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And I found it at the J Crew Factory Store of all places! I had a three-day office visit and one evening my friend and co-worker S were shopping the outlet. Of course we stopped in J Crew. I knew that they had new arrivals for Fall but nothing caught my eye until we were walking out of the store. That’s when I saw the Madewell Western Jean Shirt in Nightsky Wash. Only one Medium was left among the Smalls and Extra-Smalls so I grabbed it to take to the fitting room. 

Though the online description states a shrunken fit I found no issues getting it on and moving around. The denim is very soft and I can’t wait until it becomes like a fine wine…better with age. The buttons are all snaps, just like a western shirt should be. The best part was that it was also 40% off of it’s price of $59.99. 

I loved my purchase so much I wore it the next day with the Collection Embroidered Neon Floral Skirt. The neon is pretty bright I love how the denim beautifully contrasts with it. I am wearing a size 8 in the skirt and could have probably sized to a 6 so I would say this is TTS. I finished off my outfit with my Lanvin Espadrilles. Shockingly enough I only brought 3 pairs of shoes with me compared to my standard 5 (one for each day, sandals for evening and an extra pair in case I change my mind on one of my day pair). Yes, crazy I know but you never know when you might need a different pair of shoes.

I’m so very happy with my first ever Madewell purchase. Other than a Tote I had been eyeing, nothing peaked my interest. Now I’ll really have to give them a good look in the future. 
Have a Great Evening!
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It’s July and Fall is upon us. At least as far as retailers are concerned. Each season’s Collections seem to be released earlier and earlier each year. Last year’s J Crew Fall arrivals were a week later than this year’s. I think eventually Fall will be released in January. Last year’s first Fall arrivals brought us the Blythe in Polka Dot (still love!), the Tippi Bow Sweater that was a huge love across the JCAs and several Jules Dress options. Let’s see what I like from Fall 2013.

I did receive an early preview link last Monday and was able to order two items I lusted over in the August Style Guide: the Collection Mini in Jade Foulard and the Fluted Skirt in Double Crepe. I love both of them. The Mini is the perfect “menswear” addition to my closet. The pattern and color is lovely. I am wearing a size 8 which gives me a touch more length. There’s enough material to drop the length about an inch. I wish this had been made into a tie as well, for The Boy.

I don’t have a black skirt in my closet so The Fluted Skirt fills that need. There is no room to drop the hem but the length is good for me. I’m wearing a size 8. I definitely could have sized to a 6 for the waist but I think it might have been a touch tight in the hips if I had. 

These are both keepers for me. I don’t have a Fall shopping list yet but I was able to get some basics over the summer during some sale and percent off promos. We are also still in the heat of Summer so it’s very hard to think about, or even try-on, Fall items.

What do you think of these two skirts?

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Buying multiples can sometimes be a curse, especially when the item is $100+ (or $50+ for that matter). I hesitated for the longest time (in JC terms) on buying a pair of Etta pumps. I couldn’t trust the CWFS who said this shoe was “all-day, all-night comfortable”. Really? A magic shoe? A magic HIGH-HEELED shoe? I think not. But, I finally bit and purchased my first pair of Etta’s, the Collection Snakeskin.

Ok, so I confess…I have not worn them yet. I just haven’t had the opportunity. They are special. But I will. I really see myself this Fall in Cafe’ Capri’s or jeans with lovely blouses and beautiful heels or flats. Not shorts, tees, jersey skirts, and TB Thora’s. That’s my goal anyway, or so I tell myself. Anyway, I can’t comment on the comfort of the Etta’s yet but when I want something and it’s a great deal, well, the Shoe-Goggles come on.
When those puppies are on, apparently I can’t see color (I’m looking at you “Poppy” Janey Flats that are red on the website but really orange IRL. Really ORANGE.) and don’t fully read descriptions from the CWFS (Crafted in Italy of a woven fabric that has the look of intricate beading). The Etta Bead-Stitch Pumps DO NOT have actual beading AudreyBella!
So the “intricate beading” is actually woven fabric made to look like beading. But, it really does look like beading, from far away, which is where everyone will be when I wear these. 

See…no beading…but pretty none-the-less.

Confess! How many times have you fell for the CWFS description only to be shocked/disappointed/happy that it was not what you thought? 
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One item on my wish list for this year was a Michael Kors Jet Set Tote with all the multi-function pockets. This year has been the “year-of-the-tote” for me. They are big and roomy to fit as much, or little, as I want. 
Imagine my wonderful surprise during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Early Access period, where I not only found the beloved tote I wanted but in a gorgeous plum color. 
Meet my newest handbag, in a beautiful color for Fall…Jet-Set Travel in Saffiano Leather, Extra Large. 

Originally $328 (average price of a JC handbag), it’s Anniversary Sale price is $218. It comes in three colors: Black, Dark Slate and Iris.

No closure but… 

Lots of pockets..two cell phone pockets, one on each side as well as a zip padded center for a small computer or Mac Book. Just outside that is another slip pocket for an iPad. I added mine in so you can get a visual. Since my new computer is not Mac Book sized I will use the center to keep my wallet secure.

Functional and gorgeous…what more could a girl ask for? 
Have you shopped the Nordstom Anniversary Sale? I do have my eye on some Boots and a very impractical Leather Skirt I really don’t need, as well as a pair of Nike‘s I do need. 
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On the heels of the Tag Sale, Anthropologie had some major markdowns this week. The awesome Anthro goddess that is Roxy has all the details on this week’s sale. I found a lot of my wishlist on sale and must say that this Summer may be the Summer of Anthro for me. I’ve made more purchases and received more PAs than I can ever recall. Add this sale and I’m on fire at Anthropologie!

Here’s what I ordered. I’ll review when they arrive.
Madrona Linen Loungers – I have been looking for a pair of linen beachy pants just like these. I love that these have a foldover waistband. Not quite elastic but still very comfortable. I ordered a Petite Medium so I hope they meet my expectations.

Linen & Lace Tunic – Another summer item I’ve been looking for was a black linen dress. It is another one of those throw on and you’re out the door. The reviews state this is boxy and runs large so I ordered a Small. And don’t confuse this with the Lace & Linen Shift which is also black, linen, but longer.

Striped Terry Blazer, Orange – As of this writing, this blazer has not shipped and I’m worried it won’t. I placed my order pretty early so I really hope it ships as I’ve been eyeing this for a while.

Dewed T-Straps – I am always on the look-out for a great Summer sandal in brown. The heel has the most lovely etching and the shoe is all leather, except for the bling on top. Can’t wait to see these in person.

Keyhole V-Neck Tee, Mint- This was just a tag-along. I am always looking for comfortable tees to wear on the weekends in the Fall and Winter.

And a few more Anthro loves that I was able to purchase with my birthday discount while shopping at the Chelsea Market in NYC.
Effortless Eyelet Henley, Sz Small – I loved the White so much I purchased the black too. This is very comfortable and lightweight. I sized down to a Small without any issue. The eyelet detail in the back is just the cutest.
 
Reva Elephant Tunic, Sz Small – I saw this on Roxy and knew I had to have it. 
I have on a Small on the left and a Medium on the right. Though the Medium gave me a touch more length it was larger through the chest and waist. I liked the silhouette the Small gave me. This is silk but very thin with no lining. I’ve worn this several times already as it is easy to throw on with sandals or wedges. 
  

Pilcro Hyphen Relaxed Jeans, Sz 28, Dulcie – I originally tried on a 29, which is what the pic is below but they were really loose all over and I knew they would stretch out. The 28 fit better and even after wearing they do stretch out but not to the point of needing a belt or pulling them up every 5 minutes.

Stitched Dahlia Blouse, Sz Small – I really love the top of this blouse. The stitching and embroidery in the orange is beautiful. But that stupid tie is the worst! I knotted it, double-knotted it, tucked it in my jeans and it always came untied. It’s the most un-functioning tie I’ve ever met. Having said that, I love the blouse and it was the first purchase I wore immediately, while still in NYC. If I come up with a solution to the tie I’ll let you know.

And because we entertain a lot during the Summer, I ordered the Mason Jar Sippers with a birthday gift card I received. I think they’ll be a hit at our next party!

Have you grabbed anything from the latest Anthropologie mark-downs?