/ Que Bella

I am lucky enough that I am able to work-from-home most of the year. I usually have to visit the office once or twice a month. It’s not required, but sometimes a project or meeting needs my actual presence, not my virtual one.

I love my Plaza Skirt in Glen Plaid and couldn’t wait to wear it again. This time I pattern-mixed it with the Tory Burch Peg Shell (now on sale). I was in a rush and didn’t have time for a great pic. I’ll wear this again though as I absolutely loved this pairing!

Hover over the hearts on the image for the rest of the outfit details.

I wanted to be casual but chic on my Wednesday visit and chose the same colors from my Old Navy post. The blazer came off around lunch since it wasn’t as cool by the afternoon. I probably could have done a darker wash jean but I love the Toothpick Jean in Miller Wash. They are so stretchy and comfortable.
 
These are two of my favorite outfits. I can’t wait to style something similar again!

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I took advantage of the 30% off Valentine’s Day special to order a few things from the J Crew Factory. The shipping was expedited as well.

I ordered the Scalloped Lace Tee in Grey Mist in a size 8. It also comes in Soft Mint and Apricot Mist. I like the fit in the 8 just fine. I recall I took a 6 in the retail version a year or so ago. I chose the Grey as I don’t have anything tops in this color. The Mint looks pretty as well.

I took a Medium in the Classic Button-Down in Gingham and it runs a little big. The sleeves are too long and it runs big through the body. I like the Gingham but I’m not sure I’ll wear it very much so I will return this.

The Pique’ Polo was a great deal at $17. I grabbed the Verte Green and White. The Cerulean Sea looks like a really pretty blue as well. This is a Medium. I have the Mint and Navy from last year and they have held up well. These are great to just throw on with any bottoms. Much more polished than grabbing a tee.

I ordered a few Clare Cardigans as they came to $21. I originally just wanted the Champagne but I figured I’d grab a few more colors to see them IRL and decide if they would be able be incorporated in my closet. With the crazy weather we’ve been having I think I may need cardigans a little more this year than in the past. I have the White already but felt I needed a back-up.

I am also waiting on the Short-Sleeve V-Neck Cardigans that are offered each year. Those are great to have handy as well. I wasn’t able to capture the Fresh Guava very well. The Champagne looks a little like the Jackie in Beechwood that I have (from a few years ago). 
I always try to wait for an additional promo where the Factory is concerned. Prices jump around so often I always use Gigi’s Guide to Factory Prices. Now to decide which of the Clare’s I’ll keep. 
Have a Great Day!


/ Que Bella

Husband and I are off to the West Coast soon, San Jose/San Francisco in fact, for a long weekend. Our last “grown-up getaway” was last September to put our toes in the sand in Mexico. I’m pretty excited as I’ve never been to California. Also, a change in scenery means a change in temps so I’ll be able to pack some items I’ve been waiting to wear for chillier weather.

For the Airport days, I’ll be relaxed, as I was for my Vegas trip at the beginning of the month.

1. Factory Clare Cardigan in Cabernet, Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Ivory, Cropped Matchstick Jeans, Cece Ballet Flats in Black
2. Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Black, Cropped Matchstick Jeans, Cece Flats

 

     
For the full days in San Jose and San Francisco, I’ve decided on a Black/Grey/Cream color story with a touch of Burgundy.
1. Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Ivory, Pixie Pants in Leather Tuxedo Stripe, Cece Flats

2. Merino Pocket Tunic in Garnet, Pixie Pants, Cece Flats

3. Silk Blythe Blouse in Polka Dot, Jackie Cardigan in Dark Charcoal (Old but Factory is offering this color.), Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Grey, Cece Flats – I’ll also layer my Grey Lexington Blazer over this and carry a scarf if needed. The Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Grey were a very unexpected love after trying them on in the store. I took my normal Toothpick Jean size of 30.

4. Factory Beaded Sweatshirt in Black, Toothpick Jeans, Cece Flats

5. Ruffle Collar Sweatshirt in Grey, Cropped Donegal Wool Pant, Cece Flats – I’ll add a necklace to jazz this outfit up for the evening and switch to the Janey Patent Flats in Black.

6. Tippi Sweater in Light Pewter (Last year’s version…This year has Heather Grey, which I love.), Medallion Tie-Silk Skirt, Janey Patent Flats – This is a back-up dinner outfit in case I feel like wearing a skirt.

Extras – Lexington Blazer, Michael Kors Jet Set Tote, Michael Kors iPhone Crossbody, Grande Crystal Drops Necklace, Burberry Scarf, Printed Airy Wool Scarf

I do plan to layer long-sleeve tees underneath the sweatshirts and use either the Lexington Blazer or Excursion Vest and a scarf every day. The cross-body will function as my daily bag and the Tote my travel bag.
As usual, I am taking a carry-on so I’ve made sure I can mix-and-match most items and can wear items twice. This also gives me a little room in my bag for bringing home any thing I pick up from shopping. I debated on bringing a heavier coat but Husband has assured me we will not be outside long at night. It would also mean I couldn’t pack it and would have to carry it over my arm on the plane. That would look a bit odd leaving the warmth of Texas. I can always make him buy me a new coat if I get too chilly or cold. 😉
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, where I’ll be posting my outfits. I hope to do an outfit round-up from both trips next week.
Have a Great Week!

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The Brocatto Peplum Top was the only item on my Anthro wishlist I wanted to see using the Anthro Day 15% off. I ordered a Medium and should have probably chosen a Medium Petite. It’s loose in the shoulders and chest and then fits in the waist. The material is a beautiful brocade but does look a little like Grandmother’s couch. Also, the Peplum is a bit “peppy”

I love the color of the Roses and found so many items in my closet that would work with this top. I just don’t know if I love it enough to keep it or exchange it for a MP, so I’ll need your help deciding.

I originally didn’t care for pairing the Brocatto Peplum Top with the Fluted Skirt in Ivory because I had a Flare at the hip and then at my knees. But, now, seeing it in an image, I don’t think it looks that bad. What do you think? A pencil skirt or even the Sterling Skirt in Crimson Maple might be a better choice for this top.

Second, is a jean pairing. These are Lucky Brand Legend High-Rise Trouser Jeans, with the Schoolboy Blazer in Navy and Studded Strap Booties from Anthro. If I wore this top alone with a jean I would go a skinny jean like the Midrise Toothpick in Carbon.

Lastly, I have on the Flair Skirt in Double-Serge Wool in Navy, the Factory Clare Cardigan in Cabernet and my Louboutin’s in Cranberry. This is a nice look and the Clare Cardigan goes well with the top.

I created a few other looks in my Stylebook but am really on the fence about this top. So even though I like it and I can certainly wear this 3 ways, and more, I don’t know if I actually will. I have enough dressy tops to go with these items but can it be casual enough for WFH?
What do you think? 
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I really wanted to wear this skirt as soon as possible and didn’t want to wait for another go-into-the-office day (since I won’t have one for three weeks!!). So I decided to try my options to see which one I liked best for running errands on Friday. My goal was to keep things simple and let the skirt shine.

First, I paired the Porcelain Paisley Skirt with a J Crew Factory Favorite Fit Tank in Navy (similar here) and my trusty Stuart Weitzman Nude Wedges. For the hot day we had the tank was perfect.

Next, I added a J Crew Cotton Cardigan, from 08/09, in Navy (similar here). A nice pairing but I didn’t like the longer length covering the print of this skirt, at least for today. 
I swapped the wedges for the Cece Suede Ballet Flats in Wild Berry, making the outfit a little more casual, with a pop of color.
I swapped the Navy cardigan with a Factory Jackie in White (similar here) and the Mona Heels in Wild Berry. I love the pop of pink. 
Finally, I swapped the heels for the Chambray Soludos. I quite like this for a super casual look. It was the one I went with today and ended up not wearing the cardigan since it was so hot today. 
So tell me…what do you think of these pairings? I must confess I was going to wear a red tank but it was too big on me so I had to go for a smaller one. How will you style this skirt?