/ Reviews

J Crew is continuing their online and in-store promo of 25% off through Wednesday, September 23, with code TIMETOSHOP. You can also take 30% off FINAL sale items. Not all items are included in this promo. Below are two dresses that are included in the promo.

~ Faux Leather Pocket Shift Dress, size 6 ~

My store didn’t received this dress until a few weeks after it showed up online. The size 6 fit well, though there’s some bunching at the chest. I just need to adjust the dress a little. It just skimmed my hips and hit about an inch above the knee. The size 8 would fit a little more like the online model image, loose and drapey. The sleeves would probably extend a little over my shoulders.
 
The pockets are a little flat and more fashionable than functional. As you can see, there’s an exposed zip in the back. The material felt like denim to me but this is actually a Poly-blend. It’s kind of cool and you could probably edge it up with some short boots and a leather jacket. If you are in-between sizes in dresses like me (6/8P/8) then I would go with the smaller of your dress sizes.
 
~ Drapey Chambray Shirtdress, Small ~

I prefer my denim to be a little darker but I liked the light color of this shirtdress. The size Small fit though you can see it’s tight in the arms. I like the length and the shirt-tail hem and there wasn’t any pulling across the chest. This skimmed my hips as well. I am not a fan of the flaps at the two pockets at the chest. The material was really soft and is not Cotton but Tencel. I would prefer some Cotton in the mix there.
Though the arms are tight I would probably stick with the size Small. I tried on the Factory version last year in a size 6 {review} and it was a little tight in the arms. This year’s version is in letter sizes and comes in Petite. I think the Petite Medium would be a better fit this time around.
 
Any interest in either of these dresses? I passed on both and ordered the Factory Chambray Shirtdress in Medium Petite. I plan on wearing my Frye Shirley Artisan Boots again during Fall and Winter and want a few other dress options for them.

Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

I wanted to try on the Campbell Blazer in Tweed to compare it to the Rhodes Blazer (which I love) and the Regent Blazer (I loathe the standing collar). The Campbell Blazer is a mix of both blazers with the normal collar of the Rhodes and the single button of the Regent. I still am not a fan of the single-button but I did like the Campbell Blazer itself.

I tried on a size 8 and it fit like all the others. A little long in the arms, good in the shoulders. This tells me I can rely on getting my normal size 10 Petite. You don’t know how good it feels to know my size in J Crew Blazers. That size fits me perfect every single time.

 
I do wear my blazers buttoned at times, so I prefer my button to sit a little higher, just under my chest. The button on the Campbell Blazer hit below that but above my waist. I can live with a single-button though, especially since the Campbell Blazers are included in the 25% SHOPNOW promo.
 
Here’s a close-up of the colors and elbow patch. I really liked the colors and it matched my Collection Ruffle Pintuck Heart Dot Blouse I found on ebay. I ordered a size 8, wary of the sleeves being too tight but it’s a perfect fit. It’s 100% silk and falls in with at least the type of material I want to be wearing, i.e. less/no Poly. As far as the blazer, the colors will go with a lot of colors out for Fall. I didn’t notice the elbow patch until after I took it off. I’m good with it since I don’t see it.
I’ll make my final decision on ordering this blazer on Sunday. I want a blazer in a Fall color or patter like this but can’t decide between the following. The patterned blazers will go with more but I like the Rhodes in Herringbone too. But, the Campbell Blazer is included in the promo.
If you missed it, see my review of the Cape Jacket in Wool Melton.

Have a Great Afternoon!

/ Reviews

My VPS put the Cape Jacket in Wool Melton in my dressing room to try on during the First Look event. She was there during the original “Mr. Roboto Cape” in 2011; the Streetscape Cape. That cape was shorter and the armholes not as long. I liked the cape but it was a pass for me then.

I tried on a size XS/S in the Cape Jacket in Wool Melton. The cape is longer than the Streetscape Cape. The armholes are larger and there are also pockets on this cape. I like the Warm Camel color of it as well. The material is nice but not something that will keep you warm in cold Winters.

 

I made sure to look at the shoulders to gauge the fit this time and the cape fit very well in the XS/S. I am usually a size 8/10 Petite in Coats and Blazers. I still felt a little “Mr. Roboto” in the Cape Jacket but I did like it a lot more than the previous version from 2011. I still am not comfortable with how wide the cape looks on me, especially in the back. Though it fit very well, I’m not in need of something like this Cape Jacket so I am passing on it. I can’t see myself wearing it over my Majesty Peacoat or any of my Blazers.

  

The cape also comes in Houndstooth with Leather Trim.

What do you think of the Cape Jacket in Wool Melton? Is it something you could use or would wear?

/ Bella Picks

No sale at Nordstrom but from now until Sunday, September 20, you can get Triple Points when you use your Nordstrom Credit or Debit Card. Nordstom has so many great items and carry several of my favorite designers and brands – Madewell, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Alex & Ani. I thought I’d put together a little list of the current items I’m stalking. It doesn’t hurt that I have some Rewards to use right now either.

I only have flat boots right now so a heeled boot like the Sam Edelman Regina in this pretty gray color would be nice to add to my closet. How gorgeous is the color on that Sole Society Marlow bag? I’ve always loved the burgundy shade. It is one of my other favorite colors for Fall.

We had lots of murky rainy weather last Winter and though I had an umbrella this Kate Spade one would surely brighten the yuckiest of days. Jewelry would do that too, right? I don’t have any gold Alex & Ani pieces and am really liking the Compass and the Beaded Bangle.

What about you? Anything you are stalking at Nordstrom right now?

/ Bella Picks

I haven’t received the latest J Crew catalog in months so I was surprised to find the October catalog in my mailbox this week. The first image that I immediately wanted to buy and duplicate was the cover, similar to the one below with the Saint James Slouchy Tee and Campbell Blazer in Tweed.

So the Vail Parka came out at the Factory this week but J Crew also brought out more colors in the Chateau Parka for this season. I am loving that Heather Mustard color which reminds me of the Dark Ochre from seasons ago.

I want to find Silk tops over Poly and I think the Silk Blouse in Cobalt Leopard will fit nicely into my Fall wardrobe. It like that it is similar in color to the Midnight Floral print (Jumpsuit).

The other item I immediately loved from the Style Guide was the Patio Pant with Leather Tux Stripe in Bi-Stretch Wool. I stalked those all day on the site yesterday and then ended up ordering the Patio Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool in Blue Stone. I have no idea why I changed my mind. Probably because of the leather tux stripe and how expensive it would be to have them dry-cleaned since they have that leather on it.

Lastly, the Boy Shirt in Dawson Plaid is one I’m hoping to see IRL before buying. I think I like the colors but want to make sure. The colors on the model image are light while the stock image shows it more saturated. I want it lighter than the stock image.

Take 25% off your purchase on most items with code SHOPNOW, through Sunday, September 20. The Patio Pants are excluded which is a huge bummer for me. All the blazers are included in the promo except the Rhodes Blazer which I what I would be ordering. Of course third party like Saint James and Thomas Mason are excluded too.

What have you added to your Wishlist from this roll-out?