Today, my husband and I went shopping for some new work clothes (for him) because he just got a new job! (yay yay yay times infinity!) I am so happy for him and proud of him.
I also picked up a few items for myself (which I’m sure isn’t surprising.)
Let’s begin:
This tee from Forever 21 was just irresistible. I know it is a little bit holiday-esque, but you know I can’t resist a sparkly bow. The shoulders have a tiny bit of padding in them, and it actually makes the shirt look very flattering when on.
This jacket from White House Black Market had me at hello. I was walking out of the store after trying on a zebra print bikini top (I know, I know)…and I immediately fell in love with this lovely jacket laying on one of the tables. I stared at it longingly, and was too scared to look at the price tag, as some of WHBM’s jackets can often cost more than $200. I nearly squeeled when I saw it was $98. Which is still a lot…but but but…I don’t own even one “suit” style jacket (well, I own one, from Zara and I hate the way it fits.) This jacket will be a staple and just looks oh-so- good on. I can just picture it with some pearls…oh pearls.
Onto the details:
Ugh. So so good. We just belonged together. I will definitely have to do an OOTD post when I wear this. I got a size small, for reference.
This lovely military-inspired sweater from Forever 21 is another one of my favorite purchases. I saw it on the “return” rack area when I was leaving the fitting room and quickly tried it on. It looks incredible on, and I had to have it. The ruffles at the neck and hips just make it so feminine. It really is an incredible piece and feels well made. It cost $24.50 and I got a medium.
And because a shopping haul is never quite complete without some rosettes I also picked up this lovely rosette adorned top at Forever 21. I want to say it was $15.50 or $17.50. I like to layer these kinds of tees under simple cardigans to give the look a little some extra.
With my sunny vacation on mind, I picked up this pretty cotton dress from Victoria’s Secret PINK, on sale for $19.95. It is actually quite long (most of their “dresses” are shirts on me.) I really love the bust detail. It makes the dress feel more special. I plan to wear it as a beach cover-up and with heels it could even look cute to wear to dinner.
Here is the bust, up-close:
I might be a little obsessed with zebra-print…so I also got this VS PINK tee (on sale.) I think it’s a cute weekend tee and gym shirt:
It’s supposed to fit loose and off-the-shoulder, but I got an XS because I liked how it looked better when it was more fitted. It was on sale for $12.99.
My zebra love continued when I went to Old Navy to pick up 2/$5 flip flops for our trip. I also got a pair of black ones with a slightly metallic finish:
Earlier this week, Chloe posted about these gorgeousValentino Couture Half D’orsay Bow Pumps.
I fell in love with them, but not with the price tag. You can see the ones she got here.
While browsing at DSW today, I stumbled upon these Me Too brand shoes that are somewhat similar to the Valentinos. I had a $20 off coupon so they came to $37.50. They are very very cute! If you are near the Galleria store here in Houston, they still have a lot of them left…mostly in sizes 7-9 and hald sizes, if I remember correctly.
(I forgot to take out the foamy things that keep the bow shape in the shoes.)
Yes, that is a *new* zebra print pillow. My husband thinks I buy too many pillows (and decorative boxes, as I mentioned in a previous post.) I got the pillow at Target last week, and when I came home with it my husband gave me his “I can’t believe you bought another couch pillow you crazy woman” face. I promptly added it to the couch, and took two current couch pillows to the guest room (they matched perfectly.) That way, I wasn’t adding more…I actually left our couches with less pillows (now that’s quick thinkin’!)
Okay, this is totally gross, but because of the cold weather, my knuckles on both hands are cracking and bleeding because they are so dry. I despise hand lotion, so my options are limited. I’ve been using Eucerin cream at night, but it’s not working. So I went to the Body Shop and picked up some of their HEMP hand cream. Hopefully it will make things better:
I am also happy to announce that today, I purchased some dress pants from Express. The reason I’m happy to announce it, is because today I bought a size 4 dress pant. I already have a pair of Editor’s in a size 6…because that’s all that ever fits me because of my hips. Today, I was able to buy a 4. It just proves that the way your clothes fit will show you the results of you fitness routine…because when I look at myself in the mirror, I am so critical, so I don’t always see the changes as much. It was an exciting moment. Maybe it’s just that style or something, but I was proud.
PSA: Marshall’s Home Store has amazing and inexpensive yoga/pilates mats. I picked up one to take with my to the studio (they provide them, but I prefer to have my own) and I also got a thicker mat to use in my downstairs bedroom which I am going to use as a home gym (to do my workout videos.)
Here are the ones I got:
Did you buy anything this weekend? Let me know in the comments below. Also- have you been working out this year? How do you measure your results? Is it by how your clothes fit, how much you weigh, how you feel? Please do share!
Thank you for reading, and happy Sunday!
xoxo,
Veronika.
Hi luv – perhaps you could try Lubriderm extra dry lotion – its a white bottle and has a pink pump.
I had the same issue as you – dry cracked bleeding hands every winter. It got to the point where it spread from my hands and onto my inner arms as well as my thighs. I tried every lotion available, even cow udder balm, then a friend of mine said her dermatologist recommended this cream – she gave me a sample and the dry skin went away within about 3 days!! To date this is the only cream that's worked.
FYI: after about 15 mins of allowing to soak, the cream doesn't even feel like it's on your hands anymore.
I love the me too shoes and the whbm jacket, sooo cute. I wish I had bought something exciting this weekend. Sadly no.
You might even want to try neosporin or something like that on your hands, that's what I did when I used to live in cold weather.
Hey Veronika,
Lovely purchases! I especially like the boucle jacket from White House Black Market. I actually just bought a VERY similar jacket from Arden B. I'll have to do an OOTD post too so you can see what I mean 😉
My fitness routine consists of going to the gym three times a week. I don't really like going by myself though, because I always feel like I'm getting gawked at so my boyfriend comes with me and it's great for us to do it together.
You picked up some great peices! I accidently did some shopping myself this weekend! I picked up a few tunics, basic graphic tees, and a blazer from New York and Company. I also stopped by White House Black Market and loved all of their new items. The black and white stripped rufled shrunken cardigan was so adorable, but I couldn't justify the price!
I just started a new workout regimen with the help of my new trainer. I am going to initially judge my progress by the way my clothes fit, than I'll move on to what the scale says!
Olivea- don't be too hard on yourself with the scale…I gain weight when I work out because of the muscle I gain, but I look smaller.
to the ladies who recommended hand lotions: thank you 🙂 I will let you know how the Body Shop hemp cream works. Apparently, it is the most heavy/intense hand cream they have.
I definitely measure fitness progress mostly by how I feel, but lately I can't help but look at the number on the scale!! It's time to move that baby out of the bathroom 😉
Anne- if you are trying to lose some weight, I think it is OK to weigh yourself. For me, it's unhealthy to weigh myself because I was only trying to get more toned really, and I freak out when I see I actually weigh more. It's all psychological. If you are just trying to tone up, I wouldn't weigh yourself more than once a week. I also weigh different weights at different points of the day.
I'm actually a big fan of the Hemp line from The Body Shop. It's one of the few things I can use that doesn't mess with my sensitive skin. I hope it works for you!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the jackets V! The WHBM one is great, I've eyed it in the store a few times also. It will be perfect with pearls. The military F21 is adorable too.
(PS-if the hemp lotion doesn't work, pick up CeraVe from Walgreen's, it's the best!!)
xoxo
thanks for the rec, Andi 🙂 isn't the jacket just darling? it's so pretty I don't even want to wear it for fear of messing it up! I love it 🙂
I know this is a stupid question but… how do you wear items (like the t-shirt with the rosettes) under sweaters or cardigans? I'd imagine you'd need a very wide cut cardigan to wear with it. I had seeing strange bumps under my sweaters, even if it's just a small ruffle. Do darker colored sweaters hid it better? Am I just being too critical when *I'm* the one wearing it? lol
That jacket IS to die for- I love it!!
So, you think I should go with the grey color in that dress from J. Crew I posted on my blog? I really can't decide- I just love that minty green color for some reason. Hmm.
As you know- I HAVE been working out this new year! YAY! 🙂 And going strong and plan on going even stronger this week- Saw great results this past week, so I'm ready! Gimmie more!
Did I BUY anything this weekend? Only if you count several items off ebay. *sigh* I have a bad addiction Veronika.
Megs- yes I think you are being too critical. I don't think clothing is about being perfect with no wrinkles or bumps at all. I just wear it under a cardigan and go for it! I don't mind if there is a bump or anything. I just love to layer 🙂 I don't ever notice an overwhelming amount of bump-age when I wear a rosette top under a cardi. Maybe I'm not critical enough of what i wear…heeh~!
My husband recently started a new job too so all of the shopping we did this weekend was for him. I have bought myself quite a few things recently so I suppose that's okay. 😉
I have been working out and so far I am pleased with the results. I am finally back in my size 4's and it feels great. We are taking a beach vacation in March so I am working to get in shape for that. Enjoy you vacay!
prettyface- Yes I love love love that J Crew minty dress! 🙂
Wow you got some great things! The only items I picked up are some workout apparel from target. I've definitely been working out consistently this year. I generally measure myself/fitness level by how my clothes fit, although I probably weigh myself once a week.
Vaseline's Intensive Rescue has made a world of difference for my dry skin. You have great sense of style. I love reading your blog! 🙂
thanks goldy 🙂
katie- once a week is perfect! My scale just broke (digital) so I can't even weigh myself!
Yes I scored a ton of great stuff at Nordstrom Rack this weeked. I'm overly self critical as well. For gauging the results of my fitess routine, I also measure by how my clothes fit. I hate to weigh myself, partly because I become obsessed with the number. I think my new method of keeping track is better for my sanity. Lol.
Please post your workout routine! I used to be a size 4, but am back up to a 6/8. =/
I need some inspiring tips!
Niomi- I work out 4-5 days per week. I work out at the gym (20-30 mins or cardio and then weights and resistance training). I take 1 or 2 pilates classes per week at a seperate studio as well. I also started seeing a personal trainer once a week for 30 min sessions. I wish I could be more specific, but I don't recall the exact moves I do. I think pilates made the biggest difference in my body, if that helps you. But don't do it at your gym, go to a speciality studio.
TOTALLY loving the jackets (yay F21!) and the VS dress. So adorable!! Looks like you're with me and buying a lot of neutrals lately… I think black and white is soooo elegant. Great job, gal! 🙂
Justine
http://www.fetchingfashions.blogspot.com
Veronika –
I hope that the cream works for you, because I'm sure you're anxious to get back to a hand cream free life!
My husband and I both have issues with allergies and my sinuses, so my dr. recommended that I purchase a small room vaporizer like this one: https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266321&CAWELAID=107508583. In addition to helping with my sinuses during cold weather months, I noticed that my skin felt more hydrated. Granted, I am sure that you'd need to have relatively hydrated skin to start before this would work, but investing in something like this might help you maintain the moisture levels in your skin after you use the cream.
Also, I've heard that a lot of the hand soaps out there, particularly anti-bacterial ones, contain alcohol, which dries out your skin. You could try switching to an alcohol free one. And if you use Purell or other hand sanitizers – try and stop! Those KILL the moisture levels in your hands because of the high levels of alcohol.
OK, I'm going to step off of my health-related soapbox now.. 🙂
thanks Justine 🙂
AB- I don't use sanitzier that often unless I am at the mall for several hours or something…but I do use antibacterial soap.
thank you! I think you mentioned all that on your blog before…sorry you had to repeat it for me. 🙂
i do yoga now, but i'm going to look into pilates. thanks for the advice!
Niomi- you are very welcome and I am happy to share. I personally understand that yoga can be relaxing, but i don't see results from it like I do from pilates. I take pilates ball and power pilates and I can feel the burn during the class. It is an incredible workout and tones your entire body!
Just wanted to let you know that I've totally made an effort to start layering pieces with ruffles and such and forget about obsessing about all the little bumps under my sweaters. It's like I have a whole new closet of clothes with all the new combinations that I have now. lol
I love your blog–you've totally inspired me to start shopping for more feminine or "girly" pieces than I used to.
Megs- your comment made me smile! glad I cou;d inspire you! I am actually wearing that WHBM blazer right now hehe 🙂 love the little sleeve ruffles!