Monday, September 30, 2013

Mixing old and new...

Happy Monday!

Hope you all had a great weekend!  We had a good one!  We had a blast at a couples Mafia game night on Friday, enjoyed a family outing to the Country Apple Fest in a nearby town on Saturday (apple cider donuts...enough said) and then yesterday we went to church and then enjoyed a relaxing afternoon together.  Back to the routine today!

Now that the seasons are changing, I'm starting to reacquaint myself with my cold weather clothes.  It's kind of fun...it's almost like getting new clothes because you haven't looked at them for so long!  In addition to what's already in my closet, I have made a few fall purchases over the last month or so and I've been thinking of how to mix and match some of my older items with some of the new.  Last Saturday I decided to give it a go with my new necklace and booties:


Original Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

Paradise Ascending Top-Anthropologie (OLD)
Cardigan-The Limited (last winter)
Pilcro Stet Slim Straight Jeans (Dark Green)-Anthropologie (OLD)
DV by Dolce Vita "Ilsa" Booties-Amazon (NEW)
Blossomed Garland Necklace-Anthropologie (NEW)
Dimpled Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie (this summer)

I love these colors together...they just scream fall!

I snapped this picture quickly in the Macy's dressing room while my friend Sarah and I were helping another friend find a cute outfit to wear to the airport when she picked up her hubby...he was coming home after being deployed for 8 months!!  She's a rock star.  It was so fun to see her and her hubby sitting together with their kiddos at church yesterday.  She was glowing! =)

T-minus one day until October...can you believe it?  Time to drag out the Halloween decor!  We picked up the kids costumes over the weekend.  I have a rule that we don't buy costumes until October 1st every year, but this year I broke it when I saw a one-day 50% off deal on costumes on my Target Cartwheel App.  $10 for each costume?  Why yes, I'll take it!  Done.  We still had to order one thing on Amazon, but seriously, you can't beat that!  Do you have the new Cartwheel App?  I love it!  Julie, if you're reading this, you were right!!  =)

Alrighty, I have places to go and things to get done.  I'm off!  Hope you have a great day! 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Wearing sandals in Fall...

Before the temps turn bone chilling cold I plan to get as much use out of sandals as I can.  I love pairing sandals with jeans and plan to do it as much as I can before it turns to full-on boot weather.  Once the knee-high boots come out there's no going back...until like April or May of next year.

These sandals are one of my favorite pairs:


Original Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

Blossomed Lengths Cardigan-Anthropologie
Smocked Cadence Top-Anthropologie
Always Skinny Jeans-Gap
Nubuck Gladiator Wedges-Anthropologie
Rosette Necklace-GroopDealz
Dimpled Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie
Bracelet-Twisted Silver
Ring-Forever 21

Oh, and look!  They're mint!  Told you I had a thing for mint. =)

Happy Thursday!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

For the love of mint...and family picture outfit planning!

It's official...I love everything mint.  Can't get enough.  


Original Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

Top-Gap Factory
Deconstructed Always Skinny Skimmer Jeans-Gap
DV by Dolce Vita "Tex" Cork Wedge-Francesca's Collections
Riverstone Necklace-Anthropologie
Pinspark Cuff-Anthropologie
Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry Chrono" Watch-Piperlime
Elench Dollop Hoops-Anthropologie
Linked Circle Ring-Anthropologie

I'm also loving the fact that fall is finally here!  And you know what that means...family picture time!   Every year I spend way too long trying to put together outfits that coordinate well for our family pictures.  After mulling over it for a few weeks I think I've finally got it all figured out for this year:

Family Pictures 2013--The Plan


I've gotten everything ordered that needed to be ordered and I'm hoping it all looks as good together in real life as it does in my head.  I usually choose 3 main colors to stick to when planning outfits for pictures.  Last year we did bluish-teal, orange and golden yellow and this year it ended up being green, blue and red.  I think it will be a good color combo for outdoor shots...crossing my fingers!

Does your family do family pictures every year?  Have you planned out your outfits yet?  What colors are you going with?  If you're still in need of some color combos or outfit ideas you can always check out Pinterest...there's a plethora of ideas!

Thanks for stopping by...have a great day!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Birthday Box and Bootie Reviews (with an OOTD)

A few days ago I came home and found a package from Anthropologie on my doorstep.  It was my birthday box...yay!  I ended up using my birthday discount on three items this year.  I'm so excited to add them all to my closet:

Anthropologie Birthday Picks

Anthropologie Birthday Picks by jennifoundinmycloset featuring a petite tweed jacket

(Click on the picture above for item details)

I can't wait to wear all of these fab items!

The jacket is to-die-for-cute and will go with so many things in my closet, the boots are unlike any other shoe I own (hello scallops!!!) and I love the unique height and the plum cardigan is SOOO soft and pretty.  It will be a constant fall/winter staple, I'm sure.

It was a good birthday. =)

Not to mention I received such thoughtful gifts from a few friends including an Anthro gift card from my cute friend Sarah (shout out!) and this gorgeous necklace off my birthday wish list from my BFF Elise (holla!!):


Many thanks girls!  Shout outs to a few other friends for spoiling me with flowers and treats too (Cassie, Becky and Heather).  Just in case any of you are in the market for an amazing headband, especially to use while working out, my friend Heather makes amazing headbands that actually stay in place!  I've tried every elastic headband under the sun and none of them stay on my head, but hers does!   She also makes the cutest scarves and very cool sports ball-shaped floor quilts.  Such fun ideas for holiday gifts!  Check out her fun ETSY shop HERE and tell her Jenni sent ya if you end up buying anything! 

Onto a few bootie reviews...




After reading reviews online and seeing Jessica's great review of these cute booties I ended up ordering a size 39.  For reference I usually wear an 8.5 or 9 in shoes.  The 39's fit great!  I'd say they fit true to size. They are a pull-on style shoe which worked fine for me as I had no problem getting them on.  Once on, I found them to be very comfortable.  The heel height is perfect for daily wear...they aren't too tall, but just right.  The quality of the leather is fab...it's super soft yet sturdy and will hold up well I think.  There are color variations in the leather...darker in some spots which I was surprised by (didn't notice it in online pictures) but I think it only adds character.  The one thing I found odd about them is the fact that the ties that go around the bootie are not actually attached.  They can be pulled right off.  I do wish this wasn't the case and that they were permanently affixed on but it obviously isn't a deal breaker.  As I wore them around the house they seemed to stay in place without an issue.  Overall I'm extremely happy with this purchase and can't wait to wear these!  I plan on treating them with a leather protector before wearing them as I do with all my boots to give them a longer lifespan.  

 DV by Dolce Vita "Ilsa" Bootie



Last fall was my first time ever purchasing booties.  I've tried a few pairs now and find that I wear different styles for specific kinds of outfits.  I have a pair of tie, wedge booties that are great for more casual looks, and I have a pair of heeled booties that have a wider opening at the ankle that are good for wearing with jeans (tucked in).  I still really wanted to find a pair that had a heel but would be good to wear with cropped pants.  I searched high and low and finally found these DV booties.  The lower ankle profile was exactly what I was wanting so I gave them a shot.  I ordered my regular DV size, an 8.5 and they fit perfectly.  The upper is made of a a suede material and the heel height is great at 3".  They are very comfortable and feel sturdy.  I loved the way they looked on and feel like they will integrate well into my wardrobe.  I would deem these the perfect fall bootie because of their neutral color, perfect height and ability to be paired with skirts, cropped pants, denim, skinny cargos, etc.  They will go with everything!  I was excited to find these on sale at Amazon for 30% off last week but see now that they are all sold out in this color unfortunately(except size 8.5 actually).   They are still fully stocked at Nordstrom and Anthropologie though.  I highly recommend these booties!

Here's how I wore them for the first time yesterday:


Knit Sleeve Chiffon Top-Forever 21
3/4 Sleeve Cardigan-Nordstrom (BP
Brinjal Pendant Necklace-Anthropologie
Crystal Blossom Drop Earrings-J Crew Factory
Bracelet-Twisted Silver
Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

Are you a bootie kind of girl?  Do you own any?  What do you think about these?  Let me know!

Have a great day!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Cardigan Weather has begun!

Fall officially starts this weekend..yay!  I'm so excited for the change of season!  Fall in the mid-west is my favorite time of year.  The trees are all starting to change colors and the crisp, cool air has arrived.  You know what that means...cardigan weather!  

Here's one of the first "fall" outfits I've worn since the cooler temps have arrived:


Original Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

Premium Sheen Cardigan-Anthropologie
Skimmer Legging Jeans-Gap
Seychelles "Hot & Bothered" Sandals-Nordstrom
Bracelet-Twisted Silver
Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry Chrono" Watch
Double Hoop Earrings-Banana Republic
Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

I'm so excited to start wearing layers and jackets again!  No, that doesn't mean I'm excited for the snow to begin too...I wish fall would last like 8 months out of the year...I'd love for it to take winter's place!!!  One can dream right?!

Stay tuned...my birthday package arrived yesterday from Anthro and I'm so excited about what was inside!  I'll fill you in tomorrow.  I'll be sharing reviews of two pairs of booties for you as well...one pair from my birthday package (hint hint) and another pair of must-have fall booties that will fit in perfectly with every wardrobe.  These are the booties I think I've been searching for all along! 

Have a great day!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

T-Shirt and Jeans

When I think of pairing a T-shirt and jeans together I think of it as being a pretty casual combination.  You can always dress it up a little with a few simple items.  A cute pair of shoes and a fabulous statement necklace were my go-to items for dressing up this look:


Original Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

Pattern Pop Tee-Anthropologie
AG Stevie Roll-Up Jeans-Anthropologie
Briza Sandals-Anthropologie
Naturalist Gem Layer Necklace-Anthropologie
Double Hoop Earrings-Banana Republic
Golden Totem Bracelet Set
Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

Did you catch the sale at Anthropologie yesterday?  I picked up these two items:

Katrine Peplum Top




Clearly I was in a red kind of mood.  I'm not sure the Peplum top will be a keeper as I have only tried on a size small before and found it to be a little big so I ordered an X-Small yesterday. I hope it fits well but the length could be questionable....we'll see!

Did you pick anything up?

Hope you have a great day!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Sunny Yellow

We woke up to dark skies and pouring rain this morning...I think fall has arrived.  At least for now.  I've learned to never say never when it comes to the weather in the mid-west.  We had 90 degree, pool-going weather on Monday...and now this.  To brighten up things a little bit I thought I'd share an outfit I wore last week on Labor Day.  That was a beautiful day for a BBQ!


Original Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

Solid Scalloped Blouse-Anthropologie
Pilcro Stet Slim Printed Crop Jeans-Anthropologie
Steve Madden Veta Wedges-DSW
Kulfi Strands Necklace-Anthropologie
Triptych Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie
Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry Chrono" Watch-Piperlime
Bracelet-J Crew Factory
Gold Bangles-Gap Outlet
Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

Sometimes you try on something in the dressing room and you just know you can't leave the store without it because it's too good to leave behind...well that was the case with this cute top.  I even texted my BFF a picture all excited about my find from the store.  She agreed...it was a keeper.  It can be styled a million ways...so versatile!

Have a great day!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Anthropologie Fitting Room Reviews-September 2013

Last week I took a little trip down to the mall to do some returns and was able to try on some of the latest new arrivals at Anthropologie.  I know inquiring minds want to know...did I find anything good?  Um, YES!  And a few not-so-good things as well, but definitely a few fab things I can't wait to add to my closet. Without further ado, I bring you the reviews!




Cardigans are key for fall...I love them!  I have had my eye on this gorgeous cardigan ever since it popped up online.  Not only does the color scream fall, it just looks so beautiful with the detailing on the edges.  And let me tell you, it did not disappoint in real life.  I tried this on in an X-Small and the fit was spot on.  The color was a rich aubergine and it was SOOOO soft and comfy!  It didn't have a heavy feeling to it, so it's much more appropriate for fall as opposed to winter, but it's fab nonetheless.  Wish listed for sure.




This is another cardigan I have liked online and was excited to be able to try on.  I love anything yellow!  This was another super soft item that was hard to take off...I loved it!  I tried it on in an X-Small and the fit was great.  The sleeves are not quite full length...I'd call them bracelet length I suppose.  The length of them didn't bother me...it may some.  Sometimes shawl type cardigans can feel heavy up front with the way they drape but this one was perfect...just enough roll at the edges to give it a stylish look without being too bulky.  This beauty is wish listed!




This was my absolute, hands down favorite find of the day...it is amazing!  And to think, I almost didn't even grab it to try on at all!  When I saw it while walking through the store I thought it just looked "ok" on the hanger.  Good thing I gave it a try because it's so much better on!  This cardigan/jacket fit really well on me in a size X-Small.  It felt medium-weight and would be a great layering piece in the fall/winter. It could be paired with so many things!  The design is so flattering and I really like the two colors paired together and the way it's patterned out.  You could definitely call this an investment piece with the higher price point...a staple to use over and over in your wardrobe.  It's sitting in my online cart right now just waiting to be purchased.  I'm pretty sure it'll be one of the items I use my birthday discount on...it's just too fab to pass up!




I first saw this cute sweater in a product shot for a pair of jeans online over a month ago, and kept wondering when it would appear to purchase.  Finally it has!  I tried this on in an X-Small and Small and found the Small to be the better fit, especially for length.  The rest of the sweater was very similar in fit in both sizes, but the length was definitely longer in the Small.  This sweater comes in this creamy heathered oatmeal color (seen above) as well as brown.  Neither colors impressed me, I must admit.  It would have been so much cuter in a rich, dark hue for the season.  One other little issue I had with it was the hemline.  I don't know if you can tell or not, but on the right side of the picture above you can see the hemline takes a drastic shift up in one spot.  It's almost like they forgot to put a few more ruffles on!   I think Anthro missed the mark on this one a little.  Overall it's ok, but not my favorite.  Sale worthy maybe....if you're willing to deal with some bulk around the hips from all those ruffles.




As you can tell I was really in a jacket/cardi mood the day I tried things on.  This is another topper cardi that really acts like a jacket.  It was a heavier material, making it a tad bulkier than normal.  I loved the black and white print...very classic.  Almost a retro nod. I tried this on in an X-Small and it was a good fit.  Overall I liked it, but I liked other things better.  I'd reconsider at sale or second cuts.




This tunic caught my eye mainly because I loved the tweed look with the contrast of the black lace sleeves and pockets.  It is darling!  I tried this on in an X-Small and it was a good fit.  Out of all the tunics I've ever tried on this may be one of my favorites.  I think pairing it with some skinny jeans and boots in the winter would be perfect!  Wish listed!




Out of the four motifs this top comes in I think this one may be my least favorite.  That being said, it was the only one in my size that my store had, so by default, here it is.  I tried this on in an X-Small and it was definitely the right size for me.  I happen to love pattern mixing and all the variations of this kind of top Anthro keeps coming out with, but at $78 I feel it's way overpriced.  I also think they could have come up with some better prints this go around.  Just saying.  I still wouldn't mind grabbing it on sale.  Wish listed for sale in the blue motif (the one with the cute floral on the bottom).  





I was SOOO excited to see this cute coat hanging in my store.  I couldn't wait to try it on!  Unfortunately, it was quite a disappointment.  I first tried on the size 2 and found it to be HUGE.  I then tried it on in a size 0 (pictured above) and still found it to be quite large.  It was completely swallowing me up!  It is meant to be a dress coat obviously, as there's room for about 3 petticoats underneath. =(  Smaller framed and petite women will most definitely be sized out of this coat.  It's so unfortunate too because I truly loved the print and the fine cord material.  It was stunning!  Pass.




Last but certainly not least is this gorgeous necklace.  I absolutely love it!  I can't wait to add this one to my collection.  It's a show stopper!!!  It was equally as cute in the red motif as well, but the yellow one is just calling my name.  

See anything you like?  Anything you already own?  Do tell!

Have a great day!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Hello 33.

Another year, another number.  This year it's double 3's.  I know most people in their 30's and older tend to dislike birthdays but I actually really love them still! I probably always will.  I mean, any excuse to eat a cupcake is a good one, right?! 

Wanna know what I got for my birthday this year?  My youngest started preschool at exactly 8:50am this morning.  Yes, that means exactly what you're thinking...the universe aligned perfectly and gave me the greatest present ever...2 hours and 40 minutes of alone time.  Don't get me wrong, I love my kids soooo much, but all you moms out there can agree with me...the day you send your last one to school of any kid is a monumental one.

Happy Birthday to me, indeed.  =)

What does one wear when they turn 33?


Original Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

Zelie Maxi Dress-Anthropologie
Clare Cardi-J Crew Factory
Seychelles "Keep You Guessing" Sandals-Piperlime
Catalina Snakeskin Necklace-Anthropologie
Dimpled Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie
Bardot Spiral Bracelet-Stella & Dot
Flower Bud Ring-J Crew

Glad I snatched this dress up when I did...it sold out like hot cakes.

I'm off to have breakfast with friends...33 is pretty good so far. =)

Here's to a great year ahead!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Birthday Wish List

Happy Friday!  

I'm headed off to get a good workout in at spin this morning but before I go I thought I'd share my birthday wish list with you since I know a few readers have asked what I've got my eye on this year.  My birthday is next week so I've got my Anthropologie birthday discount ready to go, and after spending some time in their fitting rooms yesterday I have a better idea of what it is I'd really love to add to my closet.  Without further ado, I present to you, my birthday wish list:

Birthday Wish List

Birthday Wish List by jennifoundinmycloset featuring a yellow flower necklace

(click on the items to get details)

Not all items on here are from Anthro...I managed to sneak a few other things in too.  And trust me when I say not all of these items will end up in my closet.  Bummer.  But maybe a few (crossing my fingers)?!!!

All these items would be fantastic for fall and would easily fit into my wardrobe.  I'm a little excited because this morning it actually feel like fall at my house!  It's chilly with a little breeze...I can tell, it's coming!!!

Have you purchased any great fall items yet?  I'd love to hear what you've recently picked up!

Stay tuned...next week I'll be sharing some fitting room reviews (some of the above items will be included) from yesterday.  Anthro has me swooning over so many things right now!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Maxi Love

Sometimes I just can't bring myself to wear shorts or pants...sometimes it's just a maxi dress kinda day...

Original Polyvore set for this look can be found HERE

Maxi Dress-Forever 21 (OLD...got it for $15!!)
Highlighted Frequencies Cardigan-Anthropologie
Lavada Slide Sandals-Target
Colorblocked Strands Necklace-Anthropologie
Elench Dollop Hoop Earrings-Anthropologie
Bracelet-Twisted Silver
Ring-Forever 21

One of my favorite things to do is to mix and match my cheaper items with my more expensive items.  I think this $15 dress and $15 sandals (sorry, they're hidden) look way more expensive now that they're styled the way they are!  

Also, I just realized this makes two outfit posts in a row with a blue dress...apparently I'm obsessed with blue lately. =)

My youngest and I are off to "Meet the Teacher" today at preschool.  He's soooo excited!  After that we're headed to the mall to do some returns and browse for a bit.  I'm hoping to maybe fit in a few fitting room try-ons at Anthro too.  There's a few things I'd love to try.  

By the way, did you get anything on sale at Anthro this week?  I stuck to accessories only and picked up these two lovelies:





You know me, I can't pass up an Anthro statement necklace! 

Have a great day!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Feeling (Cobalt) Blue

Happy Tuesday..and Happy September!  

This happens to be my absolute favorite month of the year.  It may have something to do with cooler temps, changing leaves, and the fact that my birthday is right around the corner...yay!  I still love birthdays...even in my thirties.  Any excuse to have a cupcake is a good excuse in my book!

We had a fabulous Labor Day yesterday and celebrated with a big BBQ bash in our backyard with about 10 other families...I think I counted over 60 people in my backyard at one point.  It was tons of fun!  Now it's Tuesday and we're back to the grind...my boys just halfheartedly stepped out the front door to the bus.  They weren't exactly overjoyed to be headed off to school this morning.  My second grader told me he wished school was one second long today...lol.  Sorry dude!

So I have a question for you...do you ever buy something you really love and then it sits in your closet unworn because you're waiting for the perfect place or moment to wear it?  I do this ALL THE TIME!  I'm not really sure why...it's like I enjoy seeing it hang in my closet unworn and untouched for a while before I risk getting it dirty or something.  I've always been like this.  I do it with clothes, shoes and jewelry.  I bought the cutest dress from a boutique in Utah called Koo De Ker a few months ago and have been staring at it in my closet ever since.  No rhyme or reason...just didn't want to wear it yet.  It's not like I didn't love it, and I knew I'd get great wear out of it eventually.  For whatever reason, it hung for a long while.  Finally last Sunday I decided it was time to get it out and wear it.  Why last Sunday?  No idea.  That's just how I roll.  


Maxi Dress-Koo De Ker
Harachi Cork Wedge Sandals-Target
Pendant Necklace-Nordstrom (BP)
Bardot Earrings-Stella & Dot
Bracelets-Tiffany
Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry Chrono" Watch-Piperlime
Sparkle Flower Ring-Banana Republic

Phew!  Glad I got over that hurdle.

Do you like to stare at your pretty new things hanging in your closet for a while before you wear them too?  Or do you immediately wear new items?

Just in case you missed it, Anthropologie dropped a good size sale this morning...I haven't ordered anything yet but I have a few things I'm mulling over.  I also have the coveted birthday discount in my hot little hands this month which I'm planning to use soon...trying to narrow down my wish list first!  I'll share my wish list later this week....so many fab things to choose from!

My little guy and I are off to the trampoline gym this morning...we took a hiatus all summer long and he is SOOO excited to go back!  Ahhh, the joys of being a preschooler.  You get to do all the fun things still while your older siblings are stuck doing math and history.  =)

Hope you have a great day!