/ Reviews

Starting today, you can take 40% off at LOFT, no code needed. And there is 60% off sale items. Lou & Grey items are excluded. I received the rest of my order on Wednesday so let’s take a look at how they all fit.

~ Rabbit Sweater, Medium ~

This sweater is a pretty snug fit in my normal Medium. I was hoping for a little slouch or looseness. The color is a beautifully saturated green. I think the color was described as Teal Green. This is sold out online but you may be able to find it in-stores. The rabbits are cute, maybe a little too cute for me. I do love the color though. I’m on the fence with this one.

Loft_RabbitSweater

~ Ivy Softened Shirt, Medium ~

I was intrigued by the “softened” shirt, especially since the reviews are very positive. I ordered both the Ivy and the Tunic (below) in a Medium. The Ivy Softened Shirt fit well in the Medium though it was pretty loose and boxy from below the chest down. The shirt is soft and is 100% cotton. I am sure it will soften even more as it is washed. This shirt is sheer so nude bra would be best underneath.

Loft_PaisleySoftenedShirt

~ Crisp Softened Tunic, Medium ~

I liked this one a little more as since it is a bit more structured than the Ivy Softened Shirt. This is not 100% cotton but has 3% spandex in it. This is tunic length and falls well below the hips, almost providing full coverage in the back. I would prefer another inch to wear with leggings though. I have a white shirt on my shopping list and feel this one will work for now. You can see this one is a bit see-through as well.

LOFT_SoftenedTunic

Here are a few more softened shirts for you.


I’ll have a review of the Wide-Leg Trousers later today.


/ Reviews

Today only J Crew Factory has a promo for 25% off your purchase with code CHECKOUT. Some prices stayed the same from the last promo but some went up. The Denim Trouser below went up another $2. This time I would have saved about $15 but since I may possibly exchange one item I am not going to bother with a price adjustment this time.

~ Denim Trouser, size 8 ~

These are exactly what I’m looking for; non-skinny, wide-leg, dark wash trouser jeans. Perfect for date night, especially during these colder month and great for the office. I chose a size 8 and they fit fine to a little loose in the waist and hips. Not a lot but enough that when they stretch out from wear might look a bit saggy. I am hoping to stop by the store this weekend and will try on a size 6 if they are available.

JFC_DenimTrouser

I’ve lightened the image so you can see how long they are on me. I tucked them under several times and will probably need to have about 6 inches, at least, removed. It looks like the line of the leg won’t be affected, but I’ll confirm that with the tailor.

JCF_DenimTrouser_light

~ Slim Cable-Knit V-Neck Sweater, Small ~

This 100% Cotton sweater can be found in the men’s section. I am normally a Medium in Women’s tops and sweaters and the Small fit good to a little big. You can see the sleeves are very long and the length could be an inch shorter. I will see if there’s an XS in store but I kind of like how slouchy it is now. Even though it’s 100% cotton, I’ll probably find a way to shrink it so the Small might be best.

JCF_CableVNeck

There was an issue with both of these items though. The smell. They both must have been dipped in formaldehyde or something. It had an overpowering chemical smell, even through the bag it came in. I had to put both items outside to air out. I hope the store doesn’t smell that way.

JCF_DenimTrouser_Sweater

Here are a few more items I’m browsing during this promo.

Is there anything that’s caught your eye?


/ Bella Picks

J Crew has finally released new arrivals for the first big roll-out of the year. I was able to grab the latest Style Guide over the weekend and liked some of the pieces. These are the items currently in my shopping cart.

~ Betty Sunglasses, Gray ~

I am always looking for a good pair of sunglasses. Over the last year, I’ve found lower priced sunglasses have held up very well, including minimal to no scratches on the lenses. I had some Marc Jacobs Aviators and they were pretty scratched up within months. I like the style of both the Betty in Gray and the Irving in Blush Crystal. Those I saw in the Style Guide and knew I wanted to see them IRL.

JCBettyGray

~ Irving Sunglasses, Blush Crystal ~

JCIrvingClear

~ Collection Silk Top in Tie-Dye Print ~

I saw the Silk Skirt in this print first and then swooned over the more-practical-for-my-life Silk Top. I can imagine this under one of my Navy Blazers or Ivory Lexington Blazer. I don’t mind the no collar look as I tend to get make-up on my collared shirts very easily. This also comes in a Patio Pant though the price of $395 certainly seems quite a bit inflated, don’t you think?

JCCollectionSilkTieDyeBlouse

~ Striped Polo Sweater-Dress in Merino Wool ~

I saw this on Ema’s Instagram and knew it would be one of the first items I bought. I do wish the stripes were Navy and not Black since I have a Tory Burch with black/gray stripes already. Here’s to hoping Navy will be released in one of the next coming roll-outs.

JCStripedPoloDress

~ Chateau Trench, Barley ~

I do not have a trench coat and all the ones I see don’t have a hood. I don’t see the point in having a coat that will repel rain if you still need a umbrella for your head. Is that just me? I love the gingham lining and hope the Chateau Trench looks as good IRL as it does online. I prefer the neutral Barley/Camel shade but the Fiery Sunset sure looks bold and exciting.

JCChateauTrench

Of course, there are a whole lot more items I like, and added to my wishlist but these 5, especially the Striped Polo Sweater-Dress in Merino Wool and the Chateau Trench are the two I’m excited about the most.

What do you like from the latest J Crew roll-out?


/ Bella Picks

Have you seen the latest prints over at Banana Republic? They are so perfect for Spring that it’s hard to choose a favorite, but I’ll try.

My favorite of the Brushstroke Print is the Shirtdress.  When I first saw it online, I thought the contrasting collar and cuffs were another shirt layered under but they are part of the dress. Sadly, it’s 100% Polyester. For $158, I was hoping for a least jersey, if not silk. Only the skirt is a rayon/linen blend.

Of the Watercolor print, I really like both the Pencil and Pleated Skirts. The Pencil Skirt and Pants are 100% Cotton.

Though I can see both of these prints at J Crew, I am really happy to see Banana Republic adding some nice prints to their collection.

Which of the two prints do you like? Or do you prefer the Pinstripe (Skirt, Shirtdress)?


/ Bella Picks

New arrivals are here! I was excited to see the Early Access email Wednesday for J Crew Factory and only ordered two items. The prices didn’t seem to be as discounted like they normally are. They went up slightly when all the new arrivals were rolled out to everyone and the latest promo started. You can take 20% off your purchase of $100 or more with WEARNOW. If I had bought today, I would be spending $3 more with this promo.

You can see I’m still “stripesick” and like the Moroccan Red of the Artist Stripe Tee. Online, the color looks similar to the retail Midweight Stripe Tee in Cherry. In hindsight, I would purchase the Factory Tee for the slightly slimmer shape.

Like I mentioned in my Loft post yesterday, I want some nice trouser jeans. I ordered the Denim Trouser Jean. I know I’ll need to have them hemmed and if they fit well and look nice I will definitely get another pair. I’d like one for flats and one for heels. They look nice and dark with no fading so they’ll be good for in-the-office-days and date nights.

I also love the Retro Lemon of the Split-Neck Dress and the Scalloped Shift Dress in both the Bright Amethyst and Dublin Green. I don’t need them and have no where to wear them but those bright colors are enticing.

I always peruse the men’s section for The Boy but also for me. I like their Fisherman Sweaters and found one a few years ago. It’s back in both Navy and Ivory, though only larger sizes remain. I have a size Small in the Navy. I ordered the preppy Slim Cable-Knit V-Neck.

I haven’t been yet, but I am guessing the actual store might have some better promos. They usually start at 30% off certain items but I’m sure there are less items discounted than the website. If anyone knows for sure, let me know.

Are you shopping J Crew Factory or waiting until the next roll-out?