/ 2017

Here are the reviews from the latest J.Crew roll-out. This has been one of my favorites of the year so far. There are a lot of regular-wear classics in it for me like the Popover Oxford Shirt, Linen Shorts and Linen Shirt.

~ Tippi Short-Sleeve Sweater in Berry Print, Medium ~
~ Pleated Skirt in Berry Print, size 8 ~

 I love that this Tippi has a contrasting striped back and that it’s short-sleeved. I wonder if we will see solid s/s Tippi’s in another roll-out or two? If they had an all stripe like the back of this sweater I would definitely get it. I haven’t changed sizes in the Tippi with the Medium still fitting me well.

~ Pleated Skirt in Berry Print, size 8 ~

This skirt is long for me and I would be better suited in the Petite size. I was shocked to see the skirt was $98 but then I saw the material was 100% Polyester. This would have been much nicer in silk but of course probably raised the price another $100. But, because it’s Poly it’s also machine washable. I like the Berry Print but think I would get tired of wearing it as a top or bottom. I think the Bandana or D’Orsay Pumps are more my style.

~ Heels on Fire Tee, Small ~
~ Ruffle Skirt in Chambray, 8P ~

I thought the vintage cotton was looser like the tissue tee so I ordered a small in this tee. It’s a cute tee and the wording is embroidered on. It fits well through the body but the arms are a little snug. I was going to exchange it but my store only had two sizes left. I’m hoping it doesn’t shrink when I wash it. And I know you’re thinking “Why don’t you re-order the right size?” And I could but I want to wear this tee now and not wait for the new size to get here. But it is the right thing to do. I hope when I return from my trip that my store will have gotten more sizes so I can exchange it.

~ Ruffle Skirt in Chambray, 8P ~

I was hoping to get a pretty skirt that I could wear casually this Summer. This one, in the Chambray, was perfect. But I don’t care for the ruffle. I’d prefer a pencil or a-line silhouette. I ordered the 8P for length and it fits well everywhere. I like where the length hits, just at the middle of the knee but I couldn’t get past the ruffle so it was returned. If you order this, take your normal size.

~ Gingham Ruffle-Hem Dress, size 8 ~

I liked this dress when I saw it online and was happy to see it in my store. Unfortunately, I am not that girl who can casually tie her belt and still look cool. The bottom is visually heavy so I do think you need something in the middle to balance out the hem. The Petite is still going to be long, at 41-inches. If I got this at a crazy sale price I think I would chop off the hem. That would allow me to wear it at my desired length and without the belt. But it’s took cute and I think my size will sell out. I’m saying take your normal size in this dress.

~ Sheath Dress in Fringy Lace, Black, size 6/8P/8 ~

I absolutely loved this dress. I originally saw it at Nordstrom and both the 6 and 8 sold out quickly. I ended up ordering the 8 Petite from J.Crew and found it to be a perfect fit, except for the length. (middle pic) It’s really flattering at that length and I did love it but sitting, dancing or any kind of movement would have hiked up the hem to show a lot more than just my legs. I was relieved that my store had this in black in both the 6 and 8.

I tried the 8 first and it was roomy through the chest and waist. It wasn’t huge by any means but knowing how the 8P fit I knew it would look better a little closer to the body. The size 6 wasn’t as snug as the 8P but still very comfortable and body-hugging. The length hits about an inch above the knee and more appropriate in general. If I had a lot of fun places and events to go to I would have kept the 8P. Though all three sizes fit me I’m going to say to size down one in this dress.

J.Crew has a 30% off promo right now of almost everything. Just use code HAPPYSPRING at check-out.

Happy Shopping!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ 2017

J.Crew popped up a few great Spring New Arrivals today and you can get and additional 25% off most of them with code GETSHOPPING. Quick picks I’m eyeing are the Sheath Dress in Fringy Lace, Linen Bermuda Short and the Tippi Short-Sleeve Sweater in Berry Print. I really loved a lot from this roll-out so I’m excited to see them IRL. I do have some fitting room pictures from the last rollout that are below.

~ Western Chambray Shirt in Vintage Indigo, size 8 ~
~ Cropped Silk Pant in Foulard, size 6 ~

The shirt fit snug in the arms so I would definitely need a size 10. I think this runs a little small so that size may not even fit. I like the snap-shell buttons and the color is a nice faded indigo. I do like this better untucked but that just could be a sizing issue. The pants were nice and the size 6 fit me fairly well. There is some bunching in the front but that’s really due to the elastic waist. The length is full to-the-floor on me. I like the print though it wouldn’t fit in my daily wear items.

~ Drake’s for J.Crew Bell-Sleeve Top in Giraffe Print, size 6 ~
~ Boyfriend Chino Pant, Honey Brown, size 6 ~

The size 6 fit in this Giraffe Print shirt but it added weight in the front. The bell-sleeves did hit me just below the wrist though the sleeve is a little more 3/4 on the model image. The shirt does look better un-buttoned but overall was just oddly fitting for me. The pants also fit me in the size 6. The size 8 would have a been a bit looser through the legs and probably really big in the waist. I think a Petite 8 would be the best fit overall.

~ Gathered Popover Shirt in Vintage Plaid, size 8 ~

I usually do take a size 8 in popovers so this fit TTS for me. I liked the look of the colors in the vintage plaid but not so much IRL or on me. Still, the colors are great for Spring especially under a Navy Blazer.

~ Striped V-Neck Sweater in Summerweight Cotton, Small ~

This cute sweater is a relaxed fit so the Small fit well. I like the navy/ivory combo for Spring. The sweater is very comfortable and lightweight. I could wear this through the Spring though I think our Summer will get here early. We’ve had a really warm Winter this year.

~ Tippi Sweater with Tortoise Critter, Medium ~

This little turtle is smelling a little bitty flower. It’s so cute but the color washes me out. Both the turtle and flower have an embroidered detail and outline.

~ Pop-Stripe Dress, size 8 ~

I really loved the skirt in this pattern but I knew I would not wear it very often so I haven’t purchased it. The dress was in store so I thought I’d try it on. I grabbed my normal size 8 it did not fit. I really doubted I dropped a whole dress size and online reviews confirm this dress runs  a size large. It’s loose through the chest and the waist. I definitely need an 8 Petite or even a size 6. I am disappointed this is polyester.

I ended up ordering the Western Chambray Shirt in a size 10. I’m hoping it fits and doesn’t run small. I’m a bit behind on the blog just due to a big work project, prepping for some upcoming travel and concentrating on my fitness journey. I’ll have reviews later this week of new arrivals.

Don’t forget to use Ebates today! They have 6% back at J.Crew.

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ 2017

J.Crew has a new promo today through Monday. You can take 30% off your purchase of $150 or more or 25% off if it is less than that, with code HEARTYOU. You can also get Free Shipping but for today only. Sale is also 30% off. I did take advantage of this promo and Free Shipping and bought the Tippi in Burnished Moss along with the Oversized Striped Turtleneck.

~ Striped Perfect Shirt with Eyelet Trim, size 8 ~
~ Tie-Waist Skirt in Ornate Floral, size 8 ~
~ Audrey Flat in Snakeskin-Printed Leather, size 7 (review) ~

I really liked this Perfect Shirt. The collar and cuffs are scalloped and embroidered. Online it didn’t look all that great but IRL the two details together are really cute. A mannequin was styled this exact way (with a necklace) and I actually thought the pairing worked. I’m in an 8 in the top but still would feel a little more comfortable in a size 10 right now. The sleeves are fitting better in the 8 but the button at the chest pulls just a little. I still say to take your normal size in this cute shirt.

~ Tie-Waist Skirt in Ornate Floral, size 8 ~

I tried to tie this so it didn’t make the waist look so big but I don’t think I was very successful. The skirt is midi-length in the regular size and there is not a Petite option. The size 8 fit fine through the waist and hips. Though the Audrey Flats look cute with this skirt I would have to always wear heels due to the length of the skirt. Though it is one of my favorite skirt silhouettes I own very few pencil skirts. I did notice a couple of new skirts at Nordstrom and they are hidden on the J.Crew site so you’ll have to do a general search to find them. The Pop Stripe Skirt (and here) is so colorful but I don’t see it offered in Petite. The Wool Stripe Skirt (and here) in the Navy/Ivory is perfect for Spring. Check out these Ball Skirts in Gingham and Tulle! March arrivals are on their way and they look pretty!

~ Ornate Floral Ruffle-Trim Top in Silk, size 8 ~
~ Lookout High-Rise Garment-Dyed Crop Jean, Bright Baltic, size 29 ~
~ Audrey Flat in Snakeskin-Printed Leather, size 7 (review) ~

~ Ornate Floral Ruffle-Trim Top in Silk, size 8 ~

This is the size 8 and it ran snug across the chest (I’m a 34C). I would definitely size up in this top. Otherwise, the silk is nice and the ruffle at the neck and sleeves gives the busy print a little more detail. It’s a pass for me though.

~ Lookout High-Rise Garment-Dyed Crop Jean, Bright Baltic, size 29 ~

I loved this bright blue color and know the Mint will be too light in color for my skin-tone. The size 29 fit fine in the Lookout and the length hits me just below the ankle. I’ll pass on colored jeans though.

~ Striped Boatneck Tunic with Tie, size 8 ~

Tunics are some of my favorite tops to wear but this one misses the mark. I like the boatneck style but the shoulders drop a little and the size 8 really is too big, at least through the body and arm-length. Untied this tunic looked huge. I’d rather it had a little shape than a tie at the waist.

~ Penny Windowpane Top with Cuffed Sleeves, size 8 ~

Not only does this top run big but it’s sheer as well. I grabbed the size 8 because a square neck like this enhances the chest. I also though it would be tight across the chest but it is not. The sleeves are very loose and the shoulders are puffy. This blouse is loose and boxy through the body. You could probably get away with a nude or black bra underneath but I would really recommend a cami under this blouse, especially for work.

~ Striped Long-Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Top, Navy Ivory, Medium ~

This off-the-shoulder top seems like it will stay put even when you move around. The Medium fit well but I think I could size to a Small in this top. The end of the sleeves have a little ribbon tie. I have enough OTS clothes for the Spring and Summer but the Navy and the Yellow combo are really cute for Spring.

If you couldn’t tell, I’m being pretty picky about everything I try on. I have struggled the last month finding things in my closet that I want to wear. I have lots of clothes but right now, feel my best in jeans, a Tippi and heels or booties. Of course, the weight loss I’ve experienced is making everything I wear fit better. So YAY for that!

Some of the hidden upcoming new arrivals are included in the HEARTYOU promo. For the skirts I just did a general search for ‘skirt’ and all of them came up. They aren’t filtered in the categories. I don’t know if they’ll catch their mistake and remove them or just leave them there so it’s worth a look/search now, especially with the 30% promo.

Happy Shopping!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ 2017

I really wasn’t all that impressed with this roll-out. I usually find one piece that is a must-have but this roll-out didn’t have that. I did add a few items to my wish-list for when they go on sale.

~ Tippi Sweater in Ornate Floral, Medium ~
~ Cropped Chambray Ruffle Pant, size 8 ~
~ Audrey Flat in Printed Snakeskin, size 7 ~

There’s no change in sizing on the Tippi Sweater. I still take my normal Medium though it is fitting just a little less snug in the arms. I always find the Tippi bunches around the underarm just above my chest. Anyone else? The front and sleeves of this Tippi are printed in the Ornate Floral while the back and neckline are navy. Despite the description saying this is a 27-inch sleeve sweater, this is really your standard 3/4-sleeve Tippi. I still cannot put my finger on why I’m not a fan of this print. The colors are pretty but everything in this print is going to be a pass for me.

~ Cropped Chambray Ruffle Pant, size 8 ~

Like 99% of J.Crew’s cropped pants, these are standard length on me so Petite sizing would be better for me. These did seem to run a little snug across the hips. I could sit down but would prefer a little more room. The ruffle is at the top of the waistband and the edge of the pockets. You’ll have to tuck in your shirt to show off the waistband ruffle. Personally, it’s a little much and I would have just preferred the pocket ruffle. These are also offered in Solid Chino. I do think the Chambray will be a hit for quite a few people. The waist isn’t too high or low and though this is a slim fit, the fit is still really good in this material. Not sure how it will feel or look in the solid chino.

~ Ruffle Tippi Sweater in Mermaid Floral, Medium ~
~ Martie Pant in Windowpane, size 8 ~
~ Audrey Flat in Printed Snakeskin, size 7 ~

I really liked this entire outfit. The contrasting print of the Tippi and Martie with the light pinky coral of the Audrey Flat just works. I wasn’t sure if I would like this Mermaid Print but once I saw it IRL I really thought it was cute. The mermaid does hit you right smack in the center of your stomach though. The ruffle may need a little steaming after being dry-cleaned to lift it up a little, unless you prefer it to lay flat. I think with this print, the ruffle is a little much but people will love this one too. This comes in a popover, short and bandana, which I think would be really cute for Spring.

~ Martie Pant in Windowpane, size 8 ~

The Martie Pant has not fit me in a size 8 since they first came out. I prefer the old Cafe’ Capri pant but the Windowpane fit really well in the size 8. The material is slightly thicker but not quite Winter-ish. It’s a great transition into Spring. I would have to get a Petite size to crop them. The hem has a notch that I would lose if I had these hemmed. These are definitely wish-listed.

~ Audrey Flat in Printed Snakeskin, size 7 ~

I saw a hint of these in the Style Guide and couldn’t wait to see the full view of them. The color is a light pink/coral and not a color I would normally gravitate to but I do prefer it over the suede and Liberty print. I found the size 7 to be the best fit, even with the pointy-toe and D’Orsay style. This is a completely flat shoe with no arch support. I can still walk around for hours in a shoe like this but try not to if at all possible.

The sweater promo is still going on through Wednesday and the Ornate Floral and Mermaid Print are included. Use code ZY3BU for 30% off. I also like the Beaded Tippi but my store didn’t have it when I was there last week.

Are you shopping this sweater promo or waiting for an “all-item” promo?

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ 2017

The order I placed from last week have arrived and I’m pretty pleased with almost everything. J. Crew also snuck in another release of new arrivals, including the Audrey Flats! Of course I want them but would like to see if they will come in solid colors.

~ Squared Lucite Link Necklace, Bright River ~

I saw this in-store and couldn’t stop looking at it. It’s lightweight and the back links are a lighter blue than the front links. I like that the Lucite makes this pretty casual without any metal showing. I think I will wear this a lot more than some of the other necklaces I have because of that.

~ Striped Block Boatneck T-Shirt, Navy/Ivory, Small ~

This tee has been on my wish-list for a while. I could do without the drop-shoulder but it’s not all that bad. I like the mix of different stripes though the Small is still a little baggy on me. It feels short in length but still hits below the waistband of my jeans, the Straightaway. It is a little thicker than the Vintage Cotton Tee but a nice weight for Spring. The sleeves are a bit long so they’ll have to be rolled. I do like the boat-neck and it doesn’t look like it will sag or roll at the seam like others I’ve bought.

~ Grosgrain Ribbon Stripe Tee with Anchor Buttons, Medium ~

Reviews didn’t say this ran big but I really think it does. Look how long the sleeves are and how baggy under my arms the tee is. I didn’t expect it to be skin tight or anything and my body shape hasn’t changed that much since I started working out. Maybe it’s mis-sized and this is a Large. It was final sale (yuck!) so I’ll see if it fits MamaBella.

~ Collection Thomas Mason Sleeveless Top, size 6 ~

This shirt feels amazing. I love when you can immediately tell how much better quality something is just by touch. The size 6 fit very well and I like that the sleeve extends just a little over the shoulder. The split-neck is not too low and the chest doesn’t pull. I would definitely size down in this sleeveless top.

~ Vintage Crop Jean in Leopold Wash, 30P ~

I really wanted a crop look to this jean so I ordered the Petite. I have a pair of Vintage Crop Jeans from a few years ago that I love. These are not the same. This has a mid-rise and no kick at the bottom. Because of the mid-rise on these, even in the Petite, the front bunches when standing. They are a little cropped on me but I would still need to roll it once or twice or have them permanently hemmed. I was so looking forward to these working out because I would love to get them in the White Distressed. Maybe I’ll just try them in my normal size 29 and get them hemmed, though I do not like the mid-rise feel.

I also ordered the Tailored Chino Pant in Petite 8, in Navy. They fit well in the waist, hips and thighs but the length was way too long, even in the Petite. The inseam was still 30 inches and I would have needed to cut about 4 inches off to get them floor length. That would have messed up the line of the leg. I am happy to see a full-length pant but these won’t work for my short legs.

Currently J.Crew has 40% off Final Sale and 60% off select Final Sale styles with code SHOPSALE. I would think they would have hit 50% off sale by now.

Have you bought from any of these latest sales?

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back