Outlet Shopping

Here we go again… another Monday.  Booo!  How was your weekend?  I finally made it down to the new outlet mall that is in Pearl (which is about 20 minutes south of me).  So I thought I would give you a little run down.  

To be honest, I am not an outlet shopper.  It just really isn't my thing.  But I was excited to go down there.  One thing that is important to understand about outlets is that there is a difference between an outlet store and a factory store.  A factory store has a completely different line of merchandise that does not come from the original store - like J. Crew Factory and Bananan Republic factory.  Generally the clothes are not as high quality and, in my opinion, not that much cheaper.  An outlet store gets merchandise directly from the original store.  For instance, I know the kate spade outlet gets their merchandise directly from the stores.  

Here are some of the stores that are at the mall:

J. Crew Factory,  Banana Republic Factory, Under Armour, Coach Factory, Gap Factory, Saks Off 5th, Michael Kors, Nine West, Ann Taylor Factory, Loft Outlet.  

As a whole, I wasn't super impressed with the outlets.  I was most excited about going to Under Amour because I have been desperate for some more work out clothes.  And I did find some good stuff and good deals there.  Believe it or not, I didn't love J. Crew Factory.  Almost everything was really basic, and not that much cheaper.  I also went in Banana Factory (I bought one skirt that I couldn't resist, but really wasn't much less than it would have been in the store).  Gap factory wasn't impressive (I did buy a few work out things there)… Basically, I won't be making a trip down there again for a while. 

Blazer: J. Crew (similar); Blouse: J. Crew (similar); Jeans: Gap (similar); Shoes: Nine West (similar); Bag: Kelly Moore

My opinion: if you like outlets and are nearby, then head over there.  It is a pretty mall and it is always fun to explore some place new.  Plus, there aren't any other outlets anywhere else near us.  I am hoping we get a Nordstrom Rack… then I will definitely be going again!

Have a great day.  

Spring Wish List

Is there anything better than spring fashion?  I mean, I enjoy a new season anyway, but the colors and the silhouettes, the dresses, the sandals… you just can't beat spring fashion!

Here are just a few things I am craving for spring…

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What are you craving for spring?  

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend! 

Spring Feelings

Happy Thursday all!  It is almost the weekend!  This past weekend we had really nice, spring like weather.  And then we had snow flurries on Monday, and it has been freezing all week.  I am ready for spring to get here and stay.  

I'm going to be honest, I am not feeling very chatty today.  I've been feeling a little scattered and a little lost recently, so I'm going to let this outfit speak for itself.  

Shirt: J. Crew (similar); Skirt: J. Crew; Booties: Target (similar); Necklace: J. Crew (similar)

Have a great day! 

Linking up for Spotlight of the Week, Three-fer Thursday, What I Wore to Work

Spotlight: Moon and Lola

Welcome to another Spotlight feature!  As a lot of you may know, I am a monogram fanatic, which is one reason why today's spotlight is so amazing…

Moon and Lola designer Kelly Shatat has been designing personalized jewelry for five years.  Moon and Lola pieces are girly, classic and ladylike.  

How did you get started?

I was a pharmacist by day and started making jewelry at night as a hobby-it was my creative outlet. There was such a demand that eventually it only made sense to put in both feet and take a leap of faith and let Moon and Lola be all that it could be.

What is your favorite part of your job?  

How something as simple as jewelry makes people so happy!

What are the biggest challenges? 

There are so many great ideas … the challenge is in deciding which ones to execute.

What inspires you?  And where do you look for inspiration? 

Beyonce ;) But truly I do find inspiration everywhere - in music, in home decor, at estate sales. 

What is your favorite thing in your closet?

A vintage tuxedo shirt paired with any maxi skirt.

What are some of your favorite trends right now?

Two letter monograms, layering personalized jewelry, anything tortoise or crystal acrylic 

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Thanks so much to Kelly for taking the time to talk to me.  Make sure you check out the entire Moon and Lola collection! 

*all images thanks to Moon and Lola

Tuesday Shoesday Week #87

Truth: This will be the third time I post about this.  Truth: I don't care.

The new SJP shoe line is finally out!!  You may or may not know that I am a HUGE Sarah Jessica Parker fan.  I think she is amazing.  And I am totally and completely in love with her line.

Feast your eyes on just part of the amazing collection

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So what do you think?  Do you love it?  I really want the Dianas and the Bobbies… and Lady… And Maud… 

Have a great Tuesday!

Minty Fresh

Another Monday has come… hope you had a great weekend.  My mom and grandmother came to visit, so I had a great weekend.

I'd like to introduce you to my new baby - my new Kelly Wynne bag.  Isn't she pretty?  Let me tell you how I procured this bag.  My friend was having a Facebook garage sale, and she was selling her most beautiful Kelly Wynne bag that had never been used.  It is kind of a long story including a lot of back and forth and whining to the hubs, but he finally told me to shut up and get the bag.  So I did.  And now she's mine, all mine.

Isn't this dress fantastic?  The color, the lace… it is a Judith March.  I'm madly in love.  Expect to see it a lot here.  Since it is still cool, I decided to pair it with my denim jacket.  

Dress: Judith March ℅; Jacket: Gap (similar); Bag: Kelly Wynne

Have a great day!

Linking up for Style Sessions, Random Wednesday

Spring Transition

I realize that some of you are still experiencing really cold weather and snow, but since today is the last day of February, I thought it would be appropriate to talk a little about transitioning to spring.  Warm weather has to be just around the corner, right?  I for one am more than ready to put away my heavy coat and tights for a while!

It may still be cool outside (or cold) but there are definitely ways to put a little spring into your outfits.

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A denim jacket is a great transition piece - throw it on over your favorite spring dress to keep you warm.

A floral print is a great way to transition into spring.  Style a floral dress with dark tights for a great contrast right now, then lose the tights later (see how I did it here with a floral romper).

Peep toe booties are the perfect way to take your feet from winter to spring - they can easily be paired with tights while the temps are cool.  

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!