Two Great Deals: LE Canvas & Target

I've been wearing two great deals lately that I have to share.

First. Land's End Canvas: Women's Fit & Flare dress in khaki. Land's End Canvas is really answering the market's (and blogger's!) need for a contemporary, yet basic store to shop. Especially for those of us who miss the old J.Crew. I love their prices, their fit, and their classic style.
This dress is fantastic! I actually ordered it on sale ($26.99) which I think is a steal. The white cotton top part is thicker cotton and seems like it will hold up well. I like the elastic waistband - makes it easy to throw a cute belt on over it. The skirt has pockets and a nice length.

I've been throwing it on with a cardigan, cute shoes, and boom - I'm dressed for the day. I will say this: It runs on the bigger side. I ordered my normal size early in my first trimester and pre-pregnancy, I would've exchanged for a smaller size.

Another plus: this awesome dress works very well with a baby bump and I'm imagining it will be great post partem.

I ordered one of their button up gingham shirts earlier this spring and I thought the fit of the button down was perfect. It had a little stretch and a nice length, if I wanted to tuck it in. I don't know if I'll order more button down's right now because of the baby bump, but I'd love to test drive many more of them.


2. Target Merona Mertie Maryjanes (sorry no pic. ) They ran out of these at my Target, but luckily I found them at another location. Theses are a Sofft knockoff, but they are SO worth the $24.99.

I purchased the black patent color and was able to wear them to work all day. I teach and I'm on my feet walking around the room and these are a dream. They have a cute elastic strap, and I usually prefer a more pointed toe, but these are so comfortable I had to have them!

We are so lucky to live in this beautifully free country. We can't thank those who have fought and given their lives enough.

September 11, 2001

Never Forget

Winner!

And the winner is......(using a random number generator):

ALLY

Congratulations, Ally!!! (Check out her YUMMY blog)

I'm so excited for you and thank you so much for all of you that participated! This was such a fun giveaway that it made me definitely want to do more in the future!

Have a Truly Preppy weekend!

"Let's go someplace darker"

I really love Mad Men.Are you a Mad Men fan? Add it to your Netflix queue and you will not be able to leave the couch!

My husband and I got into Mad Men a few months before Season 3 began. We started with the first two seasons on DVD and absolutely devoured them. We'd look at each other after each episode was over, look at the clock, sigh and say, "Ok, just one more."I'm a sucker for the attention to detail and the period pieces. The fashion? The gorgeous feminine dresses and sophisticated suits are what I would love for men and women to wear again.

My love for Mad Men could go on for days, but the episode last night? Stunning. Titled "The Suitcase," it went deep into the relationship of my two personal favorite characters, Don and Peggy.

There were, admittedly, many forgettable parts of this episode. But the writers found this evening where Don and Peggy just, for lack of better words, opened up to each other. They've always had an odd protective relationship with each other, but in this episode they each opened up about their pasts.

{Edited to add: Ok, a little behind but the "Suitcase" episode is definitely my favorite this season!}

Giveaway!

True Prep is here! Along with a fabulous bag of preppy swag. Become a follower, comment, and tell me your favorite preppy accessory for a chance to win.


Check out all these preppy pieces could be yours if you comment by September 9 - Thursday evening at 8:00 p.m.

TRUE PREP

I just received my copy of True Prep in the mail, and I am just loving it! From the front cover to the photos inside, it is going to be a true prep classic.

To celebrate this new Prep addition, I'm hosting a fabulous giveaway which will include a signed copy of True Prep and a bag of preppy swag.

To enter leave a comment and become a follower! Tell me your favorite preppy accessory and be sure to leave an email for contact information.

Stay tuned and thanks to our favorite preppy (and generous sponsors) places:
LLBean Signature
Cole Haan
Vineyard Vines
Tommy Hilfiger
Jewelry for a Cause
Knockaround

Maternity Talk: BeBand Review

Target BeBand Maternity Band

When I finally awoke from my nauseated and exhausted first trimester coma, I began looking for clothing options. (Yes, first trimester was pretty rough for me. But, feeling more energetic and baby is all healthy so all is good!)

My clothes were fitting (thank goodness for sundress and cardigans); however, my pants were at the beginning of not quite buttoning stages. I looked at a few reviews of the popular Bella Band, but I didn't want to spend the money on it. I settled on Target's version, mainly because of the price.

Maybe it is my body type (curvy, larger hips and smaller waist), but I couldn't get the band to work for me. It was long and yet, constantly riding up. Plus, I felt like it was too thin and therefore, obvious my pants were unbuttoned (maybe not true, but I felt like it).

I grabbed a cheap pair of Old Navy maternity capris that were on sale and they are now a weekly staple.

I've ordered a few maternity items, but I'm mostly still in my own clothes. Although, I foresee in the next month or so reallllyy needing to reconfigure the wardrobe.

What are your favorite places to find maternity clothing?

What's Been Goin On?

A lot! I took a hiatus from blogging that turned into an outright blogging sabbatical. So, what's been going on (for those of you around and maybe for new readers?)

Last year, we launched our own coastal stationery company: Coyne and Pinckney Stationery. It came after months of research and planning. I talked about it on our C&P blog, but with my husband's printing background and our love of all things southern/coastal, we felt it was the time. We had a torturous and awesome time figuring out business, meeting people, and building up our little corner of the web. Business had it ups and downs (literally and figuratively), but we are refreshing our websites, designs, and focus right now. I love love love design and working with customers. Hopefully, one day I'll be able to work it all day, but for now I also have another day job!
Which leads me to our move. In the midst of our plans, my husband got a job opportunity that seemed, well, stupid to turn down. I was about to finish my Master's degree and had found a community college teaching niche. And I loved our house and our Lowcountry town. Soo...it was not an easy decision. However, when opportunity comes a'knockin, we couldn't turn it down.

Thus, we migrated south to Florida. Fortunately, we had friends here (college friends and co-workers of my husband), so we transitioned somewhat smoothly. I won't say I didn't miss our family, friends and the place we thought we'd settle, somewhat fiercely.
THEN! After the hassle and chaos of moving, we found out we were expecting!!! We were thrilled and excited. Truly, we were ready to start a family. However, not necessarily this summer.

Is is fair to say life has done a bit of a 180? Yes. Yes it is quite fair. Would it be an understatement to say that the last 4 months have been a roller coaster emotions? Definitely!
Which led me back to blogging. I really wanted to re-energize my blog, and really, just record this crazy time of life.

I don't have any particular plans for a specific type of blog because it is me and I am one record of miscellany. But, expect some baby talk, fashion, books, design, food AKA things I enjoy.

Welcome (or Welcome Back) to my Blog. I hope you Enjoy!

True Prep Giveaway!

Exciting News - I'll be hosting a True Prep giveaway this month! I know we are all dying to read it, and I as soon as I get my little paws on it, I will be doing a fabulous preppy review. I can't wait!

September means fall, prep, and more substantial blogging ;)

Things I'm Loving - August Humid Edition

Ok, this isn't a real Catch Up post that I so desperately need to write.

This week is crazy: doctor's appointments (heard the heartbeat of the baby and officially in my 2nd trimester - thank God for more energy and less nausea!); work; starting school next week (I mean, I will, just teaching at a community college - my career, of sorts); creating new designs for Coyne and Pinckney Stationery and getting the website re-vamped. Whew, all of those deserve and will receive a longer and more explanatory post.

But for now it is a little vignette of the things I am so enjoying while trying to get through the Florida summer humidity.

San Pellegrino Aranciata. Sparkling orange juice. Pour it in a nice glass and sip away at the delicious fizziness - you won't be sorry. Also, I refer to this as the pregnant woman's champagne because it is the perfect blend of citrus, fizz and fancy enough for a wine glass.

Bethenny Getting Married. Again, I heart this show so much. I know her wit can be caustic sometimes, but I thought this show just brought out the love in their family. I laughed and I cried. I could wax poetic for hours, but I really hope they bring it back for another season!

Jack Rogers in the Platinum. Hands down, the best summer sandal I've ever purchase. They go with EVERYTHING. And I literally wear them almost everyday. Love.

Michael Kors watch. Tortoiseshell has always been my favorite, and I would love, love, love this watch for fall. A great timepiece and accessory.

Is anyone out there?

Echo, echo, echo! It has been way, way, way too long since I've checked in here, but I'm back and ready to blog. If you still check in, please come on back because I have a lot to write about.

A few big fun things going on:

1. Still working on my stationery business in a new state!
2. Finally finished my Master's degree (woohoo)
3. Moved to Florida

and....found out we are expecting!

So, I realized I wanted to get back to blogging about all this crazy, sometimes fun, sometimes not so fun stuff!