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A red pencil skirt has been one of those “unicorn” items on my closet wishlist. You know, the item you desperately want/need/have-to-have that will stay in your closet for years to come. It could be the perfect polka-dot dress, amazing Leopard print heels/pumps, or that LBD that fits like it was made for you no matter if you gain a little or lose a little weight.

I had a few specific criteria for this skirt. I wanted cotton or a lightweight silk, not wool or linen as that would limit the times I could wear it; a pencil or a-line shape and a true red color. J Crew is great at bold colors but I haven’t found a true true red in their color options. Modern Red, Cerise, Poppy, even Maraschino Cherry – all of these are a shade of red but not the true red I have been looking for.

Now, for Spring/Summer 2012, enter “Chili”. In the February 2012 catalog, we saw the Schoolboy Blazer in Herringbone in the Chili color. Well, in the March Catalog and in my local B&M this week arrived the Ultra Eyelet Pencil Skirt in Navy and Chili. Ladies, I have found a unicorn.

This skirt fits TTS as I am wearing a size 6. The length is just below the knee, which is perfect. And the color, well, it’s the red I’ve been looking for. I so like the eyelet and will be able to wear it Spring/Summer and early Fall.

And here are some Polyvore options I already have in my closet.
Red Eyelet Pencil Skirt

Do you have a “unicorn” you are searching for?

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I haven’t been to Anthropologie for shopping or try-ons in a few months. I normally don’t shop their Winter selections as most items are too “Winter” for my part of Texas. But I’ve been intrigued by some other bloggers try-on selections and had an afternoon to myself on Sunday to spend some time there.

Kudzu Skirt – Sz 6 – This was the one item I wanted to try on and buy. I liked the concept of a photograph as a piece of clothing. In my head, I was pairing it with various greens, pinks and yellow blouses and shirts.  I really wanted this skirt to work for me but, as you can see, it gives off a fullness I don’t need.

Side View 
Back View

Madison Shorts – Sz 8 – I gravitate toward green a lot because it’s my favorite color. These shorts caught my eye because they were green and because of the stripes and contrasting dotted stripes. The fit was great on these too but I could never wear these after trying them on. I can see myself sitting outside, relaxing by the pool drinking some delicious Iced Sweet Tea and suddenly have to go potty. I’d never get out of these shorts in time before having an accident. The gold buttons you see are functional. And before I un-buttoned them I thought they might be a sailor-button type. But you have to loop one side under the other and then back out to the front to button. It’s hard to describe, or even take a picture of, which I tried to do but if you get these you can’t drink much of anything.

Goes from inside to the outside to button one side.
The end result for the right side. 

Polka Dot Dress – Sz M – I didn’t realize this wasn’t online and didn’t take a pic of the tag. I can’t remember who it’s by either. But I do know it’s 100% Polyester and runs really big. I could definitely size to a Small and maybe even an XS. I have been looking for a great navy polka dot dress for this Spring/Summer and I found a Ralph Lauren one at Dillard’s that I purchased with a gift card. It’s a great little wrap dress but it’s also poly. You can also see that you’ll need some sort of tank underneath as it is super sheet. Luckily I was already wearing one in Bright Dahlia from J Crew. The waist is elastic so there is some give to size down.

Bike Lane Dress – Sz 8 – The first shipment of this dress sold out quickly and I was not able to try it on until now. A-DOR-A-BLE…Just the cutest dress and I want to wear it bike riding. The 8 fit just a little loose but not enough to wear it would fall off. I couldn’t get the size 6 to button back up once I had it on. I have a feeling the 8 Petite (online) would be the best fit. I would wear it now with a bright yellow cardigan.

Honeyed Life Shirtdress – Sz 6 & 4 – Moulinette Soeur’s always has the most darling dresses. This bumble bee print is no exception. I was immediately drawn to it because it will great for our hot summers and I will still look put together. Now, the bees on the dress might be a little too young but I couldn’t pass up trying it on. I originally tried on a Size 6 and it ran a little big in the chest for me. The only thing I mind about this dress is the open back as I prefer my back to be covered. I loved how it was styled in the store. I do have a Jackie in Burnished Olive that will be a good substitute for the Traveling Stripes Cardigan.

Size 4 – Fit a lot better in the chest/top.

Striped Stripes Dress – Sz 6 – I think the colors in this dress are great together and I liked the fit overall on this dress. I do think the belt could have been a little bit longer as I was unable to snap it together. Also, the removable straps it comes with could be at least an inch wide and not so skinny. 

Mod Garden Dress – Sz 6 & 4 – This dress by Maeve is 100% Silk and I think I like the mustard and navy colors together more than anything. This dress was static-y and also ran big. The Size 6 was way to big in the top. The Size 4 was still a little blouse-y but I didn’t try on the 2 because I wasn’t too interested in it. Now that I see these pics again, I think I will go try on the 2 and wish-list it for sale. I do think it’s a great dress and I felt very Mod in it, even though the waist is elastic.

Size 6

Size 4

The unexpected surprise of the day…Crepe Myrtle Shirtdress by Sarah Ball. This print is so unique but I love it. It does need a belt, IMO, so the SA gave me the Skinny Cross-Stitch Belt in Pink to try with it. Like I said earlier, I really wanted to take home the other Sarah Ball item, the Kudzu Skirt, but it just didn’t work for me. I have on a size 6 and it fit great. It is a little blouse-y on top but adding the belt fixed that. I have several  J Crew belts that will work with this dress. I was not really liking the way it was styled in the store, with the Air-Born Cardigan, but I do like the color of it with the dress.

I am sizing down a bit from an 8 to a 6 so I think a size 6 is now my standard size for items at Anthropologie, at least for dresses and tops. I surprised myself when I went to the size 4 a few times.

Anything here peak your interest? As you can see, I currently like their dress offerings and hope a few of these items make it to sale in my size.

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Hi all! Hope you had a great weekend! I was able to fit in a personal shopping appointment on Saturday, the day before Husband was due home. I had all afternoon to spend trying on the newest collection for Spring. I tried on quite a bit and came home with only one item.

Jules Dress in Fanfare – #70216, 8, Black – I have a lot of love for the Jules Dress. I feel it is so effortless and chic. This “fanfare” print looks to be THE print of the season as it is on everything from dresses to pants to shorts to swimwear. The “8” fit well but I also tried on the “6”, below. That size wasn’t such a tight fit this time. I would probably add a pop of pink underneath the dress or with my Cece Suede Ballet Flats.

Size 6

And a “sit-down” shot. I wanted to remind myself how the length was and how much fabric gathered at the waist. You’ll see what I mean with another dress below.

Lillian Dress in Watercolor Floral – #73878, 8, Admiral Blue – This was one of the items I was very excited to try on and was happy to see it in the store. Unfortunately, this dress does not work for me. It fits very well in the upper portion (shoulders/arms/bust) but the bottom has too much fabric. This hit me just below the knee so I feel the length was good, especially for a non-casual dress. But as you will see with the sit-down shot below there is way too much fabric bunching up. It does have pockets so that is a plus but, overall, this is a pass for me.  

Blythe Blouse in Silk – #37871, 8, Royal Blue – This color is amazing. I love the blues this season. This is so vibrant and just plain gorgeous in silk. Unfortunately, the Blythe Blouse is not for me. It fits in the upper area but there is too much fabric starting at the bust down to the hem. I really need a “6” but it’s just a little too snug for me. I really wish I could wear this blouse, as I love this color.

Postage Stamp Mini in Confetti Tweed – #64052, 10, Confetti – Normally I would wear an “8” in minis but this was all that was left in the bigger sizes. The “10” is big on me and you can see where it hits me as far as length. I was wearing this at my hips too so this is probably 16 inches in length. This skirt has lots of colors in it and I think it would be very versatile, I just wish it came in a pencil skirt. I would buy that.

The sit-down..the “8” would probably ride up a little higher.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Gardenshade Floral – #64008, 6, Admiral Blue – This is a great alternative to the dress version of this print and goes well with the Blythe Blouse in Royal Blue. This is my normal pencil skirt size and it fits just like all the others. I would consider it on sale with a promo since I don’t have an immediate need for any more pencil skirts.

Fanfare Short – #69899, 8, Classic Navy – So first impression of this short on the hanger is that it looked HUGE. I knew it was the print that was causing that illusion. These fit well but I think I could have sized to a 6. We’ll see in another 7 pounds.

Rugby Stripe Dress – #67139, M, Navy Grotto – This is a great casual, every day dress though I think some of you taller ladies may find this too short. In comparison to the Maritime Dress I’d say this is a little thinner in material and smaller. I wear a “S” in the Maritime and this was pulling a little in the shoulders/chest.
Classic Merino Cardigan – #65370, M, Cerise – This is what my PS gave me to pair the dress with. I like the colors together and the Merino Cardigan is such a nice lightweight staple to carry you through Spring.

Another item I was very very excited to try on was the Crinkle Chiffon Skirt – #72299, 6, Warm Peacock. Alas, I was very very disappointed in this skirt. The waist band is grosgrain ribbon with no give what-so-ever. I barely got this hooked and zipped. It’s sitting at the smallest part of my waist area. The length is well below my knee but not quite to midi length. Also, I was hoping the color would be a little more vibrant and not so dull looking. It reminded me a lot of the Jardin Skirt, which I take an 8 in. I’m so sad I have to pass on this skirt but I can imagine the skirt would snag easily.

Size 8, Navy – Still no better in the waist area. It is now sitting at my natural waist but it is still snug. It also got wider and longer.

5-inch Chino Short – #68925, 8, Neon Pink – I totally missed out on this color and the yellow last year so it was nice to see this color come back. I am starting to shy away from the 3 & 5-inch shorts but this color and the Lemon Zest comes in the 7-inch Chino Short and 9-inch Chino Short. 

Scalloped Sateen Skirt – #63860, 6, Royal Violet – This size fit a little small on me. It’s a cute skirt and the color is more purple in person.

Boatneck Popover – #64784, M, Apricot/Navy – This sweater really surprised me. I really was not expecting to like it so much. It’s a little on the thick side but not in a smothering kind of way. I really like both colors too, although I didn’t try on the Cerise Mist. This runs big IMO and I would size down to a Small.

Skirt in Shadow, 8 – This fit a little better but gave me no extra length.

Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb – #72214, 8, Red – This is another item that surprised me. I liked it from the catalog but thought it would be too kitschy for any time other than February. I can totally see this under a cardigan or blazer; open with the sleeves rolled up and a tee underneath. See the many ways Ema has styled it.

Here’s what I was not expecting from this shirt. 1) The silk is soft and very comfortable. 2) It really does read easy-to-wear once you try it on. 3) The “8” ran a little big on me and I could probably size down to a “6”. Is it worth FP? Maybe, especially since I don’t think this will make it to a promo. I expect this shirt to sell, quickly. I hope I’m wrong because I want this.

Denim Short in Faded Indigo – #75648, 31, Faded Indigo – So both my PS and I had no idea how these ran so I tried on this size. These were at least two sizes too big, maybe even three. These fit like boyfriend jeans/shorts. I bought a similar pair at the Factory Store in a darker wash for wear around the house and pool.

High-Waisted Buckle Short – #60118, 8, Shadow – Even though these are high-waisted I wish they were an inch or two longer. But they are very cute and fit very well and tailored. And they look great with the Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb.

Schoolboy Blazer in Herringbone – #37852, 8, Neon Pink – I was very happy to see this color in my store. I wish they had gotten the Chili colorway too but that won’t be for a few weeks or so. This is my normal size in blazers and it fits very well. I love love this color and it looks great with both the High-Waisted  Buckle Short and the Windowpane Scarf. The pink is bright but not neon-y pink.

Paintbox Floral Cardigan – #65521, M, Casablanca Blue – Cute cardigan. Reminds me of Anthro.
Polly Popover in Stripe Crepe de Chine – #72387, 8, Green Navy – I like green and navy together. This shirt ran big, IMO and I would size down to a 6 if I bought it. But I do have a new Loft cardigan in this same colorway that I feel is more versatile, since it’s a cardi.

I like it with the shorts.

Fanfare Tunic – #68128, S, Blue Orchard – A lovely beach cover-up in the Fanfare print. This fit TTS, as I find most of the cover-ups run big.

Fanfare Popover – #68397, M, Classic Navy – Another shirt that looks great with the shorts. I love that it’s navy and not black. I wish the Jules Dress was in Navy as I prefer this colorway better. This fit TTS.

And with the Schoolboy Blazer. So cute.

Wow! That was a lot. I hope these reviews help, especially those of you who are more my size/build. My store had the Cafe’ Capri in Morse Code Jacquard but not in my size or a size down so I was unable to get a fit on those. See more reviews on Shop with M here, here and here,  Ema, AppGal and DaniBP. 

Oh, and what did I get, you wonder? The Jules Dress of course, in the size 6. It was the only thing I really liked after the disappointing fit of the Crinkle Chiffon Skirt and the Lillian Dress.

Have a Great Evening!

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A lovely little J Crew box came Monday from my favorite brown Sancho. A few items that I didn’t mind paying full price for and a non-final sale sweater.

Jardin Skirt – Tropical Cove, 8 – I knew I was going to get this skirt in this color, it was just a matter of when. The Jardin Skirt is one of my favorites from 2011 and this color of blue is so lovely, I can’t seem to get enough of it, as you’ll see below.

9″ Chino Short – Bright Green, 8 – I always get at least one of the new colors of the 9″ or Bermuda shorts each year. This is the same color as the Boardwalk Cargo Short from last year. Such a pretty green and I quite like it with my dots I wore Monday.

French Dove Graphic Tee – Casablanca Blue, M – Again, my new favorite blue color. This has an embroidered red heart at the bottom of the tee.

Fisherman Sweater – Byzantine Blue, M – I have this in Beechwood from 2011 and love it. I hope this color is in my store because though the Medium fits, I would like to try the Small. I did get this with the 30% off, since it was moved to a promo price of $78 last week. You can now get it with the 40% off, since it is still on promo. It was removed from promo this morning. Hope some of you were able to get it yesterday.

Have you tried any of these items?

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Last weekend I stopped in at the Loft after seeing some lovely window displays with bright colors. They were also having 40% off everything and 50% off sale items.

Linen/Cotton Sweater in Berry, PM, $49.50 – I was drawn to this color and the lightweight-ness of the sweater. You do need a nude bra and or a cami underneath. Also came in Bright Blue, Green, and Linen/Natural.

This skirt is either the Corded Dobby Stripe A-Line Skirt or very similar. It is missing the pockets that the Dobby skirt has. I like the J Crew Stripe Sweater Skirt but I’m afraid it may stretch out and/or snag easily. This skirt is a perfect substitution for the JC skirt. This a size 6.

Marina Stripe Boatneck Top – Sz M – This runs small and I returned it for the green-striped sweater below. This is sold-out online already.

Bike Girl Boatneck Tee – Sz S – This tee is so cute and there were only three left in the store, a XS, S and L and it is already sold out online. So I had an SA grab this off a mannequin. I’ve already worn it with the green-striped cardigan below.

Trench Girl Boatneck Tee – Sz M – Another graphic tee that is just adorable. These were flying off the hangers too but there are still some online.

Painted Diagonal Striped Scarf – Green/Blue – This is very sheer and lightweight and perfect for my trip to Paris and Italy. The Vivid Orchid is still available online and there were a few of this colorway still in my store.

Colorblock Stripe Skirt – Paradiso Blue, Sz 4 – This is a gorgeous lightweight rugby-stripe skirt. Saturday, Loft had a Facebook promotion. If you “Liked” them, you received a coupon for $50 off $100 or more. That’s what I used to get this skirt and the polka dot sweater below. This skirt runs big. The size 6 sat at my low waist, almost to the hips and the length was at least an inch below the knee. The size 4 sits at my waist, comfortably and hits mid-knee. I could tuck in a shirt and still feel comfortable.

And here is an OOTD from last week, pre-haircut.
Stripe V-Neck Cardigan – Sz M – It comes in Navy/White too. 
Bike Girl Tee, J Crew Ankle Toothpick Jeans, Cece Suede Ballet Flats

And today’s OOTD. The dots on the Kelsey are a little blurred, like the cardigan, and the blues are very similar too.
Blurred Dot Print Cardigan – M – This is not online but there is a top in this print online, Blurred Dot Print Split Neck Shell.
Printed Kelsey Ruffle Cami, Toothpick Cord in Vintage Violet, Cece Suede Ballet Flats

What do you think of these new arrivals from the Loft?