J Crew Holiday 2013: Tuxedo Topcoat and Italian Silk Secretary Blouse

I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek to the Holiday Guide. Looks like those are now online and there’s a nice promo of 30% with HOLIDAY!

I have a few reviews but wanted to get these first two out there in case anyone needed to make a decision.

First up is the Italian Silk Secretary Blouse in Tapestry Print. I debated between this blouse and the Collection Italian Silk Shirtdress in the same print. I settled on the blouse because I knew I would get more wear out of it as opposed to the dress.

I ordered a size 8 and the fit is good although an 8 Petite would be a better fit as the sleeves are a little long.

The print is divine and the silk is gorgeous. I am so happy I ordered this blouse as it is so beautiful and will go well with my current black/gray wardrobe.

Next, is the Collection Tuxedo Topcoat. Dani has been posting a nice series on coats for various functionality. Her latest is Dress Coats and this most certainly fits the bill. She has a beautiful black coat from Brooks Brothers that she got for a song. I have the Wool Blazecoat that I wear on cold days but I don’t have anything for dressier events. This Topcoat certainly fits the bill.

I ordered the size 8 and though it’s a little tight in the shoulders (story of my life) there is room in the arms and body for layering. This is the perfect length to cover all my skirts and dresses. I think it will also look chic with skinny jeans. 

I am very happy I ordered both of these. I think the pattern of the blouse might be my favorite from the Fall/Winter/Holiday collection. 
Have a Great Thanksgiving!

6 Comments

  1. November 28, 2013 / 11:36 am

    Audrey what beautiful classic items, this is the kind of thing JCrew always did so well with those gorgeous touches that you don't find anywhere else, the pattern on the silk blouse is exquisite and I am dying over the tuxedo lapels on that coat! That will be your dress coat for many years, how smashing during all the holidays and on New Year's Eve?! I'm very excited about these additions to your wardrobe can you tell?
    Thanks for the link love Darling! I'm off to look at your items on the site, I think I missed the new arrivals out yesterday. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

  2. November 29, 2013 / 6:23 pm

    Hi Audrey, I had been thinking about the secretary blouse for some time and finally ordered it because of your review 😉 and almost did the same with the coat (it was on my wishlist too) but decided I didn't need another coat living in SoCal. Trying to be more sensible …

  3. December 4, 2013 / 6:25 pm

    I tried the coat but it was hanging on me, I think I cannot pull it off (it was also a bit long and because it flaires slightly it looked weird). It's a beautiful coat though and it looks great with the secretary shirt.
    I have a question re. the shirt. Is the collar a mandarin collar? I can'rmt tell from the pictures online and it looks like it in your pics. I saw the blouse at the sample sale yesterday bit it was missing the tie and it had a mandarin collar. I couldn't figure out if it was a sample or the real thing so I left it there. It was only $40 which makes me think it was a sample. Thanks!

    • December 4, 2013 / 7:40 pm

      Ema – The retail one is a mandarin collar. It's a beautiful shirt with or without the tie.

    • December 5, 2013 / 1:27 am

      Thank you! Argh, I should have bought it!

  4. December 11, 2013 / 8:07 am

    I'm late, but the blouse is so pretty!