OOTD 03.31.10 "A two-fer"

Today I regular work, then a dinner with one of our vendors. So I wore the lovely outfit below to work, then a quick change into jeans for dinner.




Coral Top - Loft $25 (summer 09)
Black and White Skirt - New York and Company $5 (summer 09)
Vest - Loft $5 (spring 09)
Tights -Kmart $6 (fall 09)




Jeans - Talbots $20 (fall 09)
Cardigan - Loft $20 (summer 09)

As always thanks for reading!! :-)

Tote Contest WINNER!!!

OK, I have never seen this happen, but I think its kinda cool! The Random Generator pulled number ONE!!!



That means Gina from clothes, inter alia is our winner this time!! Congrats GINA!!! Please contact me so we can work out the details!! :-)

Like Cheap Ballet Flats?



Fashion Bug has their ballet flats marked down to $9 through next Tuesday. I know lots of people put there don't mind a cheapo flat, and this may be just the thing! :-) There are no coupon codes that will combine with this item, but still a decent deal.

OOTD - 03.30.10

This one looks a little odd in the photo...but its not that odd in person. :-) I had my alternate photographer tonight.

So my pretties, we got tickets to Wicked in May, (say "Tickets to Wicked in May" a whole bunch of times like "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" - its fun!) and I am trying to decide how to work this cardi into my outfit. I usually don't wear cardigans to the theater, since it feels pretty casual without a jacket, especially since I always wear pants, so I am working on it. :-)



The Stuff:
Elphaba Thropp Green Cardigan - Talbots $30
Charcoal Denim Skirt - Chadwicks $15
Tights - Chadwicks - $4
Tee Shirt - Loft $5
Scarf - Talbots 18

I may have mentioned I wear my glasses all day, and change into contacts at home and on the weekends, I thought I would show you my specs. :-) Sorry for the glare, that's why I don't take pics with them.



These eyeshadow colors aren't right in the photo boooo. They are a gold, a limey green and then blue teal in crease. Oh well. :-)

Going Mobile

Hi everyone. I added a little snippet of code to the blog that is supposed to make it more mobile friendly. Should you happen to ever check the blog on your phone, please feel free to give me feedback on how it works! Its fine on my blackberry, but there are other ones out there. Thnx!!

OOTD - Monday Monday 03.29.10

Today rather boring clothing wise. I did not feel too hot, and when I woke up it was POURING rain. Buckets! So, I tossed on some "ol reliables" - completely ignoring what I picked out today, and here we are. Some good news is that we may get up the 80s this week!!! I can't wait!!



The Stuff:
Purple BF Cardigan - Loft $20
Pants -Limited $17
Tee Shirt - Loft

I realized late in the afternoon that I forgot to "put my eyebrows on"! Yikes!!



Face: Korres Vitamin E Primer, Korres Wild Rose Foundation WRF4, Korres Wild Rose Powder WRP5
Eyes: Smashbox Untamed Shadow Liners in "Exotic" - Liliac on entire lid, Deep Purple in Crease. Followed up with a light wash of Urban Decay AC/DC over the whole thing. Black Liner (Korres Soft Liner), Korres Mascara
Lips - Korres Mango Lipstick in Natural Brown



Speaking of bad weather, earlier today, I used the phrase "stole my thunder" and immediately wondered where that phrase came from. I googled it, and found this site, which who knows how reliable it is? Anyways, here is the story from the site:

The popular phrase "stole my thunder" was coined by John Dennis, an English critic and playwright. In 1709 John Dennis wrote a play called Appius and Virginia. For Appius and Virginia, Dennis created a way to simulate the sound of thunder. The thunder was well liked by the crowd however Appius and Virginia was not. Dennis was forced to cancel Appius and Virginia because the theater was not happy with its lack of audience. Later Dennis returned to the same theater to see Shakespeare's Macbeth. As Dennis sat in the crowd he realized they were using the same method that Dennis used to create thunder. Dennis stood up and screamed, "That's my thunder, by God! The villains will not play my play but they steal my thunder."

As always, thanks for reading!!

Inbox Roundup

OK, firstly, GAP has reduced a bunch of stuff, up to 40% off. I have THREE one-time use (online only) coupons to take another 20% off GAP sale items. If you would like one of these coupons, please email me.

Nautica Friends and Family, take 30% off entire online stock. Coupon Code: FRIENDS30 Expires: 3/31/10

Coldwater Creek - 50% off online store Coupon Code: WHH2393 Exp 3/28/10....Website is only giving a coupon for 40% off, be sure to use this code for the 50% off.

Talbots Free Shipping no minumum Coupon Code: FBFAN Exp 3/27/10

Ulla Popken
(sizes 12-38) super clearance - prices start at $4.99, most in the $20.00 range

White House Black Market $20 off $80.00 Coupon Code: 9089 Expires 3/31/10

Old Navys has new markdowns - up to 40% off. Plus a tired discount coupon: 15% off $75 or 20% off $100

Payless shoes has 20% off your order with coupon code 32536 exp. 4.4.10

Did I miss any good ones, please share if I did!!

New Giveaway!! CLOSED!!!

EDIT: Hey all!! The contest is closed as of 9:08pm EST! I will be posting the winner soon. Thanks so much to everyone for entering!!

Another giveaway for you! This giveaway is sponsored by bridesmaidgiftbags.com. Its a company that offers totes and other gifts, and will also embroider them! Although its perfect for brides looking for personalized totes to give their bridesmaids, you can purchase one as well!

What does our lucky winner get for this giveaway?

A super cute pink and brown paisley tote bag.


and a cute dragonfly handbag hanger:




And lastly, a little something from me - in case you need something to carry around in this tote, you will receive a magazine subscription of your choice (up to $15.00 value) from magazineline.com. I personally would recommend the Elle and Allure combo option, but its up to you.



If you want to be entered to win these three fabulous prizes, go over to bridemaidgiftbags.com and let me know your favorite item in the comments below! I will draw a winner on Wednesday, March 31st. Please either leave your email in the comment, or pop back in Wednesday night!

OOTD - 03.24.10 and vote for Amina!

Nothing special today. Although I am wearing yellow. Which I never wear. This is one of the new items I got at Talbots this past weekend. I am "branching out". I think I will wear this more as it warms up a bit. I love yellow with other bright colors.



Yellow Sweater - Talbots $6.60
Grey Pants - Old from Express
Black tee - Loft $14.50

Also, our bloggy friend Amina from Coup de Couer is a semi-finalist in the Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Contest!! Please click the linky and give her a vote, she has an easy little voting tool on her blog.

As always, thank you for reading!

A "short" thesis on tights.


Tights are indeed an odd thing to have thoughts about. But since someone asked, and I do actually have thoughts about tights here we are!!

OOTD - 03.23.10

Umm yes, bad fashion blogger wore red two days in a row. Hehe.



Coral "Jackie" Sweater - JCrew $30
Red tshirt - Talbots $7
Brown Tweedy Pants - Loft $?? So old, I cannot remember.
Scarf - Talbots $24
Shoes $10





Marina Rinaldi at ideeli!


Oh my goodness guys! I am pretty excited. Marina Rinaldi (who is a higher end designer - that happens to make in-betweenie sizes 10-22) is going to be on ideeli Thursday at 2pm EST!

Per a note on the ideeli FB page, this is the first time that a plus-size designer is going to be featured on an invitation only site!! There is going to be dresses and sportswear (seperates I assume) starting at $49. I am forever checking out her stuff on the overstock type websites, but its still really $$$. I am hoping to scoop something good up!! I am also going to see if I can get some pics of the actual stuff they are offering at this sale.

Have any of you guys seen her stuff before? I know they carry it at the Saks that have the plus size store (Salon Z) but I have not ever tried it on.

Oh! by the way -

ideeli is one of the invitation only sites like Gilt, RueLala etc, so you know the deal - if you are not already a member, you can join through this link, and if you buy something, I am sure I get some kind of payola. That's usually the deal. Also, Ideeli seems to be the only one who charges for "early access" - you don't have to pay that to shop at the regular time. Its free to be in the "second row." Second row works for me~! :-)

OOTD - March 22, 2010

Second Monday in a row wearing red - must be a Monday kind of color! It was cool to hear about everyone's shopping this weekend. I did respond to you all. :-) (Nicole, you may want to check back in there for a code.) One of the blog readers Lillian (what a lovely name) asked about tights, so I will be posting a short thesis on tights coming up soon! I also have another fun giveaway coming up! Stay tuned. :-)



Red Sweater - Talbots $35
Grey Top - Loft $20
Animal Print Skirt - NY and Company $5
Tights - Chadwicks $4
Crazy red eye - Free




As always - thanks for reading!!

Any fabulous shopping this weekend?

What did you guys get? Did you hit up the F&F at the Gap Family Stores?

I received my super cheapo goodies from Talbot's Friday, so didn't go for the F&F. Oh, and I also hit up a MAC Counter, and got the most beautiful blush! You have to check this out.

My Precioussss:
Mac Ripe Peach Ombre is sold out online, but still at some counters - at least here in NC I snagged one. The top color is a pretty peach glow, bottom color is a nice corally color, and mixed together, they are inbetwixt. Its pretty.



Talbots Goodies:
(Most of these are gone now, but I tried to find pics of the ones that are gone from inventory.)
:-)

With Links:
225188 White tunic blouse W Petite 14 WHITE 1 @ $7.80 Each

225650 Striped shirt W Petite X BLACK 1 @ $7.80 Each

Pics Only, Gone Online:


225748 Sweater W Petite X SUNFLOWER 1 @ $6.94 Each



225821 Waist-tie cardigan W Petite X WILD ROSE 1 @ $6.60 Each

No pic no link. :-/
225765 Cardigan W Petite X WHITE 1 @ $6.80 Each

I am returning as it was too big in the waist:
224142 Yoke-waist skirt W Petite 16 BALSAM TAN 1 @ $11.00 Each

Friday Night Show

We went and saw Jesus Christ Superstar Friday night. I always love to see how people dress for lots of sitting with a brief intermission breaking it up. Some people dress to the nines, and others wear denim shorts and sandals. Well, perhaps the particular show had some influence on that.

I could not believe, my jaw dropped - the gentleman who was playing Jesus played him in the movie. IN 1974!!@@@@!!!!!! He looks a bit more like Moses at this point, but sounds good nonetheless. Great cast overall! Oh except Simon, his singing didn't do it for me.



The Stuff:
Velveteen Blazer - Chadwicks $20
Black Tee - Loft $4.88
Gray Jeans - JJill $17.99



This photo was taken after we returned home, I am glad I grabbed the waterproof eyeliner as my eyes got a little teary due to fog and strobe lights. :-/

A smoky eye: Lauren Luke Palette - Antique Pewter as blending color and Twilight Ash on lid and in crease, MUFE Aqua Eyes Eyeliner in Matte Black

Face: Korres Wild Rose Foundation in WRF4 and Wild Rose Powder in WRF5, Korres Bronzer in Sunglow Warm

Lips: Cat Cosmetics Lipliner in Buck Naked Lips, Korres Mango Lipstick in Natural Brown

Korres Website is worthless for swatches. Google the color you like if you want to see swatches - people swatch and blog their products all the time. Korres coupon code KATIE gets 30% off exp. 4/14/10.

Anyone feel like looking at a peek of next fall?


Here is the Talbots Fall 2010 Lookbook Sneeky Peeky.

OOTD 03.18.10 - OOTD

Hey everyone! Feel like spring yet?



Sweater - Talbots $32
Flower Petal Tee - Loft $15
Pants - Talbots $31
Shoes - Chadwicks $9


OOTD 03.16.09 - Guess its a Talbots kind of day...



Sweater - Talbots $25
White Shirt - Talbots $26
Skirt - Talbots $25
Scarf - Talbots $15
Tights - Assets via Target
Shoes - Aersosoles

Here is a closeup of the scarf. :-)




Oh, and I wrote a post for the Become.com blog. Check me out! :-)

Gap Give and Get



Gap's Give and Get program is March 18-21st. I have a bunch of in-store coupon invites. The coupons are good for 30% off your entire purchase at Gap, BR and ON.

If you would like an in-store code, please contact me via the contact box above. The in-store coupons will be emailed to you, and you will need to check your junk mail for them, they end up there quite a bit!

Oh, and I picked Dress for Success and Big Brothers, Big Sisters as my charities of choice, if you have a preference for which one, put in the email, and I will try and accommodate.
:-)

Thanks everyone!

OOTD Ides of March

So, today I wore red, for the Roman God Mars, or Julius Caesar, I suppose.....et tu Brute?

Everyone have a great weekend? I finally got to see Alice in Wonderland which has been on the list. I enjoyed it. Oddly - my favorite part was listening to Johnny Depp recite The Jabberwocky in a "Scottish" brogue. My second favorite part was just watching Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. That was soooo funny. And thirdly, I kept expecting the Professor Snape er...the caterpillar to snap "Harry Potter!" Alas, the caterpillar refused to humor me.

I dunno why there is mysterious cabling in the photo with me. **Shrugs**



The Stuff
Polo - Old Navy $10
Red Sweater - Talbots $14
Pants - The Limited $17

Soothsayer: "Beware the Ides of March"
- Julius Caesar Act 1, scene 2, 15–19

Just in case...more Loft

If you had any regrets about not grabbing tees from the LOFT this weekend, they are 30% starting today. If you are shopping online, and have an order of $100 or more, ALSO use code 174000613. This will take another 20% off any promo or regular priced items. (Not permanant markdowns ending in .99 or .88)

Shopping At the Loft



So, did you guys go to today's Loft Event?

I stopped by briefly, and took some pics. Sorry for the Blackberry photos, it was a last min stop, so I didn't have my camera. Currently, the collections are focused around raspberry, a light peachy color, some navy items and lots of tans and light grays.

Here are some pics!

OOTD - Happy Friday Everyone!

Are you guys ready for the weekend? I know I am, coming off a LOOONG week here. Am hoping to finally see Alice in Wonderland this weekend, I meant to see it last weekend, but it never panned out.



The Stuff:
Graphic Tee - Talbots $20
Black Jeans - Talbots $28
Khaki Jacket - Loft - Purchased at full price a long time ago.




Thank you for reading!!

booooo

American Eagle to close Martin+Osa stores

American Eagle Outfitters to close Martin+Osa brand and 28 retail stores

ap
On Tuesday March 9, 2010, 5:20 pm EST
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said Tuesday it plans to close its Martin+Osa women's and men's apparel line, including 28 stores, after the brand continued to lose money last year.
Martin+Osa lost about $44 million in 2009, including an $11 million writedown. American Eagle said the brand's performance levels don't warrant further investment. The company is focusing its efforts and resources on its other brands including AE, aerie and 77kids, which it thinks have greater potential to create long-term shareholder value.
The news sent its shares jumping $1.39, or 8 percent, to $18.70 in after-hours trading Tuesday, after closing the regular session up 35 cents at $17.15.
The stores slated for closure are expected to be shuttered by the end of the second quarter. American Eagle did not say how many jobs would be lost as a result.
The company expects to book between $32 million and $77 million in expenses for leases, severance and other costs. It also expects to take about $29 million in writedowns.
American Eagle is based in Pittsburgh.

Inbox Round Up

Black House White Market 20% off full price items. Coupon Code 9032

Gap - 20% off women's jeans, online only. Exp Sat 3.12 Enter DL2ZNXM663BL at checkout.

Talbots - Outlet sale, lots of major markdowns, many items under $10 and $20. Through Sunday. Try code 15324500 for another 20% off and $5 shipping.

Loft - Saturday, they are having one of those in-store parties where full price styles will be 30% off. Online you can use code 106020132 to get 30% off as well. If you have a store nearby, stop in, they are pretty fun.

The Limited
- 40% off Pants, Jackets and skirts. Also when you spend $50, get a $25 savings card for your next shopping trip. Prices are already marked down online, so take an additional 15 % off with code 405 OR take $20 of $60 with code 259, OR 20% off with code 259.

Nordstroms
- Free shipping when you purchase a pair of shoes. Code SHOES

Talbots Big Outlet Sale

Hey All! Lots of great stuff in the outlet on super clearance!

Need some white jeans for spring? Prices from $8.50-$10.50 in different styles/sizes:
Straight Leg, Boot Cut, Trouser



There are tons of things at awesome prices. the sizing on the items is so random though, its hard to choose items that still have a wide size range to post here. But there are some really awesome deals! Happy Hunting!!

Click here for the Outlet!


P.S. Try coupon code 016324500 for 20% off and $5.00 shipping. These coupons are always "your mileage may vary" and sometimes they expire them early. So, give it a try.

PPS This linen skirt is on sale also. Like under $8!! I have it in two colors. And am thinking about a 3rd. Awesome summer/cruisewear. Here it is on moi. Oh, and here. ;-)

OOTD 03.10.10 Look like $30 Bucks

Hey everyone, happy Wednesday!

I love this scarf so much - I need some more though, what color(s) do you think I should get?

Oh! a while back, I bought the Korres Vitamin E Primer, and Wild Rose Foundation. In the past couple of weeks, I have dropped the Laura Mercier Primer and MAC Studio Fix completely from my routine and am just using the Korres product as my base. Seriously, my simultaneously oily and dry combination skin is looking better than it has in years. I did not change any thing else in my routine. Like in today's photo below I have on NO makeup and while I look tired I think my skin is looking just fine when I used to not even want to be seen without full coverage. Anyways, if you are looking for a change in your routine, maybe check Korres out. Also, look for coupon codes (and links to codes) on their Facebook Page.



Green Cardigan - Talbots - Free after Classic Awards Dividend Check
Black and White Tee - Talbots $6
Ponte Knit Skirt - Chadwicks $15
Tights - Kmart $6
Aerosoles Shoes
Pink Scarf - Chadwicks $4

Note: Korres has not provided any samples for consideration etc etc. I was neither bribed nor threatened into posting about them. LOL! Just something I have tried and wanted to share with you all! :-)

Inspiration: Dorothy Dandridge

I keep lots of different photos in an inspiration folder on my computer. I noticed that I happened to have several of Dorothy Dandridge, so I thought I would share them.

Dandrige was often billed simply as "Colored Singer" in her initial films. However, in 1958, she became the first African-American women to be nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award, for her role in Carmen. A side note, Halle Berry was the first to win, and happened to be the actress who played Dandridge in the HBO biopic "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge". :0)

Hope you enjoy the photos, there is just such a beautiful glow to her, something I try and emulate personally.







As always, thank you for reading!!

OOTD 03.07.10 - Monday Again



The Stuff:
Tshirt - Loft $20 ( I have this shirt in 3 colors, the black and brown were $4.88 final sale)
Skirt - Talbots $29 (Outlet in GA)
Tights - Target $14 (love these tights - Assets Brand from Target)
Sweater - Talbots $28
Shoes - Chadwicks $9
Necklace - Silpada



The other stuff:
Not much Makeup Today since its a work day. :-/
Face: MAC Studio Fix
Eyes: Urban Decay Mushroom Eyeshadow, Urban Decay Misdemeanor (in crease), Makeup Forever Eyeliner
Lips - Korres Mango Lipstick in Natural Brown

OOTD 03.06.10

Today, just spent running some errands and watched the Oscars.




The Stuff:
Cardigan - JCrew $29
Tshirt - Loft $15
Jeans - Talbots $20






The Other Stuff:

Face: Korres Wild Rose Foundation in WRF4, Lancome Blush in Sheer Amourrose
Eyes: MAC Spring 4 Quad - All four Colors, Smashbox Creme Liner, Korres Abyssinia Mascara in Black. MAC Showstopper (eyebrow color)
Lips: Korres Mango Lipstick in Natural Brown.

Thrifting for the Bday Girl

I mentioned we went thrifting to find my daughters pop star outfit. She decided to be Avril Lavigne - because she figured she could reuse everything she bought as part of her regular clothes. LOL.

Thrifted:
Jacket - $3.30
White blouse with bow tie - $2.50
Plaid Short - $3.55
Belt - $1.35

Rest of costume:
Converse
Blue Striped Tank - Old Navy
Teeth Necklace (2nd photo) - Hot Topic
Flat Ironed Hair
Lots of Black Eyeliner