Review – Page 113 – Life is Short…Buy the Shoes

audreybella / December 12, 2012 / Uncategorized

J Crew Polka-Dot Ponte Dress

I tried on the Polka-Dot Ponte Dress in the store and brought it home to play with to see if I really liked it. I was able to get it with one of the 25% off promos.

J Crew Description: Tailored from the same flattering fabric we use for our pixie pant
(famous for its stretch and recovery), our season-spanning sleeveless
dress flaunts and flatters from the cubicle to cocktails. Tiny velvet
polka dots (they’re flock-printed, which gives them a soft, slightly
raised texture) round out the look with an unexpected pop of print.

Fitted at waist.
Viscose/polyamide/elastane.
Back zip.
Full skirt.
Falls above knee.
Dry clean.
Import.

The original Flared Ponte Knit Dress with the 3/4 sleeves was tight in the waist for me. I tried both a Small and Medium in this dress and took the Small home with me. The Medium was a little too loose in the chest for me. The Small is fitted on top but still comfortable.

Trying it with the Factory Draped Sequin Tee in Navy, an Old Navy bow belt in Pewter and the Printed Everly T-Strap Heels. I tucked under the tee since it was a little long for the dress.

I love Navy and Black together but have never tried it myself. I think the maroon in the Everly is just the right amount of color for this. I’d probably wear this to a Christmas dinner, adding black tights (or maybe these??).

What do you think of the Polka-Dot Ponte Dress? How would you wear it?

audreybella / December 11, 2012 / Uncategorized

J Crew Biennial Briefcase

A quick review this morning of J Crew’s Biennial Briefcase. I was considering a new handbag and looked at the Biennial Satchel online. Luckily my store had one and that bag is huge. Way to overpowering for my frame. Then the Briefcase showed up one Thursday as part of new arrivals so I decided to take a chance as my current laptop bag is plain old black.

J Crew’s description: A best bet among bags: Our newest Biennial, in a roomy yet sleek
briefcase silhouette (and a subtly gorgeous color palette). Crafted in
the most exquisite pebbled leather—our designers spent months perfecting
the finish to give it its pliable, supple feel and grainy consistency.
With enough room for a 15″ laptop—plus padded sides to keep your stuff
safe—and separate compartments for your wallet, keys, makeup, an iPad
and whatever else, it keeps things totally organized and makes an entrance. Online only.

Leather.
Removable, adjustable shoulder strap fully extends to 18″.
4 1/4″ handle drop.
11 ¼”H x 15 ¾”W x 3″D.

The color is called Black Grey Lace.

Gorgeous contrasting handles in black leather along with a padded shoulder strap. Love that this has both handles and a shoulder strap so if you need your hands free you can adjust the strap and make it a cross-body.

Both pebbled leather in “lace” colorblocked with a smooth “grey” leather. The leather is gorgeous and I wouldn’t expect anything less from J Crew.

The zipper pulls have magnets so they don’t flop around and you feel like your bag is securely closed. Also, there are zipper pulls on both sides, for a total of 4 ways to unzip the briefcase.

There are brass feet to protect the bottom.

One side has a big open pocket with an interior zipper pocket. This is where the laptop would fit.

The other side has another interior zip pocket as well as three additional pockets. There are two by the interior zipper, one big enough for an iPad and the other a cell phone. The larger pocket could also fit an iPad and then there is still room in between the two for your wallet, mouse, cords, etc.

I have my laptop, which is 15 inches, on one side. It has an external battery on it as well and fit just fine. It wasn’t bulky at all and that side zipped without issue. The other side has just Diva II* in her Kate Spade carrier. There was still enough room for my mouse, wallet, two cell phones and some make-up. All zipped up everything looks sleek (sorry about not taking that picture.)

This was definitely a major splurge for me but I was able to get it with one of the 30% off promos. This one is a keeper and I can’t wait until to use it on my next office trip.

Have a Great Day!

*I dropped Diva and shattered the digitizer (glass). She still worked but had to be replaced. If you buy any Apple products I highly HIGHLY recommend Apple Care. She survived Italy but not two dogs getting underfoot. I was lucky I was able to pull everything from the Cloud. Yay Cloud!

audreybella / November 24, 2012 / Uncategorized

J Crew Holiday 2012

Here are a few fitting room pics for those of you contemplating a purchase while the COLOR25 promo is going on.

The Thermal Henley in Stripe, Dark Emerald, Sz M, $49.50 but on promo for $29.50 plus the 25% off make this a great deal. I bought three colors of this in the non-button version last year and they are great for lounging or throwing on with jeans, not leggings, to run to the store. I don’t know how many “Oh Honey”s and “Leggings are NOT pants” I muttered under my breath Friday and Saturday. I don’t care what size you are, I don’t want see your booty. But I digress, This Henley runs big, IMO, so size down if you want a closer fit. I didn’t like the way the last two buttons felt against my skin so down low. I grabbed this color and the Navy in a Small. I’ll certainly wear this with Matchstick jeans, boots or flats, scarf and a puffer vest, if needed.

Bow Shirt, Size 10 – I did not realize this was not online so I didn’t grab a pic of the tag. I also didn’t realize my PS gave me a 10 instead of at least an 8. I would probably take a 6 in this as it did run big. This has little bows all over and then a bow at the neckline. It also comes in purple, not blue like my picture below.

You can see the bow detail a little better in the solid color. This is a size 8 and you can see it is still wide through the body. Yep, a 6 would be best for me but I’ll pass on both. The print is way too girly for me and…don’t hurt me Gigi (ducking the chancla)…I’m not a fan of the Bow trend.

Silk Boy Shirt in Windowpane, Fuchsia Windowpane, Sz 6 – I’m starting to wear a 6 in the silk Boy Shirts as the fit is fine for me across the shoulders. This is just as bright IRL as it is on the website. I thought I liked it but after trying it on decided against it. I have a few neon colored sweaters already that work for me.

Funnel-neck Hoodie, Sz Small – Last year’s version has a kangaroo pocket in front. This was very cozy, but a little tight in the arms. I’d size up to a Medium for comfort. Honestly, I don’t think this is worth $110, or $110 less the 25%. There’s a Men’s Shawl Collar Sweater that is so cool and only $59.50. The material is similar to this Hoodie. The Boy has one and I ordered another for him. He loves them.

City Mini in Dublin Tartan, Sz 8 – This did not fit well on me at all. The size 6 would have been shorter but there was something off about this. The wool felt different than last year’s version and it’s not worth the $98 plus 25%. Maybe $79.50 plus 25% off. But because of the Christmas season and the Tartan green it was selling.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Dot Brocade, Sz 6 – As you can see this is very fitting. I’d size up to an 8 if I purchased this but it would be a one-trick pony for me so I’ll pass. Also, after putting this on, the skirt shifted, so I’d be adjusting this constantly.

And finally, an outfit. I wore this today to do a little more shopping. It was lovely. No one was out. The shelves had been re-stocked in stores and the traffic was light.

Sweater: Factory Puffin

Shirt: Blythe in Polka Dot

Jeans: Matchstick

Boots: Frye Martina Engineer Short Boot in Grey

Hope the reviews help! Have a Great Evening!

audreybella / November 17, 2012 / Uncategorized

Anthropologie Holiday Style Party

Thursday night my friend Catalina and I were lucky enough to attend Molly’s Holiday Style Party at Anthropologie. We had so much fun. There was a dressing room waiting for each of us with outfits ready to try on. We walked around the store drinking Champagne and eating Artisan Popcorn while looking for more goodies to try on. Molly was an amazing hostess and big KUDOS also go to Michelle, Anthropologie Personal Shopper, and all the ladies at Anthro that night helping us.

Personalized dressing rooms for me and Catalina

Snacks!

Lovely accessories to pair with the outfits Molly planned. I am excited as my Anthro has started to carry more shoes. Love those black bow heels (you’ll see later).

Catalina loves the Climbing Primrose Teapot.

Our greeter!

Michelle introducing Molly…How gorgeous is Michelle in the Horkelia Shift Dress? And I love Molly’s styling of the Impressionist Dress.

A little gift from Molly, a glass jar full of Fashion Inspiration. The tights had a little note on it just in case someone tried to use our dressing room. And they matched perfectly with a dress I tried on later.

All my outfits…About to get started!

Sweetheart Peplum Top, Small – The small was a good fit. I love that this is slightly Peplum but not overly done so that once the trend has passed it can still be worn.
Ombre Flora Crops, Size 8 – AMAZINGLY LOVE THESE PANTS! They are not cropped on me but I don’t mind. I purchased these. This size was the best fit as the 6 would have been way too snug.

Pailette Silk Tank, Sz 6 – The lining does not go all the way to the hem so I would size to an 8 as to not reveal any tummy and to have a little better fit in the chest.

The Gilt Floribunda Cardi by Tabitha is currently on sale and is gorgeous. I love that it is lined in the back so you don’t necessarily have to wear anything underneath it. Ole’…The Lace-Trimmed Tuxedo Trousers area size 6 and fit well. I just kept thinking, like some of you, Matador. I think I would rather see these with sequins or gold lace on the sides. They are cute non-the-less and I’m thinking them over.

The denim are Pilcro though I don’t know the style. Molly said she saw me in the Spotted Peasant Blouse and new she wanted me in Turquoise pants with it. She added a Chartreuse Lemon tank underneath. I can’t seem to find the necklace online right now.

The image online does NOT do this dress justice. (And apparently neither does my picture with the flash on…whoops!) I saw the Adelita Brocade Mini Dress in my room and new I would love it, without trying it on. It is a beautiful brocade with green, orange, gold and grey mixed throughout. This is a size 6 which fit fine but I would prefer the size 8. I did order this dress from the store last night, with the 25%. I can’t wait until it gets here. The belt is the Foiled Equestrian Belt. I passed on the belt and purchased the Bowline Belt that I liked more.

It was a tough decision to make between the Adelita dress and this next dress, the Sapphire Lace Dress, size 8. This was a good fit but it is offered in Petites as well which might be a better fit. I love the Bowline Belt in Dark Grey with it. The Opalescent Garland Necklace is a cute sparkly necklace that will jazz up any outfit, especially with the cute bees on it.

Converged Bow Peep-Toe Heels, Sz 7 – These are so adorable, and I just found out, from looking online, that they also come in Mint. Both colors would go well with the Adelita dress.

And how gorgeous does Cata look in the Ombre Flora Crops and the Peter-Pan Paillettes Sweater? At one point, both Cata and I came out in the exact same outfit (Ombre Flora Capris and the Pailette Silk Tank).

And, my outfit for the evening, not quite “50 Shades of Grey” but I’ll take it. I’ve had this dress for a year and a half and never wore it. It’s been sitting in my closet, new-with-tags. I really wanted to wear my Gathering Breeze dress but I think I will have to give that up as it just doesn’t fit right any longer and I’m not sure it can be tailored well. I paired it with a Jackie Cardi, the Coddington suede heels and my Tiffany Bean necklace.

Cata and I had so much fun! It was perfect timing to have an event like this, right before the holidays. You were able to pick out something for yourself so that you could then focus on everyone else’s gifts.

I can’t wait to see Molly’s post on this event and the rest of the pictures that were taken. There were some very lovely ladies there who looked amazing in some of their outfits!

Have a Great Day!

audreybella / November 16, 2012 / Uncategorized

C. Wonder

Maybe some of you already know about C. Wonder but I found it through another site when I clicked through to look at a cute sweater. Unfortunately the sweater was already sold out but I found lots of other goodies to perk up my disappointment. C. Wonder has a mix of clothing, shoes, accessories, home and decor items.

I signed up for emails and received a free shipping offer. About two weeks later I was notified of a 25% off the entire site. I already had items in my Wishlist so I jumped at the chance to try a new brand.

Calf Hair Signature Printed Penny Loafer – I was able to get these adorable leopard loafers on sale. I love that they are patent with just a pop of leopard.

C. Wonder’s own signature shiny “C” coin

I also purchased the Mini Blackwatch Wool Easy Tote. Sadly it’s no longer available in the Mini or Regular size. This is a gorgeous tote and is just the right size for me. The Blackwatch will be great for the rest of the year.