LL Bean Signature

Mom showed me the new LLBean Signature collection catalog yesterday.... um, I might be in love... or perhaps in lust. It is very JCrew inspired. Here are a few of the items I'm slightly lusting after.

The Daysail Boatneck... $75.00

I like the look of this sweater, especially in the grey. I can see this working nicely with a pair of chino shorts for cooler summer evenings. I also think it would look super cute with a pair of cropped jeans (or for you skinnier gals, boyfriend jeans) and some heels, paired with a some layered necklaces.

Poplin Skirt... $65.00 (also in prints of red and blue here for $69)

I am favoring the navy option of this skirt. The catalog makes it look much prettier than the website photo (and of course, the catalog photo is not on the website). It seems very flowy and forgiving, perfect for those warm, humid days we get down here in VA. I don't really like the wrap up espadrilles in the pic above, but I think some caged heels or some open toe wedges would be perf with it. Pair it with the Crinkled Cotton Shirt (below) for a classy Nantucket feel.

Crinkled Cotton Shirt (in celestial blue)... $49.00

My only concern about this top is that it looks a little short. I have a long torso, so my fear is that this might come untucked as I move around all day. The description says it falls at the high hip..... might be worth a try.

Lightweight cotton plaid tunic... $65.00

My mom is gaga over this. I'm not much of a tunic girl myself, but I can see the appeal. Perhaps with a pair of skinny jeans and some wedge sandals?

Rebecca Cork Wedge... $99.00

Ugh, I reeeaaaallly wish these came in black. I really need a nice, reasonably priced pair of wedge sandals in black for the season. The neutral tone is pretty, and these also come in red, so it may be on option if they go on sale.

So those are the things that I'm pondering upon from the new Signature collection. Between LLBean Signature and Lands End Canvas collection, it looks like there are a few new options for the JCrew/Banana/Gap crowd. LLBean is offering a $10 gift card for every $50 you spend, so it might be worthwhile to try out some of the new offerings. There is a note both on the website and in the catalog to definitely do take your measurements for the Signature pieces, as they have a more tailored "close to the body" fit than the typical LLBean stuff.

Thoughts? Anyone thinking of checking into the LLBean Signature collection?

Another thought....

I've been thinking of doing outfits of the day.... or something to that effect. A couple of the blogs I follow do them, and I get so much inspiration from their pairings. I am feeling really good about my wardrobe lately-- I think it must be the spring weather. I'm much more a spring/summer clothing girl. For example, I'm feeling very good about my outfit today.... coral pink pencil skirt (Jcrew), cream jeweled neck tshirt (Loft), with a black cropped leather jacket (F21). I'd love to get more feedback on my outfits, etc, than the typical response from the husband ("Yeah, that looks good."). The problem? No full length mirror at home! I know- gasp! I really don't know how I get dressed without a full length mirror.

So, I'm thinking about it. I need to get a full length mirror anyways, so this may be my motivation. Of course, the blog will still focus on my family, but I think we can find a way to fit fashion in on the blog, too!

Thoughts? Is anyone even interested in seeing what I wear on a day to day basis?

Long time, no blog.... blessing or not?

Sorry folks.... it's been a while. Life has been crazy, but when is it not? We've been busy with work, weekends all over Richmond, and baseball has started up for Ryan (he's coaching). I've also been having great success with Uppercase Living and have been having quite a few parties. I'm really proud of the dedication I have put into building my company.... I know I can do more, but right now with working full time, I'm doing the best I can :) We've also been staying really focused on working out and *trying* to be healthy. I'm really excited to say that I've lost 9 pounds since making my resolutions to work out at the beginning of the year.... hopefully I can stay on course with that as we head into shorts-and-bathing suit-season. Ryan is sticking to working out as well, and is looking mighty fine. ;-)

In addition to the five million and one things going on, I've been observing and thinking. For Lent, I really tried hard to give up judging others or forming opinions of others based upon their outward behaviors. Sadly, I haven't been very successful. I think it might just be my personality... and sure, it warrants change, but at the same time in fighting my observant nature, I've come to see that some of the things I observe are just plain ridiculous.

For example.... everyone and their mother uses the phrase "I'm/We're so blessed to be (insert mundane situation here)". Sure, it is wonderful that people can identify even the smallest blessings in their lives, but tell me this..... what is so "blessed" about a child's poopy diaper? Or what is so "blessed" about a child who doesn't sleep at night? Perhaps people can see the blessing behind what I might find to be less than a blessing.

I also have noticed that the same people are constantly claiming their blessedness over the same things.... such as their husband, their child, their job, etc. To me, say it once to the world, and then privately acknowledge your blessing. Don't blather on to me (or Facebook, or your blog, or where ever else) about how blessed you are because your husband put the toilet seat down.

No, I'm not bitter. And no, I don't feel as if I'm less blessed than anyone else. I have a lot of wonderful in my life, and for those things I'm thankful. And in noticing others broadcasting their blesssings, I came to this question.... Are those individuals who feel so obliged to go on and on about their blessings really feeling blessed? Or are they trying to convince themselves that they ARE blessed by finding the slightest of a silver lining and then broadcasting it to everyone else 24 hours a day? To me, I think that if you are blessed, you don't have to yell it from the roof tops. Anyone who is around you would notice how blessed you are because you are happy, living your life to the fullest, and loving those around you.