Tucking + Belting

Top:  Gap Knit Sweater (old) - XS (similar Old Navy one)
 Skirt: Forever 21 Lace and Pleats Dress (worn as skirt) - S / $22.80 (love this ASOS one (on sale too!) + 3.5% rebate)
Earrings: Forever 21 Pearl Flower Earrings - $3.80 (similar from Piperlime)
Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)    
   Purse: Chanel Classic M/L Flap Replica - gifted from uncle (similar) 
Shoes: Marco Santi Dash Nude Pumps via Sole Society - 5 / $50 (similar) (love these Jessica Simpson ones)

The highs were supposed to be in the upper 50s today, so I took a chance and went bare-legged for the first time in weeks {which was nice but I was shivering by the end of the day}. One of my favorite purchases from this summer was a Forever 21 lace and mustard pleated skirt dress {see full dress here}. I've been wearing the dress like a skirt like crazy, but today was actually the first time I layered another sweater over the entire dress without first folding the top portion over under my skirt... Little did I know you could still see where the top top of the dress cut me off under the sweater {definitely a mistake that won't be happening again!}.

I really love the mixing of navy with mustard but found that on its own, this sweater was a little bit loose and boxy when worn naturally over the dress. Fortunately it wasn't anything that a little tucking and belting didn't solve. And this little bow belt was the perfect touch of cuteness that had me smiling all day.  And so while some things didn't work quite as well as I would've hoped in this outfit, other things worked out nicely.  Funny how at age 30 I'm still learning how to get dressed.  :)

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Samantha Rose Giveaway - Enter to win a handmade pearl / cz necklace retailing at $80!

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Review + Giveaway: Samantha Rose

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Samantha Rose, a new jewelry boutique located here in the Dallas area.

It goes without saying that Samantha Rose pieces are incredibly unique.  Genuine freshwater pearls are combined with pure metals that won't rust out or aggravate allergies.  I especially love the fact that although their pieces include classic elements, their designs are nothing but modern.  Pearls are combined with Austrian crystals to up the glam factor for brides, beads are added to make earthy and eclectic pieces perfect for Autumn, and pearls are worked with chains and metallics to create looks that are ideal for the office.  

I couldn't be more happy to offer my readers a giveaway of a pendant necklace.  I actually have the matching earring set {worn here} and these earrings are nothing short of absolutely gorgeous! 

Win this necklace!  (available online)

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Color Brigade: Vol 47 {Fur Collar} - Adding a little subtle glam to my wintery look!

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Color Brigade: Vol 47 {Fur Collar}

Coat: Victoria's Secret Double-Breasted Peacoat in Camel (old) - XS (current VS one)

Fur: borrowed from LOFT wool coat (2010) - (similar ASOS one) (H&M has a similar one too)

Top: Banana Republic Green Sweater (2009) - XS (similar in lighter green)

Pants: Delia's Morgan Low-Rise Skinny Jeans - 0S (buy) (similar J. Crew option)

 Necklace: Amber pendant - wedding gift (super similar one)

Shoes: Marco Santi Dash Nude Pumps via Sole Society - 5 / $50 (so similar and lovely!)  

Purse: Melie Bianco Madison - $50 (buy)   

 

It literally turned into winter before I knew it here in Texas.  I've been taking advantage of the chilly weather and finally took all my coats out of storage.  I decided to switch up the look of my everyday coat and added this fur collar.  I always feel like adding just a touch of fur seems to transform a look from boring to glam.  And the best part is, fur goes with just about everything! 

Since I'm in denial of the fact that you can't wear white after Labor Day, I paired up my forest green sweater with my favorite white skinny jeans. I love simple {yet subtly glam!} looks that get me going on a Monday. :)

The winner of last week's feature is Mel with her red and neutral combination.  How perfect is her addition of the fur collar too!

Submit your entry below and tell all your friends to "Like" your entry and click on your link.  The entry with the most likes and clicks will be featured next week!

<a href="http://www.cuteandlittle.com/search/label/color%20brigade"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QpF4YBXi0UA/TSnYvr5HXfI/AAAAAAAAFCw/NfOw7_yFP54/s1600/colorbrigadebtn.jpg"></a>

Add the Color Brigade button on your blog sidebar (copy the html provided).  Entries without this button will be removed.  Submit your link by clicking on the "Click here to enter" button at the bottom of this post.  Please have an outfit that combines at least 3 different colors.  Prints count as 1 color (e.g. leopard print = 1 color) In the "Link it to:" field, please provide the url of the specific post (not the url of your entire blog, lol). In the "Caption or Title:" field, list the different colors you're wearing.  Example: Gold, Cream, and Red. You're done!  Go back and check out the other amazing entries from members of the Color Brigade!

If Linky Tools is being flaky, try this link directly:  click me

P.S. In case you missed it:

• The Holiday Spirit -Getting into the holidays with a bright red coat!

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The Holiday Spirit!

Coat: Banana Republic Red Wool Coat (old) - XSP (current similar BR one) (similar)

Top: Gap Knit Turtleneck Neck Sweater (old) - XS (similar Ann Taylor one)

Scarf: H&M Leaves Scarf (recent) - $13 (similar - only $9)

Pants: ASOS PETITE Blue Skinny Jean - US 0/1  / $60.34 (buy + 4% rebate)

Shoes: Target Mossimo Pearce Camel Patent Pumps - 6 / $30 (buy in beach patent color)

Purse: Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 - gifted from parents (similar)

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving {US readers, at least}!!  Mine was spent in El Paso celebrating with Adrian's family for the first time.  My family normally doesn't do turkey for the holidays so it was quite a change to have turkey 3 meals in a row {turkey tacos are surprisingly delicious}.  Adrian and I did prelude our eating festivities with a little 5K turkey trot on Thursday morning and it was a great way to kick off the holiday festivities.

For the first time this year, I also skipped out on all Black Friday shopping.  I've been so tired lately {with this whole pregnancy thing} that sleeping in was hands-down the better option in my book.  I did end up walking into an Apple store though and upgraded my phone to the 4S, but I really don't consider it a Black Friday purchase as it was something I've been trying to do in Dallas ever since the launch of the new phone {Dallas stores have been out of stock every time}.

Overall, I had an incredible holiday and although I had originally planned on blogging the entire time, the slow internet connection combined with the almost constant nausea and fatigue that I've had lately gave me reason enough to take a little break.  I came back home to wintery cold weather here in Dallas and was happy to have to actually take out my favorite red "holiday coat".  Somehow this bright red color always puts me in the holiday spirit.  :)

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Polka-Dots, Mustard, and Maroon - Mixing prints with some fun colors!

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Polka-Dots, Mustard, and Maroon

Top: Papaya Dots Print Button-Up Blouse - S / $27 (buy) (similar mustard-colored shirt) (similar but pricier option)

Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Skinny - XS / $15 ($10 option) 

Skirt: J. Crew Double Serge Pencil Skirt in Bronzed Ochre (2010) - 00P / $68 (similar J. Crew version this year) (similar) 

Tights: We Love Colors Maroon Tights (2010) - S (buy)

 Shoes: Bakers Wild Pair Karen WP - 5.5 / $70 (buy) (Pour la Victoire ones)
Necklace: Gold Sailboat Necklace - gifted from parents (similar)

  Purse: Chanel Classic M/L Flap Replica - gifted from uncle (similar)    

I found this polka-dot shirt on a rare, hubby-requested shopping trip to the mall last weekend. I had some store credit to use up at Papaya and was surprised to see this really nice silk-like shirt hanging from their racks. Since I'm lacking any sort of polka-dot patterns in my fall/winter wardrobe, I decided to pick it up.  Adrian was actually surprised this shirt didn't already exist in my closet -- I guess that means it was meant to be right?  :)

I'll be packing my bags tomorrow for a Thanksgiving trip out to El Paso to visit Adrian's side of the family.  It'll be my first time celebrating the holidays with them, so I'm excited to see what it'll be like!

Do you guys have any Thanksgiving plans?

P.S. Winner of my Poshlocket giveaway announced!  
P.P.S. In case you missed it:

• Color Brigade: Vol 46 {Purple Skirt} - Featuring a new colorful J. Crew skirt that I've added to my collection this year.

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Color Brigade: Vol 46 {Purple Skirt}

Top: H&M Camel Knit Sweater - XS (pretty VS one) (similar)

Belt: Charlotte Russe Crochet Belt (2010) - S (similar) 

Skirt: J. Crew Classic Felted Wool Mini (recent) - 00P / $73.50 (buy) (cheaper ASOS option)

Tights: DKNY Tights - S (buy) 

Shoes: Bakers Wild Pair Mara Leopard Pumps - 5.5 / $40 (buy) (another style I was eying)

Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)  

Earrings: t + j Designs - Dangle Stone Gold Hoop Earrings  - won from giveaway (buy)

  Purse: Chanel Classic M/L Flap Replica - gifted from uncle (similar)  

Ever since my first purchase of the J. Crew double serge wool skirt last year, I've been in love with J. Crew skirts.  Not only are the beautiful colors right up my alley, but the construction of the skirt is always very well done and lends itself easily to multiple wears over time.  I picked up this felted wool mini skirt a couple weeks ago when J. Crew had a 30% off sale.

While it is still quite a bit of money to pay for a simple skirt, I have no doubt that this skirt will get it's worth in wear.  And for those wondering, the skirt actually still is quite bit roomy as-is in the tummy area, so hopefully I can even keep on wearing it for a good majority of the next 9 months.  :)  My only complaint is that the material does wrinkle a bit more easily than my previous J. Crew skirts -- these pictures were taken at the end of a long workday {morning sickness is no joke} and you can tell how wrinkly they became after a long day of sitting...  Given how much I love this skirt though, I might just consider carrying some Febreze wrinkle release with me to make up for this one minor gripe.  What do you guys think?

The winner of last week's feature is Khatu with her white, orange, and green combination (with a landslide of 12 likes and 65 clicks for her entry)!   Does she know how to layer or what?!

Submit your entry below and tell all your friends to "Like" your entry and click on your link.  The entry with the most likes and clicks will be featured next week!

<a href="http://www.cuteandlittle.com/search/label/color%20brigade"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QpF4YBXi0UA/TSnYvr5HXfI/AAAAAAAAFCw/NfOw7_yFP54/s1600/colorbrigadebtn.jpg"></a>

Add the Color Brigade button on your blog sidebar (copy the html provided).  Entries without this button will be removed.  Submit your link by clicking on the "Click here to enter" button at the bottom of this post.  Please have an outfit that combines at least 3 different colors.  Prints count as 1 color (e.g. leopard print = 1 color) In the "Link it to:" field, please provide the url of the specific post (not the url of your entire blog, lol). In the "Caption or Title:" field, list the different colors you're wearing.  Example: Gold, Cream, and Red. You're done!  Go back and check out the other amazing entries from members of the Color Brigade!

If Linky Tools is being flaky, try this link directly:  click me

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Special Announcement - Some big news that I shared yesterday...  
• Fur Vest + Summer Dress - Mixing it up with pieces from different seasons!
• Poshlocket Giveaway - Enter to $25 gift certificate to Poshlocket!  Last day to enter!

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I'm Pregnant!

I debated for awhile on whether or not I should share this news as some people say you really shouldn't announce that you're pregnant until the second trimester when the chances of a miscarriage are significantly lower. But for me, I was much too excited {and also figured I'm going to need all the help I can get getting past this first trimester} that I had couldn't keep this a secret any longer!

I actually found out the news last Sunday {Nov 13} when I decided that being late 11 days for my monthly cycle was probably reason for suspicion that something was amiss.  And so Adrian and I stopped by the drugstore on our way home from dinner and picked up a home pregnancy test...  I was a bit scared to take it when I got home, so I ended up waiting until the last minute before going to bed to finally muster up the courage to see what it had to say.  Lo and behold, my suspicions were confirmed!  I stood there and looked at the indicator for a good 5 minutes {with my heart racing and a thousand thoughts going through my mind}.  When I finally stopped shaking, I went to share the news with Adrian {who was already laying in bed at this point}.

I had him come and take a look at the test results himself {just in case I was too sleepy and didn't read it correctly}.  His reaction was one of confusion at first, and then of absolute happiness.  We hugged and kissed and he busted out the camera so we could document this important milestone in our lives. 

And so as of today, I am 6 weeks and 4 days along.  The due date is around July 12 {so close to my own birthday on July 19!}.  The baby is only the size of a blueberry {0.25 in long} but it's certainly been taking a toll on my body already.  I've been so ridiculously tired these past couple weeks and have had serious bouts of nausea all throughout the day {no vomiting or anything yet}.  I already have my first prenatal appointment scheduled for December 13, and I can't wait to learn more about this little thing growing in side me.   :)

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Fur Vest + Summer Dress - A mixing of different seasonal pieces.
• Poshlocket Giveaway - Enter to $25 gift certificate to Poshlocket! (click to tweet)

  Enter to win a $25 gift certificate to @poshlocket from @kileencheng ! http://bit.ly/vLYNzm

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Fur Vest + Summer Dress

 Vest: Olsenboye Faux Fur Vest (c/o JCPenney) - S / $30 (buy) (similar)

 Dress: Forever 21 (bought in April, slimmed sides) - S / $24 (similar ASOS one)

Belt: A'gaci Half Inch Skinny Belt - S / $3.25 (nice trio) (similar - on sale $14)

 Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)

Shoes: Charlotte Russe Boots (2010) - 6 / $15 (I like these Steve Madden's) 

 Purse: YesStyle Sarah Quilted Bag - $93 (similar + 4% rebate)   

I love the idea of mixing pieces from different seasons.  Since we had a rare day of 80-degree weather, I decided to take advantage of what is probably the last day this year that I'll be able to wear my summer dress and layered it up with a faux fur vest and suede ankle booties.

I was a bit unsure of this outfit when I put it on this morning and I'm a bit ambivalent about it now when I look at these pictures.  One the one hand, I love the mixture of textures and seasonal pieces.  On the other hand, I think I should've paired it with a slimmer dress instead as the poofy-ness of the skirt kinda clashes with the puffiness of the fur vest.  Not to mention the fact that these boots come up at an awkward height on my calves...  But either way, this outfit was fun to wear so let's just leave it at that.  :)

The cold front actually rolled in just as I was taking these pictures too.  Can you see the little goosebumps on my arms? 

Oh, and don't forget about the JCPenney for Chictopia campaign!  I have some trendsetter badges to award to be sure to leave a comment with your Chictopia outfit featuring a JCPenney item so that I don't miss it!

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Poshlocket Giveaway - Enter to $25 gift certificate to Poshlocket! (click to tweet)

  Enter to win a $25 gift certificate to @poshlocket from @kileencheng ! http://bit.ly/vLYNzm

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Review: 39 Dollar Glasses

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to review a pair of glasses from 39DollarGlasses.  39DollarGlasses offers a wide range of discount eye wear, including women's eyeglasses and women's sunglasses in various styles.  As I had Lasik performed on my eyes a few years ago, I ordered a pair of sunglasses instead of prescription glasses.  I am quite impressed by the quality of these sunglasses -- they feel durable and I really appreciate that the wire rims are a bit flexible as well.

Here are a few things that impressed me about 39DollarGlasses:

• All lenses come with polycarbonate high index lenses
  Polycarbonate is the most impact-resistant material made and I was impressed that even that most basic lens options came with this included in the base price.  

• Full tracking of item manufacturing
  You are kept up-to-date on the entire process taken to manufacture your sunglasses.  No more waiting weeks wondering what's happening to your glasses in the manufacturing process. 
  

• Clamshell case, microfiber cloth, and mini screwdriver included!
  These were really nice extras that I was not expecting in my package.  Definitely a plus!

• FREE return shipping
  I always check return policies of items that I purchase online.  Fortunately 39DollarGlasses offers the best-case scenario:  free return shipping!  It's seriously worry-free shopping.

I will definitely recommend 39DollarGlasses anyone who is looking for discount eyeglasses {or sunglasses!}.  I had nothing short of an amazing experience with this company.  And if the affordable prices alone weren't enough, here are a few discount codes to help you out too!  :)

• $10 off any order (deal10)
• free shipping on any order (FREESHIP11)
• 5% rebate via Mr. Rebates (referral)

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Preppy - A bit of a prepster look that I sported on Friday...
• Poshlocket Giveaway - Enter to $25 gift certificate to Poshlocket! (click to tweet)

  Enter to win a $25 gift certificate to @poshlocket from @kileencheng ! http://bit.ly/vLYNzm

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