Pics of the F21 order I blogged about

If you want purchase info on an item, let me know or click on the pic if the item is still available...

I love this chunky sweater. It doesn't look like the Jcrew sweater that I blogged about, but its way cheaper $27 i think, and it is almost just as soft. Fibers are snug. Bracelet doesn't get caught. It is chunky so as you can see, it makes you look a little bigger. If that bothers you... beware. bought a regular size small.

stock


irl



This jacket is kinda cute too, reminds me of the spiegel jacket done 1000 times better. It is actually navy blue, its a little sparkly and has embellishment on the sleeves and neckline. It is well made, no snags. Thick and heavy tweed like material. I got a small. Paid about $32

stock


irl

This Leopard Cardigan is also a hit. I sized up for this from small to medium and it fits great. I kinda think the trim on the sleeve may bother some because on the elastic on the sleeve the pattern is painted on so it stretched and separates when you actually wear the sweater. It doesn't really bother me. The price was only $23 and it comes in 2 colors.

stock

irl


This Rosette Sweater is OK. Its cute enough. I don't know if I love it or hate it. Size small cost $20
stock

irl


the other items are plain so I didn't take pics or review them in depth but if you have any questions about anything else you saw in that video, feel free to contact me.

J crew Marled Sweater and Dove Textured Bouquet tee Review

My J.Crew order came it. 2nd time is a charm. I love both items. I think sizing down from a small to an xsmall helped. They must do vanity sizing. My items were quality made, I have no complaints :)

The tee is cute. Thicker than a tissue tee, so I don't think I will be seeing holes in it anytime soon, and its feminine. If you don't want yours as tight as mine, I would probably get your regular size, don't size down like I did.

stock (click pic to buy). it comes in 2 colors, i got dove. retail $36.50
IRL pics


The sweater is so soft. If you are not an itchy sweater person, this is for you. It does have pockets at the waist so beware if you don't want the added bulk there that you will see in my pics. I like it because the fibers are knitted really tight to give a smooth finish so my tennis bracelet doesn't get caught on it.

stock pics, retails now for $104.40, click pic to buy
My pics



Both items are pricey but I got them with a code, so try and wait if you can for a code, Jcrew is stingy with them (on non sale items, and they are always only 20% off)

Anthropologie Gumshoe Sweatercoat Review, IRL Pics

Here is the stock pic

And here is my IRL pic. (i am sorry they are so dark,I will get the hang of this I hope) I think you can click em to make em bigger.


I thought I would love this coat when I saw it. Love at first sight. It is now listed on the site for $168 (a lot I know, Did I pay that much?). I ordered my typical size small. 1st up, this is a true sweater not a coat. It comes with an extra button (which I think you will need because the buttons seem like they will loosen with constant buttoning and unbuttoning).

The sweater looks too big for me and the ruffles are cute, but they are not $168 cute. I don't love this sweater enough to go thru the hassle of getting a size x-small so I am sending it back (maybe).

I think this would look lovely on a petite woman and I think that if you do decide you want it, I would say size down. It's actually getting a five out of five on the Anthropologie website. It was sold out at one point... I would only give it a 3.5 out of 4 and that is by price and fit.

Poll:What do yall think, Should I keep or Return?

f21 haul

Untitled from just me on Vimeo.

Gap IRL

I got a chance to try on my shearling hoodie and long and lean jeans.

About the jeans 1st. I have to say that the Gap 1969 jeans that are by far my favorite lower priced jeans.


They all fit like a dream. I am usually a size 2-4, mainly 4. With these all the size 2's fit awesome. I have the curvy ones already and the ones pictured are the long and lean. I am 5'4 with a 30" inseam so these are about 2 inches too long. I am trying to slowly get all the cuts except the skinny ones (i am over skinny jeans, have enough). I am going to hem all these jeans so that I can wear them with flats. Well except these, I might get another pair of long and leans and leave em as is to wear with heels. I recommend these jeans!

The next item up is this shearling hoodie purchased mainly because I am cold all the time. When I 1st opened it I was disappointed because the shearling didn't go into the inside sleeve area. I was pleasantly surprised though that the sleeves were double lined so they were thicker than the typical hoodie.


This hoodie gets a thumbs up from me also because it did what it was supposed to do. It instantly warmed me up. The shearling kept my core so warm that a couple times at work I had to peel it off, something I almost never have to do.

I got a small in this which is my usual and it fit perfect. I even had 2 thin shirts on underneath that I always wear (so i know that is not what was making me warm).

I purchased both items during the 30% off sale so try to catch em during a sale because I think that they may be a lil pricey for some regular priced.

Finally a IRL picture

I ordered this tweed jacket from spiegel (dont think i have ever ordered from them before) because I wanted a jacket that looked like a chanel.

I searched high and low and this is the one that i thought looked the best.

Embellished Tweed Jacket
Click the pic to take you directly to the website.

Instead I got this...

I look like a freaking grandma. And the "embellishment" is gaudy. Like I trimmed myself in xmas lights or something.

That sucker when right back in the mail today. It also is too big I am normally a small and this was ill fitting and would fit a medium more than likely.

Trust me, the one from F21 I blogged about before is the biznez and is also $100 cheaper.

I will try to do more reviews like this as I get products in so stay tuned.

I fake hate this time of year

The time where all the codes come out. All the good sales happen. How could I not take advantage of these sales!!!!!

I will show you a few things that I have had my eye on and may or may not have purchased *wink*

When I get stuff in the mail, I will start taking pictures as promised. Nothing has came yet though. I think I have a chanel-esque jacket in the mail but I am not going to get it until tomorrow when I go to work.

I will tell you to go get this jacket. It is beautiful, fits like a dream and gives the desired chanel for less effect, and only $32 at F21. Click the pic to buy it. I bought this weeks ago but left it at home when I was busy or else I would take pictures.

At JCrew they are having a sale with 20% off $150. Jcrew is stingy with codes so sometimes you have to take em where you can get em and 2 things that have caught my eye there are the marled sweater and this dove tee. (the code is insider)




This is only my 2nd time ordering from JCrew. The first time I ordered online, I didn't realize how big their clothes ran. I ordered 2 cashmere sweaters. I wore 1 during a flight and by the end of it, where I had held my purse during my layovers, the sweater was already pilling.

I decided to give them another go because these 2 items have received great reviews.

Lastly. I was going to purchase some jeans from American Eagle, but I have a bunch of em so I practiced self restraint.

Hopefully some real life pictures of the jacket tomorrow.

My Little Piece of Luxury from just me on Vimeo.

Just Got Back in the States, Jetlagged so may be gone for a couple days

Yall need to get on the internet or to your nearest target to get these. If you cannot afford fryes, these are a great alternative ($50 vs $250 and they get rave reviews. the reviews also recommend sizing 1/2 size up) and they are real leather. If you do a search for them, they are called the Katherine Engineer Boots I think. I got them in brown and black.

I also bought some tuggs (target uggs) last week when they were 22.00 in 3 different colors. It gets cold here and I have owned Uggs and Emus and the target ones are not far off.

Yall know I love target, can't wait to get back to the states so I can make my 2-3 times a week trips their to roam their clearance.

I just fell in love

This lightweight coat had to be mine. It's backordered until December but I don't care! I promptly pushed the send button on my cart! Can't wait.

I think I am going to start taking pictures of the clothes that I buy like I used to. Someone's blog modeled this coat and really helped me make up my mind that I too wanted this coat. I am not usually a ruffles person, but I could tell buy her actually showing us what it looked like, that it would make me very happy, so I want to pass the karma.

ps-its the gumshoe sweatercoat currently being sold at anthropologie in 3 colors :)

Operation Vanity Insanity

I suppose I am choosing the wrong words to describe this challenge, but it is all about me. I have been so tired with traveling, insomnia, anemia (I just found out that I am dancing between moderate and severe), & any other things that develop that I have been getting increasingly sloppy. Whether it be with things I love like making videos for this blog or doing things for myself, I have become a slacker. I mean I am still presentable, but I was thinking to myself... when is the last time I used a body scrub, or shaved (not just quick trims here and there), or sometimes I have even been skipping lotion after the shower. That is so not cool because I can go from classy to ashy like that *snap*.

I know we have all been there, but the sooner we wake ourselves out of a rut, the less damage and catch up we have to deal with later. It is Tuesday and my first real off day in a while, whether it be work or personal, so this day is about relaxing (did do a 4 mile run today along with some light strength training).

Starting tomorrow and going thru till my birthday Nov 2nd, I am implementing the following:

1. If I have chipped polish on the mani or pedi it will be rectified ASAP! I just got a mani in Milan and have 1 chip on 1 nail. Same with the chip on my right big toe. It is all coming off and getting redone tomorrow. I anticipate that I will probably be doing a mani pedi once a week and add 1 polish change to the nails per week (of course, toes need polish refreshing less often).

2. I will get in a MINIMUM of 20 miles per week along with at least 2 days MINIMUM of strength training.

3. My diet is simple.... 70% good for you food, 30% treats. I do realize that 30% is a lot for most people but this is where I can comfortably maintain my eating for life. So if my intake for the day is 1500 calories, then 450 of them can be any treat that I want. 70% is the minimum that I am willing to accept for healthy eating. If I have better days then good on me!

4. I will do a full body scrub once a week MINIMUM. Any more than that is just a bonus to great smooth skin. I will not skip moisturizing after my shower anymore. Its getting cooler and a little drier so I am thinking of using raw unrefined shea butter (this is the kind i use for everything) until it runs out. I may then try out baby oil gel.

5. I will Nair at least once a week all parts that need it and then spot shave at a MINIMUM of every other day.

6. I will deep condition my hair at least once a week. I have gotten so lazy about my hair it's pathetic. I only deep conditioned my hair once in the last 6 weeks or so. That's horrible. So from now on MINIMUM of once a week.

7. I have a closet of fabulous clothes but none of them are casual chic. If I go out to the club or a hot date I would be fierce. My everyday wear is more of the flats or comfortable platform heels, jeans, and a henley tee. Sorta like Gap without flair. I want more. I believe there is a way to be casual chic without being exceedingly plain. Even though I like that hot little black dress, my life is ordinary most of the time and my challenge has been finding cute ordinary clothes. I can't lie, Milan was a bit of an inspiration. You would see beautiful women and say "I have those same clothes" "Why do I look so frumpy?" "Oh wait, maybe it's because I was lazy and chose these too long jeans that drag the ground, some flats, and a non-descript black tee...boring!"

I am lazy about getting my pants hemmed even though I am shorter than the average inseam length. I am lazy about wearing my accessories even though I have tons. Basically I need to step it up a notch.

***And that is basically the gist of my challenge to myself for the next 2 or so weeks. I have penciled it all in my planner as appointments with myself. You are all welcome to join me or share your thoughts about the challenge or grooming tips.

This stems from the fact that I made a promise to myself 2 years ago that when I turned 30 I would have fabulous hair, be in fabulous shape, be eating right, and really look polished and put together.

The hair can be there, it just needs a little work. I do think I need to learn how to do more styles besides braidouts, buns and flatirons though. I think I am in good shape even though sometimes I get lazy. My diet is always a source of contention, although if I compare over the past 10 years, it is definately gotten better as the years progress. The polished look... I have the potential to look polished if I want to "dress up" but my "dressing down" still needs a lot of work. I want to look cute going to the grocery store too.

any thoughts or suggestions?

Oh Yeah

I am getting this as soon as my budget restarts on the 1st :)


I even considered getting the deluxe edition then I snapped to reality. Maybe I will put that on my birthday or Christmas list.

10 PAIRS VICTORIA'S SECRET PANTIES FOR $25 WITH CODE 10PANTIES

MUST BE THE PINK PANTIES THAT ARE USUALLY 5/$25
GOOD THRU SEPT 28TH

Yall know that I am already all over this!!!!

And while I am at it, this book is nothing short of amazing.

It is truely about finding your own style and putting your best foot forward. Little direction is given into what pieces you need to buy, it is more focused on finding YOUR style underneath all the bullcrap. I am buying this. It felt like I was in a mini class on style and what equates style and elegance vs. reading a large magazine with pictures and ideas (like the bazaar book, which i do adore).

From my new Allure Magazine

How to Find the Perfect Shorts

An Interview With Jenna Lyons

Lyons is J.Crew's creative director and head of women's design.

By Emily Hsieh

The trickiest part about choosing a pair of shorts is finding the right length. I don't usually reveal a lot of thigh, but I've found that midrange shorts make my legs look their best. Shorts can be incredibly sexy or incredibly wrong—it all depends on knowing your options.

· Measure right. There are three standard lengths of shorts: short (two- to three-inch inseam), midrange (three- to five-inch inseam), and Bermudas (11- to 13-inch inseam). Those are the three most attractive places for shorts to hit a woman's leg; there's also a style with a seven-inch inseam, but those don't really flatter anyone. Unless you are in amazing shape, stay away from short-shorts. Midrange shorts are the most universally flattering—look for a pair that's neither skintight nor baggy. Bermudas, which are slimmer and more tailored this season, cover the most but can be tricky because they're formfitting. All shorts should fit comfortably on your hip bones.

· Stiffen up. The biggest mistake is to go for a fabric that's too loose. With washed silk or parachute fabric, you'll have a harder time finding the right top, and it's much more challenging to make your butt look good. Try material that has more structure, like linen-cotton or silk-cotton blends. I like neutrals and bright, solid colors like intense orange, but I would steer clear of large patterns. They tend to accentuate areas you probably want to downplay.

· Top it off. Look for tops that offer contrast—a loose shirt works best with tailored, fitted shorts. The only exception is Bermudas; they look great with a long, lean top. I find that halter tops never work with shorts; together, they reveal too much. Look for colors and textures that contrast, as well—hot pink shorts with a beige top, or chambray shorts with a cashmere T-shirt.

· Stand firm. Unless you're going for the complete Daisy Duke look, avoid platform wedges or stripper pumps. I think it looks so much sweeter and more elegant to wear a pair of flats during the day and low heels in the evening.

i wanted to share this article because i always have time finding a pair of shorts i like so i dont wear them. maybe this will help you too.

Oh Man

Yep, I spent $40 on a pair of jeans that are normally $2oo+. I now have $160 for the month and the sales are calling my name. Have you all looked at the victoria's secret sale!!!!!!?????

**edit to add** i have only $30 now to last 7 days. I had to get some food items and I had to get some warm weather workout gear, although i workout in the gym, soon i will have to head outdoors no matter how much i am dreading it plus i sweat a lot and have noticed a diff in the weight of my clothes and in my staying cool with moisture wicking gear.

I had to push this post back cause i wanted to post something else so the financial info at the beginning of the post is not accurate

edit to add***
2 cups of coffee
homemade rice pudding (quick stovetop)
chicken pomodoro
m&ms
huge salad with 5 cups of veggies, olive oil, salt and pepper, and chicken and dash of croutons
grape recovery drink (probably mostly sugar)
caramel popcorn (sugar laden but this was the last item of junkfood in my house so no more temptations)


total 1903 cals
fat 33%
carbs 56%
protein 11%
fiber 16grams

4 mile run and weights

Here are some pics.

outside the chanel store after buying my shoes (sorry I didn't get a pic of the shoes). the SA took the pic. i look so greasy and bloated here. the camera definately adds 10lbs. we should never judge our looks by pictures, LOL. in my defense I had walked miles to get here because I was actually looking for the Hermes store which was too crowded for my taste.It was worse than the vuitton store! I am way over dressed, these were our last hours here and it was the ONLY sunny and bright day!



my big bag and my dh's little bag LOL. nightingale and allergy meds peeking in the corner

another pic of my bag, i could not wait to use it!

guys i forgot what this was... the pantheon maybe

Notre Dame

the lil Mona Lisa

Arc de Triomphe

Random pic (girls no matter what, take some chucks and a great bag and jacket and even if you aren't as dressy as some of the french women, you will still fit in. Chucks were necessary and I added insoles so zero foot pain). Chucks are the universal city shoe.

a close up of my 1st crepe in the eiffel tower, we went all the way up. I also had macaroons (too sweet, yes even for lil miss sugar addict) and french onion soup (yum).

me happy about to dig in, excuse the windblown hair

i think this was on the 2nd level

from the bottom waiting to get in

i was soooo happy to see starbucks, indulged everyday!

It rained everyday. It was so cold that I had to keep washing and drying the same jeans. I so did not pack appropriately. I also have no idea why in some of them I look like a bloated sausage (i guess that is more gym inspiration, i havent gained weight, at least i don't think).
LOL!

I know that I want to go back. I would rather go back with DH than girlfriends although girlfriends are more fun to shop with.

Ciao

**edit to add**
Stir Fry with rice and chicken
Jambalaya
Oatmeal made with vanilla soymilk and butter and splenda
Cup of tea
2.5 liters of water
Glass of Vanilla soymilk
Latte
Kashi Cocoa Beach
Handful of almonds

total 1766 calories
Fat 35%
Carbs 48%
Protein 17%
Fiber 21grams

-yay, way better than yesterday!!!!

-did a 4 mile run, .5 mile cooldown

Naked Honey Haul (small Financial update)

I was able to limit myself to 3 items
1. the salve
2. the buckwheat eyeshadow
3. the queen bee lip glass

as far as finances... i have about $200 left for the rest of the month... i think that is very doable (i even have euro left). hopefully i do not go over. what saved me was stacking euro. even when i dont have plans, i budget euro every month like a bill in case i do end up going to a winery or something. the present that i bought for my DH also does not count towards my fun money, it counts towards a misc category already in our household budget (as for the gifts for family members as well).

i really love that speedy purse that i just bought but i have listed it on ebay. i have had good luck selling 100% authentic items so oh well. if if does sell i will have more money left and then i am going to go ahead and look for a 35 or a 30. if it doesn't i wont be mad because i love it but the neverfull is huge too so i wanted one that wasnt so huge.

***edit to add*** i just sent another extra payment to the car.... almost at the 50% mark that I missed. (i did the calculations out thru the whole year and was pleased to note that both goals can still be done by December 31st, they may even be done before December 31st)

Very Long Paris Haul Video (webcam and unedited)

Paris Haul plus bonus items from just me on Vimeo.

I am obsessed

With these Driver/Moccasin type shoes. Especially the ones by Tod. They are so old lady right....

Anyway I was able to find a black pair in a little boutique in Rome made with real leather for about $30.

If yall ever see me with my old lady shoes don't laugh... I couldnt help it!