/ Reviews

Lots of pictures below so let’s get to it.

Blythe Blouse – Extravagant Green, 8 – Love the color and took my normal size in L/S shirts. 

Silk Elodie Blouse – Paradise Blue, 8 – Another great color to go with several items already in my closet (Lolli pants, Cafe Capri in Camel, Viridian Green Pencil Skirt)

Silk Scarf Tank in Floating Rose – Rouge, 4 – I also tried on a 2 in this blouse. I was more comfortable in the 4. I did not like that it was longer in the back. Pass

Natasha Top – Vivid Poppy, 6 – Lovely silk chiffon cami/blouse in THE J Crew color of the season (Almost that I might not be loving it as much. Just bring out the RED already!) Purchase – Versatile blouse to wear alone or layered as we transition to Fall.

Sequin Slouchy Tee – Tawny Sand, S – Cute but it is not lined so you can feel the stitching. Also, I the sequins weren’t laying the same way and I would hate for it to snag on something. Pass

Silk Polka Dot Tee – Navy, 8 – Even though I just wore it for the first time, I quite like my Silk Striped Tee. I did size up due to the smaller cut in the sleeves. Purchase

Puff-sleeve Popover – Vibrant Flame, 8 – I really wanted this shirt. I think the puff-sleeve is so cute but the sleeves are cut smaller and it has a button closure. I even tried on the 10 and was not comfortable in it. Check your stores because this is on sale in the B&M. Sadly Pass

Vintage Matchstick Cord – Vibrant Flame, 30 & 29 – The matchsticks seem to be cut a little differently this year. I am quite comfortable in both the 29 & 30. Again, a great color to welcome Fall. Purchase in the 29
Cafe’ Capri in Plaid Wool – Deep Navy/Blackwatch, 8 – I didn’t realize these were not online so I didn’t get a picture of the tag. These are the Cafe’ Capri in a lightweight wool but are cut a bit smaller. I have the Camel in an 8 and they fit great. These are a little snug for some reason. My PS did say she had to size up too so it wasn’t just me. I really wanted to buy these since the skirt didn’t work out for me (see below). Wishlist Purchase

**Update – This is the Cafe’ Capri in Plaid Wool. It is selling out which is why I couldn’t find it online. Check or call the B&M if you like these pants. I went back and tried on the 8 & 10 and found the 10 to be loose but comfortable and the 8 to fit “just right”. Go figure. Must have been bloated or something on the I first day I tried them on. Needless to say, I did purchase these.
 
Wool Lounge Pant – Heather Charcoal, Sz 8 & 6, #47328, $138 – Now, these are oddly cute. They have an elastic waistband and hem. They are Favorite Fit and run a size big IMO. The 8 was really baggy while the 6 fit much better (2nd/3rd pic). I tried them with my sandals to give a visual of them in heels. I think they would be cute with heels but for the price I’ll Pass.
Jester Sweater – Saddle Flame Carbon, M – Cute but Pass
Flair Skirt in Double-Serge Wool – Cool Pine, 6 – A-line shapes are usually my friend but the Flair Skirt is not. I think it might be where the pleating is but I will not be purchasing this in any color or patter. Pass
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Blackwatch Plaid – Deep Navy, 6 – This is not a typical pencil skirt. The waist is smaller and there’s pleating below the waistband so it made my normal size 6 in JC pencil skirts a pass. Also, take a look at the side-view picture. There’s some bunchy-ness going on. You’ll probably need to size up one.
Flair Skirt in Plaid – Warm Bark, 8 – A great pattern for the Flair Skirt. Pass
Origami Mini in Check Wool – SGR, 8, #47743, $128  – Pass
Cowlneck Poncho – Grey White, XS – A very cute poncho that is super cozy (shown with the Liquid Silk Skirt in Bright Dahlia). But I just wasn’t comfortable in it. It would a hassle to have to take it off and on while running errands. I would have to make it my main clothing item with a tee or cami underneath. Pass
Double-Breasted Sweater Jacket – Vibrant Flame, M – This is so very Anthropologie. I had a boiled wool cardigan/sweater I purchased from there by Casch. I loved it but it got too small for me. This is reminiscent of that cardigan. The buttons are somewhat difficult because the hole is smaller than the button. Weird. And it leaves fuzz every where. I like it though. Purchase-but may return for the Navy
Streetscape Cape – Saddle Black, S – This is so lovely, but I need a Sherlock Holmes cap and a pipe. And, I felt like 1) doing the robot 2) I had T-rex arms. But I like it.
Metallic Foil Jacquard Dress – Gold Saddle, 8 – The shape is similar to the Darla dress which I tried on here. Cute and material seems nice but I wasn’t a fan of the Darla. This has an exposed back zip but it matches the material (gold). Pass
So, four purchases out of the 19-20 items. I am waiting on my online purchase of the Wool Cafe’ Capri in Maraschino Cherry. Those were immediately back-ordered but should be shipping in a week or two. I can’t wait to see them.
What has caught your eye with the J Crew Fall Arrivals?

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Below are a few more items from round 2 of my personal shopping appointment. I modeled most of my outfits for my PS and the store manager that I failed to take a few pictures, especially of one I loved! We had a lot of fun.

Winnie Dress, Black, Sz 6 – This is very comfortable (acrylic/rayon/nylon with a little stretch) but this color attracted quite a bit of fuzz and lint. The size 6 fit well but could have been a little more fitted in the waist. It also comes in Heather Slate.

Blythe Shirtdress, Dark Navy, Sz 6 – This also comes in Pale Camel (how can camel be pale?) and Poppy. I love the length and the skirt on this but the top was snug in my shoulders and arms and pulling across the bust.

Dream Fair Isle Vest, Forest Clementine, Sz S – I like this vest but didn’t like where it hit over this dress. It also comes in Caramel Flame, that has little flashes of pink throughout.

Poppy, Sz 6 – The lighting in this small fitting room made the color of this dress too bright in the picture. I loved this color and had a hard time deciding which one I wanted more.

Dark Navy, Sz 8 – This is a much better fit for me throughout the top. I take an 8 in the Blythe shirt as well. I’m thinking of shortening the sleeves and make it more like the Ruthie Shirtdress. 

Maisie Dress, Getaway Green, Sz 6 – This is a very flowy dress with pockets. I like the color of this and it also comes in Graphite, Waterfloral and Abstract Floral Violet. I think the arms are a little clingy and I think the elastic waist will probably not stay put. I think I would pair it with a leopard belt.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Wool, Vibrant Flame, Sz 6 – Oh, this color is just so lovely. Y’all know that. My PS paired it with the Elodie Sleeveless Blouse in Stripes, Black, Sz 6. I really debated on getting this skirt but in the end I didn’t. I have a recent Ann Taylor purchase of an orange skirt in cotton that will get more use than this one in wool. 

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Vintage Tweed, Blush, Sz 6 – Such a pretty Chanel-esque skirt. Also comes in Navy. This is paired with the Perfect Shirt with French Cuffs in French Blue, Sz 6. I had the Merino V-Neck Sweater in Viridian Green over the Shirt.

Look at the cute waistband on the interior of the skirt. LOVE!

Perfect Shirt with Bronze Buttons in Navy Plaid, Sz 6, paired with the Merino Pleated Skirt in Saddle, Sz M, and the Greer Wedge Ankle Boot, Cognac, Sz 7. I told myself no more plaid or stripes but this shirt was so cute and soft I couldn’t pass it up. The skirt is great and I hiked it up for a high-waisted look. I can see it looking great like that with a different shirt and a wide belt. I would size to a Small if I bought it but I’m passing for now.

Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt, Heather Fern, Sz S – This is meant to be very oversized. When I see the words “Boyfriend Sweatshirt” I think of slouchy and oversized, not wide with dolman sleeves. My PS paired it with the Cafe Capri in Houndstooth Wool, Sz 8. This is my normal fit/size in the Wool Cafe Capri and JC pants in general.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Plaid, Sz 6 – This skirt is wool but was very lightweight from what I can remember. Added to my wishlist.

Hacking Jacket in Herringbone, Charcoal, Sz 6 –
Vintage Cotton Stripe Baseball Tee, Heather Flannel, Sz M
Trouser Jean, Dark Rinse, Sz 8
As you can see, the Hacking Jacket in a size 6 is more nipped and fitted at the waist but I could barely move my arms. (Something like “Fat man in a little coat.” a la Tommy Boy. Chris Farley was hysterical.) The tee is great and cozy, with stripes only on the sleeves. My PS pulled the Trouser Jeans because she knew I liked the Flare but would have had to take the hem up about 8 inches. These are just as long on me. While the Flare did not lose it’s ‘flare-shape’ at the bottom when I cuffed it, these did seem to lose their ‘boot-cut’ shape.

And this was the final outfit that my PS put together that I failed to take a picture of.
Origami Mini in Peony, Dream Fair Isle Vest in Caramel Flame, Perfect Shirt in Medium Gingham in Classic Pink
I thought this was a great outfit and tied the pink tones together well. I am becoming a fan of this print that this on the skirt. Would pairing this with the Darby Glitter Loafers be too much? I have a similar pair by Steve Madden that I bought for half the Darby price. And those come in 20 different colors, materials and patterns.

I can’t wait until the cooler temps finally get here.

Have a Great Day!

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I scheduled an appointment with my Personal Shopper at my local J Crew Saturday morning. Doors opened an hour early so people could see the new arrivals and use their reward card. I think this was across all B&Ms. I spent 2 1/2 hours in there! This is a picture heavy post with shoes, accesories, skirts, dresses, sweaters, blazers and jeans.

Martina Patent Wedges, #50472, Bronzed Clay, Size 7
These are not online that I could find. My PS said they were going to be in a Tortoise color/pattern as well. These fit TTS and the wedge heel does taper a little but it is still manageable to walk in.

Biella High-Heel Loafers, #49158, Warm Taupe, Size 7
Also come in Warm Brown and Black Leather and Getaway Green and Antique Violet Satin
These also fit TTS. Even though the heel height is 4 1/4 inches the platform helps make it more manageable to walk in.

City Mini, #50305, Bright Dahlia, Sz 6
Perfect Shirt in Leopard, #48474, Golden Hickory, Sz 6
Jackie Cardigan, #29350, Dark Slate, Sz M
The skirt is a pull-on style and has an elastic waist. The Bright Dahlia/Berry color is my favorite of J Crew. I have the Lolli pants in this color that I love. I wasn’t a fan of the Leopard shirt online but I like it after seeing it IRL. I think more so than the No. 2 pencil skirt. I think the Jackie tones down the print some.

Gilded Tweed Mini, #50648, Sky Blue, Sz 8, $128
I don’t see this online and it may be in-store only. The material is not as substantial and I expected. It’s pretty thin for a tweed. I’m not sure if the pencil skirt will be the same or a little heavier in weight. For $20 more you’ll at least get 5-6 inches more material. I really didn’t like the fit or feel of this mini. This is at my natural waist and pulling it down didn’t help as it rode back up when I walked. The colors in it are pretty with gold threading throughout the skirt. It does have an exposed back zipper. From the picture online the pencil skirt does not.

Origami Mini in Damask, #47460, Blue Pesto, Sz 8
Silkspun Sweater, #47846, Dark Turquoise, Sz M
Tippi Sweater, #46725, Bright Dahlia, Sz M
The print and material on this is not too fancy that you can’t dress it down. I also think it would be good to experiment with pattern mixing, in the same shades. Both of the sweaters are 100% merino wool and very bright in color, which I love. They fit TTS, especially if you are wearing it over another shirt, like one of the Perfect Shirts.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Leopard, #47322, Golden Hickory, Sz 6
Chambray Tuxedo Tunic, #49553, White, Sz XS
Tippi Sweater, #46725, Bright Dahlia, Sz M
This is a really long skirt for me. I think even if I bought the Petite size I would have to alter it in length. I almost felt like it should have been a true “wiggle” skirt with tapering to the hem, just due to the length. The color was not as vibrant as it is online, which is what others have been saying. It is cotton and unlined, which is fine by me. I do like this skirt but I think I will stick to the Leopard accessories that I have.
The Chambray Tuxedo Tunic runs big. The XS was tight in my arms but the Small fit a lot better. I like the Tippi in BDA with the skirt and would probably pair this with black patent heels to finish off the look.

Darla Dress, #49258, Faded Black Steel, Sz 8
Miller Motorycycle Boot, #28676, Black, Sz 7
The cap-sleeves are elastic which I do not like personally. The pattern is a railroad stripe. It is lightweight, fitted in the top and has an exposed back zipper.

Ticking-Stripe Derby Dress, #42775, Muslin Caspian Night, Sz 6 (I think)
Multistrap Belt, #50840, English Saddle, Sz M
Cute dress and perfect for the rest of my summer (which may last well into October!). The bodice is not too fitted and the skirt portion is lined. The belt is great and unlike the Tri-Buckle Belt, it is leather all the way around. If you are still looking for the Tri-Buckle Belt my store had 3 or 4 but I’m not sure what sizes. I love mine and have worn it several times this summer.

Safari Dress, Sz 6
It was a bit snug in the arms for me but loose through the bodice and skirt so I would say this is TTS.

Scarf, #50277 (same as Leopard scarf), Dark Turquoise, $65
Skinny Leather Belt, #50822, Bright Cobalt
Darlington Satchel, #48895, Bright Indigo (review here)

“On the Prairie” – Plaid Bayou Tunic, #49905, Baltic Blue, Sz S
Jardin Skirt, #48698, Dark Pewter, Sz 6
Belt – Unknown
Miller Motorcycle Boots
If I was on the prairie I would wear this. The tunic is the same fit as the Chambray Tuxedo Tunic, it runs small and the Small fit me fine. I think the Jardin skirt runs TTS. I have it in the Rich Purple.

Heirloom Lace Pencil Skirt, #39548, Indigo, Sz 6
Perfect Shirt in Suckered Stripe, #47414, Blue Tide, Sz 6
Tippi Sweater, #46725 , Warm Mustard, Sz M
This skirt came in Black over the summer, which is what the link is to. This color is Indigo/Navy and was in my store as a New Arrival. I’m sure they will have this color online in the next roll-out. I like the preppy look of the top with the lace skirt. The skirt fits TTS as I usually wear a 6 in JC pencil skirts.

Tippi Sweater, #46725 , Heather Dark Grape, Sz M
Boy Shirt in Quincy Tartan, #49044, Emerald Green, Sz 6
Marching Mini, #47324, Roasted Nutmeg, Sz 8
I am trying to stay away from the button-down shirts as I have too many that I need to wear but this one was hard to not buy with its lovely blues and greens. The skirt was ok but I didn’t like the 6 buttons and the wrap-style. You are covered if the wind takes the flap but I’d rather not chance it. There was also a green color in my store that I failed to get a picture of.

Silkspun Sweater, #47846, Toasted Honey, Sz M
Perfect Shirt in Indigo Floral, #48473, Indigo, Sz 6
Cafe Capri in Wool, #49398, Camel, Sz 8
This shirt seems too busy for me by itself but the sweater seems to tone down the print pretty well. The pants I love. They fit well and TTS. The length is not a crop or capri for me (I’m 5’2″) but I don’t mind that at all. They are not too bad with heels either. My store only had camel and black right now but should be getting a few other colors in their next shipment. I am eyeing the navy as well.

Emmaleigh Dress in Super 120s, #24155, Black, Sz 6
This is a gorgeous dress. I tried on the 8 which fit a little better in the bust for me but overall I loved it. Now to just choose a color.

Here it is completely styled.
Jackie Cardigan, #29350, Saddle, Sz M
Silk Leopard Scarf, #50277
Biella High-Heel Loafers, #49158, Warm Taupe, Size 7
Rigby Saddle Bag, #48296, Flame

Chambray Shirtdress, #47875, Blissful Blue, Sz 6
Chino Vest, #22560, SPR, Sz S, $98
Overlap Grommet Belt, #44414, English Saddle, Sz S
The tunic was ok until I belted it, which then hiked up the skirt and made it shorter. The vest is cute but not my style.

Matchstick Jean, #50499, Starlight Wash, Sz 30S
I like the fit of these. They seem a little looser than last years which did not fit me at all. The “short” length is still long on me.

Classic Flare Jean, #51329, Jezebel Wash, Sz 30
These are a great fitting jean but as you can see I would have to take at least 5 inches off. I am wearing the Biella heels and cuffed the jean under. I’d get a pair for heels (3 inches) and a pair for flats.

Tippi Sweater, #46725, Bright Dahlia, Sz M
Schoolboy Blazer in Wool Flannel, #48682, Heather Caramel, Sz 6
I don’t have a blazer this color and I think I need one. With the mild winters we have I prefer layering and adding a blazer rather than a bulky coat.

Tippi Sweater in Leopard, #47351, Sz M
I’m not sure about this. I think it’s either the dark “stripe” down the center or the two “lighter” areas down the front sides that bother me.

Crystal Bar Locket Necklace, #51496
(Sorry for the blurred photo.)

Fishnet Necklace, #52686
Silk Blythe Blouse, #37871, Black
A great necklace to jazz up a black or navy cashmere tee. I’m not sure how well it would stay/lay on the sides after moving around though.

Whew! You still with me? I hope so. What do you think of the items above? Anything catch your eye? And I bet you’re wondering what I bought. With 100 degree whether it’s hard to imagine Fall weather or clothes. Of course, you know my biggest Fall purchase was the Darlington Satchel but I did get a few things I tried on. There were others I added to my wishlist after these try-ons.

I was happy I scheduled an appointment with my PS. She had everything I would have brought to the dressing room all ready and styled together. Even if you get one or two pieces I would say that if you have the time, make a personal shopping appointment. I was glad I did.

Have a great day!

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And she’s so simple and classic.

I stopped by the B&M and was a bit underwhelmed at the “new arrivals”. They did have the Mona Leather Pumps in Black and Taupe. I was able to try them on in black in a size 7. They fit TTS and have some light padding on the insole. The Taupe is a great neutral color IRL. I ordered the Taupe and the Suede in Wild Berry, one of my favorite J Crew colors.

One other online purchase this morning was the Jardin Skirt in Rich Purple. This is such a vibrant purple. I hope it’s the same IRL.

Any one else want to meet Mona?

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Here are some recent OOTDs.

Loving the Perfect Linen shirts from J Crew. I am taking a 6 in all of them even though my normal size in the perfect shirts is an 8. The Summerweight Bermuda Shorts are my all-time favorite shorts. With the newer styles I take a size 8. The Look Through Wedges had an accident the day I wore these. A piece of wood chipped off! From the front! I think if I dirty that spot up a little it will blend in with the rest of the shoe. This was only the second time to wear them so I am quite disappointed.

Shirt: J Crew Perfect Linen Shirt in Navy, 6
Shorts: J Crew Summerweight Bermuda Shorts (’08) (similar), 6
Shoes: Anthropologie Look Through Wedges, 7

Looking at this picture I think the tee might be the crewneck not v-neck. Either way it is the Vintage Cotton Tee which are another yearly staple for me. The Apothecary skirt has been one of my favorites and I love all the colors through-out it. The shoes were just a bad purchase. They fit weird and the back strap falls down a lot, even though it’s buckled on the last hole. There are just some shoes not meant for “Shoes-day”.

Tee: J Crew Vintage Cotton V-Neck, OPA Orange ?, M
Skirt: Anthropologie Apothecary Skirt, 6
Shoes: Zara Three-Tone Flat Sandal, Sand,37

Another new staple in my summer wardrobe has been linen tees. I have a few from J Crew, which are quite see through. I recommend a tank top underneath. The ones from Zara are thin as well but can be worn without a tank underneath. I love this purple and it goes well with the purple in the Waterlily Floral Soiree Skirt. This skirt, in both colors, has been another happy purchase. Like the Apothecary skirt, there are so many colors in both skirts that sometimes it is hard to pick a top to wear with it. I think I will have brought the CPW of these Tory Burch flip-flops down to mere pennies by the end of the summer.

Tee: Zara Linen T-Shirt, Dark Magenta, S
Skirt: J Crew Soiree Skirt inWaterlily Floral, 6 (in-store sale $59.99)
Shoes: Tory Burch Tortoise Flip-Flops, 7

I have been trying to wear skirts and dresses this summer. They are just so quick and easy to wear and if you find some like the ones above, with many colors in them, you’ll have endless options to pair with them.

Have a great day!