/ Que Bella

Husband and I are heading to Vegas for a few days. We are practicing for our “Empty Nest”, which we have taken to quite well. I’m still sad though. I’ve seen The Boy become such a wonderful person and I don’t want him to go anywhere. We plan to lounge around the pool during the days and catch a show or two so I’m excited to pack different things from my October trip. The bulk of my wardrobe is from J Crew with some of my Tory Burch pieces thrown in.

Day 1 – Travel Day & Night Out

~ Metallic V-Neck Sweater, J Crew ~
~ Silk Crepe Maxidress, J Crew ~
~ Dorado Necklace, J Crew (outfits) ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~

 

~ Swoop Blouse, J Crew (Factory) ~
~ Fluted Skirt in Double Crepe, J Crew ~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~
~ Minaudière Clutch in Botanical Print, J Crew Factory ~

Day 2 – Day/Night

~ London Blouse, Tory Burch ~
~ Lightweight Bermuda Shorts, old J Crew (current) ~
~ Cece Leather Ballet Flats, J Crew ~

 

~ Metallic V-Neck Sweater, J Crew ~
~ Collection Pyramid Brocade Shorts, J Crew ~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~
Day 3 – Day/Night
~ Lidia Polo, Tory Burch ~
~ Pleated Cotton Short, J Crew (current, Factory) ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~

 

~ Scalloped Shift Dress, JC Factory ~
~ Grande Crystal Drops Necklace, J Crew (BR) ~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~
Since I’m not sure right now which one I will want to wear I’m taking these swimsuits.
~ Saint Etienne Seductress, Nanette Lepore ~
~ Printed Halter One-Piece, Jean Paul Gaultier (review) ~
~ Windowpane Sculpted Halter & Bikini, J Crew (review) ~
Day 4 – Travel Day (Will also use this dress and the black one as a cover-up for the pool.)
~ Denim Jacket, old GAP ~
~ Silk Crepe Maxidress, J Crew ~
~ Grotto Pendant Necklace, J Crew ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~
And the extras, in case I change my mind.
~ Stripe Linen Tunic, J Crew ~
~ Pleated Cotton Short, J Crew (current, Factory) ~
~ Cleo Metallic Mirror Perforated Loafer, J Crew ~
~ Cleo Silk Tunic, Anthropologie (on sale!)~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~

 

~ Cheers Tee, J Crew ~
~ Aberra Tee, Tory Burch ~
~ Cropped Skinny Jeans, Tory Burch ~
~ Jackie Cardigan, J Crew ~
~ Lightweight Bermuda Shorts, old J Crew (current) ~
Follow me on Instagram to see if I stick to these outfits or switch them up.
Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

After a quick stop to the room to drop off my bag, I settled on El Jardin Tequila Bar & Restaurant for lunch. The weather was gorgeous and perfect for outdoor seating (all they have). Mango was the fruit choice of the day as I ordered a yummy Chile Mango Margarita and the Baja Fish Tacos with a Mango Salsa and Avocado Sauce.

 The real deal…no Photoshopping these images.

I was so tempted to order another Margarita but you would have had to pick me up off the floor. Delicious with a nice kick to it, due to the Chile, but, hello Tequila.

After lunch I stopped by J Crew in Westfield Valley Fair Mall across the street and picked up this versatile necklace.

 I cannot stop wearing it. It just seems to go with everything, even my Apple Print Tippi Sweater I wore yesterday. It’s almost becoming second nature to grab this necklace to wear with whatever I have on. The receipt stated this was the Dorado Necklace. I have no idea if this will show up online Wednesday or if this is in-store only. My VPS said they had it for about two seconds before they were sold out.

Then I was off to Anthropologie, as Husband and I had stopped in Kate Spade the day before. I was able to find a few items to try on. They had quite a few party dresses and items out already.

Guimauve Top, Sz Medium – This fit well but I’d like to try a Small to be sure. This was really cozy on and would look great with some dark jeans and heels. Wishlisted.

Beaded Poeme Top, Sz 6, Ivory – A great little top for Holiday parties but definitely needs a cami underneath. It also comes in Pink. It’s also a little heavy due to the beading. I vary between a 6 and 8 in tops and felt this was a great fit. Wishlisted

Emperor Kiss Sweater, Medium – Oh this is such a super cute sweater. I doubt it will make it to sale. This would fit in well with all the black and gray I’ve been wearing lately. Wishlisted

Joyeux Dress, Sz 6 – This was a perfect fit and beautiful for the upcoming Holidays. I don’t have a need for it but would love to find one. Wishlisted
   

Violante Dress, Sz Medium – This is another dress that would be great for any Holiday dinners. The Medium fit a little loose in the bust so if I were to get this I would like to try a Small or Medium Petite to see if that works any better. Wishlisted

Emerald Founce Skirt, Sz 8 – I was excited to try this skirt on as I loved the color. Sadly this skirt was all kinds of wrong. The waist was a little loose, the hips were really tight and the flounce I just didn’t like on me.  Pass

Odette Skirt, Medium/Small Petite/XS – This skirt was right in front of the store on a display. I walked around twice before I actually found it and grabbed a Medium to try on. That is the larger pic of the three and it was loose in the hips and too long. The back is pleated on this sweater skirt with a felted wool swan. I asked the SA for a Small and she brought a Small Petite. It’s still a little big on me so I sized to an Xtra Small. Though I was Spanxing it that day, the XS was the best fit. I can’t explain why. This was also after lunch too.

 I purchased the Odette Skirt but may return it as I don’t really have a great need for it. I do have plenty of Cashmere sweaters in various colors to go with the skirt as well as plenty of shoe options but it doesn’t fit in to my day-to-day life.
What do you think of these items? Anything catch your eye?
Have a Great Day!

/ Uncategorized

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. 
/ 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!

/ TravelBella

Hi all! I’m heading to Vegas for the rest of the week to see my brother. We are treating MamaBella, who hasn’t been on a vacation out of Texas in 10 years. Vegas was one of the first vacations Dad wanted to take her on so we are doing it for him. My youngest Brother will also join us on Thursday so it will be just the four of us. Cannot wait but 3:30 a.m. will come very quick tomorrow.

Here’s are my planned outfits for this trip. I had it finalized in my Stylebook a few days ago and then found THE.MOST.AMAZING.LEATHER.TEE. at Lucky Brand. I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to be on-trend with Leather this year so I was being very picky. I tried on the Leather Tee from Banana and it was too long and a bit snug in the chest. Today, walking around making returns (so I can have more shopping money for Vegas!) I found this Tee.

The color is called “Ocean Depth” but it is a beautiful Teal color. The leather is supple and soft. I tried on a Medium and it fit well to a little loose. I tried on the Small and it seemed to be mis-sized. The length was at least 2-3 inches shorter and pulled all over the chest. I stayed with the Medium. Slouchy Leather Tee in a beautiful color…YES PLEASE!
It was also on sale from $199 to $149. AND!!! it was also 50% off! I double-checked on that one with the SA and then cursed like a sailor in my head. Yippee! LOL!
So, having bought this tee I had to re-do my outfits and re-pack. Below is the final packing list for 3 full days in Vegas. 
Travel Days – Wednesday and Saturday
J Crew Gingham Top, Citizens of Humanity Dylan Jeans, Converse Shoreline
Anthro Tee, CoH Dylan Jeans (hope they don’t smell by then!), Converse Shorline

During the Day…Thursday, Friday
J Crew Sequin Scoopneck Tee, Andie Chinos in Navy, Cece Flat in Navy

J Crew High Line Tee, Tuxedo Andie Chinos, Cece Flats

Evening…Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Lucky Brand Leather Tee, J Crew Cafe’ Capri in Tile Jacquard, Janey Flats and KS Clutch

JC Jenna Cardigan, Banana Republic Lace Cami, JC Lace Mini Skirt, Janey Flats, KS Clutch

Lucky Brand Leather Tee, JC Fluted Skirt, Janey Flats, KS Clutch

And an extra outfit that can be either Day or Night…
J Crew Kiss Kiss Tee, Fluted Mini, Printed Janey, Madewell Denim Shirt, KS Clutch

As long as the Fluted Mini is not too smoky-smelling I will try to use it at least twice. Same with the Leather Tee. I also threw in another silk top from Anthro to go with the jeans, Fluted Skirt or Tuxedo Andie Chinos. And I will shop with MamaBella one day. I also took a pair of black heels but may pull those out before tomorrow. I think the Janey Flats will be perfect each evening. I was lucky enough to get them on a pop-back last week. 
Have a Great Week! I’ll have another “1 Item, 3 Ways” with an Anthro Top this weekend. Also, follow me on Instagram because even though “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas”, I will be posting my outfits!
~Also, say the title of the post as Napoleon Dynamite would!