j.crew softspun sunset dress OOTD...a little late to the game.

Hello ladies!  I recently received a little package from J.Crew, containing the Softspun Sunset Dress I had ordered with the 30% off. I remember loving the looks of this pretty dress when it came out, (see on AppGal here), but then all the winter items started rolling in, and I kinda forgot about it.

Then I was trying to hit the (ahem, stupid) minimum, and came upon this dress again and ordered it for a song. I'm so glad I did! Love this little number. 

First off, the silhouette is very flattering, especially to the bust area. It also hides a bit of tummy, without looking too maternity. I went with a small in this. The weathered wood color is gorgeous of course, and melds well with lots of similar tones, like the bronzed clay of this year, as well as cinnamon of last year. I think it's easily a summer and fall dress, but I'm trying it out for winter, layered up with tights/sweaters. I was worried it would be a thin, clingy knit, but it's not too clingy. 
Pic of the dress alone (with my Anthro floral tights -- dood, it's cold, I can't go bare-legged even for try-ons anymore!):

A fall-y outfit with this year's J.Crew Cotton-Wool Ruffled Placket Cardigan in wild mushroom (similar here in the matching weathered wood color) with my Vera boots:

Sweater open, with my Uggs:

And finally, how I'm wearing it today, cozied and super casual-ed up with my Arrow thrown over it and Uggs. It's certainly not super chic, but it's sooo comfy and DH, for some odd reason, is loving the whole look.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!

p.s. did you score any goodies yesterday? It looks like a few of you ordered that pretty GH lace skirt. :)

giveaway winner!!

Hooray! Congratulations to Heather!!  Heather will be getting a fun $25 J.Crew giftcard and a pretty Kate Spade bracelet.  Hopefully you'll either get that Timex watch from J.Crew or you can put the $25 toward getting it for yourself as a special treat. You deserve it. :)

I'll be contacting you via email to get your information to send out your goodies. Happy Cyber Monday! :)

Thank you so, so much everyone for entering the giveaway, leaving your wishlist comments, and becoming followers. Don't worry, there will be more giveaways to come!

*Heather, if I don't hear back from you by Wednesday, I'll have to pick someone else, so just make sure you confirm via email before then!

let the Cyber Monday deals begin...

I'm just going to add to this post as I find deals...so keep scrolling and checking back!  I'm happily perusing the sales this morning with my coffee filled with peppermint mocha creamer, and eating leftover pumpkin pie.

Garnet Hill is currently offering up an additional 40% off their sale and clearance prices with code H0W260B. FREE shipping through 11/29– No minimum and no coupon code needed! My pick is the lace skirt I've been wanting forever. I almost got the grey some time back when it went on sale, but I'm glad I waited. I actually decided I wanted the ivory, and it's still in stock. With discount, it comes to $26.40 shipped -- steal!!

J.Crew has a really boring 25% off of sweaters for Cyber Monday with the same free shipping off $150 (ETA: Thanks to JCA and Rose for the code for free ship off $100: T5P9CZ) . L-a-m-e. Once again, I'm seeing some sweaters and an updated sale section (not majorly though) that magically had disappeared during the 25% promo, reappear. Ah well.   On a happier note with them, I did receive my lovely heather elm Arrow Sweater Jacket, and love it! I also got the Pebble Jacquard Pencil Skirt (back up at $70, but I got for $48 with discounts), and am on the fence, so it might be a return. It's very lovely, but I'm thinking that the metallic threads in there make it just a bit fancy for even my dressed down everyday wear. What do you think?

Talbots is still offering 25% off with code GIFT plus free shipping today (no code for the free ship).  ETA: thanks to FFM for a 30% off code 017791472 (Check our her Cyber Monday sale post with her picks HERE). Two of my picks:

Cashmere short-sleeve sweater ($53.99 plus discount) -- Great price! Love the coatmeal heather, always classic.

Haircalf driving moccasins ($129) -- Pretty and on trend, and comfortable!

Gap/Brep/ON -- nothing! They just reiterated their free shipping on $50+ every day now.

Piperlime has 20% off until midnight with code LUCKY20.

Eddie Bauer has 30% off sitewide with free shipping (no min) with code CYBERDAY!

Ann Taylor has 40% off your entire purchase, plus free shipping on everything with code: MONDAY.

Love this Tweed Perfect Flat and this Animal Illusion Cashmere Wrap and this pricey bracelet and this sale bracelet.

Ann Taylor LOFT has 40% off with free shipping with code ENJOY.

is offering free shipping and $20 off $75 or $50 off $150 today with code NOV29, pin 7410. Also, watch for their deals of the day all season -- they usually have some great ones. Love this cowlneck sweater dress and these suede bow pumps!

LOFT IRL pics -- 40% off ends tonight!

Final hours of Ann Taylor LOFT 40% off sale tonight (discount store-wide, code ENJOY, free ship on $125+). I took a bunch of pictures of my purchases from Black Friday, and then when I started typing this up, realized a lot of the tees are already sold out online, rats. I'll post them anyway though, just b/c I made the effort. ;)

Striped Merino Wool Blazer ($98) -- This one is still online! (Sorry, sold out, boo.) I LOVE this blazer ladies. I'm a sucker for stripes, and like Gigi in this post (with IRL pics), I succumbed to love for this one. It's very soft, cozy and warm, and just looks sharp and different. I took a pic of it with my Target reindeer tee (on sale for $12 this week!), which will be my OOTD tomorrow for preschool dropoff and Target run. :)  I also think this will work in the spring, and even thrown on during cold early/late summer, don't you think?  (If you're looking for one in store, there were a number of them at Mayfair in Wisconsin)

You know you love my reindeer tee, don't deny it!!

Light as a Feather Tee ($24.99, although it was $17 in store) -- This tee caught my eye when it came out, and as you all know, I just can't say no to a cute tee. (The added bonus that it will be perfection with both my ginger J.Crew cashmere tie-front sweater and the coral lumiere cardigan.)  It's nice and comfy and doesn't feel like it will fall apart.

Lace tee ($39.50) -- LOVE. Love this tee. I knew I'd love it when I saw it online, and yes, loved it just as much IRL. Couldn't justify $40, but with the discount, it's mine.

Sequin Slub Tee ($36.50) -- Love this! My sister make me try it on b/c she loved it so much, and she was right. It lays nicely, and it's not super shiny sequin-y (less shiny than the picture looks even). Cute under a cardi dressed-down, or dressed up.

I didn't get this, but tried it on before -- the Anna Sheffield Breast Cancer Awareness Necklace. So pretty!

I was also able to get some really great gifts at both stores on Black Friday, so am really happy with their holiday promo! Did you get any good deals from Ann Taylor or LOFT with this nice discount?

oops and OOTD and don't forget to enter!

Oops! Thanks Elizabeth for letting me know the Piperlime deal ended last night. Er, in my defense, I got the email at 4:30am this morning, and then proceeded to assume it was for today as well and didn't read the details. Also, my son got me up at 5 a.m. and I was a bit bleary-eyed. But still, sorry for that!

I'm going to hold off until Cyber Monday for the deals, so I'll share my OOTD with you. (Check out FFM's post for deets on Kate Spade, Endless, Talbots and RL sales!)  I'm heading to two stores (gah, hate to go on the weekends at this point), and then I'm home to decorate the house. It's going to be a balmy 45 degrees today, so I can skip the tights. It's the J.Crew tie-front cashmere sweater, a J.Crew boys tee and my bright blue J.Crew perfect pencil skirt.

Don't forget to enter for my 100 Followers Giveaway HERE (win a $25 J.Crew giftcard and a Kate Spade bracelet!). Ends tonight at midnight!

a black friday recap.

Whew! That's a long, long, long day. But quite successful and a lot of fun!

We were out the door at 5 a.m., a bit later than previous years, b/c we didn't have any major purchases. We went straight to the mall, skipping Kohl's or Target or any other stores, which is lovely.  Got our Starbucks and were all set. :)  This is what I wore:

black friday outfit by shopwithm

Lots of amazing discounts during early hours:  Gap was 50% off the whole store, Ann Taylor and Loft, Eddie Bauer and Limited/Express were 40% off. I stocked up at BabyGap for my toddler and some nephew gifts. I helped my mom to pick out some amazing deals. The winner was the red (coral?) knit strapless dress from Ann Taylor for a grand total of...$2.33.  No kidding.  Also two beautiful bling-y bracelets for $11.99 (orig $48ish).  It was 25% of at Talbots, with some nice markdowns. They also had really nice cable turtleneck sweaters for $25, which my sister snapped up.

The loser of the day...J.Crew.  Not a soul in the store, no deals (except the 25% off of $150). Sales racks were waaay picked over, and all priced higher than at my stores (weird and annoying). They just missed the boat. The lines at the other stores were insane and people were walking out with bags and bags of purchases. J.Crew, nothing. Embarrassing IMO.

All in all, a successful and fun day, bonding with my mom and sister. We were home about 2, and toasted the day with some delicious bellinis, yum.

BTW, here is my Thanksgiving outfit. Sorry it's a terrible picture, after dinner and drinks (can you tell by my grin and spazzy pose?)  J.Crew Open Dream Cardigan, Bettina Cami, and Northern Lights Necklace.  Anthro's Made to Measure skirt and 18k Belt.  Sweater tights from Target (they were in the clearance section and are the BEST, go find asap!!), and my Vera boots.

Did any of you venture out yesterday? Or did you relax and indulge in purely online ordering? And WHY hasn't J.Crew updated their sale section??

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!


As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.  

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

prepping for black friday.

Morning ladies!  Are you one of the mad, mad, mad, mad Black Friday shoppers, like me?  I love this day!! But not even for the crazy deals, really. I'm nearly done with my gift shopping, so for me, it's all about the excitement, jump starting the holiday festivities, and spending some fun time with my sister and mom.

We plan out our day well in advance, depending on who needs what and where.  The men, cliched to the hilt, are in charge of all things related to electronics, Target and Walmart. We flat out refuse.  Luckily, my dad is totally into it, and has his own plan of attack.  We are all up and at 'em about 4am, latest.  DH and my BIL are the babysitters.  We will usuallly hit Kohl's first, and then head over to the mall.

To prep, we have massive lists. We scour the Internet and know our targets. But here's the key, we have absolutely no expectations of getting anything.  Sounds crazy, I know, but that is the secret to enjoying the day. If you are stressed out in any way, desperate to find something for a certain price, there is no way you can deal with the manic -- and let's face it, rude -- people out there on that day.  We like to call it Amateur Hour.  These are not your regular shoppers. They don't know where stuff is, they don't get the shopping social cues. They push, elbow, and are rude to the poor sales associates. Gah.  Instead, we get the biggest Peppermint Mochas/Gingerbread Lattes, and proceed to shop, enjoying the music and the hustle and bustle. If we get an awesome deal, it's totally just icing on the cake. We get out by lunchtime (when Major Amateurs/men arrive), and treat ourselves to a lovely lunch in an out-of-the-mall-way restaurant and talk about our deals and whatnot.  Get home just in time for the little ones to be napping, so we can have one ourselves. :)

Here is the greatest Black Friday site (lists everything, and has ad scans):
http://bfads.net/
Here is their online deal tracker:
http://bfads.net/Online-Deals
I'm also a big http://slickdeals.net/ fan. Front page deals, Hot Topics, Up and Coming are the hot ones, but go into the Deal Talk section for threads on Kohl's and Target specifics. They also have a Black Friday tab with specific BF deals.

Another tip, I bring my J.Crew canvas bags too -- nice and strudy, hang over the shoulder, save the earth, etc. They're on sale for $5.99. Nice to use as gift bags too. :) So if you're near a Crew, grab a couple.

BTW, Gap sent out an email this morning with "Black Friday" deals today, with $10 tops, $20 sweaters and $30 down vests here. BRep has 25% off through Sunday with BRTHANKS (also in store).

Amazon also has started their Black Friday lightening deals here.

We're heading out this morning, up to my parents' house, and I'm really excited to see everyone, especially my brother, who now lives in the pacific northwest, and we rarely get to see.

Have a WONDERFUL, safe and joyful Thanksgiving everyone!

red makes me happy.

We're about to kick off the holiday season, and there will be a lot of red everywhere, my favorite color.  Oddly, I don't have a ton of it in my closet, mainly b/c it's hard to get the color just right.

This pretty popped on sale this morning, Anthro's Alice in Autum Sweatercoat in red. Didn't expect that color to go on sale so soon, but maybe they knew I needed some cheery red in my closet. I caved and ordered it, and I'm not even going to apologize for it! ;)

I recently also got the Breezy Polkas cardi from Anthro (after realizing I had NO red cardigans. How? I have 8,543,458 cardigans -- not a red to be found.), and I love that little cardi as well. Throws a little vintage-y, Emma-from-Glee vibe to any outfit. If you can find one in your store, I recommend it.

J.Crew has the Merino Ruffled Strata Cardigan, which looks pretty in the rustic red color. It oddly was at $60 this morning, until I tried to snag it with the 25% off, and then it reverted to FP, argh. However, it worked out, as I got my pretty Alice sweatercoat instead.

The Merino Turtleneck Sweater ($59.50 - 25% discount is a nice price) in rustic barn is cute and cheery too:

I also snagged a J.Crew perfect pencil skirt in a tomato red color ('08 deep persimmon?) for an absolute steal, which arrived today. Thrilled, thrilled I tell you! DH looked at my skirts today and said I "have a veritable rainbow of Mad Men skirts," of which he is a fan. The red one will be fabulous for the holidays!  (p.s. If you are looking for the nightfall blue skirt in a size 2, I'm almost positive that is the color the ebay seller is selling here! BIN price of $45 with FS.)   Check out Talbot's Double-Faced Wool Skirt in Red Rosette -- simply gorgeous, and crazy soft. It's $139, but there's a 25% off code (comment if you need one). I ordered the camel one that's on sale in a 2P, and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.

Do you wear red? Did you get the Alice Sweatercoat today? :)

p.s. I'll be traveling tomorrow early up to the P's house, so will try to either post very early or later in the afternoon after we settle in. 

100 followers = my first giveaway = j.crew & kate spade!

Hooray! I've reached 100 followers, and I am so, so, so happy that you have all joined me in my shopping and styling adventures. Thanks so much for reading and leaving comments -- I love to read every one of them -- totally makes my day.

To celebrate, I'm holding my first-ever giveaway! 

The winner will receive a $25 giftcard to J.Crew AND the Kate Spade "This Year I Will bracelet."  Woohoo! I love this bracelet and think it's perfect with a new year just around the corner. It says: "read the classics, conquer the souffle, learn to cha-cha, take up the trumpet, fall head over heels." So cute!

There are 3 ways to enter:

1. Comment here with your top wish-listed item at J.Crew (please leave your email so I can get in touch).

2. Become a follower and comment again with your email.

3. One more entry for anyone who blogs about this contest (leave another comment that you have done so, with the linky if you'd like).

The contest will run through next Sunday, November 28 at 11:59pm CST. I will use random.org to choose a winner, and will also send the winner an email to confirm. (If the winner doesn't respond back to me by Tuesday, I will go ahead and select another winner.)

Good luck and thank you again so very much!

gap 30-40% off online!

Hooray, another fabulous Gap, Banana and Old Navy promo today only with code MONDAY40. I want to note that it says "offer valid to select customers." I'm wondering if this will only work for those who have accounts that got this email? Please let me know if you try the code and it does not work. ETA:  It looks like some people are getting 30% off and not 40%. Please chime in what works for you!  I also got an email from Piperlime, which has 25% off with code VIP through 11/28.

Here are my picks from the Gap New Arrivals section:

Double-layer sequin tank ($29.50)

Open-front elbow cardi ($59.50)

Silky paper-bag skirt ($49.50) -- so cute for holiday parties!

Sequin skirt ($49.50) -- If you liked the J.Crew bell skirt, but prefer silver, here's a cute option (and cheap!)

Perfect trouser pants (tuxedo stripe, $69.50) -- Sometimes you don't feel like wearing a skirt to a party/function.

Tiered lace-trim dress ($79.50) -- Pretty!













Boucle wrap-jacket ($89.50) -- I love boucle, and this just looks so cozy and comfy.

Fuzzy cowlneck pullover ($49.50) -- Some of you have asked how I dress around the house -- this would be something I'd wear to bum around, but would be cool running off to Target in it as well. :)  A great gift, IMO.

City flat ($39.50) -- I have the camel and LOVE them. With this discount, I might get another camel to have on hand for when these bite tht dust. I normally wear an 8.5 and while the 8.5 did fit, I went up 1/2 a size so nothing dug into me, and they're perfection. I can't recommend them enough.  I love the silver ones for holiday parties and weddings when you canNOT deal with your high heels anymore. 













Pom Pom Slippers ($24.50) -- How adorable are these? For sure I'm getting for a gift for someone.

Will you do some online shopping today? I might have to get a couple gifts between this and Piperlime. Happy Monday everyone!

target 15% off all clothing.

Target is offering 15% off women's (and men/children's) clothing through Wednesday, online only, using codee: TCMWK4BG.  Some items qualify for the $50 Bullseye free shipping. Here are my picks:

Merona® Collection Women's Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater - Heather Blue ($28)

Merona® Women's Cable Cardigan Sweater - Rosemary Green ($20) and Cayenne Red

Merona® Women's Waterfall Cardigan Sweater - Camel Heather ($28)

Merona® Women's Fleece Wrap w/Fur Hood - River Birch -- I saw this in person and it's really cute. I have something similar from Old Navy from a few years back and love it.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merona® Women's Peace Joy Cheer Artist Tee - Cream -- Posted about their tees already, but this is my favorite.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merona® Collection Women's Zola Woven Top - Silver Foil ($23) -- Really similar to the recent Banana Rep top, great price.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merona® Collection Women's Katrina Jacquard Skirt - Gold Metallic ($27)-- Love this skirt. I have it and plan to wear it for one of my holiday parties. It's adorable on, with lovely pockets.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Bootcut Jean - Medium Tint Wash ($10 -- Weekly Wow price) -- Hard to beat $10 jeans! They are junior sizing, so size accordingly. I'm not sure what size I'd order actually. Maybe a 7? Can anyone weigh in?
 

 











Women's Merona® Marlis Sliver Wedge Shoes - Leopard -- Shoes aren't part of this sale, but here is an adorable leopard wedget for only $25. Steal! I just ordered the Talbots flats with their discount, but if those don't work out, I'm getting these babies.

I have these in taupe and gray and they are a GREAT shoe. Love this in the Bordeaux for the holidays! $30, another steal! Women's Merona® Myka Suede Wedge Shoes - Bordeaux

Have a great Sunday!

p.s. I'm working on the holiday IRL outfits, I didn't forget!

eddie bauer friends: 25% off.

Morning ladies! 

I just wanted to share that I received an email from Eddie Bauer for 25% off for Eddie Bauer Friends members.  Have you done this? It's like Tabot's rewards in that this isn't a credit card, it just allows you to earn points, and then you also get special sales and coupons like this one. Nice. If you haven't joined, head here and do it. You'll get a card and a member number. If you get it fast enough (not sure if it's immediate or what?), you can then take advantage of the 25% off code this weekend, valid through 11/22. The code is BEJOLLY and includes free shipping on $50+. (Doesn't include online clearance merch, boo).   (fyi -- I tried to use the code w/o entering a member number and it didn't work, so it looks like you do need a member number. I'm sure if you joined and didn't get an email right away, you could call.)

Here are my favorites:

Wool blazer -- It looks cute, but the reviews are a bit mixed. Has anyone seen in person?

Cashmere Hoodie -- Looks like a cute and easy piece. Soft and cozy.

Heritage Cable Ruffle Cardigan -- I've been told it's pricing cheaper in stores. There are different colors online now, but I know I've seen this color in the outlets, so if you have one near you, check for it there -- might be able to score a great deal!

Cashmere Gloves -- Nice price for these with the discount. Would make a great gift.

Leather gloves -- I love a bow!

Aviator Pants -- A good alternative to skinny jeans.

Draped Jacquard Cardigan -- Easy to throw on and look chic.



Check out the shoe section as well, b/c they carry other brands, like Clarks (Water Row! LOVE), Born and Merrell.  How much do I want this Børn® Clemens Shearling Boot?!

Are you braving the malls this weekend? I'm lucky enough to be able to go midweek, when it's not quite so bonkers, so I'm not sure I'll head there. I might go to the EB outlet though, just to check out deals with this discount. I sometimes find really great gifts there -- cute coats, scarves, etc.