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San Antonio is finally getting a Madewell store and it opens tomorrow, Oct 21! I have been waiting months for this store. I have only been into one store, last year during my California trip. The closest one to me right now is about an hour and 15 minutes away. As of tomorrow, it will be 10 minutes away, and across the street from J Crew, at the Shops at La Cantera.

I should probably leave my wallet at home tomorrow since new arrivals at J Crew are expected this week as well. But, below are some items I am excited to see in-store.

Textured Crop Sweatshirt – I don’t think this will be very cropped on me and I like the longer hem in the back. The dropped shoulders are the only thing that makes me wary of this sweatshirt.

Penfield® Stokes Plaid Shirt – There was a similar one offered at J Crew this Summer that sold out really quick, and pop-backs were a tease. That one was a pop-over and this one is a full button-down.

Halfmoon Layering Necklace – I don’t wear jewelry much but this layered necklace looks interesting enough to wear daily.

The Perfect Tunic in Tipped Silk – This is one of the items I am most interested in seeing IRL; in this color. I’m hoping it doesn’t disappoint.

The Berliner Satchel – This bag is very similar to my Bisbee Satchel from 2010. Though I don’t use it as much these days, I still love it and am so glad I bought it. A darker color in the same style would be nice to have.

Leather-Pocket T-Shirt Dress – This dress look so simple and cute and easy to just throw-on-and-go. I really hope I get to see it IRL.

The Otis Boot in Shearling – I have the Short Chalet Boot from a few years ago and love it. Now, it’s losing the shearling in the footbed and I am not sure what to do. The sole is still great as is the shearling everywhere else. I picked the Short Chalet Boot because they were not as wide-looking as Uggs. The Otis Boot seems to have a harder sole but might be able to replace my Chalet Boots.

I am really hoping I can make it to the Grand Opening Party at 7 p.m. but I have to be out-of-town for the day so I may not make it back. If not, I’ll head there sometime during the week when most people are in school or at work. 

Anyone else in San Antonio excited about Madewell opening? Anyone going to the store opening tomorrow?

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J Crew has a promo today only of 40% off Final Sale, with code SHOPFALL. Of course, I don’t need anything but below are my wants.

I am still really wanting the Silk Sleeveless Dress and I think the Antique Pewter is a nice change from black or navy. I’d probably go ahead and stick with the Small instead of chancing on the Petite Small. I have the Pleated Bib Top in Stripe and love it. I would love to get the Academic Green but both the size 8 and 8 Petite are sold out. Other colors are available. This shirt looks great under a blazer. With it now being cool in the morning and warm in the afternoons, this shirt is a great choice for me.

I use blazers frequently in the Fall and Winter. The Schoolboy Blazer in Houndstooth would be a nice addition in my closet. The Merino Double-Knit Long Cardigan was an unexpected like when I originally tried it on {here}. I’d love to get it in the Navy Forest or Burgundy Acorn.

I like both the Georgie Fabric Tassel Loafers in Dark Onyx and the Sophie Embroidered Loafers but if I had to choose I’d take the Georgie’s. I tried on the Suede in-store last weekend and found they ran a little snug. The 7 1/2 fit more comfortably than my normal 7. I have two different denim shirts, one of which is from the Factory and similar in style to the Selvedge Chambray Shirt. I think a Chambray shirt is a must-have for any closet. It dresses down a beautiful skirt and layers under any sweater very well.

What did you get from this quick sale?

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While in Vegas we walked through the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. It’s become a must-stop for me each time I go. A wallet caught MamaBella’s eye so we went inside. I was immediately drawn to the jewelry section in the middle of the store. Yes, instead of looking at the bags I went straight to jewelry. Which is odd because I remember Coach being brightly colored bags, or lovely vachetta leather, with heavy hardware or the Legacy Striped Lining. Let’s not forget the “Signature” Double-C on some of the styles.

I had a beautiful Teal bag called the Francine {Polyvore}. It was a domed patent satchel bag with a cross-body strap and heavy hardware. I bought it for myself as a birthday gift and I loved it! But, that girl was heavy. All the brass hardware and even the cross-body was wearing me down. I just loved looking at it but when I would want to wear it my shoulder ached. Eventually, I sold it.

My preferences for bags have changed. I don’t want what everyone else has or is noticeable right-away; like a Louis or quilted Chanel or even a double-C Signature Coach bag. So I was surprised to see a new version of Coach after looking at the jewelry. Have you taken a look at Coach lately? She’s “all groweds up”…and edgy. She must be dating a rocker or bad boy right now. Feathers and grommets and cool leather necklace straps pepper the collection. Let’s take a look at my picks from the Fall Collection.

The Cameo Pendant Necklace was the first piece I saw. It wasn’t very heavy and the leather strap was soft. I loved it. I’ve added it to my Bella Wants Pinterest Board and will ask for it for Christmas, if it lasts that long. The Feather Pendant Necklace was equally stunning with the same leather strap. The Rhyder 33 Satchel In Soft Grain Leather is so gorgeous in person. The leather is supple and the hardware and studs don’t add weight to the bag. It’s on the top of my Christmas wishlist but will probably also me my anniversary gift too.

The Multi Feather Earrings are cute in person. I rarely wear earrings any more but these are some I would consider. I didn’t see the Grommet Round Hem Skirt in the store but while perusing the website. I would wear this skirt every chance I got. There is a also a beautiful silk Ruffle Shirt I have added to my wishlist as well.

I did see the Mini Studs Coach Taxi Tote 24 In Leather in person and if you are a fan of studding I definitely recommend this bag. Beautiful! I couldn’t decide between the Feather Cuff or the Studded Cuff. Both were just so cool and edgy. I would use the Rivets Large Folio In Leather as an oversized clutch. It’s not padded so it won’t protect your tablet or iPad. The Dakotah Fringe Flap Crossbody In Whiplash Leather was a bag the SA brought to show me as she was describing the new collection. I love the fringe!

And the reason for all this cool edgy upgrade? Coach brought in a new Creative Director, Stuart Vevers, who has Calvin, Louis, and Loewe all under his designer belt. And don’t fret if you think you’ll miss the old Coach. There are still some styles of the past in the Collection like the Bleecker Mini Duffle and the Edie Shoulder Bag in Signature Jacquard.

Yes, Coach, you have my attention. I cannot wait to see what you do for Spring!

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Kate Spade is not fooling around with their Friends & Family this time. Take 30% off with code F14FFUS through Sunday.

That Zip Pocket Plaid Mini is the cutest in that bright blue color. I would get the Rose Bangle for MamaBella. The Imperial Tile Hinge Bangle looks so beautiful, very deco-inspired. And, though I have no need for the Azeban Heels, that little Raccoon face sure is cute.

I found something similar to the Cobble Hill Ellen Cross-Body bag last week at the Outlet store in a beautiful Teal Green color. It was perfect for my quick trip to Vegas. There were many other styles in this color. It looked even more beautiful on bigger bags.

I have until Sunday to decide what I want. Have you made your selection yet for the Kate Spade F&F promo?

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Sorry for the delay. A little Vegas got in the way.

Since I’m always in denim I look in the sale section to try new styles. These Toothpick Jeans were on promo (as of Thursday) and I ordered them with the 40% off since they were not final sale. I was hoping I would get a great pair of Japanese Selvedge Denim that would break in well and be in my closet for years.

~ Toothpick Japanese Selvedge Jeans in Hulton Wash, size 30 ~

As soon as I pulled them over my calves I knew I would be returning them. I was afraid they wouldn’t fit or that I would rip them trying to take them off. Though there is some stretch in the denim, there isn’t as much as my Toothpicks in Miller Wash or my Factory Ankle Skinny Jeans. 
They were pretty tight across the thighs and calves and felt stiff when I had them on. I was walking around like Frankenstein’s Monster since I could barely bend anywhere. I would need at least a size 31 to feel a little more comfortable but then the waist would be baggy. 
 
I also didn’t care too much for the wash on the front and back. It was a little too light for my taste. It seems like the reviews also complained of tightness in the thighs but some were able to get them to stretch and fit wonderfully during the day. 

These were returned. There’s no way I the jeans would stretch enough in my thighs to be comfortable. But I did like the feel of the jean, they were a little weightier denim, though I could have done away with the whiskering in front. I have several different pairs of Toothpick jeans that fit me well so a one-off isn’t going to break my heart. Another pair will come along.

Have a Great Day!

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