gap – The Fab Life

4th of July Fab

July 4, 2014

Happy 4th of July! Just wanted to pop in and share a few of my patriotic looks from this past week. I admittedly don’t own a ton of red, but after a further inspection of my closet and a lucky eBay purchase, I found I had a few items that I could work in different shades of red, white and blue. I recently received the J.Crew pencil skirt in Raj Paisley via eBay and was surprised to see that it was mostly made up of a blue and red pattern (I thought there was more purple in it…but that must be the mixing of the two colors from far away). I originally had it paired with just the oxford Tilda blouse but found this J.Crew Lightweight Merino v-neck sweater in Monaco Blue in my closet and it was a perfect match! I admittedly don’t wear a lot of blue that isn’t navy or aqua hued, so I was happy to find another outfit combination for this sweater. I opted for neutral shoes since I had a lot of color in the outfit itself.

Next up, the J.Crew Gondola Stripe skirt. I have a lot of trouble deciding on tops for this skirt – the skirt hits higher on my waist so anything tucked in usually makes my torso look really short and my chest look really big. On a whim, I tried a blousy top and really liked the look, which I finished off with a chambray blazer.

Blazer: J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer / Blouse : Banana Republic / Shoes : Gap

I’ve seen this skirt styled with polka dots and liked the look so I thought I would add that in via my loafers. Some gold jewelry and a simple necklace and I have to say this was a pretty solid patriotic effort in my opinion!

Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: J.Crew and J.Crew Factory

After a very busy week we actually have a quiet 4th planned but fireworks are always in the plan! I am usually not one to pair red, white and blue but it is always fun to do so around the 4th of July! So what do you think, are these patriotic enough? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

A Few of my Favorite Spring things

May 25, 2014

Hi! I know, it’s been forever since I’ve posted…life has just been busy!! We’ve also been in this not quite spring period that’s pretty standard in my area where it’s cold cold cold and then we skip spring right in to summer like temperatures. So, I feel like I’ve been in this odd transitional phase of still wearing winter and fall like clothing and just waiting for spring to arrive! Well, last weekend the temperatures finally turned and I packed all of the winter stuff away in hopes of warmer weather!

I already have a few favorite spring things that I’ve been wearing as the weather permits and I’ve found an unlikely favorite spring jacket…one of those things I love on everyone but just not me (until now!)

So, here goes…a few of my favorite things for spring!

1. J.Crew Patio Skirt in Photo Floral

For a girl with hips…this skirt is a welcome change from a pencil skirt (don’t get me wrong, I love my pencil skirts) but sometimes I enjoy some breathing room! I wore this skirt on Easter and another day to work, I’m looking forward to wearing it more this spring and summer!

2. J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket & 3. Gap Printed Pointy Flats

4. Ray Ban mirror aviator sunglasses

This post took WAY too long to put together…my wordpress updated and I’m having the worst time formatting photos!!! Hopefully now that I’ve sort of figured that out I can get back on a regular posting schedule. I”m still posting regularly on Instagram – you can find me there too!

So what are your current favorite spring things? I hope everyone is enjoying their spring and having a great long weekend!

More Layers

February 6, 2014

Hi there! I checked the extended forecast today and as much as I want to think about spring…we’ve got a little ways to go around here. So, since I’ve decided to do the Closet Remix challenge for February which means no new clothes, shoes or jewelry…I’m getting the most out of my winter outfits!! With the cold temperatures lingering I am still all about the layers (I don’t think I have much choice!) So here’s a few of my favorites from the last few weeks:

I found this cashmere J.Crew sweater on eBay a few weeks ago and had to have it – I don’t wear a ton of argyle (not sure I totally love it on my chest but I’m embracing ME). It has a hint of pink and coordinated perfectly with my J.Crew Blythe blouse in shocking pink. Shocking pink is exactly the color of this blouse – it is BRIGHT. Just the way I like it. I paired with my Banana Republic ankle Jackson pants and the Crystal Cluster Necklace from Purple Peridot (J.Crew Factory inspired). Silver shoes were the finishing touch. I’m seriously starting to think that I am going to need a backup pair of these mirror pumps!

Sweater, Blouse, Shoes: J.Crew / Pants: Banana Republic / Necklace: Purple Peridot

Another layer! Finished it up with a trusty J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer

And my arm candy courtesy of J.Crew Factory, Kate Spade and Tiffany’s

This was one of my favorite winter outfits – cozy and cute!

Sweater, Pants, Shoes : Banana Republic / , Blouse: J.Crew / Necklace: Purple Peridot

How great is this necklace? Another Purple Peridot stunner!

And my J.Crew Crystal Triangle Bracelet which was a surprise love.

Oh and here’s when I decided I could wear a sweatshirt to work if worn the right way. J. Crew has taught me that such things are acceptable. And I think under a preppy blazer and a girly blouse underneath…you can totally get away with it.

Of course if you get up close you see it’s a sweatshirt but come on…look at those cute bows!

I want to wear this outfit again!! With another month of winter (at least…) I think this might have to go in the rotation one more time.

And finally…another weekend look in which I (probably foolishly) protest a coat. Sadly the weather turned to miserable rain as I was out but lucky I had my Hunter boots to keep my feet dry.

Sweater, Shirt: J.Crew / Vest: Coldwater Creek / Jeans: Gap / Boots: Hunter / Necklaces: J.Crew & Purple Peridot

So there you go, some of my recent layers! What do you think? Can I pull off a sweatshirt at work? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

Weekend Fab

January 15, 2014

Hi everyone! Just popping in to share some of my outfits from this past weekend – after several weekends of holiday parties, etc. it was sort of nice to get back in to my casual weekend style. It was also fairly mild this past weekend so I was able to shed the heavy layers for some lighter ones!

For Friday’s outfit I pretty much wore my work outfit out to dinner…swapped out the black pants for jeans…but I will still share since I kept it pretty basic – the main goal of Friday was showing off my newest J.Crew bling, the Crystal and Metal Necklace (what a fab name right?) I grabbed this on popback with some holiday J.Crew cash I had burning in my pocket and after seeing it stacked over pearls on Instagram…I had to have it.

Sweater: J.Crew Cashmere Bateau Stripe Sweater (last year), Jacket: J.Crew Factory Bella (via eBay), Shirt: J.Crew Factory Classic Chambray

Pants: Banana Republic Sloan, Shoes: Gap (sold out). Jewelry: J.Crew Crystal and Metal Necklace

Closeup of my jewels

And arm party…bracelets are J.Crew and J.Crew Factory, bow bracelet is via Groopdealz:

And a shot of the outfit minus the jacket…

Saturday it was off to run some errands and check out J.Crew’s 50% off sale…I’m pretty sure the J.Crew Chandelier sweatshirt looks good any time. I love this sweatshirt so much. I have to brag because the SA at J.Crew told me she loves when I come in because I always have such great J.Crew outfits. I should probably not give up my secret of all of the lovely ladies I follow on the interwebs via blogs and Instagram. Our little secret!

But of course I had to switch it up for my niece’s birthday party later that night…wanted to stay casual for an evening with my inlaws…so opted for my new J.Crew Cheers tee (from the 50% off sale), J.Crew long merino cardigan (in black…the words on the tee are navy but…you can’t really tell) and J.Crew Matchstick jeans in classic rinse wash. And the crystal/pearl necklace stack again. I really loved this outfit – so easy and I will definitely be implementing again soon. I sort of got away from graphic tees after their height a few years ago…I think I got worn out…this shirt got me right back in to it! I just ordered the Kiss kiss tee this morning as well and plan on recreating this outfit with that t-shirt.

Closeup of shoes (Banana Republic)

AND HOW CUTE WERE MY NIECE’S CUPCAKES??

And finally, for Sunday dinner…I’ll be honest, my Sunday outfits usually consist of some combination of yoga pants, t-shirts and sweatshirts, but I hosted dinner on Sunday so, here was my other casual, going with the J.Crew Crinkle Boyshirt in Blackwatch Plaid, J.Crew long merino cardigan (again), J.Crew Matchstick jeans in classic rinse wash, J.Crew pear bracelet (which is currently $24.99 + 40% online!!!) and J.Crew leopard Nora flats (via ebay).

Closeup of bracelet

So there you have it…my weekend fab! Any favorites? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

Neutral Territory

October 13, 2013

For as much as I love color, I also love those days when I pair basics and instantly feel pulled together. Black, white, navy, grey, khaki…they are the perfect compliment to all of those bright colors and also wonderful on their own. Looking at my outfits over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself reaching for the neutrals in the summer/fall transition (which seems to be taking forever around here). And neutrals don’t have to be boring – sure, you can pair all solids like I did here and it works. And yes, I consider leopard a neutral. I have a bracelet, shoes and belt going on here which for me, is the perfect combo, but just one would be fab too! I’m wearing my new favorite dress pants in this first photo – the Banana Republic Martin Fit Crepe Ankle Pant which I’ve paired with my trusty J.Crew blue oxford Tilda, Factory merino cardigan and J.Crew Calf-hair Valentina pumps.

Neutrals can also work in polka-dots and stripes. And while you’re at it – mix a few patterns – stripes and dots, or dots on dots with leopard! My favorite neutral jewelry accessory are a set of pearls. These are the J.Crew factory twisted hammock pearls from several years ago and I wear them all the time. I like the different sized pearls and the multiple strands make them more interesting than just a single strand.

I’m wearing the Banana Republic Sloan ankle pants in both of these photos. On the left: Charley Sweater in pom-pom dot and Polka-dot chambray button-down – J.Crew Factory, shoes – Gap. Right: Charley sweater in color block stripe and Printed silk two-pocket button-down – J.Crew Factory, Bijou bow flats – J.Crew.

As I was reorganizing my closet this weekend – I realized just how many neutrals I own! So while bright colors are fab, basics can be just as fab! How about you? Do you prefer color or neutrals or both? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

Neon Saturday

May 18, 2013

It’s no secret that neon colors are in this summer. I personally cannot seem to get enough. I think the fashion gods were on to something when they decided to appeal to all of us who grew up in the 80s and still have a secret affinity for highlighter colors. I’ve always loved hot pink but neon yellow seems to be a close second this summer. I know this is one of those trends that will probably be in and out after a summer, but I’ll take my pop of bright colors when I can get them. The J.Crew Mila Cap Toe Leather Ballet Flats have become a fast favorite of mine, and I find myself pairing them with basics to give that necessary pop of color. Today I decided to go all out and do the neon shoes and a my J.Crew Vintage cotton v-neck tee in neon yellow for my Saturday errands. I love J.Crew’s vintage cotton tees, but I do find the lighter colors to be somewhat sheer and the v-necks give me a little more cleavage than I want sometimes so I usually pair them with a Gap Favorite Cami. The maxi skirt is from last summer and is probably one of the most comfortable items of clothing I own. I’ve seen a similar one at the store this season but haven’t noticed anything online yet. The Mila flats are edged in navy and the skirt is black, but you really can’t tell with a long skirt and I would be impressed if anyone actually noticed.

And because I can’t go anywhere without a light jacket or cardigan even in the dead heat of summer, I tossed my new Gap Destructed Denim Jacket on to complete the full on 80s inspired look. I wasn’t sure how much use I would get out of this jacket since I have my ten-year old basic blue J.Crew jacket that I still wear faithfully every year but it’s nice to have a different option. I didn’t end up actually wearing it as it was in the mid-70s and sunny today and there really was no need for a jacket. But I was prepared, just in case. I can’t stand being cold, so I must have a backup of some sort with me at all times. It’s a nice sunny casual look and I will keep the same outfit on to head out with DH in search of a casual spot with a patio for drinks and dinner this evening. I hope everyone else is enjoying their weekend! So, what do you think? Too bright or just right? Feel free to comment and thanks for visiting!

The Fab Life

Making every day fabulous

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