Rugby by Ralph Lauren Sweaters, and Others

So I am continuing to look for a job in the Boston area, but we did find an apartment--I am so excited! Its a great place in a cute area and will be accessible to fun all over the city. As I have had some free time in between emailing resumes, I have been taking walks and window shopping on Newbury Street which is not a bad way to spend the day! I hope you all don't mind that I have been exploring great finds in other stores.

Yesterday I visited Rugby by Ralph Lauren, which is such a fun preppy explosion store. One of my favorite things about the brand is the style and visual merchandising of their stores--its like you are at Hogwarts or the lounge at a Prep School...crown molding, vintage pennants and photos of sports teams, its so much fun. The clothes are colorful and while some are over the top, they have great classic country club looks with fun color mixed in.

Here's an example of the tempting displays of some wool sweaters all stacked up....

Here I am in the Shetland Shawl Collar sweater, seen here online, in a Large. I do feel like the sweaters are a bit "shrunken" sometimes, so I size up. They are a bit short, but I love this one. Also, while sometimes Rugby is expensive, some of their pieces are very reasonably priced. This sweater is $89.50 and 100% shetland wool. Pretty competitive to JCrew and others for a cozy heavy sweater. (Apologize for the combo with the gray skirt and black pumps, it was what I had on)

Cute leather equestrian detail. This sweater comes in Ivory, Purple, Navy, Gray, Orange, and a Brown Heather.

Here's the Wool Suede Side Patch Turtleneck. Here it is online. This is a fine 100% wool, it also comes in black, and is also $89.50. The Ivory is a bit see-through, but a nice long and lean fit. This is a Large on me as well. I miggghhhht try the Medium in the black, but I thought this is a fun twist on a wool turtleneck.


Quilted Suede shoulder patches.

I really recommend checking out Rugby for fun preppy additions to your closet. They often have sales too that are fun to look through. Another note...they have these amazing knit merino leggings that are super cozy and cute...check them out. I have tried on a few leggings recently but I can't really figure out if I want cropped or full length, how I would wear them...but I have been trying some out.

Speaking of that, I found an equestrian pair of leggings with suede knee patches at Zara for $39.50 that were cute. I also found a pretty tunic-length cashmere vneck and their cashmere there is $89...really a deal....beautiful neutrals and very soft, good fit. I found it was true to size.

There's my window shopping report! What do you think? Have you been to Rugby? Do you like their look?

Checking out Ann Taylor

Over the past few weeks, I have been trying to shop my closet and also visit new stores to add some dimension to my wardrobe. I want to make sure I mix in different brands, styles--it always makes me like my wardrobe more when I have unique styles represented.

Recently I popped into Ann Taylor because I saw some signage in the window advertising a "Whole New Ann". I was intrigued to see a new style from them. Their clothes are still very classic and feminine, but I liked things I saw in the store. I go through cycles with Ann Taylor--sometimes its too stuffy for me, other times I like the femininity. I think overall the Fall and Winter fit better in my style.

Here are a few blurry snaps from my visit....

First, the Silk Structured Ruffle Top, which is now on sale for 39.99 online. I know we all talk about "how many ruffles can we have??" but this top had really good shape and fit. Not too short or long, really pretty fabric, and structured details. Click here to see it online....

Closeup: Open neckline and pretty pleating....

I liked the feminine shape and style of this Textured Wool Jacket. It is here for $195, funnel neck, blouson sleeves a bit, princess seaming in a pretty navy color. If this goes on sale, I think it could be a really cool buy...wear it with pencil skirt, or even skinny jeans.


Last pick was the Perfect Pump, seen here for $155. This is a really nice shoe. Moderate heel, beautiful colors. Great shape and comfortable toe. Below is my foot in the Aubergine patent, which is a gorgeous red/deep brown.

Here is a gray suede version, so pretty...

Overall, I really like the Ann Taylor website too--the styling seems really fresh, the photos are big and show a lot of the product. For example, here's a long merino cardigan shot. By the way--many of the sweaters are $30 off right now so this $90 sweater is $60.

Love to see new brands doing pretty things! What do you think of Ann Taylor recently? Have you seen or tried any items? How do you mix different brands together?

Thanks for reading!

Quick Updates

Hello readers! Look, two posts in one week! Hopefully I am on my way back to a routine.

I just wanted to post a few quick updates...

Running--I have been keeping up with running 3-4 times a week in training for the big Half Marathon and my longest distance is now 10 miles!!! Woohoo! Hubs and I did it last Monday...it was a real slow pace but we kept running the whole way. I felt so proud and now I truly feel like I can do the Half Marathon...just have to build my strength until then! I am doing the race with two best friends and now we are starting to talk about details of the race weekend...which is making me nervous! But I am so excited and can't believe that a year ago I could not even run a mile. I wish I had tried this years ago, though I don't think I was really ready to go for it then. Wish me luck as I keep training!

Martin + Osa Promo Code--M+O has been having some crazy good promotions. Every time I turn around they are running a new code or event! Right now they are running a Friends and Family event through 9/20 and is good for 30% off any purchase when you enter this code at Checkout: 99400044. I recently ordered a pair of the Slim FIt jeans that were in the Sale Section, just to try...and I really like them! I went with the bigger of the two sizes I am usually between and while they have a little room at the waist, they fit in the knees and legs where the leg is Slim...I also got the sweater I posted about last week and can't wait to wear it!

Coats--So, in the flurry of packing, we had to pack 2 suitcases for stuff through October, and the rest went in the moving van. Well, I very smartly packed a Patagonia rain jacket in case of rain, but strangely I didn't pack ANY other coat for the next month. And um, Fall is definitely here. I want to buy a fall coat that doesn't double up something already in my wardrobe so when my coats arrive it will supplement what I have. I was thinking a shorter, maybe quilted type coat? Or just something thats not a long wool coat. Do you have any suggestions? I can't have it break the bank. Please post ideas of a nice warm layer!

Thanks everyone...hope everyone is having a peaceful day today and a happy weekend.

New JCrew Try-Ons

I give up, I've just been a terrible blogger! So sorry, reader friends--part of the trouble with moving is that I no longer have my own laptop (OH how I miss it so) and we are waiting until October to have all our apartment/home stuff delivered, so my desktop is over a month away. Sharing Hub's laptop is tricky...for some reason he doesn't understand my wanting to read blogs all evening on it when he wants to read important Current Event articles...hmmm.

BUT! We are at last in the Boston area in our temporary apartment that we will be in for the next month. It felt so good to take the suitcases out of the trunk of the car! Even though I having been living out of an assortment of totes like a bag lady, I haven't given up my shopping...at least window shopping!

I wanted to show you a few things I have tried on recently at JCrew...

Merino Flowery Ruffle Sweater...I believe this was $88. I tried a Medium.

Actual long sleeves! Also came in black, dusty blossom...I love the 100% merino but not a home run for me, so I passed.

Dream Ruffle Cardigan...Tried in Medium.
Sleeves a bit shorter, and the cardigan was a bit too short on me as well...this one not a keeper for me.

Closeup of the pleated ruffle...

Hit closer to the waist..have to wear a longer shirt underneath...

Next, a blazer which I believe is the Wool Twill Nouvell Jacket. A really nice sort of flannel tweedy jacket at $198. I tried a 6 over just a Tshirt and it was nice...but again, too pricey--I know I could find something similar at Gap or something. Nice long and lean fit...

Closeup of the fabric...very soft!

New tuxedo tunic...this was a Shadow Blue Grey. I tried in a Medium with a belt. The SA suggested leggings (not sure I am ready to go there yet). It was cool ,also came in white and a light french blue.

Meh--more coal mining color. I have that! :)

Closeup...


Next, the Wool Pleated Silk Chimera Jacket, retails for $248. I tried it in a 6 in both the Charcoal and the Dusty Blossom.

I thought this fit true to size, and I really liked that the fit was a bit better this year. There is nice seaming to make the jacket have room in the bust but be more fitted at the waist. I tried the charcoal with the gray captain tee, and the dusty blossom with the rooster tee. The jacket is really nice, but I wouldn't be able to spend $248...hoping for a sweet sale in about December ha!

Dusty Blossom...hits right between the waist and hip...not too short!

Gorgeous pleating...

Note the seaming...

OK next up...my neverending pursuit of wearing men's shirts in a chic way. I really want a smart red check one, but they didn't have any size Smalls in my store...I tried on the light blue gingham. I really like this! Have to keep experimenting and look for a sale! So cute!

Here I tried it with the new Chanel-type pique jacket with the gold buttons...

Kinda fun, huh? :)

Here's a look at the jacket on the hanger...

Here's a look at what I was wearing for my shopping day...


I promise to have more soon! What do you think of the new arrivals? Do you have any questions for me? Have you tried any of this on?

Martin + Osa Deals

Hi all, I'll just keep apologizing for the lags between posts as Hubs and I have been all over the eastern seaboard and haven't yet settled into our new "home" yet. We are having a great time but sadly it has taken me away from blogging a bit!

I love seeing the fall clothes showing up in all my favorite stores as August winds down. I had been excited to see what Martin + Osa would offer this year, as often I like their clothes as a bit more sporty and classic part of my wardrobe. M+O also always seems to have a promotion running, either a coupon or a giveaway or special pricing which makes it easy to try out their clothes or a new style. For example, now through September 1 you can get 20% off your entire order with the code 15816612 online. Also, word is they are doing a big giveaway for Labor Day weekend both online and in stores--with a purchase of full price denim, men will get a leather/webbed belt and women will get a beautiful silk scarf, around a $70 dollar one! Thats what I am talking about!

They have redone their denim and now have even more washes and more defined styles. I loved their Straight Fit from the past year, and my latest favorites are the Boot Fit in New Vintage Wash (great slight wear on a dark wash, without being too ragged or tattered):

I also really want to try their Slim Fit. Until now I haven't been able to wear "skinny jeans" but M+O might be my best shot. Their jeans fit me well in the waist and hips, and have the right amount of stretch without being clingy. The new Flare fit is also great. I wear a 30 or 31 in their jeans. Last year I was a solid 30 but the Slim fit I would definitely want a 31. Let me know if you want more info.

I visited the store this past week and also really liked two of their new sweaters. First, the Ribbed Cardigan Coat, seen here online and retail of $130. Here I am trying on a Medium in the Stone Heather color. Cozy, nice long and lean fit, great with jeans for fall.

(Apologies for these photos...M+O has cool dressing rooms but the lighting makes me look like I am on a spaceship)


Next my favorite current sweater...the Mixed Guage Cowlneck Sweater for $79.50 in all wool. Really liked the fit, feel, and weight of this nice Merino sweater.

Good length in a size Medium...

The neckline has its own shape so the buttons can create different looks...


I love that the M+O clothes have their own style without being fussy. Everything wears easily and I have found that over the past year their sweaters are some of the first I choose to wear. Reminds me of wardrobe staples like a white button down or a trench coat--not about a brand or frills, but about ease and a great fit. I think I will be adding the button turtleneck to that collection...and maybe testing the Slim Fit jeans too!

Hope you enjoy the coupon and giveaway info. Anyone have any M+O questions? Have you been to the store recently? Any new favorites?

Favorite Thing: 8.2 miles!!

Hello dear readers, today my favorite thing is an accomplishment! I ran 8.2 miles today, my longest yet, in my trek to the Nike Women's Half Marathon in October. Woot!

I can't believe August is almost over and so with it the true weeks of summer. Although fall is one of my favorite seasons, I want to make sure I really appreciate summer. Now that I am back on the east coast, I see the summer I know and love...billowing thunderhead clouds, lush green, hear the cicadas and frogs and crickets, lemonade stands, smell cut grass.

For me, I hope I remember this summer of 2009 as a big one--big move east and hopefully successful training for this half marathon in October.

What has been your favorite part of summer?

JCrew Tee-a-Palooza

A few more glimpses of JCrew from the past week...

Many of you have been commenting on the graphic tees, I think JCrew is finally testing out new trends in graphic tees that I really like. Here is a look at a few. They were still putting them out so I didn't see all the sizes...

Rooster Tee
I really liked this one! The medium fit well with a open crewneck/scooped neckline, which is my favorite they have done. This tee was a bit more sheer than others, but I liked the look of the natural ink on the ivory.

Next, the Slub Cotton Embroidered Flowers Tee. This one is now online for $42.50, so this pic isn't really a "scoop" but I wanted to show this one just the same. They didn't have my size in this. Its pretty, but I tend to not go for such romantic and feminine graphics in Tees.

Tissue Posy VNeck Tee
This has sort of a simplistic, Dr. Suess or Orla Kiely look to it. But I love their foray into the VNeck embellished tees. $39.50.

And now...
Tissue Beaded Medallion Tee, $45.
I really loved the vneck, the blush pink and the medallions. Of course, this has the typical problem of the weight of the beads, but I feel like if you have good posture and the right size, this can be pulled off.

Some real life pics...

Closeup of how the vneck and beads lie...

Beading is nice medallions and scattered...really pretty coloring.


I held back on these, but I really love the last one. I think it could look great with the Cinnamon Stick Pencil Skirt (!!) or jeans. Really going to keep my eye on this one.

Have any of you seen these tees? What do you think? Have you purchased ant of these? How will you wear them?

Thanks for reading!