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I’ve been bad about posting my Que Bella’s so here’s one from last week during my office visit. I bought the Maeve Ring True Shell with my birthday discount and absolutely love it. The office visit was the perfect opportunity to wear it.

I took a size 6 based on the reviews. I wore it with my Jackie in black, No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Natural (I have found an 8 Petite is my best size) and my Lanvin Espadrilles.

And the Mason Jar Sippers I mentioned here? A huge hit at our party last Saturday. I made frozen margaritas and added a freshly juiced watermelon ice cube. I found more paper straws at TJ Maxx as well. I’m glad I did because even though they are thick they still end up tearing at some point and need to be replaced. The 8 ounces was just the right size for the evening. I will probably grab the bigger jars at HEB or Wal-Mart since the tops fit those too.

Have a Great Sunday!
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And I found it at the J Crew Factory Store of all places! I had a three-day office visit and one evening my friend and co-worker S were shopping the outlet. Of course we stopped in J Crew. I knew that they had new arrivals for Fall but nothing caught my eye until we were walking out of the store. That’s when I saw the Madewell Western Jean Shirt in Nightsky Wash. Only one Medium was left among the Smalls and Extra-Smalls so I grabbed it to take to the fitting room. 

Though the online description states a shrunken fit I found no issues getting it on and moving around. The denim is very soft and I can’t wait until it becomes like a fine wine…better with age. The buttons are all snaps, just like a western shirt should be. The best part was that it was also 40% off of it’s price of $59.99. 

I loved my purchase so much I wore it the next day with the Collection Embroidered Neon Floral Skirt. The neon is pretty bright I love how the denim beautifully contrasts with it. I am wearing a size 8 in the skirt and could have probably sized to a 6 so I would say this is TTS. I finished off my outfit with my Lanvin Espadrilles. Shockingly enough I only brought 3 pairs of shoes with me compared to my standard 5 (one for each day, sandals for evening and an extra pair in case I change my mind on one of my day pair). Yes, crazy I know but you never know when you might need a different pair of shoes.

I’m so very happy with my first ever Madewell purchase. Other than a Tote I had been eyeing, nothing peaked my interest. Now I’ll really have to give them a good look in the future. 
Have a Great Evening!
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It’s July and Fall is upon us. At least as far as retailers are concerned. Each season’s Collections seem to be released earlier and earlier each year. Last year’s J Crew Fall arrivals were a week later than this year’s. I think eventually Fall will be released in January. Last year’s first Fall arrivals brought us the Blythe in Polka Dot (still love!), the Tippi Bow Sweater that was a huge love across the JCAs and several Jules Dress options. Let’s see what I like from Fall 2013.

I did receive an early preview link last Monday and was able to order two items I lusted over in the August Style Guide: the Collection Mini in Jade Foulard and the Fluted Skirt in Double Crepe. I love both of them. The Mini is the perfect “menswear” addition to my closet. The pattern and color is lovely. I am wearing a size 8 which gives me a touch more length. There’s enough material to drop the length about an inch. I wish this had been made into a tie as well, for The Boy.

I don’t have a black skirt in my closet so The Fluted Skirt fills that need. There is no room to drop the hem but the length is good for me. I’m wearing a size 8. I definitely could have sized to a 6 for the waist but I think it might have been a touch tight in the hips if I had. 

These are both keepers for me. I don’t have a Fall shopping list yet but I was able to get some basics over the summer during some sale and percent off promos. We are also still in the heat of Summer so it’s very hard to think about, or even try-on, Fall items.

What do you think of these two skirts?

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Buying multiples can sometimes be a curse, especially when the item is $100+ (or $50+ for that matter). I hesitated for the longest time (in JC terms) on buying a pair of Etta pumps. I couldn’t trust the CWFS who said this shoe was “all-day, all-night comfortable”. Really? A magic shoe? A magic HIGH-HEELED shoe? I think not. But, I finally bit and purchased my first pair of Etta’s, the Collection Snakeskin.

Ok, so I confess…I have not worn them yet. I just haven’t had the opportunity. They are special. But I will. I really see myself this Fall in Cafe’ Capri’s or jeans with lovely blouses and beautiful heels or flats. Not shorts, tees, jersey skirts, and TB Thora’s. That’s my goal anyway, or so I tell myself. Anyway, I can’t comment on the comfort of the Etta’s yet but when I want something and it’s a great deal, well, the Shoe-Goggles come on.
When those puppies are on, apparently I can’t see color (I’m looking at you “Poppy” Janey Flats that are red on the website but really orange IRL. Really ORANGE.) and don’t fully read descriptions from the CWFS (Crafted in Italy of a woven fabric that has the look of intricate beading). The Etta Bead-Stitch Pumps DO NOT have actual beading AudreyBella!
So the “intricate beading” is actually woven fabric made to look like beading. But, it really does look like beading, from far away, which is where everyone will be when I wear these. 

See…no beading…but pretty none-the-less.

Confess! How many times have you fell for the CWFS description only to be shocked/disappointed/happy that it was not what you thought? 
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One item on my wish list for this year was a Michael Kors Jet Set Tote with all the multi-function pockets. This year has been the “year-of-the-tote” for me. They are big and roomy to fit as much, or little, as I want. 
Imagine my wonderful surprise during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Early Access period, where I not only found the beloved tote I wanted but in a gorgeous plum color. 
Meet my newest handbag, in a beautiful color for Fall…Jet-Set Travel in Saffiano Leather, Extra Large. 

Originally $328 (average price of a JC handbag), it’s Anniversary Sale price is $218. It comes in three colors: Black, Dark Slate and Iris.

No closure but… 

Lots of pockets..two cell phone pockets, one on each side as well as a zip padded center for a small computer or Mac Book. Just outside that is another slip pocket for an iPad. I added mine in so you can get a visual. Since my new computer is not Mac Book sized I will use the center to keep my wallet secure.

Functional and gorgeous…what more could a girl ask for? 
Have you shopped the Nordstom Anniversary Sale? I do have my eye on some Boots and a very impractical Leather Skirt I really don’t need, as well as a pair of Nike‘s I do need.