the un-maternity dress

During these "Is She or Isn't She?" weeks, I've mostly been sporting my regular ol' work frocks {non-mat pants having forsaken my hips a while back}.  The all-star of the bunch?  My sole Lilly dress...

Oddly, this thing has a ton of room in the belly -- so much so that I would have sent it right back to RueLaLa had we not just found out about the wee bean.  I anticipate this one working for quite some time!  

{16 weeks}

"Jolie" Dress - Lilly Pulitzer via RueLaLa

Pink "Heritage" Cardigan - Lands End Canvas

Blush Metallic Pumps - J.Crew via eBay

Gold Flower Earrings - J.Crew

Blush Metallic Skinny Belt - J.Crew

wrap it up

I'm sure there are exceptions, but I find the wrap-dress to be a universally flattering piece - perfect for a more casual office environment {so long as the bosoms are properly caged, that is}.  This isn't my favorite dress, but it might be my most-complimented out of all my professional wear... And it was about 25 buckaroonis at Target a million years ago. 

Navy Print Wrap Dress - Merona via Target

Brown Peep-Toe Pumps - Banana Republic

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

springy

So my posts here are a bit spastic... no rhyme or reason for why - I just haven't quite gotten back into my groove of snapping daily photos!  

... But, I figured a new red dress was worth the effort! 

I love styles like this because they flow seamlessly from work to play, and {let's be honest} the cinched elastic waist accommodates a little weight gain.  Without the belt, there is a nice blouse-y effect!  And I love the rip-stop zipper pocket detail! 

Have you bought anything new for Spring? 

Red Dress - Ann Taylor LOFT {current}

Cream Cardigan - J.Crew {circa 2008}

Brown Peep-toe Pumps - Banana Republic {circa 2008}

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott {current}

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Wide Brown Belt - Target {circa 2009}

two-fer

Thursday's Ensemble...

Dress - Milly

Belt - Banana Republic

Black Tights - Merona via Target

Boots - Banana Republic

Flower Earrings - Banana Republic

Friday's Ensemble...

Another fabulous pair of black GAP pants!  These are the Real Skinnies in Tall.  And I'm adoring my Belted Sweater Vest (also a la GAP).. I plan on living in this thing for winter!  

Belted Sweater Vest - GAP

White Fitted Tee - Old Navy

Black "Real Skinny" Pants - GAP

Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch

Gold & Amethyst Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott 

Yipes! Stripes!

Fruit Stripe Gum!  It's the Yummy Fruity One!

I could go on... but I'll refrain.

One of the perks of being too lazy to unwrap your dry cleaning is that, eventually, you will stumble upon something you forgot you owned... Surprise!  "New" Sweater for You!

And, no, that's not a baby bump.

Well, not a human baby bump, anyway.

Perhaps a risotto baby bump.  Yum.

Yellow & Beige Sweater - GAP (Winter 2009)

Brown Ruffle Skirt - Old Navy (forever ago)

Blush Metallic "Claudia" Pumps - J.Crew via eBay

Pearl Cluster Earrings - Etsy Seller Bridal Emunique

an oldie

The Old Navy Ruffle Skirt... a standard from many, many moons ago (I definitely have a photo standing in front of the windmills of La Mancha, Spain, wearing this skirt, a graphic tee from Urban Outfitters, and Euro-sneakers - what was I thinking?), and proof that inexpensive items can last if you take the time to care for them properly! 

Blush Bow-Tie Shirt - Lands' End Canvas

Camisole - Nordstrom

Brown Ruffle Skirt - Old Navy (circa 2003)

Chocolate Patent Peep-Toe Wedges - Banana Republic

Pearl Cluster Earrings - Esty Seller Bridal Emunique

More Rebellion

Yep.  Back again with a sleeveless top. It's been 106 every afternoon when I get in my car to go home, so DECORUM BE DAMNED!  I also rather enjoy Heather's comment that perhaps Michelle O has broken the bonds of the "Must Cover Thine Arms" Regulations... although, I wish I actually had my favorite First Lady's arms...

Maybe in another life. 

Silk Shell - J.Crew

Chinese Lantern Print Skirt - French Connection

Gold "Reva" Flats - Tory Burch

Gold Metallic Headband - Target

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Gold C Cuff - Coach

Sailor Stripes

Perhaps my favorite purchase of the summer, I've worn the Perilla Dress from Anthro into the ground on the weekends.  Luckily, with a cami and a cardigan, it can pull double-duty during the workweek as well!

 Perilla Dress - Anthropologie

Lace Cami - Banana Republic

Bold Sun "Heritage" Cardigan - Lands' End Canvas

Metallic Blush "Claudia" Pumps - J.Crew via eBay

Gold Metallic Headband - Target

Pearl Cluster Earrings - Etsy seller Bridal Emunique

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

ruby-like slippers

I'm sure it's pretty apparent from my OOTDs that I'm a bit Juliet Pump Obsessed. Why J. Crew hasn't brought back the Juliet, I'll never know... it's one the universe's many secrets.  It's also a stupid secret because I guaran-damn-tee you that I'd snatch up a pair in every single color if they'd reappear in my Fall catalog.

Oh well.  For now, there's always eBay.  Of which I have to thank for THESE!

They are crackly and metallic and blush and PERFECT. And only $50.00 + $7 shipping!  {Note: These aren't technically "Juliets" - they are "Claudia" but are the exact same shape and fit... just crackly metallic leather with a covered heel as opposed to the patent with the wood heel.}

So cute, I wore them yesterday as well.  Faux-pas?  Dorothy wore her sparkly shoes all the way down that yellow brick road, so I figure I'm probably okay with a Monday/Tuesday Double Dose.  

Belted Silk Print Dress - Milly 

Blush Metallic Crackle "Claudia" Pump - J.Crew

Pearls - Gift 

Ruffle Neck Dress - Shoshana

"Heritage" Cardigan - LEC

Blush Metallic Crackle "Claudia" Pump - J.Crew

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Ivory & Gold Bangle - gift

Blush Metallic Skinny Belt - J.Crew

all wrapped up

New hair (well, not really new... just newly highlighted and trimmed), cheap dress, swanky shoes...

Love, love, love, love, love, love, love these shoes... so much it hurts!  Which, actually, I'm not being dramatic - these shoes hurt like the dickens but are worth it on a day when I don't have to walk to the fax machine too often!  Honestly though, while these will always be my most beloved closet pets (they were my wedding present, after all!), I wouldn't spend any more moola on C.Loubs with stilettos and/or heels more than 3 inches tall.  In the words of Fashion Yoda, "Beauties they are, but in comfort are they lacking!"

Printed Navy Wrap Dress - Merona via Target

The Prettiest Shoes in the World - Christian Louboutin (gift)

Gold Figure-8 Earrings - gift

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

weeeeeeeeeeee're baaaaaaaaaack!

Did Poltergeist scare the bejesus out of any other children of the 80s?  Numero Uno actually didn't shake my bones, but, for some reason, PIII was pee-pants inducing for a young K.   Shuuuuuudder!  

So we took a little break from the bathroom crappy iPhone photos, yes?  

Never fear, Carol Anne!  We're back and better of crappier quality than ever!  

We'll forge ahead per usual come Monday, but here are three looks you missed that are slightly better than your average ITPitB Heritage Cardigan Look Bear.  {How many times can one the "cross-though" function before it stops being semi-clever?}  

Breezy Blousy Print-Mixin'

I usually save this top for skinny jeans and black pencil skirts... but it turns out it looks pretty alright with the Mrs. Doubtfire skirt too!  The Serengeti Pumps mixed with the semi-psychedelic print is one of my favorite combinations to jazz up a work ensemble! 

Blousy Print Top - Nordstrom (brand unknown)

Brown Pleated Wool Suit Skirt - Banana Republic

Patent Serengeti "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Gold Leather Headband - Target

Gold Link Necklace - J.Crew

Gold Medallion Necklace -gift

Cheap-n-Casual Circle Skirt Friday

I purchased this skirt in NYC with my mom when I was 20 - from some random shop in SoHo.  It was one of those items that I bought because my mom really, really wanted me to (not to mention it only cost something 18 buckaroos).  I'll admit, in the past 7 years, it hasn't gotten a lot of play in my closet rotation.  But for some reason I've held onto it... and recently, my pack-ratting paid off, as it's one of my "new" favorites!  

Obviously (hook 'em) I love the color... but I also love that it's part hippie-chick, part Donna Reed.  It's a skirt that makes me want to do a few SYTYCD moves whilst waiting for the fax machine! 

Coral Cable Knit Sweater - Merona via Target

Burnt Orange Print Circle Skirt - brand unknown

Gold "Reva" Flats - Tory Burch 

Gold Leather Headband - Target

Gold Link Necklace (doubled) - J.Crew

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Wide Brown Belt - Merona via Target

New, Go-To Hairdo

Back to my roots (get it? hair? roots? ha!)... snapping photos in the bathroom!  Although this is an ITPitB First... I Take Photos in the Greek Place Bathroom!  Yum, yum, yum, gyros in my tum!  Anyhoo, I think I finally mastered the side-bun without looking like a disheveled ballerina... aka: you'll be seeing a lot more of this style as the summer heat renders blow-drying intolerable. 

Outfit Stats... here!

Have a fantabulous weekend... See you on Monday!

Take That, DVF!

Today I'm sporting one of my proudest buys... a wrap dress from Target that always garners "Where did you get that!" compliments, has held up quite nicely over the past 4 years, and only cost me about $25, if my recollection serves me correctly!  

But wait - the plot thickens!  No fancy "Famous Designer X for Target" label here... just plain ol' Merona!  

Navy Print Jersey Wrap Dress - Merona via Target

Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch 

Gold Flower Earrings - J.Crew

Skystone Necklace - Anthropologie

ruffles galore

Today, for good ol' "casual Friday," I pulled this skirt from the depths of my closet and thought "huh. wonder if this still fits."  Like a glove.  Love it when that happens.  I'm not exactly sure of it's "birth date" but I know I have photos of it frolicking around Spain Fall Semester of my Junior year of college... so it's at least 7!  And from Old Navy, to boot!

I dig the ruffly hem! 

{is it "to boot" or "too boot"? hmmmmmmm}

With my bottom half covered (literally), I had one of those mornings trying to figure out what to wear on top.  There is currently a pile at least 17 blouses deep on our bed... carnage from this morning.  Evs, knowing I was having issues, attempted a fashion compliment... "You look great!  Except I'm getting a little sick of that cardigan."

EXCUSE ME???  SICK of the HERITAGE CARDIGAN???

DIVORCE!!!

My fabulous cousin Angela has the IN at all the fun jewelry shows... and thus I got a fabulous super special surprise in my mailbox yesterday!  Check out the best Van Kleef-esque necklace and earring set EVER!  Perfect for layering and I love the mix of the crosshatch pattern with the open shamrock.  I can't wait to wear the earrings, either (I'm definitely a Mixer Upper of Sets - makes things less matchy-matchy!).  

Layered Ruffle Tank - Anthropologie

Golden Sun "Heritage" Cardigan - Lands' End Canvas

Brown Ruffle Skirt - Old Navy

Gold "Reva" Flats - Tory Burch

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Gold Van Kleef-esque Necklace - gift

fruit punch

Apologies for the lack of posting last week... I spent Thursday through Sunday in beach wear (and a bit of cocktail attire to boot!) in Pawley's Island, South Carolina!  A wonderful and whirlwind wedding weekend was had by all, and I'm afraid I've come back 112 lbs heavier from all that lowcountry shrimp-n-grits, oysters, and sweet tea vodka Tom Collins'!  Perhaps that's why my dowdy "Mrs. Doubtfire Skirt" made an appearance this morning...

At least there was an infusion of punchy color with my favorite cable knit shell and my fourth (but probably not final) LEC Heritage Cardigan in Cherry.  

Heritage Cardy in Cherry - Land's End Canvas

Orange Cable Knit Sweater Shell - Target

Brown "Mrs. Doubtfire" Skirt - Banana Republic

Patent Peeptoe Wedges - Banana Republic

Pearl Cluster Earrings - Etsy Seller Bridal Emunique

favorite dress! favorite dress!

Yeah.... so.... I say that about a lot of dresses in my closet, but this is definitely my favorite Double Duty Dress!  I've sported this frock for rehearsal dinners (here), evenings out with Evs' superiors, parties hosted in our own home, plus to the office oodles of times (example / example).**  Bare-shouldered it's a fab, if somewhat conservative, cocktail dress / Add a cardigan and its TCB Time (Professional Style)! 

I love mixing up accessories with this dress... it works with brown, black, leopard, red, nude, or gold footwear - open-toed, pumps, or flats - and I've belted it with a wide brown belt as well as a skinny metallic blush-colored belt.  Today, I stuck with the "mixed media" chain + fabric belt that came with the dress, added a dusty amethyst cardigan, gold jewelry, and perhaps my favorite springtime pumps (with the ivory bangle to tie it all together!).  

{woah. big foot.}

I really need to start taking these photos after putting on lipstick (always save it for the car)... jeesh!  

Dusty Amethyst (my description - not their's!) "Jackie" Cardigan - J.Crew

Navy Ruffle Dress w/ Belt - Shoshana

Nude "Happy" Pumps - Anne Klein via Piperlime

Gold Headband - Target

Gold & Amethyst Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Ivory & Gold Cuff - Banana Republic 

** I should point out that the first example of this dress worn in a somewhat professional setting is circa my mini-break from legit gainful employment... So no, I wouldn't wear those platform shoes to my old or my current office.