La Petite Chic

Reporting Back

Since so many of you liked last Friday's Fabulous Finds from Target, I wanted to report back with the skinny in case you were considering purchasing any of those lovely things.  And also, before I start, I just want to state for the record that going into Target, $40 gift card in hand, with the intention of not purchasing anything in-store is the hardest thing ever.

First up,

The Kaley Tall Cuffed Boot in Gray from Mossimo at $34.99

 

These boots are just as cute in person as they are online.  I should mention a few things, though.  The folds aren't as noticeable nor are they as symmetrical as they make them out to be in the photo.  I would say they're a bit slouchier and "unintentional" if you will.  While the material does a pretty good job of mimicking suede, it's not suede and you can tell when you're up close and personal.  These boots are knee height (on me, anyway) and the cuffs were a bit loose around my skinny calves.  I don't think you ladies blessed with calf muscles would have a problem fitting into them.  I tried them on over jeans and that helped them fit better on my legs.  As for sizing, I went down a ½ size because although my usual 7½ fit just fine, the 7 fit nicely too but with a smaller cuff.

The Kady Boot in Cognac from Mossimo at $34.99

 

These boots are just beautiful and definitely look like you paid more than $35 for them.  If you're wavering between the Cognac color and the Black, I would recommend Cognac because it really looks like real leather, while the black does not.  They fit true to size and aim to please ladies of all calf sizes, thanks to the adjustable buckle.  I actually convinced an older (60-ish) pair of sisters to each buy a pair when they saw me trying them on.  They didn't follow my advice to go online and get the Buy One, Get One 50% Off deal, but they adored them. 

Cuckoo Clock Ring from Anna Sheffield for Target at $29.99

 

I wasn't seriously considering buying this ring because I really needed new boots more than anything, but I stopped by the jewelry counter to check it out.  Unfortunately, my Target didn't have it in stock, but I can say that Anna Sheffield's jewelry line is super cute.  She has a lot of fun pieces and what I imagine would surely be conversation starters. 

The Military Trench Jacket in White from Merona at $39.99

 

I really loved this trench coat.  Not only does it come in the white patterned version, but also the same pattern in black as well as solid light blue and solid purple (they call it blue online, but it's definitely purple).  The only problem with it was the fit.  I'm a petite girl and I was swimming in the XS, not only in length but in actual girth.  I usually have this problem with Merona sizing though.  The coat hung well past my knees and just didn't fit me well.  However, it's really beautiful and I think you taller ladies would look great in it.

The Striped Cowl Sweater Dress in Gray/Black at $24.99

 

I searched and searched but couldn't find this dress anywhere!  Sorry I have nothing to report on this one.

And so, the final verdict?  I went home and bought both pair of boots online and the final cost to me was only $15.50, thanks to the aforementioned deal and free shipping.  I can definitely handle that.   My feet will thank me once it really cools down!

Edited to Add:  Neither boot is tight on my leg (ankle and calf), but I'm okay with that.  If you have skinny legs too and are looking for something tight, these might not be the boots for you, but I would definitely try them on in the store.

Fabulous Find Friday - Target Gift Card Burning a Hole in My Pocket Edition

For my 9/11 experience, please refer back to this post.  Never, ever forget...

I was recently awarded a $40 Target gift card for a "job well done" on a work project and I think I've set a new personal record for how long I've had it.  Unbelievably, it's been three whole weeks and it's still in my wallet!  I will be spending it soon, however, as I need to make a few updates to my fall wardrobe and have found plenty of things to use it on. 

Such as...

The Kaley Tall Cuffed Boot in Gray from Mossimo at $34.99

 

I heart these boots so darn much.  I haven't seen them in person yet, but I really hope they look as pretty as they do online.  The only trouble I have with tall boots is that I have skinny legs.  Hence, it's hard to find a boot that's not too loose around the calves.  My fingers are crossed for these.

The Kady Boot in Cognac from Mossimo at $34.99

 

Have you noticed that I'm on a boot kick?  I love the color of these and think they would look sensational over a pair of skinny jeans.  I also plan on checking these out in person to evaluate the fit and quality.  And you know what's great about both pair of boots?  They qualify for the Buy One, Get One ½ Off deal at Target.com currently.  Not to mention if you spend $50, you get free shipping.  I could get both pairs for just $52.50 with free shipping, making my total cost in reality only $12.50.  Woo-hoo!

Cuckoo Clock Ring from Anna Sheffield for Target at $29.99

 

If I were being completely impractical with my gift card, I would so buy this ring.  Can you imagine me in my dirndl at Oktoberfest with this on my finger?  So whimsical and cute! 

The Military Trench Jacket in White from Merona at $39.99

 

Take a little peek in my coat closet and you'll know that I harbor a deep love for trench coats.  I own one in black & white polka dots, in navy, in pink and in khaki.  But don't you just adore the details on this one?  I can't justify spending my precious gift card on this since I already own four, but won't someone please buy this for themselves?  It's too cute to pass up.

The Striped Cowl Sweater Dress in Gray/Black at $24.99

 

Now that I've spent more time out of college than I actually spent in college, I've been a little more aware of things like hemlines and necklines.  This sweater dress seems a bit short, but I'm hoping it just appears that way because I'm sure the model is at least 5'9".  Surely this 5'3" soon-to-be 28 year old (10 more days!) can pull this off without looking too smutty, right?

P.S.  Those boots on the model?  Also going on my list!

Fabulous Find Friday - Back to School Edition

If I had the patience (and the financial situation to accept such a undeservedly-low salary), I would be a teacher in a heartbeat.  Not for the kids, nor for the summer vacation, but for the school supplies.  I love them.  If you've ever read my About Me page, you may remember that I list the smell of freshly-sharpened pencils as one of my favorite things and that's absolutely the truth.  Mmmm...

August and September always make me wistful for my school days gone by and I kind of can't wait until our kid is at the age where we can carry on the annual back-to-school shopping.  Here are some things on my hypothetical back-to-school list, all from wonderfully unique Etsy!

Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags by greenstreetbags at $18 for three bags

 

I'm such a peanut butter & jelly girl and I try to pack my lunch for work every day.  Not only are these bags beautiful, but they're environmentally friendly too!

Also, while I'm on the subject of reusable bags, how cute are these Halloween party favor bags from the same seller?  You all know how I love Halloween!

 

Keep Calm and Carry On Necklace by storytales at $16

 

Yes, we've all seen the posters and wall hangings of this charming British WWII slogan, but this is the first time I've seen it on a pendant.  I think this would make the perfect teacher's gift or even the ideal reminder for the worrier in your life.

Une, Deux, Trois Organic Cotton Pencil Case by rohmer at $17

 

Pencil cases were always my favorite thing to buy, because, duh, they held my favorite thing: pencils!  I can barely resist this adorable French inspired one.

Crocheted Ladybug Apple Cozy by LilyKnitting at $9.99

 

This is probably the most impractical thing I've ever featured on my blog, but I don't care because it almost killed me with it's cuteness.  Another adorable gift for teacher, but make sure you get one for yourself too!

Fabulous Find Friday - Is It Fall Yet? Edition

I don't know about you all, but I am so over summer.  I don't know if it's the pregnancy or what, but I am SO. TIRED. of the heat and humidity.  I always thought I would want a summer baby for the loveliness that is a fun, outdoor birthday party, but lord, thank you for giving me a due date in March (even though it has always been my least favorite month!).  I'm more than ready for the chill in the air that signals the return of crisp autumn weather and the following fashions have made me even more impatient for September 22nd to just get here already!

The Dexter Charlotte Flat from Payless for $24.99

  It's cute, looks comfy and best of all, affordable!  Plus, it's a great transition shoe to take you from your summer to fall wardrobe.

The Cropped-Sleeve Cable Knit Cardigan from Gap for $69.50

 

I've already told Jonathan that I plan to wear a lot of cardigans throughout my pregnancy because they're something I can wear buttoned vs. unbuttoned, bump vs. no bump.  Cardigans are forgiving and can transcend seasons and body changes.

The Plaid Pintuck Tunic from American Eagle Outfitters for $39.50

 

Over leggings or over your skinny jeans, with boots or flats, the tunic is going to be a versatile piece this fall.  Jon would divorce me if I wore lumberjack plaid, but I'm definitely buying at least one plaid piece this year.

The Ruffle Trim Knit Dress from Forever 21 for $24.80

 

I love wrap dresses and the ruffles on this completely sold me.  I adore my feminine details!

Fabulous Find Friday - Graduation Edition

As of last night, Jonathan is officially done with his MBA!!!  Woo hoo!  So that got me thinking about graduation presents... 

For your husband or boyfriend:

I really don't like dainty watches on men, but then there are some men's watches that are comically enormous.  This Classic Round Timepiece with Silver Dial from Burberry strikes a nice balance between the two and is understated, yet unique to boot.  $395.

For your wife or girlfriend:

Surely your sweetie would appreciate a beautiful new bag to tote her work stuff in.  I love the size of the Medium East/West Satchel from the Florentine Vacchetta collection at Dooney & Bourke.  It comes in six different colors at $345.

For the new undergraduate graduate:

If the new graduate has landed their first real job in a big city like Boston, Chicago, New York City or San Francisco, these Transit Token Cuff Links from Red Envelope would be such a charming and fitting gift.  $124.95 a pair.

For any graduate:

Like many BA graduates, it took me a long time (four months) to find my first job after graduation.  I honestly felt very lost and depressed, but I think the message on this clever ceramic egg from palomanest's etsy shop would have inspired me.  $18 per egg.

 

Fabulous Find Friday - Rainy Day Edition

Here are some things brightening my day, despite the clouds and raindrops...

You guys know how I love a good deal.  These beautiful lilac earrings from the aptly named Etsy shop ThreeDollarEarrings are only, as you might have guessed, $3!  Nothing in her collection costs more than $9 and each piece is lovely and delicate.  I especially love the brass work on this pair.

 

Jon and I already have a similar new bedding set tucked away for when we move and upgrade to a king-sized bed, but I can't resist the bold apple/lime green leaf print in this one from late designer Maija Isola at Crate & Barrel.  I think it would be pretty tough to wake up in a bad mood tucked into that cheery design.  At $119 for a king-sized duvet cover ($129 for the comforter), it's definitely affordable and you could always add your own sheet and pillow accents from Marshall's or Target to save more money.

 

I tend to wear a lot of turquoise because it accentuates my eyes and looks good with my skin tone.  However, I made a self-imposed rule this summer that I wouldn't buy any more turquoise dresses because I already own so many.  I might have to break it if this beauty goes on an even deeper sale at Banana Republic (it's currently at $98, down from $130).  I think it would look fabulous with a bright yellow belt, don't you?

Happy Friday, everyone!

Last year, le petit chic became la petite chic and found a home in my very own URL.  I also scoured the country in pursuit of the perfect yellow sundress.

Fabulous Find Friday - Garage Sale Edition

I'm a true Virgo in every way except when it comes to practicality.  Rather, I find myself to be fanciful and frivolous and, honestly, a wee bit ridiculous when it comes to some things.  My longing for red toe shoes is the perfect example. Do I dance en pointe?  No.  Hell, I barely know the basic positions and my ass certainly isn't that flexible.  Jon is afraid I'll hurt myself so I don't think I'll ever find those under the Christmas tree.

Then there's the ice luge mold, which I can't take full responsibility for because Jon totally encouraged me to buy it.  We may not have our own freezer, but we have an ice luge mold, folks!  And if you come to Jon's graduation party (which I have yet to plan or invite anyone to), it will be making an appearance!

But I'm not here to talk about pretty toe shoes or ways to simultaneously freeze your tongue and get drunk.  I'm here to talk about beach cruisers.  I've longed for one ever since watching that scene in Wedding Crashers where Rachel McAdams' and Owen Wilson's characters go on a bike ride to the beach.  My family used to rent them during our beach vacations to Ocean City, MD and ride them on the boardwalk amidst some of my favorite smells in the world: warm sand and cold ocean, cocoa butter and coconut, Thrasher's fries with vinegar, Candy Kitchen salt water taffy and fudge...I could go on and on.

Beach cruisers are so feminine and charming and darling, much like I aspire to be.  Never mind that they're not practical; I certainly don't have aspirations to be the next Lance Armstrong.  I just want a lovely little bike to take riding on beautiful days.  So Jon and I made a deal many months ago that a beach cruiser would be my "Yay, we have a house!" present.  Jon would get a new grill and I would get a pretty, little beach cruiser.  Good deal, if you ask me.

That is until I found a vintage beach cruiser at a garage sale last Saturday.  For $15.  Fifteen whole dollars.  And it's pink!  We bought it from a cute retired Air Force couple and the lady said she hadn't rode it in years.  From some quick Googling, I figure it's from the seventies or eighties. I took it right in to the bike shop for a tune-up which ended up costing more than the bike itself, but that's okay because it's in perfect condition and I adore it! 

I named her Pinky Flaminky.

She even has sweet fenders!

 

I bought her a shiny chrome bell so that I can tring-a-ling-ding to my heart's content.

 

P.S.  Since so many of you have inquired, I'll be sharing the instructions on how to make your very own magical omelettes in my next post. :)

Fabulous Find Friday - Fantasy Edition

Oh, the things I would buy if only I were rich...

The Frenchie Slicker from J.Crew for $165.00 (in papaya, please):

What can I say?  I love ruffles and bows.  And to be completely narcissistic, I look really great in that color!

The Parker Large Convertible Hippie from Coach for $358 (in pale yellow or white):

I have wanted a yellow handbag for a reaaally long time, and alas, it looks like this spring and summer still won't be my season to have one.  For the record though, I checked this one out in the store and it hangs perfectly on my shoulder.  It's like we were meant to be!

Baltimore Skyline Silver Necklace from tigerlillyshop on Etsy for $80.00:

She has a lot of other gorgeous and unique pieces (the one above was actually made by her sister) that are in my price range, but as per usual, I fell in love with the one I can't afford!  I love the idea of buying local and supporting handmade and I really want to make an effort to do so in 2009. 

The Wilcox dress from Anna Sui at Anthropologie for $568.00:

I've never quite been able to classify my style, but it definitely leans towards girlie and romantic pieces.  I love the ruffles and bow (again with those!) but the plaid and the asymmetrical hemline are unexpected, yet completely chic.  And those colors!  Wouldn't this be the perfect Easter Sunday dress?

Happy Spring all! 

Grace Dix/Fabulous Find Friday

You know what makes me really happy?

Flip flops and sandals.  And the fact that I can wear them this weekend without freezing my toes off.

I especially like these:

 

And these:

   

And these (just $12.99!):

 

And these:

Fabulous Find Friday...and Free Undies!

Well now, it's been a while since I've done one of these, hasn't it?  Since I'm feeling quite inspired by the 60 degree weather, here are some of my favorite items for spring:

The New Tote from Gap, on sale for $19.99.  I recently purchased the white one with blue flowers and it's the perfect tote for work!  Check in-store for it, because my Gap had all colors available.

The Mini Cooler from Vera Bradley, a special promotion at $15 with any Vera Bradley purchase.  I know some people think Vera Bradley bags are for old ladies, but you really can't get much fresher and more fun than this pattern!  It also comes in three other new patterns from Vera.  I just love bringing my lunch to work in this.

The Lightweight Intarsia Sweater from Old Navy at $25.00.  It comes in eight colors with either a bird or dragonfly graphic.  I'll probably wait for this one to go on sale, but I think it's just precious.

And thanks to my hubby's sleuthing (after I lamented to him last night about my lack of undies), he found this awesome coupon from Express, good for a free cotton panty!  Hooray!!  It's good today through Sunday so be sure to use it quickly.