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Again, making returns to the retail store I checked out some of the March/April new arrivals. I was returning the Schoolboy Blazer in Tipped Linen {review} because I scored it on promo plus 40% off, making it $99! So I ordered the White one as well. Review coming soon!

Eyelet Shirtdress, Navy in size 6 and Neon Kiwi in Size 8 – I like the idea of a shirtdress but prefer those that have a defined waist of some kind. The Eyelet Shirtdress is a straight shift silhouette and is cute. The size 6 is the better fit but I love the Neon Kiwi color. I’m a little confused by J Crew as to why eyelet, seersucker, and lace are being introduced in Spring and not Summer. I’m not inclined to buy it now, which I guess is a good thing because when Summer weather does roll around this will be on sale.

I’m sure you could belt this and not be worried about the length. Your bra-straps will show at the shoulders but if you wear a nude bra then it will hardly be noticed. I take a 6 or 8 depending on the style of dress. I’m a 6 in shift and straight silhouettes, like the ones in this post, and an 8 in structured, waist-defining shapes, like the Scallop Crepe Dress or the Split-Neck Dress. To me this dress fits TTS. If you are like me and vary with two sizes then take the smaller size. Others who are consistent should stay in their normal size.

Pink Geo Shirtdress, size 6 – My VPS said this is an “Audrey Dress”. I’d have to agree. I love the pattern, multi-color and shape. The length hits just above the knee but might be a little more fun a few inches shorter. It was very comfortable on and I could see myself wearing it until the hot temps came along. That poly lining would be horrendous at 100 degrees outside. The print also comes in a Shirt and Skirt, neither of which I’m a fan of, at a glance. The shirt looks big and boxy and the skirt is Poly. See the dress and shirt on my Fit Twin!

Silk Crepe Maxidress, size Small – This dress was a completely unexpected LOVE! This comes in black, Brilliant Blueberry and Neon Papaya. I never would have noticed this if it weren’t in-store as it is in the Beach Cover-Up section online. The Small is a great fit and I almost considered trying an XS if it weren’t for my belly pouching out just a little. The length is perfect; no hemming needed. It is a bit sheer, since it’s meant to be a cover-up but a light cotton slip or nude lingerie should help with that. I like that the straps are wider and not spaghetti skinny. There are bra keeps as well. The back does dip a lower than my bra but again, this is being sold as a cover-up not a DressDress. 

Here are two styling options I came up with in the dressing room for both colors of the dress. The first top is the Perfect Shirt in Crosshatch Linen in Lemon Pulp and the second is the Metallic Linen V-Neck Sweater.

Have a Great Day!

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This is round 2 for the Chambray Shift Dress from Banana Republic {original review}. I really couldn’t get it out of my head and was able to order it for almost the same price as last time. Actually, maybe a little less this time. This is the size 8 and it fits much better. The size 6 was snug, not necessarily tight but definitely not for wearing while eating a large meal.  The size 8 is a little looser everywhere and now I really really like it so it’s going to be staying in my closet. It will be a great dress to just throw on for the day and doesn’t look too bad with the Lillian Mirror Metallic Wedge Sandals I had on that day.

I also decided to try the Heritage Denim Top in a size 8. This top is just the dress without the bottom half. The material is the same as the dress and feels soft and comfortable against the skin. I’ll return this as it was just a little difficult to take off. There is a short, exposed zipper in the back and no stretch in the shirt. 

I was glad I decided to give the Chambray Shift Dress another try in the size 8. It’s very cute and should get a bit of wear this Spring and Summer.
Have a Great Day!

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I had a few people ask about the differences between the Retail vs Factory Scalloped Shift Dress. I have the retail version in Black and the Factory in Pale Citrus.

The material on both is a blend of Poly/Viscose/Spandex. The retail dress has 75% Poly compared to 62% in the factory dress. Also, the factory dress label states there is less Poly, more Spandex in the back than the front. The feel of the material is the same. I can’t tell a 13% difference between the two. Maybe the retail is a touch thicker but just barely.

You can see the shape is the same. I should have gone against a lighter background so you could see the retail shape better. Both have bra-keeps at the shoulders. Scallops are around the sleeves and hem.

There is maybe a touch difference in length, with the factory dress slightly longer. As you can see in the above pics, the dress is short in either version. Be careful bending over.

I really do see myself wearing the Pale Citrus. It looks good with the Lillian Sandals in Calf Hair {patent, suede, metallic}. I did end up returning the Navy dress as I kept the Ann Taylor dress in Navy.
Overall, the Factory Scalloped Shift Dress is a great, exact duplicate of the Retail version of this dress. 

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I think you all can agree with me that today is a beautiful day. We can all celebrate that it is FINALLY SPRING! Yes, there may be more snow and cold and rain on the way (shakes fist at Groundhog) but that is all snow/cold/rain weather in SPRING and not dreadful Winter.

I chose green, white and silver to welcome Springtime to Central Texas today. I could not wait to wear my Lillian Mirror Metallic Low Wedges. I paired them with the Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic and White Jeans from Express (Tory Burch, J Crew, AG, Old Navy). I even added some jewelry with the Grande Crystal Drops Necklace and Sparrow Cuff.

I’ve had these jeans for almost 8 years! Probably the oldest item in my closet. The back is a little exposing but I usually wear a belt. White Denim is so hard to shop for. You don’t want the material too thin as it will show everything. Since my skin-tone is darker I have to be careful that thinner light denim is not see through. I’ve tried on some J Crew Toothpicks from a year or two ago in Mint and my skin-tone showed right through. Crazy!

Hope you’ve all had a great first day of Spring!

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J Crew rolled out more Spring today and a few of those items were in my store last week.

The Silk-Cat Print Blouse is really cute and great to just throw on and go. It’s made it to sale and I was able to find plenty in-store. This is a size 8 and how I’d probably wear it. Super casual, un-tucked with the sleeves rolled up.  

This next cotton blouse is the Jeweled Bow Top. It comes in White and Navy Striped, below. It’s a boxy, straight silhouette with a Rhinestone Bow in front. It has a single button in the back. This is a size 8. Again, it’s boxy, tight sleeves are an issue for me and though the Bow in front is cute it’s just a little plain.

The Bow, up close…

The Striped Blue version…

I really liked the black version of the Linen These Are The Days Graphic Tee. I have on a Medium but I did end up passing on this for two reasons. One, I love my Madewell Los Angeles Linen Tee {pin}, also in black. And, two, all the other Graphic Tees are now on sale so I’m sure this one will be there soon too.

I liked the look and concept of the Vintage Cotton Silk Back Tee but when I turned to the side, it was a big ol’ mess. I’m wearing a Medium and from the side looked like I was due any day.

The Vintage Cotton Tee in Weekdays comes in both Black and Pearl Oyster. I have on a Medium here and it’s quite comfortable. I believe it’s cotton. The Black version has the days in French and the Ivory version has them in Spanish. A pass for me but I’m sure it will be a hit. I may grab it if it makes it to sale.

The Silky Chambray Tunic, size Small, is touted as a beach cover-up. The only other place I’d wear this tunic would be to sleep. It is very soft and comfortable but $66 for a beach tunic is a pass for me. I was also hoping the placket and arm cuff contrasted a little more like the online image. This is a good size but I could have sized to an XS as far a cover-up goes. Returning this one.

Of the new arrivals today, the Lace Stripe Skirt in Strawberry Rose is the only thing I would consider buying. All the eyelet and seersucker and lace is just too much for Spring, and one roll-out, IMO. I preferred some of the Factory arrivals from the Early Access today. 

Have a Great Day!

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