Visible Monday: The 5-Dollar Old Navy Dress

Sometimes patiently scouring the clearance racks really pays off!  I was at Old Navy with my daughter on Saturday, and I found a simple blue dress for 5 dollars and some-odd cents.  It's sleeveless, but I knew it would fine with a cardigan.

So naturally I bought it, and wore it to church today with the Chinese Laundry hat I got at Ross Dress for Less for around 10 bucks at Easter earlier this year.

This picture above was taken on my back deck, which is being invaded by a gorgeous red maple tree.  Sadly, these leaves will be gone all too soon.

This dress is made of soft, comfy material.  I wore in with a black tank underneath, and a black Merona cardigan I got at Target a couple of months ago.

I REALLY need to get a full-length mirror... but just to let you know, the dress falls just below my knees.

A closer look.  As you can see, the cardigan has some pretty detailing.  I think I got the necklace at Cato a while back.

I'll leave you with a parting shot of our maple-gloried back deck.  It's been a breathtakingly gorgeous autumn, and I'll be sad to see these leaves go!

I'm participating in Visible Monday, hosted by Not Dead Yet Style...click on the icon to find out more!

Miscellany Monday: Things I'm loving right now

Linking up with Miscellany Monday with some things I've been loving lately:

Victorian mysteries: I can't remember just how I stumbled onto Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries, but I keep going to the library to get more!  I started with reading a couple of her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt books.  Then I discovered her William Monk series, and there's been no turning back.  Excellent storytelling, Victorian ambience, and vividly drawn characters.  So far, I'm loving them!

Interestingly enough, the writer herself was convicted of murder in 1954.  Complicated story, but I'm sure it gives a mystery writer a certain edge!

Bel Vita Breakfast Biscuits:  I am so loving these tasty, filling cookies.  They make a great breakfast on the go, or having a couple of them with coffee or tea for a snack.  They're very satisfying and nutritious!  Trouble is, I can't find them everywhere.

Getting together with friends:  Whenever I go for a while without a get-together with friends and/or loved ones, I feel it.  I NEED these times.  On Saturday, my husband and I went with our friends Tom and Kari, and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Verlyn and Beth, for a late lunch at the wonderful Maggiano's restaurant in Schaumburg.

The food was delicious and the fellowship was wonderful.  Resolved: to make a point to get together with friends more often!

Kari, me, and Beth

Ross Dress for Less:   I had shopped at Ross in Texas, and was happy to see that a store finally opened where I live.

I am so impressed with the selection and the prices!  Recently I bought an awesome Levi denim skirt, which I will wear the heck out of all year long, for $19.99 (the suggested retail price was over 40 dollars.)

And you know how I've been wanting to wear a hat?  (Well, you know now!)  I found the cutest hat, that I'm going to wear for Easter, for $8.99!  Ross is awesome!

So those are just a few of the things I'm enjoying right now.  You can participate in Miscellany Monday too!