I would have bought the couch too.

I don't usually wear logo tees, but as I lean toward someday working part-time, I figure the occasionaly casual tee will be acceptable. I picked this one up at Zumiez (in purple) for $9.99. It's possible I also picked up something for my sister as well. She can agonize over it for the next three months until I give it to her for her birthday.

I really wish I could have walked away with the couch in Zumiez, even with the fresh coffee spill on one cusion. It was low-profile, comfortable and boasted a quirky pattern that the Pink House would love.

Wardrobe malfunction.

While in SLC for my birthday, I realized I'd made a packing mistake. I'd packed a bright red and a hot pink bra for the trip. Both of which showed through the white shirt I planned to wear on Saturday.

I covered up with a wrap, but as the weather warmed, I knew I couldn't keep the outfit on all day. GAP swooped in and saved the day with a $7.00 boyfriend tee in pale pink, and a white tank for less than $3.

Being a boy-fit tee, it easily goes over my baby bump while still giving me some shape. Truly a life-saver.

And although I'm disappointed that I was over-charged $10 for this tee (it was marked at $17.99 but I paid $27.99 and didn't notice until I got home) I'm happy that I added this button-up to my wardrobe.

At nearly six-months pregnant it's a tiny bit tight, but I know I'll fit into it after the baby comes. I've set reasonable goals for myself regarding my post-pregnancy body: I don't buy six 6 pants believeing I'll fit into them. But I will buy items slightly too small now that I know will fit when my stomach is no longer the size of a basketball.

I suppose the best alternative would be to stop buying non-maternity clothes, but at such great deals, I can't always make myself pass them up.

Too much of a good thing?

I can't decide if I like these boots or not. I think I'd be more inclined to like them if the toe wasn't round. It's possible that a pointed toe automatically makes me like a pair of shoes.

As the bump gets bigger, the dresses get shorter.

I had to add two maxi dresses to my wardrobe last week. Many of my other knee-length dresses are not up to the task of accomodating my expanding belly while simultaneously covering my legs.

So I jumped on the band wagon and picked up some inexpensive finds at Ross. I was looking around for more options and while this dress is twice what I paid for either of my Ross dresses, it's still worth a second glance.

And since I'm in Sandy so often to visit my brother, I may as well stop by the Forever21 down town and try some of their maxis. It's nice not worrying about adjusting anything while at work or church. I just layer a maxi over a wonder tee and call it good. It's weird to wear flats instead of heels, but I think they're a must when wearing a maxi.

This DownEast maxi is also a great find, and I'm partial to it in black. I didn't think I'd like maxi dresses (because I'm only about 5'4") but if you get just the right length for your body type you can totally pull off.

Delight in DSW.

Kev and I did a little shopping on Friday night and he said if I was quick I could window shop in DSW.

Nine West is the best. Even if they don't photograph well via my cell phone.

I want to know who can regularly afford to shop with Shabby Apple

Even their sale items are too rich for my tastes. I know quality plays a part, but I've had $10 dresses from ROSS that have held their shape and strength over the last 4 years that make it impossible for me to spend so much on a dress.

Maybe someday.

I'm a little impatient for these to make their appearance

DownEast hasn't released this dress yet, but I still anxiously check their website to see if there's any progress or hints. Isn't it fabulous?

Both the Perfect Form dress and this Formal Flower Dress make me wish I had fancy Holiday parties to attend. Maybe I'll just wear them vacuuming.

Little pleasures

Before Kev lost his job, I had ordered this spicy dress from Forever21 and used a "free shipping" coupon to really make it worth my while.

Even though I felt like I should return it once we discussed Kev's job situation, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I had already tried it on and fallen in love with it. I wear a black, DownEast Basics Wonder Tee under the halter and the outfit really comes together.

It's my comfort for having a jobless husband again, judge me if you will.

Delight in ModCloth

I'm wondering how much more random a post could get. It's just that ModCloth has a delightful assortment of items to offer and it's hard for me to categorize them when all I really want to do is keep feverishly clicking on the next item that catches my eye.

Everlasting Bloom Necklace

Barking Up the Right Cups

Pour Little Owl Pitcher

It Takes Two Oven Mitt

This of it this way: you can wear that beautiful necklace while you use all the other things to make and serve a yummy treat to your guests. That pulls it all together in one nice little package.

Sometimes I feel like I'm not preppy enough for J. Crew

When I visited the J.Crew outlet in Freeport I didn't find many clothes that were worth trying (due to prices). Usually I find at least one item on the clearance rack that suits my budget and style but I was out of luck (so Mary, you don't have to be jealous!).

I did, however, find two hair accessories at the outlet that I decided to take home as mementos of my trip to the seashore.

I found a barrette with three black flowers clustered together and a white elastic with a delicate puffy flowery snow-flake like thing on it. Doesn't it sound lovely? I think so. My brother's dog liked it so much he tried to eat it out of my hand.

Since I am unable to locate these items on the J.Crew retail website, I'm afraid I'll have to tempt with with a couple of other items instead. And of course, one of these items has a much higher price tag than I can justify...

Crystal Dangle Ring $55.oo

It is quite sparkly and lovely though, isn't it?

Since my friend Zjani cut my hair earlier this summer, I've put forth more effort to love it and style it and change it up throughout the week. I have found that having an assortment of inexpensive ponytail holders can easily add some glam and interest to a plain ol' pulled back hairdo.

Golden Cluster Elastic $16.50

This one is much to my liking. Kev and I actually bumped into a clearance rack at Smith's grocery with 10 for $10 hair accessories and he helped me pick out some quality yet inexpensive accents for my hair (what a great friend he is, yes?).

It goes to show that you can spend a little or a lot and get gems either way. Whether you spend $6.50 on a white fluffy flowery snowflake thing or $1 on a giant pink flower thing (one of my Smith's finds), you can look and feel great. I don't know why a little clip or flower makes such a big difference, but it does.

Yes, please.

floral chiffon blouse
lace yoke knit top

I sent my sister a Forever21 gift card for her birthday and I keep sending her links of things I want her to buy. Or maybe I'll buy them for myself. Or maybe she'll take my advice and ship things to Utah (before she comes out to school again) and she'll ship them to my house and I can wear them first to make sure they're not poisonous or something.

Hi

I haven't had much of a shopping/browsing urge in the last couple of weeks. But now that I'm done with everything that was on my desk this morning I've had some time to see what's out there waiting to be appreciated.

Ruched Knit top $15.80

Lace Scalloped skirt $27.80

Two-Pocket buttonup $12.50

City Style Goddess top $7.99

City Style T-Strap sandals $10.17

DownEast Shoreside dress (I got this in navy in stores for $10 last weekend!)

DownEast Center of Attention dress $32.99

New York & Company

It's been a long time since I visited NY&Co, so today I refreshed my memory of the store. I found some amazing sale-priced items that I would love to welcome into my walk-in closet.

Gem Plaque Belt $16.06

I have one black belt. And I share it with Kev. I don't know why I'm so picky about black belts, but it has prevented me from buying one for over three years. This one might just satisfy all my requirements!

Logo Buckle Tote $27.96


This would perfectly complement many of my outfits. I lean toward cool colors in my work wardrobe with a few warmer elements here and there. It's definitely time to update my purse collection seeing as how most of them are cloth and polka-dotted and showing their age.

Embellished T-Strap Sandals $13.77

I love shoes. Enough said.

Disc Flip Flops $11.97

Pave Rhinestone Swirl Ring $10.17

Years ago when I was still in college I bought a ring from NY&Co that I still love. It's lost it's shape... somehow... it looks like it's been stepped on. When I got engaged to Kev, we didn't have a ring right away. People mistook the GIGANTIC rhinestone ring on my right hand as the engagement ring. It resembles this swirl ring, and for $10 I think I might just head to Layton and try one on.

Treat yourself!

You're never too old to scan the Wet Seal clearance racks.

I promise. The music may be ridiculously loud in the stores, but if you can tune it out it's worth finding your size. Even if you only go into a Wet Seal once, just find your size. It'll make online shopping easier. And online shopping means no loud music.

It's a win-win.

Twist sleeve shirt $7.99

Rosette skirt $11.99 (imagine with a plain fitted top tucked in so you can show off the rosette!)
Variegated stripe top $5.99

Swiss dot ruffle top $9.99 (I love ruffles lately)

Pleated front jacket $22.50 (I have a small "thing" for jackets)

Lace smocked top $14.99 (great layering piece)

I am in serious danger of accidentally going to Wet Seal and figuring out what size I need for that pleated jacket and button-up shirt. How perfect are they for summer workdays? Not that it's been sunny in Utah lately. But I hold out hope it will eventually stop raining every single day.

Happy shopping!

I wish these models had faces

Target has some amazing sales online. Check it out and score yourself some pretty summer dresses, or snag a clearance wintry sweater dress!

Merona Faux Wrap Dress $20.98


Merona Ribbed-Waist Dress $12.24


Merona Halter Dress $13.99



Mossimo V-Neck Dress $14.99



Mossimo Striped Sweater Dress $5.74



Mossimo Scoop Dress $19.59

Not too shabby

Shabby Apple is so unbelievably out of my price-range but I still find myself checking the site every couple of weeks. It's nicely organized and even recommends dresses based on body shape (go to the "Fit to Flatter" menu on the homepage).


I browsed again this morning since I decided to cut out my 10am snack. A girl's gotta stay busy if she's going to stay out of her lunch box!


Here are the ones that caught my eye:


Ballerina
Beauty Mark
Bon Voyage

Rita Hayworth

Yorkshire


Of course, I can't forget to include a link to this dress, which has been popping up on a lot of the blogs I frequent. It is quite fabulous.

A perk for Shabby Apple shoppers is the free shipping in the event you need to exchange your purchase for another size. It's great to have that reassurance when you're not sure what size you are for a given online shop.

Happy dress hunting! Please be sure to let me know if you become the proud owner of any one of these beauties!