Here are a few other items I tried on at the B&M last week.

Linen Cable-Knit Sweater – $79.50, Sz S, #71617, Caribbean Green – This is quite a lovely lightweight linen sweater but does run a size smaller than your normal size. I didn’t even try the Medium because just holding it up it look big. The Caribbean Green is perfect green for the Spring and the Navy is also quite saturated, IMO. I’ve paired it with the Matchstick Jean in Starlight Wash ($108, Sz 29R, #50499). I really liked these jeans. They have a little stretch to them and feel really nice on. It won’t really matter whether I get the Short or Regular as I’ll have to hem either one. I’m not in the market for jeans right now but I would consider these on sale.

Colorblock Stripe Boatneck Tee – $45, Sz S, #73911, Neon Pink Chalkboard – This fits like the other Boatneck and Vintage Bateau Tees. I need a size Medium to be comfortable in it. I liked the Navy Kiwi colorway more than the pink.

Striped Maxi Skirt – Sz S, possibly $79 – Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the tag for this skirt but I love it. It’s comfortable and the Small was the perfect fit and length for me. My guess is that this is an in-store only skirt.

Cotton Shift Dress – $148, Sz 8, #64991, RLE Retro Lemon – This is a cute little dress but may not work for taller ladies as the length is hitting about two inches above my knee. This is not online and I was told this will come in a pink colorway as well.

City Mini in Linen – $79.50, Sz 6, #64032, Neon Azalea – I was tempted to get the 9-inch Chino Short but I love the skirt more. I think I’ll wear it more. I tried on the size 8 for more length but since this is meant for warm weather a little more leg to show will be fine in the size 6. It comes in Navy, Ivory and Lemon Zest, which is much brighter IRL than online.

Raindrop Lace Tee – $110, Sz 6, #68394, Neon Azalea – Since my store did not receive the Navy color I tried on the Neon Azalea to determine size. The size 6 is a great fit and I’ll add the Navy to my wishlist.

Elinor Dress – $138, Sz 6, #72114, Cerise – I tried this on only because I was intrigued by the Elinor Dress in Polka Dot. This is too similar, for me, to the Cecelia Dress from last year and I am afraid I’ll snag this pretty cotton/linen dress.

I did get the Linen Cable-Knit Sweater in the Caribbean Green and may go back for the Navy. I’ll wait for a sale on the Raindrop Lace Tee but do hope the Striped Maxi Skirt is still in stock at the store when I go back. 
Unfortunately, the cotton Cafe’ Capris do not work for me at all. The size 6 is too tight in the booty and the size 8 is way too big in the front. I think the 8 Petite might be the best size for me but skirts and dresses are much more summer friendly for my area weather. It’s too bad because I wanted the Bright Dahlia since I love my wool Lolli pants.
What has caught your eye from the March roll-out?

A red pencil skirt has been one of those “unicorn” items on my closet wishlist. You know, the item you desperately want/need/have-to-have that will stay in your closet for years to come. It could be the perfect polka-dot dress, amazing Leopard print heels/pumps, or that LBD that fits like it was made for you no matter if you gain a little or lose a little weight.

I had a few specific criteria for this skirt. I wanted cotton or a lightweight silk, not wool or linen as that would limit the times I could wear it; a pencil or a-line shape and a true red color. J Crew is great at bold colors but I haven’t found a true true red in their color options. Modern Red, Cerise, Poppy, even Maraschino Cherry – all of these are a shade of red but not the true red I have been looking for.

Now, for Spring/Summer 2012, enter “Chili”. In the February 2012 catalog, we saw the Schoolboy Blazer in Herringbone in the Chili color. Well, in the March Catalog and in my local B&M this week arrived the Ultra Eyelet Pencil Skirt in Navy and Chili. Ladies, I have found a unicorn.

This skirt fits TTS as I am wearing a size 6. The length is just below the knee, which is perfect. And the color, well, it’s the red I’ve been looking for. I so like the eyelet and will be able to wear it Spring/Summer and early Fall.

And here are some Polyvore options I already have in my closet.
Red Eyelet Pencil Skirt

Do you have a “unicorn” you are searching for?

Hi all! Hope you had a great weekend! I was able to fit in a personal shopping appointment on Saturday, the day before Husband was due home. I had all afternoon to spend trying on the newest collection for Spring. I tried on quite a bit and came home with only one item.

Jules Dress in Fanfare – #70216, 8, Black – I have a lot of love for the Jules Dress. I feel it is so effortless and chic. This “fanfare” print looks to be THE print of the season as it is on everything from dresses to pants to shorts to swimwear. The “8” fit well but I also tried on the “6”, below. That size wasn’t such a tight fit this time. I would probably add a pop of pink underneath the dress or with my Cece Suede Ballet Flats.

Size 6

And a “sit-down” shot. I wanted to remind myself how the length was and how much fabric gathered at the waist. You’ll see what I mean with another dress below.

Lillian Dress in Watercolor Floral – #73878, 8, Admiral Blue – This was one of the items I was very excited to try on and was happy to see it in the store. Unfortunately, this dress does not work for me. It fits very well in the upper portion (shoulders/arms/bust) but the bottom has too much fabric. This hit me just below the knee so I feel the length was good, especially for a non-casual dress. But as you will see with the sit-down shot below there is way too much fabric bunching up. It does have pockets so that is a plus but, overall, this is a pass for me.  

Blythe Blouse in Silk – #37871, 8, Royal Blue – This color is amazing. I love the blues this season. This is so vibrant and just plain gorgeous in silk. Unfortunately, the Blythe Blouse is not for me. It fits in the upper area but there is too much fabric starting at the bust down to the hem. I really need a “6” but it’s just a little too snug for me. I really wish I could wear this blouse, as I love this color.

Postage Stamp Mini in Confetti Tweed – #64052, 10, Confetti – Normally I would wear an “8” in minis but this was all that was left in the bigger sizes. The “10” is big on me and you can see where it hits me as far as length. I was wearing this at my hips too so this is probably 16 inches in length. This skirt has lots of colors in it and I think it would be very versatile, I just wish it came in a pencil skirt. I would buy that.

The sit-down..the “8” would probably ride up a little higher.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Gardenshade Floral – #64008, 6, Admiral Blue – This is a great alternative to the dress version of this print and goes well with the Blythe Blouse in Royal Blue. This is my normal pencil skirt size and it fits just like all the others. I would consider it on sale with a promo since I don’t have an immediate need for any more pencil skirts.

Fanfare Short – #69899, 8, Classic Navy – So first impression of this short on the hanger is that it looked HUGE. I knew it was the print that was causing that illusion. These fit well but I think I could have sized to a 6. We’ll see in another 7 pounds.

Rugby Stripe Dress – #67139, M, Navy Grotto – This is a great casual, every day dress though I think some of you taller ladies may find this too short. In comparison to the Maritime Dress I’d say this is a little thinner in material and smaller. I wear a “S” in the Maritime and this was pulling a little in the shoulders/chest.
Classic Merino Cardigan – #65370, M, Cerise – This is what my PS gave me to pair the dress with. I like the colors together and the Merino Cardigan is such a nice lightweight staple to carry you through Spring.

Another item I was very very excited to try on was the Crinkle Chiffon Skirt – #72299, 6, Warm Peacock. Alas, I was very very disappointed in this skirt. The waist band is grosgrain ribbon with no give what-so-ever. I barely got this hooked and zipped. It’s sitting at the smallest part of my waist area. The length is well below my knee but not quite to midi length. Also, I was hoping the color would be a little more vibrant and not so dull looking. It reminded me a lot of the Jardin Skirt, which I take an 8 in. I’m so sad I have to pass on this skirt but I can imagine the skirt would snag easily.

Size 8, Navy – Still no better in the waist area. It is now sitting at my natural waist but it is still snug. It also got wider and longer.

5-inch Chino Short – #68925, 8, Neon Pink – I totally missed out on this color and the yellow last year so it was nice to see this color come back. I am starting to shy away from the 3 & 5-inch shorts but this color and the Lemon Zest comes in the 7-inch Chino Short and 9-inch Chino Short

Scalloped Sateen Skirt – #63860, 6, Royal Violet – This size fit a little small on me. It’s a cute skirt and the color is more purple in person.

Boatneck Popover – #64784, M, Apricot/Navy – This sweater really surprised me. I really was not expecting to like it so much. It’s a little on the thick side but not in a smothering kind of way. I really like both colors too, although I didn’t try on the Cerise Mist. This runs big IMO and I would size down to a Small.

Skirt in Shadow, 8 – This fit a little better but gave me no extra length.

Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb – #72214, 8, Red – This is another item that surprised me. I liked it from the catalog but thought it would be too kitschy for any time other than February. I can totally see this under a cardigan or blazer; open with the sleeves rolled up and a tee underneath. See the many ways Ema has styled it.

Here’s what I was not expecting from this shirt. 1) The silk is soft and very comfortable. 2) It really does read easy-to-wear once you try it on. 3) The “8” ran a little big on me and I could probably size down to a “6”. Is it worth FP? Maybe, especially since I don’t think this will make it to a promo. I expect this shirt to sell, quickly. I hope I’m wrong because I want this.

Denim Short in Faded Indigo – #75648, 31, Faded Indigo – So both my PS and I had no idea how these ran so I tried on this size. These were at least two sizes too big, maybe even three. These fit like boyfriend jeans/shorts. I bought a similar pair at the Factory Store in a darker wash for wear around the house and pool.

High-Waisted Buckle Short – #60118, 8, Shadow – Even though these are high-waisted I wish they were an inch or two longer. But they are very cute and fit very well and tailored. And they look great with the Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb.

Schoolboy Blazer in Herringbone – #37852, 8, Neon Pink – I was very happy to see this color in my store. I wish they had gotten the Chili colorway too but that won’t be for a few weeks or so. This is my normal size in blazers and it fits very well. I love love this color and it looks great with both the High-Waisted  Buckle Short and the Windowpane Scarf. The pink is bright but not neon-y pink.

Paintbox Floral Cardigan – #65521, M, Casablanca Blue – Cute cardigan. Reminds me of Anthro.
Polly Popover in Stripe Crepe de Chine – #72387, 8, Green Navy – I like green and navy together. This shirt ran big, IMO and I would size down to a 6 if I bought it. But I do have a new Loft cardigan in this same colorway that I feel is more versatile, since it’s a cardi.

I like it with the shorts.

Fanfare Tunic – #68128, S, Blue Orchard – A lovely beach cover-up in the Fanfare print. This fit TTS, as I find most of the cover-ups run big.

Fanfare Popover – #68397, M, Classic Navy – Another shirt that looks great with the shorts. I love that it’s navy and not black. I wish the Jules Dress was in Navy as I prefer this colorway better. This fit TTS.

And with the Schoolboy Blazer. So cute.

Wow! That was a lot. I hope these reviews help, especially those of you who are more my size/build. My store had the Cafe’ Capri in Morse Code Jacquard but not in my size or a size down so I was unable to get a fit on those. See more reviews on Shop with M herehere and here,  Ema, AppGal and DaniBP

Oh, and what did I get, you wonder? The Jules Dress of course, in the size 6. It was the only thing I really liked after the disappointing fit of the Crinkle Chiffon Skirt and the Lillian Dress.

Have a Great Evening!

A lovely little J Crew box came Monday from my favorite brown Sancho. A few items that I didn’t mind paying full price for and a non-final sale sweater.

Jardin Skirt – Tropical Cove, 8 – I knew I was going to get this skirt in this color, it was just a matter of when. The Jardin Skirt is one of my favorites from 2011 and this color of blue is so lovely, I can’t seem to get enough of it, as you’ll see below.

9″ Chino Short – Bright Green, 8 – I always get at least one of the new colors of the 9″ or Bermuda shorts each year. This is the same color as the Boardwalk Cargo Short from last year. Such a pretty green and I quite like it with my dots I wore Monday.

French Dove Graphic Tee – Casablanca Blue, M – Again, my new favorite blue color. This has an embroidered red heart at the bottom of the tee.

Fisherman Sweater – Byzantine Blue, M – I have this in Beechwood from 2011 and love it. I hope this color is in my store because though the Medium fits, I would like to try the Small. I did get this with the 30% off, since it was moved to a promo price of $78 last week. You can now get it with the 40% off, since it is still on promo. It was removed from promo this morning. Hope some of you were able to get it yesterday.

Have you tried any of these items?

Here are just a few images, expanded from the posts by Slastena and Alexis, from the February catalog. This is not the whole catalog but just some items that intrigued me. I have no idea when any of these items will be showing up in-store or online.

Cashmere Waffle Cardigan
Cashmere Plaited Sweatshirt
Candy Confetti Tweed Skirt

No. 2 Pencil Skirt – l to r: Warm Jade, Basketweave Grass Green, Citron, Light Rose, Gardenshade Floral in Admiral Blue, Casablanca Blue, Fanfare in Blue Orchard, Natural, Basketweave Marine Blue, Black

I thought this was a dress at first but it’s actually a Boy Shirt and Jardin Skirt. Don’t you love it? It would have been nice to see this in a dress like the Blythe Shirtdress but with short-sleeves.
Heart Throb Collection: Silk Boy Shirt #72214, $135; Pleated Jardin Skirt #64011, $128
Martina Calf Hair Wedges

Classic Merino Cardigan
Sequin Cami #52184, $420 in Pale Aloe & Azalea
Basketweave Tweed Short #64002, $79.50

The Café Capri: Black, Bright Dahlia, Waterfloral in Glamour Pink, Natural, Desert, Warm Jade, Fresco Floral Sateen in Midnight Green (#60162, $228), Casablanca Blue, Navy, Morse Code Jacquard in Midnight Ivory (#67544, $118)
The Fresco Floral Sateen Midnight Green print also comes in a Peplum Top #66184, $350. We saw it in the Spring Preview.

Ripplestitch Sweater, No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Sequins #52186, $695 in Azalea and Caribbean Green. We’ve seen this skirt (or something very similar) on Jenna.

Heels! Lots of styles and colors.
Mona: Oxford, Dreamweaver in Black/White, Adobe/Champagne, Cobalt/Tan (#64481, $278), Leather (new Golden Sunflower and Brocade Blue), Suede, Patent
Evie Fleurette Peep Toe
Drea Patent Peep Toe
Drea Leopard Patent Peep Toe
Evei Striped Peep Toe

Jules Dress in Fanfare, color Black, #70216, $188

Ballet Flats
Classic Leather, Cece Suede, Quorra, Dreamweaver, Cece Studded, Mila Snakeskin Toe Cap (next image, top row on the end), Lula Patent Leather, Cece Leather, Classic Metallic Leather, Mila (Neon Peach, Last row, 2nd), Lula Metallic, Lula Bow

Loving the new Schoolboy Blazer in Chili and Neon Pink
Schoolboy Blazer: Wool-Navy #28233, $198; Herringbone-Casablanca Blue, Aged Driftwood, Bright Sun, Neon Pink, Chili #38984, $175; Chambray-Cool Blue (third from top) #70611, $158

My favorite of the catalog.
Crinkle Chiffon Skirt #72299, $118 – Sharp Pink Warm Peacock, Navy
Lined and also comes in Petites #74118

Lillian Dress in Watercolor Floral: color Admiral Blue #73878, $198

Perfect Shirts in a variety of colors, gingham and Liberty Prints.

What do you think of what’s to come for February?