Monday, December 31, 2012

Orla Kiely Tins

Merry Christmas to me!

This year, my husband and mother-in-law teamed up to get me some Orla Kiely tins for Christmas. 

When I tore open the Christmas wrapping and saw the familiar stem print, I got super-excited.

Here's a detailed photo of what's inside.


$46
I'd say the canisters are true to what they look like on the label and the website's stock photos.
Measurements for the largest canister: 10 5/8" high, 5" diameter

$68
Measurements for the largest tin: 5 9/16" high, 10" diameter

 Each tin was even wrapped in its own Orla Kiely tissue paper (which I was very tempted to keep,  but then realized that would be hoarding).

I'm super happy with my tin collection. The prints and colors are, as usual, completely adorable and put a smile on my face every time I see them. Now, all I have to do is decide what to put in them. For now though, they will be sitting pretty in my kitchen.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Maeve Striated Lace Dress

On sale $159.95 (originally $228)
www.anthropologie.com



Item: Striated Lace Dress
Color: Blue motif
Price: On sale $159.95 (originally $228)
Size: 4
Overall Rating: 4/5

My usual size 2 wasn't available so I'm wearing a size 4 in the photos above. The size 4 was too loose all around, so I would say this dress runs true to size. I love the muted colors and the lace details. There's a side zip making this dress very easy to put on. The scoop neck is very modest - not too low, which I really like. I hate it when necklines are too low and I end up having to wear a cami underneath. The only thing I don't like about this dress is the price. Definitely gonna wait for this one to go on sale some more!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Orla Kiely AW12 Collection Sale - Up To 50% Off


Make sure to check out www.orlakiely.com for their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection sale - many items now up to 50% off. Here are a few things I'm eyeing:

On sale $165 (originally $330)

On sale $90 (originally $180)

On sale $165.50 (originally $335)

On sale $247.50 (originally $495)

On sale $373.75 (originally $535)

On sale $112.50 (originally $225)

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Outfit Of The Day: Lace Mixed Media Dress

What I'm Wearing:
Laced Mixed Media Dress by LC Lauren Conrad
Faux fur stole by Abercrombie
Tights by Merona
Shoes by BCBG

When I missed out on last year's Dulcie Dress, I was disappointed. I tried to wait for a sale, but by the time it was marked down, it was sold out in my size. 


But as fate would have it, one of my favorite bloggers, Liz, wrote a post about this very similar LC Lauren Conrad dress. 

LC Lauren Conrad Lace Mixed Media Dress

The details are so similar, so I was thrilled to pick this up at the reasonable price of $40 (sure beats paying $168 for the original).

Friday, December 21, 2012

Plenty by Tracy Reese Chrysanthemum Tea Dress

On sale $99.95 (originally $198)
www.anthropologie.com

On the left, I'm wearing a size 2, on the right a size 4.



Item: Chrysanthemum Tea Dress
Color: Brown motif
Price: On sale $99.95 (originally $198)
Size: 2 (left) and 4 (right)
Overall Rating: 5/5

When I first saw this dress, I loved everything about it. Beautiful print - check! Retro style - check! Fitted bodice - check! I initially tried on the size 2, which is my typical dress size. I was able to zip up the dress, but man oh man, I could hardly breath in it! The bodice was pushing into my ribcage and the armholes were so tight. I initially thought this was a result of the 10 more pounds of baby weight I have yet to lose, but after reading the other reviews online I decided to try the next size up. Ah, much better! The size 4 fit perfectly. None of the other dresses I own are a size 4 - all of them are either size 0 or 2, so I would say this dress definitely runs small. Size up at least one size for sure. What I love most about this dress is the retro fitted-bodice-and-flared-skirt silhouette. If I could dress like a 1950s housewife everyday I would. But alas, that's a very impractical style for where I work. Looking back at these photos, I feel that it actually doesn't look so bad with the ballet flats, which leads me to believe that this dress can be quite versatile when deciding what shoes to wear with it. Ultimately, though, I think I will wear it with a nice pair of high-heeled maryjanes. This dress is by far one of my favorites!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Miss Albright Gift-Trimmed Pumps

On sale $19.95 (originally $168)
www.anthropologie.com










Item: Gift-Trimmed Pumps
Color: Nude
Price: $19.95
Size: 7
Overall Rating: 3/5

I bought these shoes at such an amazing price - $19.95! Can't beat that, especially since they retailed for almost $200. These pumps are available in both black and nude, but since I didn't have any nude-colored pumps, I decided to go with those. Plus, I felt you could see the bow detail a little better on the lighter version. Underneath the bow is the same foil color you see inside the pumps. The shoes are extremely cute and very Kate Spade. They are genuine leather and made in China (boo!) The neutral color makes them very easy to pair with many different outfits. But that's where the positives end. These shoes are pretty stiff and uncomfortable. I'm wearing my usual size 7 and they pinch my feet, but I think sizing up would make them too big. So I'd say they run true to size. I'm even wearing them as I'm typing up this blog and they still hurt my feet! Imagine walking around in them! However, I think they have the potential to feel comfy once I've broken them in. There's a slight platform which makes the heel not seem so high, therefore making them easier to walk in (I love the look of high heels, but I'm not crazy about walking around in them). This is definitely one of those shoes meant for wearing to church or a dinner party, where your'e bound to be sitting a lot and walking is minimal. They are definitely a cute shoe though - just needs a lot of breaking in to make them comfy.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Weston Wear Sasonger Tulle Dress

On sale $89.95 (originally $168)
www.anthropologie.com



Item: Sasonger Tulle Dress
Color: Blue/navy
Price: On sale $89.95 (originally $168)
Size: XS
Overall Rating: 5/5

I missed out on last year's Dulcie Dress and I've regretted it ever since. So when Weston Wear came out with this polka-dotted navy version, I jumped at the opportunity to try it on. I think it fits true to size as I was able to wear the x-small quite comfortably. The top portion is so soft and fitted and hides any flaws you may have. The tulle skirt is right on trend and seems pretty substantial, although I am a little nervous about snagging it. It's a pullover style dress with a button on the back neckline and a tie in the back. All the details are lovely, such as the slight pleating along the neckline and the ribbon along the waist. For the current sale price, I'm still not sure about it, although I'm afraid I'll be kicking myself for not picking this one up before it sells out in my size. I think I can hold out though for a 2nd/3rd price cut.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Orla Kiely at Anthropologie

Once in a while, Anthropologie will carry an Orla Kiely item. In the past, they've sold great pieces such as the Fox Intarsia Sweater, De Moda Cardigan, and Beanstalk Dress (OOTD here).

Their latest Orla Kiely offerings include the Heartwing iPad Case and Perforated Petals Wallet.

$88
www.anthropologie.com


$208
www.anthropologie.com

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Penguin Blouses and Dresses

In case you hadn't notice, I have a slight obsession with penguins. Seriously, anything with a penguin on it, I feel like I have to have it. If you're looking for a last-minute Christmas gift for the penguin-lover in your life, check out these gift ideas that will surely put a smile on her face. 


$85

$29.94

$72.99

$84.99

Chiffon Blouse by Sugarhill Boutique (also available in red - see below)
$61.57


And in writing this post, I stumbled across this blog that featured those most adorable vintage penguin dress.

Oh, how I want. Unfortunately, this dress is long gone as it was available for purchase from Etsy in 2009!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Maeve Bagatelle Buttondown

$78
www.anthropologie.com



Item: Bagatelle Buttondown
Color: Blue motif
Size: 0
Price: $78
Overall Rating: 5/5

Continuing with my love of all things penguin, I tried on this lovely blouse on a recent trip to Anthropologie. Once again, I am in love. It's such a fun, quirky print, but I think the colors somehow make it less crazy and more manageable to wear, even to work. It's comfortable and fits true to size. It's a very lightweight cotton, unlike the more fitted, structured shirts you may find at J. Crew. I love the idea of rolling up the sleeves and tucking it in, as seen in the product shot, to make it look more polished. Despite the loud, quirky print, it's quite versatile - wear it with jeans on the weekends or dress it up with a cardigan and skirt for the office.