Clothed with Grace: June 2014

Monday, June 30, 2014

White Denim Jacket

One thing I've had on my wish list for the summer was a white denim jacket.  I've seen them everywhere, but never in my size, XS? I don't think so.  So, I was excited when my local Target was restocked and I was able to snag this one up. Here's the problem though, I was with Grant so I just grabbed the medium, assuming it would fit.  I got it home, tried it on, and decided to do what anyone with a camera could do, I took pictures.  Here's what I found:

I did not at all like the way the medium looked in the pictures.  I had a feeling it was too big when I tried it on, but was worried the small would be too small. I'd also had such a hard time finding this one in the first place I wasn't thinking I'd get lucky finding a small.  I also left my shirt untucked and felt like that just added to this outfit making me look very top heavy.

I ended up going back to Target (without Grant) and to my surprise they had a small left!  I tried it and it was much better.  The jacket is Merona, so I'm kind of surprised it runs big, I'm almost always a medium in this brand.  I also decided to tuck this shirt in and am happy to see that it really helped to define my waist and take away the appearance of me being so top heavy.

Also, I forgot to put on bracelets until after pictures, and didn't want to retake, so there's one close with bracelets I took after the fact. I wore this outfit to book club and loved how put together I felt, but comfy at the same time.  So, moral of the story, you can't always trust your "size" and the right styling and fit can make all the difference in your final look.



Denim Jacket: Target same
Shirt: Old Navy cute option
Shorts: Loft almost exact
Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o same
Bracelets: Stella and Dot  same / same 
Shoes: Aerosoles c/o Chippmunk similar


Friday, June 27, 2014

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cake

Today is a first for me, I'm sharing a recipe with you!  Now,  I ususally leave the hit recipes to my sister, Chelsea at Whatcha' Makin Now, but this one was so good I had to share it!




My husband and I made this for Father's Day and it was a hit!  I loved how easy it was and think it's the perfect treat for any gathering you need to bring something along to this summer. My husband found the recipe on cooks.com, then we made some changes to it, like adding chocolate chips and salted caramel sauce . Yum.

My mom whispered to me at the table that is was similar to "Better Than Sex Cake," I think our additions kicked it up a notch and Grant did lick his plate....


So, here's the recipe, I definitely think you should give it a try!

Ingredients:
German chocolate cake mix
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
1 jar salted caramel sauce
1 container of whipped topping
1/2 cup toffee chips

Directions:
First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Next, make a German chocolate cake per the directions on the box.
Now, stir in one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Pour into a 9x13 pan, then cook based on the cook time on the box.
Once the cake is cooked, poke with a wooden spoon every half inch throughout the cake.
Now, pour one can sweetened condensed milk evenly across the top of the cake.
Next, do the same with a jar of salted caramel sauce.
Top with 6 or so tooth picks, then cover and refrigerate for two hours or so.
Right before serving spread one container of whipped topping over cake with a spatula.
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of toffee chips
Enjoy!


Thursday, June 26, 2014

Pineapple Print

I recently picked up this pineapple print shirt at Kohl's for $12, I couldn't pass it up, then this morning I got an email from J.Crew, and what do you know, this shirt is almost an exact dup. for this pineapple print for just a fraction of the price.  You're welcome.  I'm also crazy about these gold sandals from DSW, I had a $10 off coupon so I snagged these off the clearance rack for a great price! Shopping hasn't been a priority this summer, I really have enough summer clothes, but adding these two pieces was great, being I know I'll wear them like crazy this summer.



Denim Jacket: The Limited similar
Top: Kohl's same
Necklace: Stella and Dot same
Bracelets: Stella and Dot same and Style this Life c/o same
Shorts: Target same
Shoes: Crown Vintage (DSW) same

Linking up with:

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Target Style

So, you can thank my love for Target for this post today. 

The sweater: one I'd walked by and ogled over at least a dozen times, but passed up because it's a sweater and came out with their spring line. I recently scored it for $.99 at Goodwill. I'm not too cool to wear the sweater in June ;) 

The shorts: were buy one get one half off recently and also the inspiration for my outfit.  The model is wearing them with this sweater too. 

The sandals were an online special for $10.  

There you have it folks, but typical summer mom outfit.  I get worried in the summer that my outfits will be too boring for this old blog, but I've never been one to wear an outfit just for the blog, but not in real life. As easy as this outfit is, it's perfect for errands and the park with Grant.



Sweater: Target same
Shorts: Target  same
Necklace: Purple Peridot same
Bracelets: Stella and Dot same / same 
Shoes: same

Linking up with:


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Coral and Leopard

I first wore this coral and leopard combo here, and couldn't wait to wear it again with my white shorts. I seriously love it ladies! I felt so comfortable, but put together at the same time. This cotton blazer by Kika is lightweight and the perfect layering piece.  I'm thinking I'll try it with a dress next or maybe my chevron maxi skirt. What do you think ladies?



Blazer: Kika c/o same
Blouse: Target similar
Shorts: Kohl's similar
Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o same
Bracelets: Stella and Dot and Sira Mara c/o same 
Heels: Audrey Brooke similar

Linking up with:

Monday, June 23, 2014

Currently Craving: Lemon Prints

I have been loving all the whimsical prints out right now, but one of my most favorites has to be the lemon print. I don't yet own anything in this print, but here are some pieces I'm absolutely loving!

Lemon Prints


   skirt / clutch /swim suit / bag / sweater / shorts 

Friday, June 20, 2014

Eyelets and Prints

I wore this outfit for a work day at school before I was finally done for summer.  I really like these eyelet ankle pants and this shirt from Old Navy and wanted to wear this combo again before summer.  I pretty much live in shorts and sundresses, so didn't want these pants to be wasted in my closet all summer.  



Jacket: The Limited similar
Shirt: Old Navy same
Pants: Old Navy these  
Necklace: I Found Fab similar
Bracelets: Stella and Dot
Shoes: Sperrys (Plato's Closet) similar

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Dressing up Prints

I absolutely adore this this dress C.C. Lake sent over.  The coral color is perfect for spring and summer and I love the fit too.  Today I decided to dress it up with my white blazer, and heels. The first time I wore this dress here I wore it more casually with my denim jacket, but I love how easily I can dress it up too.

Have you entered my $100 giveaway to Kika here yet?



Dress: C.C. Lake c/o  same
Blazer: JCP similar
Necklace: Mariposa Medley c/o  same
Bracelets: Stella and Dot and Sira Mara c/o same 
Shoes: Audrey Brooke similar

Linking up with:

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Comfy and Casual with Shoot the Moon

It's kind of crazy how much I've been wearing my denim jacket lately, it's just the perfect layer for cool mornings and evenings this summer!  It also works perfectly with this blouse that Shoot the Moon sent over.  I really like the print, however I feel like it really runs big, so if you order it yourself I'd size down.  The print is so pretty and I love it layered with my denim jacket and white shorts for a create casual outfit.

I think you should check out Shoot the Moon and if you find something cute to order, like say this dress, use code GINNY10 to save 10% when checking out.

Have you entered my $100 giveaway to Kika here yet?



Denim Jacket: the Limited similar
Top: Shoot the Moon c/o same
Shorts: Kohls similar
Necklace: Mariposa Medley c/o  same
Bracelets: Stella and Dot, Sira Mara c/o same 
Shoes:Shoes: Sam and Libby same

Linking up with:

Monday, June 16, 2014

Leopard and Coral with Kika

 Ever since I pinned this outfit I've been hoping to recreate it. Unfortunately, I didn't have the perfect coral blazer. That was until the fabulous people at Kika sent over this great cotton blazer.  It's super soft and perfect for layering this summer. I love it with the leopard and skinnies and  look forward to wearing it more casually with my white shorts soon too!

 Kika is all about quality and creates pieces that are both eco friendly and made in the U.S.A., which I love.  I'm loving this cobalt top and this striped maxi. Kika is also generously giving away a $100 store credit to one lucky reader!  Enter using the Rafflecopter down below.



Blazer: Kika c/o same
Blouse: Target similar
Pants: Target same
Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o same
Bracelets: Stella and Dot and Sira Mara c/o same 
Shoes: Nine West similar


a Rafflecopter giveaway