Dupes

As I was making my way to J. Crew on Sunday, I spotted this little gem at Express:

Express Portofino Shirt

I had to stop and pick it up!  I can already see it paired with bright colored skirts and pants.  And at $49.90, it's less than half the price of J. Crew's Blythe in Polka Dot, which is currently $128.

J. Crew Blythe blouse

When I saw the Blythe in J. Crew a few stores later, I was surprised that it was an off-white.  J. Crew lists the color as champagne on their website.  While the Blythe is beautiful, and silk, I just couldn't justify the price tag.  Plus, unless I get Blythe in tall, the shirt is a little too short for my tall self!  : )

Happy Tuesday!

Henri, le object of my affection

Have you seen the Henri videos?  Henri, le Chat Noir is my favorite 'famous' cat.  This totally reminds me of my cat and I watch these over and over again and they still crack me up.  Henri and Grumpy Cat are at SXSW right now and getting paid five figures to appear. I guess Grumpy Cat is a big attraction and people are lining up to meet Tarder Sauce (Grumpy Cat's name).  Now...I just need to figure out how to market my cat and I'm set!  : )  Happy Thursday!

Beauty Review

Living in Minnesota, which has one of the country's harshest winters, can wreak havoc on your skin.  Especially if you already have dry skin to begin with.  I moisturize day and night, and still see flakes under my foundation in the winter.  I've tried so many moisturizers and lately I've been using Aveda's skin hydrator.  I love it, but it's just not quite enough in the winter.  Last week, my skin was so dry it was cracking.  Ughhh, I'd had enough!  I remembered getting a deluxe sample of moisture surge and a few years ago and really liking it.  I headed to the Clinique counter to pick some up in hopes of remedying my painfully dry skin.

After consulting with a Clinique advisor, I went with a new product called Moisture Surge Intense.  It's been almost a week, and I have to say I am loving this moisturizer!  It was a little, errr, intense the first time I tried it.  My skin felt really greasy and heavy.  But after continuous use throughout the week, that has subsided and my skin now feels healthy again!  Of note, there is a funky smell when you first apply the product. It's chemically, but not enough, for me anyways, to outweigh the benefits of this cream.  

Overall, I love this product.  I also have extremely dry skin.  Those who do not could use this as a mask or an overnight treatment as needed.  Happy Sunday!  

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 

Lusting Over

New Shoes!  More specifically, J. Crew's Etta pump.  I love the chunkier heel on this shoe.  It's a nice escape from the stiletto's and thin heeled shoes I've been wearing lately.  Plus, the round/almond toe is to die.  I can't wear open toe shoes to the office (why, I don't know) so this shoe is def. on my spring wish list.  : )

 Edit: They come in amazing different colors and textures!  I would probably choose the more basic nude and black cap-toe or patent leather, but it is fun to look!  : ) 

Photos Courtesy of J. Crew.  View all J. Crew shoes.

Meanwhile in Paris...

A few street-style snaps I took in Paris.

In the 8th Arr.

Chic getting coffee

The impossibly stylish Vanessa Bruno boutique in St. Germain de Pres.  

Rainy Saturday

I wanted to run some errands today.  I had a package to pick up at UPS and then return a pair of pants at Banana, oil change, etc.

The pants I originally bought at Banana were the Sloan Fit Slim Ankle Pant.  I really wanted to get the Mythic Blue color, but decided I had enough blue in my wardrobe from last season.  I finally went with the khaki color, called Dried Basil.  I think it was the color.  It was just kind of...there...nothing too exciting about it.  Almost uniform looking.  Dislike.  I think I'll try another color and in a Tall size and maybe that will change my feelings about them.  Me, being me, I could not walk out of BR without picking a few things up.  I found this polka-dot tee that will look cute under simple work cardigans and with skirts.  

Before I stopped in BR, I perused through J. Crew quickly.  Tons of super cute new arrivals.  I didn't want to stop and try things on, but I picked up another much-loved Tippi Sweater.  I must have the Tippi in about ten colors now!  I think they are the perfect work sweater.  Nice merino wool, easy to play up with a necklace, scarf or collared shirt and they go great with skirts or pants.  Plus, I can just grab my size and go!  I really want to try on the Tllda Oxford Top. This is my fav color blue, it goes with everything!  Especially white in the spring/summer.  

Walking into Banana was like walking into (almost) the same store!  It's crazy to see how much BR has been 'inspired' by J. Crew's aesthetic and styling.  There were the tipped blazers, candy-colored skirts, and nautical striped sweaters and tees.  I wonder how J. Crew feels about this?  I feel this progression has been happening for a while, and it's been interesting to see it unfold.  I really like both stores, though, and will continue shopping at each of them.  : ) 

The boyfriend is chefing up something delicious smelling downstairs and I am off to investigate.  : ) 

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!  

testing

I am really going to try and give this blog a go.  For real.  This must be the fifth blog I've created and (most likely this one included) abandoned.  I will do my best, though, as this was one my 2013 New Year's Resolutions.