OOTD & Review: Floating Stripes Cardigan

Cardigan: Floating Stripes Cardigan |  Top: Paint the Sky Tee
Jeans: Torrid | Boots: Fanned Shine Booties

I wore this outfit to a Margaritaville party last weekend when an unexpected chill made my original tropical dress an unworkable option.  I've had the Floating Stripes Cardigan for over a year and only wore it once before.  I'm not even sure why I reached for it this time around, but I am glad I did.  I love the colors and the stripes, and the way this cardigan is only long at the sides.  I got tons of compliments on this sweater but I will say it is VERY delicate- one woman walking by got her watch snagged on it and it took some careful work to separate the two without tearing.  I was able to easily wiggle the loose knit to reabsorb the snag, but it made me wary the rest of the night.

The Paint the Sky Tee is one I reach for fairly often because the orange color is a nice bright pop under a darker cardigan; the fun pintuck detailing is admittedly covered this way, but orange and redheads don't mix too well  without something to break up the look.  The jeans are from the clearance rack at Torrid and were super-comfortable for the night.

The Fanned Shine Booties were picked up as part of the January sale at Anthropologie and I love them.  True to size in an 8.5, these boots have a great solid heel and a wonderfully fun fan detail on the back.  I've worn them with dresses but they also looked great with these dark jeans, providing a fun bit of sparkle to anchor my party ensemble.

OOTD & Review: Dankov Cabled Blazer

Dress: Partridge Peck Chemise | Cardigan: Dankov Cabled Blazer
Tights: Penneys (in Dublin) | Boots: Lyra Booties 

Coat: Ruffle Collar Wool Blend Coat (Old Navy) | Earrings: Jingled Hoops

Ah yes, winter comes to Saudi Arabia.  Truthfully, winter here was about 50 degrees so not punishingly cold by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly a difference from the 130 degrees we hit during the summer months.  The brief chill allowed me to bundle up a bit and to add some much needed color to my outfit.

The purple coat hails from Old Navy and is a wonderful winter jacket.  I love the purple color and the ruffle neck, though I suspect the coat might flap in the wind because of where the buttons end.  Old Navy can be hit or miss for me on coats, but this is a rare win.

I've been waiting for the Dankov blazer for a while (one order went astray so I ordered it again at which point of course both boxes showed up on my doorstep!) and now that I have it, my feelings are mixed.  It is very comfortable, and I love the color.  This is also a wonderfully warm sweater, and I like the structured look of it for work.  The sleeves are a but long, and bell out at the end which was awkward with the coat.  I also think it doesn't photograph well, which is a shame because I think it looked better in person than it does above.  The fact that it is a thicker knit adds bulk, but the structured shape helps keep it reasonable.  I suspect this blazer looks better on someone with a smaller bust but I will be keeping it regardless.

OOTD & Review: Weft Pleats Chemise

Cardigan: Frilled & Thrilled Cardigan | Dress: Weft Pleats Chemise
Tights: Penneys | Boots: Lyra Booties

I've been really pleased lately with the plethora of chemises from Anthropologie that make cute dresses, and this textured grey offering is a happy addition to my wardrobe.  The complex pleats on the skirt make for a very interesting look and I love the dark grey color as well.  The elastic band at the waist is a con- not high enough for my taste and certainly a little on the tight side though this isn't obvious with a cardigan on top.  Still if not for the tight waistband, I would be able to wear this dress without a topper which would be more versatile.  The neckline is flattering and the chemise is quite comfortable to wear all day even with the stiff elastic.  Definitely a win for my winter wardrobe!

OOTD & Review: Indigoflora Love

Coat: Indigoflora Velveteen Coat | Dress: Sweater Dress from Old Navy (winter 2012)

Tights: Hue | Boots: Lyra Booties

I cannot begin to express how much I love this coat!  I fell in love when I saw it on Roxy here, but I never thought I would be its proud owner because number sized items are not my friend at Anthro.  When I read that Roxy thought it ran two sizes two big, I decided to go ahead and order the 14, never thinking it would fit but knowing I had to try.  The coat arrived yesterday and I was delighted to discover that it did run big and would be making its home with me.  The coat buttons easily, though when moving around it does sometimes develop a bit of a pull over the bust- I plan to add a snap in between the widely spaced 2nd and 3rd buttons to address this potential problem.  I'm a size 18 apple but have plenty of space in the waist in this piece.

The sweaterdress is a comfortable and inexpensive knit from Old Navy with a cowl neck and some slight ribbing at the waist.  I also love the Lyra Booties that I picked up on sale in two colors.  Though many reviewers found them to run small, I think they are TTS for narrow feet; my sister has wider feet and ordered a 1/2 size up.  They have no padding on the bottom which can be hard on the balls of the feet if you do a lot of walking; I intend to add a small insole to help.  Best of all, they have a slight glitter to them which is delightful in the sunshine.

OOTD: can a chemise be work appropriate?

Dress: Partridge Peck Chemise | Jacket: Old Navy from 2004
Tights: Penneys (in Dublin) | Boots: Contrast Cuff Booties 

Necklace: Multitudes Necklace | Earrings: Jingled Hoops

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I ordered this chemise from Anthro after seeing it on Roxy here because I loved the color of the top and the pattern of the skirt.  The chemise fits, and is comfortable, but a large bust means the waist sits much higher on me than on the model.  The scoop neck and color of the top are lovely, but this is another dress that over-emphasizes my chest so I decided it needed a topper.

The jacket was languishing in the should-probably-be-donated part of my closet until I pulled it out for this ensemble; it might now be staying!  Ideally, I would like a short fitted cardigan to wear with this chemise.

The material is thin so a slip was a must for me, and I doubt I will wear it in warmer weather without tights because it is a little short for my taste.  Still, a very comfortable and I think cute option for spring and fall.

OOTD: dressing up for Thanksgiving

Dress: Flared Caraz Dress | Cardigan: In a Tizzy Cardigan 

Tights: Penneys (in Dublin) | Boots: Contrast Cuff Booties 

Necklace: Multitudes Necklace | Earrings: Apogee Earrings 

Belt: Lane Bryant Silvertone Shingle Belt | Headband: Ann Taylor Loft 

I ordered this dress from Anthropologie months ago, but was on the fence- I loved it, but wasn't sure I loved it on me.  The high neck made my chest look huge which is never my preferred look, and so I debated sending it back.

I had a brainwave on Thanksgiving though and wore the dress backwards after removing the button that secured the top of the keyhole neckline.  I tucked the edges under a bit and found myself in possession of a lovely and much more flattering v-neck dress.  I would prefer a shorter cardigan with this dress, but don't have one in the right color yet.

The belt was a clearance purchase at Lane Bryant this summer and is surprisingly comfortable for a metal plate belt (thanks to the elastic I am sure).  The booties make me feel a little elfin I admit, but they are just so comfortable...