Feelin' 32

My birthday was a few weeks ago, and this is what I wore for family dinner and celebration.  We just went to my favorite restaurant, and then back to our house for cake and presents.  The toddler refused to nap that day, but fell asleep in the car and took a little nap on my lap at the restaurant.  He's so busy these days, it was kind of the perfect birthday present to get some snuggles.  I'm such a mom now.

Cardigan & Skirt: Old Navy
Top: Gap factory
Shoes: JCrew Factory

Leggings

When it comes to leggings, I'm firmly in the "leggings are not pants" camp.  This flowchart always makes me laugh.  I'm tempted to keep a few copies with me and give them to unsuspecting strangers who are not wearing pants.  I mean, seriously, if I can see the stripes on your underwear, this is a problem.  I'm talking to you, ladies at the mall!

That said, I am a big fan of leggings as tights.  Some days are just too cold for skirts, and even tights won't suffice.  Boom.  Leggings!

Cardigan: Gap
Top and Skirt: Gap Factory
Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: Madden

Anniversary Date

Since I'm not on my computer as much, I started writing posts from the blogger app. The only problem is sometimes they don't save right, so I wrote this whole post and then it was gone.  So here's a short version:

I liked this outfit, but the skirt is too big and looks kind of goofy.  I need to find time to do some quick alterations on a few skirts, but it's hard to find time for normal stuff, much less sewing!

I wore this to go to Noodles&Co for our traditional anniversary date.  This year, John and I had a third wheel, but he is so cute that we don't mind.  

And we even took our annual selfie in front of the sign:

And when we got home, John took outfit pics for me and captured this gem:

We did go on a real date that weekend, and left the little mister with his grandparents.  But I didn't even think about taking outfit pics.  Since you are all dying to know, I wore my green shorts and polka dot popover.

Top: Gap Factory

Skirt: Gap

Sandals: Target

Skirt Week - Black Pencil

There aren't many items of clothing that I'd say every women should own, but I do think a basic black skirt is one of them.  I almost said a black pencil skirt, but I know some people really don't like the style.  So whatever style you like best, but you should probably have a black skirt.  I had one from Old Navy for about 8 years, and it finally got too tight, so I was happy to find a replacement from Dillard's.  And this one is a stretchy fabric, so it's much more forgiving!

One thing probably no one needs is a pair of floral print ballet flats.  But look how cute they are!!  I wish I had worn them more over the summer, because I don't see them transitioning into cold weather very well.

In other news, it's officially one month until my birthday!  I never made one of those 30 before 30 lists, but now I have 30 days before I turn 30.  I don't think it's going to happen.  BUT I think I've had a pretty great life so far.  No bucket list needed.

Link up below for SKIRT WEEK!

Cardigan: Gap Factory (similar)
Top: Gap Factory (similar)
Belt: Chinese Laundry (similar)
Skirt: Gibson & Latimer (similar, similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory (similar)

Suit Up

Last week, I mentioned that I had a last minute business trip.  I sort of panicked, because I didn't have a suit, and felt like I should wear one for this particular event.  So I spent a few hours shopping under duress.  It was awful!  I thought The Limited would be a sure thing, and they had a 50% off sale for all regular priced items.  It would have been great, except they didn't have my sizes in the same color skirt and blazer.  So I could have gotten a gray blazer and tan skirt, but that wasn't very helpful.  And it was too late to order online.  I actually ended up buying a tan suit at NY&Co, but I didn't like it all that much.  It was definitely a "giving up" purchase.  As I was leaving the mall, defeated with my ugly suit, I decided to take a look at the department store.  This should have been my first destination.  Seriously, what was I thinking?? 

This is the suit I ended up getting.  I'm pretty happy with it, but I wish I'd had more time to look!  I think it's pretty likely I would have gotten this one anyway.  From far away, it just looks gray, but close up there is some black/white texture going on:

Anyway, this is what I wore on my trip.  And I took these photos after a very long day in meetings and flying home.  So if I look a little rumpled/exhausted, that's why. 

I'm not sure how often I'll need to wear a full suit, but I do think I'll be able to break it up and wear the skirt and blazer with other pieces.  Hopefully it wasn't a completely foolish purchase! 

Blazer & Skirt: Le Suit via Younkers
Blouse: Gap outlet
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Ain't No Party like an Engineer Party

This outfit is from last week sometime.  It has nothing to do with the next paragraph, but I was excited to wear my floral shoes again!

Last night, I went with John to an engineering awards banquet.  I wore my floral dress, but managed to take zero pictures.  It was actually pretty fun, as far as engineering awards banquets go.  The keynote speaker was much livelier than previous engineering keynote speakers I have heard.  I met the former mayor, who complimented my smile, and then proceeded to be very politiciany.  And I couldn't remember if he was still the mayor, so I didn't really know what to say to him.  Part of the evening was a backstage tour of the fancy baseball stadium downtown, during which I embarrassed myself by choking on a sip of Pepsi when everyone was quietly looking around the locker room.  You can't take me anywhere.  The tour was pretty cool, but I should have worn more comfortable shoes for all the walking and stair-climbing.

Anyway, it's been a busy week and next week is even worse!  I have something going on every evening next week, so I need to have a productive weekend to get ahead of the game.  And then I need to stop committing to weeknight activities all the time!

Do you have any fun weekend plans?  Remember to get a nautical-inspired outfit ready to link up with Laura and me!

Top, Cardigan, Jeans: Gap (actually all 3 are from Gap Factory!)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Radiant Orchid

 

So, um... what day is it anyway?  The last 9 days have been a whirlwind and I haven't had any of my normally scheduled activities to act as day markers.  Rumor has it that today is Monday and I have to go back to work (boo!).  Anyway, I had a blast with my sister and nieces and already miss them like crazy.

Floral Week was fun, right?!  I still haven't had time to visit all the links, but I'll try to do that soon!  Thanks to everyone who joined in, and you still have until midnight to link up if you want!  

Speaking of link up challenges - Heidi and Marissa are back with another Pantone inspired challenge this week.  I thought I'd have to skip Monday, because my only "radiant orchid" item is a workout tank top, but then I found this blouse at Gap Outlet for (wait for it) $2.97.  It's a little bit too big, but I had to get it.  I think I can take it in to make it more reasonably sized.

And finally, a quick weather update.  Saturday was SUMMERTIME!  We went to the park and were quite warm.  Sunday was cold, windy, and rainy-turned-snowy.  Ridiculous!  I'm just glad it was nice last week, because we spent a fair amount of time outside.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Top: Gap
Necklace: InPink
Skirt: Express
Boots: Madden