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A wool shirt, like the Collection Gabardine Shirt, really intrigued me and I wanted to see it IRL, not knowing what to expect.

It’s a button-down, short-sleeved, boxy shape. I ordered it in my Perfect Shirt size of 8 and the fit is good through the shoulders. I lightened the rest of the images so you could see the fit better but this is a true black shirt. The 6 would have been a better fit through the body but overall would have been small on me.

This feels like a blend of more wool than silk and not like a wool City Mini or No. 2 Pencil Skirt. The feel is like a twill but wool; just a touch rough but not uncomfortable. This shirt will keep you warm during the day. I was getting pretty warm just taking these pics, inside, standing under a ceiling fan. 
Though I like the concept of this shirt it is a pass for me due to the color, boxy shape and warmth. I’d rather put on a Cashmere Tee to keep warm. I would consider this if it was offered in another color.

What are your thoughts on this Wool Shirt? 

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The Collection Wool-Silk A-Line Skirt in Navy has been sitting in my Wishlist since it’s arrival online a few weeks ago. It finally went on promo during the 40% off sale so I was happy to finally order it.

As pretty as the Neon Coral looked I knew I had the Autumn Coral Sterling Skirt in my closet so I settled on the Navy, in a size 8. The waist is right at my belly button and the 19-inch length is perfect for my 5’2″ frame. This is a wool-silk blend so it could be prone to snags if you are sitting or leaning against something rough. This also has an exposed zipper at the back. Not sure I’m too fond of that for such a nice skirt. That trend needs to die already.

With being heavily into the latest “sweatshirt” trend, I do find this skirt can be “dressed-down” with one. This skirt will also transition from work-to-dinner easily and can easily be dressed up for an upcoming Holiday function. 

Thoughts on this Collection item? I don’t know if I’ll wear it enough compared to an all wool skirt like my Flair Skirt or a Pencil Skirt to justify even the sale + % off price. I’ll try a few styling ideas to be sure.
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After missing out on the Fluted Skirt in Leather, I found the Pleated Leather Skirt from the Factory new arrivals and decided to take a chance and see it IRL.

First, this skirt is not part of the 50% off “everything” at the Factory stores or online as leather is excluded. During the Factory First Early Access, this skirt was priced at $157.50. The following day it went up to $198, original price of $228, so getting it early was to my advantage. I had ordered two other items that did go down in price but I’m not keeping them so there was no need to re-order those items.

I ordered the size 8 and this skirt sits right at my belly-button. The leather is supple and soft. Unlike the online image, the pleating does not extend to the hem. I love the length and it also has front slant pockets.

The back does give me a bubble but since I don’t see it I don’t think that will bother me.

Even though I don’t have a Leather Skirt in my wardrobe I don’t feel I need this. I will play around with styling this to be sure. 

What do you think of the Factory Leather Skirt?

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Recognizing the Wool A-Line Skirt from Wednesday’s new arrivals as being similar, if not the same, as previous years Sterling Skirt, I ordered it in Black in an 8 Petite. I find the Petite sizing gives me my perfect length without any alterations.

The fit is perfect at the waist and there is no pulling at the hips. The 20-inch length (Petite, Regular=22″) hits just above my knee, right where I like it. The wool feels nice but it is not Double-Serge (see below).

The only similarity between the Wool A-Line Skirt and the Sterling Skirt is the A-Line shape and the slant pockets. But, having said that, the A-Line is not as pronounced in the Sterling Skirt and the trim of the pockets is different. 

There is Trapunto stitching at the waistband and hemline. The trim at the slant pockets is non-existent.

The material is wool but thinner and feels more like the wool from the City Mini skirts. The Sterling Skirt is a Double-Serge Wool and is thicker. If you are looking for warmth from this skirt I’d pass and try the No. 2 Pencil Skirts.

The length is about an 1/2-3/4 inch shorter than the Sterling Skirt. I am comparing this to an 8 Petite in the Sterling Skirt.

Now, I do like this skirt. Can I find one similar elsewhere? Yes, definitely. Currently Talbots has a promo for Buy One, Get One 50% off and they have an Italian Flannel Wool A-Line Skirt in various colors, including black, for $99. I’ve ordered a few colors and will make my final decision once they arrive.

I hope this review helps some of you thinking about ordering this skirt. I have the Crimson Maple from last year, thanks to a JCA, or I would have chosen the Pinot Noir color as well.

Have a Great Day!

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With Kate Spade having a promo last week, (ended Sunday) on both regular priced items and sale I placed an order and then a second when I found a few other items I wanted to see.

Goreski Glasses Ring – I missed out on this ring last Spring so I was happy to see it back in the Fall. I saw the Bracelet in-store and thought it was just adorable. This is about as Hipster as I’m going to get.

Dictionary Phone Book for iPhone – I preferred this in the Blue as opposed to the Brown but this didn’t work for me for one small reason. If you will notice in the 2nd and 3rd pics below there is a hole for the camera but it’s not wide enough for the flash. I use my phone for pictures all the time and use the flash quite a bit as well. I’d have to take the phone out of the case to take a pic with flash which defeats the purpose for me. I’m so sad because I love the color and it has a cute little Owl on it. This is perfect to slip a few cards and cash in and head out.

Owl Coin Purse – I used my Made in the Shade Coin Purse through the Spring and Summer so I decided to get a new one for Fall and Winter. This little Owl is perfect for whatever change I might carry around.

Cobble Hill Brandice – Lastly, I found this micro-mini cross-body bag that fits my phone, cards and some cash…maybe my lipstick too. After my trip to Las Vegas using the Brompton Mini-Hobo I realized I needed something just a bit smaller. I love my mini-Bromptons but this smaller cross-body will be perfect for shopping and it fits inside my Brompton.

Did you get anything from the Kate Spade sales?