fleece material, it also keeps me snuggly warm!

Typically I layer this vest over a long sleeved technical t-shirt. If it's raining, I put on my Nike rain windbreaker (similiar here - I got mine off the Dick Sporting Goods clearance rack in January 2008) which provides no warmth but does provide extra protection from the elements.

Over the summer, during my vacation to Alaska, I wore my vest over a tank top for extra core warmth during a mountain hike. See - it's versatile too! (This is just one of three photos of me with animal statutes in Sitka, Alaska - oh I do amuse myself!)

I asked for, and received, a second vest for Christmas this past year (in Tidal Teal - pretty pretty!) then a few weeks later I noticed that the vest was on sale for $22 each! I snagged two more immediately (in Black and Meadow Violet). The next day the price was back up to $39 so somebody running the website must have messed up big time - hehehe not before I got two new vests though!

Of course for serious cold weather running (I'd say anything below freezing), you should definitely invest in a running jacket (mine is similiar to this), but for less frigid days, this vest is absolute perfection!

Happy Running!

Anthro Reviews and Body Image Introspective

So first off, I decided to go ahead and post the outfit that I did not wear yesterday. The point is to discuss the mixing of patterns, not the fact that I'm not wearing shoes. Or the fact that I look like total crap from the neck up after a full day at two different courthouses, including finally completing the neverending trial (which began back in December '08). Sometimes I look at the picture and it seems to work and other times I think, "Woman, have you gone blind?" Opinions?

Check out my guest post over at Roxy's blog where I reviewed the Fragrant Valley Dress, the State Fair Dress (which I keep wanting to call the State FARM Dress), the Vittorio Epaulette Tank, the Followspot Tank (*shudders*), the Magnified Geranium Blouse, and the Skybound Button Up (which I bought!)

Lots of people have commented about the Followspot Tank which is so so pretty and yet looks so so awful on me. The general idea is that I'm pretty brave for posting the picture online (especially on Roxy's blog which has many many more daily readers than I could ever dream of!) I have to be honest: a few years ago, I wouldn't have posted this photo online.

But I'm happy to say that I've reached a point in my life where I'm happy with my body. I run 15-25 miles a week and do yoga. I eat ice cream. I eat lots of ice cream. About six years ago, I was a size 6 on top and 10 on the bottom. I exercised constantly and lived on salads and salmon. Life wasn't particularly fun.

I was also still pear shaped and I've come to accept that I'll always be. No matter how little I eat or how much I exercise, my bottom half is never going to be smaller than a 10 so why freak out about it?

And you know what? This blouse looking so freakish on me (like a funhouse mirror as RedLeslie said and I completely agree!) is just that: the blouse looks freakish on me. It's not a commentary on me or my body. Obviously I have looked nice in clothes before and I will look nice in clothes again, but this particular blouse just didn't work on me. There's no reason for me to be embarassed or upset about that (other than the fact that the blouse is really pretty!)

In my mind, my willingness to post these pictures of me not necessarily looking 100% awesome will help other people learn to love and accept their bodies too. Someone who is a size 0 doesn't look great in everything she tries on so why should us size 8+ girls expect that we should! It's crazy!

On to more reviews (of things that I am pleased to report looked slightly better on me)!

Botany Lesson Tank ($68), size Medium

I actually tried on this top with two separate bottoms to give it the benefit of the doubt. First, I had on the Alena Skirt, which flared out quite a bit (and frankly did my hips no favors). The extra fabric of the skirt was making the bottom of this tank flare out as well so I put pants on to see if that made a difference. It did, but only slightly. This top is a t-shirt which means lightweight t-shirt material. The lack of structure around the bottom of the top makes me look a little bulky. It also seemed a bit on the big side to me - usually a Medium is much more fitted than this on me. It's not really the kind of top that I'd tuck in (because of the pretty pattern on the bottom) so if it doesn't work untucked, it's really not going to work. This and the Followspot Tank are about the same length which is just a bit too long for me. Too bad because I was excited about this tank when I first saw it online. Very pretty but not for me.

Blue Book Blouse ($68), size 12

This blouse came in two color choices - white with a light blue pinstripe and a cornflower blue with a navy pinstripe. Because I am physically incapable of buying blouses in any color besides white, I tried that one on. No 10 available so I grabbed the 12 which fit fine. The blouse itself is pretty sheer and I'd need a white or nude tank to wear underneath, but that's not a huge deal. The ruffles are subtle and the princess seams give the blouse a nice shape. This blouse was a little long for me to imagine wearing untucked (but I rarely untuck blouses anyway), but the length would be perfect to tuck into a skirt or pants for work. Overall, I did think this was a pretty blouse that looked nice on, but since it is a work "staple" I didn't want to buy it before evaluating what I already have. It's on my wish list.

Shoofly Trench ($198), size 10

Since there was no Two Paths Trench available to try on, I grabbed the Shoofly Trench for sizing purposes. The 10 fit me perfectly so that's what I ordered in the Two Paths Trench. I liked this trench on, but it seemed a little plain for $200. The belt was also really short (only 2-3 inches excess to buckle). The material is a nice weight and I could see getting away with this well into the New England fall. I'm a total sucker for jackets with a belt or cinched waist because that's the smallest part of me - if it has a belt, I'm probably going to like it so I did really like this. I'd consider it if the Two Paths Trench is a nightmare on, but the details on this are a little boring for my taste.

Blooming Sapphire Wrap Dress ($148), size 8

The largest size my store had was an 8 so I grabbed it since the skirt seemed relatively full. This dress has a lot of interior structure going on to keep the wrap closed - there are buttons and a wrap that tucks through the side and stretches around the back. I wasn't able to get the buttons fastened so I just have the dress tied in these pictures - I definitely would have needed the 10 if I wanted to buy this one. This dress was a little weird for me - the bottom was bulky and then the surplice top was small. That's terribly unusual for me - if anything the bottom is tight and the top is big. The front was also really low cut - I don't know how much difference being able to button the buttons would have made. This dress is very pretty but I wasn't in love.

So I ordered the Drifting By Dress and Two Paths Trench on Friday (and I may or may not have thrown in the Blooming Brushworks Cardigan). See what free shipping does to me? I lose my freakin' mind and start ordering stuff like a crazy person. Ann Taylor, take note!

I have visions of wearing the Drifting by Dress to afternoon tea at my father-in-law's wedding weekend in a few weeks so I'm hoping it works. When my purchases arrive, I'll put up some reviews!

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Challenge Day 5: Victory!: What I Wore

Today, I got a little bit ahead of myself. I knew I wanted to wear my pretty little Field of Fancy blouse because it's my most interesting pattern.

Then I had visions of wearing it with my black/white paisley skirt because Stacy and Clinton said once that you can mix bold patterns if they are in the same color palate.

So I put on my Field of Fancy blouse and my paisley skirt. Then I looked in the mirror...and I chickened out.

Field of Fancy Blouse, Anthropologie, size 8 (on sale here)

Black Cami, Loft, size Medium (from spring 2009)

Beribboned Buds Cardi, Anthropologie, size Medium (available here)

Skirt, Ann Taylor tweed, size 14 (from fall 2009)

Earrings, Kohls

Bracelets, Kohls (20 for $11)

Necklace, QVC (available here)

Stockings, Hanes

Shoes, Naturalizer, size 9

Last night I was worried that I had fallen out of love with my Field of Fancy Blouse, but today I realize that's crazy talk! Oh I love it and I can't wait to get some new pretty summer cardigans to wear over it!

I'm feeling okay about the results of the challenge - I didn't wear anything too crazy, but I did get more used to the idea of patterns which was the whole point. My next pattern challenge will be straight up mixing and matching patterns (and I'll be brave and actually do it this time!)

In honor of my victory, I treated myself to the Skybound Button Up (which I'll keep if I get a PA) - now, people, give me ideas on how to wear it!

Back to square one!

Queen Songs of the Week: Drowse, I'm In Love With My Car, and Other Songs in 6/8 Time

Ah did you think I'd forgotten about the Queen Song of the Day? No, no sillies - I could never forget about my Queen boys...er...my boys in Queen.

Occasionally, two of my three latest obsessions converge and create absolute greatness. For example, shopping for running gear. Or running while listening to Queen music. Here, we have what can only be described as the Obsessions Trifecta - Queen related things that can be purchased for use during running. Did your head just explode? Yeah, I thought so.

I go through periods of running with and without music. Sometimes the thought of not taking my iPhone with me is absolutely horrific and just as often the thought of bringing it along makes me ill. After running in silence through the fall of 2009, I started bringing the iPhone with me again around Christmas-time fully stocked with Queen and Roger Taylor solo songs.

As I ran, I began to notice that there were a few songs that naturally seemed to mimic my pace. This is crucial when running - if the tempo of a song is too fast or too slow, your body tries to compensate and you end up going the wrong pace. For an easy run, my recommended pace is about 11:30 per mile. Sure, that seems slow, but the point of an easy run is that it's...well...easy. So I trot off for 5 miles or so at a 11:30 per mile pace and the idea is come race time, I'll be able to run much faster (this does actually work - I ran my last 10K at a pace of about 10:30 per mile and I never do my training runs that fast).

Anyway, I digress. So some of these songs were naturally mimicking my pace. The songs were Drowse and I'm In Love With My Car. They soon became my favorite easy run songs and when I felt myself getting a little carried away with my pace, I'd put one of these two songs on to get myself back on track. In the interest of full disclosure, yes both of these songs are written and sung by RT; however, I felt pretty confident that this wasn't the reason why I so enjoyed running to these songs (because I've got his solo songs on my workout mix and didn't feel the same way about them).

Onto the songs, which are actually both two of my favorite and the impetus for me checking out RT's solo stuff.

Drowse is from the album A Day at the Races, originally released in 1976. RT wrote and sang lead on this song. The lyrics of Drowse are especially strong (especially for RT) as they reflect on youth and better days lost. Dr. May plays the slide guitar but RT tackles the rhythm guitar, drums, and vocals on his own. I especially like the two segments of this song with the first two verses sung in a high falsetto and then a more rock end of the song. Unfortunately, this is not a song that RT performs live (even way back in the day) - I would love to hear his interpretation of this song now (and made a special request that he play it in the question I submitted via the Queen Online website a few weeks ago). *fingers crossed!*

I'm In Love With My Car is from the album A Night at the Opera, originally released in 1975. RT wrote and sang lead on this song which to this day remains a favorite for him to play in concert. Originally when RT pitched this song, Dr. May thought he was joking. RT so much liked this song that he alledgedly threatened to lock himself in a cupboard until Freddie Mercury agreed to make it the B side to Bohemian Rhapsody. This song is a perfect example of RT as a songwriter: growling (almost shouting) vocals mixed with high notes (using both falsetto and his chest voice), great drums (which he manages to play while singing!), and tell-it-like-it-is lyrics ("Told my girl I had to forget her. I'd rather buy me a new carburetor.")

This song is also a great reflection of the fact that RT's voice remains in top form to this day. This version of the song is from the Queen Rock Montreal Blu Ray filmed in 1981. This version is from the Queen + Paul Rodgers 2008 tour. Recorded 27 years apart and RT's voice still sounds just like it did when he first recorded the song in 1976. (And for anyone interested in bloopers - check out this version. Poor RT forgets the words and Freddie Mercury has to help him out.)

Back to the trifecta...

I did a little bit of research and discovered that they are both written in 6/8 time. Now I know absolutely nothing about music, but I have at times in my life had flashes of musical brilliance regarding beat. I subconsciously pick up on things like whether the song's time is unusual or different when most people just listen to the song itself. 6/8 time is relatively unusual for a rock band to use, but, for some reason, it really worked for Queen and quite a few of their songs were written in 6/8 time. So armed with this information, I can now shop for more Queen songs written in 6/8 time that I can use for running!

Other 6/8 Queen songs:
A Winter's Tale
Somebody to Love
We are the Champions (I refuse to link this. You've all heard it.)
Millionaire Waltz (some portions)

I own some of these but am very much looking forward to purchasing the rest. The obsessions trifecta indeed!

Happy Listening!
and
Happy Running!
and
Happy Shopping!

Challenge Day 4: Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire: What I Wore

I clearly need a vacation. The past two days I have resorted to children's songs for my post titles. We're going to Florida in a few weeks for father-in-law's wedding, but Husband claims that since there are so many activities planned, that's not a vacation.

I disagree.

I'm going on a plane to a location that is hopefully warmer than 60 degrees. That, my friends, is a vacation.

So why is the title of my post today a children's song? More specifically, why is the title of my post "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire"?

I present today's outfit.

Blouse, Ann Taylor Loft, size Medium (from spring 2009)

Jacket, Ann Taylor Loft, size 10 (snagged on sale after Christmas for $14!)

Pants, Ann Taylor Loft, size 14 (from winter 2009)

Shoes, Ann Taylor, size 9 (scored for $40 - originally $175!)

Earrings, Kohls

Necklace, Banana Republic

I'm a liar because I'm not actually wearing these shoes today. I put them on for the picture then looked outside and thought, "Oh but it's still raining...and my feet already hurt...and wah wah wah." So I took them off and put on my winter boots. I didn't even bring the shoes to the office with me under the guise of wearing them if I have to go somewhere later - nope, today's What I Wore is 25% complete shennanigans and I'm not afraid to admit that. (Actually the percentage is probably higher because I took the picture before I put on my Kohls earrings and my Banana Republic necklace so don't squint hard to see those things - they aren't actually in the picture.)

Oh the deception!

But I did wear a pattern today so at least I'm staying honest when it comes to the challenge! I got this blouse to wear on my Alaskan cruise last summer and I love it - there are tons of colors and it matches about a thousand cardigans that I already own (as well as some that I expect to own soon, i.e. the Blooming Lattice Cardigan...in both colors!)

The pants have a subtle chocolate pinstripe. I originally tried on the jacket and pants together - my mom said, "No, that doesn't match!" I thought it kind of did so I'm trying it out today. They are both basically neutrals so I think I'm fine.

Tomorrow is Challenge Day 5 and I'm going to attempt something completely insane - the mixing of patterns!

Hold onto your hats, folks!

Seriously, Anthropologie - Stop It!

More new arrivals. Should I just ask my boss to mail my paycheck directly to Anthropologie from now on?

The Blooms Adrift Top is adorable - I think I am just a sucker for criss-cross necklines. They are so flattering! This top is probably a little too similiar to my Forever Garden Tee to justify me purchasing, but a girl can look, can't she?

Followspot Tank - Anthro is really bringing out the big guns here: ruffles, polka dots, and multi-colored. Get out of my head, Anthropologie!

Tonal Gingham Dress - so yesterday I had convinced myself that the Drifting By Dress was going to be my go-to summer dress and today Anthro counteroffers with this little lovely. Tiering, ruffles, two-toned, criss-cross top? Well played, Anthropologie. Well played.

The one bit of happy news is that Husband remembered my undying love for the How I Met Your Mother Burberry trench (and he also remembered the hefty price tag) so he has authorized me to try it on and purchase this little pretty this weekend! Yay Husband! Yay Two Paths Trench!

You will be mine. Oh yes, you will be mine!

Challenge Day 3: Rain, Rain Go Away: What I Wore

I lived in NYC for four years and one of the things that I really missed during that time was snow. Sure it snows in NYC, but this is typically what happens:

1) The weather report starts to rumble with forecasts of snow.

2) My friends and I would turn on Apocolyptic weatherman Sam Champion (formerly of the local ABC affiliate in NYC and currently of Good Morning America, but in any event, not an actual meteorologist) because inevitably he would tell us all to fill our cupboards with soup and pasta because odds are, we were not leaving our apartments for a solid three months.

3) We'd all go to bed, dreaming of cancelled classes, and wake to sidewalks that had already been cleared, roads that had already been plowed, and approximately 2 inches of actual snow (visible only in the large planters located in the middle of sidewalks throughout the City).

And we'd awake to slush and puddles everywhere.

Today, folks, I feel like I'm living in NYC all over again.

I wore pants in snow which I never do, but I'm committed to my pattern challenge and these pants have a subtle pattern. I had to do it! I'm glad I remembered to take a picture before work because right now, my pant legs are soaking wet about six inches up my leg. Nice.

Sweater, Charter Club at Macy's, size Medium (be sure to try this brand on; the sizing is not consistent)

Pants, Ann Taylor, size 12 (from fall 2007)

Boots, Nine West, size 9.5

Earrings, Kohls

Today is a more reserved exploration of patterns. My pants have a windowpane pattern (which Ann Taylor calls brown, but looks black to me). My sweater is argyle which counts as a pattern (for me at least).

I'm going to check the weather report and see if this misery is getting any worse because if so, I'm busting out of here.

Considering the weather, I think I should get points for effort. I could have mailed it in completely, stayed home, and claimed that the puppy dog pattern on my pajamas counts towards my challenge.
 
Let's call today a draw.

New Arrivals: Anthropologie, You Are Actually Killing Me!

So the new catalog is out and holy crap - I want everything in it! This is not boding well for Husband's request that I cool it on the shopping (but we're getting our tax refund soon - I should use that money to stimulate the economy! Obama, tell Husband!)

The entire blogging world has gone insane over the Two Paths Trench (a very reasonable $188, if I so say so myself) and I am no exception. It's a dead ringer for Robin's Burberry Trench from this season of How I Met Your Mother (and about 10% of the cost). *swoon* This one I may not be able to stop myself from buying because I really do need a trenchcoat.

I actually had to take a break from looking at the new dresses because there are so many that are so pretty!

Homeground Dress - oh so pretty! And so springy! I don't have a dress with orange and yellow flowers on it! And the cut of the dress is lovely - I have an Ann Taylor black and white floral dress that I just adore with a similiar cut. I must own this!

Fragrant Valley Dress - as much as I am absolutely in love with this dress (purple flowers? *dies*), I think it may be slightly impractical for my lifestyle. I could pair it with a cardi for work and it could be good for a fancier summer occasion, but it is a bit dressy for casual summerwear.

Drifting By Dress - this dress looks like my beloved Free Flow Tank met a skirt, fell in love and had babies. I'm a bit concerned about the color washing me out, but otherwise this dress is absolutely perfect for summertime!

Endless Chevrons Dress - the cut of this dress is probably all wrong for me (no tailored waist definition is rarely a good thing), but I love the pattern. Yes, people, the pattern! I'm growing!

Other new patterns driving me gaga?

Magnified Geranium Blouse - how pretty would this little baby be with a khaki skirt or capris? My next challenge is going to be unusual color combinations - what color cardigan would look cute over this?

Dissolving Spectrum Cardi - this looks like a pretty abstract painting that I would want to own, but instead I can wear it! I love all the colors in it and can already think of about ten shells I would wear underneath. This one is definitely getting tried on if I spot it in a store!

Twist and Flow Top - pretty floral pattern? Check. Purple? Check. Detatchable straps? Check.  *head explodes* They've paired this top with the Blooming Lattice Cardigan which really excites me - I might need to get these two little pretties as a set.

I've got some returns to make this weekend so I'll definitely be stalking these items - the minute I see any of them at my local store, all bets are off. And Anthro members are going to get free shipping on online orders too.

Anthropologie, you are bad. So very very bad!

Challenge Day 2: Under Pressure: What I Wore

Today is a pretty exciting day for me. I'm going to be a speaker at a training seminar for other attorneys that practice in my area of the law.

Yes, me. Eeek!

Originally another woman in my office had been asked to speak, but for personal reasons she had to bow out. When the training coordinator asked my boss who could take her place, my boss suggested me and the training coordinator didn't balk at the idea.

Needless to say, I am 79% excited and 82% terrified, but I did want to look absolutely smashing for the occasion.

Blouse, Ann Taylor, size Large (from fall 2008)

Sweater, Crimpled Cardigan, Anthropologie, size Large (on sale in stores)

Skirt, Scalloped Dot Skirt, Anthropologie, size 14 (on sale in stores)

Ribbed tights, Hue

Boots, Matisse, size 9

Necklaces, Kohls

Earrings, Kohls

Today I've done a subtle "mix" of patterns. The main pattern is obviously the adorable polka dots in the skirt (which I have already been complimented on!), but the blouse has a subtle black/white pattern as well. It's really only distinguishable close up though and at a normal distance (i.e. to someone who's not all up in my bizness), the blouse just looks grey. I know that I mixed two patterns though so that's the important part!

The training isn't until this afternoon so I have all morning to prepare and psych myself up (but not too much!) We're supposed to get more snow this afternoon so hopefully it holds off long enough for me to do my presentation and get home! I brought my snow boots just in case but unless it turns into the freakin' Day After Tomorrow outside, I'm wearing my heeled boots to the presentation.

Wish me luck!

Challenge Day 1: Spring Has Sprung: What I Wore

Spring is almost here (in my mind at least). The last few days the temperature has been 40 degrees or higher. Since New England has skipped right over any semblance of Spring or Fall temperatures for the last few years, I'm assuming that by the end of March, it's going to be around 85 degrees. That means technically spring is right around the corner (and yes, I am ignoring tomorrow's weather forecast which is snow...lots of it)

For Challenge Day 1, I busted out my Forever Garden Tee which I snagged on sale at Anthropologie. It was actually part of my first Anthro purchase ever a few weeks ago. So right there, I've successfully picked out a pattern to wear today.

Issue #1 - What to wear on the bottom?

Initially I thought perhaps I'd wear my Scalloped Dots Skirt with the Forever Garden Tee, but after holding them up together, that seemed like a mistake. The color pallate of the Tee is much more neutral and muted than the stark contrast of the black/white polka dots on the skirt. Fear not, though readers, the Scalloped Dots Skirt will be making an appearance later in the week!

I really wanted to wear a skirt (because ya know, it's spring and all and because the never-ending trial was on again and if I'm not wearing a suit I like to wear a skirt to seem more trial appropriate). I remembered my newly purchased Ann Taylor pencil skirt in a steel grey color. Perfect!

Issue #2: What to wear over the Forever Garden Tee?

So as much as I love my Forever Garden Tee, it is slightly big and the arm holes sit slightly low. Totally fine for regular summer wear but not so much for work. Now here is where I would typically get overwhelmed. What color cardigan or blazer do I layer here? Another pattern is just to crazy for Challenge Day 1 (and remember I only have one patterned cardigan) so I pulled out a Loft cardigan from last summer which is a different color than the skirt, but reflected in the pattern of the Tee.

Did I just pull two different colors out of a pattern to make an outfit?

Holy crap!

Tee, Forever Garden Tee from Anthropologie (on sale in stores - no longer online)

Cardigan, Ann Taylor Loft, size Medium (from summer 2009)

Skirt, Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt, size 14 (from earlier this year)

Stockings, Donna Karan in B2 (available here - these things are great and last many wears without a run)

Shoes, AK Anne Klein, size 9

Bracelets, Kohls (20 for $11)

Necklaces, one from Kohls and one purchased in India by a friend

Earrings, Kohls

I was a little lost when it came to choosing stockings and shoes. In my imagination, I would wear something saucy like Berry Bush Tights, but since I don't own them and this is only Day 1 of the challenge, I decided to play it safe.

The top half of this outfit will also play double duty tonight when I pair it with jeans to wear to the college basketball game that Husband and I are going to. I think that deserves bonus points!

Game on!

My Irrational Fear of Patterns...and a Challenge

I recently downloaded a new Application called "TouchCloset". My sister had recommended "My Style Fashion Assistant", but that costs money and I am too cheap to pay for iPhone applications, especially when there are more important things to spend money on like the Rushing Ruffles Dress.

Anyway, the point of these applications is that you take pictures of everything in your wardrobe and then can coordinate outfits and keep track of what you own and what you want need. For example, right now my handy little application tells me that I do not have a Recital Cardigan and I want need one.

What else has my new little application shown me? That I have a distinct lack of patterns in my wardrobe. Seriously. I have nine work skirts - two have a pattern (and they are both black and white). I have twelve cardigans - one has a pattern (and it's black and white). I have six button down shirts - five are white; one is black; no patterns. Need I continue?

Actually I appear to also have an obsession with black and white, but that's for another post.

I don't know what my problem with patterns is - I like patterns. I see patterns and want to buy them, but then I get anxious. I just don't know what to do with them once I have them so I admire them from afar. Here are some lovelies I'm currently dreaming about, but could never convince myself to buy.

The Brushworks Bloom Cardigan is pretty...and on sale. I could see wearing that with a black skirt...or black pants. And I could unbutton it and wear it over...eeek then I get overwhelmed. *deep breath* Baby steps, Kathleen. Baby steps.

The Spirited Stitches Cardigan is also on sale and slightly less adventurous, which could be a good way to ease myself into the world of patterns. But honestly, it might be playing things a little too safe.

And I have to admit being oddly attracted to the Skybound Button-Up. Did your head just explode? I thought it might - this button down has little birds printed on it. Birds. Remember I'm the girl with five white button down shirts. But then I think, "Could I wear this shirt underneath the Spirited Stitches Cardigan?" Or how about with my new Scalloped Dots Skirt?" Then my head explodes.

Back to the drawing board.

All that is going to change this week. I have been inspired by my sister over at The Square Root of Style and am issuing myself a challenge: this week, I will wear a pattern every single day.

Let the games begin...

Happy Birthday Alan Rickman!

Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely adore Alan Rickman. Well today is his 64th birthday!

Nearly everyone has seen Die Hard and the Harry Potter movies (he played Hans Gruber and Professor Severus Snape, respectively), but if you're interested in checking out some of my favorite less popular movies here's a short list:

Galaxy Quest (Alexander Dane/Dr. Lazarus) - absolutely hysterical parody of sci-fi conventions

Something the Lord Made (Dr. Alfred Blalock) - true story about the first attempt at open heart surgery and the underlying racial tension

The Search for John Gissing (John Gissing) - Alan as a grumpy and devious, but likeable man about to lose his job (but not if he can help it); a real dark comedy

Snow Cake (Alex) - I spent years trying to track this movie down (it had a very limited DVD release in the U.S.); it's a sweet story about friendship and loneliness

And everyone be sure to go see Alan Rickman in theaters on March 5 when Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is released (he plays the Caterpillar).

Happy Birthday, Alan Rickman!

If I Were...an Ice Dancer from the Netherlands

This is a new feature I thought I'd do. Sometimes an item is 99.9% perfect, but that last .1% renders the item completely unwearable.

That last .1% also frequently takes the item from nice article of clothing into a costume.

That said, if I were an ice dancer from the Netherlands, I would wear this dress every day.

It's beautiful - the pattern, the wrap style, the material (100% silk). As I carried it into the fitting room, I had visions of wearing it to work, to weddings, to garden parties that I would insist on being invited to. I kept looking at the tag thinking why was this dress originally only $78? It's stunning! And marked down to $39.95? Where do I sign?

So what's wrong with this dress that was so disasterous that it is not hanging in my closet as we speak.

Here's the bottom of the dress.

Now I'm tall - I realize that, but really Anthropologie? WTF? This dress is actually the length of a figure skating costume complete with the extra length of fabric down the one side (which I don't completely hate - I just wish the entire bottom of the dress was...oh, say...six four inches closer to the ground.)

I also don't think it is helping matters much that I wore stockings to work today so I've got that figure skater's shiny leg action going on as well.

Maybe I'm missing the whole point of this garment - is it a robe? Is it a beach cover-up? No - it must be a dress! It deserves to be a dress - it's so pretty! Tien over at adiaphane has something similiar that she says is a robe, but she's wearing it as a dress!

So if I was an Ice Dancer from the Netherlands (and I keep saying from the Netherlands because the brown and the floral makes me think of the Netherlands. And, no, I have never been to the Netherlands.), you would have to bribe me to take this dress off...ever. 

I would also wear it every day if I was about five feet tall (darn my tall father!) so if you are a shorter lady or an Ice Dancer from the Netherlands, run to your local Anthro to see if they have this dress in stock. It really is beautiful. Just not for me.

Queen font announcement

I have procured the Queen font. This is very cool and I'm sure it will bring me a tremendous amount of amusement! I have also figured out how to transfer said font onto my computer and from there into my blog which makes me basically a genius. 


You can download it here.

Shopping Success: Scalloped Dots Skirt

As I drove down my street this afternoon, I spotted the UPS truck.

"Could it be?" I thought. I hadn't been expecting my Anthropologie order until tomorrow but much to my delight, there it was tucked inside my screen door! Hurray for fast shipping!

So this is obviously not styled at all. I was so excited to try on my new skirt, I just threw it on with the sweater I wore to work. These shoes happened to be sitting in the room where I took the photo so I put them on.

Oh the Scalloped Dots Skirt is so pretty! And it's a lovely soft material too - it feels really nicely made and expensive. The tiers are very subtle, but the skirt is very fitted. It is fitted all along the top of the thigh and then continues to flare into a slight A-line. I'm glad I ordered the 12 and the 14 because I couldn't even get the 12 zipped (damn my infernal hips)!

I am already having illusions of wearing it next week either to my trial on Monday or on Tuesday when little ole me is going to be a speaker at an attorney training! Me!

The skirt isn't available online anymore but I saw several at my local Anthropologie (and most of us ordered it on Tuesday anyway so who am I kidding!)