Cheering up a Monday

OOTD Ta-Dah!
Monday, March 5

With the help of my awesome colleague, I'm going to attempt to perform an "ootd ta-dah" every day. Mondays are so tough; who doesn't need something cheerful to look at to get through the day? My challenge with this ensemble this morning was accessorizing. It's a pretty simple outfit, but I felt that almost all the earrings and bracelets I tried were just too busy looking. So I went without. Except for the statement necklace--my latest 'thing'. I never used to put much attention into accessories, but I've accumulated quite a stash of belts, chunky necklaces and scarves over the past two years.

The boiler in out school was out over the weekend; I picked the wrong day to wear a short sleeved sweater! BUT, it's supposed to get up into the 50s tomorrow. Bring it!

Today's outfit: J.Crew Floral Taffeta Capris, J.Crew black patent Biella loafers, black cashmere sweater, J.Crew necklace.

Thanks for reading!

LOVE Saturdays...

Hubby and I got out of the house and went on a mini road trip on Saturday, then out for dinner and a movie. We headed to Hastings and Red Wing to stroll through the antique stores. Always a fun way to spend a lazy day. I'm always tempted to buy vintage hats (they are so beautiful!), but, alas--maybe thankfully--my head is too big!

We went out to The Good Earth restaurant for dinner, my choice. We'd never been there before. What a treat! The menu was surprisingly unique and well-varied, and the prices were very reasonable. I ended up choosing a pomegranate-rubbed braised pork w/quinoa-pomegranate-kale. Mmmm. But, I was actually envious of the woman at the table next to me. She'd ordered the side of veggies, and it was a plate full of cauliflower, brussel sprouts, carrots, red peppers, red beets and other yummy veggies. It came with two side sauces of some kind. Maybe a horseradish and a hummus? Next time! If anyone is looking for a low-cal dine out option, you can't go wrong, or hungry, with that option!

We then went to see Wanderlust. The movie got such mediocre reviews; I have no idea why. Hilarious! Maybe if you go with no/low expectations, the possibility of being pleasantly surprised is far greater. Just a fun movie (although I left the theater wondering when the taboo of actually showing male genitalia was lifted...) Hm.

So here is Sunday with another long week ahead. We're reading The Great Gatsby in my classes right now. I was able to get a few kids excited with the promise that a new Gatsby movie with with Leonardo in it is on the horizon. Don't know if I'll go see it. I went to see the play at the Guthrie theater a few years back and the performance left such a memorable impression on me, I don't know if I want it replaced. That book is one that gets better and better with age (mine, that is). I recommend picking it up again.

Thanks for reading!

Greetings from the Minneapple!

I'm not sure what I imagine this blog becoming, exactly. For the time being, I'm just looking for a place to chronicle my life, quests and musings.

My Quest for Vintage J. Crew
Two years ago I lost 75 pounds, and found myself actually able to--size and money-wise--buy off the rack retail clothes. I have kept the weight off, and what started two years ago as a need to re-build my wardrobe with a classic and timeless staple items quickly grew into an admitted obsession with J. Crew. I love the style of their clothing! As my love for and interest in the company grew, I began to note others' comments about the quality and prints of pieces from years past. Because I love being on a mission, I began to take note of vintage items found on blog posts, ebay, and polyvore that I wanted to get my hands on. I also love a great bargain (allows me to occaionally purchase full retail priced items and not feel too bad), so I spend a lot of time searching on foot at consignment and thrift stores, and online for items on my 'Quest' list.

What have I gotten my hands on recently?

Well, my #1 Fave Find to date is the J. Crew Oxford Jacket in orange.

{love!}

I've read posts on the jca blog about someone searching for this jacket in their size for YEARS! On ebay, this jacket is listed infrequently and sells at off-the-hook BIN prices. I won't say how much I paid for mine (less than ebay--way more than at a thrift/consignment store). I found someone who had it and initially was uninterested in selling it, but I made her an offer she couldn't refuse.

: )

Fave Find #2 is the wool Madeline dress from ?2007-08? in eggplant/purple. I just purchased it from a seller on the jca blog. It should arrive this week.

Fave Find #3 is this beautiful 'Collection Watercolor Floral Skirt'. I can't wait for the spring to wear this lovely print.

Other recent awesome finds include the silk 'impressionist floral' cami from a few seasons ago, the collection creme 'daisy/zoey' eyelet dress, and a pair of yellow patent leather 'Juliet' heels.


My Quest List
Well, for summer/spring, I am hoping to find the 'school of fish' skirt in my size. I missed a few opportunities to buy it on ebay last spring. Maybe someone will be selling theirs this year.

B&M Purchases:

I bit the bullet and purchased 5 full retail price items in the past few weeks. I bought the white boy shirt in Thomas Mason fabric (timeless, and I love the cuffs and lack of front pockets), the Martha crystal necklace, the Sovereign Paisley pencil skirt (love the length, pattern & colors of this) with the colorblock stripe boatneck tee in kiwi/navy, and the raindrop lace top in neon azalea. Might bring the lace top back, as pink is not really my color. Wish that it had come in black.

Enough ramblings for one day.
Thanks for reading!