Pom Pom Jeans

Our local mall hasn't been doing so good the past few years and has been losing a lot of stores.  Last year we lost Macy's, and this year we lost Younkers.  I was never that big of a shopper at either of those stores, but I enjoyed having them around as an option.  It's been so sad to see them both go.  But there was a silver lining for me because a Hobby Lobby took the Macy's retail space, and I've always wanted a Hobby Lobby in town!  I can promise you I'll spend a lot more money at Hobby Lobby than I ever did at Macy's.  And the other silver lining is I really scored big at Younker's "Going Out of Business Sale".  I got five pairs of really trendy jeans for less than $17.00.  Most of them were $5.00 or less.  And I also picked up cute scarves, tops, and shoes too!  

Two of the items I picked up at Younkers "Going Out Of Business" sale was this sleeveless top by Calvin Klein and a pair of pom pom jeans.

Would you believe I only paid $3.33 for these fun pair of pom pom jeans?  SCORE!  I've always been intrigued by the pom pom trend, I think pom poms are so fun and whimsical.  But I never purchased anything in this trend because I didn't want to spend a lot of money on something that may be out of style in a season or two.  But $3.33 I can handle!  haha!

The jeans are a cropped length and have embroidery on the hem as well as the pom poms.

I chose mint flats from Express (old) to compliment a mint green thread in the embroidery.

I picked a neutral bag and green jewelry to compliment the mint green shoes.

My Calvin Klein sleeveless top was priced over $50.00 by got it for around $5.00.  Another SCORE! It is tagged as a "suit separate" and is probably meant to wear under blazers and suits, but because I don't work, I will wear it alone or under a jacket.  I LOVE the raised wavy texture in this top.

Since we are now in a transitional season here in Wisconsin, I added a light weight blue silk scarf to my outfit.  Anything heavier, would be too warm yet.

I also carried a denim jacket for those cool mornings and evenings, or too heavily air conditioned buildings.

And now, here are some other ways to incorporate pom poms into your wardrobe from Pinterest!

Here is another pair of jeans hemmed in pom poms.  These are far more dramatic than mine, but I like them.  I prefer the style I'm wearing though.

I've noticed a lot of the young girls wearing these pom pom shorts this season.  They are so cute!

Wearing pom poms as a tassel at the end or a cord or tie is such a great idea!  

I've seen a lot of bloggers wearing these pom pom shoes last season.  I think they are pretty, but not for me.  The bag however I am totally sold on!  I would love one of these bags.

So what do you think?  Are you a fan of the pom pom trend?  Which pom pom item is your favorite? I'd love to hear from you!

Have a Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

Stitch Fix Off The Shoulder Top and Review of Box #19

 One of the last items to review from my last Stitch Fix box is this off-the-shoulder top.  The embroidered detail on the ruffle portion of this top was so beautiful I kept it.  

The top is a thick knit and it hangs loosely over the stomach.  I like that feature, but I've struggled with styling it.  I tried it with both shorts and skirts, but because of the bagginess, it seems to only look good with skinny jeans.  That really limits how often I'll be able to wear it, because it has to be warm enough to expose my arms and shoulders, yet cool enough to wear jeans.  The knit is also very thick, so it won't work well on a hot summer day.

I had to make a decision really fast about what to keep and what to send back in this Fix because I was headed out of town.  I also didn't have my husband around to help me decide.  Looking back, I probably should have sent this top back for all the reasons I described above.  But my love for embroidery outweighed my better judgment.

The stylist card suggested styling the top with white jeans, which you can see in the short video below.  There was a hint of burgundy in the embroidery, so I tried it with my burgundy jeggings and grey booties from Blowfish.

Here is a close up of the beautiful embroidery.  I chose a simple rose gold necklace from Francescas to wear as it complimented the embroidery without competing with it.

 I carried a black tote by Liz Claiborne and wore a multi colored bracelet.

And now for a summary of my 19th box from Stitch Fix.

Liverpool Nik Skinny Jean:  Returned

The main reason I returned the white jeans was because I already own a pair of white jeans.  You can see the pair I own in the photo below.  But I also returned them because they didn't fit well.  It had a huge gap in the back waist.  They were also very thick and uncomfortable.  I only wear white jeans in warm weather, and I prefer a thinner weight.

West Kei Julianne Tie Front Blouse:  Kept

Collective Clothing Marenna Cold Shoulder Dress:  Kept

Baublebar Pearl Statement Collar Necklace:  Returned 

Overall, this was a great Fix for me.  I really wish they would not have sent me those white jeans because I probably would have kept the entire Fix.  You get a 25% discount (which ends up being huge) if you keep the entire Fix.  But because of those jeans, I had to send two items back.  I would have loved to have kept the necklace if it hadn't cost so much.  I've learned from experience it's not economical to send only one item back from your Fix;  it cost almost or just as much if you kept the whole Fix and received the 25% off.  Always send back two or more items.

So what do you think?  Did I keep the right items?  I'd love to her your thoughts below.  I'd also like some suggestions on how you'd style this off the shoulder top.

Oh, and since a few people have asked me, I decided to join Stitch Fix's referral program.  If you've always wanted to try Stitch Fix but have been a little nervous, you can get $25.00 your first Fix through my referral link HERE.

Have a Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

The Paine Mansion

 In last week's travel post, I shared our visit to The Paine Art Center and Gardens.  In that post, I only covered the beautiful gardens on the property.  In today's post, I'm going to show you the inside of this beautiful mansion.

I already gave a brief history of the mansion in my previous post, but for any new readers, I'll do another quick summary.

The mansion was built by Nathan and Jesse Paine.  Nathan was a wealthy lumber company owner in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  The Paine's wanted to create an estate that reflected their English heritage in the architecture, art, interior design, and nature.  They asked Bryant Flemming, from Ithaca, New York to design their dream home.  Construction on the estate began in 1927 but The Great Depression brought it to a halt.  In 1946 Nathan and Jessie established the estate as a museum.  They never lived in the home.

Although Nathan and Jessie's art collection is visible in the rooms throughout the mansion, there is one room that is reserved specifically as an art gallery.  The art gallery is for special exhibits.  When we were there, the special exhibit was The Louis Comfort Tiffany Treasures from the Driehaus Collection;  and I could not have been happier about that as I love stained glass!

After looking at the Tiffany Glass Special Exhibit, we then headed to Nathan's Paine office to watch a short video about the history of the property.  I highly recommend doing this first, as it will enhance your experience there.

After the video we then began our tour.  Starting on the main level, right next to the art gallery, is this beautiful library!  Wow!  Stunning isn't it?  Gorgeous, intricate warm woodwork made of oak and walnut, covers many of the walls in the home.  

The Tiffany Glass Special Exhibit also showcased some of their pieces in the rooms such as the two Tiffany Lamps in this library.

This is the Breakfast Room.  It has a lovely view of the gardens.  I loved the tinted glass.  The panes had different colors, and varying bubbles and streaks, to make it look like they were as if they were hundreds of years old.

The Dining Room was one of my favorites.  I loved the gorgeous carved plaster ceiling, all the beautiful, warm walnut paneling, and the large windows with views of the gardens.

A painting of George Washington was just outside the Dining Room hung on more warm wood walls.

The most impressive room in the mansion is The Great Hall.  It is the mansion's "Living Room".  Haha!  Quite the living room, isn't it?  My favorite features in this room are the curved wooden ceiling, the chandeliers, and of course that massive fireplace.

What struck my husband and I the most when we first entered the mansion, was the stonework.  At first, we thought it was marble.  But we later learned it is Kasota Limestone, quarried in Minnesota.

This is a hallway on the main floor.  I loved the wood beam ceilings and the chandelier, and just look at that stone arch!

Before I leave the main floor it should be noted that the first floor furniture and decor was chosen by the Paine's along with their architect.  The second floor was not completed during their lifetimes.

The staircase to the upstairs is spectacular.  I love the gorgeous stone steps and the intricate wood carvings of the staircase railing and banister.

Another gorgeous chandelier hangs above the staircase.

The next two pictures show the second floor landing:  more gorgeous warm paneling, made even warmer by the beautiful sunlight brought in by the large staircase window.

 The Guest Bedroom.

 Mrs. Paine's Dressing Room.  My husband loved the fainting couch!

The Bathroom.  Loved the windows and the the stone walls.

The Belter Sitting Room.

The Master Bedroom.

And finally, The Gothic Gallery.  This room was originally designed to amplify the sound of the pipe organ in the Great Hall below.  When we were in the room, it had a beautiful echo when we spoke.   Now the room is used as a gallery and held a few items behind glass for viewing.  I think I remember reading that the family crest is in the round stain glass medallion too.  That is a beautiful work of art!

If you'd like to visit The Paine Art Center and Gardens they are open every day from 10 to 4 June 23 to September 23.  The cost is only $12.00 for an adult.  See their website for more information.

Have a Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!