Hi there! How have things been these last 4 1/2 month? I certainly didn’t expect to take that long of a break from the blog. I shopped some. I’ve worn some outfits. I’ve worked out, a lot. And the biggest change is that I chopped all my hair off. It was something I needed to do and I LOVE my new style.

I had it done on my 45th birthday. It ended up being a bright spot of the Summer as everything went to crap after that. I’ve had a few health issues and doctors appointments but I think I’m in the clear with everything now. It sucks getting old.

I’ll be back to blogging again and have a few review posts scheduled for this week. Time is probably my biggest hurdle right now but I hope to have 2-3 post a week for you.

I’ll leave you this evening with my birthday outfit. I wasn’t quite sure about the Linen Jumpsuit from J.Crew because it looked and fit a little odd in the back, just above the pockets. I ended up keeping it and wearing it for my birthday and felt amazing all day. The necklace and earrings are from Kendra Scott and were my birthday gift from my husband.

Have a wonderful evening!

I really didn’t think I had shopped all that much after the holidays but I then I really saw all the bags and boxes in my office, waiting to be cleared out. Here are a few of my favorite purchases.

~ Tory Burch Duet Chain Crossbody Bag ~

How classic but edgy is this bag? I can’t believe I found it at Nordstrom during the sale last week. I never noticed it online, but that’s probably because I wasn’t really looking for a new purse. I don’t have a black purse and the leather blossom clusters and gold chain strap dress it up. You can adjust the chain to be a crossbody or double it to be a shoulder strap.

~ Pilcro Hyphen Bejeweled Mid-Rise Jeans ~

I had tried these on previously but decided to wait until they went on sale to purchase them. I already had the Pilcro Hyphen Embroidered Jeans and didn’t want to overdo it on the embellished jeans department. I decided if they were in my size in-store I would buy them. I don’t find these to be mid-rise on me. They sit on my hips in a size 29. They just fit around my thighs so there’s no chance I could have sized down to a 28 for a more accurate mid-rise fit. But they are the perfect slouch right now.

~ Tracy Reese Crochet Lace Mock Neck Dress ~

I found this during the Half-Yearly Clearance sale at Nordstrom. I like the front lace crochet overlay but what I really liked was the the Navy color. I’m on the fence with this one though and think I’ll be returning it. It would be nice for Summer with sandals and I like the look of it, including the higher neck, but I don’t have anywhere to wear it. I have so many dresses I need to clear out of my closet so I’ll make the decision after that’s complete.

Did you find any great deals from the post-Holiday sales?

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

This week I’m styling the Ryder Dress from Tory Burch, taking it from Late Summer to Early Winter (at least here in South Texas).

~ Ryder Dress, Tory Burch ~
~ Blossom T-Strap Flat, Tory Burch ~

These were the shoes I ordered during the Fall Event and I’m so happy that I did. I ordered the size 7 and they fit TTS. I was worried that the strap wouldn’t be long enough since that has been the case for several other Tory shoes I’ve tried on. But this time, the strap was long enough and has a few extra holes. I’ve worn them a few times already and they are pretty comfortable. The body of the shoe is leather and the toe is patent. The little flower blossoms are by the buckle. This blossom design is also offered in a ballet flat, a bootie and a tall boot.

~ Ryder Dress, Tory Burch ~
~ Cashmere Tee, J Crew (one, two, three) ~
~ Strappy Heeled Shoes, Zara (one, two, three) ~

This was probably my favorite outfit of the three. I initially chose a cashmere cardigan in the same color but loved how the tee transitioned this from a dress to skirt. I also have the idea incorporate tortoise into this outfit by adding some opaque black tights, the Gemini Link Loafers and my Tortoise Flower Necklace (one, two, three). I cannot wait until it’s cold enough to break out the cashmere. I will probably add my black Lexington Blazer over this.

~ Ryder Dress, Tory Burch ~
~ Chunky Shawl Collar Cardigan, J Crew (one, two, three) ~
~ Harper Boots, J Crew (one, two, three) ~

This last outfit will be perfect for my work-from-home attire. I’ll be able to stay nice and cozy in this chunky sweater while still looking put together for my day “at work”. The waist on this dress is elastic so I think I do need to add a black belt. This will help keep the dress from riding up at the waist.

I hope you enjoyed seeing how I styled the Ryder Dress. You can always see more items I’ve styled on my Tumblr.

During the last 20% off promo from Anthropologie I purchased several tops including the Rosewood Lace Blouse. I thought it was a little snug in the neck due to it being a high-collar and buttoning in the back but when I tried it on again, it seemed to fit fine in that area. I think I’ll get a lot of use out of this unique top and have found several ways to style it with items currently in my closet.

~ Rosewood Lace Blouse, Anthropologie ~
~ Wide-Leg Sailor Jeans, Anthropologie (one, two)~
~ Classic Wool Fedora, J.Crew Factory (Navy, Black)~
~ Dangling Disc Necklace, old J.Crew (one, two) ~
~ Magnifying Glass Necklace, gift (one, two)~
~ Anna Oxford, Frye (one, two) ~

This is the most obvious way to style this lace top with a floppy hat, layered necklaces and wide leg jeans. I had an little trouble with the shoe decision and eventually chose some oxfords from Frye. Booties would be a better choice. The Dangling Disc Necklace is from J.Crew around 2009 I believe. It is really long and able to looped twice and adjusted to different lengths. The magnifying glass necklace was a gift from my Husband around the same year.

~ Dangling Disc Necklace, old J.Crew (one, two) ~
~ Magnifying Glass Necklace, gift (one, two)~

~ Rosewood Lace Blouse, Anthropologie ~
~ Vintage Cropped Jeans, J.Crew (one, two, three)~
~ Quilted Leather Moto Jacket, Victoria’s Secret (one, two, three) ~
~ Strappy Heeled Flats, Zara (one, Splurge)~

This next outfit is probably my favorite and I can’t wait to wear it. I purchased the moto jacket a few years ago from Victoria’s Secret. I had no idea they stopped selling clothing and shoes but I never understood why they ventured into that market in the first place. At least I was able to get this great leather jacket in a gorgeous burgundy color. The jeans are from J.Crew, the Vintage Cropped Jean. I only wish I had grabbed another pair of these. I would like to eventually have these hemmed up another inch or two but they work for now. And the cute strappy flats? Those are from Zara.

~ Rosewood Lace Blouse, Anthropologie ~
~ Sammie Pant in Corduroy, J.Crew ~
~ Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan, J.Crew (one, two, three) ~
~ Printed Janey Flat, J.Crew (one, two) ~

Of course this lace blouse works with the Sammie Cords in Masala Chai. I love those pants but still have yet to wear them. The weather is changing but not enough for cords yet. I found this cardigan a few years ago on sale and it’s one of my favorites. The color is gorgeous and it’s cashmere. I have the Etta Pumps in the same print as these flats and wear the flats more. The heel height of the pump is now a little to high for me so I really need to find a new home for them. The Janey Flats aren’t the most comfortable but the print on this pair is is one of my favorites.

The Rosewood Lace Blouse is completely see-through so you do need a cami underneath. I prefer the Seamless Cami from The Limited. I have several colors, purchased years ago but the one I’m wearing is the nude color. This cami is now offered in a reversible style so you now have the option of a scoop-neck or a v-neck. I find seamless camis to be the best for layering as they are fitted but not constricting and are not bulky under the layering item. I’ll share a few ways to style the Tory Burch Ryder Dress next week.


DVF_1

TB_Shirtdress_1

TB_Shirtdress_3

~ one ~
~ Wrap Dress, DVF via TheRealReal ~
~ Miller Sandals, Tory Burch ~

~ two ~
~ Julianne Silk Dress, Tory Burch via TheRealReal ~
~ Printed Multi-Strap Sandals, J.Crew ~

This Summer, I’ve switched up my shopping and have been buying a little more from TheRealReal. I love being able to find some higher-priced, quality items that were on my “Splurge” list at more affordable, up-cycled prices. Tory Burch pieces are what I’ve been shopping and obsessing over the most. The Julianne Dress and the DVF wrap dress are a very comfortable silk jersey, one of my favorite materials. I know both of these probably retail for $300+ but at TheRealReal they were both under $100 each. I was even able to use a promo code to get an additional 20% off the items. Had these dresses not fit or not worked out for some reason they were returnable, but not everything is, such as handbags.

New arrivals are daily so there’s always something to save in your Obsessions. Each item has multiple images to view as well as measurements, condition, including any flaws, and fit information. Everything on the site it guaranteed 100% authentic and goes through an authenticity inspection before it is offered for sale.

Consigning is just as easy and buying. You just enter the items you are going to consign, create a packing slip, and ship them for free to TheRealReal. You’ll be sent back any items that were not accepted.

Here are a few things I’m currently obessessing over, even though some aren’t my size, like that lovely Tory Burch Ruffle Dress. I’m always on the look-out for a new pair of Louboutins to add to my closet. They carry the top brands like Chanel, Louis, Prada and Burberry, to name a few, but you won’t find J.Crew here. I really love TheRealReal as it is helping me really branch out and find new designers and clothes.

Have you shopped TheRealReal? What are your current Obsessions?