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Another great Collection item I was able to purchase was the Collection Schoolboy Blazer in Tipped Linen before the promo ended. Now, I have my lovely 95 Cent Blazer scored from Nordstrom Rack that I have worn quite a bit since purchasing. But a Linen Blazer was next on my list to buy.

This blazer does not disappoint and I only wish I was as eloquent and knowledgeable as xoxo to be able to describe this better. The linen is very lightweight and has biased-striped ribbon tipping. The tipping looks almost like seersucker. There area a few differences between this blazer and the non-Collection Tipped Linen Schoolboy. The buttons are flat on this blazer as opposed to crested buttons. The pockets are tipped and the tipping does not go all the way around the edge of the blazer.

This fits very well, though the sleeves are a little long on me. A size down would have been too tight in the shoulders and this does not come in Petites. I’ll probably just fold the cuffs anyway like I do my Schoolboy Herringbone Blazer from last year. 

The blazer is also partially lined in a striped Viscose/Poly material.

This blazer is definitely a keeper and I am so happy I took the plunge at the last minute with the promo. I’m sure my Brown Sancho is getting really tired of delivering to me this week. This is one piece going to NYC with me this Summer. 

What do you think of the Collection Schoolboy Blazer? Do you think it’s “Collection-worthy”? I know J Crew seems to be adding the “Collection” word to most everything lately.

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I really was happy with the last J Crew roll-out. There were so many pieces I really wanted. The 25%/30% off helped take the sting out of the higher prices so that I could at least try them IRL.

Today, I have the Collection Silk Shantung Dress, Sz 8, in Navy. This is a beautiful dress that also comes in Pale Citrus and Ivory. Because the description stated “Straight Silhouette” I didn’t want to chance this dress in a size 6. I think I chose the right size (Jules dress size) in the 8. The sleeves are just loose enough. The hips have about an inch on either side. The chest and waist could be taken in just ever so slightly but overall, I really love it. I mean really REALLY love it. Maybe more than the Punk Floral Dress.

 

The dress has a shirt-tail hem, with the back slightly longer than the front.

With the Flower Lattice Necklace

The material is a Silk/Cotton blend. It’s thick enough that it feels like there is a lining sown in but there actually isn’t. I almost put a hole in the dress (oops) trying to pull it apart to check. Take your normal dress size unless you are a little hippy. Then take the larger of your two sizes.

I found some shoes that would be amazing with this dress.

Jimmy Choo Volt –  The color is swoon-worthy. And the heel is a contrasting pale lilac.

Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Butterfly –  Whimsical but still a Manolo.

Manolo Blahnik Colter Snakeskin & Patent Pumps – The navy patent toe and the purple leather strap are amazing. This would definitely step up the Ivory dress.
Kate Spade Licorice Heel in Hologram – Though I prefer the fit of the Karolina over the Licorice, I think this one would be great paried with the Light Citrus dress.
What do you think of the Silk Shantung Dress? Going to wait for a sale?
Have a Great Evening! 
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For Gigi…I hope I do you proud with this SmAcKdOwN.

I purchased the Classic Enamel Link Bracelet in White during the promo last week. The evening before, I started looking on ebay for something similar. Since I couldn’t see the twin immediately I purchased the J Crew version. 

That evening I started trolling ebay again because I knew I could find something similar…and cheaper. That led me to etsy. There are many sellers out there with the same bracelet so it takes a little time to find the one for you. Mine happened to have a sale going on and I was able to get the bracelet for $18 plus shipping. Most sellers average around $22 which is still a great price. 
So…let the SmAcKdOwN commence! 
Which one is the etsy bracelet and which is the J Crew version?
Can you tell between the two now?
OK…now you can tell, right?

The J Crew version was the one on top in each image. In the first image, you really can’t tell the difference. In the second, you can see that the circle where you clasp the bracelet is different. The JC version is a little smaller and thicker. Of course, the last image has the JC price tag on it.

The JC bracelet is a bit heavier than the etsy version weighing (of course I weighed them) 3 ounces. The etsy version weighs 2.2 ounces. In hand you can feel the difference in weight. They even sound different. I am very happy with my etsy version that I bought the Mint and Black colors too. 

You can also find them in Pink, Turquoise, and a light Tan/Beige. I’m on the lookout for Navy and Red Enamel bracelets now. There are resin versions of these so it will depend on what you prefer to obtain the color and material you want. I know there are some of you out there who will prefer the JC option but, for me, the cheaper etsy version is better. I hardly wear jewelry as it is so I am trying my best to change that when I do leave the house…like a reverse Coco Chanel, if you will. Instead of taking one thing off before I leave the house, I put one more piece on. 
Hope you enjoyed the SmAcKdOwN! 
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As promised, here are the rest of my reviews, just in case you are needing a push over the edge to make a purchase before the promo ends.

Cafe’ Trouser in Cotton, Petite 8 – I am so happy I listened to WFF. The fit of these pants is amazing. The Petite 8 is the perfect fit, though I will need to have them hemmed. These are apparently a 30 inch inseam but I think they are probably a little longer. I’m wearing my highest platform heels with these pants and still they come exactly right to the ground.

Yep, das my booty…(I despise booty shots.)
These are a definite LOVE! Though they are now back-ordered until July, I ended up ordering the Black and Navy today. I should have ordered another pair in Desert to have them shortened to wear with flats.
Silk-Wool Punk Floral Skirt, 8 – Loved this skirt when I received it yesterday and even when I originally tried it on and look in the mirror. Now that I see it on, in pictures, I will sadly have to return it. It’s way too poofy though the length is perfect. I probably could have sized to a 6 in this and worn it at my natural waist. The 8 sits just above my hips. The silk-to-wool ratio is more wool than silk as compared to the Deco Shirred Skirt I have which is more silk than wool. The more wool makes the skirt a little thicker but not overly heavy.
Swoop Dress in Tropical Guava, 6 – I really am digging the Swoop Dress, though I’m on the fence about this color. I do think it’s great for Summer. The fit is perfect. This also comes in Petite and Tall, if you are questioning the length at all. I ended up ordering the Turquoise Reef to see if I like that color more than this one.
Lastly is the Cece Suede Ballet Flat, 7, in Bright Pomegranate. Hands down the Cece Ballet Flats are my favorites; even over the TB Revas! Yes, I said it. These are a bright orange but I love them! Looks like I’ve just added another colorway to my growing Collection.
Now I need to decide what I am really going to keep and what needs to be returned. Like I said earlier this morning, I am a huge fan of this roll-out and prefer the late Spring and Summer offerings for most all retailers.
Have a Great Evening!
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I am a huge fan of the latest J Crew roll-out. The Punk Floral pattern has me obsessed. The Swoop Dress is probably my favorite with the Bikini, Skirt and Blouse close behind.

Swoop Dress in Punk Floral, 6 – I ordered this dress immediately in a size 8, as I knew it would sell out and wasn’t sure if my store would have any left by the time I got there a few days later. When I did stop in my PS held a 6 for me. I am happy she did as that is the better size for me. The 8 is too big throughout.

Swoop Top in Punk Floral, 8 & No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Navy/White Stripe, 6 – My Store Manager suggested I try this on backwards. I loved the look so much I forgot to take a picture! The back is held together by a tiny amount of thread and with this blouse being pull-over that will come apart quickly. I would add a little snap button to the back, a Cami and reverse the top. When I finally turned it around I was a little disappointed. I really liked it on backwards. The Pencil Skirt was a good fit but I don’t need another pencil skirt.
Pleated Short in Seersucker, 8 & Embroidered Eyelet Tank, S – My favorite short style and in Seersucker…Yes Please! The tank is lovely and comfortable. I don’t know why I didn’t try it until now. It will go with quite a bit in my closet. The Small fit well. I’m sure the Medium might have been a touch looser but probably would have worked too.
Double-Crepe Skirt, 6 – A cute skirt but I am just not interested in a Poly blend skirt. It gets hot enough here in South Texas, I don’t need anything I wear helping that heat. Make it in Cotton, Linen or Silk and you have my interest.

Unknown Cotton Dress in Geometric Print, 8 – This is not online and it also came in a solid blue color, similar to the Regal Blue offered in the Linen dress below. I couldn’t even zip the 6 past my rib cage. The 8 fits well in the waist but is loose on top and possible too poofy on bottom. This is a very sturdy cotton and I believe it is lined. It has pockets so that’s a plus.

Linen Cap-Sleeve Dress, 8 – Cap-sleeve goes over the shoulder just slightly, right? This is a sleeveless dress. It fit well from the chest down but not above. The shirring made the dress too loose above the chest to the shoulders. 
Indigo Dot Short, 6 – I was not expecting to like these shorts but the linen-cotton blend makes them very comfortable. I was also able to size down to a 6 in these.
Perfect Shirt in Cross-hatch Linen, 8 & Postcard Mini in Textured Stripe, 8 – Did I really need another Linen button-down? No, of course not. But, I wear these all summer long with shorts, skirts, a bathing suit cover-up so it was a no-brainer to purchase. Now the mini surprised me. It’s cute and bright and right up my alley for summer. I’ll wait for a sale on this one.
Postage Stamp Mini in Embroidered Neon Floral, 8 – This is another skirt I was not expecting to love. It’s super-bright but it goes well with the Linen shirt. The online image color is toned down a lot. Other than the Swoop dress, this was the one other item I didn’t want to take off. The only deterrent about this skit is that it is lined in Poly and the lining is sown into the hem so replacing it would be cumbersome.

I have a few more items arriving today so I hope to get those images and reviews up later. I was able to order the Silk-Wool Punk Floral Skirt, the Cece Suede in Pomegranate, the Swoop Dress in Tropical Guava and the Cafe’ Trouser in Petite, based off Well Fed Fred’s review. Later this weekend I have a review/SmAcKdOwN a la Gigi of the Classic Enamel Link Bracelet in White and one (of the many) I found on Etsy, for $50 less!

Have a Great Day! Talk to you Soon!