Spring DVF Purchases

As I mentioned, I've been really wanting to infuse color into all my outfits lately.  My quest for all things spring is probably due to the complete lack of a spring we are having here in Boston.  I shouldn't complain though because all the highs in the 7-day forecast are in the '40s--a first since the fall, I'm sure.  And I've been loving DVF's spring collection.  I ordered a few things from her line from Saks.com.

The Gyls Stretch Silk Blouse in Lime, size 6.  This blouse is the only work appropriate thing I ordered.  I plan to wear it on Wed. as styled here with my navy Express Columnist pants and brown belt/pumps

I love the mix of feminine silk shirt, styled with more masculine pieces like the work pants and belt.  I also ordered the Mateo Silk Twill Blouse in size 6 and the Kealy Washed Silk Skirt in Size 2:

I love, love, love the idea of this outfit.  I really think my wardrobe lacks interesting pieces like these and I love the Asian inspired print, and blouse.  However, this one may be a return--as both pieces were pricey...and my husband says I just look "ok" in it, and that the back makes my shoulders look wide....hmmph!

The last thing I ordered is the Arely Bis Silk Jersey dress.  I love it, and think it is very flattering.  The wrap makes it come in at the waist--which makes me look skinnier than I really am.  Unfortunately, I don't have many places to wear this dress---but will bring it with me to Rome!

A last note on this pieces: I just love the quality of the fabric.  Diane Von Furstenberg's clothes are more expensive than what I normally wear, but I think I'm getting to a point where I'll trade quantity for quality.  The only downside to her line is that I don't find much that's work appropriate.  I tried on the Helen suiting dress (and forgot my camera!) at the brick and mortar Saks here in Boston--and I loved it, but there is no way I could wear it to work because it was so form-fitting. I don't think I could even wear it during daylight hours :-)

Casual Friday

I love that my work has a jeans day on Friday.  I wore my AG Stevie's (if you've never tried AG jeans...you are missing out on seriously comfortable and great fitting jeans), a 12th Street by Cynthia Steffe jacket, and was planning on wearing brown pumps, but just could NOT do heels.  I ended up with my flat Cole Haan riding boots, which I think looked good anyway.

 

 

Don't you just love what a fitted jacket will do for an outfit.  I am tired of neutrals so I've been wearing a lot of color lately. 

 

 

A nice way to end the week!

Style Worship: Kate Middleton

I have to admit that I am looking forward to the royal wedding.  I know it's silly, but I loved planning my own wedding...and this one is definitely the ultimate dream wedding.

I am not usually  someone who gets star struck.  But I absolutely adore Kate Middleton's style.  I totally want the royal blue Issa dress she wore when she and William announced their engagement:

If this dress were still available (or I trusted ebay, which I don't having once bought the worst knock-off "authentic DVF" dress ever), I would totally buy it.

And, I think her style choice of the white Reiss dress for the official engagement pictures was spot on:

Wish that one was still available too.  The dress says "bride" while still saying modern woman.  I love that Kate obviously puts a lot of thought in her choices, and they speak to her credit.  I can't wait to see what her wedding gown will look like...I'm sure it will be beautiful, tastefull, and leave me wishing I could get married again!  So, yes, I guess I am a little star struck :-)

New Anthropolgie Tops: Work and Play

Hello! This is my first post in quite awhile, as I have been super-busy at work lately. In addition to all of my normal tasks, I have been working on a presentation that will be give to my entire department. It has taken over a month of extremely hard work, and tomorrow is the day! I feel set and ready to go, just worrying a little bit about technical glitches at this point (it's a webcast).

Although I haven't had a lot of time for shopping, I was able to fit a little online shopping in last weekend, and I got two new tops from Anthroplogie.

The Gathering Tank, $48I think this top is fancy enough for my work, even though it's tee material, especially topped with a cardigan. I really like it, but it did shrink a tad in the wash, so I do wish I had purchased one size up from my normal size. I love the little anthro touches--the pintucks and ruches--I think they look great and add personality to a single color tee without going over the top. I like the dark grey version that I purchased, and if I buy another one a size up I might go for the green.

Wind Smocked Henley, $48
This top is a little low cut, so it's definitely not suitable for work. I like how it flows out a little at the waist, and the ruching that extends from the shoulders is very cute. I wish it hit at the bottom just a tad lower, but I think the overall design definitely makes up for that. I normally don't wear a lot of patterns, but this one is subtle enough that it gives an interesting look without overwhelming.

Wish me luck tomorrow! Still trying to decide what to wear!

J. Crew's Merino Zip Cardigan and Express Herringbone Pencil Skirt

This is a bad-ass work look.  If you don't look closely it seems very feminine, but it's loaded with bad-girl detail which I love. 

 

 

This sweater is a blend of the demure---chiffon fabric at neckline--and, the more avant garde slanted zipper. 

 

 

The herringbone skirt has a buckle (hidden under my sweater, but would look good with a tucked in shirt, which I just can't pull off right now) and form fitting shape.  The only downside-this outfit must be worn on a skinny day :-(

 

And of course, wearing this with my trusty black tights and booties. Can't get enough of those.

 

sweater: J. Crew

Skirt: Express

Tights: Hue (Anthropologie)

Booties:Flannery Boots, J. Crew

 

And an Atkins update: I am down a total of 5 lbs. now.  The weight loss is definitely slowing and any day I go off it I go up a bit, so I definitely think it's part water weight.  But, all-in-all it seems like it's been a way to get me to stick to a diet, so if I can just double that number I'll be really pleased.

 

xoxo,

Lynne

Bright and Feminine

It's been a cold, dreary winter here in Boston.  I have really bad spring fever already.  I can't wait to break out the warmer weather clothes.  I've really been loving the belt trend, but it can be hard to pull off for us apples of the world.  I found this obi style belt at Garnet Hill, and decided to pair it with a bright cardigan and soft, feminine skirt:

Sorry for the mess...my hubby shot this pic right as I was out the door for work.  I guess we didn't notice his shoes right there in the frame. 

This skirt is awesome.  It's one of the few full skirts I can pull off.  The material is a light, soft silk, so I think that's key.  It has a little volume, but not too much.  I can't do too much volume in the skirt area, because I carry ALL my weight in the torso.

Aren't these back seam polka dot tights from J. Crew the cutest?!?!  This outift was definitely a pick-me up as I've been doing phase 1 of Atkins all week.  Boy, is it tough.  I really love carbs.  My life is pretty sad without chocolate, bread, and pasta.  And I've been trying not to bake anything, which is a passion of mine.  On a good note, though: I'm only doing it for another day before I take a break, and I'm already down 3 lbs!!!  That's what's keeping me going.  It's really the only way I've ever been able to lose weight...so thank you, Dr. Atkins, but next time find a way to put chocolate in there, please.

Skirt: theory

Belt: Eileen Fisher

Cardigan: Express

Tights: J. Crew

Shoes: Cole Haan

xoxo,

Lynne