Outfit for a Summer Wedding

I feel like a broken record but I have been in a shopping slump. I am not sure if it is my work schedule this summer (balancing writing projects while developing an app to help moms meet other moms), some  body image stuff I have been trying to work through, the summer season (when I tend to want and buy the least clothing), or that the trends just don't align with my tastes. Perhaps it is a combination of everything?

Above is my "wow I look tired!" selfie. Regardless, when it was time to decide on what to wear to the second wedding  I attended this summer, I went with the same old standby I had worn the month prior. Although each of these were family weddings, none of the guests overlapped except for my date. This made it a bit easier to repeat the dress. 

Necklace, Bracelet 1, Bracelet 2, Ring, Earrings

And even though my dress was a rerun, I was able to borrow a new set of beautiful costume jewelry pieces from Perfect Details. This helped me up the outfit excitement level for sure. Lisa from Perfect Details made the selections based on my dress and she did an amazing job styling me! I highly recommend contacting her if you are having any difficulty accessorizing a look for a wedding, whether you are a guest or the bride-to-be picking for yourself or your bridesmaids.

I am in love with these gorgeous pieces from the Sorrelli Stardust Collection! They really sparkled and it was so fun to get to wear them. I felt so glam! But what was even more exciting for me was that it was Emilia's very first wedding!

She loved it! She was enthralled during the ceremony. She was excited to see so many little kids running around during cocktail hour. She enjoyed feasting from our dinner plates, the Pittsburgh cookie table, and the wedding cake. And her absolute favorite part was the dancing.

We got this family photo during cocktail hour. She is making a shy face because she only just met the cousin who took the picture. So far I have three more weddings on the docket through the rest of 2014. Maybe I will be able to find a new dress or two before the big days? We'll see. Thanks again to Perfect Details for accessorizing me!

Outfit details:
Nanette Lepore Ottoman dress (old)
Marc by Marc Jacobs pumps (also old)
Sorrelli Stardust Collection necklace, earrings, bracelets, and ring from Perfect Details

On Chris: Shipley and Halmos suit; Rag and Bone shirt; Vintage tie
On Emilia: Hartstrings dress; Stride Rite Mary Janes; bow and socks from Gymboree

Perfect Details Indeed!

 

Sorrelli Evening Moon Pieces:

Rectangle Drop Necklace, Black Crystal Cocktail Ring, Jet Black Crystal Cuff, Tiara Crystal Cuff

Not long ago I was browsing for statement necklaces and came upon Perfect Details. I noticed that a lot of the stock felt reminiscent of that of Anthropologie's wedding-themed site, BHLDN. Although I haven't shopped BHLDN much, save for when the sale was on sale (cause it is otherwise too rich for my blood), I was surprised to see that this smaller boutique managed to have more competitive retail prices and a larger selection of jewelry than the bigger fish in the pond!

I decided to contact the proprietor of Perfect Details to talk about her business. Being wedding season, I've been thinking a lot about its surrounding e-commerce. The owner of Perfect Details, Lisa and I hit it off and I was floored when she generously offered to style my jewelry for the many weddings I am attending this summer. The first of these weddings was two Saturdays ago. I was thrilled to be sent from Perfect Details a slew of sparkly Sorrelli pieces from their Evening Moon collection. They paired wonderfully with my Nanette Lepore Ottoman dress (a favorite that I bought many years ago). I got many compliments on the Tiara Crystal Cuff bracelet and the Rectangle Drop Necklace in particular. Wearing them once makes me wish they were mine forever! Thank you so much, Perfect Details!

I'm so excited to see what Perfect Details sends me for the next wedding!

Half Day OOTD

The title of this entry is tongue in cheek because the day I wore the above ensemble was a 12+ hour one. I chose it because it was comfortable and because the elastic neckline of the dress made it super easy to pump in between meetings and teaching, especially when layered over one of my Rumina tanks. I'm thankful that on most days I out-produce what baby consumes when we're apart. She compensates for our separations by reverse cycling a bit. But my body doesn't seem to realize this. It's fine with me that I am overproducing because I've become something of a milk stockpiler. We're not at the point where I'm shopping for second freezers but my supply brings me comfort.

Speaking of stockpiling, at some point I want to write about the fact that I've begun couponing (i.e. I coupon now, as a verb). Although it's made me pretty blasé about brand loyalty I'd be lying if I said it wasn't kind of exhilarating. It's no surprise that my desire for deals translates into the most practical (and arguably least glamorous) of venues. I'm not quite "extreme" about it due to time and logistical constraints. The extreme ones probably dedicate the equivalent of a full time job on clipping, organizing, and errand running). I admire their dedication but that's not in the cards for me. When I share via instagram, I usually tag my own ventures as #leftofcentercouponing since I'm fairly moderate compared to those with lots of time. What I do takes very little time thanks to printable coupons, store loyalty cards, and coupon match up blogs that do the bulk of the grunt work for you.  I've dedicated a modest amount of time but have still saved nice chunks of cash on household necessities and baby products because of it. I'll share more at some point. But the above haul cost me about .65 cents out of pocket.

As I indicated in my previous post, I am busy busy busy. I'm still trying to strike a balance. It would be nice if there were more hours in the day or if I didn't actually need to sleep ever.

Outfit Details:
Nanette Lepore dress (old.. bday gift from Chris)
Rumina hangs free pump and nurse tank layered underneath (c/o)
J.Crew Factory cardigan
Spanx tights
Chie Mihara flats
Kors watch; David Yurman necklace (graduation gift from in-laws)

Last Class Outfit

I wore this to campus during my last week of classes. The dress was a gift from Chris for my birthday 5 years ago. But somehow I don't think I've ever worn it on the blog. It is pretty tent-like so the challenge of styling it has always about reigning in the shape (so you can see that I have one). It came with a belt but it was cold enough to necessitate layers.

Outfit Details:
Nanette Lepore dress (similar blousey silk dress here, here, and here)
BP cardigan
Spanx tights
Tory Burch flats
MBMJ bracelet, Betsey Johnson watch, vintage necklace

Pittsburgh Saks Closing Haul

It's officially over. Unless you're planning to stock up on fur coats, Saks Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh no longer exists as an option for eager consumers. The loss of this store is a brutal blow to the retail landscape of Downtown, removing yet another destination from the neighborhood. I worry about how this will effect the downtown Larrimor's outpost. And Brooks Brothers or even Macys, for example. When there is one less destination available within a cluster of proximate stores, the suburban malls with their free parking and climate control increase their appeal. Of course plenty of downtown workers provide a customer base for what remains.

The silver lining of all of this was the consolidation sale which saw Saks stocked with brands never previously carried and prices difficult to beat in their final days. Even outlet discounts like those found at the nearby Off Fifth were stingy in comparison to the additional 70-90% off.

Since my last update, a few people have emailed and commented asking what I bought. So I figured I would share my closing haul as a part of this epilogue. A proper eulogy would likely include a retrospective of my buys over the years of visits. And while that would fit neatly with the initial intention of this blog (to archive, unpack, and think through my consumer habits), I will spare you. Instead here are my most recent finds.

Three silk blouses from Parker, Nanette Lepore, and Akris. A few T by Alexander Wang shirts from the men's section that were $9 marked down from $74. Also in men's a Rag and Bone pullover for Chris that was $17 marked down from $250. Two holiday ornaments marked $2.50, down from $75/each (who would spend the full retail amount on a single bulb, I do not know). Three Wacoal brassieres that were 70% off plus an additional 10% for buying multiples.

And these two dresses by M Missoni and DKNY, respectively. It seems like a lot of stuff when I put it all together but Chris paid for his own things as well as the above M Missoni wave sweater dress which will be a birthday gift to me (at Missoni for Target prices, no less!). I bought far less than I would have if I was still in the same (admittedly ridiculous) consumer pattern exhibited during the recession clearances of 2008 and 2009.

But I still feel indulgent and even a little gluttonous. I have long needed to beef up my sleeved blouse arsenal for both casual and professional ensembles. Although the DKNY dress is not necessarily my usual style, it was such a soft wool, it looks quite flattering on, it was marked down to $24, and seems perfect for more conservative professional occasions. I think its career functionality will prove itself swiftly as I will treat it as a suit alternative. My shopping in the coming months will slow as I tend to buy less from spring and summer collections. And thanks to Anthropologie's new directions, none of my pennies have gone there in 2012. All of this is to say that I am certain my shopping habits will recalibrate accordingly after the above (albeit discount) splurges. Thanks for reading! If you are local, I'd love to head about your purchases!

Separates Outfit

Cartonnier blazer (anthro) (similar)

Nanette Lepore top (ebay) (similar here, here, and here)

Juicy Couture skirt

Hue tights

Rosegold Liz booties

Misc. jewelry

I've been wearing this Nanette Lepore blouse frequently, with pants, with skirts, and because it has been so cold (and the blouse is pretty sheer) with layers. So far I've only taken the time to photograph the above. This was for dinner with friends downtown.

Resin and enamel bangles (most of which were gifts from family and friends) 

from MBMJ, Kenneth Jay Lane, Target, and Hiptique 

Betsy Johnson watch (similar here)

You can see the print and the jewelry a bit better in the closeup. I have a few camisoles and pretty short sleeved blouses from J. Crew but my long sleeved tops are still few and far between. I was glad to add this one to the repertoire when I found it on ebay. 

Holiday Party Outfit

Nanette Lepore Epic Ottoman dress (similar here and here)

Cartography Cardigan (Anthro) (unfortunately expensive but similar here)

Michelle Frantz bag (similar here)

Miu Miu Cabachon flats (similar here)

I found the silvery taupe version of this old favorite Nanette Lepore dress on ebay for a great price. I bought the black on years ago and wore it to many weddings and parties. So I knew the lighter color would also be useful. And soon after my friend Rachel threw a cocktail party with a winter white theme. Although this wasn't technically white, it worked. I paired it with a cardigan for warmth and my Handmaid by Michelle Frantz bag from years ago.

Love these!

Evening Dresses by Nanette Lepore
Pumps by Valentino

Ok so the Nanette Lepore dress is basically a new version of something I already own, but that just means my tastes are consistent.

When outfits are better in theory

Nanette Lepore dress

Testament Cardigan

Streets Ahead belt

Steven by Steve Madden pumps

I wore this the other week thinking the drapey cardigan would help to make less billowy a too-large dress. But when I looked at the outfit photos afterwards I realized this particular outfit idea was a lot better in theory than in practice. All day the dress (which is a very light silk) shifted, occasionally exposing my slip. And the cardigan was too drapey to behave underneath the slightly-too-large belt without more bulk. Lesson learned!

Quick Birthday Snap

Nanette Lepore Cafe Sheath

Testament drape cardigan

Streets Ahead bow belt

Shoes from random store in Brazil

I wore this to birthday shop and to birthday dinner with Chris's family on Sunday. My MIL was trying on her potential Anthro finds but I already finished. The dress was a birthday gift from her last year. So it seemed fitting to the celebration. I didn't find anything at Anthro that day. But I have a few reviews I'll put up soon. Thanks for reading!

Anthropologie Review plus quick OOTD

The Charente Skirt by Floreat is very lovely on the hanger. The lace overlay creates an interesting disruption to the stripes underneath. The ornate, embroidered waistband was a special detail that added value and uniqueness to the piece. I grabbed an 8 and the fit was exactly true to size. I had comfortable room but everything fit appropriately too. I think this one is a bit long for me but that is good news for tall gals! It could very easily be dressed up for a party or worn in a more casual setting.

I wore the Nanette Lepore Cafe Sheath with a See by Chloe cardigan, Chie Mihara Lumi flats, and my Tibi ruffle coat. I carried an older season Marc by Marc Jacobs Softy Max Tote in Camouflage green pebbled leather. I'm really happy with how this bag has held up over the years. I bought it as a self bday present back in 2008 and carried it quite a bit since then. You can see it on the stool or featured more prominently here, here, and here.

Outfitted for Class

A spate of cold mornings left me eager to pull out the warm cashmere cardigans and tights. I wore this to school last week. The dress is Nanette Lepore "You'll Be Mine," with Nine West shoes, a Cece cardigan, and a trench from Anthropologie.