Ann Taylor Loft - Abstract Print Blouse with Tie

I recently purchased this Ann Taylor Loft Abstract Print Blouse on sale (size medium in Petites, $24 in-store).  On the website, the color is listed as "Tango Red" but I have never seen it offered in any other color.

I bought this blouse in a Petite size because Loft's tops generally fit longer than I like (I'm 5'5").  An XXSmall Petite size of this blouse can be seen here on PetiteXXS who is 5'0".  It is a brightly colored blouse but I think it looks nice with dark blue denim jeans.

Thanks to a set posted by din-din on Polyvore (link here), I was inspired to come up with an outfit pairing the blouse with black skinny jeans and a black blazer.

Inspired look by connie-nicole featuring tie blouses

Big thanks to din-din because, although I liked the top, I wasn't really sure how I would wear it! I don't normally wear bright/bold prints but I like this given that the rest of the outfit is simply, monochromatic black.  Plus, the blazer will cover most of the blouse so only the front will peek out (minimizing how vibrant/bright the blouse really is).  However, I'm not quite sure if I like the idea of wearing a belt around a blazer or not. Any opinions?

JCrew Order Review

I received my J-Crew sale order (posted Dec. 17, 2010) last week and wanted to post a few comments on the fit of the items I ordered and post some possible outfit ideas (via Polyvore). 

I ordered the small in the Pefect Fit Mix Tape Cardigans and I think they are fairly true to size.  I have a 36 bust and approx. 29 waist and the small fit me just fine.  The construction of these cardis are more like a thin sweatshirt.  I was expecting a lighter weight material.  Also the colors are duller in real life than in the photos.  My major complaint is the length... I wish they were about 3 inches shorter (but this could be a good thing if you're tall or have a long torso).  I personally do not like it when cardis fall half way down my butt!  Maybe a few wash/dry cycles will shrink them some.  I know that it sounds like I have alot of complaints about these cardis but I do actually think they are great cardigans.  I like the overall fit and feel of them so I'm keeping them.  

The Cascading Flutter Shells fit perfectly in x-small on me.  However, the white one is fairly thin so I doubt I'll ever wear it without a cardi or jacket over it.  It does go very well with the bronzed twig cardi (pictured below on me).  The platoon green shell is opaque enough to be worn on its own.

 

The Muse Tank also fit wonderfully in x-small. I almost ordered it in the Urban grey color but I'm so glad I went with the smoky charcoal instead. I really like the color. The silk overlay on the front and the ribbon tied around the waist adds just enough interest and sophistication to make it both work and out-to-a-nice-dinner appropriate.

And now for some ideas on how I can work these new items into my current wardrobe:

Mix tapes & fluttering shells by connie-nicole featuring j crew cardigans

Heather grey & smoky charcoal by connie-nicole featuring ankle skinny jeans

Bronzed Twig & Metallic Trim by connie-nicole featuring j crew cardigans

Added to my casual work wardrobe:

Work wardrobe by connie-nicole featuring j crew cardigans

Perfect-fit mixed-tape cardigan - J.Crew
$50 - jcrew.com
J crew cardigans »

Perfect-fit mixed-tape cardigan - J.Crew
$50 - jcrew.com
J crew cardigans »

Multi Tier Shell
$49 - anntaylorloft.com
Vintage tops »

Sequin Bib Tee
$14 - anntaylorloft.com
Sequined tops »

Downtown denim trouser in clean rinse wash
$70 - jcrew.com
J crew jeans »

Skinny Strap Knit Tank
$24 - anntaylorloft.com
Ann Taylor LOFT »

Metallic Trim Slub Tank
$29 - anntaylorloft.com
Ann Taylor LOFT »

Rustic Studded Belt
$9.80 - canada.forever21.com
Forever21 belts »

Xhilaration
$18 - target.com

J.Crew - Cascading flutter shell - white
$40 - jcrew.com

sale - AllProducts - Muse tank - J.Crew
$60 - jcrew.com

Let me know what you think!

Crafting: Paper Poinsettia Ornaments

I love paper crafts!  These are some handmade ornaments that I like to make for decorating the Christmas tree and for favors at Christmas parties.  They are a very nice personal touch.  If you would like a PDF file with step by step instructions on how to make these ornaments, just leave a comment.  (If you are a scrapbooker or cardmaker then you are likely to already have most of the supplies needed.)

J.Crew - Extra 30% off Sale Items

J. Crew is currently offering an additional 30% off their sale items (sale code MUSTHAVE) along with free shipping over $150 (but be sure to read the fine print about the shipping!). The sale has been extended to run until midnight December 20th, so hurry and stock up on sale items!

These are the items I ordered; including my size, color, & total discounted sale price:

Perfect Fit Mixed-tape Cardigan:  Rosewood, $20.65, small  

(pictured here on Chloe @ the(chloe)conspiracy)

Perfect Fit Mixed-tape Cardigan:  Bronzed Twig, $20.65, small 

(pictured here on Chloe @ the(chloe)conspiracy)

Muse Tank:  Smoky Charcoal, $20.99, x-small

(pictured here on Tammy @ TheHandbagAficionado)

Cascading Flutter Shell:  Platoon Green, $13.99, x-small

(pictured here on PAG @ ExtraPetite)

Cascading Flutter Shell:  White, $13.99, x-small

These are not super exciting pieces but they are very versatile, mix-n-match items which is very important in getting the most wear out of your wardrobe and the most bang for your buck.  Can't wait to receive my order...happy shopping!

LOFT Sale Finds

I live in Florida, so it doesn't get all that cold here in my neck of the woods.  But I went shopping for some new light-weight jackets in preparation for the cooler weather and I picked up some goodies from a recent 40% off sale at Ann Taylor Loft. The 3 jackets from LOFT (pictured below) are ones that I drooled over when I first saw them in-store & online but I practiced some self-restraint and patiently waited for them to be discounted and with the extra 40% off sale, I was able to get all 3 for only $60 (would have been $220 at the orginal price)!!! Happy Dance!!!

LOFT sale goodies! by connie-nicole featuring urban jackets

Open Cabled Cardigan
$59 - anntaylorloft.com
Cable cardigan »

Grey Denim Moto Jacket
$49 - anntaylorloft.com
Grey jackets »

Military Bull Denim Jacket
$19 - anntaylorloft.com
Urban jackets »

POLYVORE

Whether you are a Fashionista or fashionably challenged (like myself), you will love Polyvore.  Polyvore is a website that allows you to put together virtual outfits and share with others for feedback.  I use this website alot to for fashion inspiration and wardrobe advice.  It's like a virtual stylist!

It also has styling contests and groups that you can join so you can post and share outfit ideas with others who have similar clothing styles. 

Try it out... though I warn you, it can be a little addictive!  Follow the link here to join:  http://www.polyvore.com/