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I had a personal shopping appointment Saturday at J Crew and my PS did not disappoint. She pulled some great items for me and I may have changed my mind about not needing anything from the First Fall roll-out. She has a great eye for mixing prints and colors. There is just so much that I tried on I’ll start with an anticipated item for me, the Zig Zag Sequin Tee.

Blythe Blouse in Polka Dot, Pale Graphite, Sz 8 – I’ve said my piece many times about this blouse. It’s a great silk blouse and always comes in wonderful colors but I always have to size to my bigger top size due to the shoulders. Then the body of the shirt is too big. For me, this blouse is better as a layering piece. Wishlisted
Zig Zag Sequin Tee, Natural, Sz M – This also comes in Mint. This “tee” has a nice weight to it and lots of sparkle, unfortunately wearing it alone, without a layering piece is bothersome (last pic below). Every time I moved I wanted to scratch. A long-sleeved tissue tee will be best underneath this sequin tee. Or you can layer it like I have here. I think the combination of the two prints and the colors go well together. I’d like to see this blouse underneath the Mint colorway. Wishlisted-Mint
Minnie Pants in Stetch Twill, Boulevard Green, Sz 8 –  I had several pairs of Minnie Pants when they first came out and eventually sold them all as I had stopped wearing pants, especially body hugging ones. But I like the dark green of these and they are the perfect ballet flat length on me. Wishlisted-Green and Navy
Schoolboy Blazer in Wool Flannel, Modern Red, Sz 6 – Blazers have been my winter coat the last several years due to the mild winters we’ve had. The size 6 is a bit tight, especially with the layering underneath so I would go with an 8 to be more comfortable. I have so many blazers and a coral tweed one from a few years ago so this one is a Pass.
I’ll have lots of shirts and sweater layering combinations coming in the next few days. Other than the dresses those were probably my favorites.
Have a Great day!
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Here are two more office outfits from a few weeks ago I had yet to post. I have been in workout clothes or my Italy trip jersey skirts for most of the last two weeks. I usually stick to pencil skirts and a blouse when I’m travelling.

Here is the lovely Pink Cottage blouse along with the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Warm Jade and Valentino Bow heels. Looks like Jeannie had a similar idea here. Forgive the “no make-up” look. This was at the end of a super long day. I’m much more fresh faced in the next pic.
I paired the Linen Cotton striped shirt with the Porcleain Paisley skirt (LOVE!! this skirt) and the Arene’ sandals in Cognac from last summer. This could have used a belt and a necklace, I suppose.
I’ve been trying to figure out what I need for the Fall/Winter. It’s so hard to think about it when it’s so hot outside. I haven’t seen the new arrivals in the store yet but plan on going Saturday. As beautiful as the Wool pencil skirt colors are I just won’t get enough wear out of them like the cotton skirts. I do grab a new color of the Cashmere Tee each year and now the Tippi is in Cashmere so I’ll have a decision to make there. I do want a Schoolboy Blazer in Navy and maybe a pair of the Matchstick Jeans. Have you seen my fit-twin in them today? She looks great in them along with the Tippi in Snakeprint.
I’ll be in the office again next week so there will be some Que Bella posts when I return. I also plan on visiting the J Crew Factory store and hope to publish those reviews next week. Anything you want to see from the Factory? Leave your request in the comments!

Have a Great weekend!
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How sweet is my little Bella? She’s very camera shy. She always puts down her head when I point the camera at her. She even knows when I’m trying to take an iPad picture.

I’m on the fence about this dress. I waited and waited to see a review or for it to go on sale. It arrived yesterday and I’m not sure I like it. The fit seems a little off although the material is super soft and comfortable. What do you think? I’m wearing a size Small and would either have to wear a cami underneath or get it altered to raise it up at the shoulders, like I am showing now. This would make is more of an Empire waist as well. 
Impromptu date night with Husband brings out the “NWT” items.
Ann Taylor Pleated Cami (NWT)
J Crew Origami Mini in Peony (NWT)
Stuart Weitzman Wedges
Did I mention I had a 40th birthday party a few weeks ago to round out my “40 days of turning 40”? Here are some pics.
The front door sign welcoming our guests.
Margaritas!!
The Birthday Girl – with TWO cakes!!!
Opening presents…What does this paper say???
OMG!! Husband’s taking me to Cancun in September, with some good friends! 
Sneaky sneaky.
And this video made me LOL! How many of you know about “La Chancla“?
Lastly, The Boy texted me late one night while at a friend’s and asked if I had heard of INSANITY. Of course, I told him. It’s for crazy people. He said he was doing it right then with some other friends and wanted to buy it. So being like all the other Mother’s out there who don’t spoil her children at some point, I bought it AND agreed to do it with him. 
I honestly believe you have to be INSANE to do this. I just watched a video and started hurting everywhere. I’m prepping myself this week by doing Level 3 of the 30 Day Shred. I did convince The Boy today to start moving so he did it with me. We begin on Monday. My before pictures are horrendous so I have motivation. I’m so glad there are clothes and accessories to hide those imperfections we have. 
Just a few random things going on in the AudreyBella house. I didn’t have the motivation to do individual posts for all of this so I took inspiration from FABULOUS Florida Mommy‘s blog posts, A Little This, A Little That.
Have a Great Evening!
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I’ve had several work travel days lately so I will be sharing some of my outfits with you over the next few days.

This past Tuesday’s outfit is probably one of my favorites. The Impressionist Pencil skirt has such a wonderful print. And the Lace Tee in Olive pairs so well with it. I add a little cami underneath it since it is so sheer.
I added the Trap Glass Necklace at the last minute. I have quite a bit of jewelry but rarely wear any of it. I’m trying to remedy that.
And, of course, the Penelope Mary Jane’s completed the outfit. Out of all the colors that came out in this style of shoe this is my favorite. 
Have a Great Evening!
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This dress. This print. I am not sure where to start. I loved this Gallerista print from J Crew since it came out last year in both the skirt and dress. But the price on both gave me some heartache. The were also both silk making it a little harder to wear casually so I passed on both.

So I was happy to see the same print come out this summer in both a scarf and dress in cotton, a much more wearable material for me an dour climate. On one of my work travel days in May, I stopped by the Factory store and picked up the scarf for my trip. I saw the dress but didn’t try it on.

I watched the price fluctuate up and down through the last few months, with and without an extra percent off. I still passed on the dress. This last 30% off I almost bought the dress but decided not to. I told myself if it was still in the store the next time at a good price I would try it on.
Well, I had an unexpected travel day on Tuesday and stopped by the Factory store on my way home. I am glad I waited. The dress was $59.97 in-store and was in the clearance section. All clearance items are currently an additional 50% off. I certainly wasn’t going to hold out any longer for a lower price as $30 was pretty good to me.
I tried on both the size 6 and 8. The 6 fit well but the 8 fit better. The cotton is soft and I’ll be able to wear it through the rest of the summer. 
Pockets!
What do you think of this dress? The Factory had lots of things on Clearance so I expect there will be new arrivals soon.
Have a Great Evening!