Wearing today - pearls, pearls, pearls

Today I was back up at school to help M's class glaze tiles in Art class. It's actually very cool. They are tiles (all with cows) that will go in the Mooseum (yes, that's the correct spelling) in Germantown The Mooseum is a converted dairy barn in the middle of the South Germantown Recreational Park that periodically opens and educates the puble about the heritage of dairy farming in Montgomery County. We do a field trip there each year, which was supposed to be tomorrow,then got moved, and now is up in the air. One of our teachers is very involved in the Mooseum. They have finally gotten enough funding that they are supposed to be doing construction to convert the dairy barn to a full-time museum. And M's grade was chosen to make tiles that will be put up in the Mooseum.


So, what to wear, what to wear. Glazing tiles? Let's go with a dark color. Temps? Still gray/chilly in AM but could warm up. Don't want anything too heavy.


J Crew navy cotton vneck sweater and jeans it is. I am so glad I got this sweater earlier this year. I have worn it just as much as the BR navy vneck that it replaced. (And oh, the BR one sooooo needed to be replaced. It was sad...) For a little color, bright yellow painter crewneck tee and gray patent flats. And then topped off with some pearls - the Target pearl cluster necklace and the F21 long strand doubled. I liked how both necklaces looked together, and I think it worked on such a simple (hehehe, read boring or plain) outfit. And it's not like I'm wearing grandma's heirloom pearls up to art class.


About the gray patent flats...I've discussed these before but that was early on in my blogging life and I have more readers now than I did then so I am hoping someone can help. These flats (accurately depicted in the Polyvore) are from Target last year. One of the many colors that the Xhilaration Sable ballet flat. I love these shoes. The gray patent works with just about everything. And they usually give any outfit a fun, unexpected pop.


So what's the problem? Like I said, I got them last year and wear them a LOT. So you can imagine the wear on them when they weren't the bestest quality to begin with. So here's my plea for help. I am looking for some really simple gray patent flats that are comfy. If anyone has any info, suggestions, sources, I would love to hear. You'll be my new BFF. Seriously. Thank you!

Polyvore set for today:


Wearing Today - 5/6/09 by HeidiGblog on Polyvore.com


By the way, when I put together the Polyvore set this morning, I was betting that I would have my hair up at some point in the day. But it's 2:30 and hair is still down, so yay me! Not so lazy today...

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!

J Crew Tissue Hoodie

Hello, Spring Weather! You are the perfect reason to bring out the J Crew Tissue Hoodie. (#10091,orig $49.50, currently $39.99 online) I got this at a B&M in late January for $19.99, while they had 30% off final sale, so it was $13.99. Inconsistent pricing, ARGH. But when it's in my favor, I'll take it. I guess the downside is I couldn't return it, but I love it - so no worries there! Would I pay the current 39.99 price for it? I don't know, maybe if I had nothing like it in my closet. The color I got is light pewter, which I am really drawn to this year. The hoodie is currently available online light pewter, champagne, and natural. By the way, this is a big reason that I didn't get the french terry double zip hoodie in light pewter - too close.

I really like the kind of rolled unfinished edge nest to the cuffs & bottom band, along the neckline, and the pockets. They give it a nice detail. Fit-wise - I sized up to a large because I wanted the looser fit. And did I tell you how soft this hoodie is? Oh, it is soft... It is so soft... It is so so very very very soft. You can't help but be happy in something this comfy.

With a nice semi-light weight overall, it's perfect for a spring day. I could just bum around with a tank and yoga pants. Or, like today, toss on that white tank with some dark (i.e. trusty Chicos) jeans, last spring's Target gray patent flats, and a sparkly necklace. I'm ready to go. I can also easily picture it with the usual summer white jeans, or a cute skirt, or some fun shorts a la the top picture, some fun sandals. Lots of options!

Time to go back outside and play. Hope you have nice weather wherever you are!