goldenpig

I just finished reading a book for my mom's club book club called Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. In it, the protagonist Ursula dies many times (stillbirth, drowning, falling off a roof, Spanish flu), but each time is reborn and gets to live her life over again. And each life she makes slightly different choices which affect the outcome of what happens in her lives and those around her. Anyways, it's an interesting book and I thought of it when I was getting dressed today in these H&M floral pants. I have been disproportionately in love with these pants ever since I got them, considering they were only $15, they're ankle cropped, DH hates them, etc. My outfits with them have been OK, but I haven't felt like they were 100% right. But I keep trying over and over again, and this time I think I'm really happy with this reincarnation! The turquoise silk shirt matches the pumps and also picks up the colors in the pants. The ombre white/coral/red statement necklace also matches the colors in the pants. The red bracelet, necklace and purse all match, so the red purse isn't coming out of left field. And I like the combo of red and turquoise. I feel like this outfit is super ALGO, but in a harmonious matchy matchy way. What do you think? Is this your fave so far, or are there others that you liked as well (6-13)? Fun to see the evolution of the floral pants--I even wore it while pregnant (10-12)!

You wouldn't believe the number of comments/compliments I got on this outfit today. A younger male patient said, "Nice outfit!" (I'm surprised, I thought this outfit would be man-repelling!) Another older patient said she told her husband at home she was going to see me today and he said, "Oh she's the doc with the beautiful shoes!" Several strangers said they loved my outfit or the colors I was wearing. And at the Apple store (I was getting my phone cord replaced) a female SA came up and asked me, "Are those from H&M? I have those pants too!" Fun times!

Tommy Bahama silk shirt in jade
H&M floral pants
Kate Spade turquoise Shelly pumps
Cara statement necklace from TJ Maxx
Chanel red purse
Tommy Bahama red bracelet

Tahari black leather jacket

Still wearing my new purse all the time, whether it's for work or MOTG. Does it work for these casual looks as well?

1-4. The first one is the Zara fish top with jeans. These are the transitional jeans I bought at TJ Maxx for postpartum and they're already sliding off me. Took the kids to a birthday party.

5-8. The second outfit is my polished UWP MOTG look, with the leather jacket and grey snakeskin skinnies (the ones I tried to wax a long time ago, but it didn't work out) and grey snakeskin wedge sneakers and UWP metal cuff. These Blue Essence jeans are a size 2 and I can't believe I fit back into them, but I can't stand the boyfriend and looser styles sliding off my butt, especially when I'm wearing the Ergo carrier. I still have about 6-7 lb left to go, but I can fit in my old jeans with a little shimmying. Normally I'd wear the studded black or silver satchel with this. Does it still work with the pop of red in this all black and grey outfit, or is the Chanel too highbrow for this slightly rocker-ish look? Took the kids to swimming.

DS2 is sick--I had to bring him to the doctor yesterday and it turns out he has ear infections and bronchiolitis. He is really fussy and won't nurse and it's driving me crazy because I can't feed him unless he's on the verge of falling asleep, but today and tonight he won't even eat when he's sleepy. I was so engorged last night and today I had to pump because he wouldn't drink. I think it's either his reflux or he's stuffed up or his ears hurt. I feel bad because I gave him my cold. I hope he gets better soon! And the antibiotics are giving him the runs so he is spitting up and having blowouts on me. At least the shirt is machine washable and the spit up came off the leather with a baby wipe! Also, petty rant, but my hair is turning grey (thank you 40's!) and it's falling out by the handful (it's what happens every time my babies turn 4 months old...a normal hormonal event but still disconcerting nonetheless).

I was planning not to participate in NAS and go on SYC if I had bought a 2.55, but since I bought a less expensive Chanel purse and I just got a refund from the IRS from my residency days, I now can throw my hat in the ring! There is no way with my schedule that I can get out to shop in person but I ordered some things online. My keep rate for online orders is usually about 10-25% but that's OK. Here is what I have on order:
1-3. Lafayette 148 New York Velvet Lambskin leather jacket in vino. This is the one I'm most hoping will work out. I have a L148 leather jacket from 2 years ago in cognac that I wear a lot, so I'd love to get one in a darker burgundy. I ordered a 4, same size as my other L148 jacket. I would have ordered a 4 and 6 to make sure, but it's rather expensive, so I'm hoping it will be the right size. I would wear this like a blazer at work.
4. Lafayette 148 Gayle matte silk tank in black

5. Lafayette 148 Christina tweed skirt. Probably won't keep this because I already have two tweed skirts from L148 and Halogen, but I like matchy matchy and buying whole outfits so I thought I'd order it just to see. I really like using tweed skirts and leather jackets as a "suit".

6. L148 Twist front top

7. L148 Silk blouse

8. Halogen Leather & Ponte Pencil skirt in black--I'm going for the look in #9, but thought the leather jacket in #1 would be more versatile than the leather shirt. I have a cinnamon leather A line Leith skirt that I wear to work, so I'm sure I could wear this leather skirt to work as well.
10. Trouve Corrugated High/Low sweater in black. Loose drapey top to go with the Vince Camuto midi skirts.
11-14. Vince Camuto Midi tube skirts--Angie's pick. I already have one of these in black from last year. I sized up to a M because of my apple belly, so I stuck with that size. They were supposed to be 2 for $79 but it didn't work on my order, so I'm going to have to call to get a credit back. I will probably keep one of 11-12 and one of 13-14 if they work. Too bad the cherry red is sold out in regular sizes--I would order a petite but am worried it would be too short.
15. Kate Spade Deborah Dot iPhone case--to match my diaper bag!

On my birthday, before we went to the Chanel store we dropped by Brooks Brothers to return the trench coat (tried it on in 18-19 in a size 4). Then we passed by Burberry and I decided to just go it and have a look. I tried on several coats--the two I liked best were the purple in 1-5 and the one with the leather buckle trim in 6-8 (shown with coat open and tied in the back). Also tried on a plain style in 9-11 and a fantasy UWP Matrix-style trench coat in 12-15 (it reminds me of Una/Rae and all those other tough UWPs, doesn't really fit as well with my style).That one is $5000, though, so not a real contender. Some inspiration photos in 15-17 (cool shimmery trench coat!).

What do you think of these different styles? Since I was planning on spending $5000 for the purse, I could afford to get a Burberry if I really wanted to. I think these were all size 6, except #6-8 was maybe a size 4. I am not feeling pressured to buy...I can wait till Christmas if needed, or just stick with my current Kate Spade and Anthro trench coats. It's interesting also that you can see a quality difference in the pics between the fit of the Burberry and the Brooks Brothers one in 18-19. Anyways, feel free to chime in on whether you like any of these or not on me and any other fit issues. Hope this helps others who are contemplating!

1-5. Long check Cotton trench coat.
6-8. Leather trim trench
9-11 Double cotton trench in Honey
12-15 UWP trench

Hi, I know this is not as exciting as a Chanel purse, but I wanted to share some of the pics of the summer/travel capsule I bought at Tommy Bahama a few weeks ago. My DH has bought Hawaiian shirts from them before, but I never had bought anything there before. Well, after I went shopping a whole afternoon without finding anything browsing at White House Black Market, Macy's, J Crew, Banana Republic, Nordstrom's and Anthropologie, I happened to stop in this store just before going home. Well I really got hooked and fell for all the bright and happy coral and turquoise and blue and white colors. I don't normally buy clothes as a whole capsule, but I think it makes sense to have everything coordinate. All of these clothes could get packed as a travel wardrobe and mix and match quite easily. Plus I got some new swimwear, which I haven't done in years (it's been so long I don't remember when I last changed my swimsuits). The swimsuits and coverups were on sale for 50% off. Hopefully if we go to Hawaii later this year or next year, I'll be all set and can use the whole capsule! (This is just like when I bought a whole capsule of ink blue items from White House Black Market--I still use most of that today and it all coordinates). My casual clothes have been in need of an upgrade for years (summer/beach stuff, as opposed to the dressed down work stuff I typically wear for MOTG). The bonus is that I was able to dress up the dresses and wear them to work, so there's crossover in the other direction! Actually 1, 5, 7, 8, and 12 were all worn to work and 2, 4, and 10 were MOTG.

I bought:
Leaves Afire tank dress (#1,4)
Lily sky Tambour dress (10-11 for MOTG, 12-13 for work)
Malia cardigan in turquoise (Ming Jade) and white (#1, 12)
Lea cropped red cardigan (14)--plan to wear it in the fall with the tank dress and leggings and boots
Sand Piper silk shirt (#5) in Ming Jade
Two Palms short sleeve linen shirt in Red Tulip (#8)
Five tank tops--white, black, coral, turquoise, red (#2)
Monkey See turquoise and white shorts (#2)
Doheny shirred white drawstring neck tee (#15) to wear with the shorts
Four bracelets--red and turquoise tile, white starfish, multicolored palm/flowers (3, 6, 9). She showed me how to link the bracelets (9) to keep them together.
White sun hat (#4)
Two bikinis with underwire top and skirt bottom (16, 18-19)
Two cover-ups--one tunic and one open weave long sweater (17, 20)
Brown wedge flip flops (21)
As you can see, I also added my white jeans (5,8), Clarks nude wedge sandals (2), $12.99 elastic waist skirt from Costco (7) and seahorse necklace from TJ Maxx (6). And my turquoise Cole Haan purse from DSW (1). I would also add a pair of white shorts, and maybe some blue jeans and another T shirt or two and some pajamas and underwear, and I'd be all set for vacation! Pass the pina colada!

I'm so glad you all approved my birthday Chanel purse--I've worn it nonstop since I got it! I'm in love with this purse! I love the color and how easy it is to get into the purse one-handed while it's on your shoulder--the front pocket falls open but the stuff doesn't fall out. And the chain is really neat--you can convert quickly from double to single chain and back just by pulling on it. It's just the right size for my stuff, and very practical. I even fit a couple diapers and wipes inside (Is it sacrilege to use a Chanel as a diaper bag? They were clean!). This very well may turn me into a monogamous bag lady! OK--well maybe not really, but this is a new record for me--4 days in a row! CPW is already below $700, LOL! But seriously, I think could get this down to $10 CPW in a year or two easily.

On my birthday my sister and niece and I went to H&M as well, so I got this red polka dot shirt and heart necklace from them. I like the necklace because it has 3 hearts, one for each of my kids. I'm on Team Wear, so I wore it the next day along with my boyfriend jeans and sassy sneakers. The bracelet matches the chain on the purse, and the studs on the silver belt match the studs on my wedge sneakers. I had to take DS2 to the doctor to get his shots. He is 85th percentile for weight and 15th for height, LOL. He's a round little Buddha baby! After I picked up DD from camp DD asked me, "Mom, are you going to pass down that purse to me?" I said "What?!" (Is she thinking of that already?) I said, "Maybe someday." She said, "How about when I'm (12-year-old cousin)'s age?" I laughed and said she would have to be very very good.

We had lunch at the mall and stopped by Forever 21. Well, wouldn't you know it--I managed to find a little version of my red purse for DD! They look remarkably similar--color, quilting, flap, chain handle and all! DD was thrilled, and so was I! You know how much I love doing matchy matchy with DD! So here we are--Miss Scarlet and Little Miss Scarlet! We even took a picture together next to a golden pig statue (I took my moniker from DD, because she was born in the year of the Golden Pig). That night I also tried to do a matchy matchy picture with the kids and their dolls, but DS2 wasn't having any part of it--he was cranky from the shots. Plus I gave all 3 of them my cold :( I feel so bad for them--usually it's the other way around.

The next two outfits were for work--one black and white dress and one colorful one. Pretty minimalist for me, but I didn't need a whole lot going on with this statement accessory. Red really is a neutral--my first bag was a red Fossil tote and I wore it with everything. Hope you won't sick of seeing this purse, because you're going to see it a lot! Thanks for encouraging me to keep it! I think I will enjoy this so much more than a watch or jewelry. I love purses, and this is my all time favorite!

I would have posted this earlier, but DS2 has been really colicky and I've been too tired to stay up. Before he left on his trip, DH bought me an Arby's roast beef sandwich, which was my #1 craving throughout this pregnancy, but I didn't realize until after I ate it that the bun has milk and soy in it and DS2 is allergic to both. So he's been having a big reflux flare with colic for the last several nights. Since he got up again and now I'm wide awake at 4 am, I'm just going to stay up and share my birthday story with you, since you all were so nice to post happy wishes on my birthday thread!

As you know from my milestone birthday thread, I've been looking for a special gift for my 40th birthday. I finally decided I would love to get a red Chanel classic flap purse, especially after seeing it on Kelly on Angie's recent blog post. But I knew these purses were hard to come by, and very expensive. DH OK'ed it, but still, it is a huge chunk of change. DH and I were going to go to Chanel on Saturday and go out on a dinner date in the city, but when we took the kids to the county fair earlier that day, I lost my purse. We were packing the car and about to leave and I thought it was in the stroller but it wasn't. I ran back in and incredibly, I found it! I had left it on a rocking chair in the baby tent (they set up a tent for babies where you could nurse them and change their diapers). It had been sitting there for about half an hour. Thank goodness no one had taken the purse and everything was still inside! But DH was so mad at me, he cancelled our dinner and we stayed home. We made up before he left for his trip, and he said I could go look while he was gone, but he teased me and said, "Don't you see the irony in buying a $5000 purse when you can't even keep track of your current one?"

I was sick with a cold and barely made it through work the day before my birthday. (I got some strange looks from some of the patients when they saw I was sniffling and coughing, but what could I do--there is no one else to cover and I can't cancel because the patients have already prepped and scheduled their procedures, so unless I'm deathly ill I have to come to work!). Plus the baby was up all night and my sister who is visiting from out of town helped me out and took the baby for about an hour and a half during one of his crying spells. She said that was her birthday present to me, staying up with him and letting me sleep at 3 am on my birthday!

Fortunately I had the day off work for my birthday. I was so tired, but I still had to get up and get the two older kids off to their camps at their two schools (#2). But I felt better enough to go shopping, LOL! I decided I needed to wear something nice to go to Chanel, and black and white just in case I found a red purse. So I wore an outfit entirely from White House Black Market--white blouse, B&W chevron skirt, B&W bib necklace, black pointy flats, and red purse (#1). My sister and niece (#9) went downtown with me and first we stopped by Neiman Marcus to look at their Chanel selection. They only had a black/white/red colorblocked classic flap in the jumbo size (#3). It was cute, but way too trendy for such an expensive purchase!

So then we went to the real Chanel store (#4) (with a detour to return the Brooks Brothers trench and try on some Burberry trenches, but I'll save that for another post). They had a red patent leather classic flap, which was very pretty and very tempting, but in a medium size, which turns out is very small and barely holds anything, so it's not very practical for me. She said the wait list for a larger jumbo size in that red patent was 15 deep and they were only expecting 5, and she said the people on the list were "regulars", so they just leave their credit cards on file and whenever a purse comes in that they want, it gets charged to their card. Sheesh! So there was really little hope of getting one. Besides, I was more interested in getting a caviar leather, which is much more durable. The patent and lambskin versions are pretty, but difficult to care for and can get damaged easily. I don't want to always be worried about carrying my purse, I want to use it! She did have a jumbo classic flap in red caviar, but the red changes every season and this current (fall) season it's this yucky brownish burnt siena color (#6). Not what I would call red at all! She told me if I didn't like their current red color, I'd have to wait for another season and that their previous season's red was all sold out.

Then I saw this very pretty red purse (#7). It looked very similar, but it wasn't a classic flap. She said it was called a French Riviera flap, and was from their Cruise collection. She said it was "only" $2700, as opposed to $4900. It is fabric lined instead of leather lined, and has fewer pockets. Also, there is no back pocket and no inner flap (the classic flap has both an outer and an inner flap closure). It was in caviar leather, with silver hardware, similar size to a jumbo, and the perfect red color. Basically, it had everything I wanted, except for not being the classic flap. But it was $2200 cheaper! It felt like the perfect size, both on me and to hold all my stuff (#14). I could wear the strap as a double (#10), single (#11), or crossbody (#12). I like the easy access of the single flap and the front pocket.

So I decided to get the French Riviera flap instead! And a red lipstick and lipgloss to match my purse (#23)! I was so excited I impulsively hugged the SA (#16). Hahaha, how embarrassing. She was a bit taken aback, but very nice. I suppose most of the customers there are more blase about their latest Chanel purchase of the week. She was going to package up my new purse in the box, but I was on Team Wear and wore it right out of the store (#17). So she carefully wrapped up my lowly WHBM purse in the pretty Chanel box. I've gotten lots of use out of that purse, so this upgrade will definitely see a lot of action. After we had lunch, we went to pick up the kids from the nanny at the park and I took them to soccer (#18-19), so it already was pressed into service for MOTG. We had dinner at home and DD gave me a card that she wrote, and one from DH to me. And they sang Happy Birthday to me. And the cat promptly chewed the camellia off the Chanel bag. So it was a busy but fun and exciting day!

So, if you've made it this far, what do you think of Miss Scarlet? Keep or return? She said I have two weeks to return it if I change my mind. On the one hand, I'm a little worried I may regret not holding out for the "real deal", the classic "it" bag that everyone thinks of when they think Chanel. I could call all the other stores or search the used market (which is a little risky because you might end up with a fake). And I'm not sure how the other Chanel stores would respond to being cold called, whether they would take you seriously or not. But on the other hand, there is the significant savings with this version, and that is nothing to sneeze at! Even at $2700, that is more than I've ever paid for any item of clothing in my life, including my wedding dress ($600). Since DH approved the $5000 purse, I could pocket the savings, or using girl math, put it toward a Burberry trench. ;) Plus, I feel like this style might even be easier to use than the double flap classic style...you can open it one-handed and access the front pocket more easily. I took some more pics of the inside (#14, 20-22). It has fewer places to stash things than the classic flap, but overall may be more usable. I don't know whether Chanel aficionados would look down on me for having the "bargain" version, or whether people might think I have a fake. But on the other hand, it might be nice to have a slightly different one than everyone else...like "OK, I am not a sheep." This is a big big purchase for me (my biggest ever), so please weigh in with your honest opinion. If you really think it's important to get the real 2.55 classic flap I could consider looking harder, but otherwise I'm inclined to keep the cheaper one...I feel like I got a deal!

Thanks for sharing my special day with me and for your comments and advice! This has been lots of fun and so helpful...I am so lucky to be to have all of you sharing this whole fashion journey with me every step of the way! Forty is off to a fab start!

Hi, I don't know what came over me but I succumbed to the Brook Brothers trench frenzy. I ordered one in size 6, both navy and beige, to try on. I figured since I wanted to someday own a Burberry trench, that I should try these, since they are similar in style. I received the navy one today (the beige should be coming soon). But I already own two trenches that are really much more my style, by Kate Spade. My black Melissa ruffled trench is one of my workhorses, and the beige Topliner fit and flare contrast trim trench doesn't get as much play as it should, but I think it's just because my wardrobe colors don't fit with beige as well. I think I'll try to wear it more often though!

I tried the navy BB one on so I could show you how it fits on a medium sized apple. The navy is really dark, it's very similar to black. It's a size 6, which I think is the right size for me. But I'm planning on returning it, unless someone wants me to send it to them instead. Likewise for the beige, I'll probably try it on for curiosity's sake but I doubt I'll keep it. Let me know if any of you want it. Sorry to break the BB winning streak! I should have paid more attention to my style--the BB is perfect for minimalist/tomboy styles, but I like my classics with a more ALGO/ladylike flourish! Oh well, lesson learned--hope someone can benefit from my mistake! It is a really nice high quality coat, just not my style.

1-4. Navy size 6 BB trench--tied, with the liner inside
5-6. Belted
7-10. Kate Spade black Melissa trench
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....e-symphony
11-13. Kate Spade beige Topliner trench (lining in my fave KS pattern)
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....floral-bag

14-15. ETA: Forgot to add my Anthro red corset trench! Another classic with a ladylike twist!

I ordered this red necklace and bracelet set from White House Black Market recently, and once I received it, I couldn't get it out of my head that it looks like drops of blood dripping from my neck. I can't help it, with my line of work and all. What do you think of the "vampire" necklace? Perfect to go to the hospital, right? I love themed dressing.

In my milestone birthday thread, I've been mulling over options for my 40th birthday and I think I've become obsessed with a red Chanel flap bag (especially after seeing the pic of Kelly in today's blog post). So, pretend this WHBM purse is a red Chanel flap, OK? I would also need to find the perfect pair of red pumps to substitute for these red ballet flats (but I'm on call, so I'm going with flats). Also the Anne Fontaine blouse had baby spit-up on it, so it looks wet because I had to clean it with a baby wipe. And yes, the blouse is pulling a bit at the bust because of nursing boobs, but I tried the looser fitting Target lace black blouse and it just didn't work with this outfit, I wanted something more fitted on top. As it is, the Soybu skirt is loose (I bought it at the hospital gift shop in a size L when I was pregnant, and it's a stretch waist). And my watch battery died, so no watch.

This outfit was much better in my head than it looks IRL, but I still like the idea of it! And it would be even better with a red Chanel flap!

My 40th birthday is coming up and DH wants to know what I want. He's said he wants me to have something nice but we haven't discussed what to get or price yet. I have to admit it would be really nice to get something luxurious or special or iconic, given it's a big birthday and this time around we are both earning a real salary as opposed to resident wages, but I have no idea what I should get.

I have no fine jewelry other than my engagement ring and a small sapphire pendant that DH gave me as an engagement present (yes, he has gotten off scot-free so far, LOL!) so maybe I should look into getting a pearl necklace or Tiffany necklace or diamond earrings (though I have to admit I'm not crazy about stud earrings--in general, I prefer dangling). I have a lot of nice purses like Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke, but no higher end designer purses, and have thought about getting something like a Louis Vuitton, or a Chanel flap bag. I only wear one watch, a silver Tissot (actually the battery just ran out so I'm not wearing anything at the moment till I can find the time to get the battery changed), so maybe I should upgrade my watch? Or maybe it's time to finally splurge on a Burberry trench? Elle's posts certainly have tempted me, as she looks so great in the honey trench. Though I might even go for a color, like the burgundy (you guys know how much I love burgundy!).

The problem is I don't know where the best bang for my buck is. I love purses and would kill for a 2.55, but it's something like $5000 and I don't know whether I would want to carry just one purse every day from now on to justify the cost (I don't even know which color I would get, would love a red or cream but probably should stick with black). I really like matching my handbag to my outfit. Same with jewelry, I like mixing it up and making the accessory selection part of my creative process (plus I tend to prefer bigger, "statementy" jewelry with some presence, but that's not possible to do with real jewels). So does that mean I should stick to less expensive items, since I'm so "fickle"? I do appreciate quality, but I'm plenty happy wearing jewelry from Forever 21 too.

What did you get for your milestone birthday? If you have any higher-end items or jewelry, what is your workhorse or most important piece or your best investment? Do you wear it pretty much every day or do you still mix it up a lot with your lower end items on other days? What's on your fashion bucket list--what do you wish you could get sometime in the future?

Just trying to get ideas and guidance to narrow my focus. I don't know if I'm allowed to spend $500 or $5000 ;), but I'd like to decide on an item category or two regardless of the budget. I don't necessarily have to get anything right now or even in the next several months (depending how much the item is, I may have to save up for it), but I do want to have something in mind so the opportunity doesn't get "wasted" to splurge on myself, haha. And next year is our 15th anniversary, so I'll have another opportunity to get something nice, maybe an anniversary ring or necklace. (PS if anyone wants to take me virtual shopping, feel free to give suggestions!).