Outlet Mall Confessions

Remember on Monday when I mentioned that I was going to the new outlet mall?  Let's just say I definitely spent all my birthday money!  A few random thoughts:

• I've never been to a mall opening before.  Rumor has it that there were crazy crowds all weekend, but Monday afternoon/evening wasn't too bad.  
• Some outlets are awesome (like J.Crew and Gap).  Some are not awesome.  There were a few that I was very excited about, but it seemed like they just had clothes from 10 years ago.  Not interested. 
• Some outlets are still too expensive for me.  I'm hoping as time goes by that they will have clearance sections and then I can find things to buy (I'm looking at you, Banana Republic!)
• J.Crew didn't have the Sylvia wedges in my size, but I tried on a different pair of heels and decided to order both the black and tan wedges online.  They had a deal for 40% off and then an additional 20% off plus free shipping, so I figure it will be easy enough to return them to the store if I don't like them.  
• I saw at least 3 people wandering around the parking lot with no idea where they had parked.  
• The restaurants out there need to open!  There was pretty much just Subway and Auntie Anne's pretzels open.  The gourmet grilled cheese places is going to be my new favorite.
• I came down with a slight case of BUY ALL THE THINGS on this shopping trip.  I'm usually better at making wise choices, but when I got home and reviewed my purchases, I realized some things will need to go back.  For example, the denim jacket that didn't seem cropped at the store but now seems very cropped!  Probably because I tried it on with a tunic-length shirt at the store.  Rookie mistake!  And the fun patterned tights that got a run when I tried to put them on yesterday morning (not sure if I can even return these, but I will try!).  I also ended up with a perfect camel-colored boyfriend cardigan, but it's dry clean only.  I'm thinking I can hand wash or delicate cycle the merino wool.  Am I crazy to think that?  I won't dry clean a cardigan.  That's just crazy.  

TOPIO Item - blazer!  (well, and the boots, but I already officially passed them on once). 

Blazer: H&M
Sweater: Gap
Necklace: Bass
Skirt: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden

Topknot, Come Down!

There is a story my mom tells about one of the first times she met my dad's parents.  She had her hair up in a bun, and my grandpa started quoting scripture at her.  Matthew 24:17 says "Topknot, come down!" Implying that women shouldn't do their hair in a topknot style. 

It was a joke.  The verse actually says "Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house" but my grandpa was making a little "out of context" Bible joke.  I don't think anyone knew he was joking.  He was sneaky with his humor like that.

I think about that story every time I put my hair up like this, so I figured I should share.

Sweater and Scarf: Gap
Skirt: Express
Boots: BareTraps via DSW
Jacket: Izod

Look, No Tights!

When I learned that Tuesday was supposed to be sunny with a high in the 70s, my first thought was that I should pretend to be sick so I could go outside and play instead of working.  After I talked myself out of that plan, I just decided I wouldn't wear tights with my skirt.

I did get some fresh air yesterday.  I recently moved offices, so I'm not in the "main" building anymore.  This means I get to walk over for meetings every so often.  On cold, snowy, rainy days, this is not pleasant.  Yesterday, I walked as slowly as possible, to soak in every second of sunshine and fresh air! 

It was such a beautiful day!  We are back to gray skies and chilly temps today, but I'm hoping for several repeats of yesterday in the coming months. 

Sweater: Gap
Jacket:  Relativity
Skirt:  Express
Shoes:  Born

Monochromatic Blues

Day 2 of the Winter Challenge is Monochromatic.  I had an idea to wear all purple, but when I pulled it all out of my closet, I wasn't really impressed.  Then I was going to be lazy and wear my trouser jeans with a blue gingham button down and sweater, but that felt pretty uninspired.  Staring at my closet, I saw this summery skirt peeking out and thought it was worth a try.  I ended up taking the gingham shirt off and adding turquoise tights.  I feel a little ridiculous, but this look is growing on me.

When I went to grab my normal jewelry, I remembered this necklace that my sister got me for Christmas.  I think it adds a little something extra to my monochrome look!

Is anyone tired of these boots yet?  I warned you I wear them all the time in the winter! 

Go check out the other monochrome looks here. 

Tomorrow's challenge is Embrace a Trend.  My added personal challenge:  wear different shoes! 

Necklace:  Charming Charlie (Christmas gift)
Sweater: Gap
Tank:  Target
Skirt:  George
Tights: Express from Marshall's
Boots:  Wanted via Piperlime