Pick Me, Choose Me, Buy Me.

Well, like I said in my last post, I'm still recovering from the February funk.  Being as it's almost May.... well, hopefully I've really recovered.  Now that it's above 50 degrees on a regular basis.... I am finding my mojo - and I miss this blog.  Many thanks to not wearing pants anymore for helping me find my mojo.

And yes, I popped back in here because I really think your life will be better if you make a specific purchase.  And stop wearing jeans because winter is OVER.

Enter my new BFF:  Old Navy.

Never fear:  I may not have posted in 51 days, but my crappy outfit photos are exactly the same.  The front-on photo of the skirt makes it look wide because when I stood like a normal person there was too much of my toes in the picture.  Nothankyou.

Anyway, you can get this shirt in black/white, gray, black, OR this fab red/navy stripe that I highly recommend.  It's listed for $32.94 but I got it for at least 30% off.   I'm wearing a medium in the picture, but I think next time (duh I'm buying the black/white stripe) I'm going to buy a small tall.  The medium fits, but I find that tall always has a little more room than the regular size.  #sizingishard


Let's recap:  Life is better in the summer.  Life is better wearing clothes that don't require leg-shaving.  Life is better when I have this blog.  Hi, I've missed you!!

The Long-Awaited ASOS Order

So, ASOS.  I've seen and heard of the site around before, but I didn't pay too too much attention.  After my last batch of potential engagement picture dresses bombed, I decided measures needed to be taken.  Lo and behold, ASOS was having some Memorial Day promos and I decided to hop on the wagon.

Of course, it was a fantastic sale and I waited a few days before I checked the status of my order.  And it said "Order Cancelled."  WTF.

Come to find out, my credit card company had cancelled the order due to suspicious activity.  Do they even KNOW me?!

Fortunately, ASOS gave me a new promo code (love their customer service!) and I was able to re-submit... but unfortunately, due to the awesome promo, a lot of the sizes I needed were sold out.  Darn it.

I really can't decide what I think of half the dresses.  This is why we don't give ourselves a month of harsh scrutiny to prep for engagement photos.  I would probably have done better with 48 hours notice, done.

And now, the dresses.  I added sizes and prices for reference. 

First up, the ASOS Midi Body-Conscious Dress With Deep V Neck- Black, US8 $27.

 This dress doesn't do much for your body - the body has to do a lot of the work.  Surprisingly though, and maybe it's because of the color, it kinda works.   I even threw it on with the jacket of my obsession and I kind of love it.

Basically all of the dresses I ordered were "midi" length, and it's just slightly too long on me.  I would probably have any of them hemmed a couple inches shorter for maximum awesomeness. 

Next up, ASOS Midi Dress In Animal Print- Print US 8, $61.

Unlike some of the other size 8's I was poured into... this bad boy was huge.  And had a cutout at the back that I didn't realize.  NEXT.

 

Next up, ASOS Midi Dress in Lace, Blue US 8, $41.

This was the one I was probably most looking forward to.... and it sold out in the 10 I was going to order.  I squeezed into the 8, but barely.

Looking at it again, I actually don't hate the way it looks... but boy was it a circus trying to get in and out of it.  It's not even available online anymore... the one that got away.

The next one is quite a bit more casual than the others - we are actually having pictures taken in a downtown/urban-ish setting, and then some taken out in nature... I think this one would fit the "nature" pics a bit more... but dang I wish it were a bit nicer material.  I can see myself wearing this again.

Of course, it's also just about 1 size too small, no larger sizes available in any colors online.  ASOS Midi Dress With Ballet Wrap, Navy US 6 $38

 

Next up, the ASOS Midi Dress with Short Sleeves- Cobalt US 10, $27.

This one also requires your body to do all the work.  I hated it at first, but it's sort of growing on me in pictures.   The last pic is the length I would hem it to, for comparison.

I just wish it were a tiny bit more structured... although, for $27, it could be much worse.

Next up, the cheapest of the bunch, and I think I know why... ASOS Pencil Dress With Cowl Neck Red US 8 $20.

The cowl neck just kinda hangs there.  Overall, I really don't hate it - but it's not awesome, either.  I wonder if a seamstress could just turn it into a V-neck?

I'm really having mixed feelings about the next dress.  ASOS Pencil Dress With Lace Panels Plunge Neck- Jade US 8, $61.

For one thing, it's surprisingly larger than the others.  I love the color and it's really out of my comfort zone.  But the waist needs taken in, and that's what I'm doing with my arm in the last pic.  The middle is of how it rides up when I walk... one of the most annoying things about "pencil" dresses and skirts.

It would also be hemmed a bit so you can see more leg.

I know, scandalous.

This next one I'm having a reeeal hard time with.  ASOS Pencil Dress With Seamed Bust, Navy US 8, $51.60.

In general, I think it's flattering, has a pretty navy color... on the other hand, blah.
Too much boob and some weird underarm fat showing.  Whyyyyy?!

 And last but not least, this really wasn't for engagement pics, but I had to try it.  River Island Tattoo Print Midi Dress-US 8 $24.

At first I hated it, and now I kinda love it.  The belt does help a lot, I think. 

All in all, I don't hate anything, really, except the animal-print dress.  The sizing is inconsistent - the green dress is pretty roomy in an 8 and the blue lace dress basically strangled me in the same size.

Alright, almighty photographer-shopper-style-aholics of the blog world.  What do you think? 

Love?  Hate?  Meh on all of them, try again?

Help an obsessive sister out.  Pretty please?

I also have a wedding this month that I was hoping to wear one of these dresses for.... so far, I'm striking out so very, very hard.

Loft 'Em and Love 'Em (Or Not)

So, I may have mentioned that I have been on a bit of an online shopping kick, yes?

You see, these damn Friends & Family sales (which they should really rename Friends & SUCKERS sale, cause duh) suck me in every damn time.  Actually, I was doing really good avoiding for a while - but not lately!

Oops.

As usual, my favorite, LOFT, had me from Hello.

Let's see what I ended up with, shall we?

And, for added humor, my feet are cut off in all these pictures.  As a Profeshunal Fashun Blogger, I make it my goal to take only the most lovely pictures and post them.  Hence all the head-cutting-off.  DUH.

First up, the Pretty Waves Tank Maxi Dress.  I really liked this dress.  The pattern, the colors... but something just didn't feel right.  Also it was not particularly arm-flattering.   Especially from the back.

I am especially obsessed with the grosgrain ribbon detail at the waist. 

Don't ask me why I'm not keeping it.  Cause my arms look bad in the pic on the right at the top?  Should I be reconsidering?

So, my favorite current pair of shades are from LOFT.  They're perfection.  However, they're starting to get loose on my head and I know it's only a matter of time before they don't stay on my head anymore.

Unfortunately, I don't think the Colorblocked Square Sunglasses (above) or Vented Round Sunglasses (below) really did me any favors.  Unlike my scary prison-mugshot face that is doing me all kinds of favors.  

Maybe the bottom pair.  I just think they're too big and sit too low on my face.

I really like this next dress, the Wave Print Cap-Sleeve Dress (sold out online, it seems like), but the oatmeal-y color near my face was way, way no-bueno. 

  

So sad, because I really liked the fit and everything else about this dress.  

I snapped up two belts that I believe will be snapped right back to the store.  I wanted to love them both but the striped one was just okay and the metallic braided one is too stiff for my liking. 

Apparently the standards I have for belts are too too high.

And last but not least, I was ordering some ties for Mr. RH from Express and I needed just one more thing to get free shipping.  So of course I found the most expensive item and wasn't going to keep it and now I'm deep in love.



The only thing that makes me a bit hesitant is that it seems a tiny bit snug in the arms.  And the bust, too, if you're looking at the pic on the left. 

Might have to run in and see of they have a size 6 at the store.... with my luck, it will probably be too big.

Anybody else have any major fashion finds lately?  I'm still searching for the perfect outfit for engagement photos.

Yes, I realize having engagement photos only a couple months before the wedding is slightly pointless, but damn if our schedules aren't crazy-full.

Also, LOFT added some new dresses to their website this morning and they're still running 40% off.  Gotta go!

Shopping. Back at It.

So, let's hypothetically you dragged your lazy butt up and took some outfit pics for your blogs.  I use the term outfit cause you're really just trying on a bunch of random pieces to see if they "make it work" for your life, but let's be generous here.

And then you collapse into a puddle because sometimes trying on clothes is hard stuff, especially when you catch an attack of the lazies.

And then, your friend's dad passes away and an outfit blog post seems completely unnecessary and frivolous.

And then you download the photos and you cropped your feet out of every single pic even though you swear you checked yourself halfway through and the whole thing is unintentionally hilarious.  ESPECIALLY because in the interest of better outfit blogging you actually changed your shoes per outfit this time and now you can't even tell.

I swear, kids, this is why we don't try at things.  Just give it a shot and give up.  End scene. 

Kidding.

But I really did crop my feet out of every single photo. And it's awesome.

Today's slew of goodies is all from Target.  I think they must've been running a 20% off code or something, and I had a hard time not buying everything.

Up first is the item I had the highest hopes for, the V-Neck Chevron Maxi Dress.  It just looked perfect online.  Comfy, cute, on-trend (well, there are people already hoping chevron will die a quick death, but whatever.  still trendy.)  But the waist on this falls a little low for me, I think. 

And it might fall a little big on me... but it also felt crazy comfortable.  Therein lies the dilemma.

Next up, the Colorblock Maxi Dress.  I'm really torn on this one, although I liked it from the second I put it on.  Literally didn't want to take it off.  It hits me in a perfect spot, and it fit well and was long enough (score!).

The only problem is... it kinda has the color combo of my favorite outfits from the 6th grade.  Does is scream teenager?  It is in the teenager line of clothes, but I had high hopes.  Do I look like an overgrown 6th grader?

BE HONEST.

Then there's this jacket.  You see, in January, Target had these amazing and cheap shrunken blazers.  But I was being a "saver" at the time, so I didn't buy them.

BIG MISTAKE.  HUGE. 

Anyways, I found this Ponte Boyfriend Jacket and was so excited... but I feel like a career woman from the 80s.  It's just slightly too big and bold for my liking.

However, when I put it over this LOFT dress (spoiler: you gotta see the next outfit post I eventually do!), I kinda fell in love. 

But I know that it was just toying with my emotions, so I said NO to the blazer.  Even though I might go back for the black in a smaller size.   Decisions, decisions.

So, the next two items may invite a bit of internet scorn.  I know it's probably quite tacky for some.. but I just had to check them out.

Back in March, when I attended a Bachelorette Party, I toyed with the idea of getting the bride a Victoria's Secret bride robe.  She's, in my opinion, the type of bride who has loved to soak up every minute of the bride experience, and she looks damn good doing it. 

But $60 for a robe that's basically one-time-only?  Meh.  Wasn't into it.

So when I stumbled on a section of bridal goodies at Target.com.... well, I had to check it out.

Unfortunately, in the week since I've ordered it the whole line is out of stock.  Dang.

The robe was less than $25 and is pretty cute.  Kinda hard to photograph a shiny, blinged out white robe in a dark-ish room by yourself, but there you have it.  Unfortunately I go a Large for some reason and it's a wee bit large.
 

I've seen people wearing these in "getting-ready" photos, but I just didn't feel pretty in it.  Besides the fact that this one was too big, I felt like a giant white marshmallow.

Sooo, instead, I think I'll wear the tank below under a fun, colorful robe.  I know, bedazzled tanks probably went out 5 years ago, but weddings are all about embracing uncomfortable experiences, right?!
 

 Even if I'm the only one who knows I'm wearing it... that's still a little bit fun, right?  Plus, if I'm not as white as a ghost, I might actually feel good in it.  Tank tops never fit in length and this one does.  Winner?!

Feel free to chime in and tell me if I look like I'm borrowing from the juniors in that black and pink tank dress.  Cause I can't get it out of my mind.

Also, will you judge me if I wear a bride tank?  It only cost like $12 so that minimizes the humiliation, right?

Anywhere else I should be shopping lately?  I'm on a spree and I just can't quit.  More to come from LOFT and Express. 

Shopping Between Sizes

A week or two ago, I got an email while I was working that Gap had $10 t-shirts.  They did this promo in the fall and I got a shirt that I ended up wearing 50% of the time this past winter.  So, naturally, I had to check out the spring tees.  

That AND I had seen a Gap shirt while shopping on Michigan Avenue and I was still having regret about not buying it. 

This would be the shirt:  The Essential Multi-Stripe T in summer azalea.  This looks like the red, but it's just the lighting. 

So, I have to make a confession.  I ordered at least 2 of every single shirt I wanted.  You see, I find that Gap and Old Navy have a wee bit of vanity-sizing going on.  As in, there are days when I fit comfortable into an XS.  What happens when people are really, actually tiny?

Also, I have the whole super-long torso thing going on.  So, on the left is a regular size XS... and on the right is a S Tall.  I felt like the small was slightly baggy - but in the pictures it didn't come across at all.

So I kept all the talls, even though they felt slightly baggy in my crazy head.

I'm still deciding if the longer shirt actually looks better - I just know that it feels better and covers my muffin top expertly. 

I ended up returning the gray ones, because I was feeling the v-neck and I didn't think that I honestly needed three striped tops.  Of course, looking at the pics now, I want the dang gray one.  And it's $20 now instead of $10.  Damnit.

I ordered a few more tops that I ended up feeling quite negative about.

A. The tall ended up being huuuge.  And what's up with the flared sleeves.

B. Talls in solids seemed much baggier.

C.  Why was this shirt so tight?

D.  I don't do neon.  So stop ordering it for the love of Jesus.

As I was checking out, I realized that Old Navy was having a pretty sweet sale on their dresses - so of course I caved like a deck of cards.  

Dresses!  My favorite!

First up - I was obsessed with the teal color of the Old Navy Mixed Eyelet Dress.  Of course, this color didn't come in a tall, so I got a regular size.  

Let's Ignore the Wrinkles, Ok?

I did not particularly like the length... I felt like we were a minute away from my undies peeping out in the back.  The waist was at an awkward place on me.  If I shoved a basketball up the front, it would have been a perfect maternity dress.  Minus the fact that my crotch would then be showing.

After the big fail on the teal, I had very little hope for the white dress, which I ordered in a 4 Tall (the smallest size that tall comes in).

 

Again, Let's Ignore the Wrinkles.  I swear they weren't as bad in person!

First of all, I loved that the hem of the white was slightly scalloped.  It was just so feminine and a great detail in a $20 dress.  I felt that the dress might be slightly too big, but once I was in it - I was feeling it.

Once I added the belt, I was pretty well hooked.  I don't think this is the belt for the outfit AT ALL, but I was just using it for scale and idea. 

I think I'm liking the white.

The last one was a total impulse purchase.  My favorite color - blue - and an easy, jersey dress.  The Stretch Jersey tank dress, again in a tall. 

I can't say enough about how awesome I feel about TALL clothes.  I am a very SLIGHTLY tall person.  I'm 5' 8" max - it's probably closer to 5' 7".  My legs are average, it's my torso that's long.

Even knowing all this... I still have the hardest time finding clothes that really and truly fit.  I feel like I'm constantly returning tall sizes that are HUGE.  Which would be no problem, except that most of them don't come in any smaller sizes.  Are there no slim, tall people, Gap?  I'm looking at you.

What's your opinion on the white dress?  Cute, right?  Totally bridal-shower-worthy? 

Anybody else have a long torso and nothing to wear?

I Forever 21'd.

Soo, I've been a little bad at Forever 21 lately.  Actually, I've been filling up my cart for months and finally pulled the trigger on a few items when they were having their anniversary sale a while back.  It was equal parts good and bad, I think....

First up, a couple of boring work shirts.  I wear solid white and sometimes black at work... I just hate how boring it is.

I do like this Rosette Longline Top though.  Just enough interest to keep it from being SOOOO boring.  

 

 I ordered a cute ruched-side top... but they accidentally sent this instead.  Nice.  Hmm.  It's going back for sure.

I think I'm reeeally into these Curvy Fit Jeans... unfortunately, I think the ankles are doing something weird.  Should I get them taken in at the ankles or something?  Or maybe if I wash them they'll just shrink up and look better.  Hm.  I reeeally liked them when I was wearing them and had no clue the ankles got all bunchy.  Wah.

On the upside, they aren't even THAT low rise, which is quite a feat for F21.  Will be ordering another pair if I can figure out the ankle issues.  Also, I sized down from my last order (even though I haven't lost a pound) and they actually look good.  Muffin topping is minimal.

Now... the next 3 dresses are all sold out by now.  This lace bodycon dress is SO not my thing... but there's something strangely hot about it.  I was really sold because it's actually long enough - as opposed to most F21 dresses that are shirt-length.
 

This one is not really befitting of my lifestyle... but I just love black and white.  Classic, classy, black and white.  Unfortunately it's probably too tight in the hips.  When am I going to learn I can't wear a structured shift dress?

And then there is this Love 21 wrap dress.  I really wanted to like it... but it was kinda boxy, even though it was prettily lined and quite comfy.  Maybe it's just too big??

Soo, confession.  I bought something called Scuba Leggings.  Not only did I live to tell about it... but I kinda liked it.  

They are very shiny and stretchy... and shiny.  They remind me of superhero leggings, and they are a deep charcoal gray color.  So... I wonder if I could wear these in public?  At the very least they might make a good Halloween costume.  Considering I haven't dressed up in, eh, 5 years?

I need to know... can I wear shiny leggings??

The Sparkling Bow Hair Clips are rather amazing.  And sparkly.  I only wish they were in red. 

These faux-emerald Faux Stone Teardrop Earrings are SO pretty and cute... I just need to find some hair accessories that work with them.

The Polka Dot Bow Hair Clips are not as cute as I wanted them to be.... but I think I can still make them cute with sparkly pink earrings.

And the Glittered Bow Hair Clips are just about the tiniest hair bows I've seen.  Maybe my nieces will wear them?

 I can't find these sparkly bow earrings anywhere on the website... but they are large and fabulous.

I ordered a Draped Chain Necklace but it arrived broken so I didn't take a picture. 

So, most of the accessories are a win.  The dresses are pretty fab but I'm just not seeing the opportunity to wear them, so they might have to go.

Right now, I'm loving the bottoms at F21.  And I'm going to HAVE to wear shiny leggings just to prove I can.  I feel bad about keeping them otherwise. 

Thoughts?  Can I wear shiny scuba leggings as pants?  Cause we both know I'm going to try it.  

Only 4 days till Black Friday.  Barf.

Target, How Do I Love Thee?

Let me count the ways.

ONE:  Merona Classic Trench Coat in Red.  Cause I've returned every red trench I've bought but Target ALWAYS knocks them out of the park. 

TWO:  Merona Houndstooth Scarf.  It was sold out in a $15 version and then this $10 one popped up.  SOLD.  How cute will it be with my red coat?!

THREE:  Leopard Ponte Pants.  I will never have the thighs for patterned pants but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try them, right?  For blogging purposes? 

FOUR:  Red Colorblock Sweater Dress.  I'm generally iffy on sweater-dresses but I just love this.  Plus you all say red is my color now, excuse me while I rock the crap out of it. 

FIVE:  Um, I'm sorry but this Leopard Trench is $10 off right now.  And... LEOPARD.  Recognize.  The only thing is that the print is a bit dark... BUT, that will hide dirt better than my three year old trench that I have worn the crap out of.

SIX: Except then if I get the leopard I probably should not get the Pink Paisley Trench.  Although I do have a much lighter-weight leopard one... that's ready to bite the dust.  So, both?  #shopaholicproblems

SEVEN:  And last but not least... one of the holy grail items that I got from Target last year.  Please please don't buy it before I get a couple home cause... I wore this so hard Mr. RH thought I accidentally forgot that I have 2 closets and 1.5 dressers full of clothes.  So, that was weird.  I have it in gray and it sold out in EVERYTHING within a week.  I'm getting the purple-y color.  And maybe 2 more.  Cowl Neck Pullover Tunic.  I die.

I could keep going but there is $400 in my Target cart right now and I'm 50% sure I'm going to buy all of it.  Although I really only need 1 new trench.  But they're sold out locally so maybe I'll order 2 and return 1... as a public service to my fellow shoppers.  Gosh, I'm an American hero.


Psst, today, Monday only, there is 15% off on apparel and accessories on Target.com.  Use code 1DAYSALE at checkout.

Sadly, no, they're not paying me to say that... maybe in my dream alternate life.

LOFT-y Monday

I had grand plans of blogs this week... but I worked almost 12 hours yesterday (by my own damn choice) and today I have to travel to Indy for work.  Can you sense the yawns through the computer? 

Anyways, I never knew how long it took to put together a shopping/outfit post until I did one.  And let me just say that I'm in a time crunch but I'm curious for honest opinions... pretty please?

Ok, so @theratpack07 reminded me a week or so ago that I needed white cocktail dresses for the inevitable "year leading up to the wedding" stuff.  And I was 2 steps ahead of her but totally agreed.  Enter an awesome LOFT sale last week. 

I ordered 2 sizes in each dress... although it's become clear to me that "vanity" sizing doesn't even come close to describing the LOFT size skew.

PS. Please don't judge the wrinkles.  I ACTUALLY STEAMED THE WRINKLY ONE... they were just mangled from their mail travels.  I believe it can be remedied.  Also, the shoes are the shoes I'm wearing to work in 15 minutes.  So judge away, whatever.  I know they don't necessarily work.

First off, the bigger size white dress.  Small-ish waist belt didn't much help the situation.

In theory, I like.  In actuality... meh? 

So I sized down.  Left, unbelted.  Center, added a thicker belt.  Right, it's a weeee bit slim on the old thighs.  Maybe they'll be smaller next year?  (Hahahahahahahaha omg just died laughing.)



So the white dress(es) above... it's probably not built for my shape.  But it's white and very bachelorette party/bridal shower/etc.  I'm guessing I'll need 2-3 for events next year.  Hopefully in the summer cause omg the pale.  This 5 am photo shoot hides the paleness cause of the indoor lighting and darkness.

And then we have the 2nd dress.  It's an antique-white/peach color.  Can't really be describes.  The fabric has a beautiful silver metallic all through it, which really lends itself to awesome accessories.

Not sure that photo helps at all.  I tried!

And the dress.  Without a belt (and the included one is hideous), it's a sad sack (LEFT).  Center and right, a little more details and with the necessitated belt.  Featuring the Ring That Made This All Possible. 



So, be good internet friends and tell me how awesome and ugly the dresess are.  BE HONEST.

Hopefully heading with the BFFs tomorrow to Indy for a full day of shopping and decompressing.  Good vibes for all of us please?  We are all very well but anxious for some stuff going down tomorrow. 

Thanks for the opinions and finger-crossing for good news.

HAPPY MONDAY!  xx