-->

Monday, July 7, 2014

Manic Monday: Gingham shirt


Well, hello there and welcome to another edition of Manic Monday! Last week when I was in San Antonio, I got a shipping notification from J Crew Factory. I was ridiculously confused because I hadn't ordered anything. Did drunk Carylee order something again? (You know that's happened to you…) Anyhoo, I know I let out an audible squeal when I realized it was this gingham shirt! I had ordered it a few months ago - maybe in March? It said it was on backorder until July, but I went ahead and ordered it anyway. You'd think it wouldn't be hard to find a basic gingham shirt like this, but guys, it was HARD. I kept coming back to this one, and figured I could always keep searching in the meantime, and cancel the order if I found something better. I was THISCLOSE to giving up, ironically, I had thought about it a couple days before we left for San Antonio, so the shipping notification was timely!

Sunnies: Gucci | Earrings: Stella and DotNecklace: Banana Republic (option) | Bag: Kate Spade (option) | Top: JCrew Factory (half off!) | Bracelet: Express (similar, option) | Skirt: Banana Republic (similar, but limited sizes hereoption, budget option)   | Shoes: Valentino (budget option)

It's perfect! It's so lightweight making it still comfy for the summer, and will be a great layering piece in the colder months. It fits pretty true to size - I love that it's relaxed fit, but not super "boyfriend" fitting. And seriously, for $29.50, I should probably buy a backup in case this one falls apart, considering how long I waited for it. How else do I plan on styling this? Funny you should ask.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July weekend. I swear the world would be a better place if 3-day weekends were the norm! I mentioned just before the holiday last week that I wasn't sure what we  were going to be doing to celebrate. Welp, we celebrated by accidentally buying me a new car!!!! 


Yes, I say "accidentally" in jest. My car has been paid off for about a year and a half now. It's a 2007 Saturn Vue, and while I love her - she's got over 100K miles on her, and since the husband's Camaro is a bit of a show car, he's definitely very particular about when we use it - avoids rain and leaving it at the airport when we travel. This, in essence means that we're working around my Saturn Vue between the both of us, as if we actually only have one car. Yeah, you can imagine how inconvenient that gets really quickly. So, while we've been ready financially to get a new car for awhile now, it was really my own shopaholicism that was keeping us from doing so. 

It was sooo nice on Friday and I wanted to do something outside. We had lunch at a restaurant patio, and I was trying to think of something we could do outside that I knew the husband would agree to. When I said, "We should go look at cars…" his face instantly lit up and I'm pretty sure his eyes bulged out of his head, but he tried to keep cool and calmly said, "I'd be down with that."

And well, this is exactly why I've never even wanted to even look because I knew I'd get attached to something. Long story short - we test drove a few, but I ended up loving this Audi, which is surprising because I didn't know anything about Audi, but I couldn't believe how much I loved this car. I won't bore you will all the specs, but for all you car enthusiasts out there, it's a 2014 Audi A6 Quattro, 3.0L Supercharged V6 with AWD. I seriously just love her and have actually been doing the driving vs. just being the passenger!


SHOP THE LOOK:

PS Check out Kellie for a little Carylee shout out!

Linkup Button


We'd love to have YOU link-up with us for Manic Monday.

Here are the simple guidelines:

1. Click below to add a link to your recent post. Any topic is fine!

2. Please make sure your post has links back to both More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express.

3. It would be very cool if you followed along with us via the social media platform of your choice (Bloglovin, Pinterest, Twitter etc.), but as long you link back to the hosts it's all good. 

Thanks for linking up!
More Pieces of Me        

87 comments :

  1. Love when a back order ships, such a surprise!! Also, congratulations on the new car!!
    xo, Lee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! It's like past me bought future me a gift! Haha!
      Thanks so much!!

      Delete
  2. Ok that shirt is a classic I have a very similar one from Banana and congrats on the new ride I am itching for a new one but I might have to wait about a year or two.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's just about how long I waited to buy ours too - good luck! It's scary to have a second car payment again- mainly bc I know I can't frivolous shop anymore. Boooo! :)

      Delete
  3. You look so classy! Great gingham shirt and congrats on your new car, its beautiful!
    effortlesslady.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such a classy look! I've been looking for a navy gingham top! I think I might have to order this one! Congrats on the new car!! It's a beauty!! Have fun with it! <3

    P.S Loved reading more about you over at The Daily Express!

    xo, Erica
    Casually Styled

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you get it - it really is awesome!
      and thank you! She is so creative with her posts, that was a fun read for me, too!

      Delete
  5. HAHAHA!! I LOVE the picture of you in front of the new car. I mean the new gingham shirt is cute too. :) How funny that it took SO LONG to get to you. But at least it did. I honestly can't believe you didn't own one before this!! Thanks for the coffee today. ;)
    Gina -- On the Daily Express

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right?? I have a handful of gingham shirts but they're all a smaller check pattern. This one is just perfect!
      Glad you liked the pic! It only took 1 try which surprised me! :)

      Delete
  6. Love this color pairing, the blue and white gingham against the green. You styled it perfectly. Congrats on the new ride, very nice! Have a great week. ~Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Cynthia! It was a lot of fun for me to wear. I want to wear the shirt again already! Too soon? haha

      Delete
  7. Congrats on your new car!!! I actually showed your instagram pic to my hubby who desperately wants an Audi :-) You got a beauty there!! Love the Gingham shirt too...been lusting after gingham for a while and will rely on your pics for inspiration for sure!
    Kellie @ www.ie-style.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! How funny! My husband is thrilled with my choice. I have to remind him that it's *mine* meaning- he can't make it look like a boy car!!!
      And I hope you get your perfect gingham shirt! I just love this one!

      Delete
  8. LOVE it! I was on the hunt for a navy gingham shirt for what seemed like ages before I finally found once in Chicago this past April! I wear it all the time.. such a staple!!
    www.amemoryofus.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! Not sure why it was so hard to find! Glad you have your perfect one also! Can't wait to wear the heck out of this! :)

      Delete
  9. This is such a cute outfit and the color is great! I love gingham and it's the perfect piece for summer wear. Thanks for the linkup. I'm looking forward to connecting with other great fashionistas!
    http://ladydianaspearls.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow that's a very pleasant surprise indeed Carylee! Love the mix of the shirt with the adorable bag!!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Rebecca! I'm so glad I have this bag in my arsenal!

      Delete
  11. So much exciting things happening! Totally love your shirt and think it is perfect! The new car looks good on you too;)
    xo Adri
    www.adrilately.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hah yes very overstimulating this post is!
      Thank you so much! I appreciate this nice note! I could not resist having a good car photo here! :)

      Delete
  12. Very nice!!! The top is super cute. Congrats on the new car!

    Kreyola Jounerys

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the gingham shirt with the green skirt!!!! And congrats on the new Audi!

    Jen
    witsicle - a life & style blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! The skirt is a bit thick so I was worried it would look too fall but the shade of green helps keep it summery!

      Delete
  14. I have the same gingham shirt and wear it all of the time! It looks so great paired with the green skirt! Love your necklace too! Congrats on your new car!

    Jill
    dousedinpink.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it just the best?? I can't wait to wear it over and over. Definitely will be a staple!!
      Thank you!

      Delete
  15. Love that shirt! But the car? So pretty! Thanks for sharing! I would love it if you posted a little story about it on my blog or styled an outfit inspired by it. It would be a great fit for the site! Let me know if you are open to that idea. :)

    L,
    Vicky
    TheMummyChronicles

    ReplyDelete
  16. Yay for a new car! How exciting! I know how you feel about finding a car - I test drove heaps of them a few years ago and fell in love with VW. Plus, gingham is perfect for summer - love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I seriously had no idea what I wanted and was overwhelmed at first! But in the end, I am happy! Thanks for reading!

      Delete
  17. Congrats on the new car! I never though the gingham top with a green pencil skirt would make such a great combo. The shoes are killer too!
    http://www.weshopinheels.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I figured it would be great for spring/summer! I wouldn't have paired this without the pinspiration!
      And thanks!

      Delete
  18. Ooo...Congrats on the new car, Carylee! I have the Q7 and I love it to death. It's the ultimate family car for us. Enjoy your new ride =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I looked at the Q7! What a great ride! I almost test drove it, too, but fell in love with the A6 pretty quickly!

      Delete
  19. A6 is a fantastic choice!! Audi's are awesome to drive!! COngrats and enjoy the new ride!!
    Love your gingham shirt..looks perfect with the green skirt! Thanks for the link up... :)
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the affirmation on the car! And the shirt! :)

      Delete
  20. Love this necklace with your top. Great mix! Congrats on the amazing car. :)

    http://www.kathrineeldridge1.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I thought it would pull together with the shoes nicely!
      And thanks again about the car!

      Delete
  21. HOORAY for a new car! And I love your gingham top!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, girl! I'm so excited about it! Clearly! The top too! :)

      Delete
  22. What a great color pairing! I love it when I get a "surprise" package in the mail. Congrats on the new car! I used to have an Audi and they are so fun to drive!

    Nicole
    Nicole to the Nines

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yay! I love hearing good things about the audi!
      And thank you so much!

      Delete
  23. Congrats on the new car!! :) and thank you so much for the link up! :)

    Uris
    http://my-sinina.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Congrats on the new car ... and for the surprise shipment! And yes, I agree, is IS hard to find a good gingham shirt. My problem with button-downs is a little different -- the sleeves are always a bit short on my long arms! ;)

    Jen @ Librarian for Life & Style

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no! That could be really frustrating! Hope you still find your perfect one!

      Delete
  25. That shirt is so cute! I know you'll find yourself reaching for it a ton, even in Fall and Winter! I love pieces like that! I also love your bag :) Perfect pairing!
    And congrats on the Audi! My husband is jealous lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! My husband is a bit too excited about *my* car! :) It's good we were able to agree on one though!
      And yes - I can't wait to style this for other seasons!

      Delete
  26. i love this outfit -- my favorite is the necklace! i adore bib necklaces... more "umph" to the statement necklace, right? :) and congrats on the new car! :)

    happy monday carylee!
    rhea | Rhea, Et Cetera

    ReplyDelete
  27. Cute handbag!

    pinkandnavystripes.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am so glad your shirt finally arrived. It looks so adorable combined with green.... :)
    XoX, Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

    ReplyDelete
  29. Congratulations on your new car! I can imagine you and hubby are overjoyed and excited with the new purchase.

    Love your ootd today and when I saw it I realized it's similar to I how styled my gingham blouse too! Mine is pink and has smaller print. Great minds think alike! Check it out here http://www.enjoygram.com/m/756687386615741805_296764094

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww - thanks for the heads up! Great minds, for sure! I will check it out!

      Delete
  30. I love your outfit! Gingham is one of my faves and I've been looking for a skirt like this! Congrats on your new ride!

    xx
    Les @ www.fashionablylateleslie.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope you find your perfect gingham shirt! This one is really awesome!

      Delete
  31. That is a great car! One of our neighbors has the same one. And I love the gingham. I have one from Banana Republic Factory and it's one of my best buys of the summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the affirmation!! Cant wait to get styling info from you, too, for this!

      Delete
  32. I love this outfit! So classy. The gingham and emerald green are a perfect match! I love when a package you forgot about comes!!

    Jessi
    http://www.haircutandgeneralattitude.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's like presents I bought for my future self! ;)

      Delete
  33. love the gingham!! and your heels, c'mon, youre killing me!!! I have the poor girls version, but one day they will say Valentino!!

    xoxo,
    Tara Belle
    www.NorthernLights-SouthernBelles.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww - you will get your perfect pair, I can *feel* it! They're worth the splurge - absolutely the shoe addict's dream!
      Thank you for the nice note!

      Delete
  34. Oh my gosh...I love this outfit so much. So chic and classic but still fun and trend at the same time. Congrats on the new car!

    xo, Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, girl! I appreciate that! Can't wait to style this shirt different ways!

      Delete
  35. Congrats on your new car! I should probably jump on that gingham top now too. I had no idea it was that cheap.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely recommend, especially for the price! I really love it. It's deathly hot here but I still felt comfy in it today!

      Delete
  36. Replies
    1. Yes! Glad to know I'm in good company! It really is just perfect!

      Delete
  37. Very nice! Such classic styling! You can never go wrong with gingham and congrats on the car!! Nice!

    xo, Kenya

    www.kenyalfashionblog.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I have a handful of gingham in my closet now - happy about that!

      Delete
  38. Ooh great steal for the J. Crew Factory gingham shirt! Loved the way you styled it, and loved your car photo!

    www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! And yes, it's def a great price for the shirt! Worth the wait!

      Delete
  39. I adore gingham shirts - they are so timeless - so glad they finally came back in stock! And congrats on your new car :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I know you have plenty of style inspiration for me and this shirt!

      Delete
  40. Love your look! Your Valentino rockstuds are amazing! I have the lower heel and they match with everything!
    x Nina
    http://trendsurvivor.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I debated on the lower heel or this heel. I am surprised how comfortable these are, right out of the box!
      And thank you!

      Delete
  41. Congrats on the new audi, looks nice!!! You guys have a camero- cool!!!
    -Chelsey
    -http://chelseypatti.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the husband is a bit of a car fanatic. Specifically GM. His dad has a ton of Corvettes. Yup, that's plural.
      And thank you! I just love her!!!

      Delete
  42. Congratulations on both the new car and receiving your perfect gingham shirt :)

    Alex - Funky Jungle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! Two sides of the spectrum, huh? Haha

      Delete
  43. The Valentinos like to steal the show sometimes! :) Thanks for commenting!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love this look...especially the shirt! So cute, and the color is great on you. Lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Congrats on the new car! That is gorgeous! I can't wait for the day I can actually justify a new car purchase. Right now it would be a little silly. Love your rockstuds, and your hair looks so pretty pulled back!

    Katie
    Style Diary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I fought the car issue so hard! I knew we needed one, but it's hard to curb shopping!!
      Thanks so much!!

      Delete