No Shopping Ban for Lent? Seriously??

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I had said before that I was going to do what I did last year for Lent, which was to give up unnecessary shopping. And then hubby said "I thought we'd been doing that since January." Bah dum bum. Oh yeah, right. So I thought about about it and realized that yes, I had been really good about it. My purchases have been well thought out, practical - many replacing current clothing that was due to go. Yes, I ordered 3 dresses with the latest 20% off but (1) 2 of them are online only and I haven't seen the 3rd in store, and (2) I am most likely returning some/all of them. The nice thing is that I reordered the Tall Minnies, the Long Beach Cardi, and the Pearl Jackie to get the 20% off - and that more than offsets the shipping, so even if I return all the dresses, I'm still way ahead. Nice to have a B&M so close by, but I won't rub it in.

So that left me with what to do for Lent. First of all, Lent is a special time of self-examination and penitence. Lent is a time for concentration on fundamental values and priorities, and is not a time for self punishment. (Thank you, Father Ken, since I just borrowed your excellent wording from your Invitation to a Holy Lent.) I've had some vague ideas swirling around.

Recently I heard on the radio, because I'm not a regular Oprah watcher, about her plea for the no-phone-zone when driving. No calling, texting, etc. DISTRACTED DRIVING = BAD. No other way to say it. But it's more than just the cell phone. How many times have your been out driving and seen other drivers eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, reading, shaving, writing, looking anywhere but straight ahead. I guess this is really driven home right now because of the huge snow mounds we have everywhere in the DC area which make driving even more hazardous than usual.

What intrigued me most was my initial reaction to the radio ad when I thought "No way can I do that." That, dear friends, is what gave me pause - to have such an immediate reaction. Red flag much? Um, yeah, clearly this is an area to explore. If you want to sign Oprah's online pledge, here's the link to it. I think I'm more beholden by putting out here on my blog, but I will go ahead and sign online.

This morning, dropping the kids off at a friends', since I had an early meeting, I had to remind myself to call Nancy to ask her to open the garage before we left our garage, wait to drink my tea until I was parked at school, take a phone call while I was parked at the grocery store, not put on lipstick or check messages until I was stopped at a light. We are so accustomed to multi-tasking while driving - we don't even think about it anymore. All of this yields more focus on driving, more quiet, more time for reflection. All of which are good things. But it takes work.

And it's more than just driving. On Monday, I cleared out my work email inbox and my personal email inboxes (I have one for regular and one for the blog). What a sense of relief and accomplishment. I idly thought "that's what I should be doing for Lent, cleaning out my email on a daily basis so that it doesn't get cluttered and distracting." Distraction = less focus. Clutter, whether physical or electronic or mental = distraction. Isn't all the multi-tasking while driving really another form of clutter? Cluttering up our time?

And think about how good it feels to clean out the closet, the utility drawer, the pantry, the linen closet, under the sink, etc. It's cathartic. It's good for the soul. All the clutter just weighs us down in so many ways. And when you think about it, this really does align with a shopping diet or shopping ban. You're not bringing in more cr@p you don't really need

So here's my final decision. My Lenten practice will be No Distracted Driving - under the overall theme of Disengage the Distractions and Clear the Clutter.

And I've decided and declared just in time to head off to church for the 12 noon service.

Other ideas for Lent...or just living better and gaining a new perspective, outside of the usual giving up meat, sugar, etc.:

My mom gave up saying anything bad about someone for Lent last year. She felt better about herself by giving up the negativity and tried to continue it when Lent was over. I think it's a great idea. And she's really not a negative person anyway, but we all are guilty.

Another idea is a Lenten Carbon Fast. I found this fascinating - it was put out by the Archdiocese of Washington. A daily calendar for Lent of something different to do each day to improve our/your environment. Lots of great suggestions on daily living anyway. (No, I'm not Catholic, but that is irrelevant. If it's a good idea, it's a good idea.)

And here's the most intriguing new idea I've heard, which one of our Seminarians related to me. The idea is living simply and in solidarity with people who have suffered losses are living with very little (i.e., Haiti) - pack 1 bag. It can be any bag, it can even be a big bag. But pack 1 bag and live out of that for 40 days. We are so used to all of our "stuff". Would you be able to live out of just 1 bag for that time? Clothes, toiletries, accessories.... I guess I'd have to pack my laptop and phone? Lots to think on here.

So do you observe Lent? What are you doing this year? Thoughts on the above?

Final Look at Lenten Shopping Ban, and a Look at the J Crew Short Sleeve Broadcloth Stretch Shirt

Well, as I said before, I just didn't do as well as I'd hoped to on my Lenten shopping ban. I was so good for so long. I think I could easily do a month again, but after that, it gets hard. I started down the slippery slope with the DC JCA outing. It was fab, but I did make a few decisions there that, at the time, in my gut, I knew were the wrong ones. I also should have actually made more of a list of what I was looking for, because that got me when I did returns/exchanges.

I went to JC last Friday - on Good Friday, no less - as I told you all. I did get the Cotton Cashmere Bouquet Cardigan (#12728, orig $78, curr $59.50 online, in store $49.99 + Mickey's 25% card) - which I am definitely keeping. Look for it here probably tomorrow. I got putty and I do love it. I have been loving my Library Shawl Cardi, and this is similar (knit & color), just more dressed up. (Back to Friday's Putty Question - what other colors do you like with putty, besides my usual white & navy?)

I returned the too-large Jackie cardi in misty lavender and they were out of M at the store. (See A Bigger Closet's post today - she is wearing this cardi with the shell and looks gorgeous!) And that sent me on a lavender hunt because I wanted that color. So then I ended up with the Short Sleeve Broadcloth Stretch shirt (#13326, $59.50), in sweet lavender, in a size 8, which is a size smaller than I usually take in shirts/jackets because of my broad shoulders. From the front it was ok. Then I went to take pics at home, and as you can see from the back, it's just not working. Those wrinkles are from me walking across the room from the camera after I hit the timer. Dina got it in the blue stripe at our DC JCA outing and is planning to wear as a little jacket. It looked fantastic on her I would like to wear it open or closed. And it's almost $60. Ok...$45 with the Mickey card. But considering how much I *HATE* to iron and given my usual style, I'm thinking this should really go back - and not just to exchange for a size 10.

In the end, I was able to order via red phone, with my 25% off, thank you very much since it was not in store, the Jackie cardi in M, so that should be on its way here shortly. I was just semi-flustered as I had the kiddies with me Friday, and I don't think I was making the best choice for me. What do you think about the lavender shirt? Especially since I was able to order the Jackie in my correct size and it shipped...

Of course, I wasn't done after the J Crew outing with the kids. As I posted about also on Friday, I had to go to Target to do Easter baskets and got sandals and a necklace, for a total of about $45 more, which is a bargain, but still...

And Sunday, I ordered from J Crew again. History - When I first started checking out the JCA blogs, I found Gigi's fabulous blog. And was so sad because she was on semi-hiatus when I found her. Thankfully for all of us, she came back after the holidays (collective cheer!!). Gigi is an encyclopedia of IRL pics of, well, everything. (and hilarious to boot!!) One of the sweaters that I always loved and coveted that she had tried on was the J Crew Chunky Star Cable Popover Sweater. As you are probably guessing, it popped up in the Sale section this weekend. I first saw it Saturday and tried to forget. Kept thinking about it. Checked size - L. Referred to Gigi's blog. She sized up, check. Told myself, as I was mulling it over in church on Easter, that if it was still around late in the afternoon, I would do it, and it would be a sign. (I'm very big on signs as you can probably tell - I've seen Sleepless in Seattle *way* too many times.) And did I mention it was $49.99, down from originally $128? Yep, I ordered it. Expect to see it here when it arrives. And if the order mysteriously cancels, and JC orders are wont to do? Yep, again, a sign, and I won't look for it again. (Update - as I was typing this, I got the email that it shipped. yes, a sign. and yes, I know I need to own my actions more - see note at bottom about extending my ban)

All of which brings me to....I am going to extend my shopping ban a little longer. I think I need to continue the re-focus a bit as I have clearly gotten off-track. Plus given the vet visit this week with Lucy, I'll be dropping enough money there. I do think this isn't a short trip. It's a journey towards a better understanding of self and habits.

Maybe I was a little nutty because the kids have been home for a week, but they do go back to school tomorrow. My eating habits haven't been so stellar this week either. Not too bad, but not where they should be. So I will continue to work towards my goal of a better and more balanced me. Thanks for joining me on the journey.

Don't forget, input requested on (1) colors to wear with the putty sweater and (2) thoughts on the shirt. Thanks!!

Today - I'm back but boring, boring, boring.

I am going to post some River trip pics and was going to add this at the bottom, but once I started writing, I realized I had (as usual) more to say and the other post will be long enough.

So here goes...This is what I wore today. It's so embarrassingly identical to last Friday, I didn't even bother with a picture.

Wearing Today-04/10/09 by HeidiGblog featuring J Crew cardigans

Sure, I swapped a navy tank for tee and Target pearls for Silpada pearls. Oooooh, green bag instead of white. I know, I know. I was cracking up today when I read Posey Ford's blog, where she had 2 totally fab outfits and one of the commenters referred to other bloggers being "in a rut". Clearly that was me today, and often. I guess I like what I like. But honestly, today I was being lazy. And, seriously, it was this or a sweatshirt because I am still kinda wiped from yesterday, so I guess I chose the better option. Should have opted for different jewelry or different shoes. I did put on the magenta Pumas for the afternoon walk. They worked quite well.

But truthfully, even though it can seem boring, and doesn't photograph as well as a lot of color, I really do love my neutrals - navy, gray, tan. And I get as many compliments (if not occasionally more) when I wear them, compared to bright colors. I think the key is making sure I don't wear just them 100% of the time, add pops of color more often (thinking I need some more colorful shoes), and try some better underlayers. I wear camis, tanks, and tees so often, I need to add some more colorful options. So question... what colors do you like with putty? Other than tea rose. I love tea rose, and I like how it looks on me, but I have had many years' experience of liking that color, buying it, and then never actually wearing it. So I just don't start out by buying it. I was looking at the boyfriend vneck tee in tropical aqua today at JC but I'm not sure that is my color (and the kids were with me, so it was a bit of an ADD-type trip). So wish there was a better blue - like Pacific Blue. Or a yellow. Or a (rich) orange. Maybe I should look at the boyfriend crewneck.

Climbing a wee bit out of my rut... I did get the cotton cashmere bouquet cardi in putty today, so I have another tan cardi. And I got the short sleeve broadcloth shirt in lavender sweet lavender. Both of which go completely against the Lenten shopping ban, and it's eeeeek, Good Friday, so possibly the worst day to break Lent. I think I may need to extend the ban. Since the JCA outing, it's been too easy to imagine breaking it, so I need to refocus.

I am going to salvage this post the only way I know how... here's a pic of Lucy from the River. I love this because you can see my legs and feet beneath her (yes, I wore the boots the *entire* time). Her favorite place to sit is on my lap. 99% of the time, if I sit down in the vicinity and she's not asleep, she comes over to climb in my lap. So I got the closeup because she was sitting right there on my lap.

Thoughts, suggestions, scoldings?

Today's Outfit and Mall Outing

First...a little dose of spring for you. Haven't had a chance to pick up pansies to put in pots, but I did grab a hanging basket of violas for next to the garage (we have a detached garage out back). I always love a bit of color here. So nice to see the sweet yellow flowers, especially on a yucky, gray, rainy, chilly day like today. Memo to spring: where did you go?

My mom came up last night to visit and meet Lucy and we went to the mall to run around and have some lunch. I did return the 2 ON striped sweater jackets (and the medium tall is on its way to me, thank you, FFM!). And I didn't buy one more thing. I really and truly wasn't tempted. I checked out the new Chanel Spring polishes, but naw, not that great. I browsed by the shoes at Nordstrom on our way to the Nord Cafe but mostly out of idle and not targeted curiosity. And I wasn't even interested in J Crew because (squeeee) can't wait for our DC JCA outing on Sunday. The desire just wasn't there. I think this is a big step for me.

But it's chilly, gray, rainy, icky - yes, I know I already said that. So what to do...cashmere, please. Pull out the J Crew cashmere long sleeve tee, add trusty Chicos jeans and these cute Clarks Artisan red patent peeptoes (insanely comfy). When we went out, I put on my yellow AT Loft short trench from last spring (need to add that pic sometime), which always totally bumps up the color of an outfit. So yellow coat and red shoes - much more colorful than this pic here. I'm working on the color thing....

Then I need a great necklace. I had to do a close up pic of this one. I love the mix of metals. It's so sparkly. Isn't it fab? Well, of course it is because fab friend Sherry picked it up for me at the jewelry show in NOLA when she was there for Mardi Gras (so pre shopping ban, thank you). I will say that I did think about it before I emailed back a "yes, get it" after she sent the pic. It wasn't immediate.

And here's your Lucy pic for the day. Well, 2 pics actually, because I couldn't choose. I love the one of her looking down because it's so puppy-ish, but the look-at-the-camera pic really shows here eyes - she just look so old there! And the detail in the outside pics is so much better. Funny Lucy story for you all...when my mom got here late last night, we were hanging out in the family room. She was playing with Lucy and said "Where does her brown nose come from, the poodle or the Lab?" Hubby and I both looked at each other and in unison said "The dirt." Well, it made me laugh. I'm still giggling thinking about it...

Shopping Ban Update and True Confessions (I'm Smitten, finally)

How was the Lenten shopping ban been going? Really, really well. I have to thank this amazing online community. It has been so wonderful to have this level of support, while knowing that I would make myself accountable. It has been 3 1/2 weeks. And it has truly been illuminating. I think for me, shopping was equating to gluttony at times.

So this Lenten ban has extended that to a look at gluttony and its place in my life. I can tell you that I have actually lost 8 pounds over the last few weeks because I have finally put my relationship with food in its proper place. I inherited half of a kick-ass metabolism so my weight usual habits. I am one of those people who are much less in shape than they appear to be and I am trying to change that.

I have started exercising regularly. More free time when you aren't shopping or plotting how you are going to shop. And I feel so much better about myself. Not much exercise this week with the new puppy, except for PT, but considering the mostly self-inflicted lack of sleep at the beginning of the week, I am proud that I lost 2 pounds this week, got my puppy walking, and didn't descend into a vortex of bad eating.

Have I been perfect? Heck no! So here are my confessions, but I thing my indiscretions have been small and offset by additional clothes-related in-flow.

First of all, I finally caved and purchased Rescue Beauty Lounge's Smitten. By the way, their packaging is fantastic. I have been wanting the perfect pink. Medium pink, not to coral/orange, not too brown, with just a touch of lavender (since that works on my weird yellow-y skin tone), and this is it. Per RBL's description:

Angora, princess phones, Molly Ringwald movies. This is the light lilac pink that would have won Andrew McCarthy's heart.

Ok, I was always more a Judd Nelson girl, but whatever. Coming of age with the Brat Pack, how can I resist? So that was more than I usually spend, unless I buying Chanel, but it is worth it. (about $25, including S&H) But don't you love it? It screams spring to me, and I can't wait to wear it in the summer, too.

Old Navy purchases on F&F sale - 30% off, plus tax and S&H allocated to each item.

• The Old Navy Sweater Coat (#632592, orig. $39.50, curr $23.99 online), Gigi and Sparrow& Sparkle both did great reviews, check them out if you haven't already. I have wanted this since before my shopping ban and looked for it on my Mardi Gras shopping outing, but my ON did not have it. I ordered both the M and L just to be sure of fit (same shipping anyway, did you hear that J Crew?). Will return at least 1 of them. Allocated out, $20.18 each.


• 3 camis. I live in ON's shelf bra camis (because they are long enough in regular - you can see in the online pic next to the "basic camis" - shelf bra ones are longer). These are one of my year-round staples, along with their tanks. I need a fresh stock of white ones every 3-6 months. In the summer, they usually replace bras (ok, so there are some advantages to a lack of curves). I ordered 2 in white, and 1 in pink pony (as opposed to a pink goat, I suppose). I always need white and I don't have a pink right now. Allocated out, $7.57 for each. These I can actually excuse as necessities.

To balance this out, I got a $35 check from the consignment shop for stuff from last summer. I have $20 of returns at Nordstrom Rack (some ill-advised tights). Let's do the math (I was a math major, you know)

($20 for the sweater) + ($25 for the polish) < ($55 in clothing income)

Ok, I'm good. Plus I did purchase on a Sunday. So well within my rules.

So what did I resist? And where did I almost fail?

1. Latest J Crew 20% off, especially when I realized the navy chiffon ruffle cardi was there in my size, waiting. Still have designs on this one at some future point in time, possibly.


2. Bobbi Brown 20% sale this week. Oh, I was close, so close. I had a cart and everything filled Thursday night. Then I remembered that I had just come back from puppy class ($160), had a vet visit the previous day ($200-ish, thanks to all the shots), spent about $150 at the store on dog stuff. So a lot in 1 week. That made me stop. I don't need that much right now. What I have can get me through - at least until they release their new blush sticks, at which point I will take a look. But cautiously.
   
3. But what really, really, really almost did me in - Chanel's email announcing their Deja Vu collection - "you loved it then, now love it again". Discontinued favorites can be found again. I thought, oh that's nice, no way they actually have their Rouge Noir Le Vernis Nail Colour. (For you polish neophytes, this is actually the original shade of Chanel's Vamp - as in Pulp Fiction, Uma Thurman, total fabulosity. The Vamp sold today is a different shade. And I am a huge fan of dark polish, ever since a tragic accident with my big toe and E's plastic high heel dress up shoes 4 1/2 years ago. And I love how it offsets my usual classic, preppy clothes with a teeny bit of edge.) Oh yes, they did. For $23, plus S&H of course, Rouge Noir could be all mine. And I was like, arghhhh, I just bought a new polish, and it wasn't cheap. So here I sit coveting the Rouge Noir polish. Knowing I shouldn't buy it. But it's still there, tempting me. This actually could be my undoing.

Right now the only thing keeping me honest is the DC JCA gathering next Sunday, 3/29. I said in the beginning, if I'm really good, then I can shop. If not, no way. So I am trying, trying so hard. But that Rouge Noir and its luscious vampiness is calling me. (this is my call for reinforcement, ladies) Fortunately, that puppy is keeping me pretty busy. Plus I still have 2 tops from Pre-Lent shopping that I haven't worn - yes, both are summer tops, 1 sleeveless, 1 tunic, but still...

Ok, staying strong, staying strong. See you all at DC JCA nest Sunday!

Loving my Lili - the J Crew Merino Lili Ruffle-Chiffon Cardigan

Ahh... the J Crew Merino Lili Ruffle-Chiffon Cardigan (#10000, orig $110, curr $39.99 - only desert brown in M left online). Everyone's favorite George Washington-inspired top. Well, I may live in Maryland, but I'm a native Virginian and we love our GW!

So looking back at that originally price tag, yeah, guess what... I certainly didn't get it at full price. I ordered it online during the last 20% off promotion - so you know, the 20% off basically covered the shipping - right before my shopping ban. Very happy I did. I got the sweater in cerise. What a fun, bright punch of color to all my neutrals, especially for spring! I love this orange-y red. True red is not my best color, but this one works. Such a great color for a gray spring day like this one.

I know this sweater has its detractors. It doesn't always work well closed, since it has a hook & eye closure, not buttons. Hey, even the J Crew website uses this pic at left for the front closeup to minimize the gap issue. (Nice ruffle camouflage, thanks.)

So anyway, decided to finally wear it today - and wear open - with a gray tissue boyfriend vneck tee (these are quickly becoming a new favorite), white jeans, a little silver to touch it up, and my Target gray patent flats. BTW, I love these shoes but they really really really need to be replaced, so if you see gray patent flats somewhere, please let me know. Thank you.

Back to the outfit - I love the cardi with the gray tee & jeans - it totally changes the look. Reminds me of one of the J Crew catalogs earlier this year that referred to the cardigan as the "important third piece." Well, I think it steps up the look. And I have to say, I love the way the chiffon ruffles flutter a little as I run upstairs to fetch yet another load of laundry.

Two thumbs up from me. And thanks, Slastena, for the inspiration - you rock!

Closet Update and Outfit of the Day

Well, I started the closet project this weekend, dipping my toe in the water. I got through "skirts". Yes, that's the smallest category. I have to get through the closet this week since I have an appointment at the consignment shop this Friday. See my start here of 4 bags - consign now, consign summer, consign fall/winter, and donate. I am well on my way. I would have liked to have continued today but I had to go into the office for a few hours in the middle of the day. So there goes the free time while the kids are at school.

But in a flash of inspiration or insanity (take your pick), I pulled ALL of the pants out of the closet, still on hangers, and dumped them on my bed. So I pretty much have to go through them now. Oh, the tricks we are forced to play on ourselves...

Anyway, as I was going through the closet, I realized it had been a while since I wore on of my most favorite J Crew finds from Fall 08 - the pintuck jersey scoop neck tee in Cool Charcoal. I love this color. And I love that it has some wool in it so that I'm not freezing in just a thin knit. (I'm always, always cold.) So that's what I pulled out to wear today. Plus the trusty Chicos jeans, a sparkly necklace, and Clarks Clearlake flats (so comfy).

On another note, I think I have found my guide for this whole Lenten shopping ban/closet clean out experience on Rachel's blog, My Fashion Chronicle. Here's the post for the full description, but she summarizes the goals of her shopping ban as:

1. Reinvent my wardrobe.
2. Make my clothes work for me.
3. Pare down number of items.
4. Discover actual needs.

I think it's brilliant. Very wise, indeed, and words to live by.

What is your mantra right now, shopping-wise?

The Productivity of Procrastination...

You know how you know you really really REALLY need to do something but you just can't quite wrap your head around getting it done? That's how I feel I about my closet right now. It' s my major project to get done over the course of the Lenten shopping ban. But I just can't quite get there. (Kudos to Joyce for the fantastic job on her closet - see aptly titled post on The Deed Is Done. Can I borrow the "tell it like it is" 14-year-old?)

And it's way too pretty outside today to start. Temps in the 70's. No way am I tackling that job today.

So, what else have I been doing? Organizing the junk drawer in the kitchen, duh. Adding little bins to contain things. Tossing about 75% of what was crammed in there. And now we have....Tada!!! So so so so so pretty!

Ok, I swear I really am going to get to the closet. I have another appointment at the consignment shop to drop off this Friday, so I definitely have to do part of it by then. Maybe a weekday project while the kids are at school? Arrange my work schedule so I have a lighter day? Yep, that's the plan. Wish me luck!!

Shopping Ban Update and Success at Target

It's Thursday, so what am I up to...Day 9 of no shopping? I started by shopping my closet and pulled out one of my favorite combos from last spring. The navy striped shirt is from AT Loft (spring 07) and the cardi/jacket is from BR (last winter). This outfit always reminds me of spring.

Today was a definite test as I went to Target with my list in hand. And I only bought what was on the list - lotion (all gone, not just trying out something new), body wash (again - all gone, not just wasting current and trying something new), fruit snacks for M, tin of Altoids, Clorox Greenworks spray.

To be honest, I also got a pair of slipper socks but I had to toss my stinky slippers, so I figured an extra pair of slipper socks would get me through until next fall when I will get a decent pair. And since I hardly ever wear socks, other than with sneakers or boots, I figured this would be acceptable, as I don't currently have a huge stash of socks. They were only $3.99 after all.

So far the Lenten shopping ban has been going pretty well. But then I start to see the new J Crew catalog, the new merchandise online, the blogs with pretty pictures... Cotton cricket cardigan - you are calling my name. And even though my "Keeping a Holy Lent" info from church says that "Sundays are celebrations of Jesus' resurrection and are always an appropriate day to lessen the restrictions of Lent", I'm not quite there yet. I still need more time for reflection and consideration. I haven't broken the cycle yet. Plus I still need to clean out that closet - the shirts, the sweaters, the pants, the shoes...

Speaking of shoes... we still have snow on the ground. I wanted to wear the shoes on the left. But I thought closed toes was more acceptable, so I wore the shoes on the right. But we're supposed to get to the 70's this weekend - yay Spring!

Just a little fun accessorizing at Target

I know the famed Target pearl cluster necklace set off a frenzy of JCA Target activity. I was never lucky enough to acquire one pre-shopping ban. (Does it count if I was trying to get it before Lent and now suddenly it's available? I don't think so.) Anyway... on one of my Target forays, I stopped to really check out the jewelry.

And I found this... $16.99 for Merona's Ribbon Bead Necklace. There's was only one left, so I snagged it. By the time I got it, I couldn't find it online. The first time I wore it out, I had 3 SA's at JC and BR asking me where on earth I got it. My favorite JC SA, Jill, was able to find one a few Targets up the road.

The ribbon is black satin and it ties in the back. I just did a simple know because I wanted the length. The beads are kind of like dark grayish metallic pearls. (I don't know if this picture gives you any better idea of what the beads look like because it's really a pretty lousy closeup.) It looks so great with anything I've put it with. I love it with the sweater as shown above (J Crew Dream something or other, last winter). Also, lots of visual impact without too much weight, because some of these necklaces do get heavy.

So if you missed out on the Target pearl cluster necklace, there's still reason to check them out.

J Crew Dressy Jersey Ruffle Dress

One of the Mardi Gras try-ons that did not jump into my bag and make it home. The J Crew Dressy Jersey Ruffle Dress (#13613, $88). I live in dresses like this in the summer. Dress, cami, knickers, sandals...you're good to go. Makes it easy to pack, too. The dress is very pretty and very comfy. I conjured up multiple beach outings and lazy afternoons on the front porch drinking iced tea. Laura, of Laura in Real Life (not be confused with my friend Laura, the leopard Dansko clog fan), had a great video review of the dress on her blog here.

I really like the longer length. Even on my taller frame with my extra long femur, it was still below the knee, but not dowdy. That extra length just made it a lot more appropriate for certain occasions. The fit below the empire waist was good, plenty of room, it didn't feel too clingy. I believe I did go with a large, instead of medium, because I hate the clinging. It did not set off any VPL or bump alarms.

The one issue I had was the low cut top. First I will wax poetic about the ruffles. They are so pretty. Here is a great closeup from the website (and it shows better in the gray) - so so so pretty. Unfortunately...and this really is because I took a large to make sure there was enough hip/butt room...it was so low cut on me, as you can see in the horribly blurry crime-scene-video-quality pic above. There is no way I would wear this without something underneath, or without pinning it, or some toupee tape (not that I have any), or....or.... So I didn't get it.

Of course, later now that I am on Lenten shopping ban, the perfect solution occurred to me. If you love love love the dress, but are worried about the low cut, voila...the strappy sports bra. It will give you some extra coverage, and may even save the need for a bra, and it won't show up as a VPL. What would that be - a VCL, visible cami line? By the way, I don't necessarily condone the white with pink trim under the dress; it was the first one I could find quickly. (Thank you, Target, you always have what I need!)

Bottom line... a no go at $88 when there were other items that I just loved. But I am hoping to snag it at some point later on sale. Now that I have my solution, I am on board! Of course, now that I've seen the parsley and gray online, color choice, hmmmmm.....

J Crew French Terry Double Zip Hoodie

It seems odd, with the approaching snow tonight, to be writing about the J Crew French Terry Double Zip Hoodie (item #12661, $49.50). Because that, my friends, is probably going to become my throw-on-top-of-everything summer staple. I tried it on over a few outings before I finally purchased. But I am so glad I did. (Mardi Gras purchase #3, and that concludes the J Crew portion of the Mardi Gras shopping.)

I got the dark charcoal but I included the model pic so that you can see the pockets and other features better. And I honestly debated about the color, as I liked both the light pewter and the white. In the end, I decided that a dark color would last a whole lot longer between washings, and I wouldn't be as concerned about setting it down somewhere.

I love the double zip, especially since it hits a little lower than the traditional hoodie. Plus that additional few inches in the length elongate the figure a bit. Us non-models can always use a bit of help in that department.

The fabric is very soft. A perfect weight for a spring/summer topper - not too heavy, but not too light or thin. It has pockets - always a bonus. And they're quite cute with the top flap and all.

One of the my favorite features about the hoodie is the collar - you can see it best in this picture - it has a full collar all the way around, with the hoodie coming out over it. Just a nice extra feature that your standard hoodie is usually not equipped with.

Size-wise, I took a large. Honestly, the large and medium looked the same, so I figured I would go with the large to allow a little extra wiggle room with potential dryer shrinkage.

And the sleeves. They are actually long enough. Amazing! (Remember, I did take a large.) But they looked really, really cute folded up in a cuff, so if you have shorter arms, that would work, too. The sleeve is finished in a

I wore the hoodie this past Friday with a shell tissue boyfriend vneck tee, jeans, and my new Clarks Clearlake flats (see earlier post). And I layered my Anthro typeset initial necklace with the JCrew twisted crystal necklace doubled for a little sparkle.

Aren't these shoes cute? I love them!

Dear Cashmere, I love you. XOXO, HeidiG

Mardi Gras Shopping Item #1: J Crew Cashmere Crewneck Tee in snow. Somehow this simple beauty was hanging on the (not additionally reduced :< ) sale rack, but it was $39.99. Apparently, it wasn't really supposed to be out there, but the universe was smiling upon my master plan.

Have I mentioned how much I love cashmere? Who doesn't... with the exception of some people with allergies and skin issues, and I am so sorry if that is you.

In honor of my no-shopping-Lenten season, I chose this as the outfit for Day #1. See, I haven't exactly gotten to the closet clean-out/reorg yet. Re: the sweater, what can I say? It's simple, clean, and maybe a bit plain - but it's just waiting to be spiced up. Today, I was feeling uncluttered so I went with a short chunky Silpada chain and cross, my trusty Chicos jeans, and the Mossimo Desta ballet flats. And my kelly green Gap corduroy jacket (that my babysitter actually has, too!) to top it off outside and brighten up the palette. Looking at the pic, I really should have gone with bigger jewelry or a scarf, and some fun shoes. So noted for next time...

Day 2 of No Shopping, What is SAH???, and Running in Heels (no, not me)

All good. Stayed home and worked. Deleted all the sale emails that came into my in bin. Even played with the camera some more to figure out how to get pics to post. Tomorrow - pairs training (no, I'm not an ice skater), drop off at the consignment shop, volunteer in M's class if I'm not too stinky after PT, early release from school for the kids, and Movie Afternoon. Life is good!

On a related note, a friend asked me what SAH stood for, so I told her "Stay at Home". At least that's how I was using it. She rightly pointed out that it could be "ShopAHolic". So am I a StayAtHome/WorkAtHomeMom or a ShopAHolic/WorkAHolicMom? Hmmmm... (Discuss amongst yourselves)

And in some very fun news, while the lawyers and greedy bastards duke it out over Project Runway (I miss you, Tim Gunn!!), we have an appetizer in the interim...

Premiering March 1 on the Style Network, Running in Heels tracks the lives of three Marie Claire interns hoping to make it in the world of publishing. More info here. I think this would have been a fantastic name for a blog, except that I so seldom wear them. Although I did actually wear my Aerosoles Inspiration patent pumps on Monday all day long - to Target, the grocery store, and volunteering at school. Yay me!

Will you watch Running in Heels?

Lenten Shopping Ban - Day 1

So, day 1... How did it go? Pretty well. I worked at home in the AM, and then saw Confessions of a Shopaholic in the afternoon before the kids got home from school. A very good way to start off a break from shopping. Cute, cute movie - very fun. And some definite food for thought. Interestingly enough, my book club is discussing the book Friday night. (yes, I have read the book)

My son almost did me in, though, when he asked for a pair of (really cute and very cool) shorts from the Land's End catalog - and they had a 20% promo today and today only. I told Michael that we would get the shorts when it was actually shorts weather. I'm sure it won't be the last promo. And he never asks for anything. Maybe an Easter present?

I have sort of started on the clean up closet project. I should post before and after pics. I had to do a quick go through to put together my bag for the consignment shop on Friday. I really, really need to wade in there, though.

Tomorrow, I'll be at home working all day, except for a quick run to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription. The not-shopping does seem to free up some time! I really should be using some of that to go through the closet, though...

Helloooo World! (or a teeny bit of it...)

Well this is my inaugural blog. I have been so inspired by all the fantastic JCA and other blogs out there. I thought I would dip my proverbial toe in the blogosphere. I still haven't figured out the whole photographing-for-blog thing. So I'll start with an idea...

Current trend is the recessionista, the new name for a style maven on a budget. My friends (and hubby) know that I do really love to shop. But times call for practicality. And there has been a lot of chatter amongst some of my fave bloggers about shopping bans. Thank you, Slastena. And when I finally post the pic of my closet - ugh, it needs some help. So here goes...

Lent starts on Wednesday. So after Mardi Gras (during which I feel compelled to do a quick swing through Old Navy to check out all of Gigi's fantastic finds ), I will give up the unnecessary shopping for Lent. For me and the kids (because the cute kid clothes are a weakness as well). No J Crew, or Banana Republic, or Target, or Sephora. I have my liter-sized bottles of Pureology, so I should be good with shampoo for a while. I have enough nail polish to lacquer my kitchen cabinets, should I choose... well, maybe not the kitchen cabinets, but at least a bathroom vanity.

I'll try to not be boring. And well, I have done some shopping before all this, which will give me a few topics, thus the need for the ban. And it's an exercise in self-restraint. And a reason to really examine the role it plays in my life. Ok, maybe that was a little deep but a little self-examination is a healthy thing. And so is shopping.

My hubby's grandfather passed away last week, and he was the last of that generation in our families. Time for our generation to step it up a little. Time to regroup, refocus, reprioritize.

Back to that closet. Clean out, organize, shop the closet. Who knows what I'll find...