On the Banana Train...Banana Boat...Banana Fan...

Happy New Year to all! I admit I enjoyed a nice long break from...eh, pretty much everything. Very little blog reading or Polyvoring, no blog writing, lots of away time from the electronic devices over the holidays...it was a good thing.

So...remember that fab Banana Republic tee I got WAY back in mid-November (the cute white tee with the screen printed necklaces)? Of course you do. Yeah right, whatever, you have better things to do, I know. Well, apparently it made its way into Lucky magazine for January. Yes, I just went through my January magazines - I was saving them for the out of town trip to see in the in-laws. I love to have lots of reading material on trips. And maybe I'm a bit behind since they've been out a while...but seriously? My BR trompe l'oeil beaded tee from EARLY November? In a January magazine?

Ok, it's a bit fun to go "oh, so you like it, too, huh?" But wow, pity the fool who falls in love with the magazine pic only to go looking for said item in store in vain. Not that everyone needs my shirt, or that I want everyone to have the same shirt as me, but haven't you had that happen where you fall in love with something in a magazine only to be utterly unable to locate it? Not that I can argue with the cuteness of the tee (for me at least). I guess if you were reading the magazine when it came out about mid-December, you might have a shot of still finding it in the store, but I don't know...

And continuing on the Banana train...I have utterly fallen in love with a 12/26 purchase. Yes, I went to J Crew the day after Xmas when all sale stuff was 30% off (final sale, too, but that's so much better when you can try on). All I got at J Crew was a tshirt...long sleeve perfect fit tee in shadow for about $10 that I've already worn twice and thus it was a great buy, but still...not so enthused with the other offerings. Then we went to Banana Republic because I needed to return a sweater.

And I got this...the Cashmere Wrap. On 12/26, all in store sale items were an additional 50% off, so I got this beauty for $30. But I swear, it's still a great deal at the current sale prices. I ordered the Cocoon (ivory) for a friend when it was additional 20% off online. Because I love love love love love love love mine. I got it in a light heathered gray. It says "oatmeal heather" on the website, but I think that must be another color since mine is definitely not a tan. It is so soft, so cuddly, so luxe, so yummy... I think the wrap is very versatile and it's very generous in size (for a scarf, I guess). Let's see, I got it on 12/26, it's 9 days later, and I've probably worn it 5 times, including the day I got it. And most of those involved all-day wear, not just outside with a coat. (Although light gray cashmere + yellow Winnie = love)

Today I had my monthly chiro visit. As an update - my neck and shoulders and back and arm are SO much better than they were in August. I credit the therapy, but I also credit (1) learning the right stretches for my neck muscles, including the one to try to restore spine curvature, and (2) relocating my laptop from its usual spot at the kitchen table to the living room desk, with its keyboard tray, so that I am more ergonomically correct. And whether you see a chiropractor or an orthopaedist, I don't care, but if you are having neck/spine issues, please go see someone and get it checked out and fixed - this stuff only gets worse, especially with age.

Ok, off soapbox. So chiro...comfy clothes, warm clothes...J Crew gray/white striped tissue tee and gray BR Michelle-clone cardi, with Chicos slim leg jeans tucked into black boots. I think my outfits for the next few weeks are going to be "___ sweater with ___ jeans/pants tucked into ___ boots." We have an "Arctic air mass" that has descended and seems to be hanging around for a while. This is why I don't live any further north. I do love my sweaters, but I'm just NOT used to this.

So as an outfit, it was ok, but the scarf really made it. Maybe it if was warmer, I would have gone with major jewelry or fun shoes or something, but it's just plain cold. Scarf, please. And truthfully, when it's brutally cold like this, or even when it's just a bit chilly, I love the feel of a large wrap/scarf bunched up around my neck - it just works better for me that a thinner scarf.

I wore it today wrapped around the neck as more of a scarf (as in 1st picture), but when I was wearing it with the JC shadow perfect tee and jeans, I ended up using it as more of a wrap (as in 2nd picture). And it works both ways. And it was so so so nice for the road trip to and from in-laws this past week. Really, let's be honest, it's a socially acceptable blanket.

(Note: Northern US & Canadian bloggers, yes, I know, I'm a big old wimp. But that's what happens to us here in the Mid-Atlantic)

I picked up 2 other pieces at BR on 12/26. A fab black skirt, yet to be photo'ed, and this sweater here, which I'm still on the fence about. What I love about it: Price (ended up at $18). I love the feel of the large turtleneck, or is it a cowl neck? I like that it's cotton - sometimes, even at these temps, even I can be a bit too warm some places in cashmere and wool. I like the shape of it, because it's fitted. And I love the color gray in the stripes - it's almost a warm charcoal.

What I'm not sure about: Do I need another sweater? (or do I just need to go through what I have and clean out - wore my JC Cambridge cable tneck from last winter and realized that it's too wide or too short or both, and my JC Wellesley cable tneck from several years ago is really starting to show its age a bit). Do the stripes work? Does it actually look ok with jeans, or am I just limiting myself to black pants? Would be pretty fab with the Minnies, though, no? But even thought it's a great deal at $18, am I only going to wear it a couple of times this year and be bored with it next year? In which case, it's not a great buy. Cost per wear, more conscious purchasing...but more on that topic tomorrow. Isn't this post long enough already??

Fyi - just tossed on with today's jeans/boots - made no attempt at styling...but who are we kidding...I'd probably wear it this way anyway.

Cream for Cold Weather

I'm talking about the *color* cream, not the milk-based product - which, I think, pretty much works year-round. Cold weather always inspires me to wear these warm shades of white. They just feel cozier. Autumn definitely feels like it has arrived!

Yesterday - yep, pulled out the cashmere for the first time this season. J Crew long sleeve cashmere tee. This is my dressy version of "I feel like hanging out in a sweatshirt." So comfy, not tight (but not too baggy). It just feels good. Layered with a cami or tank of course. Is it me, or do you just assume that you will need an underlayer when wearing light colors on top? Anyway, paired with new Chico's off-the-cuff boyfriend jeans, new cap toe ballet flats, and the classic confetti necklace.

It was a good day because I am now dropped down to chiro only once a week - and hopefully soon can phase out altogether. I will say that it has truly been a lifesaver. My neck and shoulders are better than they have been in several years.

Oh, and that's my new haircut with 2 inches lopped off the bottom. Love love love it. Do you like getting your hair trimmed? Not to go to Britney extremes, but I love the feeling of getting a good chunk hacked off at the ends. And of course, the beauty of hair is that it grows...so if you don't like it, just wait a bit for it to grow out.

Polyvore for yesterday:

9/30/09 by HeidiGblog featuring J Crew

Today, again, a nice good chill in the air, so I pulled out a new BR tee that I got yesterday (on sale for $19 in store). Love the gray and white stripes. Look at the way cute gathered cuff (below) - it's brilliant because you get plenty of length in the sleeves but it's not so long that it will drop in your soup. Fab! I definitely anticipate layering it with many sweaters this fall and winter.

And I've layered it with my BR cream sweater jacket from a couple of years ago. I love this sweater - the 60's-ish styling always makes me feel chic. The jacket is hard to photograph well, though. I love it in person, but the pics never turn out that great. And to finish out the outfit, since the tee is nice and long, I wore my gray Minnies and then added black ballet flats. Fun, comfy, and I felt great in it.

Polyvore for today (not the greatest since I had to sub both tops):

10/1/09 by HeidiGblog featuring J Crew

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...

J Crew library shawl cardigan

This one was a purchase from several weeks ago. The J Crew Library Shawl Cardigan, (#13377, orig $98, currently on sale online for $59.99). By the way, I don't think I'll wear it like this because I just don't do belts. I haven't bought a belt in years. I like the look of them. They just don't work so well on me. Although I like the idea of it with shorts. I plan to wear it with jeans, trousers, a mini, and a dress. Lots and lots of ideas.

The cardi comes in light pewter and putty. I chose the putty although it was a toss-up; I really liked both colors. It's only available online in the light pewter, but my B&M had putty when I was there last Thursday.

I can't even begin to tell you how cozy this is - but not too heavy. I was wondering why it was so soft until I looked at the tag and realized that it was cotton AND cashmere. (cashmere, squee!) Per Gigi's post, the blend is about 70% cotton/30% cashmere. (I cut my tag out, so don't have it, sorry.)

I love the weight. It's soft enough to wear now in Feb/March. But I think I'll be wearing it through about June at the very least. It would be a great cuddly evening sweater at the beach. Because the colors are both so light, it makes the sweater last longer through the seasons that it might in a darker color. I think that is the very definition of a transition piece.

I just love the longer length of it. Long tops work best on my figure. I've worn it open and closed. Sleeves are long enough. I think it's just a classic piece that I'll wear a long time. I wear it with the top 3 buttons done, and lower 2 undone (don't like it hugging under the booty so much).

Here I had it on this week with a navy tissue boyfriend vneck tee, my trusty Chicos jeans, navy patent BR flats (Spring 08), and pearls. I'm still experimenting with the right necklaces to wear with it when the top buttons are closed. Any ideas?

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...