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Husband’s company had their Holiday party Saturday and I had eagerly been waiting to wear the Gold Stripe Mini Skirt. The weather turned bitterly cold on Thursday but I was still determined to wear this skirt so I tweaked the rest of the outfit to accommodate this.

My entire outfit, from head-to-toe, is all J Crew. The sweater is Cashmere Tee in Black. The shoes are the Collection Sloane Velvet Crisscross Pumps I reviewed here. For my jewelry, I am wearing the Salon Necklace and Bracelet from 2009. I originally had the bracelet in Shore Pink and wore it to the Holiday party back in 2009, here. I eventually sold it because I wanted the bracelet and necklace to match. The tights are also J Crew, the Super-Opaque Tights in Black. I usually grab a extra pair at the end of the season when they are on sale.

I had my nails done at Ulta with OPI GelColor in Onyx Black with a GoldenEye accent nail.

I added the Tuxedo Topcoat and my trusty Kate Spade Camel Clutch to finish the look. I am so glad I bought the Topcoat. It was perfect for the evening.

I did keep my hands warm with J Crew Leather Gloves in Holiday Punch, Fall 2011. This year’s version of the glove also has a Holiday Punch color but it’s purple and not Bright Pink like mine.

The entertainment for the night was ZZ Top! They played a mix of everything including some Elvis, Jimmy Hendrix and of course, Legs and Sharped Dressed Man. They look they same, just a bit older when you get up close. 

We finished the night taking some friends to one of my favorite bar for a cocktail before heading home.

Have a Great Evening!

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We had a chilly but sunny Thanksgiving and I’ve been waiting to wear my Leather Pocket Mini-Dress from Madewell. I paired it with a Light Gray Tissue Turtleneck Tee from a few years ago since my Black color looked dingy. I added Black Assets Leggings and my lovely Harper Leather Boots. I was comfortable all day and had plenty of room to hide the Thanksgiving Food Baby.

The Boy and I goofing around. 
Friday evening we went out as a family to celebrate Husband’s birthday. He had been sick all week, including his birthday and even missed out on Thanksgiving. I have on my J Crew Sample Cashmere Pants, a Cashmere Tee in Olive, Martina Wedges I purchased from a JCA, and my jumping-on-the-bandwagon/better-late-than-never Lexington Blazer in Ivory. I have been slowly finding the Lexington Blazers in the solid and tipped and I think I now have every color I want. I have also been able to find two Wool Oxford Blazers that are gorgeous! I wish these two would come back. I added my Dorado Necklace at the last minute and it paired wonderfully with the outfit.

I did stop at the J Crew Factory store on my way home on Thanksgiving since it opened at 6 p.m.!! It wasn’t busy at all since everyone was at Kate Spade and Coach on that side of the mall. I didn’t venture out on Black Friday as there are just too many people out-and-about. Unfortunately, one of those people was in a little bit of a hurry and pulled out in front of The Boy. He wasn’t hurt, Thank The Lord! but the truck his grand-father gave him is a total loss. We are sad only because the truck is sentimental to us but we know dad was looking down on his Grandson that day to keep him safe.

Even though I’m one of the first in line when there’s a sale or new arrivals, in the end it’s all just stuff. Nothing is more important than the time we have here on Earth with our loved ones. And, now, because The Boy has no vehicle, I get to dust off that black Chauffeur Hat and spend a little more time during the day with him than I normally would. Woo Hoo!! Which is great for me (and him but he won’t admit it) because he’ll be off to College in 6 months and then I’ll be really sad! (J Crew better have a great Fall 2014 to cheer me up!)

Have a Great Evening!

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Friday brought a crazy cold spell with the high temp happening at 1 a.m. and then dropping from there. It also brought rain which made the day cold and dreary. But, I was happy that I could finally bundle up, layer, wear sweaters and boots!

I added a cozy cashmere scarf, the Cashmere Double-Faced Plaid Scarf, and the Excursion Vest in Black to finish out my layering. 
   

Bundled Bella…that’s me!

Have a Great Evening! Stay bundled!

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I am in some serious love with the Dorado Necklace. I was able to find it while in California and cannot stop wearing it. It truly goes with almost everything. It probably helps that I have been wearing darker neutral colors but I’m sure I’d figure out a way to wear this necklace with bright colors too.

I wore this last week to work and then the salon for highlights and a cut. The Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic is so easy to put on and go. I have Black and Ivory and was able to score the Navy on sale. The Ankle Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Gray are another favorite and serious workhorse in my closet. The booties are Christian Louboutin Melisa and were something I’ve been saving up to add to my closet. They have a hidden wedge and slight platform making them comfortable for all day, and night, wear. I finished this look with my Kate Spade and C. Wonder bracelets and my Kate Spade Ring. The ring is something I’ve been putting on every time I leave the house.

And, of course, I had a pretty good hair day, the day of the salon. I added a little product and let it air dry. Apparently, this is the natural wave my stylist keeps mentioning to me.

An HOA meeting on Monday was enough for me to put on something else besides a tee and boyfriend jeans. I debated on getting another pair of the Gray Toothpick Jeans but after trying on the Toothpick Ankle Jean in Coated Denim I decided on those. With my Drapey Crepe Tunics in the laundry I settled on the Tippi Sweater in Apple Print from a few seasons ago. I topped it with my Schoolboy Blazer in Black (10 Petite is the perfect fit for me) and put the Darby Loafers in Calf-Hair on my feet. 

The Dorado Necklace looks really good against the Apple Print, don’t you think?

This is such a great necklace. I hope it isn’t just an in-store only because it would be great if all of you could have one too!

Have a Great Day!

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We are back from my wonderful West Coast vacation and with the exception of our Denver layover, we had a great time. Layering was key for this trip and I really loved everything I put together and wore.

Travel/Day 1 – This was my airport/airplane look. I then layered when we arrived in San Jose.
JC Matchstick Jeans, JC White Oxford, Kate Spade Bangle, KS Glasses Ring, JC Cece Ballet Flats

Once we arrived in San Jose, I added my Factory Clare Cardigan, Excursion Vest and Printed Airy Wool Scarf. It was perfect as the sun went down.

Day 2/Shopping Day – I was alone on Day 2 and spent the whole day shopping and eating on Santana Row. Loved it! I visited my first Madewell store as well as H&M and C.Wonder. AND! I experienced my first blow-out at Dry Bar. That was a lot of fun and a great way to start my shopping day!

JC Silk Blythe in Polka Dot, JC Jackie, Ankle Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Gray, Lexington Blazer, Burberry Scarf, Cece’s, Michael Kors Cross-body Bag in Gray (found at TJ Maxx), Alex and Ani Bracelets

The scarf was good for the morning and I tucked it in my bag during the afternoon.

I found these Alex and Ani Bracelets at Nordstrom the day before I left on vacation. There were so many to choose from but narrowed it down to these three. I wore these every day except the travel days so I didn’t have to mess with them through security.

Day 3/San Francisco Drive – We took the scenic route to San Francisco so I wanted to be comfortable in the car.

All J Crew: Pixie Pants with Tuxedo Stripe, Drapey Crepe Tunic, Excursion Vest, Cece Flats, Deco Necklace (new, in-store)

Day 4 – We had brunch and then were off to explore a little of San Francisco.

JC Merino Pocket Tunic, JC Toothpick Jeans, JC Lexington Blazer, Michael Kors bag, JC Necklace

I changed for dinner into the Medallion Tie-Silk Skirt and Tippi Sweater. I debated on wearing the Janey’s but since I hadn’t broken them in like I thought I would I stuck with the Cece’s. I added the Lexington Blazer to complete this look.

Day 5/Travel – Headed back home and though I really wanted to wear those Toothpick Jeans again I opted for something a little more clean.

Madewell Shirt, Factory Clare Cardigan, Cropped Matchstick Jeans, Cece Flats

I tweaked my packing right before we left and overall loved everything I brought with me. They all mixed and matched so well. My favorite item HAD to be the Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Gray. Who knew they would be extremely versatile? I will have to get another pair. I wore them 3 times on vacation and am wearing them again today. I didn’t wear a few items either including the Janey Flats. The Cece Ballet Flats in Black were THE.PERFECT.SHOE for everything I had, even the dressier skirt and Tippi Sweater. 
The weather was gorgeous and how Gigi described it, cool in the mornings and warming up in the afternoons. Layering was so key to everything and the Lexington Blazer was perfect for this trip. If I was warm it was not too heavy to carry on my arm, or put in my 10 cent bag. 
Have a Great Day! As soon as I find some time I’ll post some reviews of Madewell, C.Wonder and Anthropologie.