/ Uncategorized

I might have gone a little overboard in the Bright / Neon color category with the last J Crew 30% off sale.

Exhibit A
Telegram Hobo in Byzantine Blue
Exhibit B
Sydney Patent Sandals in Casablanca Blue and Neon Azalea
Not enough evidence?  Ok…how about altogether?
Cashmere Tee in Neon Peach
Cashmere Tee in Neon Fuchsia

You should see them all IRL. No flashlight needed when the power goes out. I’ll just grab one of these items to light my way.

I can work with all of these, actually, except for the Neon Azalea Sydney Sandals, unlike Pink Peonies. She’s rocking the Neon Azalea. I walked my closet twice and tried to make them work with at least two things, other than jeans. I couldn’t do it. Those will be returned since that color was not Final Sale. 
What do you think of my new brights? 

~Word to your mother!

/ Uncategorized

If you live near a Factory Store, stop by soon. Mine is an hour away but is also in the same city as my company’s office so I stop by at least once a month. The Factory Store has started a new incentive to get more people to the B&M and shopping. They’ve introduced a “frequent shopper” program/card called The Factory Five. Each time you make a purchase at the B&M Factory Store you’ll receive a stamp. On your 5th purchase you’ll receive 15% off. The card expires 12 months after your first purchase.

This is only valid at J Crew Factory and crewcuts Factory Stores and not for any online purchases. The card also says the 15% off promo can’t be combined with other promos or discounts but I’m not sure how much of that will hold true. Each time I go to the Factory Store EVERYTHING has a promo. It is valid on sale items at the Factory.
AND…I also received this percent-off card stating new arrivals would be in next week. This discount is by amount spent so a $100 purchase gives you 10% off, $150=20% off and $200=25% off and is valid from 8/6 through 8/26, just in time for back-to-school shopping. 
Live the Factory Five card, this is not valid for any online or phone purchases from the Factory Store. You must visit a B&M to get the discount.

Just saying that maybe a Sunday drive is in order to pick up these two goodies.

What do you think of these two offers?
/ Uncategorized

I love being able to stop by the Factory Store right after new arrivals come in. There is plenty of stock in the store and everything is organized so well. Tuesday was no exception. And the bonus was I had great customer service from an SA, which rarely occurs in my Factory store. Everything had a percent or dollar off and I grabbed several things to try on.

Here’s the list of everything I could find that was on sale in the store. This was as of Tuesday, July 31.
Skirts 30% off
Schoolboy Blazers $10 off
Perfect Shirts 25% off
Long-Sleeve Novelty Ringspun Tees 30% off
Denim 30% off
Long-Sleeved Perfect Fit Tees 20% off
Colored Toothpick Jean 20% off
Ballet Flats 20% off
Scarves 30% off
Handbags 20% off
Hair Accessories 40% off
Jewelry 20% off
Gallery Tees 20% off
Cardigans: Solids 20% off, Patterned 30% off
Mini Skirts 30% off
Belts 30% off
Dresses 30% off
Thandie Sweater 50% off
Women’s Shoes 20% off
Summer Thandie Sweaters 50% off
Perfect Shirt in Printed Cotton, Dark Pewter, Sz M – Fit TTS, cute print
Pencil Skirt in Corduroy, Autumn Bluegrass, Sz 6 – This is a pretty color for fall but since I have the Viridian Green from last year I passed on this skirt. 
Lace Up Boot (MacAlister Bootie), Nut, #52868, Sz 7, $168 – Fits TTS. Cute but not my style.
Bicycle Tee, Bright Spearmint, #42836, Sz M, $34.50 – Again, a sucker for mint but I held strong and passed on this tee.
Classic Corduroy Mini, Autumn Blaze, Sz 8 – This was more of a Neon Papaya color and I was naturally attracted to it. Me/Bright Colors=Moth/Flame
Perfect Shirt in Printed Cotton, Golden Hickory, Sz M – Fits TTS, lightweight
Toothpick Cord, Bright Mineral, Sz 30 – A pretty mint colored cord…I love me some mint green.
Printed Pencil Skirt in Stretch Cotton, Rouge, Sz 6 – I love this print have already have it in the dress and Flair skirt. 
Quincy Tartan Shirt, #23225, EGR, Sz M, $59.50 – I have the retail version of this shirt and it’s one of my favorites.
Toothpick Jean in Garment Dye, Brilliant Cobalt, Sz 30 – This was a beautiful cobalt blue and fit well. I pass on colored jeans, especially skinny ones; too trendy for me.
Draped Novelty Top, Navy, Sz M – This was very big and boxy. I have the retail version. If I recall this one does not have an exposed zipper but it’s Poly (booo).
Colorblock Novelty Top, CBL, #91581, Sz M, $64.50 – Again, big, boxy, Poly.
Lace Tank, Black, #77475, Sz 6, $64.50 – I never tried the retail version of this tank but the Factory version in Ivory was almost sold out in the store. 
Schoolboy Blazer, Maraschino Cherry, #92480, Sz 8, $168 – This fit TTS in a beautiful cherry color. This has a seersucker print lining.
Classic Chambray Dress, Blissful Blue, Sz M – Way too big on me. The denim felt nice; not too stiff.
I had trouble deciding between these last two dresses. I really wanted both as they fit well. The Workday Dress in Pinstripe (Director Dress in Pinstripe Wool), Navy, Sz 6, was a surprise pick for me. I did not notice this dress online but, on a whim, decided to try it on in the store. It fit just like the retail version I tried on last Fall/Winter and makes me look long and lean. It’s a WOW dress.  
Paulina Suede Pumps (Mona Suede Pumps), Dark Cedar, #95994, Sz 7, $118 – These fit TTS and this is such a pretty shade for Fall. I left these in the store and regret it as they were selling quickly.
It’s fully lined and 99% Wool/1% Poly.

The Pleated Shift Dress was the other dress causing me grief. I missed out on the Sally Dress last Winter and after trying on the Jules Dress in Retro Jade I wanted that dress/a dress in this color. The 100% Polyester was not deterring me from really liking/loving this dress. I have on a size 6 and it fit TTS. 

In the end, I took home the Pleated Dress and am happy I did. The Workday Dress is currently online at a lower price than the actual Factory B&M and the SHOPNOW 30% works with this item. How do I know? Because I did order it this evening. So I will have both dresses! I’ll have to look in my closet and see what needs to go, since I want to keep both of these dresses. 

What do you think of these Factory offerings? 

/ Uncategorized

Next up we have Jules Dresses.

See Part 1
See Part 2
Jules Dress in Stripe Silk Twill, Navy, #96940, $188, Sz 6 – This is the same shape as the Jules dress but has on-seam pockets not front pockets. This is red, white and blue, with the red stripe very thin and subtle. This is lined and a wonderful silk twill. The web-site says this has 3/4-sleeves but they are full sleeves on me. Also, please note the length on me. I like it but it will be shorter on taller ladies. Wishlisted
The size 8 only added bulk not length. I’d stay with the 6 which is my Jules Dress size.
Jules Dress in Snowcat, Black, #11330, $188, Sz 6 (says the tag) –  So the tag on this specific dress said “6” but when I showed my PS she said, “That dress is huge on you!” She found a size 4 and another size 6. Turns out this should be at least a size 8, maybe a 10,  and was mis-tagged as a 6. Pass since I have the Wildcat print.
Here’s the correct size 6. I am a fan of the Jules Dress. This one is lined in the body but not the arms. I like that as the Wildcat and Fanfare prints were not lined. 
This is the size 4, which wasn’t a bad fit either. It didn’t shorten the sleeves any and the length came up just a little. Size 6 was the best fit.
Jules Dress in Wool, Retro Jade, #90748, $198, Sz 6 – This print is GORGEOUS!! And look how lovely the Flower Lattice Necklace pairs with it. I hope there are other colors but I think this one will be my favorite. Wishlisted
The Flower Lattice Necklace is uber-gorgeous. I have been lusting after it since seeing it on DaniBP. Though she returned hers, this came home with me. As much as I like the colors of the Bubble Necklace, it is a bit too long for me. I need something closer to my neck, but not choker-ish.
What are your thoughts on these Jules Dresses?
/ Uncategorized

Shirts, Sweaters and my new favorite Jeans…Oh My!

My PS certainly has an eye for mixing prints and pairing button down shirts with pullover sweaters. Here’s what she pulled for this first Fall roll-out.
Confession – I actually did this pairing. I wanted to treat this color-way, Carbon Neutral, of the Tippi Sweater in Polka Dot, Sz M, as a neutral and put a pop of color underneath. What do you think? Now, I know Old Navy also has some polka dot sweaters and I purchased the White/Black. I’m happy with it and will Pass on this color-way.
Perfect Shirt in Medium Gingham, Timeless Turquoise, Sz 8 – This shirt is not on sale in the B&M but is online ($75 $49.99). This fit TTS for me.
Matchstick Jean in Old Glory Wash, aka “My new favorite jeans”, Sz 29S – These fit amazing! I love the wash, the fit, the feel of these jeans. I’d need to get these hemmed but that’s a minor issue. 
Collection Cashmere Polka Dot Sweater, Green Atlantic, Sz S – I usually take a Medium in tops/sweaters but this fit well in a Small. It is a lovely, vibrant shade of green. Again, Old Navy is hitting it out of the park and has a similar colored sweater, in a cotton, and much more affordable (Cotton vs Cashmere, $24.94 vs $268). See Gigi’s review of the sweater here. The JC cashmere sweater is nice and soft and has a cute three-button detail in the back. Pass
Liberty Perfect Shirt in Floral, Blue White Floral, Sz 6 – I would not have paired this shirt and sweater together but I love it. IRL, the blue of the shirt looks more vibrant with the green of the sweater. I will try to re-create this look with a blue-checked shirt and the ON green polka dot sweater. Pass
Boy Shirt in Snowcat, Black, Sz 6 – The shirt was a little snug but the print and color is a good solid black and not faded. I think it will be a great layering piece. Wishlisted
Bow Sweater, Ivory, #95623, WBL (? Black), Sz S – This is such a cute sweater with all the tiny bows on it. I think a little too cutesy for me. Pass
This color-way, Navy Burgandy, of the Tippi Polka Dot sweater is a favorite of mine. I wasn’t sure what colors ON had but I will go back and purchase this one. Will purchase
Stretch Perfect Shirt in End on End, Light Blue, Sz M – This fits TTS and looks like a men’s oxford shirt. It goes well with the Tippi in the Navy Burgandy color-way. Pass
One option I didn’t try on but it looks lovely. It’s the Blythe Blouse in Retro Jade. That seems to be the main Fall color for J Crew. It’s paired with the Rugby Stripe Boatneck Top, Retro Jade Navy, Sz S. I did try on this top and it is a size down for me. It fits well and you’ll see an IRL in the next few days. It comes in several different colors and though it’s only $65 it is a Rayon/Linen blend and Dry Clean only.  
What do you think of the shirts and sweater combos?