/ Reviews

I mentioned during my review of the Patio Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool that I had ordered the Tux Stripe version. They finally arrived and I absolutely love them! They will be a great alternative to skirts or dresses for the Holiday events when the weather is colder.

 ~ Patio Pant with Leather Tux Stripe in Bi-Stretch Wool, Black, 8 Petite ~

I ordered the 8 Petite because I wanted them to be cropped like they are in the model image online. They hit just above the ankle in the Petite. The slacks fit great in the Petite through the waist, hips and thighs. I’ll keep the pockets closed for as long as I can as I like the sleek look and I rarely use my front pockets.
 
I came up with two different ways to wear these Patio Pants. First is with flats and what I would wear to the office.
~ Merino Cardigan, J Crew (J Crew, Loft) ~
~ Polka Dot Blythe Blouse, J Crew (J Crew, Bluefly) ~
~ Candy Studded Flats, Christian Louboutin (old) (Dillard’s, Kenneth Cole)
 
And here’s the second outfit with a solid Cashmere sweater and fun heels. Just add a favorite necklace and you’re ready for a nice dinner or casual Holiday party.
~ Cashmere Tee, J Crew (Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s) ~
~ Etta Printed Heels, J Crew (J Crew, Guess) ~
 
Have you tried the Patio Pant or seen the Patio Pant with Leather Tux Stripe in person? Our weather is starting to cool off at night so I’m hoping I can wear these on our next date night.

/ Que Bella

I had planned on seeing my niece play in a basketball tournament on Saturday but it was cancelled at the last minute due to the weather. I ended up running a few errands instead and then doing a little closet cleaning.The Tippi Houndstooth Sweater is such a pretty color. I forget that the Tippi is not a long-sleeve sweater so I had a little more cuff from my Polka-Dot Blythe Blouse {similar} exposed than I originally wanted. The Factory version of the sweater doesn’t have the Houndstooth shoulder patch but is still pretty.

I put tights under my trusty Pilcro Stet Ankle Jeans to be a little warmer during the day. I wanted to wear my Quinn Booties but since it was raining I didn’t want to mess up the suede. I use this spray but I still prefer not to wear my suede boots in wet weather. The Studded Strap Booties are a great pair of booties for wet weather. The sole is rubber so it grips the ground a little better.

In Wendy’s post yesterday, she posed the question “What ouftit would you wear every day?” I know in Winter and Spring, this outfit is probably what I would pick. I would switch out the heeled booties for my Cece’s but this is an outfit I am definitely comfortable in daily.

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!

/ Bella Picks

As retailers start bringing in Resort and Spring Collections, in the middle of Winter, it’s a good time to take a look in your closet to see what you do have that might be similar. I don’t have my Spring Shopping list put together but I do know of a few items I don’t need (from my favorite retailer) since I do have very similar items to what is now being offered. Take a look and see what I’ve found already in my closet.

The Voile Skirt in Stripe looks very pretty and I like the red and blue/black stripe but I do already have and LOVE the Gimlet Skirt in Coaster Stripe. I am not sure if the few inches of flat panel before the pleats would feel tight across the hips or not. Also, the length on the Voile Skirt is 23 inches, several inches below my knee. I have found I prefer above the knee or all the way maxi for my skirt lengths; I’m not a midi- girl. That still doesn’t stop me from wanting to see it, either IRL or on someone’s blog.

The Blythe Blouse in Pale Graphite is another one of my favorites. So much that I bought another one, just in case. It’s very rare that I will buy the exact same item as a back-up but I love it that much. Now, for Resort/Early Spring, there is a Soft Sand color with darker Polka Dots. I’m not so much a fan of the darker spots. For me, I think the appeal of the original from Fall was that the Polka Dots were in Gray/Graphite which blended slightly with the base color of the shirt. The darker spots are not doing it for me. I also think they should have switched these two…the Soft Sand for Fall/Winter because of the darker spots and the Pale Graphite for Resort/Spring. Makes sense in my head. Of course, if I see it IRL I’ll probably change my mind. But for now, definitely off my list.
I have similar variations of the Silk Short-Sleeve Blouse. I have the Striped Tee from a year or two ago and the Raindrop Lace Top in Navy. I wore my Striped Tee constantly after the initial purchase for several months and haven’t worn it since, maybe a year to 14 months. The Raindrop Lace Top fills a void of Spring/Summer Navy blouse and it’s Cotton, making it easier to wear than Silk. I’m sure the Silk Short-Sleeve Blouse is pretty IRL and the Warm Ivory would fill a void in my closet but it’s not a have-to-have. If it makes it to sale with a % off I’ll probably get it, that is, if the fit is right.
I have enough Striped Sweaters to last me a while. The Jackie Cardigan in Stripe is very similar to the Factory version I purchased last Spring. I have an Ann Taylor Loft green striped cardigan that will fill the void of the V-Neck Sweater in Stripe. If anything, I need two or three solid colors of the Jackie.
Shorts! I live in these all Summer and have quite a few pairs. I started trying to wear skirts more this Summer but still need a good reliable pair (or 10) of shorts. But I have found that these Anchor Shorts are  at the Factory Store every Spring/Summer. That goes for the Denim Shorts. I found mine last year at the Factory and they were exactly like the Retail version that was offered this past Summer, which is the same pair being offered now. The only difference is that mine are darker, which I like. Also, the Factory comes out with lots of colors in the 3-, 5- inch and Bermuda Shorts, so I’ll look there first before the Retail store.
I couldn’t forget the Double-Serge Pencil Skirts, could I? J Crew pencil skirts are my favorite and they fit me very well but this year I’ll be looking for a special print, like the Porcelain Paisley from last Summer, before making a purchase. I have very similar solid Pencil skirts already to substitute for the pretty new colors being offered now. And, two of the colors I wanted last year went to sale I was able to get them for a really really good price.
First, instead of Indigo Blue, I have the Factory Casablanca Blue and the Retail Mini in Brilliant Blue. I am sure the Indigo Blue will be very vibrant but I doubt it will be that much of a brightness to make me change my mind. Next up, is the Spearmint colorway, and I am sure it’s super gorgeous IRL. But I do have the Bright Spearmint Double-Serge Mini, the Jardin Maxi in the Morning Aqua, the Cafe’ Capri in the Tropical Aqua and the Sterling Skirt in Mint to fill the Winter void. Lastly, is the Melon color. Oh, it’s sooo pretty online and is definitely going on my list. I have the Sterling Skirt in Autumn Coral. I suspect the Melon will be slightly lighter and definitely pretty for Spring and Summer.
So, picking one of the three colors isn’t bad. The Fresh Pear looks pretty but I wasn’t too much of a fan of the Kiwi so I doubt I’ll be attracted to it. And, I have the Natural from last year that I purchase for about $24. A good staple color to have.
Jewelry is last to discuss. The latest incarnation of the Frog Critter bracelet is pretty, especially with the gold links but I have the Summer 2012 version and like the resin better. It’s more playful, IMO. I love my Flower Lattice necklace in Multicolor and was oh so tempted to get it in the Crystal but I really wouldn’t wear it very much. It’s more for a dressy occasion and not every day, at least for me. That, and I’d rather spend $228 on something else.
With each rollout I will be looking to my closet to see if I have a similar version. I really am looking for those special pieces now, like the Jules in Scroll Print. Having a list for Fall helped me so much. I didn’t stray very far from it and really looked for the items I had on my list and found a few of them on sale, including my two Kate Spade pieces. So I may be paying more, but I will be consuming less.
You’ll also notice I didn’t discuss shoes or bags. Those really are special pieces for me. I may be more selective in my purchases and already have two very specific items on my list. Once it is finalized I will share it with you.
So, do you have anything new from your favorites stores that you might already have in your closet?

**Hmm, what’s that Kate? You have something you want me to see? Oh this too?
/ Reviews

 

OK, I get a little skeeved out by snakeskin prints. So when I saw this print in the No. 2 Pencil Skirt I knew it would not be making it into my closet. But, there’s no harm trying it on for blog’s sake, right?

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Snake Print, Sz 6 – This is a wool/silk blend and fit TTS. The length seems a little long, more than normal. If I were to buy this it would be in a Petite 8 to shorten it up a little.
Blythe Blouse, Neon Kiwi, Sz 6 – Wow, is this bright. Even more so when paired with the Collection Cashmere Cardigan, in Neon Kiwi, Sz M.
This skirt is a pass for me. I’ll wait for another skirt in a print I prefer.
What do you think of this print and skirt?