I haven’t been to the J Crew Factory Store in ages. But today, I did a “hand-off” of The Boy to his great-uncle/godfather so he could go to the Longhorn/Tech game. I laughed so hard when my uncle called to tell me The Boy forgot his cell phone in his truck and he had to walk 20 blocks to get it at half-time. He was ranting and raving and all I could say, through my laughter, was “Welcome to the managing-a-teenager club.” But they’re having a great time.

I was able to get to the Factory Store right as it opened. I did a quick walk-through and then started picking out things I have been interested in from the online store. There were lots and lots of sales going on throughout the store. I’ll try to list all the ones I remember or took pics of. I will try to link to all the items I find on-line as well. Let’s get started.

Sequin-Front Tee – UGR, Small, #53120, $88 (plus $10 off sequined tees)
This fits TTS. I should have sized up to a Medium in this. This also came in a cream color which I liked too.

Drapey Sequin 3/4-Sleeve Tee – Black, Small, #53161, $69.50 (plus $10 off sequined tees)
This was a little snug for me in the arms so I tried on a Medium too. I tried on the Retail version of this last year and could feel the stitching of the sequins on the inside of the shirt. This one didn’t bother me so much. It also comes in Heirloom Pink and Dark Pewter. Here’s a link to the short-sleeved tee. It looks the same except for the sleeve length.

Size Medium – Fits a little looser

Tartan Scottie Graphic Tee – Black, Medium, #53244, $34.50 (plus 40% off tees)
Printed Flannel Sleep Pant – Red Dot, Small, #52344, $39.50 (plus 20% off flannel sleep pants)
The tee is so cute and fit TTS. I haven’t bought a graphic tee in a while so I did get this one. The pants are long on me but the fit is great. A medium would have fallen off me. There were lots of colors in-store and they are all online as well.

Sequin Snowflake Tee – Tuscan Olive, Medium, #33137, $45 (plus 20% off tees)
Fits TTS. Cute tee but green snowflakes don’t appeal to me. Plaid pants review is below.

Jackie Cardigan – Deep Poppy, Medium, #14041, $49.50 (plus 40% off cardigans)
I like this “red” color better than the retail Maraschino Cherry.

Cotton Tuxedo Tunic in Check – Dark Charcoal, Small, #33813, $64.50
This size fit great on me. I would not size to my normal Medium. I almost bought it but decided to pass on it not knowing if I would really wear it a lot.

Factory Plush Vest – #61970, $125 (plus 20% off)
I think I also saw this in black in the store. Cute but not my style.

Black Watch Tartan Wool Pant – Blackwatch, 6, #53183, $89.50 (plus 40% off, I think, maybe it was 30%)
Not sure why I tried on the 6 when 8 is my normal pant size. These pull at the hips on me but fit great in the booty and leg. I’d have to get these altered (I’m on my tippy-toes in this pic). I have the retail Cafe’ Capri so these are a pass for me. If you can get to a store with the email coupon these will be a great deal for you.

Plaid Pants – ESPresso, 8, #60967, $89.50
These are an EXACT match for the Cafe Capri in Houndstooth Wool that are currently on sale and which I reviewed here. I checked the tag and it does have a factory tag on it not a retail tag. They fit TTS on me.

Tartan Marvelle Skirt – Black, 6, #54361, $74.50 (plus 30% off skirts)
I’ve been eyeing this skirt online since it first came out. I love my black Marvelle Skirt from last year and was excited to see it in a plaid. But, it is cotton not taffeta like last year’s Marvelle skirt. I would also have liked to try it in a size 8 for just a little more length. It does seem to be popular in-store as there were only 8 left.

Black Watch Tartan Skirt – Blackwatch, 6, #53269, $79.50 (plus 30% off skirts)
I like this skirt and also tried on the 8 for length as well.

Size 8 – Not much of a difference in length. This was sitting on my hips as well.

Fireside Plaid Skirt – Rosy Red, 6, #53742, $79.50 (plus 30% off skirts)
This seems the same as the retail version of this skirt from last year. I think the factory version is not as “leggy” on the pleated side. You can see the retail version on me here.

Taffeta Marvelle Mini – Manchester Purple, 8, #46894, $74.50 (plus 30% off skirts)
This one is not as “poufy” as the retail version (see on me here). I also like this color and, of course, didn’t get it. Wish I had.

Sunnie Pencil Skirt – Gold Multi, 8, #53743, $89.50 ($10 off pencil skirts)
This one is a good material and doesn’t seem cheap. It is not as heavy as the retail version but still has a good weight to it and is lined.

Timber Tweed Pencil Skirt – Bronze, 6, #53734, $89.50 (plus $10 off pencil skirts)
This is another great factory pencil skirt with little bronze flecks throughout. I need another pencil skirt like I need a new pair of shoes…or a hole in my head.

Sequin Velvet Dress – aka “the I’m Kicking Myself Dress” – kick, Kick, KICK! – Black, 6, #55627, $198 (online $178, on sale for $168…in-store promo 30% off of the $198)
Not sure why the pricing is different but I don’t really care because I’m still kicking myself. First off, I don’t know where the velvet is on this dress. There’s no trim or lining in velvet. It is lined though and has a blousey top. This is a pull-over dress, no zippers or buttons. Ugh, this would have been about $110 with the in-store discount and my email coupon. I don’t know when I’ll be back to the store. Why oh freaking why didn’t I get this dress?!?!

Sundrine Shirtdress in Solid Flannel – Heather Elm, 6, #52615, $98 (plus 40% off)
Cute dress and I wore the perfect boots today to try this on with, the Anthropologie Pebbled and Primped boots. This was a great fit, has a drop waist and pockets. I can’t wait to add some tights and wear this.

Factory Suede Ballet Flats – These look just like the Cece Ballet Flats in Oasis Green. $79.50 plus (20% off ballet flats).

Other promos in-store:
Jewelry: 30% off
Hair Accessories: 30% off
Socks: 30% off
Hope these IRL pics help if you’re looking at some online items. I also had the email coupon for 20% off if you spent $125 or more. If you are near a Factory Store I suggest you print out the coupon, which Alexis posted about here on JCA. There are some great deals in-store and with the coupon, it makes the deals even better.
Have a Great evening! I’m off to see Stomp tonight so I need to find something to wear. Shouldn’t be too hard to do, right?

You know I’m not one to shy away from color. That goes for shoes as well. If I feel like I’m wearing something that’s not all that exciting I’ll add an interesting or colorful pair of heels or flats to finish the outfit. That is where the Cece Suede Ballet Flats come in. I have them in both the Sapphire and Wild Berry in a Size 7. They also come in Black, Dusty Cedar, Tropical Green, Aged Driftwood, Navy and Bright Flame.

Description from J Crew: Beautifully styled in sumptuous suede (from Italy, of course). Our designers deliberated over every detail to ensure our ballets are the most comfortable you’ll ever wear, adding more padding, removing the shank and finishing them with an arch-hugging wedge. We think they’ve nailed it. Elasticized topline. Cushioned insole. Man-made lining. Rubber sole.

You can see the color is really vivid, even without the flash from my camera. 
Now, I cannot compare these to the older Cece’s as I don’t have a pair but I can tell you that these are comfortable flats. I reach for ballet flats most of the time during the Fall/Winter/Spring, especially when I have to run a quick errand. These two colors certainly jazz up a pair of jeans and a tee. 
I will say the back of the shoe is higher than most of my other flats and they did rub enough to get a blister the first time I wore the Wild Berry.  I think I’ll be fine from now on but will carry some band-aids just in case I feel it happening again. 

There are also several other Cece Ballet Flats styles:

  • Patent Bow – The Getaway Green is gorgeous!
  • Studded Leather – Even those these are in neutral colors, the studs give the shoe a little “oomph”.
  • Glitter Bow – I know the Glitter sandal was pretty popular this summer so how about a great flat option? Unfortunately I keep missing my size in the Warm Sienna (Size 7 anyone?)
  • Leather or Suede Studded – A little more tone down as only the toe is studded on these.
  • Patent Toe – Check out the Bright Bayberry if you aren’t a fan of a bright color.
  • Metallic Suede – The Metallic Sienna looks like a great neutral.
  • Tweed – If you like menswear, check out the Grey.
  • Leather and Tortoise – I like the tortoise toe on these. And they are also offered in Girls sizes.

Do you have the Cece Ballet Flat? What about the older Cece flat? I’m curious to know if there really is a difference between the two like the description is stating. 

MODERN RED
I completely missed out on the Bubble necklace originally but was lucky enough to find a gray necklace on the JCA Exchange. J Crew has brought this back in Black and Modern Red.

Description from J Crew: We brought it back: the defining J.Crew statement necklace (it’s an icon) in 18K gold electroplated brass with hand-set resin cabochons and beads. Lobster clasp closure. Import. Length: 24″ with a 3″ extender chain for adjustable length.

Here it is IRL. I’m not sure if it is worth the $150 price tag. A pair of shoes or a pencil skirt, definitely. A necklace, umm…not so much. But, the Modern Red color is a gorgeous red. A true red in my opinion. I’ve seen the black in-store as well and it is just as pretty.  I’m on the fence with this one.

HOLIDAY PUNCH
Next up is the Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves, in Holiday Punch.
The chicest way to keep cold weather from getting out of hand, in the softest, most supple Italian napa leather (luxuriously lined with cashmere). 

As soon as I saw this color I had to see it IRL as well. I ordered a size Large, which is a perfect fit. This is such a juicy, vibrant color. It comes in Black, Light Walnut and Celestial Blue, which looks just as gorgeous as the Holiday Punch. Both colors look like they will liven up a nice camel or black winter coat. The leather is soft and supple and the lining is comfortable and cozy.
MARASCHINO CHERRY
Lastly, I have the Cafe’ Capri in Wool in Maraschino Cherry. As soon as this color popped up online I ordered them. They were back-ordered until last week and arrived Tuesday. They come in Black, Yacht Blue, Navy, Baked Citron, Bright Dahlia, Camel and Port Wine. 
I already have these in the Camel and ordered my normal size of 8 in J Crew pants. It was very hard to capture the true color of these pants. I am wearing them with the Juliet heels in Poppy and the Silk Polka Dot Tee. The heels are a bolder red, like the Bubble Necklace. The last picture was the best I could get with my point-and-shoot and standing about 15 feet away, zoomed in and flash on.

What do you think of these reds and pink? Are you interested in the Bubble Necklace this time around? 

YOU GALS!!! TIM GUNN IS COMING!!! TIM GUNN IS COMING!!!

I am beyond excited. What started out as Date Night for me and The Boy tonight turned into a giddy night for me. I found out Tim Gunn…THE TIM GUNN from Project Runway is coming to San Antonio. To MY mall!!!

He is hosting a Fall 2011 Fashion Show with Lucky Brand on October 8 at La Cantera in San Antonio. On top of that, October 6 you can go to an open casting call to possibly be picked to be in the fashion show. AND…if you spend $100 or more you between October 2-8 you “will be professionally photographed with TIM GUNN (!!!) and will receive a personalized signed copy of his NY Times best selling book Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making it Work.” The awesome thing that was said about the casting call is that they are looking for “real San Antonio people”.

I am freaking excited about this. I was unable to to attend FNO due to family priorities but being able to see and/or meet Tim Gunn would be awesome. I think he is so genuine and honest on Project Runway and it would be so amazing to meet him, even for 1 minute.

Now you know I will be spending $100+ at Lucky Brand but I am also going to “Make it work” by going to the open casting call. I tried to convince The Boy but you have to be at least 16 and he’s only 15…boooo! He would have been picked, my handsome, awesome, gray-blue eyed young man. Visit La Cantera online for more information.

And here’s my “Date Night” OOTD.

Sweater: J Crew Seacomb Sweater, Rustic Navy, S
Jeans: J Crew Ankle Toothpick (LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 70 in Navy
Husband thinks I’m completely cuckoo but I don’t care. What do you think?

As soon as I saw the Liquid Silk Skirt online last week I knew I had to get it in the Bright Dahlia. I’m glad I passed on the City Mini in this color since this skirt will easily transition from Fall right into Spring.

Here’s the description from J Crew.
A sleek silhouette with a liquid-like drape in sumptuous silk crepe de chine. The longer length is pure polish—and perfectly of the moment. This is a piece you can—and will—wear with everything. 

Here are the measurements I received for the size 6 and size 8.
Size 6: Waist=30 in, Hips: 48.25 in, Hem: 92 inches around, Length: 27 in
Size 8: Waist=31 in, Hips: 49.25 in, Hem: 93 inches around, Length: 27.25 in

I ordered the Size 8. I could size to the 6 as the 8 was a little loose. The color is true to the online photo. I like the length. I think I could shorten it by 2-3 inches and not mess with the flow of the skirt. Those of you who are taller than me will love the length. 

A little twirl

I’m sure this skirt in the navy is just as beautiful. 
So what do you think of this skirt?