/ Reviews

I went matchy color again in pink with this next outfit.

~ Rhodes Blazer in Italian Wool, Wild Flamingo, size 8 ~
~ Margot Top in Airy Cotton Pique’, size 8 ~
~ Mini Skirt in Pink Houndstooth, size 8 ~

These images do not do the Wild Flamingo color justice. It is so nice and bright IRL. Compared to the Lexington Blazer I have in a similar color, the Lexi is just a little duller. The blazer runs TTS and since there is a Petite offering I would get the 10 Petite. The buttons are gold metal, very lightweight and cheap. But we already knew that. No Lexi buttons on these blazers any more. There are matching wool pants as well. I have the Lolli Pants from a few years ago and still wear them, usually around the holidays.

~ Mini Skirt in Pink Houndstooth, size 8 ~

I completely forgot to take detail of the mini skirt. I love the pink houndstooth and the French Blue of the Margot Top goes well with it. I didn’t like the red houndstooth skirt last year, with the black piping. But this pink is so pretty IRL. This is a mini skirt and hits me a few inches above the knee. It’s also lined. There’s also a matching Campbell Blazer and heels.

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Check out that striped lining…

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~ Margot Top in Airy Cotton Pique’, French Blue, size 8 ~

This fits much better in the size 8. If you are between sizes, take the larger of your two sizes. You can see the front ruffles are a little more fluffy than they probably were right out of the bag. I’m guessing they were steamed just a little bit. I’ve steamed the ruffles on my silk foulard blouse and it just makes the shirt so much more feminine. The material on this is cotton and feels nice and soft. One thing I forgot to mention in my other review is that there is a hook-and-eye closure at the top of the neckline. It is also offered in white.

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~ Merino Wool Sweater Blazer, Heather Dusk, Small ~

I wasn’t a huge fan of this sweater blazer once I saw it in-store. It runs big and you can see the Small is still a little big through the chest and body. I don’t mind the popped collar on this though I’m not sure how you would wear it not popped. Overall the sweater blazer seems too stiff. I guess I was expecting this to be more cozy sweater. It also comes in navy.

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Have you tried any of the Margot Tops? What do you think of the pink houndstooth?

/ Reviews

J.Crew seems to be bringing a leopard print out for Fall every year. This one is similar to last year’s Coco Leopard found on the Tippi Sweater. The brown is a little more amber/golden this year.

~ Shift Dress in Leopard Print, Black Amber, size 6 ~

If you’re looking for a fun alternative to your LBD this leopard shift is a great option. There is black piping at the neckline, though not the arms like the online description states, and a back zip. You can’t see it very well but there is a v-seam just above the chest which does create some puckering above it. This runs a size big as the size 6 fit pretty well on me, with the exception of the puckering above the chest. It makes me wonder if the 8 Petite might fit a little better in that area. I do love the where the length hits on me, about an inch above the knee. The skirt portion does flare just a little in an A-line style. Overall, though I really like it and would like to try the Petite option, I won’t buy it. I don’t have a need for it or would wear it often like I would the Cuffed Sleeve Top in Leopard Print or the Jackie Cardigan in Wool.

J.Crew also started a new promo today. You can take 25% off with code WEEKOFSTYLE. The is Shift Dress in Leopard Print included.

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~ Cuffed Sleeve Top in Leopard Print, Black Amber, size 6 ~
~ Tie-Waist Skirt in Leopard Print, Black Amber, size 8 ~

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~ Cuffed Sleeve Top in Leopard Print, Black Amber, size 6 ~

This fits just like all the other cuffed-sleeved tops J.Crew is offering. I wear a size 6 in this top, compared to my normal size 8. I like the print on the silk material. It’s on my list to buy next and will look good with the Masala Chai color of the Sammie Pant in Corduroy or Mini Skirt.

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~ Tie-Waist Skirt in Leopard Print, Black Amber, size 8 ~

This is a lovely skirt though I am not fond of  the tie-waist, but it is removable. I might add a black sash instead. The fit of the 8 was perfect and then length wasn’t too bad either. I am a little confused, or at least the details writer of the online description is since they list this skirt length at 28 1/2 inches and the Tall version at 24 1/2 inches. If I were buying this I’d get the 8 Petite, which says is a 20 1/2 inch length.

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Due to the different materials, with the skirt being polyester, I really wouldn’t wear the Leopard top and skirt together. The shift dress is a better option if you want all-over leopard, especially this week when it’s 25% off, with code WEEKOFSTYLE.

Have you seen or tried any of the Leopard Print yet? What are your thoughts on the shift dress?


Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ Reviews

It feels a little too early to be shopping for Corduroy but these two pieces are really nice and I’ve added both to my wishlist.

~ Campbell Blazer in Corduroy, Masala Chai, size 8 ~
~ Margot Top in Silk Foulard, size 8 ~
~ Mini Skirt in Corduroy, Masala Chai, size 8 ~

Other corduroy blazers we’ve seen in the past have the elbow patch. This does not, which I prefer. The outfit itself reminds of the 70s, probably due to the brown color and the corduroy. I take a 10 Petite in Blazers whenever I can and can gauge from a size 8 how it will fit in my true size. I don’t own any of the Campbell Blazers but I can say that I am considering this color in the corduroy. It’s not a color I have and I think it will go with quite a few things in my closet.

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The lining is striped with rep piping and pocket flap.

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~ Margot Top in Silk Foulard, size 8 ~

This top was my absolute favorite when I saw it in the roll-out last week. I knew I would be buying this, with or without a promo. I tried the size 6 on originally and it was tight and restricted movement around the armholes so I sized to an 8, which felt a lot better. I love the ruffle detail at the armholes and the front. I’ve already worn this top and took a steamer to the ruffles, fluffing them up just a bit.

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~ Mini Skirt in Corduroy, Masala Chai, size 8 ~

I really haven’t bought too many skirts this last year as I’ve been wearing shorts all Summer and stuck to jeans and leggings last Winter and Spring. This is a cute mini skirt and the back as an exposed zip but a cute little tab snap button with gold hardware. The shape is slightly A-line and the size 8 on me makes this TTS. I’d probably grab this in the Masala Chai and Navy colors. It would be a great little skirt in black and ivory too. I hope J.Crew adds more colors.

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And here are three outfits I’ve styled with this top, taking it from Summer to late Fall. Everything shown are items I already have in my closet. I’ve linked to similar items. Click on the icon near each item for more details.




What do you think of the new Margot Top? I am looking at the solid in Navy and Fuchsia Blossom as well.

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ Reviews

Ann Taylor is hosting a site- and store-wide promo of 40% off with code FRIENDS40.

~ Double Stripe Shirtdress, size 8 ~

I liked the look of this striped black-and-white shirtdress on the hanger. But I think I look like I’m wearing a uniform in it. It’s a straight fit with a straight hem and even the belt looks a little sad. I think you could jazz it up a little with Tortoise heels and necklace.

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~ Garden Blossom Dress, size 8 ~

This dress has a little mix of navy in the black and cloud white floral print. I like the fit-and-flare shape and the size 8 fits really well. I like the piping down the front and it seems to give the illusion of structure and additional shape. My only personal issue is the length. Since the 8 fits so well, I don’t think the 8 Petite would work. I would hem the dress to hit at the middle of the knee and add this little cropped cardigan.

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~ Lacy Flare Dress, 8 Petite ~

The drape of the skirt on this dress is so lovely. It just flows so easily away from the waist to just above the knee. The 8 Petite fit just how I want it. I think the normal size 8 might have given me a little more room in the chest and just been slightly longer. Either size would work for me. I definitely need something to cover my arms in the dress so this little polka dot cardigan would work well.

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~ Leafy Wrap Dress, size 8 ~

The wrap dress is the most flattering dress for any one. If you are concerned with showing too much cleavage you can add little cami. You also can’t go wrong with pink and navy and I like that the color of the belt contrasts against the more navy colored dress. The size 8 works and I wouldn’t go to a Petite.

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The wrap dress comes in several different prints.

~ Modern Geo Tie-Waist Dress, size 8 ~

I loved how flattering this dress was when the tie was in the back. The length is a little long for me but I would hem it rather than size to a Petite. This tie-waist dress fits perfect in the size 8. The blush, navy and olive colors are peppered throughout the collection. The blush seems to make everything look so much more feminine.

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~ Stripe Shirtdress, Petite 8 ~

I loved the blush tone of this dress mixed with the navy and olive stripes. I ended up grabbing the wrong size, originally thinking the Petite would shorten the length, which it did. But the arms are pretty snug, so would be better off in the regular size 8 in this dress. I would either change the belt, or not wear one at all, and add tall boots and rolled sleeves for Fall.

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And here are a few other picks of mine.


Are you shopping the Friends of Ann Event? I think people are really liking this sale as the website has been having a few issues this morning.

/ Reviews

In case you are shopping the Banana Republic Friends & Family this weekend, I have a few reviews for you. The F&F promo is you can take 50% off 5 full-priced items with a code sent via email.

~ Floral Lace Shirt Dress, Sun Palm Green, Medium ~

This was one of the lace items I wanted to see in-person. I found both this color and the navy lace dress. You’ll see the pattern of the lace looks like rosettes with scalloped hem, sleeves and button placket. This “green” was really bright IRL. I would prefer the Navy. The Medium was a great fit. Comfortable but not too roomy, hitting just above the knee.

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~ Nautical Basketweave Blazer, size 8 ~

I have a wool blazer, linen blazer and cotton blazer all in navy. I’ve been wanting to add a double-breasted blazer to my collection of navy blazers and this was exactly what I’m looking for. The size 8 was a bit snug in the upper arms and a little tight across the shoulders. I ordered the 10 Petite online and it is perfect, especially the arm length which hits right where my wrist ends. I never button my blazers but the 10 Petite did fit well when buttoned too.

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~ Sleeveless Lace Trim Top, Medium ~

I like the contrasting trim at the neckline of this top. I meant to buy it in-store but am glad I didn’t since it wasn’t on promo at the time. The Medium is a really good fit though a little square and boxy. This also comes in Tipo which is an Ivory with either navy or black trim. Another winner with this top.

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~ Boyfriend Jean, Medium Wash, size 29 ~

I don’t need any new jeans this Fall but these boyfriend jeans were really comfortable on. I ordered them in the 29 Short online and they came with a 3 inch cuff. I think if I let out the cuff it will be the same length as the pair I tried on in-store. I’ll have these hemmed to my liking and may order another pair before the weekend is over to have a backup on hand. Then I can have one pair for flats and one for heels.

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~ Raw-Edge Tweed Moto Jacket, size 8 ~
~ Lace Tie-Neck Top, Medium ~
~ Frayed Tweed Short, size 10 ~

This moto jacket was really cute IRL. I bought a J.Crew tweed jacket similar to this on Final Sale so I don’t need another but the raw edges and cropped style make this jacket stand out from others. The sleeves are sown oddly to the body. Almost like they cut the armholes to large and then sowed them on. You didn’t have a whole lot of movement in the arms.

~ Frayed Tweed Short, size 10 ~

As soon as I saw these shorts I knew I’d be bringing them home with me, as long as they fit. There was no size 8 to try, since they were in the Final Sale section, which was 50% off. I liked the color of the tweed so I was really happy to buy them over the moto jacket. The frayed edges of the jacket are only on the pockets of the tweed short. I did go up a size but that helps since the inseam is 3-inches. The size up makes them look like a 4-inch inseam.

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~ Lace Tie-Neck Top, Medium ~

I was really interested in this top when I saw it online but the way I have the neckline unbuttoned and the tie all loose makes me look like a disheveled Colonel Sanders. The Medium is the best fit and I love the sleeves; just my style. The bottom/hemline did grab a little more to my hips than I’m accustomed to but I still wouldn’t size up. I didn’t check to see how easily I could switch out the tie to another color but a pretty velvet or satin navy would be nice.

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~ Denim Sheath Dress, size 10 ~

I bought this with a different promo last week. It was part of the new arrivals and I knew it would sell out quickly (and has). The one thing I don’t like about BR is when something sells out online, they completely remove it from the site. There’s no way to perform a “Find it in Store”. I’ve found a lot of things in-store that had sold out online so I don’t think they keep track between the two very well. So check your stores if you are interested in this lovely sheath dress.

Judging by the online image I knew this would be a slim fit so I decided to size to a 10. That size turned out to be a perfect fit. It’s a mostly cotton blend with a little spandex and poly mixed in. That helps make it pretty stretchy. Though they look snug, the arms are pretty comfortable. The length is hitting me just below the knee. I cannot wait to wear this when the weather cools. I have these ankle-strap sandals on with it in the pics and also plan to wear it with these strappy sandals. I think I can get away with some dressy flats too. Tory Burch has a lovely new 60s-style shoe called the Gigi. I am in love with the Redstone and the Oceano.

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Are you shopping the Banana Republic Friends & Family? If you don’t have 5 full-priced items to purchase, there’s also an online promo of 40% off using code BRFORTY.

Happy Shopping!