Searching For the Perfect Red Denim

We've all seen the pop-of-color denim in magazines and stores right now, and I've become a little obsessed with finding a pair of classic red ones.  I'm definitely going to still keep an eye out for a hot pink and maybe blue, but red is my current project.  I'm still trying to decide if I want a jegging, skinny, cropped, or what... so here are the findings from my journey....

Tory Burch - Slim Cropped Denim - $175

When I saw these, I HAD to HAVE them.  And once I got them, I loved them, but I didn't LOVE them. {aka:  I didn't $175-love-them}  I've found that, while I think Tory's clothing is adorable, her denim fits me a little 'big' or 'baggy' in the tummy/crotch area which I don't like.  The waistline is a nice mid-rise that is pretty flattering and the bottoms are a little baby-bell-bottom, which is cute and a little more mature, IMO.  I really like the emblem-embroidered back pockets, too.  Alas, these went back.... I just didn't feel like I would get enough wears out of these in the red color to make it worth the price.... and the loose crotch area was the final deciding factor.


Michael Kors - Colored Skinny Jeans - $79.50



I haven't gotten these yet - still waiting on them to be shipped.  I love the gold tone accents and the fact that they are skinny and could potentially be hemmed to be cropped... I'll have to look into that!  I ordered these in the bright pink, as well... I'll keep you posted once they come in.  I'm very hopeful these will work out!

American Eagle - Jeggings - $44.50



Not as cute in person as online, but a good choice if you like low-cut and are younger.  I would size up in these personally.



Express - Zelda Jean Legging - $79.90

These do not work for me - WAY too low cut!  I also feel like they are a little overpriced, but you can get deals at Express.  Love the style, but this would have worked much better for me ten years ago!



Forever 21 - Fitted Skinny Jean - $15.50

These come in a million colors and you may want to size down.  I'm typically a 27 and got a 26 in these.  For the price... I ended up keeping these in the green and red and MAY still go back and get the green ones!  Will they last as long as the others?  Maybe not, but you can't beat the price!



Are there any pop-of-color jeans you've discovered an love?  I've seen some cute ones from J.Brand, Joe's, J.Crew, 7 For All Mankind, etc...  and I've love to hear which ones you've found and LOVE!  Thanks for stopping by...

Banana Republic Review: Zoey Striped Wrap Dress + Red Handbag

Zoey Striped Dress - $98

Available in Tall, Regular, and Petite

This is the navy/white combo that is currently sold out online, but still available in many stores.  I am wearing a Petite Small here.  I ordered the Petite and then up-sized based on the length.  I plan on wearing this into the spring and summer and didn't want the length to look too matronly.  I am 5'6", BTW.  I got this a while back on the 40% off promo + a bunch of rewards cards... so basically like 20 bucks.

This is a true wrap style... I usually prefer a faux-wrap around the kiddos, but this one feels pretty secure.  The fabric has a nice hand-feel .... it COULD be a little thicker, but it's not see-thru or terribly clingy, so I am happy with the fabric.   The neckline is low and definitely (IMO) requires a cami underneath for work. (seeing boobs and butt in the workplace is one of my biggest pet peeves!)

I am sooo looking forward to pairing red with this dress.  I'd love to throw on a chunky coral necklace with this ... maybe even turquoise? The red J.Crew Mona pumps would look fab... as well as these sexy platforms by Michael Kors.  I am carrying my newest handbag 'deal' from Macy's - Michael Kors bag... love!  I've been looking for a red bag and was searching for a Kate Spade, but landed on this one which I snagged for about $80 with coupon - and even less with my merchandise exchange gift card I had from Christmas returns.  Sweet!

Other options available from Banana with more sizes available online:

J.Crew Stripe Sweater-Skirt Review + THE Shirt

Striped Sweater-Skirt - $158

item# 66382

When I saw this online, I HAD to try it.... even though I knew it was going to be clingy and I wasn't going to like all the personal 'details' you could see through it ... but anyway...

Wearing a size Small here .... I ordered up a size from my normal and I don't think I would like the XS.  The waist is definitely loose-ish, but not too big.

The colors are gorgeous together, but I can't really decide if this would work all the way through Spring because it's not a 'wooly' feeling sweater, but more of a silky, cool hand-feel sweater material... and the lighter color is more of a tan than a white.  But, you wouldn't really want to put tights under it, so I think I'm questioning how much and WHEN I would wear this.

This is how I made the decision to send this one back.... NOT a fan of the backside view.

This is not a keeper for me at full price .... I might re-visit it on sale AND if I can figure out a way I would wear it a lot, which I could then just plan on wearing some butt-slimming Spanx underneath!  I do think this would be adorable with some red shoes or handbag... but then you have to avoid looking like an American Flag....

As for the white button-down shirt, I am so excited to have found "The Shirt" as featured on Oprah.  This shirt doesn't gape or pucker at the bust thanks to some extra hidden buttons in just the right places!  Check it out {here}  I'm wearing the Skinny Shirt in a Small, for size references.  Especially for those larger busted ladies, or ladies wanting to maintain modesty in the workplace, this shirt is a must!

So Many Things .... Happy New Year!

Fell off the face of the planet for a while - and I would like to apologize for all the comments that I just got on here and posted!!  I love all of you and thank you so much for stopping by when you have time!

So, where have I been?  Ahh!  So much to discuss...


First off, planning for a week away from the kids while out of the country - Mexico - was a little more daunting than I expected.  Nothing makes you feel more important as a parent than trying to write down/explain/instruct about everything that goes on in a typical day!  Part of this has to do with my can't-let-go A-type personality ... ok, a lot has to do with that... but anyway, that was back in early November and it was something that I just needed to plan for and conquer before I could really spend any 'me' time.  My husband's cousin was getting married, so while away there was a lot of fun-family-time and also a lot of relaxing-without-the-kids-or-cell-phone-access time...

Gotta love a pool without kiddos!  ;)  J.Crew string bikini top and bottom in black here.  Funny, I had to wait months with these suckers on backorder.

Hubby and me .... after the wedding ceremony.

I realize from the first picture it would appear we had good weather, but I don't want to mislead you.... the weather sucked! Rainy and cloudy most of the time!  *BUMMED*  But, alas, an all-inclusive resort offers other activities I enjoy such as eating and drinking all day ...

I'm one of those 'Work Hard, Play Hard'  types.  I'm definitely a social/party girl by nature, and I enjoy a good beer, nice wine or a decent vodka/tequila .... usually all in a row....  I always joke that the only reason I go to the gym is so I can drink it all back!  (and then I laugh like I'm joking, but in reality, it's true.) Subsequently, a Mexican vacation takes someone like me a long time to recover from!  :)


Next week hit the Holiday circuit - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years .... aka.  overeat, drink, overeat, drink, overeat, drink....  do you see a pattern here?! lol 

Wine tasting at Huber's Winery Christmas week - that's my sis in town from school with me!

Our attempt at a family picture on Thanksgiving...

New Years before we all went out - did I mention how much a love a good spray tan lately?!

So that brings us to current-day and here's what's up!  A friend of mine and I started our own image/closet/wardrobe consulting business called "Wardrobe Rehab" which is 'launching' this month ... more to come on that, of course!   But even more 'current' is the 21-Day RIP program I began on 1/1/12...

Well, actually, let's go back a couple of weeks to when the J.Crew blackwatch plaid pants I had planned on wearing on Christmas Day would no long button with a shirt tucked in (the way I tried them on and planned on wearing them about a month prior)  which, as you can imagine, was a very maddening wakeup call on Christmas morning - especially since I had cinnamon rolls in the oven that I was REALLY looking forward to ... *sad face* ... I have to say I was really bummed!  But it also got me motivated....

Another good friend of mine is an amazing personal trainer who conducts bootcamps, etc... and has moved into nutrition and workout planning online.  I decided to give it a go considering the last couple of months I've had .... .errr... OFF the nutrition wagon!  I opted for the RIP program, which is 21 days of what to eat and workout schedules, but there is also an option for just food, a beginner's program, etc...  Click {here} to find out more on 21-dayslater.com!

So.... for the next few weeks I am blogging about my experience with the program - and ALSO trying to get back into the swing of fashion.... so please look for more to come and HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

J.Crew Wintress Puffer Coat Review

I think I have just about wool-coated myself to death these past few years and it's time to update the seriously-cold-coat department in my closet!  I've resisted the J.Crew puffers these past few years, but I really liked the idea of the belt to give a little shape to such a puffy coat... so I bit on the 25% off discount....

J.Crew Wintress Puffer: $238  52362

This is the Shadow color in an XS.

Bonus: also comes in Petite and Tall

I typically wear a 2 in Crew coats, and I feel this runs about TTS with most J.Crew things.  I know a down coat isn't very exciting for most people, but for some reason I'm really LOVING this coat!  I LOVE the tie belt, I LOVE the length (just right for running errands, etc...but still covers the bum!) I LOVE the hood, the color, the feel, the thumb holes.... pretty much everything!

Maybe it will go on sale eventually, but I feel good about getting the 25% off since I think I'll be wearing this a TON this year!

Bottom Line: Need a really warm coat that still has a bit of style!  Check this one out!

J.Crew Gimlet Skirt in Harvest Tweed Review

Gimlet Skirt in Harvest Tweed  - $138

Item# 55820

I'm wearing a size 2 here.  I've been sizing down to a zero in most bottoms this year, but the 2 fits well in this skirt and I would not want a 0. 

While this isn't the most flattering, slimming style, considering the thickness of the fabric, I'm happy with the look. The length is perfect for me... not too frumpy, but definitely conservative enough for me to wear this for any occasion... or any occasion that occurs in my life!

From the back.... what can you say?

I did get the Silk Blythe blouse in the neon azalea, which looks amazing with this.... why no pictures?  I have no idea... it's happening soon!

I went with the Gimlet skirt instead of the pencil because I thought it would be more fun, there are pockets!, and it's just different in general.  This is still a 50/50 keeper for me - I got it for about $100 with the 25% off promo.... maybe I'll see if it goes on sale for cheaper in the next month or so!?

Bottom Line:  Cute and different and you'll be able to wear just about ANY color on top with it!  Runs TTS (a little smaller maybe than other skirts/pants this year?!  Could just be me....)  Pricey, but cheaper than than the pencil version.  I LOVE this pink and browns! 

J.Crew Wool Cafe Capri in Blackwatch Plaid: Review

Item# 49397 - $138

As I am writing this, it is only available in a size 4 online and it's backordered.

 

 

This is a 0.  I picked it up in the store just to try on, but ended up walking out with it because it's a little outside of my normal 'range' of clothing and I thought if I didn't go ahead and grab it, I would regret it.

My thoughts are definitely of 'Christmas' and wintertime with this pattern. Which is great, but I tend to go with full-length pants in the winter because it's freezing! So...

That's a sexy shot with all the tags hanging out!  Sorry!

 

 

As with almost every pant or skirt this year, I really feel like I am between sizes on these.  In fact, I would want to have the waist button and hooks moved about a half-inch to give more room if I kept these.  Also, unlike the houndstooth wool version, these are not nearly as thick OR lined.

 

Bottom Line:  Run TTS. Cute novelty pant.  BUT, the fact that they are full price, don't fit perfect, and not full-length lends me to think I will probably return these... but I wanted to share since they went like hotcakes online!  Thanks for stopping by!

J.Crew Wool Cafe Capri Review: Houndstooth Wool

Cafe Capri in Houndstooth Wool - $138

Item# 49396

**I snagged these in-store for $99 on sale, plus an extra 30% off .... so about $70.

I did try a light brown belt with mine, as pictured online, and it does look really good!

This is a size 0.  I feel like I am full-on between sizes (0 and 2) in Capfe Capri's AND Minnies this year, but these look truly frumpy if they are a little to big.  After a little time on, they did loosen up a bit.  There is a touch of blue and mustard running through this pattern and it's fun to draw it out with an accessory... ie: the bright blue belt!

This is how my PS styled them in the store and I went ahead and bit on the Fisherman sweater and blue belt because I loved them outside of this outfit, as well.  Sweater is a Small - sized up for a bit of extra length.  Belt is a small and runs large.  The pants are thick AND fully lined.... so they are quite warm and can even be tucked into some boots during the winter, FYI.

One of the male PS suggested the belt on the outside, which I actually think looks pretty cool, but I ended up just putting it through the belt loops when I actually wore the outfit.  You can't see it here because my camera angle sucks, but I have on the Penelope heels in blue/platinum gold from several years ago and it looks pretty cool!

And look where else these puppies showed up....

This is a Sole Society email I got a few days ago.... I'm pretty certain those are the same pants on the left!  And, notice how they paired them with a bright blue coat!  Sweet!

J.Crew Hacking Jacket Review: Grass

I've already admitted to keeping 2 schoolboy blazers this year (red and caramel) and this was the third blazer I took home and 'tried' out in my closet. This is the grass color - I purchased it in the store at FP which I *never* do because I loved it so much in the dressing room... just not so much at home....

J. Crew Hacking Jacket - Size 2 - $198

The leather buttons are a little 'granola' for me, and the length just makes me feel frumpy.

Not bad from the back.... probably my favorite view of the jacket, actually.

Not great un-buttoned.... I just feel sloppy like this.

In the end, I felt like this jacket overwhelmed me a bit.  Life is too short (and my wallet is too thin) to keep something I don't feel attractive in.... is it the color, the length, the fabric, the cut?  I can't put my finger on it...

I couldn't help feeling a bit masculine and the wool was a bit itchy.  That said, I will stalk this jacket once it goes on sale (and you KNOW if will before the Holidays) if I can get the blue one close to $100, I'll do it!

Bottom Line: For me, the schoolboy blazer just worked better. It's thinner and not as long, ie. not as warm as the hacking, but once it gets *cold* outside, I will be wearing a REAL winter coat, not a hacking jacket.... so the thinner blazer/jacket will suit my needs better, anyway.... plus you could put a winter coat on over it.

"Lucky" Skinnies.... I'm Lucky-In-Love

Checked out Lucky jeans lately?  I hadn't since high school and boy am I glad I did!  I KNEW you could find great jeans under $200 .... but I was having trouble finding them!  But I did at the Lucky store in our local mall!

Charlie Skinny - $119

(some washes are under $100!)

I have these and they are amazing!  NO spare-tire effect, no baggy knees by noon!  LOVE them!

Charlie Baby-boot - $119

(some washes are under $100!)

Don't have these yet, but I'm getting them soon!  Just have to decide on the wash!

I haven't taken any good pics yet of me actually IN mine yet, but let me highly recommend the Charlie Skinny and Charlie Baby-Boot if you are looking for some good-fitting, ultra-stretchy, and super-flattering jeans this season!

Anyone else have good luck with Lucky's lately!?

(Pics to come soon.... :)