Off topic- Acts of Kindness for the Holidays

I think there are opportunities year round to partake in Acts of Kindness. However, during the holidays is where it could mean the most to many people. I'm linking up with Suburban Princess, who posted a list of 25 Acts of Kindness.

Today, I'd like to feature the three Acts of Kindness I've already completed for the Holiday season.

(1) Adopt an elderly person - Through my work, I signed up to adopt an elderly gentleman for the holidays. So many eldery and disabled adults in our community survive on so little. Many of them do not have family to help out. The number one item on his wish list was for a blue bathrobe. After searching numerous stores, I settled on an Izod robe in navy blue. I really hope he likes it!

(2) Angel Tree - Like many other churches, my church has an Angel Tree. An Angel Tree has many different Angel cards with children and families' wish lists. My card had requests for books for kids of all ages and wooden puzzles. I had a blast at Homegoods, picking out wooden puzzles. Their toy section is really great--lots of Melissa and Doug products. Then I headed to Books a Million and stocked up on a dozen or so books. I couldn't help but throw in some of my childhood favorites, like The Boxcar Children and A Little Princess.

(3) Toy Drive - Our local organization that works with foster children hosted a toy drive. While buying presents for my nieces, I picked up a fun Transformer toy that I hope a little boy will love!!

The Holidays are a wonderful time to rejoice in family and friends. However, if you have an opportunity to bring some joy to someone outside of that circle, do it! Suburban Princess's list is a great resource for ideas!

eShakti review/OOTD

I was contacted by Jennifer at eShakti to review an item from their collection. Initially, I thought I would select a dress, as I had seen so many lovely dresses on fellow bloggers Kimberly and Gracie Beth. However, I’m particular when it comes to fabric. I do not like 100% cotton dresses as my body shape needs a little stretch in all the right places. At the time I was searching, it seemed there were a lot of cotton dresses. I evaluated my closet and determined a skirt would be a better choice as I really had enough dresses. After much deliberation, I selected the Bows and Whistles skirt (no longer available). I had the choice of ordering a standard size versus a custom size. In addition, there was an opportunity to pick the length of the skirt to be at or above the knee, taking my height into consideration. I opted for the standard size with a length of above the knee.

Overall I am pleased with this skirt. The waist is higher than my natural waist, which I wasn’t expecting, but it works for the style of the skirt. Here are my pluses and minuses:

Pluses

Fully lined skirt

Nice cotton sateen fabric

Thick waistband

Correct length

Minuses

Cheap zipper – Got stuck a couple of times!

As for the rest of my outfit:

Cardi: Lands End Canvas
Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Earrings: Stella and Dot
Shoes: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance Center

I recommend you give eShakti a chance next time you are seeking a new skirt or dress. For those of you who are vertically challenged, it is great to have the opportunity to indicate the length of the skirt or dress! I hate taking my dresses and skirts to be altered. With eShakti, they take care of this for you!



Disclaimer:I received this product for free for review from eShakti. I was not compensated in any other way.

Sunday Uniform

During Football season, this is pretty much my Sunday afternoon uniform. Unless the Bears aren't playing, then I'll be wearing a Ravens shirt! I know it isn't exciting. But it is my OOTD :)

Football Sunday

Wednesday 11.16

We are having a warm spell, so I decided to sneak this dress back in to rotation. I really struggle with how to make this dress more "fall" like. Suggestions?

Dress: Robbie Bee, Dillard's Clearance Center

Cardi: Bealls

Shoes: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance Center

Friday 11.11

I picked up this sweater when we were in Baltimore. There is an H&M in the Inner Harbor. We went right when they opened, so it was empty! I've never shopped at H&M unless there have been 1000 people pushing me around. It was amazing. This sweater was 24.95 AND it was Buy One, Get One Free! So I also picked up a cream version of the sweater.

Sweater: H&M

Leggings: Target

Boots: Roaman's

Also, I picked up these gift bow earrings at my local Kate Spade outlet. They are so cute and cheap! After tax, they came to $13!! I plan to wear as much as I can in December.

Saturday 11.5

This is my OOTN for the wedding we attended!

Dress: Ronni Nicole, Bealls or Kohl's (Can't remember)

Tights: TJ Maxx

Shoes: Gianni BIni, Dillard's Clearance Center

Earrings: Premier

Friday 11.4

J and I just returned from a long weekend in D.C./Maryland. We were there for a wedding, but had a little time to see family and explore D.C. Here is one of my OOTD.

Work on Friday for a museum visit and lunch. We headed to the National Museum of American History. Primarily, I wanted to see the Julia Child exhibit. It was fantastic!

Sweater: Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Macy's

Jeggings: Target

Boots: Roaman's

Wednesday 11.2

Two pics today since I had a guest show up in one :)

Shirt: JC Penney

Skirt: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance Center

Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx

Tights: TJ Maxx

Necklace: Premier

Dog: Truffle :)

Monday 10.31

Happy Halloween! I don't own any orange, so I'm definitely not festive looking :(

Cardi/Top: Target

Pants: NY& Co

Shoes: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance Center

Necklace: F21

Earrings: Stella & Dot

Wednesday 10.26

Y'all. I'm working on remedying this camera situation. Please hang in there with me!!!

Shirt: East Fifth, JC Penney

Skirt: Merona, Target (via eBay)

Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx

Earrings: Premier

Necklace: Gifted

Tuesday 10.25

Half day at work!

Shirt: Target

Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft outlet

Tights: TJ Maxx

Shoes: Tory Burch

Necklace/Earrings: Stein Mart

Bracelet: knock off DY from garage sale!

Monday, 10.24

Darn, I really thought my camera was back to normal! Sorry!! However, still sharing since I heart this dress so much!!

Dress: Tiana B., Ross

Tights: TJ Maxx (I think the brand is Hot Sox and I got 3 pairs for 9.99!)

Shoes: Black faux snakeskin wedges, Bandolino, TJ Maxx

Earrings: Pearl Bouquet, Stella & Dot

Peacock Headband: F21

OOTD 10.22

I met up with some Twitter friends for a girl's lunch and some window shopping! I drove around 2 hours to meet them, so I needed a comfy driving outfit!

Tunic: Lilly Pulitzer

Leggings: Target

Shoes: Tory Burch

OOTD 10.19

Just catching up on some of my OOTD's. This was actually an OOTN. I went out to diner with some friends. I don't normally go out on a "school night", however I had a blast! We closed the restaurant down :)

Oxford Button Down: LL Bean

Jacket/Jeggings: Target

Boots: Comfortview, Roaman's

Earrings: Pearl Bouquet, Stella & Dot

Tuesday 10.18

We woke up to rain this morning so that's my excuse for my messy 'do.

Dress: Ross
Boots: Comfortview, Roaman's
Earrings: Stella & Dot

Monday 10.17

Pattern mixing? Scarf? Belt?

All of these items are beyond my comfort zone. Thanks to the blogging world, especially Allie and Kimberly, for the encouragement to try these out!

Shirt: Willi Smith, TJ Maxx
Pants/watch: Ny&co
Scarf: Target
Shoes: Dillard's
Belt: TJ Maxx

Friday 10.14

Ah, 2 for 1 on Friday! The first outfit is my Casual Friday OOTD for work.

Shirt: Brooks Brothers

Cardi: Bealls

Jeans: Ann Taylor LOFT

Shoes: Tory Burch

Flower Pin: Vintage

The next outfit is what I wore out for a double date with friends. Definitely more "hippie chic" that I usually wear. It's good to try new things!

Top: Stein Mart

Leggings: Target

Boots: Roaman's

It's like a mini-Christmas!

I received 2 fun packages in the mail yesterday. One I was expecting; One was a total surprise!

The expected package was this month's BirchBox

Included in my box were:

• Befine - Lip Serum
• blinc - Mascara
• Pangea Organics - Japanese Matcha Tea Facial Mask
• Orofluido - Beauty Elixir (Hair Treatment)
• Tea Forte - Minteas

Here is the surprise...

This is a bag of beauty samples from Target! Included in the cute floral makeup bag were:

• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
• John Frieda Full Repair/Full Body Shampoo and Conditioner
• Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion
• L'oreal Youth Code Day/Night Cream
• Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner
• TRESemme' Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pond's Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towelettes
• Pretty Makeup Bag
• Book of coupons with $20+ in savings (which can be stacked with Manufacturer's coupons!!!)

I do remember signing up for this. However I thought I got a page error when I submitted the request. I definitely was not expecting this!

I look forward to trying these products. Perhaps I'll find a new favorite!

Friday 10.7

Back to work on Monday :( However I'm going to enjoy my last few days of freedom...by just flat out relaxing!!!

OOTD to meet a friend for lunch.

Dress: In Studio, Ross

Shoes: Tory Burch

Necklace: Gift

OOTD break

My camera is on the decline. I'm going to hope that J can work some magic on it. I'll try to get my OOTD's on my cell phone camera. Otherwise, it's an unplanned break for me. :(

Recap: OOTD's from Chicago

I'm back from Chicago! We had a wonderful vacation filled with seeing old friends, eating tasty food and enjoying my second home! I managed to convince J to take a few of my OOTD's. I missed a cute outfit from last night's dinner, but I'm sure I'll repeat it soon enough!

From the top left, counterclockwise:

(1) Cardi: F21; Scarf/Top/Jeggings: Target; Boots: Brown Suede, Comfortview, Roaman's

(2) Top/Leggings: Target; Boots: Brown Suede, Comfortview, Roaman's

(3) Sweater, Dillard's; Jeggings: Target; Boots: Black Leather, Comfortview, Roaman's

(4) Tunic: Lilly Pulitzer; Leggings: Target; Boots, Brown Suede, Comfortview, Roaman's

I definitely depended on Target for outfitting my trip. Their leggings and jeggings are fantastic and reasonably priced.

I managed to pick up some items while on vacation. I stocked up on my favorite teams' shirts!

I also got J's Christmas present to me a litttttllllle early.

October!

Tomorrow is October 1st. So much to look forward to this month, including....

Visiting Chicago. Visiting wonderful friends and family!



Seeing Death Cab for Cutie in concert!



Maybe doing a fall tour of homes in Savannah?



Seeing Zac Brown Band in concert!



Welcome October! I've been waiting for you!

Chicago Packing List

Chicago Packing List by natylite78 featuring a cable knit sweater

Can't wait to leave on vacation!!! This is a work in progress as I will be adding some additional items as I pack.

This was a fun way to do my packing list!!

Monday September 26

I know this is a horrendous quality picture. I think I need a new camera! Or perhaps charging it would help :)

However, I really liked how this outfit came together. So, here it is...



Cardi: Worthington, JC Penney
Shirt: Willi Smith, TJ Maxx
Skirt: Ann Taylor outlet
Shoes: Antonio Melani
Earrings: Stella & Dot

Thursday 9.22

You can't tell from the picture, but there are so many lovely colors in this dress. Teal and Black are obvious. The purple, lime green and gold are more subtle.

Dress: Belk's
Cardi: Bealls
Shoes: Black Wedges, Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Necklace: Premier

Wednesday 9.21

Ahhh...I've missed this dress! This will be the first of probably 1000x that you will see this during Fall and Winter. I love it!!

Dress: Ross
Shoes: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance
Earrings: Ann Taylor Loft

Tuesday 9.20

I know, no posts!! I've hated every picture I've taken lately. This was the first one in a few weeks that wasn't 100% unfortunate.



Cardi/Top: Target
Pants: NY&Co
Necklace: F21
Earrings: Stella & Dot
Shoes: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance

When it rains...

it pours? I had such good luck with the brown boots. So I searched again for a pair of black boots. They arrived tomorrow. I'm cautiously hopeful!! The pic is of the tan boots, but I ordered them in black.



Wish me luck!!!




Uh...yes, I know I totally fell off the "no shopping ban". However I returned both shoes and the blazer from a few weeks ago! Promise!!

We have a winner!!

Ding ding ding! I finally had an online purchase work out! I received the boots that I ordered after the first pair didn't work out. They FIT! I ordered an 8W and it worked out great! Here is a picture...

Tuesday 8.30

Cardi: Merona, Target
Dress: Cremieux, Dillard's
Shoes: Naturalizer
Necklace: Gift from Tricia
Earrings: Stella & Dot

Missing outfit from Friday 8.26

Casual Friday! I felt like a rebel because I wore a t-shirt to work!
T-Shirt: Brooks Brothers
Cardi: Bealls
Pants: Ross
Shoes: Naturalizer
Watch: NY&Co
Earrings: Can't remember

Monday 8.29

This dress didn't really need much, so I kept it simple and just wore earrings.

Dress: Robbie B, Dillard's Clearance Center
Earrings: Stella and Dot, find them here
Shoes: Jessica Simpson, TJ Maxx

Blazer fail

I got my Lands End Blazer today. It was about 3 inches too big in the stomach area. While I COULD get a smaller size, I'm not going to. The blazer is a lot heavier in weight than I anticipated. It wouldn't get much use here in Florida. I was buying it for a climate where I don't live! So back it goes. So I've negated almost all my shopping damage, yes? :)


Uh, yeah. Because I totally fell off the wagon today. I stopped at the outlet mall. I picked up a skirt at the Ann Taylor outlet for $18.34. I love the simple cut and the plum/grey color combo.



I picture wearing it now with a crisp white button down and black peep toe pumps. Later this year, I see it with a black or plum sweater, black tights and black snakeskin wedges.

Yes? No? Let me have it, girls!

Update on the new shoes...

Well, I got my 6pm.com order yesterday! Unfortunately, both pairs are going back. The Bass shoes were too big. The Boots fit great in the calf, which was my biggest concern. However, they were too tight in the foot. My correct sizes were not available in either shoes, so I guess it wasn't meant to be.

I did order these and used a coupon code to get another 25% off! Let's hope they work out.



Find them here.

I think September needs to be a no-shopping month...

I've gone a little crazy with the shopping lately :(. In preparing for this blogpost, I realized I need to cut myself off for the remainder of August and all of September. Once you see what I've been buying, you will see why...

From Lands End, purchased when their sale items were an additional 30% off. I had a heck of a time trying to add the picture from the Lands End website, so this is the best I could find. I purchased the blazer in Navy.



From 6pm.com, I purchased a pair of Bass loafers and a pair of knee high boots. I have had a struggle with boots since I have big calves. These are wide calf boots, so fingers crossed! I measured my calves and everything, so I'm hopeful these will work out.


I checked the price of these loafers. When I bought them, they were $27. The price has gone back up to $41? Strange!?



I thought I was done. Not so much.

I went to my first Stella & Dot Trunk Show yesterday. I always thought their products were cute online, but I wasn't blown away. However after seeing them in person and being able to try stuff on?? I was hooked :/ These lovely earrings will be making their way to me in a week or so..







Cute, yes?

But it is time, no more shopping till our trip to Chicago at the beginning of October. Help me, readers! Keep me accountable!!!

OOTD 8.17

I caught up on my ironing this weekend, so I finally get to wear this top again!

Shirt: TJ Maxx
Skirt: Talbots
Shoes: Naturalizer

OOTD 8.16

Trying to wear this dress a lot before we end the summer season. Although one could argue that it is always summer in Florida!

Dress/Cardi: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: Tory Burch

Catching up: OOTD 8.10

At work, we called this outfit the "Michelle Obama"....just without the killer arms!!

Dress: Antonio Melani, Dillard's
Cardi: Target
Shoes: Michelle D., Dillard's clearance center
Bracelet: Premier