OOTD - Surprise Surprise

So when I bought these pants from Banana I thought I could only really wear them with brown. They are a taupe with a dark grey/brown stripe running through them. But I really wanted to wear my black shoes so I had experiment and see if I could make it work together. Low and behold these pants look great against a black pallet! It's like a surprise deal for an item you've already purchased!

The inspirational shoe - Sofft

OOTD - Funfessional

Quick OOTD - this is actually a dress I bought from Target and of course wanted to wear right away (I am awful about waiting to wait my new purchases, lol). I didn't realize how short the dress was until I tried to wear it to work, so to make it a bit more professional I threw black tights underneath and a black belted long sleeve button up on top. Add fun earrings and black heels and I'm done! It's fun, it's professional, it's funfessional! Yup, that's my new word! Haha. Enjoy this OOTD!

Do Retro

I went to a brunch (my absolutely favorite meal of the day) with friends the other day and wanted to do something fun with my hair. I had decided that I wanted to wear my sequined J. Crew top so any hairstyle I did had to be an up-do. 99.9% of the time I start my up-dos with a basket weave in the back - I do it because it's so simple. It's kind of like a french braid, but instead of braiding you're just laying and layering pieces over each other. If you're interested here's a youtube how-to video (hmm, youtube is being uncooperative right now - check back for the link). After my upside down basket weave I took the hair at the top and split it into two sections, rolling them together to create Victory Rolls. This is such a fun and retro look - it definitely turned heads as I walked down the street and got lots of compliments from my friends. It's unbelievable that I literally just threw this together - love it. I have officially added this to my hairstyle library. Next time I'll try to do step-by-step instruction pictures for  you ladies.

I've missed you!

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post! I haven't been able to blog or read any of my favorite blogs, and I have most definitely missed it! But I am back and I have so many things to talk about. As much as I have been neglecting my blog I have also been neglecting my shoe cabinet. There hasn't been an new addition in what seems like forever! Well I rectified that today. I went to Newbury Street in Boston to hit up the H&M. On my recent trip to London I rediscovered the store and wanted to see what I could get today. Well let me tell you how disappointed I was - three was nothing in a size larger than a Medium/10! Hello H&M, there are lots of ladies that wear large and extra large, and need a 12 plus. Frustrating. So since I had already paid for 2 hours of metered parking I stopped in to Marshalls before leaving. Jackpot! There were one pair of shoes in my size... a beautiful pair of suede neutral heels by Stuart Weitzman (Saxony Sandal). I. love. these. shoes. I can see myself wearing them to death this summer. Are they comfortable? Who knows and who cares, they are cute! And really that's all the matters! Plus they were only $150; they're on sale on Zappos.com for $255 and originally they were $365! I love it when a fab shoe deal comes together.

Sized in Style - Summertime... and the living is easy...

Groundhog's Day was a week ago, and that little bugger, bless his heart, didn't see his shadow. What does that mean? It's an early Spring!! So in anticipation for Spring, and eventually Summer, I have started looking for the swimsuit of 2011. I usually by one suit a year to replace the one that I throw out and because I have a slightly hard to fit body I start looking early. Plus bathing suit shopping reminds me that there are warm days coming, even if it doesn't currently feel like it.

I have an average build, although I am tall, but my biggest issue is the chest. My girls are lovely, but they are large, and while I love bikini's those strings only offer so much support. Let's be honest, they offer no support at all! But there are brands that cater to us and they don't look like they're made for our grandmas either.

"Pier" by Freya (photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

"Pier" by Freya. This cute retro number comes in bikini and tankini versions; the underwire top goes up to size 38F! I love the skirted bottom, although I'm not sure how flattering it would be on a non-model body. Good news though - it comes in a regular bikini bottom. Those people at Freya thought of everything. I love the polka dots, but I already own 2 suits with various sized dots, not sure if a third suit is really needed.

"Kenya" by Carmen Mark Valvo (photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

Not everyone wants to wear a bikini, but that doesn't mean you don't want fashion. That's why I love this bandeau number by Carmen Mark Valvo. It has a detachable halter if you're looking for more support, the shirring has a sliming effect, and the skirted bottom is sexy not matronly. Sizes range form 6 to 16 which is great - definitly would have to try it on. My only gripe - I wish it came in additional colors.

Liberty Briland by J. Crew

This suit is another retro favorite - it's fresh with white grounds and a dainty floral pattern and there are decorative buttons between the bust. This suit comes in a d-cup for us well endowed ladies and the bottoms look like they are very versatile for various body types. I wonder how comfortable that strap will be after a day on the beach - looks a little dainty (i.e. unsupportive)

OOTD - Yellow Happiness

One thing I try really hard not to do in the winter is to live in a perpetual outfit of black, brown, and gray. I actually don't even own a black winter coat! But when you're in the dead of the season it gets harder to stay color motivated - but shoes, of lovely shoes, they can always do the color splash trick! I love shoes that are in unexpected colors. New shoes - love 'em. What, they come in crazy colors!? I can't get my wallet out fast enough! That way, when I'm stuck in my hotel because the 5th blizzard in as many weeks is dumping another 8" of snow, the office is closed, and planes and trains are going no where, I have a little piece of happiness on my feet.

Shoes - J Crew (a deal at TJ Maxx)

Tank - J. Crew Factory Outlet

Jeans - Joe's Jeans Cigarette fit

Sweater - J. Crew (on clearance)

OOTD - A Structured Flow

Everyone has been talking about the maxi skirt. I love skirts! I love dresses and I love skirts. Yet I haven't even seen a maxi skirt while I've been out and about in the stores. So alas, my closet is still longing. But wait, I have a bunch of maxi dresses... I wonder if I can get the same look... by golly yes I can!!

Dress J. Crew (last summer)

Tee Banana Republic (on clearance)

Jacket TJ Maxx

Belt - Gap Outlet