J Crew Factory: Pencil Skirt in Botanical Bird Print, Skimmer Pant in Cotton Oxford, Scalloped Shift Dress, Minaudière Clutch in Botanical Print, Addie Loafer in Chambray Dot

I was excited to see the Hummingbird Print make it to the Factory. I was able to visit the Factory Store during the 50% off weekend. I love the print but resisted and purchased only the Pencil Skirt in Botanical Bird Print. I took my normal size 6 in pencil skirts.

  

I saw the Skimmer Pant in Oxford in Blue Grotto from an image in an email or on the website, but I can no longer find it. I tried on the size 8 and it was too big in the front and slightly through the waist. These are the size 6 and fit pretty well. The Blue Grotto is more light Chambray in color which I love instead of the pink.

  

I was unable to decide between the Navy and the Pale Citrus of the Scalloped Shift Dress so I brought both home with me since they were 50% off. I have on a size 6 in both since that was the same size as my retail dress in Black.

  

I still, truly cannot decide between the two colors. I know Navy is classic but I love how the Yellow just pops against my skin-tone.

  

The Addie Loafer in Chambray Dot is now online. A set of new arrivals snuck in this past Wednesday. I took my normal size 7, same as the Addie Printed Loafer I reviewed a few weeks ago. Now, I need to decide if I will really wear them or if I should return them. I’ll need to plan some outfits in the next week or two, before my 30-day return window is up.

The Minaudière Clutch in Botanical Print was the other item I picked along with the skirt. This was not in my store so I didn’t get it for 50% off. I am definitely keeping this clutch. The material is a soft silky-feel cotton. The interior has a single pocket and can hold my cell, lipstick, card-holder and even my keys. I have a time with my some of my kate spade clutches as the lipstick and cell have to be next to each other and not all thrown in together.

I tried the following items on in the store but forgot to take my phone inside, which I use to take my fitting room pics.

I loved Skimmer Pant in Multi-Stripe. I took a size 6 and the fit was perfect, just like the Skimmer Pant in Oxford above. I really should have bought these to at least make some outfits with, especially at 50% off. Fingers crossed I’ll catch it on FS in the store in a few months. 

Factory skimmer pant in multistripe
I tried on a size 6 in the Optic Dot Dress and it was ok. It was a little big through the waist and just fit in the arms and shoulders. Sizing to an 8 would have been really big on me and both sizes would have required alterations to make it a little more A-Line or at least bring in the waist a bit. 
Factory optic dot dress
I saw the Keating Boy Blazer in Chambray and grabbed an 8 to try on. It fit but since I know my size is a 10 Petite I didn’t buy it. I think the Chambray felt nice but the shoulders just fit. We’ve had such a cold Winter I’m afraid we will have a really hot Summer and I won’t have any chance to wear this blazer. I would rather try the 10 Petite in the retail Schoolboy in Chambray
Factory Keating boy blazer in chambray
The Charley Sweater in Oversized Flower is cute but I definitely didn’t need another sweater. The ones I have are getting plenty of use this year. My normal Medium fit TTS. 
Factory Charley sweater in oversize flower

No, my store did not have the Factory Isabelle Printed Pump but it did have the Isabelle in Suede. I found a lone size 7 and tried that on to gauge how it would be. There’s a little less than 1/4-inch space at the heel. Sizing down to a 6 1/2 would fix that issue but tighten the toe-box. The insole felt comfortable and looked like leather. The sole was definitely man-made but didn’t bother me. I love the look of these Printed Pump but since I have the Etta in Hummingbird I will definitely pass on the Isabelle. I think they are a great substitute with a slightly lower heel. 
Factory Isabelle printed pumps

I am still really tempted by the Skimmer Pant in Botanical Bird Print and the Shorts in the same print.



11 Comments

  1. March 7, 2014 / 7:29 pm

    Hi AudreyBella – Regarding the Scalloped Shift Dress, I say keep the Pale Citrus if you can. Not many can wear that color, and the hue seems perfect for the fun, summer dress that it is. It would be great with flats or flat sandals and a shoulder bag for daytime, then fancier sandals and a clutch for warm nights. Throw a cotton cardi over it to ward against chills. Have a great Friday!

    • March 8, 2014 / 3:57 am

      Thanks JenniferD. I am definitely keeping the Pale Citrus.

  2. March 7, 2014 / 9:36 pm

    Since you have both the retail and factory scalloped dresses, have you noticed any difference? I read somewhere that the factory version was a smidge longer – do you think so? Thanks much!

    • March 8, 2014 / 3:58 am

      Lisa – I do not see or feel any difference in the material. If it is a smidge longer it's a "smidge" only. I thought it was shorter so I may do what Ema says and post a review of both to compare.

  3. March 8, 2014 / 12:52 am

    I too think you should keep the pale citrus. Not only the color looks amazing with you but it is much easier to find a navy dress. Plus, didn't you mention that you have the retail version in black? Do you really want to have the same dress in navy and black?
    I would also be interested in a comparison between the retail and factory in this dress, especially regarding tge fabric. Thanks!

    • March 8, 2014 / 3:59 am

      Ema – I realized I have the Ann Taylor dress I reviewed in January that is Navy so I do not need to keep the Navy Scallop Dress. Great idea to compare the two! I'll work on that this weekend.

  4. March 9, 2014 / 6:33 am

    If the skirt is with the retail hummingbird pumps, that's an excellent match! I love the citrus on you. Keeper for sure.

    • March 12, 2014 / 3:28 pm

      Thanks Gigi! I kept the Citrus and returned the Navy. I would pair the Etta's with the same printed skirt. No reason not too. I ordered the shorts too…I'm such a sucker for great prints.

  5. March 12, 2014 / 2:44 am

    The botanical print skirt looks great on you and I agree with the others – the citrus color looks amazing on you. Not everyone can pull this color off and you do beautifully. That's my vote! Loving those striped skimmers too, I think they've got a lot of styling potential!

    • March 12, 2014 / 3:29 pm

      Anne – Thanks! I saw the Striped Skimmers again in store but passed on them.