Pep Club

I begin with a few thoughts: 1) veggies drizzled with beurre blanc is a little like devils dancing mischievously in heaven; 2) wine and/or a perfectly brewed/frothed latte makes most, if not all, things better; 3) it's no wonder I can't get my weight under control when my life seems to revolve around the glorification of food and drink; 4) I ate my veggies today!

Peplum is the one trendy trend that I've not always had a lot of confidence wearing, and one I can't say I've fully jumped aboard. I understand the "theory" behind it: create a smaller waistline by way of a slightly exaggerated hip. But it's that whole exaggeration of the hip that I don't wanna always, ya know, exaggerate. Moderation is key! But you know me, I'm such a sucker for this kind of silhouette, so I had to give it fair play. I've indulged in only a few pieces so far: a cute printed top and a faux-peplum dress (but I dunno if side gills really count =7), both from Dorothy Perkins. And then I stumbled upon this delightful little color-blocked incarnation from Ruche - neutral black and tan set against a vibrant blue is totally up my alley - and I caved. Besides, color-blocking + peplum = double trend score!

Top - Ruche / Pencil skirt - Charter Club (Macy's) / Heels - Max Studio (via DSW) /
Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

I will admit the top is a wee bit smaller than I would like, but it didn't come in a bigger size (boo) and I thought I could make it work. And I hate paying for return shipping. And I really liked the top. I really love it with this slim black pencil, and to be honest, it will probably be the only way I'd want to wear it.

In other news, I wait with bated breath for Sephora's VIB discount in order to chip into my growing wish list. I'm especially in the market for a new eye cream. Thinking about Ole Hendrickson, but do ya'll have any faves?

Necklace - The Limited / Ring & earrings - Ruche

Blue Crush

You may recognize this shirt - I have it in white. You should know by now that I will buy items in multiples more often than not. It's a problem. Or it's a solution, depending on how you look at it.

Top - eloquii / Ankle pants - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Bandolino (via Endless.com)

It's such an easy, flattering top - a perfect piece to hide in when the body flaws are acting up. And the vibrant cobalt blue seems to stop people in their tracks and distract them from said flaws as well. Ah, the powers of redirection.

Belt - The Limited / Ring - Ruche / Necklace - Banana Republic / Earrings - Maurices

An animal print belt was the winner when I first wore the top in white, so I thought I'd follow suit and pair another animal print belt with this one. (Yep, I even have multiples of animal print belts.) This top was made to be belted, pure and simple.

Handbag - "City Girl Satchel" via Ruche

Oddly enough, I think my bag might be the real star of this post. I simply had to have it, especially since it would probably be my only mint item from the mint-obsessed trends of spring. (I'm late to that party, I know.) It was basically an accident that made me decide to wear the bag with the outfit, though - as in, running out the door and need to grab one of my zillion bags hanging off the dining chair; the newest one spoke the loudest. But the mint and cobalt play off each other in really unexpected ways - and I totally love it. So then I had to throw in a few other minty touches - ring, manicure - to seal the deal.

But I sure am loving myself in this shade of blue, I have to say...

Triple Threat

A week late, but still on my mind (and my photostream): Fourth of July extravaganza in Chicago. Bob and I had the crazy idea to find a deal on a hotel downtown near Navy Pier, with the intention to walk to the lakefront to enjoy the fireworks. Mostly, however, we wanted to spend the week catching up on a downtown life we wish we had, and especially to make our foodie pilgrimage to Charlie Trotter's before it closes in August. Lots of fabulous food, our favorite works at the Art Institute, incredible exhibits at the Field Museum (Bob), shopping (me), more fabulous food... Did I mention we're foodies? ...And fireworks, right from the view of our hotel room. Thank you, hotel upgrade, for sparing us from having to walk in the 100 degree heat into an overheated crowd of other fireworks-goers, especially when we were too ill (thanks to some possibly bad fish at dinner) to venture out anyway. Best.Surprise.Ever.

Our view from the InterContinental Hotel (historic side)!

And what I actually wore for the holiday really did have red, white and blue. Belts, that is. Still minimal, but pitch perfect holiday wear for the crazy hot weather, walking all over town earlier in the day, and trying to look chic (and maybe a smidge sexy) all at the same time. I felt statuesque. I was the Statue of Liberty! Or something...

Dream Chaser Maxi Dress - Ruche

The dress, from Ruche, is itself the result of a hunt for a black maxi dress. I have no idea why I needed one (apart from wanting more maxis), but I did. I even hesitated on the one-shoulder bit, but I'm glad I went for it because it's easily my favorite part about the dress. The sleeve is actually supposed to sit on top of the shoulder, like a tank, but once I figured out I could wear it off-shoulder, and that it looked a kazillion times better, I was over the moon. It comes with a wide woven stretch belt in cream and brown, which I quite like, but it was the width of it that even gave me the idea to wear multiple belts in the first place. The fact that it had the effect of corset made it even better.

Ring - Ruche / Blue belt - Kohl's / Red belt - Lane Bryant / White belt & earrings - LOFT

The trip really tested my skills at dressing for hot weather and lots of walking, though. Such a thing usually stresses me out because 1) nothing but heels seems to be in my shoe vocabulary and 2) I've always felt too uncomfortable baring so much skin, preferring to cover up/layer and, well, hide... And then feeling more uncomfortable cuz I'm sweating buckets in all those clothes and my feet are killing me. But, in part because of curvy self-love realness (thanks in no small part to the plus-sized blogosphere), a whole slew of comfy AND flattering (who knew?!?) summer dresses, and some seriously cute sandals, I'm finally getting over all those usual summertime dressing obstacles. I'd say that's a win.

Clutch - The Limited / Sandals - Nine West

This is the only outfit I documented on the trip, but I can assure you it was the no-contest winner. =)

Summer White

I got a lot of "You look so summery!" with this outfit at work. Seeing as it was a 90° day, i.e. summer weather fo sho, I figured it was time to break out the white pencil skirt, bright colors, and some barer arms than usual.

Color Fusion Curvy Plus Top - Ruche / Pencil skirt - Macy's (Charter Club)

The top is another random find from Ruche, with a waist tie similar to the last equally fantastic top I found there. This tie sits a little higher on the waist, however, so it didn't play as nicely with the skirt. Rather than keeping it in its own loops, I removed the tie completely and used it as a little "belt" on the skirt itself. I like the extra shot of bright blue it gives the skirt as it helps keep proportions in check. I have plans to wear the top untucked with white pedal pushers - which I think will be my go-to "short" length this summer - for casual wear.

Handbag - Gustto / Shoes - Payless

I just don't love my shoes, which are decidedly un-summery. I mean, (faux-)suede and closed toe? Yikes. I was at a loss for the right sandal or peep toe in my closet, believe it or not, so these came out as the best option. Naturally, this spurred an immediate hunt for a great blue sandal. Whaddya think: dressy fabulousness or casual fun?

Ring - Ruche / Earrings - LOFT

But friends, I am now on vacation! I have all of next week off, and today is an extra bonus. It's so delightful to wake up to nothing to do and nowhere to go! After a rather hellish end-of-season, I'm so glad to be on the other side of it all with a quiet, relaxing summer. The best part of this summer has got to be that I'm not moving (Glory Be!), and we live a mere 4 blocks from all our favorite downtown bars with outdoor seating. Bring on the summer cocktails, my dears! Starting last night, of course...

Say What?

I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to have a post for you today because, to our horror, we were visited by a garter snake IN OUR APARTMENT last night. There it was, slithering across the carpet while Bob and I watched TV. (The image is now forever burned into my mind.) Ever resourceful (but after too long a pause as we were momentarily paralyzed by shock and fear), Bob grabbed the nearest empty shoe box and went on the hunt. Apparently my uncontrollable shrieks at any power cord or belt in the apartment was not helping the search, though, so he made me leave the apartment while tried to catch it. (I mean, how would YOU respond??) After thirty minutes of trying to cajole it out of a corner ("Snakes are sneaky," said Bob), he did successfully capture the snake and released it outside somewhere down the block. We hope it's just an isolated occurrence, but you better believe we've got our landlord on the task of making sure this never happens again. I'm pretty sure the only reason I was able to write this post last night was because I couldn't fall asleep anyway...

Majestic Glow Curvy Plus Top - Ruche / Pencil skirt - eloquii /
Sandals - Nine West (via Endless)

How on earth does one segue from that into talking about clothes?

Thankfully, these are pretty clothes. I just love this top. My daily stalking of Ruche's new arrivals paid off with this one. I adore the colorful painterly floral print, with square neckline and dainty little waist tie. Seriously, a no brainer - perfect for summer. I love it with a pencil skirt, naturally - and I've even kept the tie for a pretty blue accent at the waist - but I'll also happily pair this with white crops or denim skinnies, too.

Clutch - eloquii

I can't get over how perfectly this necklace matches the top, either. Or my new green sandals (which have clearly given my coral ones a much-needed break). How often does that happen with such vibrant colors?? Usually one might have to settle for neutrals, but not this time! Nope, no settling here.

Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Ruche / Necklace - Anthropologie

(And not even the heebie-jeebies have settled down yet...)

May Day

You can expect to see a lot of this pencil skirt throughout the spring and summer. I can't wait to wear all manner of tops with it, from dressy to casual. Such a nice fit, such a perfect length, such an ideal color. Pencil skirt win. In fact, I got her sisters in white and camel, so you can be sure you'll be seeing those soon as well. I might hold off on the white for a bit though...

Embellished tee - Ruche / Coral pencil skirt - Macy's /
Sandals - Nine West "Bigspender" (via Endless)/ Clutch - eloquii

I especially liked the idea of wearing a pretty embellished cream tee with the skirt. Very simple, but very feminine. I'm always on the look out for these types of embellished tops. They used to be a staple at Anthropologie, but I haven't come across any I've liked in a while. Thanks to Ruche for stocking this one! The floral applique detail carries over to the back, too - a nice touch. And it's so, so soft. I might live in it all summer.

I liked the idea of simple nude peep-toe with the outfit, but who can deny a little extra color? Yep, these sweet minty sandals are simply the green version of my coral lovelies. You might see a few other colors crop up sooner than later as well. They're the perfect summer sandal in so many ways, so I just couldn't resist getting another color. Besides, I'd been seaching for a great green sandal for, like, ever. When it's right, it's right.

Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Ruche / Nails - Re-fresh Mint (China Glaze)

All That Lingers

Santa was pretty darn good to me this year. Among other things, an iPhone, gorgeous boots, a fabulous necklace and a cute little reminder of an inside joke between Bobby and me. But now my shopaholic ways continue in earnest...

Things that I just couldn't help pulling the plug on:

Work Of Art Curvy Plus Top
shopruche.com

Evella Multi-Strand Necklace
shopruche.com

Geneve Brass Earrings
shopruche.com

Drinks & Dots sleep set
lanebryant.com

Marcel Dress
lucielu.com

Sativa Dress
lucielu.com

Think. Write. Create. Daily Planner
shopruche.com

Tartan Boucle Blazer
anthropologie.com

A cute, casual faux wrap dress is marvelous thing, and in two irresistible prints? Mine! And who can resist pajamas, really. That particular yoke-style top looks good on busty gals like me when going bra-less for bedtime. Jewelry from Ruche? Some of my favorite things to stalk. I got a number of rings that were on my wishlist for my birthday and Christmas, but those two pieces just spoke to me. (I'm really just trying to replicate this outfit, piece by piece.) I always like seeing what "curvy plus sized" pieces they add, too; this dotty tunic strikes me as having lots of potential. (Skinnies? black leggings?) I couldn't resist that cute little planner/journal/scrapbook, either. It had been out of stock for a long time, so I snagged it as quickly as possible. I shall use it for blogging, methinks. And that plaid blazer from Anthro? Scored with 50% off sale for a mere $35!! My first wearing will most certainly look something like this.

Now, things that I'm obsessively stalking contemplating (to the point of madness):

Spot drape side dress
dorothyperkins.com

Antique Magnolias Blouse
anthropologie.com

Taupe graduated spot top
dorothyperkins.com

Green dandelion print snood
dorothyperkins.com

Paprika heart print snood
dorothyperkins.com

Animal sateen pencil skirt
dorothyperkins.com

Ginger/black polka dot snood
dorothyperkins.com

Samanta Women's Alleyne Pump
amazon.com

I really don't think any of this needs explanation... Dots? Animal print pencil skirt? Infinity scarves? Red pumps? Heaven, help me. You are welcome to either enable me or talk me out of it. My bank account (and the boyfriend) would probably thank you for the latter.