Thursday

I forgot to charge the camera, and my husband thought it would be funny to take a picture from an even HIGHER height than before.  Har har.  Well the battery is charging now so better pictures will be happening in the near future!

Navy pima scoop tee from Banana Republic, berry colored cashmere blend cardigan from Gap, white low-slung flare chinos from Gap (these are the 14s – they are slim but they aren't skin tight any more – hooray!).  Navy bead necklace from J. Crew, and on my feet are orange leather flip flops from Born (pants still too short for taller shoes). And of course, my silver cuff bracelet!

Hair is second day, I just hit the bands and large sections with my curling iron and then a bit of BioSilk to tame frizz.

Makeup is Almay Smart Shade Anti-aging Makeup in Light/Medium, Cargo Matte Beach Blush in Tenerife, Stila Lip Glaze in Fruit Cake, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Smoke, Tarte Indelible Wink in Eggplant, and DiorShow mascara in black.

I hit the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale hard.  Really hard.   I got a ginormous box with three pairs of shoes and a bunch of clothes.  And yeah, they are all going back.  There is only one thing I am keeping and it was a total random purchase but I utterly adore it.

This.  And yep, it's not on sale, and yep it's a ridiculous price.  But man, in person it's even prettier than it is on the site.  It is the most fabulous orange color – I remember Banana Republic had a bunch of stuff this color a few years ago and they called it Chinese Orange.  It's a really supple patent leather, no stiffness, and thick and doesn't get all goofy with fingerprints.  I have been wanting a cross-body bag for a while.  I want something smaller so I can take it to concerts and stuff, but also use for work when I have my ginormous office-issued laptop bag.  This does it.  And if you don't know this already, gosh I love the color orange.  It is my favorite color, and has been for years.  I thought I would kill the love after having orange as my primary wedding color, but no I am still a big fan.

So some of the other things I love but ended up returning:
– These shoes in Sand Patent.  Omigod they are FANTASTIC!  You know I love Sofft, well these are another winner.  The only problem with them is my foot – I have super short pinky toes and my pinky toe was dangling out of the shoe and it looked a bit ridiculous.  But the nude color isn't weird, the metal hardware isn't too blingy, this is actually quite an elegant shoe and would add a modern touch to work or playwear.  I may consider trying them in a size smaller to see if they would work with my pinky toe, they are so utterly glam and comfortable too.
– These shoes in Black Patent.  The zipper was pretty tough on my pair, but the zipper did stay up.  If I did decide to order again, I would go down a half of a size (ran a bit big) and go with the gray color as that the black had very shiny obvious gold hardware and I don't wear gold as much as I do silver.  I chose to not reorder because I have funky chunky heeled gray shoes already.  But these too are super comfortable.  I love companies that make stylish and trendy styles that don't kill your feet.  Every pair of Sofft shoes I own have totally been worth the money, I wear them at least once a week, they hold up great, no pain even if worn all day.
– This dress by Tahari.  Brilliantly made.  The seaming is really slimming, the ponte is a nice weight yet it is fully lined, the beading on the bodice is subtle but elegant.  Too bad it doesn't come in petite – the 16 is way too big everywhere, and I think the 14 will still not be a good fit as that this dress does run long in the bodice as well as hem.  But if you are taller, this is a smart choice for work or for a nice event.  A LBD that isn't boring.
– This tunic in black.  If I didn't have a postpartum tummy, I would totally keep this.  It is not a tunic on me, it is a dress.  Even when slouching, it still makes for a dress on my body.  It's a nice fabric, the grommets on the shoulders make it look more expensive than it is.  Not opaque, not cheapy, and would be a stunning dress with leggings or tights come fall, if you like your tummy or have a different figure where your tummy problems aren't at the lower part of the abdomen.