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!