September Purchases

Talbots Grace Fit Jacket: $14.84
Talbots Sash Wrap Dress: $14.09
Talbots Accordian Pleat Skirt: $14.84
Talbots Kate Fit Jacket: $14.84
Naturalizer Fira: $22.49
Naaturalizer Newly (but in red): $14.99
Naturalizer Divine: $22.50
Naturalizer Ladell: $14.99
Naturalizer Korina (not shown): $29.99

Total: $163.57

This month was all about the shoe. Naturalizer had a great sale (25% off and free shipping) so I went to town. A few days later, a giant box of shoes ended up on my doorstep. I ended up keeping five of the ten pairs I bought. I can probably get a few weeks of wear into them before tights season starts.

I placed quite a large order with Talbots during their 25% off and free shipping sale. Unfortunately, only a few items actually shipped. Out of the items that arrived, there were a couple that I didn't like so they'll be listed on eBay as they were final sale. I'm really bummed with Talbots lately; it's frustrating to have entire orders  cancelled while the items ordered are still appearing online. Also, I the sizing has been inconsistent for me lately.

Addicted to Blogging

Sweater: J Crew
Skirt: J Crew Factory
T-shirt: J Crew
Shoes: Naturalizer

RDog's mother has been staying with us for a couple of days, so these are these pictures are "omg, let's try to take a picture without her noticing" type. I'm always nervous about people finding out about my little hobby.

However, now there is another person in real life who knows about my blog. Eek!

I do a lot of journal writing in my English classes. It's a great way to get the kids writing "for fun?" (I don't mark spelling) and it's a way for us to get to know each other (I write little notes back to them). I especially like connecting with the quieter students who don't say much in class.

One student has been writing a lot about her blog and how addicted she is to blogging. She confessed yesterday that only three people in her life know about her blog. So I confessed that I, too, am a blogger and I, too, am addicted.

Don't worry, of course, I didn't tell her my blog name or even the subject so I highly doubt she could find me on the interwebs. It sure would be weird if she did track down my internet persona.

Think Cold thoughts.

Blouse: J Crew Factory
Skirt: Loft
Necklace: J Crew
Shoes: Naturalizer

Today I tried really hard not to sweat.

This blouse was a bit of a splurge for me. I rarely spend $70 plus on a simple shirt, even a silk shirt. I didn't want to sweat it up and have to pay for a dry cleaning bill, at least not after the first wearing.  I'm not such a big fan of hand washing my nicer stuff so I try to get as many wears in as possible. The last time I tried to wash a silk blouse on my own, it shrunk. Tres bummer; won't do that again.

So today, I held my arms away from my body and thought cold thoughts. It worked although I did look like I was flexing my arm muscles all day.

Teacher body builder in a pencil skirt!

Bacon Is Great

Sweater: J Crew
Top: Forever 21
Skirt: J Crew
Shoes: Naturalizer
Earrings: Lia Sophia

Tonight I had breakfast for supper. It is the best thing ever. In my ideal world, every meal would include bacon.

Totally

Too big and wrinkly Skirt : J Crew
Cami: J Crew
Cardigan; J Crew
Shoes: Naturalizer

New shoe day! This pair was one of the shoes in my big box from last week. I took back the rejects (five out of ten didn't fit) and the salesperson totally was scowling at me as she processed my return. Does anyone feel that sales people try to make you feel guilty when you return items? I sure felt guilty today. But, come on, I kept five pairs of shoes and all my shoes come from your store so bugger off cranky Naturalizer sales person.

I totally ripped off this outfit idea from Pinterest.

I'm really into the word "totally" lately.

Black and Blue

Sweater: Talbots
Skirt: J Crew Factory
Necklace: J Crew Factory
Shoes: Karen Scott

A Big Box Full Of Little Boxes

Sweater: Land's End Canvas
Top: J Crew
Belt: J Crew
Shoes: Naturalizer
Skirt: J Crew

Today I came home to find this waiting for me on our front step.

It was a big box that was full of little boxes . . . 

. . . that were full of shoes.

Yikes!

Don't worry, budget followers, I am not keeping them all.

Off To Work I Go

Sweater: J Crew

Top: Banana Republic

Skirt: Talbots

Purse: Kate Spade

Shoes: Super old

Blue

Dress: Thrifted
Sweater: J Crew
Belt: Forever 21
Shoes: Naturalizer

Your Teeth Are So Cute

T-shirt: Martin and Osa
Skirt: J Crew
Belt: J Crew
Necklace: J Crew
Shoes: Naturalizer

As I sat here searching for a post title for tonight, RDog behind me at his computer, said, "Your teeth are so cute." to our cat.

Good enough.

Happy Monday

First World Problems

Blouse: Old Navy
Skirt: J Crew Factory
Necklace: Lia Sophia
Shoes: Naturalizer

I have a "problem".

All my skirts are too loose.

What's the phrase? First world problem - yah, that's me.

I didn't lose any weight over the summer, although I did lose 10 pounds in April and May (mostly due to stress and unhealthy eating patterns). This summer I got really into exercising and sometimes worked out twice a day. Now that I'm back at work and digging my favorite pencil skirts, I'm finding many are just a little too big.

I know, it's a great problem to have. But dang, I have so many pretty pencil skirts.

I think I need to learn to sew so I can start altering the fit.

Anyone have any recommendations for a "teach you how to sew" website?

I have a sewing machine. It is two years old. It is still in its box.

Yikes.

By Heart

B;azer: Thrfted (no label
Dress: Walmart
Shoes: Karen Scott
Earrings: Lia Sophia

This outfit was born from a need to maximize my summer dress wear while I can. While digging through my closet, I found this dress which I haven't worn in some time. It was originally bought from Walmart, of all places, to wear the day after our wedding. I wanted something that matched our wedding colors of black and white. Today, I paired it with this great little thrifted blazer to make to feel less wedding to me.

This has got to be one of my cheapest outfits ever. The dress couldn't have been more that $20 (I can't imagine spending more than that on a Walmart dress) and the blazer was $4.35. I know my thrift store prices by heart.

Sparkles and Blisters

Dress worn as a top: Target
Skirt: Talbots
Shoes: Naturalizer
Necklaces: Lia Sophia, RDog, and J Crew

I wore flats yesterday to give my feet a break. I didn't realize that the backs of my heels also need to get used to shoes as well. I have two huge blisters on my heels as a result. Oih.

I bought the top necklace a few weeks ago when my friend had a Lia Sophia party (it's kind of like a Tupperware party but with jewellry). I placed a fairly big order, but this is the necklace I keep wearing again and again. I love how it fits in with my "everyday necklace", my diamond pendant that was a wedding gift from RDog.

My attempt at fancy jewellery Instagramming.

Stay Green

Blouse: EBay
Skirt: Loft
Necklace: J Crew
Shoes: Cole Haan

Eek - the leaves are changing color. How did that happen? I'm not ready for fall!

Talbots Deals

Thanks to Apples and Pencil Skirts for sharing Talbots latest code;  029353545  gets you 25% and free shipping.

I was scooping out the site last night but was too tired so I decided to finish shopping in the morning. This morning, a lot of Talbots prices in its Outlet section had been reduced even further, making for  some crazy deals.

Here are some of my picks.

Sparkle Bateau-Neck Sweater This would be great for the holidays and only ends up being about $5.

I think this Accordion Pleat Skirt would be fun to dress up with around Christmas time as well.

I have this Cowl Neck Dress in green and love it, so I got it in grey too.

I have this Silk Georgette Pleated Skirt in three colors already. This one is a great buy.

My last pick is something special for date nights. Patent Leather Pointy Toe Pumps. I have a couple pairs of Talbots shoes and love them. The leather soles make them feel so special.

Has anyone else been shopping at Talbots lately? Any recommendations?