Just Say "When"

The opposite of a brain freeze

I've been MIA from the blogosphere due to excessive work demands that I brought on myself with my own bright idea, pitched to the big wigs and approved.  This will be great for the company and for me too, it will all be worth it in the end.  In the meantime it is taking a lot of my waking hours, at least for the next while.  A positive spin off though, a senior manager that I've always found very prickly recently told me and my boss that I have been doing excellent work managing communications, coordination, staffing and overall delivery for the three concurrent projects.  I thanked her for the positive feedback and I hope that we can start to build a good work relationship.  Maybe I had to prove myself to her.  Regardless, it is an added bonus from my point of view, although I may need to watch the expectations I set because I cannot be flat out all the time.

If only this worked on in-laws

I've also been busy helping my husband gear up the family business for the summer season, his busiest time of year.  There is always tension on his side of the family and emotions seem to be running at an all time high this year.  It's stressful because I try to be calm and gracious but sometimes it takes all I've got to hold my tongue.  The drama is what really gets on my last nerve and my MIL is the ultimate drama queen.  I'm not used to drama, my family is pretty easy going and reasonable but then we don't run a family business either.  I find the drama so unnecessary and it always takes energy away from the real work.  Thankfully the planning and preparation should wrap up this week and I can step back out of the picture.  I have already made a massage appointment to help wind down and "unclench" my jaw.

I'm thinking of throwing down this doormat and hiding out at the city house for at least a week.

What's keeping you busy these days?

Patterned Denim, My Way

I refuse to buy a pair of printed, patterned or brightly-colored jeans.  I find the trend to look gauche and gaudy on me but hey, if you like it, go nuts.  Y'all know I've got strong opinions but I can respect that other people have their own ideas and whatever makes you happy and harms no one else is a good thing indeed.

But really, I've been incorporating patterned denim into my wardrobe for several years now.  Since 2005, to be exact.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Denim and Alligator Fermoir

2005 was the year that my father bought me what is my ultimate favorite handbag.  It is the favorite because it was from my father and also because it was my first really delicate handbag.  I had a couple of other designer bags but this one was more expensive than any of them and the fabric construction meant it would be a bit more fragile than the other bags I owned.  

I was still a teenager back then, although just barely as I turned 20 in December of that year.  My father was in top  form those days, constantly joking around and in a positive frame of mind.  We were on a day of shopping during a trip to NYC and my father insisted I needed to have the matching shoes too.  My father really indulged me and I know he enjoyed doing it.   He loved to give gifts.  I remember it as though it were yesterday and every time I set my eyes on this bag I think fondly of my father and smile.  He passed away almost 4 years ago and I miss him every day.  Sometimes I take the bag out and just hold it for a while, remembering.  Then I tuck it safely away again.  My father bought me other things on that shopping trip and through the years but this bag was treasure then and it is still treasured today.  

OK, enough blubbering.  It's a cute bag without the back story and the shoes are lovely too.  I am always calling things my favorite but really, I am working toward a wardrobe of just favorites so I suppose I'm not doing so badly with all the favorites thus far.  I'm not always matchy-matchy but I do like to pair the pieces together with this simple cotton knit sheath dress from Lacoste.  Because of the pattern I think the monogram pieces look best with neutrals if wearing them all together.  Most often though, I wear them separately.

The bag is small so I have to choose the contents wisely.  Here's what I had inside on this day: Persol sunglasses (I can't leave home without sunglasses), Derek Alexander mini zip wallet, L'Occitane lip balm, Jane Iredale pure gloss and mini compact.  There was still room for my keys and phone but just barely. 

Stored away to carry another day, or when I just want to relive the memory.

Some readers recently commented that they would like to see my handbags so I've been thinking about how to include them in upcoming posts.  For review posts I've been sticking to a plain white tee and/or basic jeans in order to focus on the item in the review and I don't do a lot of OOTD because I'm usually rushed in the morning.  I'm not a morning person at all either so try working with that grumpy attitude. Huh!  Anyway, my spring and summer shopping is winding down so reviews should wrap up for a while and hopefully that will make room for more entertaining - and less informative posts.  I'll be sure to put some handbags into the mix.

Have a wonderful day!

Brooks Brothers 25% Off Extended!

Brooks Brothers has extended their Friends & Family promotion until Monday, May 13 at 11:59pm EDT.

Enjoy savings of 25% your entire purchase using code FNBB6 at the online checkout.  The discount will automatically be applied to purchases in the B&M stores.

Happy Shopping!

Three Little Things

I mentioned a while back that when I stopped into the Lacoste boutique in downtown Calgary to return the cowl-neck dress (see the dress HERE), I picked up three little things.  

The first thing was a pair of flip-flops.  While on vacation in March my husband said he wanted a new pair.  His Havianas were holding up just fine but the old pair from J.Crew had seen better days.  

Since red is his favorite color this was an easy choice.  With the warm weather we've had he has worn them already and reports that they are very comfortable with no chafing and a very cushy footbed.  (OK, he didn't really report, I had to prod him for details beyond "good".)  The grooved tread allows water to channel for better traction on wet surfaces and the two-tone sole with subtle Lacoste branding has just the right amount of interest.  My husband loves nice things but is not into anything flashy.  These have become a fast favorite, I may have to grab a spare pair the next time I'm in the store.  These also come in blue, black, green, yellow, white and navy.

The second thing I found was this navy cotton pique headscarf.  The pique fabric is breathable and should be very cool to wear.  An elastic at the back keeps it comfortably in place.

The scarf is similar to J.Crew's "no hassle headscarf" that they used to offer in the summer.  I have a few of these and they always come to the beach with me.  I wish J.Crew would bring them back because they are so useful when it's breezy and the J.Crew fabrics were pretty and fun.

The Lacoste version is good too, just not as interesting in a plain navy.  I like that it's a bit stretchy and you can expand it to look like a headscarf/bandanna or fold it along the pleats and wear it narrow, like a headband.

A nice feature is that the tag is attached with the price ticket so you can easily remove the whole thing.  Small detail but I don't want a white tag flapping around on a headband and there's not much room to tuck it away somewhere.  The fabric is 94% cotton, 6% elasthane and machine washable so the content and care instructions are not needed anyway and the little gator will remind you that it is from Lacoste.  The headband also came in black, yellow and white.  

The third item I found was this Lacoste L!VE cotton sweatshirt skirt.  The L!VE line is more casual and I find it fits a size smaller than the regular line.  I usually take a Small in the skirts but for this L!VE skirt I had to size up to a Medium.  It has a partial elastic waistband with a drawstring tie and two besom pockets.  You must think I have gone sweatshirt crazy and yes, I have. I'm enjoying the easy care and comfort of sweatshirt dressing.  Feel free to stage an intervention at any point if you think I've gone too far.

The navy skirt is a nice alternative to shorts.  Paired here with a pink tee and navy/white madras sandals.  Don't think I went out of the house like this.  I wore this at home, the tee is too sheer for the general public.  We have been having 28C/82F weather the past while so the short skirts have come out of the closet.  Time to add a bit more self tanner as well, I see.

In other shopping "news", the Brooks Brothers Friends and Family promotion ends tomorrow at 11:59pm EDT.  There is still time to get 25% off your entire purchase using code FNFBB6 at the online checkout.  The code will automatically be applied on in-store purchases as well.  I did receive a mailer with a discount card for me and one for a friend but the card is not required to receive the discount so it's really just a way to advertise for Brooks Brothers by providing someone with the discount card.  I have no problem with that, I like to share a good deal.  I've placed my order so I'm done for now.  Hope you find something lovely if you do partake in the sale.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Brooks Brothers Reviews - Black Fleece Mini-Octagon Shirt And A Sold Out Blazer

The Brooks Brothers F&F promotion is on now in stores and online.  Save 25% on your purchases using code FNFBB6 at the checkout.  Promo is valid until Saturday, May 11 at 11:59 pm EDT. 

In light of the ongoing promotion I have two last reviews for today's post.  First up is the Black Fleece Mini-Octagon Button Down Shirt.  I wanted this shirt from the moment I saw it in the spring lookbook but when the new arrivals came out it was nowhere to be seen.  Brooks Brothers told me that it was a late release and then emailed me when it was available.  I ordered it straightaway.

The shirt is constructed from shaped panels with a box pleat vent in the back for ease.  The lack of darts and seaming ensure the pattern is uninterrupted.  The navy and white pattern is perfect for summer.  It's pleasing to my eye and complementary to my complexion as well.  

I love this octagon tile pattern.  It feels fresh yet should stand the test of time given the smaller size and classic colors.  The mother-of-pearl buttons are suitably-sized for the scale of the pattern.  They are all securely attached too.  

The pattern is perfectly aligned, even on the pocket.  It's just as I would expect from Brooks Brothers, especially Black Fleece, which is their designer line.

The crisp fabric has an oxford cloth texture that should soften with washing.  It is machine washable and made in the U.S.A. from Korean fabric.  

Tiny buttons secure the collar, it is truly a button-down shirt.  The placket ends in square corners, which looks nice with the geometric pattern.

Sleeves have notched cuffs and tiny mother-of-pearl buttons.  A nice touch.  The details are always excellent with Black Fleece and I am all about the details.  

The fit is perfect in my Black Fleece blouse size BB5.  I'm usually size 8 or 10 in J.Crew and I take a BB4 in blazers and sweaters but like to size up in the shirts for extra room in the bust.  I really love this shirt.  It does bring to mind TiffanyRose's post HERE about her husband liking her dressed like a little man.  It is rather mannish but to me, that is part of its charm.

Cashmere Two-Button Jacket

Finally, I have a review of the Brooks Brothers Cashmere Two-Button jacket, which is not Black Fleece and which is now sold out.  I considered skipping the review but thought since it may pop back someone could find the information useful.  I also thought I should share some of the details as I do read comments from time to time where people are interested in the construction and this one has some great features so here goes.

Fabric Made In Italy by Ing Loro Piana & C.

The jacket may look familiar because I mentioned it previously in THIS POST about a Brooks Brothers clearance sale.  I'm not much of a sale shopper but for those of you who are, let's play the pricing game.  This jacket was originally priced at $898.  It was reduced by 40%  to $538.80 at the end of the F/W season and then recently reduced by 60% off the original to $359.20.  When I was putting together details for my reviews there were still two sizes left in the jacket on Monday but with the F&F promotion the remaining stock was snapped up with additional 25% off the sale price for a final price of $269.40 - a grand total of 70% off.  That is one amazing deal for a 100% Loro Piana cashmere blazer. 

Now on to the details.  The jacket has a single vent at the back, which some people find more flattering than the double-vented styles.  

The jacket is fully-lined in 100% Cupro woven in a Brooks Brothers signature Golden Fleece jacquard.

The lining has a back pleat for ease.  The buttons are mother-of-pearl and fully-functioning at the cuff.  The pockets are also lined in Cupro.  

I was pleasantly surprised by the color, which is a shade darker than it appears online and has gray undertones.  The color is more subtle and versatile than I expected.  I also want to point out the tonal piping that joins the lining to the shell.  It's a nice touch, an added step that makes the seam more stable by the additional fabric layer, basically like interfacing.  Remember when J.Crew used to do the contrast piping on their coat and jacket linings?  They may have started doing them again but it's been so long since I bought a jacket or coat from them that I don't even know.

The jacket has a wonderful drape and hangs close to the body without being tight.

The cashmere is so incredibly soft and the weight is perfect for three season wear.  One of my readers picked this one up as well and I know she got it for a great price.  Congrats on your terrific score!  I hope you love this one as much as I do.

That is all the Brooks Brothers reviews I have for now.  I did place an order with the F&F promotion and I'm excited for those new pieces.  

If you find anything you like at Brooks Brothers I'd love to hear all about it.

Have a wonderful day!

It's Here! - Save 25% with Brooks Brothers Friends & Family

Brooks Brothers has started their Friends & Family promotion online today, one day early.  The promotion starts tomorrow in the B&M stores.

Save 25% off everything until Saturday, May 11 at 11:59 EDT.  Use code FNFBB6 at the checkout.  Click HERE to shop online.

I am always anticipating this promotion with a list.  The May promotion is excellent because there is still plenty of time to enjoy spring and summer clothes.  I haven't finished my Brooks Brothers and Black Fleece reviews yet, I'm working to put the last two up tomorrow.  


And of course, here is the fine print.

*Offer is valid 5/8/13-5/11/13 until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time online and by phone, and until the close of regular business hours in all U.S. and Canada Brooks Brothers stores. Store hours vary at Airport stores. Visit BrooksBrothers.com/stores to view our store listings. May not be combined with any other discount or offer. Offer does not include Harrys of London, Edward Green, men’s cordovan shoes, watches, charitable items, Made-to-Measure or Special Order clothing purchases. Discount may not be applied toward taxes, shipping and handling, monogramming and engraving, alterations or personalization. Not valid on previous purchases or for the purchase of the Gift Card. If you return some or all merchandise, the dollar value of this promotion is not refunded or credited back to your account. Void in states where prohibited by law, no cash value except where prohibited, then the cash value is 1/100 cent. 


Although the fine print says the additional percent off cannot be combined with any other discount or offer, it has always worked on sale items in the past.  I tried a mock checkout today and the promo did apply to sale merchandise.  

Anything at Brooks Brothers catch you eye lately?  Will you be taking advantage of this promotion?

Talk Derby To Me

We interrupt the series of Brooks Brothers reviews to bring you images from The Kentucky Derby.  Not horse images of course, that would be my sister.  I'm talking of course, about the hats!

I fancy mint juleps and garlands of roses but I really love to check out THE HATS!  The headwear on display at Churchill Downs is part Southern tradition, part spectacle and always interesting.  I've only been once and didn't spend any time watching the races, I was too enthralled with the hats, and well, the mint juleps and champagne were a bit distracting too.

Why does this make me think of K-Mart.  Or a bug zapper.  

Rain dampened the track, but not the spirits.  This innovative woman fashioned a rain slicker for her hat.  Warning: keep away from small children, pets or the infirm.

A rose is a rose is ... a hat.  That thing is huge. I know why she's leaning to one side.

Women can be crazy, but once men get involved in any sporting event that encourages them to dress in costume, look out.

It can get a little bit quirky, like these fellas, 

To full-on nutbar attire like this guy.  I wouldn't want the seat behind him.  Or in the next five rows behind him for that matter.  Of course with the rain it might be OK to side beside him.

From Haute Couture to humorous, The Derby hats run the gamut.  Personally, I favor the former.

Ever been to The Kentucky Derby?  How many hats in your closet?