New Arrival

Admittedly, I have a lot of shoes. I like shoes. A lot. But I don't have many cute, comfortable, versatile flats. I've been eyeing these darling t-straps at endless.com for quite some time. They were 50% off, received good reviews, and with such a fabulous return policy I figured I didn't have anything to lose.

I hope to outfit them tomorrow for a good trial-wear. I hope they don't give me platypus feet.

Candyland

It was another gorgeous, November day on Tuesday which called for a special trip to Candyland, our old-fashioned, St. Paul candy store. Lucy greeted us outside with a giant caramel apple.

I intentionally mis-matched my plaid dress and plaid coat. There is just a little bit of red in the coat that isn't seen in the picture. It was just enough to make me say 'yes!' to wearing both prints at the same time. I thought the styles went great together...sort of an old-fashiony vibe.

It was hard to choose, but finally settled on giant, chocolate covered pretzels in 4 different flavors: toffee, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate. I devoured the toffee so fast it didn't even get in a picture.

And the white chocolate went shortly thereafter. This one was definitely my fave.

Coat: gift from husband via Forever 21

Turtleneck: H&M

Dress: Tulle via awesome store in Duluth, MN

Tights: Target

Boots: Steve Madden via DSW

Competition

I have some spectacular news to share with St. Paul thrifters: pricey Valu Thrift in Sun Ray may no longer be your best east side thrift option. Value Village opened their doors a couple of weeks ago! It's the largest in the Twin Cities! The retail chain previously found only in the Minneapolis area has extended it's reach to St. Paul, now located on White Bear Avenue near the Larpenteur Avenue intersection. Sure, sure...we have a Savers (same company) only a few miles north, but Value Village is different and closer to me.

Value Village's regular prices are comparable to that of Valu Thrift, however their daily specials make for much better bargains. On Sunday, all purple tag merchandise was 50% off and all yellow tag items were $0.99! Here are the deals through November:

November 15-21: Purple tags 50% off

November 22: Purple tagged clothing $0.99

November 22-28: Pink tags 50% off

November 29: Pink tagged clothing $0.99

Unlike Valu Thrift, Value Village is non-profit. They partner with several local charities and provide a great way for shoppers to give back to their community.

This isn't about bashing Valu Thrift whatsoever. I've been a huge fan since their arrival to the east side and will continue to shop there for the great selection and convenience. But I feel that in recent months, prices have gotten way too steep and it has taken the bargain out of thrift shopping at their store. I look forward to seeing if/how they respond to the arrival of Value Village on the price tag. Bring on some healthy competition!

If anyone is interested in joining me for Value Village's grand opening this Saturday, November 21 drop me a line! We can peruse the racks of bargains together!

Product Review: Bras!

Remember the whining and complaining I did waaaay back here about bras and my inability to find just one that makes me happy? Then remember when I bought 3 new bras with the promise that I would provide a proper review on this blog of mine. Remember?

The time has come, friends.

I feel that I've worn each bra enough that I can now give a adequate review of each one. Do keep in mind that a bra that doesn't work for me might be just fine for you. Here's my deal: I'm 5'4" and petite of frame. Short torso. Narrow shoulders. Fitted bra size: 32DD. Loather of back-fat.

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Bra #1: Lilyette Minimizer

Claims:
*designed to reduce bust up to a full size for a smooth look under clothes
*sew-free double knit wing smoothes back for a flawless look under clothes
*two-ply stretch simplex and Tactel microfiber cups provide uplift, shaping and opacity
*floating wire offers a clean contemporary silhouette

photo credit here

Although my actual band size is 32, I opted for a 34 in this bra because it was my only option in this brand and I felt that it was snug enough.

The fit in this bra was only mediocre. The upper portion of the cups gape a little bit making it seem as though the bra might be too big. However, if I were to go down a cup size, there would surely be spillage in other areas.

With a minimizer bra, side-shaping is possibly the most important element. I don't feel that this bra delivers in this area. In addition, there is no coverage for 'cold' days - if ya know what I mean. So I use Wacoal No Peek cups for maximum modesty. Photo credit here.

And my final gripe: the straps are too darn long. I have them adjusted past the tightest setting. The little adjuster thingy is overlapping the lacy part of the strap. Boo.

To give the poor bra a little credit, it is comfortable and of good quality. It does minimize back-fat, and the design features are somewhat attractive.

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Bra #2: Bali Minimizer with Comfort Back

Claims:
*comfort back creates a smooth look under clothes and helps straps stay put
*Silky Smooth Lining adds and ultra-thin layer of modesty
*encased underwires deliver ultimate comfort

photo credit here

Of the bras that I purchased, this is the one I like best and wear most. I settled for a 34DD in this one as well.

I like the way it shapes, contours and minimizes! The straps - though also too long - are comfortable and don't slip off my shoulders. It provides just enough lift and is good for all day support.

The cups are thin and additional measures are taken to avoid the 'cold', but overall, I really like this bra.

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Maidenform Total Solution - the instant bust makeover

Claims:
*Smartzone Cup Technology
*full coverage

*lifts

*rejuvenates shape

*contours

photo credit here

This is one heavy-duty bra, y'all. And it makes some beautiful cleavage. Just too bad it is not the best for all day wear. I would certainly not consider this a "full coverage" bra as it claims to be, but it sure does "lift".

The straps - once again - are too long. Unfortunately, they adjust down to the band so there is no room for cheating as I do with straps on other bras. They are also quite silky and slide off my shoulders easily.

The cups are thick and sturdy, but add too much bulk and weight in front. The band reduces back-fat - yeh!

This is a short-term bra for cleavage-appropriate times.

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Did I miss any pertinent information?

If you own one of these bras, let's hear your opinion as well!

Plaidness

Plaid. Is. Everywhere. Just like ruffles are everywhere. Heck, you don't even have to look far to find a marriage of plaid and ruffles on the same item. Aw...isn't that cute? Yes, when it's done well.

Although the plaid trend has gone a little bit overboard, and I have yet to desire plaid leggings, plaid earrings, or a plaid tube top (ew), I do indeed, like plaid.

Like this flannel plaid dress I picked up at Ross in Atlanta. It was marked down to $5. I wasn't sure about the fit, but couldn't pass it up. It's a good thing I didn't, because I love it now. I'm guessing it was missing a belt, since it came with large belt loops. Removed the evidence and no one will ever know the difference - except you. I wore this with the same yellow coat and red, plaid bag as seen here.

Necklaces: ?

Shirt: Target

Dress: Ross, $5

Leggings: Forever 21

Boots: Madden Girl via DSW.com

Bonus picture: It's not super often that the four of us are together at the same time. Less often that we all look this good at the same time. And even less often that we're all together at church. I love my girls.

Left to right: Elaina, Keely, Katie, and moi.

And yes...in case you haven't noticed, I am quite obsessed with the cross-process and rounded edges features in picnik.

Under Construction

I feel that Spoils of Wear could use a makeover. That, and I have very little going on at the moment. So please excuse me while I make a few changes. It could take days, but hopefully only a few minutes.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Friends and Books

Je' Suis and I officially agreed that we feel much less silly taking outfit pictures of each other rather than ourselves. They turn out so much better, take much less time, AND when we're out n' about, some nice gentleman is likely to come by ask if we'd like him to take a picture of us together. "Why, yes. That would be so nice, thank you."

Elaina hadn't been to the James J. Hill Library in downtown St. Paul since she was 14, so we made plans to check it out. It's such a gorgeous place...(sigh)...I love the city.

I'm not always happy with my outfits, but I was this day. I couldn't wait to wear my lacy 'grandma' sweater from Ross. And it was my first time wearing this ivory, corduroy skirt I picked up a G2. And also my first time wearing these shiny reds. They're sooo cute, and comfy too! Had I found a yellow brick road, I may have been inclined to follow it.

Sweater: Ross, $10

Skirt: J. Crew via Goodwill Outlet, pennies

Tights: maybe Target?

Shoes: Connie via Famous Footwear

Coat: Target brand, free from clothes-swap

Purse: Indeed, thrifted

Purple Person

It would seem that Minnesota got it's November weather in October and September weather in November. It's been beautiful outside! I was concerned that these tights would have to wait until springtime to make their debut, but here they are!

I'm not super crazy about purple. I don't feel like it's a good color on me. Although for some strange reason I seem to have incorporated a lot of it into my wardrobe over the last couple of years. The dress alone was just too purple for me and somewhat unstructured for a day at work without heels. I thought the vest pulled it together, toned down the purple, and made it a bit more professional.

Obviously, this outfit is all about the tights. Even though I sit behind a desk all day, I still managed to get a few questionable looks and comments about them.

Vest: Vintage, thrifted
Dress: TJ Maxx (?)
Tights: TJ Maxx, $6
Boots: DSW

Head to Toe

Sometimes in life, there are purchases you really don't need, yet absolutely must have. And sometimes it isn't worth fighting. Sometimes, just roll with it. These red shoes I showed you yesterday...SO did not need them. I even have a new shiny pair of red pumps I haven't even worn yet. Didn't matter. I justified this purchase by telling myself they are very different from my other red heels. They are open-toed and have a bow. The red patent is a shade brighter. The heel is a teensy bit higher. See? Maybe I did need them.



I knew I wanted to wear them with this black, ruffled skirt and lace tights for some major girliness. I didn't consider that the skirt would be an ironing nightmare and the tights had a hole in them. Stitched up the hole (while wearing the tights) and did what I could with the skirt.

As soon as I arrived home on Saturday, I booked it over to the Oakwood Bazaar for the last hour of selling. This lovely clip called my name. It said, "Jill, wear me tomorrow with your ruffle skirt and lace tights and red shoes." Yep. I owe Je' Suis $4.

It was also challenging to find a top that would look decent with this skirt. With such volume on my lower half, I struggled to find something fitted and warm that would go with my color scheme. Settled for this gray cardi, dolled up a bit with pearls. Next time, I might try belting the cardigan for a better silhouette.

Cardigan: Target brand, thrifted
Pearls: thrifted
Skirt: Target
Tights: eh...probably Target
Shoes: Anne Klein via Ross, $20
Barrette: Handmade by Je' Suis

P.S. My hair has been out of control lately. It's giving me a serious rockstar complex.

Georgia Visit

I had every intention of finding time to post while in Atlanta, but I just couldn't make it happen. Wednesday, we arrived several hours before we could check in to our hotel, so I went to work with the fellas (my husband & dad-in-law) and did my best to stay out of the way as they replaced A/V equipment in the new office.

View from the office.

Around 5pm Steve brought me to the hotel. I'd never stayed at an actual Hilton before (only Hilton Garden) and I liked it a whole lot. Steve and I joke about our hotel rooms being bigger than our condo. But we're not really joking. When I discovered the large whirlpool tub, baby, I was in heaven. Living in Minnesota, I don't realize how cold I really am...chilled to the bone. When I was finally done in the tub, I was so warm and jello-like, I couldn't remember the last time I'd been warmed to my core. It felt soooo good.


Thursday I knew I'd be on my own with the guys working all day. After we had an early breakfast together, they were kind enough to walk to the office so I could take the rental car. Spoiled, I am. I'd heard about this store called Ross and that great deals could be found there. Knowing it was a southern/east-coast store, I popped the name into the handy GPS and viola! there was one less than a mile down the road. I was there as soon as it opened. Had lunch with fellow administrative assistant Charlie - who I now officially adore. She told me about another Ross close by. I went there after lunch. I fully intend to wear my purchases this week. Beware: there may be pictures.

Favorite purchase: These shoes! Ross, $20!

Steve and Bob finished their job in record time and after a brief office visit Friday morning, we were able to see the sites. First, we went to the aquarium. And what an aquarium it was! The largest in the world, is what I was told!

Beautiful, spooky Jellies.

Harassing the Piranhas.

Aquarium: 60 feet wide, glass 2.5 feet thick.

Next, we skipped across the yard to the Coca Cola Museum. We learned a whole lot about the origin of Coca Cola and their genius marketing campaigns. We were also able to taste different Coke products from around the world, but in the end...Classic Coke is the best.

I made friends with the polar bear. Isn't he the cutest?

The trip was short, but full of fun for me! I love Atlanta! In fact, I wouldn't mind living there if ever the opportunity arose. Which it won't.