quick ootd and new arrivals

Here is a quick work outfit from last week.  I love this anthropologie top, but I usually have a hard time knowing what to pair it with.  I think the skirt is blah, but I like the 'burnished olive' and blue together.

Top:  Anthropologie

Cardigan:  J. Crew Jackie

Skirt:  J. Crew

Tights:  Hue

Shoes:  Camper

Necklace:  Gift from RedEnvelope

These beautiful shoes are currently en route to me! 

Olivia Cutout Oxfords

Eeeeeeek!  I cannot wait to get them!  They are sold out (in my size) online, so I had to find them in-store.  I have high hopes for these lovelies.  

There isn't a whole lot at anthropologie that interests me right now, but here are a few new arrivals I have my eye on:

Lace Channel Sweatshirt

   

 Burnout Lace Pencil Skirt

Glimmerade Cardigan

Winter Wonderland

I picked this little purple skirt up at Adorn back in the fall.  I think this is it's first appearance on the blog, but I have worn it many times this fall/winter.  It is simple, versatile, and an all-in-all great skirt.  

Cami:  Calvin Klein
Tank:  J. Crew  Factory
Skirt:  Adorn
Cardigan:  J. Crew Jackie
Tights:  Hue
Shoes:  Gee WaWa oxfords
Necklace:  J. Crew
Belt:  J. Crew Clearance Store


Ben and I went on a beautiful hike last weekend. Although the sun was out, it was cold, cold, cold.  The sun was casting a magnificent light on the frozen forest.  The ground was frozen, the air was cold and crisp, and the sun was attempting to warm the earth.  It was stunning.  It makes me think of that song, "Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy"♫♪♫♪.

Honeyed Life

This is a short week for me.  I was supposed to have Monday off, but ended up needing to go into work for a bit, so I'm taking Friday off instead.  Just have to make it through tomorrow!  WooHoo!

I'm trying to winterize some of my summer dresses so that I can enjoy them now.  The Honeyed Life Shirtdress is obviously one of my most favorites (how could I not love a dress with tiny little bees all over it?!?!).  I think the colors I chose made the outfit more spring-like than I intended, but oh well.  At least I was warm:)

Dress:  Anthropologie Honeyed Life Shirtdress
Cardigan:  J. Crew Jackie
Tights:  Hue
Shoes:  Seychelles
Necklace:  Kate Spade 'Hang in There'

Donut Burger

Today started off kind of blah.  I lazed around and then finally got some motivation this afternoon.  Ben and I ran a few errands and then went out for a late lunch/early dinner.  We decided to go to The Original, which is kind of an updated/modern take on a 1950s style diner.  We shared some chili cheese fries and we each got a donut burger slider (and I *may* have gotten a root beer float too:).  The donut burger slider was definitely interesting.  It was delicious, but also a little weird.  I have a hard time with certain sweet and savory combinations.  It was fun to try!

Another new thing I tried today is the sock bun.  Yes, I know sock buns are nothing new and I am super late to the game.  I have never really been good with styling my hair, but now that it is getting longer, I am determined to try some new things. I watched a few sock bun tutorials on youtube, and then went for it.  It was surprisingly easy and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  What should I try next?

Top:  Anthropologie
Cardigan:  J. Crew Jackie
Jeans:  Joe's Jeans via Anthropologie
Boots:  Target

Donut burger slider from The Original

FOR SALE

I decided to do a mini closet clean out to get rid of some things that have just been sitting in my closet.  I have a bag to donate and I have a few things to sell.  I thought I would post here before posting on ebay or taking to the consignment shop.  Feel free to ask questions.  If you are interested in buying, email me at:  lovelyapidae (at) gmail (dot) com.  First come, first serve.

I will accept paypal only.  All prices include shipping.

Unfortunately (for me!), I need to get rid of a couple of pairs of shoes.  I've been hanging on to these, thinking that I would "make them work".  It's time for me to realize that they don't fit and they need to go to a better home:)

SOLD  -   Anthropologie Lemon Stick Wedges - $85.00 

Size: 10

Brand new, never worn

I bought these directly from a store and they did not arrive in a box, so no box included.

Unfortunately, these are just a tiny bit too big for me.  I usaully wear a 9.5, sometimes a 10.  I thought these would be okay, but I really need a smaller size.

SOLD  -   J. Crew cracked metallic gold flats - $35 

Size:  9

Brand new, never worn

These came from the J. Crew Clearance Store in Arden, NC about 3 years ago.  I am not positive, but I believe they are regular J. Crew shoes (not factory shoes).  They are gorgeous.  They have been hanging out in my closet for the past 3 years because I REALLY did not want to part with them, but now is the time.  They are too small.  As I mentioned  above, I usually wear a 9.5 or a 10.  These are 9's and are just a tiny bit too tight.  I have tried them on at home a couple of times and they are *just* tight enough to be uncomfortable.  Since they came from the Clearance Store, there is a black line through the "j. crew" on the inside (see photo).  

Eliot Red Polka Dot top - $10

Size:  Medium

Brand new, never worn

I picked this up at a sample sale at the J. Crew Clearance Store in Arden, NC

I haven't heard of this brand, but I'm thinking it has something to do with Madewell?

This is a great top, but it is too small for me in the bust area.  It is a bit see through and would be more of a layering piece.  I love the details/ruffles.  As you can see, it does say "sample" on the inside, above the tag.

Anthropologie Deletta Ruffle Front Cardigan - $10.00

Size:  Large

EUC

Picked up this cardigan a few years ago at Anthropologie.  I just haven't reached for it recently.

Anthropologie Floreat Corset Tank - $15

Size:  12

Brand new, never worn

I bought this from Anthropologie.com a couple of years ago (pop-back!).  It's a  bit too short for me, so I've never reached for it.  It's wrinkled, but nothing a good steaming can't take care of:)

Lucy workout tank - $10

Size:  Medium

Brand new, never worn

I like this tank because it is longer than most.  I have never worn it because I prefer tanks with built-in bras.  

Good Luck

This is my OOTD from yesterday.  Ben and I babysat for our friends 2 young kids yesterday afternoon, so I definitely went for comfort:)  After babysitting, we stayed and had dinner with our friends and watched the Golden Globes.  I'm so happy for Lena Dunham.  I think she is fantastic- the perfect combination of quirky and authentic.  Did you catch the season 2 premier of "Girls" last night?  So. Good.

Coat:  J. Crew
Top:  J. Crew
Cardigan:  J. Crew
Pants:  Anthropologie
Socks:  J. Crew
Shoes:  Gee WaWa
Necklace:  Gift from Red Envelope

I was recently gifted this adorable necklace from RedEnvelope (Thank you!).  Honestly, I had never checked out their website before, but I was pleasantly surprised by their offerings.  They are promoting their "Romantic jewelry line" right now, since Valentines day is right around the corner, so I chose the good luck necklace.  I love it!  It seems very well made and the length is adjustable.  It is delicate (in a good way!) and quite charming.    

Cute packaging too!

Virgo

Okay, enough reminiscing about 2012.  Onwards and upwards in 2013!  This is my outfit from today.  After taking Kya to the vet (for her annual exam/vaccinations) and taking Kaitlyn out to lunch, Ben and I had a meeting with a financial adviser.  One of my goals this year is to get my finances in order.  We are trucking along okay on our own, but we decided it was time to consult with a professional to 1) make sure we really are on the right path, 2) help us figure out ways to meet our goals more quickly and efficiently, and to 3) help us make smart decisions for long term goals (retirement, etc.).  Today's meeting was just to get to know each other and for her to gather data.  I can't wait to meet with her next time when she will actually have a plan/suggestions for us.  I'm looking forward to a new perspective!

What are your thoughts on the matter?  Do you go it alone or utilize a professional?  Do you have any tips/tricks/stories to share?  

Top:  J. Crew Clearance Store
Cardigan:  Anthropologie Tierred Ruffles Open Cardigan
Pants:  AG Stevie crops in nutmeg
Belt:  J. Crew Clearance Store
Socks:  Sock Dreams
Shoes:  Dansko
Bracelet:  Gift

Check out my new bracelet!  Isn't is beautiful?  My mother-in-law got it for me for Christmas.  She knew I wanted the Anthropologie Zodiac Calendar Cuff, so she had this one handmade for me.  I love how the virgo symbol is combined with my initials.  Love, love, love!

2012 Recap #3: Adventures/Experiences

Happy Friday!  We are celebrating this weekend because our home refinance finally closed this week and we got our car back from the shop!  I thought that our refinance would be a fairly simple process, but not so.  It took months and we ended up having to do a few last minute home improvements (like I mentioned in another post - having our house painted the week of Christmas - ack!).  After we completed all of the requested work, we had more problems because the appraiser who needed to come back to do the final inspection was suddenly out of the state on vacation.  I won't drag you all further into this very long and complicated story, but let's just say it was a very sticky situation.  The day that the appraiser returned was the day of our  (now extended) deadline and I had to have a not so nice conversation with him that morning.  Anyways, it's officially done now! Phew!

In looking back at my posts from 2012 to compile my other recap posts (2012 recap #1:  outfits and 2012 recap #2:  Purchases), I decided it would also be fun to reminisce about some non clothing/style happenings of the year.  There is certainly no way for me to compile a list of my absolute favorite moments of the year, but here are 5  adventures/experiences from 2012 that put a smile on my face:)

PARIS

Posts here, here, here, here and here

Ben and I went to Paris  in the spring of 2012 for our honeymoon.  It was such a lovely trip, full of beautiful memories that I will cherish forever.  

 

PLATE AND PITCHFORK

Post here

In July, we experienced an amazing dinner at the Domaine Drouhin winery via plate and pitchfork.  It was a beautiful day, the food was delicious, the wine was flowing, we were surrounded by good friends, and we enjoyed it all outside, right in the middle of the vineyards.    

SUMMER HIKES

Posts here, here, and here 

We enjoyed summer to the fullest, including lots of hikes on the Oregon coast, the Columbia River Gorge, and eastern Oregon.    

I QUIT MY JOB!!!

Post here

In September, I quit my job of 7+ years.  It felt SO GOOD to say goodbye to all of the stress and frustration associated with my old job.  I haven't looked back since.  I am enjoying my new job and I would do it all over again.  

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

Post here

My birthday weekend was full of magic - my brother came to visit, I got a new pair of Chie's, we consumed lots of good food, we saw the wonderful Sallie Ford in concert, we went on a gorgeous hike at the coast and even spotted a whale.  Wow! Weekends like that only come around every once in a while.  I hold these memories close to my heart.      

Honorable mention:

After quite a few unsuccessful tries, I finally learned how to make french macarons this year (post here)!  I became obsessed with these darling little cookies after our Paris trip.  I haven't mastered them just yet, but I'm having fun practicing:) 

2012 Recap #2: Purchases

To follow up on my post from yesterday (2012 favorite outfits), here are 5 of my favorite 2012 purchases.  I'm not 100%  confident is saying that these are my absolute top 5 purchases of the year, but they are 5 of my favorites:)  It is really hard to narrow it down!  I keep thinking of other pieces that I have gotten more wear out of or ones that are more versatile, but for whatever reason, here's my list!

Camper 21514-001 Mary Jane Pump - Original post here.

Who's That Girl dress - purchased in Paris - Original post here.

J. Crew Perfect Shirt in Chambray Polka Dot - original post here, top also featured here and here.

Chie Mihara Olivan (technically not a purchase, these  were a birthday gift from Ben, but they still have a place on my favorites list:) - original post here.

Ruffled Trench Coat from Anthropologie - original post here.

Honorable mentions:

Liamolly Blazer (post here), J. Crew Peter Pan Collar Tee (post here),  Anthropologie Tiered Ruffles Open Cardigan (post here), Gray Dress, J. Crew Clearance Store find (post here).