What I wore on my trip to West Virginia (THREE OUTFITS)!!!

Here is the polyvore of many of the items I wore on my trip to West Virginia. I don't have the time or inclination to discuss each item, so I will just tell you what items I do not have from that set. I have a different dress, bought from Kohl's. I have a different striped shirt, bought from J. Crew last spring (2008). The Lady Day is actually a Sybil coat in the same color, bought from J. Crew last winter (2007). The necklace is different, but looks very close to the one in the polyvore.

I really do have that Andie Bag, I did bring my camera, I did tote my laptop, and I drank copious amounts of red wine. YUM!

You can find my set here: http://www.polyvore.com/trip_to_west_virginia_in/set?id=7195152


This is what I wore to drive to WV. Or I should say, what I wore to be driven to WV in our VW (heehee). I have a fear and hatred of driving, so usually Jim drives me...I know, very, very sweet.

The turtleneck is so comfy and cashmere and J. Crew, this winter (2009). The pants are from Athleta and are super-stretchy, perfect for long drives. The shoes are from that brand Earth (not Wal-Mart but the walking shoes) and I bought them last summer. The necklace is a Macy's find, very inexpensive, but a great piece for layering. It reminds me of the cheaper version of the stone necklace J. Crew has now.


Here the outfit is with the Sybil Coat. I LOVE THIS COAT. I actually can tolerate winter in this coat...so cheery and sunny! I usually receive many compliments wearing it...I think because people need the dash of yellow in their lives.

This is the dress I wore out to dinner with Jim. We didn't go anywhere fancy, but I just had to dress up. The dress is from Kohls, and I have no idea who made it. I believe it is a juniors dress. I love the empire waist and fuller skirt--perfect for us pears. The shoes are the Jane suede flats in brown. The necklace I have discussed already, but the clear necklace is the Target find I wrote about on Saturday night (3/14/09). This necklace is Erickson Beamon for Target and I think it worked well with the other necklace and with this dress. I really, truly think I will get a lot of use out of it!

This is a close-up of the Andie Bag in flame. It is GORGEOUS in real life. I could never have spent what it originally cost, but I got it at a significant savings (THANK YOU EMILY)...and it is just so much fun. I will not go on much more because My Delightful Obsessions did an amazing review of it here: http://mydelightfulobsessions.blogspot.com/2008/10/fabulous-andie-bag.html. Suffice it to say, if you like it and you can find it, I would recommend buying it. It was sold last summer (2008).

Here I am holding the bag...nice size for lugging a lot of stuff around. It does get heavy being leather and all, but I have my vera bradley when I need lighter stuff. If I am just going around to show off, I am bringing my Andie Bag. You also see the Sophie sweater peacoat in this pic. This is the only red I can wear this close to my face (I have mentioned this before). I like the way the reds and browns all work together in this outfit. I felt very stylish...I know we were just hanging out in a simple Italian restaurant, but it was so nice to feel pretty!

No Andie Bag, but you get a nicer view of the Erickson Beamon necklace.

This is what I wore to hang out on Sunday (the day I received the best facial ever--seriously, I have never felt that relaxed). The cardigan is the Lea from this winter (2008), the pants are some Levi's that I have recently started to be able to wear again. I have already discussed the shoes, necklace, and tee. This is a very comfy outfit, and I think it manages to be a sleek casual, as opposed to messy casual! ;)

It's been awhile since CW has posed with me...so here you go. She makes the outfit SING!

You all have a great day. As you can tell, my weekend was pretty awesome...definitely making Monday way more tolerable than it normally is!!!

Why Fairfax County Rec Centers Rock...

This is a non-J. Crew/fashion post, so if you have a desire to see that sort of post, I promise my next post is for you. This is a post to let the moms/dad/kids of the DC area learn about the amazing facilities that are located right here and are very inexpensive, too.

I grew up in Arlington, and my dad pretty much kept us inside the Arlington borders, with occasional jaunts to DC and Alexandria. Whoo. We lived it up, baby.

I was nearly 20 years old before I realized what an amazing resource Fairfax County Recreation Centers are. I had been to one (formerly called Wakefield--now Audrey Moore) for a swim meet championship for all the local independent schools back in 1992, but had not understood that this rec center was a place for singles, couples and families alike to rock out and have a great time.

It wasn't until my (infamous) boyfriend who wanted me all skinny (re)-introduced me to these centers that I was hooked. He introduced me because he wanted me to swim off all my excess poundage, and I loved swimming, so I was game. We went to the Lee District Rec Center for this...and although he is LONG gone (and in Williamsburg to boot), I still go on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to the Lee Rec Center. I love it that much!!!

I tend to go to swim, take a class (yoga, pilates, you name it), walk on their indoor track, play in their soft-play room with the kids (you'll see this in a minute), heck, it is so good that Jim waited in the cold in the wee hours of the morning to get Rex into a preschool there next year. I even have coached on and off there for the past six years.

Well, imagine my surprise when the awesome Rec Centers got even more AWESOME. Opened a few years ago (before I had kids), Cub Run Rec Center is as Jim puts it, "the rec center by which all rec centers must be judged." Now we only get there twice a month as it is in far western Fairfax County (Chantilly) and quite a haul for us Alexandrians. BUT, AND I WILL WRITE THIS IN CAPS BECAUSE I AM SO SERIOUS, IT IS WORTH THE HAUL AND TROUBLE. This Rec Center not only has a full-fledged gym, a beautiful lap pool (which I swim in before we play), but it also has an amazing INDOOR WATER PARK. That's right, an indoor water park at County rates and supported through County taxes. Now I hate taxes, and often believe they are used poorly by the government, but Fairfax County made the right decision to support this. Every time we go to the Rec Centers (any of them), we as a family have such a nice time.

What follows is a photographic journey of two of our favorite family activities...1) A visit to Cub Run's Indoor Water Park; and 2) A Blast Off for Babies Class in Lee Rec Center's Soft Play Room (made for tots only).

Here is CW swimming (with daddy's help) in the indoor water park at Cub Run. I am huge believer in getting kids in the pool as early as possible, but only with certified instructors. Obviously I am certified (coaching and teaching swimming to kids for years), but if you aren't able to teach your kids yourself, the Rec Centers also have swim lessons for ages 6 months plus.

The water in the indoor water park is really nice and warm, so CW was able to swim around for about 30 minutes. Her cute little wrinkled feet made me swoon! :)

Rex is shown here playing with the spouts near the toddler play area. The water park also has two indoor slides, a whirlpool, a mini-lazy river, and some sort of vortex play circle.

Here are Rex and I just hamming it up for the camera. By the way, all of these water shots are taken with my Olympus 720SW...a camera especially made for using at the beach and underwater.

To find out more about Cub Run Rec Center, go here: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wcrec.htm

To find out more about the sw720 by Olympus, go here: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_archived_product_details.asp?fl=2&id=1225

Now onto Lee Rec Center's Soft Play Room (these were taken while in Rex's Blast Off for Babies class--which being two, he has sadly outgrown--tis okay, they have the zoom around the room class for older tots).

Soft Play Room happily has a ball pit. Rex is shown jumping into the pit, while CW stares from the distance. There is a jaunty orange ball coming at the camera. Fun times all around!!!

For those of you who are germ-a-phobes, I am assured that the room is wiped clean with some heavy duty disinfectants once a night. I have never, ever seen it not be anything but spic and span clean.


CW playing with the balls. SHE loves this playroom. Technically she is too young for this room and class, but the organizers get that she is our daughter and that we take full responsibility if anything were to happen to here. Give me a break, though...it is a SOFT play room. It is like us worrying about her teddy bear coming and eating her. We have better things to keep us up at night!

Rex, CW, and Jim hanging out on the soft-play slide. Even the floor is soft. It is like a multi-colored roll of Charmin bath tissue in there.

Rex playing with the soft rocking fish.

I love this room in the winter because it allows him/soon her to be active when it is truly grody outside...

For more on Lee Rec Center, visit here: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/leerec.htm

Families of the DC area, I hope to see you all soon!

Okay, I couldn't resist...

I went into Target today and got these lovelies. And they are really lovely in real life. I promise to post pics of me wearing them soon...




First up, from the Merona Collection is the Women's Merona® Collection Clarissa Spectator Pumps - Pink. Can I say I about fell over when I saw these? I only have one or two shoes in a brighter pink, and I they are mixed with other colors (in a print). These are perfect for when I want a simple low heel in a nice bright pink. GORGEOUS. You can find them here on-line: http://www.target.com/Merona-Collection-Clarissa-Spectator-Pumps/dp/B001HC47FY/qid=1237081648/ref=br_1_5/179-3508623-9126116?ie=UTF8&node=1264237011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

For a really good review of the navy patent version of these pumps, visit Gigi here: http://gigisgoneshopping.blogspot.com/2009/02/target-silver-panya-wedge-more.html



Second is the Erickson Beamon for Target® Long Clear Bubble Bead Necklace. Loved this. I need more layering necklaces, and this one fits the bill perfectly. I really like how the bubbles are clear and slightly iridescent...so the necklace will work with almost all of the colors I wear. Plus, and this is for you mommies of young ones, the babies love either chewing on the beads or in Rex's case, saying "ball...clear ball, momma." Find it here: http://www.target.com/Erickson-Beamon-Target-Bubble-Necklace/dp/B001LN4RTU/qid=1237081725/ref=br_1_1/179-3508623-9126116?ie=UTF8&node=1261911011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

I had first heard of this collection from gorgeous Slastena, and she did not lead me in the wrong direction. Many beautiful pieces at a very reasonable price. You can see her review here: http://jcrewchick.blogspot.com/2009/03/smart-buys-erickson-beamon-for-target.html

Have a great weekend. I need to go to sleep! ;)

New Hudson Fresco Print Shell Top...A Mini-Review...

It is true, I am on a vacation in wild and wonderful West Virginia, but that can't stop me from posting at least once. But it will be a quick post. I have been meaning to get around to this post, but since it isn't warm out, I haven't really had an opportunity to wear this outside. Plus, this top is a smidge small on the hip, so I have to lose about 5 more pounds to be able to wear it for any great length of time.

But since this top is on sale at J. Crew for 59.99, I thought this post may benefit a couple of you ladies who are interested in purchasing it.

This is the way it appears on the website. You can find it here to see more views: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shirtstops/camisblouses/PRDOVR~14594/14594.jsp

Here it is on me. I cut off my head because I am not wearing makeup and because I think it is important for you to see the fit and the colors. The fit is true to size. I purchased a 6 because I want a good fit in the bust area (sort of like the model on jcrew.com). I did not want it to be too loose. I am so close to this top fitting well in the hip that I can taste it, but until that happens, I will not wear this top...so those of you ladies who worry about things like that can chill out! :) The fit is immaculate in the bust area...it lies flat and nicely highlights my shoulders and neckline, which I believe are two of my nicest features.

If you choose to purchase this top, go with what you would normally wear in a J. Crew top. Bear in mind the hip measurement (important if you are a tad heavier on bottom). I actually discussed this with the Customer Service Rep. and she gave me the exact measurements, so I was more than prepared for the fit.

I want to mention that I personally love the slub silk...so pretty, with a beautiful and subtle texture. The fabric really makes this pattern sing. This top is very unique and I believe will be a piece I will receive many compliments on when I finally get around to wearing it!!!

Please, please, please, I beg of you to keep in mind I took this shot for the blog and was NOT planning on going out like this. (You must have more faith in me than that!) I have not one ounce of makeup on my face and my hair is pulled back. I have no flash, etc. to help light this shot. I wanted simply to show you the fit from a different view/angle. :)

I also want to mention that I will definitely be wearing this with the cardigan below, and probably well into summer because I know that the pink border is an almost exact match to my skin tone--and until I get my very faint tan by mid-July, I will not go out in this top without some sort of contrast piece. (I normally wouldn't explain in detail what I plan on wearing with this but I have to cover my bases for the commenters who stress out way too much about the littlest details of my outfits, makeup, hair, etc. I want the commenters to know I am not stupid--I really, truly get that the border of this shell is a match for my skin and I know that it needs a bit of something to make it truly wearable for me--especially before I get a little tan...) I still love you all, but really...not necessary to point out the obvious...I am really truly my own harshest critic!!! ;) (I say all of this with a smile on my face...)

Here is the cardigan (how divine and precious):

I love this shade of light yellow-green with my skin tone and I really think it will look superb with this shell. :) The cardigan can be found here: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/cotton/PRDOVR~13471/99101690155/13471.jsp

You all have a great weekend. I will come back with more tomorrow night...and I might even post some more pics of my kids having fun (from Cub Run Rec Center last weekend to the hilarity of West Virginia).

Citron Yellow and Aqua Stripes...So Pretty Together!

I loved Fabulous Florida's Mommy's post (here: http://fabulousfloridamommy.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-color-to-wear-with-citron-yellow.html) on what colors to pair with citron yellow that I decided to pull one of my many citron items out and wear it today. It is cold here today (we even had flurries this morning) so I decided my herringbone fiona jacket in citron was the perfect item.

I spent nearly all of my time in Pi-Yo last night thinking to myself, "what shirt should I wear to complement the citron fiona?" Even when we were in our concentrated relaxation time I still was mulling over the possibilities! :) It wasn't until I actually looked in my closet that I realized which one to choose...ta da...the aqua-striped knit tee from Macy's Style & Co. Now I know I could have picked something a bit more formal, but well, it's Friday, and yep, you know it, I walked to school...so "stylish" comfort won out.

The jeans are Calvin Klein and purchased for a song from TJ Maxx. And they fit SO well. I love it when I can wear well-fitting pants. NO more too loose or (a lot less often for me--a snug waistband drives me cuckoo) too tight in my wardrobe. (This blog and the pics Jim takes every morning have really helped me get a sense of what to wear to flatter my best assets...cough, cough.)

The necklace is some inexpensive piece I found at Macy's a few years ago. The ring is the Orbit ring from J. Crew (winter 2008). Quick warning about the Orbit ring--it must have nickel because my finger turned green. This does not bother me, but if you don't care for this, do not purchase it (not available on jcrew.com but available on ebay). The shoes are some pair of Adidas I have had for years.

Here is the link to the polyvore set: http://www.polyvore.com/citron_yellow_aqua_stripes...so_pretty/set?id=7179260


This is the outfit without the fiona jacket. Cute, presentable, and most importantly, easy to wear while walking!


The peek of aqua allows the jacket to be less "intense." It is like the aqua calms the jacket down. The jacket is wee bit big for me, but as long as it fits in the shoulders, that is what I care about. I am not sure I could be one of those ladies who could wear this jacket open, but if you are, more power! :)

I am heading off to West Virginia this weekend with the family for a getaway. YAY! I will probably get two more posts done today but may not compute at all this weekend. I will be back in business on Monday, though, so no worries if you enjoy my blog. If you don't enjoy my blog, well, then I guess you have two days off (maybe--who knows if I will feel the urge to write this weekend)! ;)

Cerise Bistro Pants...A Bright for a Bright Day!

So I decided that I would wear more color than I did yesterday, and hoo-boy, these pants certainly fit the bill (wait for it--the color is coming).

The look I created includes: The Bistro Pants in Cerise (J. Crew 2009), Zoey Whisper Lame top in champagne (J. Crew winter 2008), Allesia Peep-Toe Heels in root (J. Crew winter 2008), Seersucker Jacket in tan/metallic (Banana Republic sometime in 2006), a Fossil Watch, the ladybug yellow necklace, and a mohair muffler scarf in ivory.

The link to the polyvore is here: http://www.polyvore.com/cerise_bistro_pants...bright_for_bright/set?id=7158069


No, you do not need to adjust your computer...the pants are that bright. The color is so delicious, though, like a beautiful ripe tomato in summer. With the flash, the color appears even more saturated. Also, I should mention, these pants are so comfortable, and with heels, they are the perfect length!!!

I went for a more subtle look with the heels, top, and jacket. The necklace is a punch of color for my face, but is not too much color (because then I would look like a clown--yeah, that's the look for me).

The reason my hair looks stupid? I had just washed it and it is still wet...don't worry, it dried fairly soon (and no, I never blow-dry, pool does enough damage to my hair)!

I think I may want to try another top with these pants...any suggestions? I love the look I created but don't want to be limited to just this top.

I am glad these pants are this color. I cannot wear this color anywhere near my face...outside of purple, this is the worst color for me. However, they look great as pants. In fact, a male teacher at my school said he really liked my pants! How sweet! Usually it is only the women who notice my outfits.


Here is the outfit without the jacket. I actually like it better without the jacket, but I knew I had to wear something over top (it was only 40 degrees outside when I left for school).

By the way, I reviewed these pants and more in this post: http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2009/02/pants-pants-and-more-pants.html

Snow Leopard Harlow Blouse on a Cloudy Day!

First things first--I am in a bit of a funk today. I have heard that if you get no sleep one night and you get plenty of sleep the next, it doesn't matter because you actually are fueled with the sleep from the night before last. So right now I am running on the fumes of the two hours of sleep I got on the night of the fire.

I also PROMISE to respond to all of your awesome comments since yesterday afternoon, but it may have to wait until later this evening. But if you regularly read my blog, you know I am pretty good about responding to everyone!

By the way, since so many of you are keeping my neighbors in your thoughts and prayers, they seem to be doing okay, but still have so much to cope with. We walked over there last night and their home is a shell and there is trash, debris, and burned items everywhere. The home on the left of theirs even sustained some damage (the shutters actually melted from the heat of the fire).

My outfit today is okay. Neither here nor there, really. I like it...and think it is professional and pretty. But it is not as colorful as I usually am. But since I am not feeling all that colorful myself, it is a good mood-matcher!

This is the polyvore of the outfit. The cords, blouse, and belt are all J. Crew. The coat is actually a Banana Republic trench I got a few years ago for a song. The watch is my Fossil watch and the shoes are Nine West that look exactly like these from J. Crew.

The link to the polyvore is here: http://www.polyvore.com/snow_leopard_harlow_blouse_on/set?id=7137804

Now for those of you that are regular followers of this blog may recall seeing this blouse on me before, but belted with a yellow-patent belt. The last time I wore this blouse, I also wore the claire pants in white, the grey herringbone aubrey jacket, and the etta peep-toe suede shoes.

The link to the last time I wore the blouse is here: http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2009/01/sophisticated-in-school.html

I personally am amazed at how I styled the outfit very similarly, even though I hadn't intended to. I knew that I would use my new patent belt in dusty rose (thank you, Ashley) to belt it but I thought I would be making a whole new look. Well, not really.

Doesn't matter because I like the look. I will point out one thing...I do notice a difference in the way pants fit me. I believe I weighed almost 7 pounds more in the January version of this outfit. I think I lost all of my weight recently in my lower-half, which if you are a pear like me means it's time to CELEBRATE. Nothing like a picture to remind you of how far you have come!

Here is the outfit with the trench unbuttoned. I think (now that I look at the picture) that I will add a colorful brooch to the lapel of this jacket. I bet that would really make the jacket seem less boring!

Here is the jacket closed. A nice, well-fitting jacket, but definitely in need of something! If the brooch approach (heehee) doesn't work, maybe a fun, lightweight scarf could...

Just so you know, the jacket is more accurately depicted (color-wise) in the second shot. Something funky went on with my camera's flash in the first photo (the one with the jacket open) so all the colors are off.