Window Shoppin! 8/31

Can you believe its September tomorrow?!  I can't.  This Saturday is our big Blue & Orange Season Opener party and we're getting really excited! 

I have now been at my new job for a couple of days and while I like it, there's a lot to learn.  I'm not too worried though.  It's a great place! 

The office feel is "Business Casual" which means right in the middle.  Shoes have been my biggest hurdle.  The dressy shoes I have are all platforms!  And then I have one pair of flats that will do and flip flops.  There is no in-between!  And "business casual" heels...are boring.  So I need to search for footwear that will not only work, but also that doesn't make me sad inside to wear.

The rest has been relatively easy.  I'll be fine as long as I can find the footwear! 

So with that in mind I went window shopping for some ideas:

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

While this isn't nearly as fun as weekend wear, you have to just stick with me that in my mind, this comes together very well.  And yes, those flats are...well, boring.  But I just don't think big, wild and crazy platforms will fly!  Also - Maurices has been the one place I've been able to find work pants that aren't too expensive and don't fit strange.  I was at my wits end trying to find affordable, well fitting work pants.  I have relatively small hips so I decided to see if I could save money by shopping in the juniors section of department stores.  It was a mistake.  I remember the day when I actually wore a size 1 in high school.  (Don't hate me, I no longer wear that size.)  And I remember having to get work pants in a size 5.  So now that I am no longer a size 1, having to make the leap was both depressing and frustrating.  Also - the battle with department store sizes is that you could grab one size, and then grab the next size to be safe.  Try those on and notice that the next size is actually 3-4 sizes bigger than it said it was.  Then you try the same thing with a different brand and find the next size is not only smaller than the size you just tried, but shorter too.  

By far, I hate shopping for work pants the most.  Please don't make me do it again!

Work shirts are fine though - I don't have a problem with them:

 Found Here

I like the color of this shirt.  Its also on sale, which is great because I definitely need more light weight shirts because its pretty hot!

 Found Here

I like this shirt.  I would wear this with a short sleeve cardigan and in the winter, a long one.  I like the color too and the fact that the embellishments aren't too much.

Found Here

Express also has a lot of great work options.  The only downside is that they're on the higher end of my budget.  I do own a few Express shirts because I know as far as quality goes, they're great, but right now I'm looking for cheaper.  But I love the fit of this shirt!

I guess I'm just really holding out for the new H&M to open up this fall.  I know I'll be able to find a lot of great options in prices that rock.  I can't tell you how excited I am for that store to open!!

Alright - that's all the time for today!  What are some of your finds?

Window Shoppin 8/17

It's the middle of the week.  Are you going to make it to Friday?  I sure hope I am.  Slow weeks are murder.  This week my first pair of Tom's came and I was so happy to see them.  I'm in love.  I found them at Zumiez for $5 less than any other place selling them in store so I swooped in!  Except they didn't have what I wanted so I made an online order in store - free shipping is a beautiful thing and they arrived 5 days later!  I'm a happy girl!  I think the coral ones are next!

I'm still in that mode where I see all the cute fall stuff and want to wear it...now.  Except it's far too hot outside right now for anything less than short sleeves and open toe shoes.  Actually its been a little stormy here, but that just makes things muggy - not cool.  

Either way I wish I could wear some of the cute fall things coming out!

So with that in mind I found these lovely finds and decided I would love to have this on today instead of the plain t-shirt and jeans ensemble.

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here.

While this looks a little more "Spring" than fall, I have to say I'm in love with the colors.  The pattern on the cami reminds me of patterns from the early nineties but this pattern doesn't give me flashbacks of leggings or anything else I wore back then - so we're good.  I usually avoid patterns or fashions I've worn once before.  I don't care if it was kindergarten - I've already done it. And not to brag or anything but when I wore those fashions in kindergarten - I rocked them.

And I'm still obsessed with Polyvore.  I can't help myself.  I could make fashion sets all day if I could.  Its just a good time if you're a fan of clothing and shoes.  If you don't already have a Polyvore account I suggest you try it.  Oodles of fun.

Coral & Beige by jessajill featuring beaded jewelry

This outfit...well this outfit's total comes to $3,883.  Which should easily take care of my mortgage for a few months.  The bag is Yves Saint Laurent.  The shoes are Christian Laboutin.  You get the picture.  While they're very pretty, they're something I'll never be able to afford.  I've come to terms with this fact and I'm ok with it.  All the same lets see if we can do better?

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here. 7. Here.

First of all - yes the sweater is gray, but the picture was throwing a tantrum so if you'd like to see it the link should take you there.  Also those earrings come in a set so you're actually getting more for your money.

This outfit totals $191.23.  When compared to the outfit above, that's a steal.  I'm still one of those people who takes a look at this outfit and thinks "I could do better."  And go out and search for the same outfit for even less.  Its a sickness.  Obviously you're not going to be able to find exact replicas unless you know exactly where to find really awesome knock offs, but keeping with the theme - you have the same outfit concept. 

Well that's all the playing around I have time for today.  What are some of your finds?

I Heart Them: The Posh Event

*First let me just say: I have never talked to the head honcho at any of these Etsy shops. I haven't been asked nor do I get anything out of discussing these Etsy shops. I'm just telling you because I "heart" them.

Today you need to know about The Post Event.  They are based out of Ohio and specialize in adorable gift boxes and decorations.

I don't know about you, but sometimes when the packaging is so cute and pretty, I keep it.  Don't get me wrong, I'm no "Monica," I don't iron my wrapping paper to use again for another occasion, but I do keep a gift box if it's really, crazy adorable.  And these boxes - I would totally keep!

 

I'm not going to lie, I just squealed from the cuteness.  And how cute are those halloween boxes?!  Perfect for a Pirate Party too!  And my husband's family is all about celebrating National Talk Like a Pirate Day, maybe I should invest in these bad boys?

If you're planning a party of some sort you should take a look - these decorations are adorable!  And affordable too!

Little Changes: Finished Centerpiece!

Honestly I feel that there isn't a single "finished" room in my house.  Well, my husband has an office/ man cave that's not only finished but crowded with memorabilia.  One day we'll have a downstairs den and it will all fit nicely down there, but until then - there's a an overly sports decorated office in my condo.

I don't really have a craft this week.  My project was to get my table feeling finished.  It felt simple and it looked like it was a sad excuse for a centerpiece.  When I first moved in I had this expectation of a simple and elegant creme and emerald table.  Classy and understated.  I've since changed my mind about decor about 30 times.

So this weekend I decided to take advantage of Hobby Lobby's 50% off sale for floral stems and glassware.  I spent about $15 total and I feel like my centerpiece is now finished.

Until Christmas when I go nuts with Christmas decor.  Seriously - just wait.


I really liked House of Smith's color palette when she showcased her home's bright and airy kitchen and dining area.  That's where the green and blue small vases came in.  I also used the pop of yellow as well.  I have a love-hate relationship with the color yellow.  I can take it in small doses and this was the perfect amount.

I'm loving the difference!

 Before we have an almost-finished centerpiece.  The tray and table runner might look a little familiar but the centerpiece is just sad.

Now it's colorful and full!  I love curly willow.  I just do.  I used it at my wedding and I have it other places in my house and I'll continue using it - I just love it.  I also love the hydrangea too.  When it come to fake flowers it was the priciest but I think it was worth it.

Finally - a finished table!

What's next for this area?  An indoor wreath to hang on that door leading to the terrace.  And curtains for that very blank window.  We also have a picture we plan to hang on the blank wall in the background.

But it's coming together.

I feel this is kind of weak to link up.  I might end up linking up to a few places but probably not as many with my other crafts.  If you would like to see where I like to party please see the "I Like To Party" link up top!

Baby Gift: Poppy Flower Onesie

I just finished what I like to call "The Poppy Onesie." These flowers don't really look like poppies but the inspiration came from this tutorial at The Pleated Poppy.

I actually used this tutorial last year to make this t-shirt:

Mine is different than Lindsey's at the Pleated Poppy. Don't get me wrong, I love hers, but after having a few different t-shirts with floppy flower embellishments...that I have to iron and re-iron after I wash, I wanted something that wouldn't need extra care after coming out of the dryer. So the difference is that I went through and stitched down the edges to give the flowers a really ruffly effect.

Like this:

I know this kind of looks like a hot mess, but actually on, I get a lot of compliments on it. And we all know that when you get the "Where did you get that?" question on something you made - that's the ultimate sign you didn't screw up.

So because of my pet peeve about having to take special care on embellished shirt flowers, I decided to give my sister in law a break and sew the flowers down too.

Here's the tutorial:

What you'll need:

1. Thread - preferably that matches the fabric you're using. 2. This is actually the bag of scraps I kept from my original shirt shown above. What they are, are old white t-shirt circles. That's right - you'll need t-shirt or knit material, but what I used was an old stained t-shirt I was going to throw away anyway. Also in that bag - pins. Yes, you'll probably want some pins too. Cheap and easy. 3. Whatever it is that you're embellishing. 4. Scissors.

Step One:

Cut out a circle, or something that resembles a circle out of the knit material you have. This doesn't have to be perfect.

Step Two:

Fold the circle into fourths so you have a triangle.

Step Three:

At the bottom/ tip of the triangle you just folded, run a few stitches through it. You can also see these steps through Lindsey's tutorial as well.

Step Four:

This is what you'll get after you stitch through the middle. Once you have a few of those, you'll begin placing them on the onesie/ whatever you're embellishing. DO NOT SEW THEM ON YET. You'll want to place them where you like them first, pin them, and once you're happy with the placement - sew.

Step Five:

This is the placement I decided on. So I removed the pins and sewed them to the onesie through the middle. As you can see, you can stop there - it's still really cute at this point, but if it bothers you to have to iron things down once they're out of the wash...

Step Six: (Optional)

Take a needle/ sewing machine and roughly stitch around the edges of the circles. I made mine overlap in different ways and while I don't have "during" pictures, it's really simple to do.

So this is the end result:

See? Easy. And what's more? My sister in law won't have to worry about sad, wrinkled flowers out of the wash because they're sewed down. This little onesie can be paired with cutie little pants, skirts, or whatever else my SIL wants to put her in. I'll probably make her something similar in a headband. Maybe that'll be next week's tutorial?

That's about it - if anyone gives it a try please let me know it goes!!

Linking Up: See the "I Like to Party" link up top!

TCB, A2Z, TM,

Window Shoppin! 6/29/11

Today I'd like to feature what I WOULD be wearing on our Nation's Birthday if I had the foresight to go and find and outfit like this. Also - the extra cash lingering around too would be helpful.

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here.

I love this. Did you know Forever 21 had a few selections available when it came to star necklaces? I was pleasantly surprised - also they pulled a few red, white and blue selections right there on the home page. It was helpful. I can't wait for the 4th.

Now - I, Jessa, would wear that tank with a white tee underneath because that's just me. And DownEast Basics just made something wonderful available:

Link Here.

This is the "Demi Tee" and I've seen stuff like this on Halftee.com too, but this looks more like a real tee shirt to me, also its a better price. $10.99 and less layers? Yes please. I'm DEFINITELY picking up the white one as soon as it's in stores. It might already be, but these are awesome, especially for this time of year.

Link Here.

Old Navy is the go-to place for patriotic gear. My Mom always had Old Navy Patriotic shirts for us every 4th. My two brothers would wear matching shirts and my sister and I would be matching too. It lasted maybe 4 years like that, but I'm sure it was fun for her. And they still have great selections this year, like every other.

Link Here.
Here's another option for the outfit that might hurt the feet a little less. And for a hot day - these are great.

Link: Here.
I'm looking for a white watch and since I rarely wear watches, a $25 watch is what I'm talking about. They're so cute and summery, right? Yep, I want one pretty bad.

Link: Here.
And another option for the Red, White or Blue gear - sometimes a plain tee is better, because you can keep on wearing it year round. Also - AE tees are really comfortable.

Well that's my wish list for today. I hope you all have a wonderful celebration of our Nation's Independence.

Happy 4th of July everybody!!

Check Out Wish Lists over at Love Stitched!!

Window Shoppin 6/22/11

With 21 days left until vacation, I need to get my head in the game. For the past week and a half I have been basically murdering myself at the gym.

My body is sore and I often find myself walking like an elderly woman. In fact, a cane or a walker could be useful.

And apparently I wasn't doing enough. Last week I saved crunches for when I got home. I cracked out our workout ball and started. My husband witnessed, scoffed and then told me I was lazy. Then he showed me how I should really be doing them.

Owie. I've been doing the back breaking abs on the ball ever since too. And I'm happy to say my stomach is nice and sore! It hurts to bend!


I have to keep at it though. If I'm going to see any kind of change I must keep with the workouts that beat the crap out of me. For the sake of swimsuits - I must keep doing it! Keeping that in mind while I have a tasteless workout bar for breakfast:

1. Here. 2. Here. 3. Here. 4. Here. 5. Here. 6. Here.

A lot of this is wishful thinking. In all reality I don't need a duffle bag. But that one is awfully cute. I have relatively new shoes but I saw those blue ones at the Nike outlet not long ago and I swooned. I LOVE Victoria's Secret yoga pants. I have two pairs and they're my favorite. And we all know - a sports bra can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Always opt for comfort instead of cuteness when it comes to them. Because if you're a little chesty (like me) you always want to lock those up nice and tight. Another item I'm always on the lookout for are workout tops. I hate spending a lot of money on them though so I usually try to shop at Forever 21 for tanks and things. But I am a fan of the color.

Here.
Yes. You can really save on yoga pants at Forever 21. Charlotte Russe used to have yoga pants for around $12 about 3 years ago, but apparently I was the only one who really loved them. So much so I refuse to throw them away no matter how worn out they are...

Here.
Again - we have Victoria's Secret Pink yoga pants. I'm telling you - Victoria's Secret has the BEST workout pants. They are my all time favorite and aren't too heavy.

Here.
Here we have yet another cute Nike top I'm probably too cheap to purchase.

Here.
And another cute Nike top.

Here.
This is a Forever 21 top which means it's affordable. The only question is...is that the kind of gray that makes sweat overly visible?

Here.
And a cute coral top with a cute back. I might have to pop by and pick up a couple tops.

Well that's what I'm focusing on from now until vacation. That and trying to block out the fact that I can't move without whining.


What are some of your finds?