As I Primp

I've had a lovely birthday so far, complete with a free peppermint white mocha from Starbucks, pedi/mani/eyebrow waxing (c/o Bobby), and lots of love from friends and family. But I'm really getting excited for tonight's dinner festivities and to finally get into that sexy teal dress from Kiyonna!

Since I won't likely get outfit or other fun pictures posted until tomorrow, I thought I'd share a few things I'm hoping to get for my birthday and/or Christmas! (Oh, the joys of being a late December baby...)

Hey Jade Necklace - Modcloth

As we all know, I love a statement necklace. This one reminds me of one Kendi has and wears often, and I know I could get equal wear-time out of it. T'would be a great pop of color for nearly any outfit!

Women's Alleyne Pump - Samanta (via Amazaon) 

Oh perfect red shoes, how you allude me so. When I think about my already ridiculous overflowing collection of footwear, the one basic missing is a pair of beautiful, all-season, all-occasion red pumps, ones that still scream "Jessica!" With their true red color and unique top-stitching and cut, I'm convinced these are they. And they come in my size (11) and then some (up to 14)!

Antique Magnolias Blouse - Anthropologie

I don't know about you, but I'm always stalking the Anthropologie website, constantly putting favorites on my wishlist. Sometimes I get them, more often I don't. This top is one I keep coming back to. Utterly gorgeous, it's everything I love about the feminine, structured, unique pieces that Anthro offers, and I know I could wear it with everything from jeans to a pencil skirt. But, at $188, it's pricey even with my 15% off birthday discount. We'll be making an Anthro store trip (for returns) while traveling, so if they have this top I may just try it on, and I may either fall out love or even deeper into it. And then I'll hope for a gift card. =))

Buxom's Big & Healthy Lip Polish is simply the best lip gloss ever. I don't like wearing lipstick, so these give the right amount of color and shine, and a fantastic tingle that even pumps up the lips a bit. I go through mine like water, whether by use or loss, so I shall always welcome more - a great stocking stuffer! My favorite shade is Sandy - a neutral pinky shade that's perfect dressed up or down.

Save The Earth Eco Fusion Porcelain Mug - Ruche

I'm an avid coffee addict drinker. Could there by any cuter - and eco-friendly - way to drink up? Also hoping to get my hands on the best of the best Kona Fancy from Maui Coffee Roasters. Or at least (more) Starbucks cards. =)

New England Patriots Women's Sweater Mix Jacket - Touch by Alyssa Milano  (NFL Shop)

We're huge Patriots fans. Bob's East coast loyalties meets my (latent) Midwestern football sensibilities and kind of creates a monster - or at least a very pleased boyfriend. I love to wear team gear but want to still look cute while wearing it. Alyssa Milano's line of just such girl-pleasing apparel, Touch, hits the mark every time. I have a jersey, tee and a few tops already; I'm just wanting to round it all out with this fabulous zip-up.

I may be the last person to not yet have the new iPhone - or any iPhone, for that matter. Though I've had T-Mobile for as long as have had a mobile phone, my contract is up and I'm ready to jump ship and on to that bandwagon. Besides, after 7 years, I think it's time Bob and I get on a family plan, no?

That's not too much, right?? ; )

What's on all of your wishlists this season??

You Say It's Your Birthday

Oh, hello there! It's 50 degrees today (a white Christmas is likely impossible at this point), my beloved camera has found its way home to me (via an exact replacement), this is outfit #1 of my birthday celebrations, and I'm so happy to bring you (albeit cloudy) outdoor pictures! Full disclosure, however: between frantic cleaning and cooking (and eating and drinking), I never got around to taking pictures yesterday. But I had no intention of letting either outfit or the rest of the day's events go to blog-waste, so I couldn't resist getting all dolled up in yesterday's ensemble (even the hair!) and took the pictures today. Forgive me, k?

"Trina" tunic - LucieLu / Dark skinnies - Gap

Last night we had wonderful friends over to celebrate my thirty-something birthday (which is actually not until tomorrow) in pseudo Bridget Jones style - we made a few tasty dishes and had folks also bring a few of their own. I even made a signature cocktail - cranberry martinis that were seriously A.MA.ZING. Though I didn't go whole hog with a theme of any sort, cranberries did seem to weave their way through most of it - from my centerpiece, to my signature drink, to some delectable sugared cranberries that I continue to enjoy today.

Our menu: Glazed half of ham (c/o Bob's work) / Stuffed mushrooms / Goat cheese and honey crostini (all local!) /
Sugared cranberries / Cranberry martinis / Chocolate chip banana bread (my specialty)

The tunic is a new favorite find from LucieLu. Aptly named the "Trina Tunic," it definitely reminds me of many of Ms. Turk's designs that I always love but cannot afford. I'd been lusting after it for a while, finally purchased it, and then waited patiently for the right time to wear it. When we decided to host a party for my birthday, I thought this would be perfect for the event - casual, stylish, comfortable, me! I really like its effortless vibe with skinnies, super nude (and crazy comfy) pumps (thank heavens for stylish closed-toes when pedicures just aren't possible) and some fabulous statement accessories, including a brand new ring I just received as a birthday gift!

Necklace and earrings - Anthropologie / Ring - Ruche (gifted) / Nails - "Suzi Says Feng Shui" (O.P.I.)

Handbag - Tano

Nude pumps - Nine West "Hollyce" (via Zappos)

The party itself was pretty fantastic. Great company, tasty food, super addictive drinks, and even a mini dance party to one of my long-time holiday playlist staples, N'Sync's "Merry Christmas Happy Holiday." Oh yes, my friends. Oh, yes. To top that off, if that were possible, I got some lovely loot as well!

Clockwise from left: Falling Snowflakes Dangling Earrings - Ruche / Vogue: The Covers - the most awesomest coffee table book ever / Ostrich-embossed clutch - ASOS (previously revealed) / I'll aways drink Starbucks (Caramel Brulee and Peppermint White Mocha, you're mine!) /A very unique scarf/wrap in cozy winter white

A table wine with probably the best description out there...for my blog =)

Thanks to my dear friends who helped me celebrate, and especially my Bobby for putting up with - nay, overcoming - my crazed bitch mode as we were preparing. Stay tuned for the main event on Tuesday (my actual birthday): a romantic dinner for two at our favorite restaurant in town, with me strutting some seriously fabulous digs from Kiyonna! I'm oh-so-excited!

Obviously, I totally support celebrating one's birthday more than once. ; )

Third Time's a Charm

Glorious, wonderful Friday. Made even more glorious by the fact that, after tomorrow's day of fall convocation ceremonies, I.AM.ON.VACATION! No, we're not going anywhere other than WI to spend the holiday weekend with family, but the idea of two weeks off to celebrate and to enjoy my favorite people, places and things is always thrilling. Now if it would just snow!

Rippled and Ribboned Wrap - Anthropologie (gifted) / Long-sleeved tee - LOFT / Flare denim - Lane Bryant /
Boots - Laundry by Chinese Laundry (via Famous Footwear)

I've tried to document this outfit for the blog three times now. The other times the pictures were just too poor to post or I couldn't fathom taking pictures at all. So it ever so patiently waited to be worn again...

Handbag - Tano

The wonderfully cozy top was a happy surprise gift from Bob last year. With such an interesting texture, flattering cut, and pretty ribboned self-tie, it had easily become one of my favorite pieces in my closet. (Is it just me, or are these kinds of gorgeously unique pieces from Anthro becoming much fewer and far between?) It is somewhat hard to wear, however. I've worn it before with only a tank, once with pants and again with a skirt, but I like it best with jeans. Layered with a burgundy tee and worn with the perfect denim, it makes for one my favorite casual ensembles.

Lots of exciting events - and therefore fabulous outfits - next week! Birthday dinner party with friends a la Bridget Jones on Sunday and then special birthday dinner just Bob and I at our favorite restaurant on Tuesday (my actual birthday). You can count on tons of pictures!

Ring - Banana Republic / Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - Maurices

Congrats to Carolyn Baumgarten for winning the Shabby Apple Necklace Giveaway! Thanks to all who entered!

Printed Lace

We all know that lace is all the rage this season, and I won't pretend that I haven't wanted to jump on that bandwagon, but I haven't really found anything that spoke to me. But a lace print in a mustard yellow? Yep, sign me up for that.

Amber Room Top - Anthropologie / Skinnies - Gap / Taupe wedges - Target / Handbag - Tano / Necklace - gifted

Loosey-goosey dolman sleeves make it a great pairing with skinny jeans (not to mention are very forgiving) and turquoise jewelry really pops against the yellow print. And the fact that I got the top during the unheard-of Anthropologie Thanksgiving/Black Friday sales? Total score.

Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - Anthropologie

Wrapped Up

I'm afraid I don't have much to say about this outfit. I wanted to wear more holiday shades of red or green, but I really don't have that much in my closet! So I slid down from red into pink and threw on this easy, comfy self-tied wrap. My favorite and best-fitting tweed skirt was an easy choice, and I decided to go with these now rarely-worn black boots. My those toes are pointy, though...

Wrap - Velvet (via Filene's Basement) / White cami - Banana Republic / Tweed pencil skirt - Lane Bryant /
Boots - Nine West / Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

Layered chain necklace - Lane Bryant / Ring - TJ Maxx / Earrings - Maurices

Sequins & Sparkles

First of all, I'm really sorry for the picture quality. Not only am I still waiting for a new camera, Bob is also out of town on business, and therefore so is his iPhone (with which we've been taking pictures in the interim). So it's back to my crappy Nikon Coolpix for today - I simply had to participate in today's EBEW "Sequins and Sparkles" challenge!

Cardi - LOFT / Sequin tank - LOFT / Pencil skirt - Lane Bryant /
Tights - Simply Vera (Kohl's) / Sandals - Banana Republic

Thought I don't own too much sparkle, when the challenge was announced I knew this sequined delight would be the top I would wear. It fits so nice and is just the prettiest winter white/cream color that makes it perfect around the holiday season. (I did, in fact, toy with wearing it with my new ASOS lurex stripe skirt for New Year's.) I love the raw edge of the always-flattering scoop neckline, too. In keeping with my near-obsession for all combinations of cream and grey, I went for a grey ponte pencil skirt and grey herringbone tights, a cream cardi in a slightly lighter color (I love the tonal variation of the two together), and {gasp} open toed camel sandals. I don't always love the look of tights + sandals on me, but I really like it here. Ties everything together.

Believe it or not (and I sure didn't), I hadn't yet worn the pencil skirt. I've worn the olive and black versions a few times now, but when I went to pull this one out of the closet, it still had the tags on. Craziness! I just love these skirts though. The wide waistband makes tucking in shirts actually possible and the material is so forgiving that I don't have to worry about much else.

Leather Ostrich Embossed Metal Bar Clutch - ASOS

Like my new clutch? I sure do! Bobby bought it for me as an early birthday present. =) I'd been looking for the perfect caramelly envelope clutch for months, and then I found this one also at ASOS, priced so right and ostrich-embossed! (You're rockin' my world, ASOS!) Of all the textures of leather, ostrich is unquestionably my favorite. Good job, Bobby. =)

Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - Anthropolgoie

Holiday Attire Sneak Peak

Oooooh weee! I'm so excited for all the festivities this month! Between my birthday next week, Christmas, and New Year's (also my anniversary with Bobby), I have so many occasions to get all dolled up. While this can often be more stressful than not (I distinctly remember having a helluva time getting dressed for New Year's last year), I'm ecstatic that I've not only found outfits for all of these events, but I look and feel fabulous in them! So here's a sneak peak.

Thanks to a thrilling new partnership with Kiyonna, I'll be decked out in the Betsey Ruched Dress (in teal) for my birthday next week! I really liked the bluish-grey patent platforms that the model is wearing, so I searched high and low for something similar. I think I found them! A shoe-loving girl can always count on Zappos or Endless, can't she? I snagged these earrings from Anthropologie with my 50% off sweater over the weekend. Ironically, the sweater is going back, but I think the earrings are absolutely beautiful and make a great match for the dress. Now if only I had her hair...

Betsey Ruched Dress - Kiyonna / Clara Chandelier Earrings - Anthropologie /
Grey patent Pumps - Type Z "Clara" (via Zappos)

For New Year's, a little sparkle is always a good thing, if not practically required. I bought this fabulous lurex stripe pencil skirt from ASOS on Black Friday (my first purchase from them, actually) and instantly knew it would be perfect for the holiday. But what to wear on top? I've been keeping my eye out for options as I've been Christmas shopping, and luck would have it that I stumbled upon this gorgeous stretch satin boatneck top from Banana Republic on Sunday. Plain though it may seem from the front, the back is the real show-stopper. I tried the whole ensemble as soon as I had returned home and it.is.PERFECT. I'll be wearing a wide black belt to marry the two pieces, sultry black suede heels, and possibly back-seamed tights to top it all off. Elegant, festive, divine!

Draped low-back top - Banana Republic / Pencil skirt in stripe lurex - ASOS CURVE

Seriously, I can't WAIT to get dressed for these events! And share them with you, of course. =)

And speaking of sparkle, check back later for my EBEW "Sequins & Sparkles" outfit!

Christmas Green

Since I got decked out in Christmas red last week, I couldn't let Christmas green feel left out. This great forest green sweater, complete with lovely button details on the neck and cuffs, has languished in the my closet far too long anyway. For some reason, I only wore it with jeans; I'd never thought to wear it with a pencil skirt! I find this completely shocking... Maybe it's time for me to start a pencil skirt challenge, something like "365 Days of Pencil Skirts." I'd wear nothing but one of my many and pair it with something new every day. No repeats. Hmm...2012 resolution? I mean, I practically wear pencil skirts at least half of the year already...

Sweater - Banana Republic (Fall '09) / Pencil skirt - Simply Be / Grey pumps - Apt. 9 (Kohl's)

But seriously, this is a perfect Christmas green. I have lots of grass or kelly green sweaters and tops in my closet, which I did toy with wearing as well, but the deeper cozy hue of this one hits the spot. Belting it helps keep my proportions in check, and the heathered grey skirt makes an unexpected but happy pairing. The tonal snakeskin skinny belt creates even more wonderful texture, and a deep green ring and filigree earrings bring it all together.

Snakeskin belt - The Limited / Ring - H&M / Earrings - Maurices (?) /
Nail polish - "Designer...de Better!" (O.P.I. Muppets Collection)

Truthfully, I was kind of bored with the outfit before stumbling upon all the accessories. It never fails to surprise me what accessories can do for an outfit.

Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

Shabby Apple Necklace Giveaway

Well, hello, Friday! Shabby Apple, the online boutique featuring lovely vintage clothing and accessories galore, contacted me to do a giveaway with my readers, and I've happily agreed! What perfect timing for the holidays, right? Whether for yourself (I mean, a girl's still gotta look good for all these holiday events) or a gift, Shabby Apple has some great pieces.

This giveaway is for one of two necklaces, the Light as a Feather Necklace or the Unlock the Queen's Castle Necklace. Both are beautifully distinctive and would make any outfit special. I know I'd be happy to have either piece in my ever-expanding necklace collection, but I think I'm partial to Ms. Light as a Feather. Which one do you hope to snag?

     Light as a Feather Necklace                Unlock the Queen's Castle Necklace

I'm using Rafflecopter for this giveaway (what a cool widget!), so check out the entry rules below. Two mandatory entries + three optional additional entries = five whopping chances to win! Good luck!!

Let's Polka

There isn't an H&M near me, so I don't get to shop there very often. The few times I had been able to pop into a store, I never found much of anything than interested me - always a total bust. Well, recently one my of my employees started a lengthy stint of seemingly wearing nothing but H&M, and I coveted loved all of it. Seriously, every outfit she wore, I would ask, "Hey, where did you get that?" and "H&M!" would always be the answer. Solution: must get to H&M ASAP. Happily, there was one near Bob's parent's house when we visited over the holiday...

Black blazer - Lane Bryant / Polka dot top - H&M / Jeans - Lane Bryant /
Shoes - Nine West /Belt - Talbots

This polka dot top might have been the exact same polka dot top she had sported so amazingly one day. I might have found the lone one (in my size!) in the fitting room returns and it might have been on sale. And I might have bought it. Or definitely. Obvi.

I thought I'd venture out of my usual pencil skirt routine and wear it layered under a blazer with jeans. Peachy pops of color (wearing the same new and totally fabulous necklace I wore yesterday) gave it a little something extra. Not that it needed it - I mean, they're polka dots, for goodness sake! I like to think of them as stripes' spunky little sister.

Handbag - Coach (gifted) / Ring - Ruche / Earrings - The Limited / Necklace - Anthropologie