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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Look who I met!

On Gina: Tee (option) | Skort 

So, not only did I get to meet my nephew for the first time this week, but I also got to meet this pretty lady! We have never met before ever, and although she has seen me in my blog videos, I didn't even know what she sounded like! The drive to see her was like mentally preparing for a blind date!

I've mentioned a few times having family in SoCal. I'm awful with geography though and never realized until I was in SoCal for my sister's shower in July that Gina was less than 2 hours from my dad's house. SAY WHAT?! So, we made a point to plan a meet up the next time I was in town, which was this week. Of course the plans were already mapped out in the stars for us - lunch and shopping, and most definitely including a trip to Express!

We didn't just run to Express though, we saved that for last. We were planning on getting sushi, but the restaurant ended up being closed until 4:30 despite the hours of operation listed on their doors. We opted for the Nordstrom bistro and chatted it up - which is way easier to do in person than text or email, FO SHO. After lunch, we made a quick stop down in accessories to see if they had any Kate Spade cases for the iPhone 6 yet (they didn't) and then we headed for Zara, which is a place we don't have at home - the closest one is 4 hours away! Yay - excited!

Unfortunately, we both left Zara empty handed. Everything was a bit wintery, which was hard to get in the mood for when it was pretty heated that day. Popped into Kate Spade also, but again left empty handed. Ok then, Express it is!


I will say that it's hard to shop in person in Express when you frequent the website so often. I was specifically on a mission to find the navy stripe portofino (seen here and here) and this floral skirt (seen here and here.) Unfortunately, the navy stripe wasn't there, only the black and white stripe that I already own. BOOO. I did end up ordering that when I got home  when I saw it was not only marked down to $30, but an additional 10% off. Done and done. I was able to finally try on the floral skirt though.

I shall spare you the horror that is me trying it on. I figured it wouldn't work on me because I am already naturally high waisted and carry my weight in my midsection, so I always have to size up in high waisted fitting bottoms, and the result is just not flattering. I had already went up two sizes in this skirt because that's all they had, and it was still all the way up to my boobs! I would have had to go up a third size for it to fit comfy, but it would have been huge in the hips, and guys, sometimes it's ok to just say no. So, this was a fail for me, and I shall admire it from afar on the other fabulous bloggers.

Top | Skort

Ah. This outfit was more up my alley. I hadn't actually noticed this top on line, and you can never have too much red in your life, in my opinion. I love wearing red, but I have so very little of it in my wardrobe. This felt true to size - I liked that it was fitted but not tight.

The skort. The infamous skort. Whenever I see this, I think of the Zara version that was all the rage a few seasons ago. Express seems to be good at remaking successful pieces from other brands. I've always liked this but have never been able to take the plunge. I decided to try it on for grins. Nothing to lose, right? This black one is actually minus-the-leather, and while I love faux leather, I like that you can't really tell by looking at it that it's faux leather. I did size up in this knowing that faux leather doesn't have as much give as some other fabrics. 

Top (in moss green) | Skort

When I saw Gina grab the wine colored one for herself, I decided to try it, too. I did not size up in this one though - it's satin and a little more forgiving. I liked it a lot, too, but didn't think I could justify having TWO skorts in my collection, so I opted to just get the black pair - I want to wear it with black tights and black booties!

I was on the fence about the moss green top. You're probably thinking - um, isn't it just another portofino? Yes and no. The difference is that it doesn't have a collar, and it has a bit of a ruched detail at the shoulder seams. I wasn't sure if the no-collar look would be as versatile as the traditional portofino (it could look awkward layered under blazers and other jackets), but Gina pointed out that my hair covers the collar anyway. True that. Plus, I'm a sucker for all things olive right now - I have my utility vest, anorak jacket, and olive skinnies on constant repeat - so I figured this top will definitely get a lot of mileage.

Sadly/ironically, that's all I bought! But even though it wasn't a super productive shopping trip, the fact that I could share it with Gina *finally* in real life instead of texting was just perfection. When we were driving back to my dad's house after dropping her off, the husband said, "I wish you had girlfriends like that at home." ME TOO!!!


SHOP THE LOOK:

43 comments :

  1. Love the olive top! Such a pretty color on you. I agree the skort is fabulous and so flattering on you!

    Brooke
    www.pumpsandpushups.com

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  2. You are both so cute in your skorts, how did I miss this on IG. Next time you both should come to South Florida.

    xo
    PinkSole

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    1. I will take you up on that!!! We should make that happen! You would love her in person. So much personality and fun!!

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  3. Aww! I'm glad Matt tolerated me enough that I would be allowed to live close to you!! It was so fun to read your version of the recap and I just love the things you got! That red top looks so good on you, skorts are MADE for your legs, and I love that olive top, too. I am so tempted by it again! Maybe after I get my fall shoe and bag collection in order I can think about it.
    Gina - On the Daily Express

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    1. I do really like the olive! I'm glad I purchased it! And yes, I knew matt would love you too and he also likes seeing me happy and knew it was an important day for me which is why, although he wasn't engaged in our convos the whole time, I knew he was ok with being there. He's pretty sweet like that! Why am I crying right now!!! I am just happy our lives crossed paths!!

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  4. Aw, I'm so glad that the two of you got to meet in person!! Sounds like a great girls day for sure! I'm excited to see the ways you style your new items!! :-)
    Kellie @ www.ie-style.com

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    1. Thanks girlie! You're definitely on my "must meet" list also! It was so much fun!

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  5. This looks like such a fun blogger meet up! Shopping date?! Heck yes! Loved the pieces you tried on!

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  6. I so regret not getting the floral skirt, I may have to try my local Express to see maybe if they have one in my size there. So happy you guys meet each other. Looking good as always!!

    Kreyola Jounerys

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  7. Aww yeah for blogger friend meet-ups!! I'm shooting you an email now because while I may be in St. Louis longer than expected, I don't want to miss our shopping trip chance :)

    xoxo jenna @ sincerely jenna marie
    PS- I'd love for you to stop by Thursday to link up!

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  8. So fun!! I think your friendship with Gina is just so awesome! And what, a portofino for $30 and an additional percentage off?! I need to head to Express ASAP!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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    1. Yes! Such a great price for a portofino! Excited for this to show up!!
      And thanks - she is great. Love all the awesome people I have met through blogging!

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  9. You both look so cute in the skorts!! How amazing for you two to finally meet.
    Marta, xo
    www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com

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  10. Aww I love this! That's great that you were able to meet each other. I was telling Rachelle that I feel like we are like you and Gina except we live next to each other! I must say it makes things way more convenient. lol Love that moss green top!

    Cha Cha The Fashion Genius

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    1. Yes, I am very much jealous of that fact! How awesome to have someone to share blogging with that loves doing it, too! One day all 4 of us will meet!!

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  11. So fun that you guys got to meet! What a perfect day! Love the burgundy skorts!

    Jill
    dousedinpink.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks! It's definitely worth trying on! Such a fun piece!

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  12. How exciting! I am loving that burgundy skort!
    xo Jessica
    www.NewlyLoved.com

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  13. You ladies are so pretty! I just commented on Gina's page saying that I'm so happy you girls got along so well in real life! I wish I could meet all of my favorite bloggers! I hope we can get together the next time you come for a visit :)

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    1. Yes, definitely, for sure! Would love to meet you! This will happen!

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  14. How fun meeting another blogger! And I haven't been to Express in forever, but I have seen that skirt in a couple of ads and it is so cute. Love those skorts!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

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    1. It's really great! Definitely glad I bought it in both colors! I will be wearing a ton!

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  15. so great y'all got to meet - and how sweet of your husband to say that!

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    1. Yes, he loves her as much as I do, probably because he hears all about her thanks to me!
      Thank you for reading!

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  16. So happy you two finally got to hang out together and shop (duh)!! I am so glad you bought the skort. I love mine. I like the idea of the collarless shirt. Can't wait to see you style it.

    xo, Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

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    1. I can't wait to wear it! I wish fall would just full on show up already so I can layer it!!

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  17. You guys are seriously so cute! What a fun day for you two. Love that skort. Isn't it so flattering? It looks good on everyone and I love that you tried on the wine colored one. Fun post! ~Cynthia

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    1. Yes, I was very surprised how much I loved it!! Can't wait to wear it!

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  18. Just read Gina's version of your meet up and loved reading yours too my dear. Its funny how you left Zara empty handed. After forgetting about summer I am now all about fall/winter LOL. Love your friendship, and I told Gina too, one day I really want to get together and have a big shopping bloggers day- sounds like so much fun and would love to see you girls in real life. XOXO, Elif
    http://theboxqueen.com

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  19. Love the faux leather skort on you - it looks gorgeous with the red top. Your hubby's comment about Gina was so sweet - it definitely sounds like you had the perfect meet up :-)

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  20. This was a great post. Glad that you guys got to hang out! Were you in San Diego by chance. If you were -- add me to your list of people to see one day when you are in San Diego. This time, we will try some of the thrifting places. The skort -- GREAT choice by the way.

    Thrifting Diva
    www.thriftingdiva.com

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    1. Yes! San Diego!! Oh, how fun would it be to thrift with you! We should definitely make that happen!!

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  21. Now how cool was that, I love meeting bloggers in person and 9 times out of 10, they are just a kind and personable in real life! #ThriftingDiva

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    1. Yes, I totally agree! The blogging community is so great! Can't wait for more real life meet ups!

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  22. WOW what a lovely post. I am glad you two fashionistas finally met and shopped at Express in real life. I love those skorts and wish I had both. Gina's haircut is just the cutest also. I always pictured her as a brunette. =D

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    1. Ha! That's awesome! Funny how we develop our own mental pictures of people when you get to know them through blogs or elsewhere online! It was a great meet up. She is so much fun!

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