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Many years ago I disliked Cashmere very much because it was too itchy. My opinion has since changed and I love wearing it alone or layered. I must have had a bad batch or something because cashmere is no longer itchy to me but so soft and cozy. I could wear it all day, every day. And I pretty much have been doing just that.

Right now I am a J Crew snob and only have J Crew Cashmere BUT I do want to try other brands (Talbots, LE, etc.) if I can find just the right color. I have purchased at least one “fun” color and one “staple” color a year. I have a range of Tees (short and long-sleeve), Cardigans, V-Neck Sweaters, and Shawl Collar Sweaters. I have only bought my Cashmere on sale or with a % off or both (as it seems to be with JC these days). The rest I have found on ebay, quite the treasure trove out there, but I know you KWIM.

As far as my “fun” colors, I have Bright Dahia, Deep Poppy, a true Red from Old Navy, Jalapeño, Viridian Green or something similar to that, Dark Orange, Pink and Turquoise. For my “staple” colors, I have Snow (white), Black, Navy, Heather Caramel (camel), Cobblestone (gray) and Green. I like the fun colors because they do liven up a pair of jeans or pants. 

So, I found some time to take 3 outfit pics this week. I am lucky I have found made the time to get dressed every day. But each day I’ve had little errands to run so I’m not doing it at the last minute on Christmas Eve.

Monday…I felt patriotic but very warm and cozy. My legs were a little cold and could have used tights and boots instead of flats. I LOVE the Flair Skirt. It was a sizing issue for me that made me originally not like it but when I found my perfect size I was happy with the fit and “flair” of it all.

Sweater: J Crew Cashmere L/S Tee, Dark Poppy
Skirt: J Crew Flair Skirt, Navy, 8P
Shoes: Prada Calf Hair Flats (I’ve had these beauties for 6 years!)

Wednesday…I really like the color of these cords. I never saw them online so I believe they were an in-store only color. I had these hemmed for flats even though I bought the 29 Short. I think she removed at least two inches. As for this tee, I thought I had lost it. It had been missing for almost a year and then one day when I was going through my “handwash” only laundry I found it. Yay!

Cardigan: J Crew Cashmere Cody, Cobblestone
Tee: J Crew Reindeer Tee (2009)
Pants: J Crew Stretch Vintage Bootcut Cords, Bristol Blue (in-store color)
TOMS Shoes Black Glitter
Today…I wanted to somewhat re-create this look. I know the image is a little small and blurry but you can go here to see it. 
I liked the Tuxedo pant with the scarf and the glittery shoes. I completely missed out on this scarf but was able to find it at ASOS for much less than the JC Cashmere Scarf. Thank you Andrea, over at Life’s Divine blog, for pointing me to it! (Also see the Forever 21 scarf!) I wanted to layer the Cashmere Tee but realized I do not have a black button-down shirt other than the Tartan Perfect Shirt, which I wore Thursday (sorry no pic) so I couldn’t wear it again. (You can see it in my Polyvore strip on the right.) I settled on a J Crew Haberdashery in White from a few years ago along with Wool Tuxedo pants. I added the Asos scarf and I was off to J Crew. 
Shirt: J Crew Haberdashery, White
Sweater: J Crew Cashmere Tee, Snow
Pants: J Crew Wool Tuxedo Pants (ebay)
Shoes: Steve Madden Madee, Glitter

Scarf: Asos
I think I finally found a present for Husband the he will not expect. Not only is he hard to buy for but he spoils his gifts every year, including the Kindle he was going to get this year. He also found a stocking-stuffer and tried to use it before I caught him. The Boy is easy – cash and gift cards to Barnes & Nobles. But I am working with Santa on a special gift this year. Something he’s not expecting at all. As for what I want, thank goodness for the Amazon Universal Wishlist Button or I wouldn’t have anything under the tree. Not that I really want anything but it’s helpful for the in-laws so they can pick something they know I will like.
Well, I’m off to try and wrap some presents this evening. Tomorrow I will be shopping for the nephews and niece and grabbing stocking-stuffers.
Have a Great evening!

Merry Christmas!

/ Uncategorized

My order finally arrived today from the 25% off at J Crew last week. As much as I wanted to order more, I didn’t NEED to order anything. Even now, I’ve perused the sale section and there’s nothing I need, have-to-have, or like/love. It seems kind of blah right now. I’m sure once more Holiday arrivals come in there will be another big push to sale.

Anyway, here’s what came from my Brown Sancho (aka the UPS man).

Two Jackies – Pacific and Maraschino Cherry – I didn’t like the Pacific blue color IRL. I don’t have a color like it in my closet but nothing came to mind when I tried to style it in my head so it will go back. As for the Maraschino Cherry, the red is pretty and I’ll think about it for a while. Naturally, it will be great to pull out and wear during Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Vintage Matchstick Cords – Vintage Violet – Such an beautiful color.

And then I stopped by my other B&M today and found these.
A scarf I have had my eye on since I first saw it in the store. I was able to snag this on sale plus 30% off.

A new Natasha blouse in a Leopard print. Love it! – $98, Color SAV, #60637

Stretch Vintage Bootcut Cords – $69.50 (promo), Color DAT Deep Atlantic, #50025 (This color is not online.)

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Paisley – ABC was so right about this skirt. It has so many colors and goes with so many things. See her posts here and here about styling and colors. And I love that both the skirt and lining are cotton. I can wear this into Spring and possibly early Summer.

My PS has put away some more Holiday 1 new arrivals so I should be checking those out tomorrow.
Have a Great Evening!

/ Que Bella

I had a few last minute things to do yesterday before out Christmas started today We’ll be busy the rest of the weekend starting in about two hours so I’m happy to steal myself a little time before the cooking and gifting and unwrapping and cleaning of it all.

It’s been a little gloomy the last few days with cloudy skies and a little rain today. Compared to the 80 degrees we had Monday and Tuesday, I don’t think I mind the rain and clouds. At least it makes you think the weather is cooler outside.

Here’s what I wore to get some cash, candy for bags, presents for the pets and then to the movies to see True Grit.

All items J Crew
Shoes: Tretorn Flannel for J Crew
And hmmm? Could these be holding J Crew “bling”?

The movie was pretty good. I actually saw the original the night before on TV. Both movies followed the book so there were a lot of similar lines/one-liners. The new version is more from Maddy’s experience than Rooster’s, which is more like the book. I do like Matt Damon’s LeBoeuf better than Glen Campbell’s and the new Maddy. I won’t compare “The Duke” to “The Dude” – that almost seems sacrilegious. My recommendation – Go see it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Have a great day! Take a little time for yourself before starting the preparing and celebrating.