Book Club: Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter

Last night I got to meet my favorite author, Jane Porter, who came to my neighborhood book club.  It was such a privilege to meet Jane in real life, since I've read all of her chick lit books and I am a huge fan.  She is so down to earth and it was great to hear how Jane came up with her characters.  Jane's books are great beach reads and have accompanied me on my vacations and work related travel over the last few years.   I can't wait until she writes her next one.  

It was great getting together with my neighbors.  I also got to meet a fellow blogger who lives nearby, Hip Travel Mama. Check her blog out if you enjoy travel.

I planned on wearing a charcoal shell and cardigan, but my 11 year old daughter advised me to wear something brighter and fun, so I switched to a striped tank and cardigan:

Book Club: Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter by Handbag Aficionado featuring embellished tank tops

In real life:

Last minute change: J.Crew pearls and tank, Joe's Jeans, Coach Handbag

I highly recommend Jane's books if you enjoy good chick lit or fun beach read:

Dreaming of Spring

I took a trip to Bellevue Square today since I am out of La Mer: The Eye Concentrate.   I didn’t know that I needed this stuff but treated myself to it last year and got hooked on it since.  It's extremely pricey at $165, but I've tried several cheaper brands and this one does the trick on tired puffy eyes, dark circles and fine lines more so than any I've tried (I’m sure a good night’s sleep would work, but that doesn’t always happen).  My husband doesn't get why I think I need it, but I can tell the difference.

I also stopped at Aveda to get some hair products.  On Friday, I got my hair cut and colored at Gary Manuel Salon downtown and forgot to pick up conditioner, which was the whole point of going to the mall.  I also got a free sample pack of Smooth Infusion (if you go in and mention the add or print this out, you get a free sample free pack). I love the smooth infusion products, especially when it’s been rainy like this week. (I am so ready for Spring).

I stopped by J.Crew, although I just had a recent shopping trip.  In some of my previous posts, I talk about the different between the downtown Seattle Pacific Place J.Crew and the Eastside Bellevue Square J.Crew.   They are like two different stores with different items.   My favorite is the one downtown because I tend to find more, but on the weekend I go to the one on the Eastside closer to my home. They had some different Spring items.

Here are some of the things I purchased and tried on:

Stripe Sunburst Tank, $40
Scarf (in store) $49

Selvage Striped Scarf, $49.50 

Dress in store for $129

Forever Cardigan in Spearmint, $39
Swirling Dots Dress, $148

Sundrenched Sweatshirt (sized down) $59

Forever Cotton Cardigan in Spearmint, $39
Vintage Sequin Cotton Tank, $78 

Coastline-stripe pullover in vintage linen for $65 (sized down)

Day Tripper pants in vintage fatigue $69 

I walked out with the Light Spearmint Forever Cardigan in Cotton, Vintage Cotton Sequin Tank (don't judge - I know I've got enough sequins to start a disco but this is navy), Swirling Dots Dress and the Lace Striped Tee in navy that I could not pass up for $19.99:

I didn't end up getting the other items. I love the Stripe Sunburst Tank, Coastline Stripe Pullover and sweatshirt but will wait for a sale or another visit. I'm waiting for Spring weather.

Hope you had a fantastic weekend!