Adults only - Myrtle 2010

Well, our summer got started with a frenzy! School ended on June 18th, and with that being my very last day at my school and being a teacher, it was a bit hectic... plus, Ryan and I had an adults only vacay scheduled to start the next day, so I had to have everything done so I could leave and never look back!

Our adults only vacay was for four days in Myrtle Beach, SC, with three other couples. We went with our best friend couple, Brandon and PJ; one other couple was more of an aquaintance, and the last couple were new to us! By the end of the trip, we were all getting on like we'd known each other for years! It was seriously a blast....

We left super early on Saturday morning so that we could avoid traffic (since our trip inadvertently coincided with High School Beach Week.... joy of joys!).... we arrived in Myrtle around noon, but since check in wasn't till 4, we decided to hit up an ABC store and beach it for a few hours! After we were able to check in, we decided to all shower and get ready for a night out at Broadway at the Beach, the big tourist spot in Myrtle. We had a great time, but apparently our age was showing since we were all pooped out by 11 pm and headed home.

Outfit for night 1:

Top: Dotted top with lace inset from Loft

Shorts: 3" chinos in Bright Kiwi from JCrew

PJ and I at Fat Tuesday

Ryan and I at Broadway at the Beach (before we all decided we were too old to be out that so late)

The next day, we spent a lot of time down on the beach, and then decided to gorge ourselves at Captain George's seafood buffet.  I'm not much of a seafood buffet girl, but I do love food, so I found more than enough stuff to eat and enjoy!  We walked around Broadway for a little while after dinner to walk off the enormous amount of food we ate, but again decided we were way too old to be out so late... so we came home and played cards and Taboo for a few hours!

Outfit for night 2: Jersey Halter dress from H&M (Summer 2010)

For our third and final night, we decided that we were going to put our big kid pants on and party hard at Broadway!  There is a dueling piano bar called Crocodile Rock, and we were all super amped to go and enjoy the music and drinks!  We reserved a table right up front, and the piano players did not disappoint!  We had a great time and the musicians gave us hell the entire night.....

Outfit for night 3:

Top: Watercolor shell from JCrew

Jeans: Gap Bootcut Jeans (in long)

Shoes: Cynthia Vincent for Target

Unfortunately, my camera stopped working in the middle of the third night out, so I didn't get anymore pictures :(  But we had a total blast, and the fourth day in Myrtle was a recovery day for everyone.  We beached it for a while, and then Ryan, Brandon, PJ and I all packed up to head home. 

I loved every second of being on an adults only vacation.... of course, I missed Campbell, but Ryan and I needed some time away to be with friends and have fun!  We are so lucky that Ryan's mom was able to keep Campbell for us while we were gone, so that made it that much easier for us to be gone for a few days!

So, that was the start of summer vacation for us!  Since being back from Myrtle, I've spent the days at home with Campbell, going to the gym and playing at the pool.  And job searching....  I do have an interview next week, though, so fingers crossed something comes my way! :)

Review of the belted bow bikini

It is that time... dreaded bathing suit season. Well, actually I don't dread the season, just the whole "trying to look good in a bathing suit, but I still have about 5-10 pounds to lose" part of the season. At any rate, we all know it's coming.... days spent soaking up the sun at the pool, vacations at the beach..... so bathing suit time it is.

I decided to give a quick review of the JCrew swimsuit I just purchased (thank you JCrew for the fabulous 20% off AND free shipping last weekend!). I was fairly terrified since I look nothing like the models on the website/in the catalog.... but a discount and free shipping sweetened the deal since I could return it if I didn't like it. I chose the Solid Belted Bow Bikini bottoms in dark charcoal, and the Solid Wide Band halter top to match. I particularly liked the look of these, as they have a little something going on at the top, which I felt would help to minimize any lingering hip fat that I am still rocking.

And what would a review be without some IRL pictures? Hold on to your hats... it's Tiffany in a bathing suit....

Phew... that wasn't TOO terrible, was it? Thank goodness my airbrush tan is still looking nice and golden-- doesn't a tan make trying on a swimsuit that much better?

I am actually very pleasantly surprised at how happy I am with this swimsuit. I feel like it does make my hips look a little more slim, and it doesn't emphasize the tummy that is still present (though it is slowly making an exit). Additionally, the full coverage in the rear (which isn't full coverage on my wider-than-average bottom) is flattering but not too revealing. The top is nice, but I'm wondering if I would have a little more lift with the underwire halter top? I like that it is nice and secure, though, which is key when lifting a toddler around.

My only concern is pickage. I have the twist front bikini from last season, and from sitting on the side of the pool with Campbell, it did snag a teensy bit. Best way to avoid that would be to sit on a towel, I suppose.

I do wish that this swimsuit came in some prints or floral patterns. The brighter colors, like the neon rose or neon purple, might be a good substitute.

I like it so much, that I'm planning on purchasing the same bottoms and a slightly different top! What colors do you think would be best? I'm leaning towards something bright since I have the dark charcoal (like the neon purple), but should I go with something darker like the brown or navy?

This of course means that I need to return the swimsuit I purchased from Lands End (that I was never entirely happy about anyways).... and wouldn't you know that I tossed the packing slip from the purchase this past weekend. I'm such a dummy. Hopefully I can get my $$ back though, so I can make a purchase with JCrew (and maybe there will be a coupon code or at least some free shipping in the meantime????).

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?

Right on Target

I'm a huge huge HUGE fan of Target. Not so many people are (for example, Ryan's Nana... who swears she never finds ANYTHING at Target.... impossible, I say!), but I'm an even bigger fan when Target gives me fashion and a great price at the same time.


I purchased this Merona Shawl Collar sweatshirt last week in black. I personally liked how fashionable it was, while still making me comfy... which is always incredibly important at my increasingly stressful job.

Imagine my excitement when one of my co-workers pointed out that it looks just like this beauty from JCrew.

Here are the similarities and differences:
Similarities:

• shawl collar
• fleecey cotton material
• incredibly chic enough to wear with heels and khakis, or casual enough to wear with flats and jeans (or my new fave cords from Ann Taylor Loft)

Differences

• pocket style... Jcrew has the kangaroo pocket, while the Target brand has small side pockets (I prefer the side pockets, as kangaroo pockets tend to emphasize a belly)
• toggle button... Jcrew has non, while the Target brand does.
• variety of color... Jcrew's offering is in muted tones (black, light grey, etc).... Target has just about all the colors of the rainbow!
• price.... You can buy the Jcrew version for a mere $59.99.... or head to your local Target and pick up the Merona version for $19.99!

The verdict.... I say go with the Target brand, and get a couple in your fave colors without breaking the bank! I'm headed back for at least 2 more..... I just have to decide on the colors!

Who doesn't love a wedding?

OOOHH I love weddings! I just love wedding dresses, seeing the wedding party, watching the bride come down the aisle, and all that jazz. I cry EVERY TIME the bride comes down the aisle. I don't know what it is, but I just up and cry like I'm getting married. Never mind the fact that I actually laughed as I walked down the aisle... maybe I'm making up for the fact that I didn't cry?



And, oh yeah, if I'm in the "crowd", I definitely mentally critique the bridesmaid dresses. I just sometimes do not get the dresses that people wear in weddings. Maybe the bride is trying to make everyone else look hideous so they look exponentially wonderful... who knows. I tried to make an effort to have my girls wear dresses that they could wear again, and I actually know at least one of my maids who did!



So imagine how over the moon I was when one of my bestest girls in the world decided that she would let the BRIDESMAIDS pick out their dresses? Well, actually I kind of got nervous because we all know that people's idea of appropriate are all over the place. Thank GOD Megan put down some ground rules for her dresses (ex. no cotton, must be black, not too short, not floor length, etc). I searched and searched for a dress.... and folks, it just came in the mail today. I was not photo ready, so no pics of ME in the dress, but here it is from JCrew's website:

Of course, it's in black.... but oh goodness it is WONDERFUL. And I will certainly wear it again. I jumped for joy all over my bathroom after putting it on. The fit is perfect (thank you, amazing customer service people at JCrew... you are WONDERFUL!), and I am so pleased with it. And it doesn't hurt that it was on sale for $99, from it's original $215, either!

And speaking of Megan's wedding... she's getting married in the gorgeous Hendersonville area (think NC's Smokey Mountains) at the Pinebrook Manor. One of my other besties, Angela, and I decided that we wanted to have a more homey stay than just sitting in a hotel, SO, check out the cottage we booked for ourselves and our men.....

The Gardener's Cottage

Now, I just have to cool my jets until the big day.... September 26th! I'm so excited to be part of Megan's wedding... and of course to see my wonderful SBC girls! :)