My wardrobe is in transition. It needs to be. I’m getting older (gag me) and my rear end doesn’t need to have any more writing on it. It should be a law. No words on a thirty year old rump. It’s now officially illegal…unless it says “wide load”. because that is just darn hilarious.
First up: this bag. I posted about it when I revealed my winter wishlist. I ordered, it came, I LOVE. First of all…it is gray. For some reason in my head it was gonna be white…I don’t know why…but then I tore open the box and there she was – all subtle and stormy with her warm muted exterior. like a woman straight outta a romance novel. not that I would know…I don’t have time to read the directions on the box of Pasta-Roni much less a book with more than 10 pages…front and back at that.
Needless to say, I took this bag to New York when we were there for the Nate Berkus taping…and I was able to stuff it so full, we took only one carryon for the three of us. That’s saying something because usually I can load a SUV trunk full just to go visit my mother who lives 10 minutes away. I got both my cameras in there, 12 diapers, wipes, snot rags, snacks, a sippie cup, my nursing cover, toys, my phone and charger, my laptop power cord and my wallet.
Consider myself shopping for an additional one as we speak.
Can I tell you how much I love this sweatshirt tunic? It’s the same one I wore during my house tour….and it is so comfortable. I couldn’t find the link online…but it’s from Gap and it is part of their Gapbody line…have you gotten anything from there? Their tees are so soft it’s like you rubbed your naked torso with hundreds of baby bums simultaneously.
Remember how I said that I never ordered anything from Land’s end Canvas line before? Well, I decided to jump in with both feet. I love it. We got married. I’m officially Mrs. Katie Canvas-Bower from now on. This skirt? Outstanding. I’m totally diggin’ the pockets….it makes it ever so helpful to stash the paci, the burpcloth, the lens cap and the random baby items that somehow make their way into my hands.
Okay – you know how I said that I haven’t yet jumped on the skinny jeans bandwagon? That they were for those dang girls that have non-touching inner thighs? That exclusive group that I am not a part of? But I wanted them. I wanted jeggings like a five year old wants something made of rubber in a silly-band factory. Since I was already walking down the chapel aisle (with a 40% off coupon code in my bridal bouquet) to Canvas, I decided to get their super skinny jeans. They are totally like jeggings because of the stretch…but are like jeans due to the traditional five pocket with a zipper and button closure design. I’ve worn them a bunch already…and I adore them. It helps that I got them for eighteen bones. And the waist? yeah…no cutting my muffin top in two.
While I was popping things in my virtual shopping cart, I added the hooded cardigan that was on my winter wishlist. It’s alright. It’s soft and comfortable…and that’s perfect for me…but Jeremy doesn’t like the Dolman sleeves. He said that it looks like I’m bigger than I am…and I ordered an XS. I’ll probably take it back…thank goodness I can return them for free to Sears.
I am properly prepared this year for summer. Cross it off the list. No more whoops-boobs. I got this entire ensemble…
And this one….along with the coordinating tankini bits. It’s gonna be amazing to show up to a church swimming function without flashing my pastor. Maybe they’ll stop praying for me…but I doubt it.
I got the striped polo….love the thickness but word of warning, the color is really high…which is nice and modest but also doesn’t give that deep v that is oh-so-flattering.
I got the green chino shorts….hello flourescent bottom….I don’t know if that’s appropriate for thirty somethings….but I guess this summer we will find out.
This top? Good for the girls. This top? Fully lined. This top? Wide straps to cover the over the shoulder boulder holder. or the over the shoulder pancake holder….
Last but certainly not least I got these three things. I got the striped ruffle collar shirt, belt and coverup all from Canvas too. Seriously – get on their mailing list and you can get 30-40% off their sale prices and free shipping….it’s awesome. and perfectly age appropriate.
So when you posted originally I had never even heard of Lands End Canvas. Then I went on over there and bought that pink skirt and the lime green shorts. I heart them very much. Especially the skirt. Their pants fit me funny but that’s because I’m tall so I’m used to it :).
I am seriously loving the skinny-jeans-tucked-in-boots thing, and have a million and one pairs of boots already.But I’m having boot-envy for the ones you’re sporting-would you mind sharing the store?
Yes, Katie… those boots are fantastic. Please tell us where you got them!! 🙂
Hi Missy – they are from Target…I don’t know if they carry them anymore but they are oh-so comfy 🙂
xo – kb
Hi Kara,
They are from Target – and they are really oh-so-comfy. Actually I was able to wear them while pregnant…which is amazing since my ankles were twice the size of normal.
xo – kb
Got ’em! I have been looking for some killer boots that resemble cowboy boots (since I live in Nashville) and these are perfect for my wallet. Thank you!! 🙂
I’m so glad I clicked over. I have been looking everywhere for some stretchy skinny jeans with a longer inseam than normal for my long legs. Just ordered those (and a bunch of other stuff!) Fingers crossed they will fit perfectly. I had never looked at Canvas but they have some cute stuff and awesome sale prices, especially the swimwear!
i was totally going to ask where you got those awesome boots. now i dont have to, but i thought i’d let you know i love them too. you look fab in those jeggings. totally grabbing myself a pair… now i just have to wait for target to come to good ol canada…. sigh
Those boots are awesome! Also, this may be totally off the wall, but you said you put your laptop cord in your carryon bag… so does that mean your laptop was in the baggage you checked in?! Yikes!! I’d be nervous the whole flight, I don’t trust baggage handlers!
Where did you get the great beige cardigan you’re wearing in the boots picture?
No – we only brought Missy (the gray purse) and the carryon bag. That’s the crazy part. We fit everything. Jeremy just slid the laptop in the pocket of the carryon and then pulled it out when we went through security. Since we had the laptop out during most of the flight (we let Will watch Baby Einstein) it worked out perfectly.
xo – kb
Hi Jill,
It’s from Banana Republic outlet. I got it when I was pregnant…and have used it year round 🙂
xo – kb
Jennifer – the inseam is insane…super long. and I am not the tallest tree in the forest, but these are long on me…so if you have long legs, they probably will work just peachy. Oh and here’s a tip – I ordered the same size as I would at the Gap…and they fit perfectly.
xo – kb
These are great pieces you picked! Love them all, even the grey parka although I don’t find it practical having to lift that much fabric in order to breastfeed (I still do to my 9 month old son).
Question: when you buy new bunch of clothes, do you rummage through your closet and get rid of the same amount of old clothes that you don’t wear that much? I find the “one in – one out” rule help me from overaccumulation of clothes as years pass.
I don’t know why but for some reason I always find jokes about post-nursing boobs extremely hilarious. Maybe because it hits so close to home! Oh, and I’m definitely needing a sweatshirt tunic like that one! Looks so cute and comfy! Thanks for this post. I’m totally at that transition stage too. Here’s to getting older!
I just wanted to let you know that Canvas needs to give you referral credits or something because right after your last post about your wishlist I headed over there and bought some stuff. I LOVE it and I even found a swimsuit there. I can’t find swimsuits anywhere. Seriously, thanks for mentioning them!
I love the Canvas line but haven’t ordered anything from there… yet. After seeing your reviews, I might have to fill up my shopping cart and actually check out this time!
After your last post I bought the blue striped swimsuit (love it) and the scoopneck top! Now I’m back on their site looking at a purse… would you say their jeans run big or small or average…? I’m always scared buying online.
I have been eying that skirt for a few weeks now….but I don’t know what tops to wear with it – what did you wear? Thx Katie! PS – I’ve been reading your blog for about a year, it’s amazing how it has transformed! Maybe it’s because Will is so gosh darn adorable!
I’m totally with you on the jeggins/skinny jeans. They look so great, but can I pull them off? YOU look great in them. I might try this pair out. How did you feel the sizing was? Big, small, pretty right?
Loving your skinny jeans/boots picture! I wish my legs were long enough to look that good in skinny jeans and below-the-knee boots! I feel like I can only wear ankle boots (although I got a pair of knee high boots around Black Friday that I totally insist on wearing, even if they make me look like a toddler in her mom’s shoes…)
I’m loving the Canvas striped bathing suit, too.
Oh and I LOVE the quote from Cole at the top, too!
I love me some Lands End! I do love that pleated pocket skirt, but I have shied away from skirts, because the 30-something hips and bum are not like the 20-somethings hips and bum. So sad… {sniff}. Maybe you can model it and post and see how really cute it is??!! hint hint nudge nudge… Love the skinny jeans too! I was told only pregnant women should wear jeggings, so I might have to try the skinny jeans from Old Navy (because I love the style of them, chunky boots, longer sweater/blouse)!
Thanks for sharing… Now, I know how I will spend my afternoon – internet shopping on LE and ON!
Just wanted to say thanks for introducing me to Canvas! I jumped on the bandwagon and got the skinny jeans and a sweater a few weeks ago. Love them both and they were so cheap. Then, this week Canvas sent me a hand-written thank you note. I’m in love.
I had never heard of Lands End until I read this blog. Now I obsessed. Great clothes at a reasonable price. Love your wishlist!
Love all the wardrobe update. I really want that Land’s End skirt so cute! I think you can still have fun with your clothes in your 30’s only in our 30’s we just have a really good idea of what looks good on us instead of forcing our body into clothes that just don’t work!
Katie,
Your website has become a part of my morning coffee and blogs ritual! Your writing is so cute and original and I adore all the clothes you’ve picked! Thanks for sharing it all!
Hey Katie,
Love the clothes! I’m loving that skirt from Land’s End Canvas, but I’m wondering if it would be too short on me (for church, casual Friday at work, etc.). I’m about 5’9″. How did it work for you?
I was wondering where you got that tunic sweatshirt, Katie. Bummer they aren’t selling it anymore…I love it.
I’m so mad that the Missy camera bag is sold out! I hope that site gets another batch, or at least something similar.
I already own 3 camera bags, but when you told me how big this one is I felt like I had to have it. Hopefully they’ll get something else I’ll like.
Grey is one of my favorite colors right now… is grey even a color?
Hi Katie,
Any news on dream house? I am so excited for you, and check in every day just waiting to hear something!
Also, you know my confusion re: ABP ‘all bower power’ and you (obviously, now you mention it), not wanting it to be known as BP? How about BPB – as in Bower Power Blog. Then it would match your URL and make more sense to people who only know you as Bower Power. But you can tell me to shut up. I obviously spend far too long thinking about your life!
xx
actually our blog is All Bower Power…unfortunately I am waiting for the dang scalpers who took allbowerpower.com to have their url contract end. Then I’ll snag it up.
xo – kb
It was long enough on me…it hit right above my knees and I wore it at my natural waist with a belt.
xo – kb
Did you get the Old Navy Rock Star denim leggings too? I was wondering b/c they have the petite size clearanced and just wanted to know if you liked them. That outfit you are wearing is adorable! Love the boots!!
Just finally found the Land’s End Canvas website. Does that skirt run true to size? I am having such a hard time figuring out WHAT my size is 10 months after having a baby so wanted to see what you thought. 🙂
The size around the hips and waist was spot on…they were cut very similarly to the Perfect Boot cut jeans at Gap (looser in the waist but with grip in the legs). I ordered the same size I would wear at Gap if that helps. And they were super long…so they definitely gather at the ankle…which is fine by me because I am a boots over jeggings kinda girl.
xo – kb
Hi SarahA,
Actually I wore a button up collared shirt tucked in with a belt. It was pretty similar to the photo online.
xo – kb
The jeans I got were same as Gap sizing. I wear an 8 and ordered an 8 and am really glad I did. I probably could have squeezed into a 6 but didn’t know how much stretch they would have – so I measured and went by their size chart. For the skirt I did go down a size…and read the reviews for each item – it really helps.
xo – kb
I went a size down because generally speaking I wear a smaller size in skirts than jeans. It fits pretty spot on…but I would recommend reading all the reviews first.
xo – kb
I did not. I did try them on…and they were okay…but in the end, I am glad I went with the other option. The first reason is that I liked the color better with the Canvas version…it was darker with less streaking…a little more mature and rich looking. The other reason is obviously cost…they were really cheap with the coupon.
xo – kb
I have an update ready for you TODAY! Stay tuned for the post later 🙂
xo – kb
Thanks!
Love your outfit in that picture. I love skinny jeans too! Also I wish I had a Target in Atlantic Canada … ohh I want those boots.
I’m more like a massive get-ridder. Probably twice a year I go through everything and either stash it in storage (like tshirts with sentimental value or my clothing that is out of season)…or pack up bags of clothing to cut up for crafts or donate. I love seeing entire trash bags filled to the brim. It’s so cathartic.
xo – kb
Cool! love all those clothes. I also ordered a ton of stuff from Canvas recently. Those are some of the softest shirts I have ever had on my body. I got that ruffle front, striped shirt as well, and a wool skirt with pockets, love it! Tried that exact swimsuit, but it didn’t work for me. oh well. Oh! I also got a ton of clothes for my guy there. He’s really picky and loved, wait for it…ALL OF IT!! shocking, really. Have a great weekend!
Katie!!! I am a new follower of your blog and I just have to tell ya that before you get as famous as PW and don’t have time to respond to your loyal fans…that I am one! I am hooked, hook-line and sinker- oh your entertaining blog, and so look forward to whatever you’ve posted to entertain us each day. Thanks for taking the time to give this frozen Minnesota girl something to look forward to.
p.s. I am more than excited to see what you do with that big, stunning house that you bought-you ROCK!
Awesome! Thanks Katie, they are in my shopping cart as we speak!
PS I feel like Canvas should give you a huge discount. Look how many people you’re sending their way!
I just have to comment on those skinny jeans. I actually purchased the old navy rockstars (2 pairs), and I’m about to get 2 more. They’re like Spanx that you can wear on their own. They suck in and lift all the right places, and I got them on sale for $20 each!
You make me laugh so much : D I love everything you picked! I have to be honest, I stay away from Dolman sleeves, but I love them too!
This has nothing to do with the clothes but I LOVEEEEE the cole banner. Soo cute. I always see cards like that at Target and HAVE to buy them for my hubby because they are too sweet!
I am so thrilled with the shopping I did last week.I couldnt believe my luck that I found my petite size jeans on discount in JC Penney for $4.99.Whats amazing is that I had a further discount of 35%.I have been so happy this week because of that.Y’ll know how difficult it is to buy a jeans which fits you perfectly!!!!!!
I just started a blog of my own and would love your feedback.Pls visit http://inlieuif.blogspot.com/.
I have to agree that you should so get some kind of referral gift from Land’s End Canvas. I had never even HEARD of them and because of your other post, I was browsing them online and bought my new favorite pair of black ballet flats. They fit perfectly and were on clearance. Holla! Would you recommend this camera bag as an every day purse/diaper/camera bag? Does the bag hold its shape pretty well when it’s full?
Ha! I bought the shorts, skinny cords, and a button down after your last wardrobe post! Keep em coming please I will need to get a spring wardrobe before too long!
First of all, I love your blog, and I love your style! In the boots pic, where did you get that shirt that you’re wearing? Thanks for being you and keep posting 🙂
The shirt is the one at the end of the post – it’s striped with a ruffle collar from Canvas.
xo – kb
What a great list. I’m kind of on the same mission. I had that awesome GAP tunic in my cart and bought it, only to have GAP call and say that it was out of stock when they went to fill my order. Shoot, so bummed! I’m hoping they will get them back in stock. Hope you have fun sprucing up your wardrobe! Good times.
I am now hooked on Land’s End Canvas too! I bought 5 things from there for $35…they were having 40% off sale and free shipping at the time…loving it!
Does anyone have a current coupon code for Canvas? I would love to place an order but can’t find one. Thanks!
Thanks! It’s pretty unlikely that BR Outlet would still have it, but oh, well. Now I’m eying that pink Canvas skirt…
I just went back and read all the wardrobe posts…I love them! Keep them coming, please. I love your outfit with the boots and the sweater and jeggings. You’ve inspired me to try to wear more than jeans and hoodies. May I ask where you get your Gap coupons? I’ve never shopped there because the idea of $70 jeans scares me.
ummm that collared shirt/cardi/jeans/boots/necklace outfit is PERFECTION!
Seriously, you are too freakin’ cute! 🙂
I had never heard of Canvas, either! I have to admit, I had a bit of a prejudice against Lands End, because my mom seems to enjoy their line so much. But, Katie, I think you’ve made me a convert!
Sooooo I may have copied you. Just a little…. eek. What can I say, you have good taste and it’s definitely my style plus budget. I got the same tankini top, but with the tying bottoms and board shorts, plus the white version of those chinos, and some sailboat shorts, because ..ummm… come on who doesn’t have sailboat shorts!?, and a henley tank that I’m super excited about. all from canvas. thanks for spreading the word as I had never heard of them before!! (although my fiance doesn’t say thanks, seeing that we are saving to buy a house… teeheeheeee) I can’t wait!! Copying is a high form of flattery, right?? At least we live in different area codes. and states. and have never met. so it’s not that bad, right?!
I just came across your blog and loooove it! Will definitely be adding this to my reader, you guys are too cute and I love following along house adventures. Thanks for sharing your fashion finds, I’m a bargain hunter for timeless pieces and am thinking that polo will be perfect!