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I ordered a few things from the latest J Crew New Arrivals. Overall, I was under-whelmed, which is probably good because I am ready for the Holiday roll-out. But these items caught my eye and I wanted to share while the 25% off $150 was still going on.

Bonded Wool Varsity Sweater Jacket, Medium, Dusk/Indigo/Garnet – I was able to grab this in the morning at the promo price of $188 before the price went back up later in the day. It was a very last minute, didn’t-think-about-it, add to my cart and I’m so glad I purchased this. My lifestyle is more casual than I would like it to be so vests, lightweight jackets, jeans, etc. are more my Winter Style than pencil skirts, silk shirts and coats. This Sweater Jacket falls into my everyday-wear file.

I grabbed a Medium because I knew I would be layering.

The outside is a bonded lambswool and the inside is lined in a super-soft flannel. I couldn’t stop touching it as it felt so cozy.

Vintage Sweatshirt in Cheers, Small – The size Small fit me well and the sweatshirt is very cozy and comfortable. I don’t think I’d size to my normal Medium as this size seems slouchy enough, so size down one. 

Medallion Tie-Silk Skirt, 8 – This skirt was the first item to catch my eye in the November Style Guide. I was not a big fan of the inverted front-pleat but this print was too pretty to pass up. And I don’t mind the front-pleat at all. This came in Petites as well but due to the length difference (17 1/2 in for Regular, 16  in for /Petites), I stuck with my regular size 8 for mini skirts. 

If the length bothers you grab the Cafe’ Capri in the same print.

The Blue Medallions are on a Black background and I already see many of my Tippi and Cashmere Tees with this skirt.

Lastly, I stocked up on a few scarves from both Women’s and Men’s. 
Cashmere Plaid Scarf, Blue/Grey Plaid – There’s just something about having your neck wrapped in cozy cashmere that makes it feel like Fall/Winter.

Cashmere Double-Faced Plaid Scarf – Cashmere, cozy, plaid on one side, Houdstooth on the other…what more could you want?

Printed Airy Wool Scarf, Burgundy/Navy – I grab the Airy Wool Scarf every year. The colors always seem to go with what I’m buying for that season/year.

What do you think of the latest new arrivals? Waiting for Holiday? Added to your Wishlist? 
Have Great Day!
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Thursday evening was a Birthday Happy Hour for one of our best friends. I haven’t really been feeling up to dressing in anything but jeans this past week but I was determined to dress up some for this. Since it was just slightly cool (not 90s) I decided on the Pixie Pants in Leather Tuxedo Stripe. During the final days of the Instyle25 promo I ordered the Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Ivory in an 8 Petite. This size is the best fit for me as the sleeves weren’t too long and the fit was perfect through the shoulders and arms but just a little closer to the body, as compared to the regular size 8. It seems others agree with me as the 8 Petite is sold out in all colors but Cerise and Black.

I added the Darby Calf Hair Loafers in Leopard, the Mini Compilation Necklace that Gigi reviewed here and my Kate Spade Goreski Glasses Ring that I purchased during September’s 20% off sale. You can now get it for 30% off with FALL13FF.

I was very comfortable in this outfit and it took very little effort. The shoes are lined in leather and oh-so-comfy and the shirt covers all of my booty which is an A+ in my book.
My Talbot’s order came in so be expecting that review over the weekend. 
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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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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!