Wuz up!

Today I look like this:

So no real outfit posts.  :)  I will be back earlier next week to show you guys some fun Halloween costumes. 

This weekend we're planning to go watch Saw 3D!  We've seen all the Saw movies and of course we just had to go see the very last one in the series.  3D though...I'm a little scared for it.  But as you can see from my picture, I'm gangsta!  Tough!  Naw...I ain't scared! 

Tootes!!!

These Boots Are Made For Walkin'...

A few days back, Lisa of Respect The Shoes posted an entry here about buying multiple items of the same thing if you're in love with it.  I totally agree with her and in fact, have just practiced buying multiples recently.

The boots I'm wearing today are my Aerosole brown knee-highs I purchased awhile back.  I remember jumping up and down in the DSW store aisle after I've zipped these up because I've finally found some boots that fit my calves.  I didn't even care if they were comfortable...I was willing to deal with pain for fashion.  But it turns out, these are comfortable!  Probably the most comfortable pair of dressy shoes I own.  Chris and I have been carpooling recently (which explains my lack of visits to Anthro...a good thing!) so I'm left with no car for the day.  Today, I've decided to try out a BBQ place about half a mile away, so I walked in the rain with my new Clinton Trench!  It was perfect...and my feet didn't even hurt!  There and back, it's about a mile and I can probably walk another couple of miles in these boots! 

Anyway...I had a point.  This past week, I also ordered the same Aerosole boots in black!  I do own a pair of black boots, but they're not nearly as comfortable as this.  I've noticed I always gravitate towards these boots and on the weekends, they are my go-to pair of shoes.  I should be receiving my black version of these in the mail soon and can't wait!  Maybe I should also get another pair of brown ones just so I have a replacement pair when these ones retire.  :)

So...here's my Clinton Trench with my boots!

And poo...it was ugly out.  The view from my office window.  We probably won't be getting sun for at least a week! 

I leave you with some Thursday cuteness!!!  Look...it's Chewy in a box.  Free to a good  home?  Awww!!  Kidding of course!

This past weekend at Lowes, we brought Chewy with us and my mom always puts him in a cart to push him around in.  Additionally, she brings him a pillow...fearing that the holes in the cart will hurt his butt.  I tell ya...our dog is so spoiled!  He also just got a puppy cut a week ago.  This is my favorite look on him.

P.S. For those interested, CSNRugs.com is having a rug sale.  20% off most rugs over $100.  Guess what I purchased last night? ;)

How...Divine!

Hello readers!  I'm hoping you're having a great week so far.  This week's feeling a lot better than last because it feels like it's zooming by.  I'm excited for the weekend already because we've got some Halloween plans so stay tuned for a special "Blogween" post!

This year will be Chris and my first Christmas together as a married couple.  Rather than giving each other gifts (because honestly, we really don't need anything), we decided that our home needs a gift from both of us.  We really want to make our new house feel more like a home...so we've been thinking a lot about decorating and furniture. 

For our Christmas gift, we're considering either an area rug or a new dining table and bench.  Right now we have no rug.  And bare cherry floors make our great room seem too cold.  But a new dining set would allow us to entertain better.  Our current dining table is a small four seater with an extension from Ikea.  And honestly, anyone over the age of 30 should start to graduate from Ikea furniture right? :)

Our wood floors are brazillian cherry and our couch is green and brown.  All the furniture we have are a dark mocha/coffee color so I definitely wanted a rug to lighten up the place.  This rug is described as "slate blue" even though it looks gray online.  I'm in love with the pattern and it fits the old world feeling I'm wanting.   

I fell in love with this set when I saw it at Cost Plus World Market.  I believe it's from India and it's made of solid wood!  I'm sick of veneered MDF glued furniture.  I want something resistent and ready to last years.  I also like the idea of a bench.  This won't actually go into our formal dining room...rather it'd go in our breakfast nook, which is a huge area.  And the bench I wanted to position against the set of windows we have along the wall.  We wouldn't purchase the chairs because we currently have four mocha leather dining chairs which would work.  With the bench, this table can possibly fit eight.  :) 

We also have a space above our fireplace that's meant to be for a TV I supposed.  But I hate looking up that high, so our TV is actually placed on a stand at eye level.  To cover that ugly space up, I wanted an old world clock to balance the wall.  And this is something we're considering.  This would just be a "stocking stuffer" to our house!  

Another item we need to think about replacing is our Ikea coffee table.  It's currently wood and glass...and I just hate glass tables.  I love the look of it, but glass attracts dust easily and smudges way too often.  I'm very particular about my surfaces and HATE dust.  So the coffee table gives me nothing but headaches!

There you have it.  Our family Christmas wish list.  :)

I have an OOTD I forgot to post from last week.  I debuted the Tucker from Target top I bought a few weeks back.  And might I add I love it!  It's so comfortable and the design is great. 

Cardi - Anthropologie
Blouse - Target
Tights - Nordstrom
Boots - DSW

Who's Your Alton?

My friend Grace and I were watching The Food Network one day years ago and the show was on Good Eats hosted by Alton Brown.  We were silent, deeply entertained by Alton's scientific explanation of how to make the best hollandaise sauce when Grace uttered, "Man...Alton is HOT!"  I immediately looked at her as if to demand an explanation because I was beyond confused at this point.  And after some discussion, I totally understood where she was coming from.

Alton Brown is smart, articulate, funny and he COOKS.  Although not a Brad Pitt physically, he possesses an easy likeability factor.  And if we married gals look at the true traits of our husbands, smart, articulate, funny, understanding...blah blah blah...are the reasons why we chose to tie the knot with him right?  Not because he's HOT in the model boy kind of way.

So who's my Alton?  I used to be a huge fan of The West Wing.  I actually own all of the boxed DVD sets for all seasons.  The West Wing and Friends are the only shows I have on DVD because I love them that much.  If anyone's ever watched the show, the Deputy Chief of Staff on the show is played by Bradley Whitford.  And throughout the seasons of the West Wing, I've developed an innocent crush on his character, Josh Lyman.  I loved his protrayal of the witty, sarcastic, and genius kid deputy.  I love a man that's somewhat of a smarta** , funny enough to make me laugh out loud and knows a little about everything  And that, my friends, is my Alton.

So girls, who's YOUR Alton???

Friday Friday!

It's finally here...Friday!  Just a quick post today.  This weekend we're finally going to order our blinds for the house!  Haha...I know...it's been a while.  But we were saving up because blinds for 17 windows is not cheap!

I'm busting out my Finessed Sweaterdress today.  We're going out to dinner with friends tonight so of course I wanted to be comfortable.  The forecast called for rain today...so black was also fitting.

Sorry for the blurry photos!  I don't know what happened to my iPhone this morning.  I hope everyone have a wonderful weekend!

Longest Week Ever!

This has got to be the longest week ever!!!  I'm desperately needing it to be the weekend already.  Tonight though we'll be meeting up with a friend and coworker of Chris' for dinner in Ballard.  One of the places I've wanted to try is a place called Veraci.  They make their own wood burning fire ovens and actually sells them to other restaurants.  I can't wait to see what their pizzas taste like!

Something totally off subject, but I've noticed lately that my memory's been bad.  I used to remember everything in my head, from grocery lists to task items I needed to do at work.  Now, if I don't write things down, I will sure forget.  I need some B vitamins or something...but Chris is different.  He has an amazing memory...and last night his friend John came over to have him tutor him on algebra and statistics.  John's taking an exam to try to get an apprenticeship at the Navy ship yard...so Chris was able to teach him what he needed to know.  I don't even remember how to do long division...but Chris remembers a lot of his math from college...even Calculus!  Ahh...it's a sexy trait!!!  When we have kids, I'll tell them to go to daddy for most of their school work help.  :) 

So on the subject of memory, I'm wearing my Jacinth Sweaterdress to go out for dinner tonight and this morning as we were getting ready, I asked Chris if he remembers this dress.  And he goes, "Oh yes, this one flows well and doesn't add bulk!!!"  Haha...so funny and cute that he reads (and remembered) what I wrote about it. 

You know that feeling you get when you put on something new?  You just feel extra clean and...well...pretty?  I feel that way today...but not only because the dress is new...I just love how I feel in it.  It's not restricting and soft.  Definitely a great buy!

Also, remember how I purchased the Anthro COAT hooks and was also going to add a leather trunk beneath it?  Well, this past weekend we went to Cost Plus World Market and the trunk was on sale!!!  So we had to get it. 

This is where I put my shoes on in the mornings! :)  Love it.

Have a good one!  One more day till Friday!

Meet my little friend...Bianca!

Hump day equals horrible traffic day.  It normally takes an hour for me to get to work on a hump day if I'm driving alone.  Today, however, my husband and I carpooled and it took only 30 minutes.  But then after he dropped me off, it took him another 30 minutes just to go 5 miles.  So ridiculous!

I went over to Anthro yesterday at lunch and had a disappointing visit.  I was looking for the Lima Lines Skirt and the Bravern store didn't have it.  I must have walked up and down that store five times and didn't see it.  So I went over to the sales section hoping to find the Switching Lanes Cardigan.  Another let down.  They had none left!  Of course, my instinct kicks in and now that I'm left coming back to work empty handed, the rest of the afternoon was left to me planning out my mission on how I can obtain these items.  I decided to take a trip after work to the Uvillage Anthro (where I originally tried these items on) and test my luck there.

Good news...I found the Lima Lines Skirt!!  But no luck with the Switching Lanes.  I am still deciding if I love it enough to order it online...but I'm leaning towards no.  Instead, I saw one last Bianca blounce in the black motif (???).  I decided to try it on and fell in love!!!!  So it went home with me.  I also don't typically where my new items right away, but I just had to today...

I decided to keep the outfit nice and single (and pants!!!  AHH...it's my first time wearing pants in two weeks).  I thought the simple ensemble would show off the beautiful patterns in the blounce more. 

Sizing wise, I kept with my true size.  I tried sizing up, but it looked too blah.  I also tried on the orange color which I also loved but decided to get this motif instead. 

While I was there, I saw the D'Armee Dress and decided to also give it a whirl.

After seeing this on Sara here, I was intrigued and wanted to try this on.  It looked so great on her and after seeing reviews online, I knew this would not be good on me.  And I was right!  I only took one picture because I just didn't like it on me at all.  The color was off for me and the fit wasn't comfortable either.  The length was a little short for my liking.  I do wished it worked better since I do like the military inspired trends out right now.  But it just wasn't meant to be. 

That's it for this hump day everyone!

Anthro Reviews and Purchases!

Good morning or afternoon or night everyone! :) 

I've been quite proud of myself for being good and not overspending at Anthro, or any store, for the past month or so.  I've purchased some items online...but most of them did not work out so I had to return them.  This past weekend I was able to head over to the U-village store and tried some fall items on.  So...let me share them with you.

Brass Band Sweater - $118

For those that love and bought this sweater, I apologize for what I'm about to say.  But I did not like this sweater at all.  The color was pretty, but there's no way I could keep this clean for more than one wearing.  Not to mention it's wool and HAND WASH!  I couldn't imagine watching this by hand...it was a huge sweater.  Also, the buttons don't actually do anything.  Except the closure is a snake hook right near the bottom button which made it weird.  And the waist tie made me even more confused because once I tied it, it looked and felt like a short robe.  Am I wearing this wrong?  Not sure...but it's not the one for me.

Lima Lanes Skirt - $98

This skirt reminded me of the Licorice Lanes skirt from the summer.  It's a perfect little skirt for fall with boots and tights and it's PULL ON!!!  I love a good nonzippered skirt and this one was really comfortable.  The colors are vibrant and will make matching very easy.  I believe online there is a black motif but I personally like the blue above.  The length for me, was perfect...which meant it hit just slightly above the knee.  I'm totally considering this one and I'm not sure if I can wait for sale.  It's wishlisted for now though.

Jacinth Sweaterdress - $148

When I saw this on some other reviewers and online, I honestly didn't get it.  I didn't even think to try this on but when I saw it at the store, the color attracted me and I relunctantly brought this into the fitting room.  Once on, I totally understood the appeal.  It was a great fit...it's warm and the length is perfect.  Many sweaterdresses will make me look wider than I am, but this one flowed very well and didn't add bulk.  The only thing I've been reading is the pilling that might happen with this fabric underneath the arms and in the bust.  Pilling underneath the arms isn't a deal breaker for me because many of my clothes do this and I heard big busted girls will have pilling in the bust area, which isn't a problem for me (sadly).  :)  This number came home with me from an exchange I had.  :)

Finessed Sweaterdress - $138

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!  I did not even hesitate whether to buy this full price because I had a feeling this one won't last through the winter online and I knew my store already had only 2 left.  I typically don't fall in love with black items, but this one was just so perfect.  I felt so pretty in this...which is hard for something made f sweater material and that's black.  I felt like I stepped out of a retro 70's restaurant.  I loved the puffed sleeves and the detailed bibb which is hard to see.  I also took this home with me as you have already guessed!!! 

Switching Lanes Cardigan - $49.95

I won't say too much about this sweater since I've reviewed it here.  But I did want to try it again to see if I love it and I do...and I plan on picking this up with another return I had.  :)

Ahh...all this shopping and Chewy was pooped in the car.  He snuggled next to my purse and slept the rest of the way home. 

Saturday at Marination and Anthro!

Happy Monday morning everyone!  What a gorgeous weekend we had here in the PNW.  I love the fall and winter sunshine the most.  There's just something different about it compared to the summer sun.  Probably because it's further from our side of the planet during this time of the year...which I love! 

This Saturday was family time with my Hubby and doggie!  We trekked all the way to West Seattle for a famous food truck we wanted to try called Marination Mobile.  This truck was started by two girls passionate to make good fast Korean and Hawaiian inspired foods.  I kid you not, but we ordered everything on the menu and by the time we finished eating off of the trunk of our car (yes, no seats...just good old fashioned standing while eating here), we were stuffed.

Here's what Chris wore...he wanted to try out his new Nike Air's!  The shoes were blue, which matched his Li-ning Chinese track jacket he got last year in China.  Haha.

I went with simple and comfy with a pop of mustard yellow!  The beautiful sun was in my eyes!

Here's the family infront of the taco truck!

Kalbi (Korean marinated short ribs) tacos. 

Kalua Pork Quesadilla

Kimchee Fried Rice

Spam Sliders

Chewy watching us munch inside our car.  Poor guy!

After we ate, we went straight to Anthro to return some items I've purchased from a while back.  In the store, we saw a fellow Shih Tzu!!!  The pink leashed girl pup was so excited to see Chewy, but as usual, Chewy was so shy and scared.

 I was able to get some reviews in during this trip and wanted to share a couple of purchases with you that I'm really excited about.  I'll have those up tomorrow! 

A Little Aaron in the Social Network

First off, thank you to everyone that chimed in with your lovely recommendations of what purse I should get next.  The top contenders are the Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag, the Marc Jacob classic tote, and the Anthropologie Sepia Saddlebag.  Chris saw my blog yesterday and loved the MJ classic tote and the Sepia Saddlebag.  I will let everyone know when I buy it, what I decide on! :)

Last week I mentioned that my hubby and I went to watch The Social Network.  We walked out of the theater completely satisfied!  I thought the movie was very well made as long as you don't take it as a historically accurate piece of work.  The movie obviously exaggerated some of the characters and the relationships these characters had with one another.  Not only did they make Mark Zuckerberg seem like the ultimate villain, but they also made him the little puppet under Sean Parker's control. 

Justin Timberlake and Jesse Eisenberg as Sean Parker and Mark Zuckerberg

Despite this, I still loved the movie.  Every movie needs a good villain, and in a sense, Mark's character was the guy that was bad in a way, but deep inside you felt truly sorry for him.  I'm also a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin, who wrote the screenplay for this.  If anyone's a West Wing fanatic like me, you know his writing style.  The characters always jibber jabber all the way through the show/movie with funny and witty dialogue.  I won't give away the movie that much but the best part was actually the very first scene in the movie where Mark's girlfriend breaks up with him, which ultimately starts the whole Facebook phenomenon. 

She says to him, ''You're going to be successful and rich. But you're going to go through life thinking that girls don't like you because you're a tech geek. I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that won't be true. It'll be because you're an a--hole."  Just loved it! 

I'm also a huge fan of Jesse Eisenberg now that I've watched Zombieland.  One of the funniest movies I've seen in a while and can't wait until the sequel comes out!

Did anyone else watch The Social Network?  What did you think???

This morning I seriously did not know what to wear but all I knew was I didn't want pants!  I was determined to wear my new Anthro tights and the new Showpiece tee in navy.  And this is what I came up with:

Showpiece Tee in Navy (Anthropologie)

Cardi - Nordstrom

Skirt - Circle the Globe (Anthropologie)

Tights - Anthropologie (not sure the name of this)

Shoes - Anticipation Heels (Anthropologie)

Scarf - New York City street vendor =)

Have a lovely weekend, gals!!! 

I'm in the market...

...and looking for a purse!  I'm not a huge purse girl.  It wasn't even until recently I started to carry purses.  Typically before I carried a big clutch that would fit my cards, cash and cell phone.  My previous jobs always required me to carry a laptop bag, and since my previous job didn't give me a desk, I had to carry my bag everywhere with me...so carrying a purse felt like a burden.  Now that I have my own office and no laptop (Yay!!!  No working from home!) last year I decided to look for a nice, simple bag that I can carry with me to and from work.  One that would allow me to carry everything I needed.  I decided on this:

Marc Jacobs is one of my favorite bag designers because it's not too overly expensive and it's made with good quality.  I've carried this bag everyday since I bought it so I definitely got my money's worth. 

I wanted a second bag to add to my collection.  Something just as simple and nice...one where I can carry everyday with any outfit.  But rather than a simple black, I wanted another neutral color.  I'm not sure what yet...and this is where I need your help.

I've started to hunt online and found some cute options:

Marc Jacob Hobo Bag - If I get this, I'd get it in the charcoal gray

Marc Jacob classic tote - I love this port color!

Are there any bags that you are eyeing and can recommend to me?  I like bags that are not oversized but big enough to carry my wallet, sunglasses, phone, kleenex tissues, any some other small accessories.  Any recommendations would be appreciated, gals!!! Oh and it doesn't have to be Marc Jacob.  THANK YOU!

Anyhoo...onto what I wore today.  I never understood the comfort of not wearing pants until recently!  I still love the look of a nice pair of slacks with some cute tops, but comfort wise, I definitely prefer tights and leggings over pants that zip up.  I have been on a dress, cardi, tights, kick for a few days now.  It just makes dressing in the mornings so much easier.  So sorry if my outfits' leaning towards the boring and predictable side.  :)

Dress: Anthropologie Secret Treasures
Cardi - Halogen (Nordstrom)
Tights - Anthropologie
Shoes - Anthropologie Anticipation Heels
Necklace - Oh, Hello Friend

The sun was piercing through our trees in our neighborhood this morning but it was a wopping 48 degrees out!  Nice eh?  It's warmed up into the low 60's now and lets hope it doesn't rain on my Anticipation Heels before I get home!