During the “TAKENOTE” promo I ordered the Collection Darby Eyelet Loafers in Natural Black. I already have the Calf-Hair Leopard Loafers and they are very comfortable. These are just a bit different because the upper is not lined in leather like the other Darby’s.

As soon as I saw them IRL they reminded me immediately of the Valentino Lace Espadrille. The upper is airy like those.

I took my normal size 7 in these and they fit perfect. I like that the upper is trimmed in leather.

The heel has a nice leather piece that should keep the the upper from tearing. The Valentino’s look like they would rip or snag easily. 

The material makes the shoe see-through but you can’t really see much.

The Natural Black color is a better match for what is in my closet. I am worried that the bend at that occurs at the front of the foot when you walk will eventually cause the material to rip or tear. I hope that doesn’t happen, especially after the first wear.

I am happy I was able to get these on promo. Both these and the Lucie (review) were on my wishlist as soon as they hit the website a few weeks ago. 
Have you been able to try the Darby in Eyelet

I made a quick return to J Crew last week and saw the Zigzag Stripe Shorts. They immediately reminded me of the Riviera Short from a Summer or two ago and were priced crazy ridiculous at $150!

Riviera short

I brought home a size 8, my normal shorts size. The waist is a touch loose but fit exactly around my hips and booty. The inseam is 3 inches but I do wish they were an inch or two longer.

The pocket has contrasting stripes. I like this so you can tell where they are. They are not on-seam which I like because they don’t add bulk to the hips. 

These seams match perfectly in the back which is a plus. 

I had only planned on buying one pair of shorts for the Summer and unless something cuter than these comes along I think I’ve found my pair. They will be great with the White and Blue items in my closet but I may also try a bright Yellow or pale Pink. 
Have a Great Day!

Thanks for all the comments on my posts from earlier in the week. I have had family in town since last Friday and they are all, finally, gone. I love having everyone over but the kitchen needs to be scrubbed and I have loads and loads of laundry to do. I was glad to have had some posts ready to go so the blog was not neglected. During the week I received several orders from recent promos so you’ll be seeing those reviews over the next few days. The first one is from Madewell.

They had a 40% promo a few weeks ago and I found a couple of shirts to order that looked like they would be suited for my closet.

I ordered a Medium in the Curved Collar Top in Organza Stripe. The Organza stripe sleeves are what sold me on this top. It makes this plain white shirt interesting. It also comes in Green Stripe.

The fit runs small across my 34C chest. The arms were also a little snug. This almost seems a-line to me as just below the chest the shirt flows away from the body and is somewhat boxy. I thought I could keep it thinking it would work after a little toning up but then I saw the back. 
As you can see, the third button is pulling. I would be afraid it would come undone and I’d have no way of knowing. Also, the neck is really tight with the top button closed. Though my hair would be down and would cover the open button, I don’t think that is how this shirt is meant to be worn. Sizing to a large would only fix the upper portion fit issues but make the blouse look even larger on me. Sadly, this will be returned. I would say this runs small unless you don’t have upper body fit issues (larger chest, thicker arms, broad shoulders). 

Since the Linen Collared Tee in Stripe looked like it ran big I ordered a Small. The fit was a little tight in the arms but fit loose across the chest and waist. The shoulder is a dropped-seam and, due to the snugness in the arms, could really be noticed.

I do like the shirt in general and I would recommending sizing down if you can snatch it up. This will transition well through the Spring and early Summer.

As of posting, all sizes but XL are sold out so look for pop-backs on it if you’re interested. There could be some in-store so if you’re interested after this review, call around. 

Both shirts are currently on sale and the 40% off sale promo works for them. I am still trying to assess sizing from Madewell and because we do not have a local store I’ll have to keep ordering online.

Have you tried either of these blouses? How was the fit for you?

After trying on the Scalloped Leather Skater Skirt at my Anthro’s Holiday Event I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Then, it went on sale, but I still waited on ordering. Then 25% off was thrown in and I finally pulled the trigger on this skirt. I ordered the 10 Petite as there was never a size 8 available.

I think the 10P was the right call on the size. It brings the length to just above my knee and makes it not so mini. The color is so pretty and nothing I’ve seen. The scallop detail at the waist and hem make the leather seem less harsh, IYKWIM. 
I just wasn’t sure I wanted to keep it or not as $180 was still a lot for a skirt I might only wear once or twice a year. Then it received a 3rd cut to $99.99 so I called for a PA and will be trying to figure out ways to wear this skirt. I have a cute little top coming soon that I think will be great with it. I will post the two together if it looks like the image in my head. 

And just a quick little styling option.

I also ordered the Brushstroke Blossoms Skirt. I really liked the dress but was thinking it would be more of a party dress. I can wear this skirt to places other than a party. I ordered both an 8P and a 10P and chose the 10P. It fit better in the waist and the length was just a little longer.

The waist has tulle wrapped around it. Just adorable. 

I definitely see this as a cute Valentine’s Day option. I’m so glad I ordered it. And I was able to get a PA on this when a 3rd cut took it to $39.99.

I usually am not very lucky with PAs so I was glad it was on two items I wanted to keep. I really can’t wait to try styling the leather skirt. Any ideas you want to give me on that?

I ordered the Lucie Printed Fabric Slingback Flats in Grape/Natural before the “TAKENOTE” promo. I really liked the color and didn’t want them to sell out if they went on promo or sale. When I saw they were included in the promo I called for a PA. They are now sold out in my size 7 so I’m glad I originally ordered them F/P.

The material is cotton/silk and has some natural snags in it around the toe box. The toe is purple which is not like the image picture but I love it! And I love that both shoes match on the upper fabric.

The heel is mismatched but I’m ok with that.

On the first try-on they fit a bit loose. I had to tighten the strap two holes and now they don’t feel like they will fall off. I think the 6 1/2 would have been a little snug in the width so I’m glad I took my normal size. I don’t normally size down in shoes. I’m a consistent 7 in most brands. 

They totally remind me of Italy. I see these with a white dress or skirt and can’t wait to wear them this Summer.

I would have kept these at full-price but love that they went on promo. They come in Metallic Silver too!
Have you tried the Lucie Slingback Flats?