Vivacis + White: OOD 5.11.09

Despite it being gray & overcast out there again, and being pretty cold, I am fully committed to my Spring wardrobe now and refuse to go back to big sweaters and warm shoes until the Fall!  Thank goodness I have so many cotton cardigans...

Anyway, today I'm going to wear my new Steve Madden Vivacis that I ordered from endless on their $25 off $100 promo, paired with basic jeans and all white so I can easily add my Mother's Day present - Coach's Op Art Madison Sabrina in Lavender.  

It was a fun and relaxing weekend but today starts a busy week - and the busy several weeks of May and June - getting ready for all the end-of-school activities, recitals, parties, and planning and preparing for summer vacations.  Happy Monday!

OOD 5.11.09 by sparrowsandsparkles featuring J Crew tops

(IRL my cami is diffferent - it is a J Crew pintuck-style in a cotton/silk blend from about a year ago.)

I love that you can cinch the sides down on this bag and carry as a satchel...

...or uncinch and carry as a roomier shoulder bag.  There are leather straps on the bottom that unsnap on one side to hold the shoulder strap neatly underneath when it isn't in use.

A Good Shoe Day {And New Order from Endless}

Today has been a very good shoe day!  (May is my birthday month so I've kind of been treating myself a little lately, with that in mind.)

First of all, I sported my new patent Cates all morning (and was even complimented by a Kindergartener) and can report that for a high-heeled slingback pump they are pretty comfortable... not the best for chasing a speedy four year old, but I did manage.

Second, I got an email that my new Tory Burch Revas have already shipped and are on their way from my friends at shopbop!  Hooray!

And third... a box from endless arrived on my porch today with my new Vivacis and Seeris, both by Steve Madden.  Endless rocks. 

The Vivaci wedge I ordered in Pewter Metallic... a great neutral when you want a little shine but don't want to go totally silver or gold.  I have a similar style shoe from Banana Republic in black that I bought 2 or 3 years ago.  I just love them but rarely wear them because they were offered in whole sizes only and the 9 is too loose... I really need that 8 1/2.  

The Seeri I ordered in Leopard Patent.  Now I can have a tiny splash of leopard in the summer too!

Endless currently has a promo going where if you spend $100 (certain brands only), they take $25 off your order.  Free shipping and returns too, of course, and go through ebates and you'll get 6% back.

By the way, it was beautiful and sunny today, although I heard on the radio that the "cold" will be back on Monday... um, yeah, because the temperature was mid-50's today, so warm???  For May???  I guess I have just never adjusted my Southern Girl thermostat!  80's and a beach, please!  Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Casual Cate: OOD 5.8.09

You know I can't wait to wear them!  No reason to dress up today, so the Cate goes casual:  Jeans, Rolling Ruffles Tank, and an ivory cardi.  The Soft Seashell patent is really nice with Warm Blush I think!  They get to spend a couple hours in the office this morning but I will probably switch them out for the field trip and ballet lessons... but back on for dinner out!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Casual Cate by sparrowsandsparkles featuring J Crew shoes

New Revas on the Way {and at 25% off!}

An hour ago I was out to lunch with Hubs and our little boy and just happened to check my Blackberry when an email came through from shopbop informing me: LAST DAY! Friends + Family Get 25% Off Until Midnight !!! (full priced merchandise only) Now, I do not recall getting an email that this was starting so I don't know how long it's been going on...

Anyway! I love shopbop! I've ordered from them a couple of times and they shipped quickly (for free!) and packaged nicely. They occasionally offer some great discount codes and I have been waiting for one like this. So of course, the minute I got home, I sat down and ordered a new pair of Revas! I have them in orange suede and they are so comfortable. Now some basic black w/gold logo are on their way too. The basic nappa leather was only available in black or brown, but there are a few styles of patent ones left in different colors. They also have the Romy, which I resisted (need to see in person), but, sadly, not the metallic Reva espadrille which I am planning on getting in gold.

The code is: INTHEFAMILY25 and if you shop through ebates, you get 6% of what you spend back. Did I mention I love shopbop?!

Happy Shopping!

Nordstrom's May Catalog

My May catalog arrived today and I've found lots of lovely things for summer!

Inside the front cover is a list of Nordstrom's favorites for the season:

1. the tank (yes, of course)

2. the tunic (like these too)

3. the bold dress (possibly)

4. the white watch (check!  $14 in the girls' dept)

5. the swimsuit (well, naturally...)

6. the pink bag (personally, I'm thinking tangerine with pink tulips, but, yes!)

7. denim shorts (not this mom... maybe ten years and three kids ago)

8. the aviator (could do... they're a classic)

9. flips flops (ab-so-lute-ly)

10. hoops (yes, yes, yes)

11. sheer color  (love)

12. the white bag (fabbie) that's one of my new words, thanks Jillle!

So, I am kind of loving these shoes on p. 28, (although I know I would need to see them on my foot).  The price point, however, is more in the range of what I'd consider for a very classic pair of shoes that I'd expect to wear for years and years or some classic boots.  Maybe on sale or a similar, lower priced brand.  (Note the gorgeous TB Kelsey I recently blogged about on the right page!)

Pour la Victoire snake-embossed "Ella" Sandal with zipper detail - in steel blue boa (picture directly above is from www.zappos.com - love their multi-views!) or vanilla boa (also on catalog page above).  Black is shown online.  $225.

This perfume is also featured:  I recently tried it on in-store and loved it!  I currently wear Prada Infusion d'Iris (alternating with Burberry Beat) and am a big fan of the citrusy Aqua di Parma which I have worn lots in the past but don't have a bottle right now.  I may get this one before too long.

Prada Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger 1.7 eau de parfum spray $74.  (They say this is inspired by the orange blossom note in Infusion d'Iris.)

I am also interested in checking out the Nars "Outsider" lipstick which they describe as a "glistening modern coral" and Nars "Belize" lip gloss which is described as "pale pink with specks of gold"... they both sound perfect for summer!

OOD 5.6.09 Heather Cloud + Hot Pink

Of course I must wear one of my recent arrivals today so the Heather Cloud tee it is...

I'd love to put on my Cates with some capris and a pretty silk top but the weather is not cooperating.  So today, this great gray ruffled tee, a hot pink cotton cardi from J Crew a couple years back, jeans and brown flats.  Great for a cloudy morning spent in the office then catching up on things around the house.  Wasn't I just doing that?  

By the way, I was checking out the sale section on jcrew.com this morning and the Linen Getaway Skirt ($44.) is already marked down to $34.50.  That was fast!

Have a great Wednesday everyone!

Heather Cloud + Hot Pink by sparrowsandsparkles featuring J Crew t-shirts

J Crew Tee & Cardi, Joes Jeans, Michele Diamond Deco Watch

Kenneth Cole Reaction Flats, Sponge Bob Band-Aid

J Crew Delivery Day!

My last two Red Phone orders from the Wild Days of the Mickey Card arrived today!  

I will start with the Linen Getaway Skirt, Item 15615.  Love the color (Fresh Melon), love the linen, love the casual styling... so in theory... I should love it.  In reality... um no, this one's not for me.  It is very short and when I tried it on in the mirror it just looked wide and short.  It's also rather sheer.  Tres uncomfortable for this mom!  I absolutely could not picture myself walking across the school campus to pick up my Kindergartener and First Grader in it.  It would definitely be suitable over a swimsuit but I do not lounge by a pool enough to even justify the RCP (red card price) of $33.00 (now $44.00).  I can't keep it.  If it were just a little longer... So sadly, this is going back.  The color truly is beautiful though, and I love it with the gray (I bought it to wear with the tissue ruffle tee that was also delivered today) so I will be keeping a look-out for something else in this color.

Next up, the Tissue Ruffle V Neck Tee in Heather Cloud.  Love, and knew I would.  I have this in the pink color and this is just the same - lovely and versatile.  Can't wait to get it working in my wardrobe.

Third and last, the Cate.  Ah, lovely Cate!  In Soft Seashell... I know many of you have a pair and I have admired them from afar.  Now, at last I have my very own and can't wait to wear them!  I wear an 8 1/2 and found these to be TTS.