bLah...BlaH...bLOg!: Sunday Sunshine

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Sunday Sunshine: Fall is Fast Approaching!

Today's version of "Sunday Sunshine" will be a run-down of all of my recent purchases that are gearing me up for fall. Yes, FALL people. It is right around the corner, even if you're in denial. I too was in a state of denial, until I spent my day off last week at the mall. I am so wishing to hold on to every last stitch of summer, but fall is by far my favorite season for clothes. I've been perusing my September fashion magazines and blog-stalking fashionistas on the world-wide-web for seasonal inspiration, and it was time to put some of those ideas into my closet. Yay shopping! Below are my newly acquired treasures, with a little inspiration-sharing mixed in.

1. J Crew....aka, my mothership.

I swear, if someone could get into my head and see the dream styles I'd always wish to be sporting, they'd spit out J. Crew. Pretty much every window, catalog, display, and mannequin they come up with I use for inspiration. Now, I know better, but I went in anyway. And I am pretty proud to have only walked out with 3 things. 3 expensive things none-the-less, but I love them! First, this amazing orange was available in every piece imaginable, but I went with a simple tee. Easy to mix and match, will look awesome with my leopard print peep-toe flats, and will work well under my Apple blue :) I picked up the jeweled turtle pendant, because who doesn't love a bit of whimsy around the neck? And last but not least, this wool "city mini" in "bright dahlia." Probably will be rocking it with a cozy sweater, skinny belt, tights and boots.

2. Banana Republic....gotta love the clearance rack!

I swooped into the BR, and picked up this dress for about $35 after reading this post on "What I Wore." Amazing blog, serious style, and I'm inspired by her nearly everyday. This dress is a bit summer-y, but I'm thinking layered with a denim jacket, it will be perfect for those days that are near when our temperatures start to drop. I'll probably throw in a red accessory - I can't pass up the opportunity to be nautical :) Secondly, I found this pink blouse in the petites section for uber-cheap. I tend to find great deals in that part of the store, because apparently I'm the only one in Seattle with a short torso. Thinking about this with some dark navy skinny jeans.

3. Old Navy...sometimes a shopping trip is just about one piece!

After seeing this vest on 2 different blogs, both styled in a way I loved, it seemed like a piece I needed in my wardrobe. The first look would work for the remaining weeks of summer, plus she's sporting a skinny belt. A girl after my own heart. Check out "GS Lillian Daily" for more ideas. She's a bit eccentric, but has some fun ideas too. The second is a good transition idea for fall, as the vest is work over longer sleeves. And more mileage out of my leopard print shoes! Christine is a fashion editor in NYC (note the pigeon on the sidewalk) and her blog "My Style Pill" is a good read as well.

4. Nordstrom Sale anyone??

This year I was on a mission. I needed some grey knee-high boots. I've got a black pair and a brown pair, which I pretty much wear 8 months out of the year here in Seattle. Grey seemed like the next logical neutral, and I knew Nordy's could help a girl out. Grey suede, thick enough heel to be comfy at work, fun buckle detail, and how can you go wrong when the brand name is "Naughty Monkey?" Love the brand, and they always have funky shoes with fun details. Remember this pair?

5. Madewell....as if J. Crew wasn't enough?

J. Crew's sister store - ie. in the same company - is a little gem called Madewell. It is right next door to my Apple store, and due to the fact that I walk by it every day, I have developed such an affinity! Their clothes are slightly more urban/trendsetter vs. J. Crew's preppy/pretty, but I regularly find amazing pieces that, although are unique, I know I will have in my wardrobe for years. My first find was this gingham button-up shirt, so I could copy the below outfit idea (styled with a great olive cardigan and wide woven belt - cute!) I also purchased this sunny yellow cardigan, but I couldn't find a picture showing the best feature - elbow patches! Lace seems to be everywhere these days - and January Jones looked part-Betty in her black shirt - so I'm going to try and channel my inner-"Mad Men" with this tank option. And last but not least - an awesome statement necklace! It does look a little home-made, but let's be honest. I am not good at crafts, but I am good at shopping:)

6. Since we're talking about lace....Fancesca's!

How cute is this cardigan?? Looks awesome over pretty much any color. Score!

7. Who isn't inspired by 50% off the entire store?? Thanks Gap!

2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts, 3 sweaters, 3 tanks, 1 dress, and a blouse for about $200. Who needs an employee discount??

Can't believe I am saying this, but I'm excited for the weather to turn slightly more chilly. Slightly! Especially tomorrow, because I have no AC in my house, and I'm definitely going to work up a sweat cleaning out my closet :)

How about some Sunday sunshine??

Look at me - I'm on a roll! Seems as if someone is getting back into the swing of this blogging thing:) A few things that are makin' me happy these days....

1. Spring is trying SOOO hard to come to the Pacific Northwest. Hang in their Mother Nature! You've got a lot of people rooting for you, including me, every day as I leave my house. Thanks for reminding me of your valiant efforts!

2. Dress season! I am doing my part to coax the sunshine out from behind the clouds. Do you think if I just keep buying fabulous summer frocks our weather will get warmer faster?? Even if it is barely breaking 50, I get an "A" for effort - these 3 were purchased this week alone :) Option #1 and #3 look darling with a black blazer over the top and some sassy shoes. #2 is just calling for a cardigan and a long necklace. Yay for versatile pieces!

3. My job. Isn't is amazing what a difference a year can make?? I had a moment of reflection yesterday, when on my way to work I found myself feeling excited to get there. Wow. I love my team, I'm feeling settled, and most importantly, I'm feeling balanced. Work is not my life, but rather a healthy environment where I spend some of my time. Also, one of my most favorite people on the planet made the transition from Gap to Apple as well, and her first day is tomorrow. Welcome P! So glad we get to be in the same family again:)

4. Becoming an aunt! What what?? I still don't think the concept of my little brother as a father has completely sunk in. In my mind, he is still 12 at times, and rocking a bowl cut. He and Amber are going to be amazing parents, and this is such an exciting time for our family. Someone's going to kill me - but see what I mean about not picturing him as a father?? I clearly am going to take 1st place as favorite aunt - but probably not as a sister after posting this :)

5. Concert season is right around the corner! I am SOOOO excited to be jammin' out this summer. On the list so far: (we'll see if this grows...)

Sunny Palm Springs to see Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood and many more at the Stagecoach Music Festival in April.
Someone on craigslist please hook me up so I can see Adele on June 1st!
Tim McGraw at the Gorge ampitheater in mid-June. Pic below from a show there last year...what an amazing venue.
July 18th is Sugarland! All I wanna do-o-o-o-o...
2 days later is Katy Perry helping my live my teenage dream :)
Late July Valerie and I are trying to make B. Spears plans...perhaps in Vegas??
And rounding out the summer is Keith Urban in late September. Maybe we'll get this lucky again? Oh yeah....I totally took this pic as he was slinging sweat around!

6. Chi-town! I get to go to Chicago for a work trip next week, and I'm grateful for a little getaway. Yes, I'll be in meetings for most of the time, but we're staying RIGHT downtown, and I'm sure I'll find some time for shopping and dining at some local hotspots. Check out this fancy hotel I get to stay at! A Doubletree Hotel called "the Wit" that is super-kewl....

Loving the blend of turquoise and pink...they must have known a girl who likes crazy color combos would be coming.

If anything, I'll for sure check out the rooftop bar and all its fabulousness...probably with a coat on.

7. Bought this little decal online today for $8 - can't wait for it to arrive. Who cares if my iPad is going to look like it belongs to an 8 year old girl?

8. The Skagit Tulip Festival is here again! The real question is will we have a day that I can go see them where I don't have to take my umbrella with me?? Here's hoping.

9. My new mousepad....because it's cute and whimsical. As is pretty much everything at Anthropologie where this little gem was purchased.

10. Barre3. This new workout location has me hooked. It is a super-sleek studio, where they combine Pilates, Yoga, and Ballet into an hour long class that will kick your toosh. All the movements we do are ridiculously slow (ie. 4 counts down and 4 counts up for a squat), and my muscles are shaking like crazy for about 58 minutes of the total hour. However, when I leave I feel long and lean, and totally refreshed. Aparently this is Madonna's workout of choice. Better be careful or I might end up looking like her....gross.