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Little by little I’m piecing together another, and hopefully FINAL, wardrobe for my trip. This past weekend I was in search of a floppy straw hat. I have a plethora of baseball caps but I knew they wouldn’t do for this trip. Of course, J Crew was my go-to place but I saw plenty of straw hats online at various stores and price points including Forever 21, Kohl’s and Charlotte Russe.

I thought my decision would be easy when I saw the Crocheted Straw Hat at J Crew last week and it has been at the top of my mind when searching online for hats. It helped that J Crew (in-stores) had 25% off all hats last weekend.
Then I saw the Marietta Sunhat in the May Anthropologie Catalog. Now I had to make some decisions. 
Although I think the print on the Marietta Sunhat is darling it does look a little more delicate than the Crocheted Straw Hat. Also, my store did not have it so I was unable to see it IRL. The 25% off hats promo was still going on at J Crew and the price was lower than I originally remembered ($68 vs $45). 
I love the coloring on it and was preferring to a darker hat as opposed to the lighter straw. The brim is nice and wide and will cover all of my face and neck and some of my shoulders. 
What do you think of the Crocheted Straw Hat? Do you have a straw hat you use during the summer? 
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Thanks everyone for all the comments on my Straw Handbag post. I will be keeping the Brompton as it has more featues I like than the Leslie. I think because I have the larger Brompton it somewhat swayed me. But the more neutral Brompton along with the ease of opening it works better for me and my lifestyle right now. I’ll look at the Leslie again in a different color/material in the future. Also, I think, as Ema suggested, I’ll take it to my cobbler (who’s also my cousin!) to add “feet” to it. 

And speaking of feet (I know, corny segway)…I am a fan of espadrilles, both flats and wedges. I saw the Soludos for J Crew Dali Espadrilles and Classic Espadrilles pop up on the site a few weeks ago. It looks like a nice little collaboration for a cute summer shoe. And the price is great!

From the website: When Manhattanite Nick Brown couldn’t find espadrilles like the canvas classics he wore during childhood summers in England, he jumped at the chance to fill the void stateside. Based on the traditional espadrilles that have been sold in the markets and on beaches in the Mediterranean for centuries, Soludos – the name is a mash-up of the Spanish wors “salud” (cheers) and “sol” (sun) – stay true to the originals, with a few modern twists for added comfort. From the eco-friendly jute used for the soles – not too hard, not too soft – to the pure cotton fabric (in four exclusive colors you won’t find anywhere but J. Crew), Soludos are built to let your fee breathe even on the hottest summer days.

The Dali Espadrilles are solid and come in Neon Peach, Bright Spearmint, Lemon Zest and White. I chose the Spearmint as I have been wanting something mint-colored for summer for a while. According to the Soludos website, the Dali is named after Salvador Dali, the whimsical artis who would wear espadrilles while meandering the streets of his hometown Barcelona. There are some other great colors on the Soludos website including a Grape that looks like the J Crew Bright Dahlia color, my fav!
The Classic Espadrilles are Navy White Stripe and RedWhite Stripe. I really couldn’t decide between the red and the navy as I always gravitate towards Navy and the Red is a great strong color but I chose Navy as it goes with more in my closet. 
As far as fit, these come in Whole European sizes and mine is a 37. I gravitate between a 6 1/2 and 7 in various brands, J Crew included. The European 37 fit well and wasn’t too tight or narrow for me. I’ll have to report back on comfort but as far as trying them on they felt really good. 
What do you think of the Soludos? Have you tried them? 
Have a Great day!
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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?

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**This post will be text and image heavy.

Who wants to see a few images from the January catalog? I was able to get one while in the store yesterday, where it is down to slim pickin’s, let me tell ya. Even the full price items were running a bit bare. It was the same at Anthropologie. I wasn’t able to scan this and had to use my camera so the colors aren’t as bright as they appear in the catalog.

Garment-Dyed Twill: #62443, $108 – Festival Green, Blue Grotto, Light Citron, Bright Papaya, Neon Persimmon

Ankle Stretch in Classic Rinse: #46240, $125

Ankle Stretch in White Denim: #59424, $98
You’ve seen me in the Light Citron here. I am not sure if the Warm Jade will be an in-store only or will show up later in the month online. I caught a glimpse of the Bright Papaya in-store and it looks like a great color for my skin tone.

Ripplestitch Sweater in Stripe: #62111, $88 – Ruby/Chalk, Shallow Sea/Navy, Navy/Chalk, Heather Grey/Navy
Cutler and Gross Round Sunglasses Collection: #52953, $495
Toothpick Jean in Festival Green
Jayne T-Strap Ballet Flats: #57117 – Bronzed Beige, Black
Tillary Purse: #63033, $148 – Warm Sienna, Collegiate Green, Dark Poppy
The Ripplestitch Sweater description states: ‘Like daughter, like mother. Due to popular demand, we took one of our most popular crewcuts sweaters and updated it just for you.’
The Jayne T-Strap Flats look very cute and the t-strap seems to have some sort of embellishment on it.

Keeper Chambray Popover: #44875, $78
Pleated A-Line Skirt in Ashbury Floral: #61602, $198, Silk, Fully lined – Bright Blue
Biella Metallic Penny Loafers
You’ve seen me in the Perfect Shirt and Jules Dress in this print. It doesn’t state the length of the skirt but it looks to be a midi.

High-Waisted Buckle Short: #60118, $68 – Shadow
Cashmere Shell & Cardigan in Heather Henna
Tillary Purse – Collegiate Green
Bubble Necklace (It’s back in more colors!): #92687, $150 – Turquoise
More colors of the ever popular Bubble Necklace. I am loving the Tillary Purse in Green too!

No. 2 Pencil Skirt
-Double-Serge Cotton: #59369, $110 – Natural, Citron, Black, Warm Jade, Casablanca Blue
-Basket-Weave Tweed: #63598, $128 – Grass Green, Marine Blue

-Waterfloral Collection: #60160, $228 – Glamour Pink
Now, I need another pencil skirt like I need a new pair of shoes but if I had to pick only one thing I would grab the cotton in Warm Jade. It speaks to me and is saying “AudreyBella, buy me first.”

The Downtown Field Jacket: #19034, $148 – Mossy Brown, Black
Cashmere V-Neck Sweater: Heather Blush
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Basket-Weave Tweed: Grass Green
Viv Flats: Henna
Edie Purse
Shrunken Fisherman Sweater: #41313, $88 – Beechwood, Cerise, Byzantine Blue
Minnie Pant in Stretch Twill: #18850, $79.50
Bubble Necklace: Either Coral or Papaya
Drea Patent Peep-Toe Pump: #64452, $198 – Neon Peach 
The Shrunken Fisherman Sweater was one of my favorites from the early Fall. I had the Beechwood in my closet for several months and just wore it recently with my Navy Flair Skirt. Absolutely love it. Now, I can’t wait for the Byzantine Blue. I’d love to find it in White. Maybe that will be brought back later in the Spring.
So the Drea Peep-Toe Pumps are not quite the Joley Peep-Toe but the colors look gorgeous. I have a Kate Spade pump in a similar color of the Byzantine Blue but I’d love to see the Neon Azalea. 

Drea Patent Peep-Toe Pump: #64452, $198 – Neon Peach, Wild Mushroom, Casablanca Blue, Black, Neon Azalea 

Lucca Suede Sandals: #37224, $198 – Apricot Mist, Heritage Green, Soft Fuchsia, Navy, Espresso
Jackie Pullover: #65341, $65 – Canvas, Creamy Peach, Byzantine Blue, Warm Jade, Bright Violet, Vibrant Flame, Navy, Black
So the Jackie is coming in a pullover. I guess the popularity of the Tippi Sweater convinced TPTB to bring it in a cotton. The Warm Jade and the Canvas would be my first two picks.
The Tillary Collection
Bucket Bag: #63024, $198 – Warm Sienna, Dark Poppy (no Green! boo hoo!)
Purse: #63033, $148 – Warm Sienna, Collegiate Green, Dark Poppy
The Bucket Bag reminds me of the (and I’m dating myself) Dooney and Burke buckets that were so popular waaaaay back when. I love the green and wish it came in the bucket bag. The red looks very striking as well. I’d love to see it IRL.
Café Capri
Solid: #57064, $79.50 – Warm Jade, Casablanca Blue, Black, Natural, Desert
Italian Basket-Weave Collection: #60162, $228 – Glamour Pink – It’s on Net-a-Porter here.
Green is my favorite color if you haven’t guessed and this Warm Jade looks amazing. I really can’t wait to see it IRL. I’ve only see the Casablanca Blue in-store so far. 
Blythe Blouse in Silk: #37871, $98 – Alabaster, Neon Azalea, Maraschino Cherry, Fiesta Purple, Royal, Black
Café Capri in Italian Basket-Weave
Tillary Bucket Bag: Dark Poppy
I wish I could have captured a better image of the Bucket Bag in Dark Poppy. It looks to be a gorgeous red in the catalog. I hope it’s the same IRL.
Jules Dress in Waterfloral Collection: #60743, $285 – Glamour Pink
Biella Patent Loafers
The description says this Jules Dress is in the basket-weave cotton, like the Café Capri and No. 2 Pencil skirt in this print. This print looks amazing and almost tie-dye-ish.
Of course, this isn’t the entire catalog and only looks to be a glimpse of what Resort/Spring 2012 will bring. I’m not sure when we will see these, if it’s tomorrow or in a few weeks. There were Classic ballet flats and Cece ballet flats in various bright colors. Shorts and button-down shirts in new Spring colors too.  
What do you think of the new items? 

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I haven’t taken advantage of any of the J Crew-palooza promos since Cyber-Monday. But with today’s 30% off online and in-store I decided to stop in and make an exchange and see what new arrivals there might be. There were some bright new items for the Spring 2012 Collection. I was really excited to see new colors of the Tippi sweater. You’ll see three of them below. I tried my best to capture the truest color of everything but without the right light it was a little difficult.

Tippi Sweater – #46725, SGR (something Green), M, $72.50 – Love this color! I couldn’t pass up the 30% off so this one came home with me.

Truer to the real color

Tippi Sweater – #46725, NAZ(Neon Azalea), M, $72.50 – This is a great color too and not as bright as the Blythe in this color.

Floral Perfect Shirt – #60715, BBL, 8, $88, 57% Cotton/43% Silk – The texture reminds me of the Rose Vines Perfect Shirt. I do like it with the Neon Azalea Tipp and it looks good with the other Tippi below.

Jules Dress in Floral – #61607, BBL, 6, $188, 100% Silk/100% Acetate Lining – On the hanger this print is a lot to take in. But once you get it on it’s not so bad. I love that it’s 100% Silk.

Stripe Sweater Dress – I tried this on here and this one is the size Small. I decided to exchange the original Medium for the Small. It fits better and will probably stretch a bit.

Tippi Sweater –  #46725, LBL (something Blue, maybe Lagoon?), M, $72.50
Collection Striped Silk Tunic – #56512, FGR (something Gray), 8, $128 – This size was big on me but I didn’t have the chance to try on the 6.
Ankle Toothpick Jean in Garment-Dyed Twill – #62443, LCI (Light Citron), 30 – These jeans are so comfortable and soft and bright! But they do show things you might not want shown (dimples and extra things and stuff). Not sure if the Blue Grotto will be the same. The Neon Persimmon looks like a good color too.

Such a pretty color for Spring!

Closest pic to the true color.

Stretch Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe – # 44175, SUN (Sunflower), 8 – I like it tone-on-tone with the jeans.

City Mini in Blackwatch Plaid- #62440, BLA (Blackwatch), 6 – This must have been just an in-store only release. Cute and there weren’t many left in the store. But I was able to snag the Schoolboy Blazer in Blackwatch Tartan on sale plus the 30% off so I passed on the skirt.

What do you think of some of these Spring items? I am really liking the Tippi colors and you’ll be seeing the green on me soon.