Dots

Happy Monday!

Indeed, it is a Happy Monday because, for the first time in 11 days, I am starting to feel human again.  The meds are working and I am hoping this psycho cold is FINALLY getting pushed out.  I have never had a cold/sinus infection take me out like this.  It was brutal.

Mother's Day was incredible around here with breakfast from the hubby and kids, brunch with my entire family and then a quiet walk all by myself.  I feel so blessed to have the people in my life that I do.  I hope all you mommies out there also had a fabulous day.

The weather here in Orange County was also showing some gratitude with delivering heat in the 90's for the first time in SO long.  It felt nice to sit outside and really feel like summer is approaching.

Dare I say we can pack away the sweaters and pull out our shorts?

I sure hope so.

Tank: Splendid / Denim Shirt: Madewell / Necklace: Stella & Dot / Shorts: J. Crew / Sandals: ASOS / Bag: C. Wonder

Camo

I have been looking for a great camo jacket for what seems like months.  No matter how many stores or websites I have made a visit to, nothing has been exactly what I want.  Then lent comes along and I give up shopping.  

Of course I now come across THE one when I cannot shop.  And it is on sale.  And they have my size.  

OF COURSE!

Vila Camo Jacket with Drawstring

I am going to cross my fingers and hope that this is still available after Easter, along with the Sarah pant I have also placed on the "Must Have" list.

You are all welcome to order this.  Just don't take my size!

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

It is extremely sad to see summer go but I cannot help but get a little excited for all that Fall fashion has to offer.

Even though I have expensive taste when it comes to fashion, I tend to be very financially savvy on the items that I actually purchase.  I leave the big purchases to the hubby.  In order to help transition your wardrobe from summer to Fall, I thought that I would run a wardrobe updating series this week, titled "Fall Under $100".

I will share some of my favorite trends for Fall, along with some pieces I am loving, which will all be under $100.  You get to go shopping, your closet gets a pick-me-up and you don't break the bank.  PERFECT!

My first item is the Pencil Skirt.

This has been a staple in my closet ever since I graduated college.  A pencil skirt has so much flexibility when it comes to adjusting from day to night, casual to formal all the while, providing a sleek, classic look.

Though I am a huge fan of the classic black pencil skirt, I also think it is fun to shake it up a bit with different colors and patterns.  Here are some of my favorites for Fall. 

BR Heritage Silver Sequin Pencil Skirt - $98
Save 30% until 9/3 using code FALLCALLS

Greylin Viv Ponte Pencil Skirt - $75
Save 20% until 9/3 using code SPLURGE

Oasis Lace Pencil Skirt - $68.12

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jaguar Print Skirt - $79.50

Frill Peplum Skirt - $35
Save 25% from 9/2 to 9/9 using code DPFWD

Midnight in Paris

Have you seen this movie?

I am obsessed.

I watched it on the flight home from France (Remember that trip here, here, here, and here?) and at the time was hoping the plane would turn around and take me back.  The soundtrack is also incredible and I call it my musical xanax.

This movie and music remind me of just how much I just adore France.  I am inspired by French design, love French fashion, enjoy French wine and dream of living in the French countryside.  I may not be able to go there again right away, but there is plenty of items that can take me back for just a bit.

ASOS Bonjour Sweater

French Bistro Tray

Plain Patent Flats

Bouchard Pere and Fils Wine
One of our wine tasting stops in Beune.  Amazing.

Chanel No. 5

The uber-exciting Kid's (and Mom's) Day Out is TOMORROW at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza.  Click here for all the details and I hope to see you there!

Light Weight

As I am writing this, I must confess that I am hung over.  I am just putting that out there because if I don't sound coherent, there is a reason.  It seemed like a brilliant idea to stay up until 1am Tuesday night drinking wine with friends but the brilliance quickly faded when my alarm went off only 4 hours later.  The fact that I have functioned somewhat normal today is an accomplishment in itself.  It has only taken 12 years to realize I am no longer in college.  There is no such thing as "bouncing back" anymore.  But back to the point of this entire post.

I am one of those people who is always cold.  ALWAYS.  Unless we are in the desert (one of my favorite places on earth), there is a pretty high probability that I will be cold at some point throughout the day.  For this reason, I have an addiction to light weight knit sweaters.  They add just enough coverage to ward off the slight chill in the air.  Add some color and some stripes and you have one of my favorite items for Spring.

Splendid Beach House Pullover Sweater

Tommy Hilfiger denim striped knit

A+RO Jess striped pullover sweater

French Connection striped knit

Pushing the Envelope

The clutch.  Such a standard "must have" in a closet isn't it?  I mean, who wants to carry their diaper bag large tote to a nice dinner or cocktail party?  I would actually love to use a simple clutch as an everyday purse but unfortunately my Costco wipes do not usually fit. 

There are so many styles of clutches but I have recently become obsessed with the envelope clutch.  I love the simple design and feel that it can so easily move from day (someday...) to night.  Here are some fabulous, not so typical, envelope clutches that have been catching my eye.  Obviously, I have a tendency towards sparkles, bright colors and tangerine (color of the 2012)!

Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Clutch

Chloe Color-block leather envelope clutch

Givenchy Antigona Envelope Clutch

Marc by Marc Jacobs Zig Zag Long Clutch

JJ Winters Leather Croco Envelope Clutch

Sparkles!

Everyday I read through a TON of fashion blogs.  You may call it an obsession if you must.  Even though I LOVE many of the items in each one, it is very rare that I immediately purchase something seen on their blog.  That was until yesterday.

One of my favorite blogs, Atlantic-Pacific (it is a must read if you are not already), posted this ASOS sequined pencil skirt.

I am obsessed with sequins and loved the sophisticated look of this so I had to click on the link to see how much it was.  Imagine my excitement when I saw the sale price of $40.91 AND free shipping!  I instantly ordered it.  Complete impulse purchase I know, but with so many holiday events coming up in the next few weeks, this is bound to come in handy (I truly have a gift to justify anything, just ask my hubby). 

Only a couple more days to enter the CEEK Jewelry here!