Nicole,
Everything looks FAB!!!
I LOVE the vest, I think it fits you so well.
The bag is adorable and will add so much to a spring and summer wardrobe. I like how you wore the green sweater, the color is great on you, I do not think that I have seen that look before. It all works for me!!

The vest is GREAT on you. Love that whole outfit - the pants are also wonderful.

Bag is really fun.

I like how you wore the green sweater. Have you tried a button-down underneath it?

Yes, yes and yes! Everything looks great. Is that the knit vest? (It's hard to tell from the pic.) Love the color of the bag, too!

Nicole, that vest is great on you! I'm so glad you got it. I have that same sweater (green one) and may copy you with that look (if you're alright with me stealing your look). It had not occurred to me to try that with a long sleeve shirt under it!

Your bag is great too and will add a fun pop of color to your outfits. Great buy (and bargain)!

Wow Nicole, you keep wowing me today :) That vest is killer, it fits you so good. You can wear it over so many things, especially graphic tees and button down shirts. The bag is gorgeous as well, it will go with so many things. And I do like the new way you have buttoned the cardi, I might copy you.

Wow that vest looks even better than I thought it would! And the bag? Amazing. You had a great shopping week Nicole.

Oh I'm so glad everyone (so far) approves of my new purchases.

Yes, Tarzy, that is a knit vest. I love that it's knit, but is shaped like a more tailored vest. I will def. keep my eyes open for other knit vests like this. I would love a red one! Esprit has grey, but I'm going to see if I can hold out for a color.

Love all of it! I think you are going to love that bag this spring and summer!

And you know I loved the change-up of the green sweater; I have a yellow short-sleeved one like it and I often wear it with the top button done. I think it's the swoop of the neck that makes it work. Heh, you know, I actually had it out today as an outfit possibility; maybe I'll try it again tomorrow with the tweed suit! Thanks for the inspiration!

I too LOVE LOVE LOVE the vest. It looks so good on you and I can't believe it's knit. I don't know; I think you should get the grey one and keep looking for a color. I can't see the bag completely but it looks gorgeous. Do they still have it online? The green sweater looks great too but I'm afraid I'm too busy swooning over the vest and bag.

Yes Kristen, you def. inspired me to try to mix it up a little bit with teh cardi buttons. I actually had a few of my cardi's sewn shut between the two buttons under my bust. But can still button around them--I just can't undo those buttons.

Patience, I just checked Esprit online and did no see the purse. Sorry!

The vest looks great on you Nicole, So slimming!

The vest is great. So glad you took the plunge. The two different tops underneath are throwing me off a bit. I see why you need both, but I think it would look cleaner to have one shirt underneath - a colored shirt with a higher neckline... Or what about your fabulous new white button down? I love the vest with button down look.

Bag is great, too.

I like the button experiment.

Wow! The vest doesn't look like it a knit at all. You look so good in it, Nicole!

Yay for the red bag. I remember seeing red cracked patent bags on their site, but I didn't see a shape I liked. I'm glad you got one. And who can beat $15?

With these things and your new denim jacket you've got some great pieces lately. All look perfect on you.

Wow, the vest is stunning on you. I'm so happy you found one! And the bag is beautiful. You have reason to be so happy. Your look is coming together nicely!
I love the trousers you're wearing in the first photo. What are these?
The last look is okay. I love the pants on you a lot. I'm not a huge fan of the short sleeve cardi over the long sleeve knit. Maybe try a woven top or a sleeveless top? This is probably just personal opinion though.

Do get more vests like this in other colours Nicole. It fits you perfectly and you look super!! (I can imagine you're over the moon with this find!).
(I'll keep an eye out for a similar one in red).

The red bag is a keeper too, and what a bargain to boot.

The cardi 'buttoned new style' is lovely as well. Do try it with a button-down shirt too?

You're definitely on a roll Nicole!-)

Sarah, I laughed out loud when you suggested "sleeveless". Do you know how freaking COLD it is in MA??? There is till snow on the ground and more in the forecast for this week. (ugh).

I do like the idea of wearing a button down under the green SS cardi. Do you all think white is my only option? Could black work?

I'd certainly try a black button-down too Nicole. It might be a little harsh, but you won't know that until you try it.

Or how about a medium to darker grey (maybe with a subtle stripe), ink or navy blue or a dark purple? I think that would look marvellous against the green.

Love the vest, bag and new way of buttoning the cardi! What a great shopping trip!

Ahhhh. Cracked red patent has worn off on someone else I see. Fabulous bag! LOVE the knitted waistcoat and the cardi is sweet! The waistcoat should work well over your Carissa shirt and under your new denim biker jacket.

(You’re having fun with trying new things I see).

Nicole I love your woven vest. It looks great on you and I'm sure its comfy too! I like the SS cardie over the LS tshirt - looks funky and can be very practical too!! You are having some good luck lately - keep it up!!!!

Nicole, I have to say I'm not a fan of the vest (I know I'm going against popular opinion here!), but I absolutely love those pinstripe grey pants in the first photo. Very flattering. Personally, I think the green cardigan would create a better waistline if you buttoned it all the way down. If you paired it with some wider leg pants I think this would also balance out the silhouette. Accessorize with a really long necklace and you'll be a tall drink of water indeed!

Nicole, I must have missed this post earlier. I LOVE the vest! I think it looks fab on you! I would have never guessed it was knit but looking at it and I think it's a great way to work this look when you are curvy on top. I guess this has been my issue with vests in general - either they don't button up or they hang all loose and don't accentuate my waist at all. The knit seems to have solved that completely. Love the red bag as well! For the short sleeved cardi - I personally don't like to button this way (though I know is was the trend in the past few years). I like Shiny's "x" buttoning instead because it accentuates the waist better. Otherwise the cardi can look a little tent like over a larger bust.