Reviews – Page 19 – Life is Short…Buy the Shoes

audreybella / December 18, 2015 / Reviews

Ann Taylor: Jeweled Wool Tee, Bow Print Tie Neck Blouse, Eyelet Full Skirt

Ann Taylor sizing is so inconsistent for me. Some seasons I can wear Small/6 and other times it’s Medium/8/8 Petite. The skirts are so off for me that I always have to try them on. Luckily, I can always find what I’m looking for since Ann Taylor brings almost all their items to a store, with the exception of maybe Cashmere and shoes. That is the case with the skirt below. Let’s take a look.

~ Jeweled Wool Tee, Medium ~
~ Bow Print Tie-Neck Blouse, Medium ~
~ Eyelet Full Skirt, size 6 ~

While I was trying on these items, at the last minute I decided to add the Jeweled Wool Tee to the outfit to see how it would look layered. Unfortunately, I’m not sure I like the look with the tie-neck blouse but the two pieces separately I do like.

~ Jeweled Wool Tee, Medium ~

The Medium fit quite well in this felted wool tee. The tee is a loose fit and I could probably size to a Small but I like slouchy and loose for Winter. The jewels are only on the front and not the back or sleeves. There is a drop-shoulder but I don’t mind that too much as you can barely see the seam. I think this is constructed very well and fantastic for the Holidays. It will carry over well into Spring as a date-night option. This light gray is the only color available. It might have been lovely in a Navy. The reviews online are mixed. I didn’t find there to be any shedding with this like one reviewer posted.

~ Bow Print Tie-Neck Blouse, Medium ~

I had this bow tied lower and forgot to snap that pic. Right ow it looks more like a tight choker than a loose bow. The Medium fits ok to a bit loose and long. I would think the Medium Petite will fit better. The sleeves will shorten though I’m worried the shoulders might tighten a little too much. It’s Poly but had this been done in silk I would have strongly considered buying it.

~ Eyelet Full Skirt, size 6 ~

Now, this lovely skirt. I am always trying on pleated skirts like this and usually have to size to an 8 in them. I know I’ve sized to an 8 in various brands and at Ann Taylor as well. There was none to be had in the store so I grabbed the size 6, reasoning that I could at least zip some of it so you had an idea of how it looked on. Well, low-and-behold, it zipped up all the way…with the blouse tucked in too. It does look a little “hippy” in the first pic but it’s really not. It drapes well and the pleats stay down. I could wear the 6 or the 8 Petite and it would fit the same except for the length, which has the lining hitting at the knee and the eyelet overlay just below it. This is not a midi-skirt but would be for me. I like that the overlay is midi-ish on me while the lining that is solid still hits at the knee.

These are three pieces that could easily make it into my closet. Use code MERRY50 to take 50% off the Jeweled Wool Tee and Bow Blouse. The Eyelet Full Skirt is excluded from this promo. I think because it’s more of a Resort or Spring item.

audreybella / December 15, 2015 / Reviews

Shoes-day: Madewell Orson Loafer in Leopard

I returned the Walkway Sweater Dress but made a walk around the store before completing the transaction. I found the Orson Loafer and really liked them.

~ Orson Loafer in Leopard, size 6 1/2 ~

They are a different print and colors from the Darby Loafers that I have from J Crew. The shoe itself looks a bit more masculine and the tongue comes up a bit higher on the foot. I will say they are a stiffer and may need a little breaking in.

I tried on both the 6 1/2 and 7 in the Orson Loafer and found the size 7 to be a bit loose and long in the toe box. I chose the 6 1/2, which is a 1/2 size smaller than my normal size. I only tried them on but they felt comfortable in that brief amount of time. I’ll report back once I wear them for a longer period of time.

The calf hair is very fine and the pattern looks printed on satin instead of tiny hairs. It’s only until you touch it that you realize it’s calf hair.

I’m excited to wear these soon. The Darby Loafers I have are a tan and brown pattern, very different from these camel and black.

Shop other flats at Madewell…

I also like these boots too.

Have you tried the Orson Loafer? Currently, you can take 25%off with code YOUGOTTHIS on these and all my picks above.

audreybella / December 11, 2015 / Que Bella

Emerson Fry – Yoshi Sweater in Natural

I took advantage of the Black Friday/Weekend promo at Emerson Fry of 45% off and bought another Yoshi Sweater, this time in Natural. I stayed with the same size as my Midnight Red sweater, an XS. I get so many compliments when I wear either one. I think because it looks so oversized and cozy.

I’ve already worn the Natural color several times, just keeping it very casual.

~ Yoshi Sweater, Emerson Fry ~
~ Vintage Cropped Jean in Dark Rinse, J Crew (J.Brand, Mother) ~
~ Reversible Plaid Scarf (similar) ~
~ Sawyer Boot, J Crew Factory (Vince Camuto, Jack Rogers) ~
~ Classic Wool Fedora, J Crew Factory (Halogen, Nordstrom Rack)~

This was super casual after a lunch of Mexican Food. I changed into the Fair Isle Leggings and lounged the rest of the day watching football.

~ Yoshi Sweater, Emerson Fry ~
~ Fair Isle Leggings, J Crew (Gap, Target, Nordstrom)~
~ Melanie Slip-On Sneaker, Frye ~

I debated for a while between the Natural, which was full-price plus 45% off, or the Charcoal, which was (and still is) $128. In the end, the Natural won out and I’m so happy with it. Oddly, it didn’t come with any tags on it, including the “do not remove if you want to return tag”. But that all worked out since I kept the sweater.

Have a Great Day!

audreybella / December 10, 2015 / Reviews

J Crew: New York Sweatshirt, Cotton Yeti Pajama Set, Chup Santa Socks

I’m finally starting to get a few more purchases from Black Friday and that Weekend. I ordered a few different things from J Crew so here are some quick reviews of those.

~ New York Sweatshirt, Small ~

I usually run through the men’s section once a month or so to see if there’s anything The Boy would like. I ran across this faded NYC sweatshirt that I liked for me. Once I saw it IRL it looked a little more faded than I would like. I was also hoping it would feel a little softer than is does. It’s not rough but I was hoping it would be a little cozier. Where I’m normally a Medium in women’s the men’s size Small fit fine on me.

~ Cotton Yeti Pajama Set, Medium ~

I thought this would be really cute for Winter and ordered during a 30% off promo. This isn’t a loose cotton and there is some Spandex mixed in so the fit is body-hugging. I am glad I ordered the Medium as the Small, even though there’s stretch, would have been too small.

I love the print on these PJs. The Yeti family is looking for a Christmas Tree.

~ Chup Santa Socks ~

There are Chup Socks for women but they aren’t as cute as these Santa Socks or Reindeer. These are big on me but they will be cute and cozy for Christmas. The outside has a Santa on the right and a Christmas Tree on the left. The inside has Holly Berries.

I’ll be returning the sweatshirt but love the PJs and Chup Socks.

audreybella / December 9, 2015 / Reviews

Madewell Walkway Sweater Dress

Sorry for the late posting on these. A little drama with the HOA going on today. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a Telenovela.

~ Walkway Sweater Dress, Heather Charcoal, Small ~

I liked this on the hanger but was so layered up when I was shopping that I didn’t want to take off everything to try it on. I figured it would fit since it looked oversized so I bought it. I like the A-line shape but the sleeves are way too tight. The seaming under the arms is small which also cuts into the top of the bust some. The length is fine for me as I would wear this with tights and leggings. I also like the dark charcoal color of this sweater dress as well as the texture of it. The wool is extra-fine merino and isn’t itchy. Sadly, due to the fit in the arms it’s going back. I think the Medium will be too big through the body so I won’t be exchanging this dress.

~ Stonework Drop Necklace ~

I was debating on getting the Pivot Pendant Necklace, with the Tiger’s Eye, and then say this stone mix of what looked like gray and light coral. From the website, it states the stone is black leopard jasper. The necklace is adjustable in the back to make it shorter or longer and has a cylindrical drop extending past the stone. There are rings and another necklace in the black leopard jasper stone.

~ Spin Drift Pendant Necklace ~

Each Ocean Agate stone was different on each necklace. Some had more black in it, while others had more mixes of light and dark green. I was able to find one that didn’t have any black. The stone portion swivels and the back is black stone so I can always mix it up. This is also adjustable in the back to make shorter or longer. The Drift Cuff Bracelet was not in my store but I would love to get it to match the necklace.

I will be returning the Walkway Sweater Dress as the fit is not quite right on me. I have quite a bit of Madewell jewelry and love to mix-and-match my drop necklaces. I have a few that will go with both of these.