No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Tinsel Tweed

Description from J Crew: A true design icon—the pencil skirt—meticulously shaped and seamed to figure-flattering perfection (say hello to mile-long legs). Crafted from metallic threaded lace, it delivers just the right amount of seasonal sparkle. We also love it with blouses and blazers for the office. Acrylic/poly/nylon/wool. Pencil skirt shape. Sits at waist. Back zip. Back vent. Fully lined. 23 1/2″ long.


Even though I have the Unagi Tweed Pencil Skirt, I was curious to see the tinsel part of this skirt. I was hoping it might be a good holiday skirt. I purchased my usual size 6 for J Crew pencil skirts. The fit is great, like always, and the color is amazing. But, alas, the skirt just didn’t do it for me. You can see the metallic thread from far away but the close up shot doesn’t show it very well. I don’t see myself wearing this other than for the holidays or special occasions due to the metallic thread so this will go back.

What do you think of this skirt?

I have last year’s Schoolboy Blazer in Velvet that I scored on super sale, in Black. I haven’t worn it yet but know it will be a staple in my closet this Fall and Winter. Because of our mostly mild temps in the Winter a blazer is the better choice to reach for when walking out the door compared to a bulky coat. (Let’s see if I change my tune once my Flared Perfect Coat is delivered.)

During the 25% off madness, I ordered this year’s Schoolboy Blazer in Velvet Poppy.

Well, readers, I have clearly met my match with bright colors. This is one I just cannot do. This is like a Neon Orange-y Salmon. And although orange and salmon look good on me, this color is almost blinding. You can see me from 100 miles away. 
WOW! Is it bright!

The velvet is plush and the size 8 fit me well. I would be able to layer under it comfortably. But sadly, this is going back. I sort of knew that as soon as I pulled it out of the box but I let it sit in my closet for a few days to be sure. It just didn’t go with anything and looked out-of-place with all my other blazers. Poor little Poppy.

I’ll be back later with some Que Bella’s. Have a Great Day!

I’m not a hat person. It’s been that way for about 7 years, timing with when I cut my hair short. I didn’t want to look even more like a boy by wearing a hat so I stayed away from them, with the exception of the occasional baseball cap to briefly run to the store on a bad hair day. But, lately I’ve been intrigued by fedoras and big floppy hats.

I found this denim fedora last month, on sale, at Lucky Brand that is very cute.

I then saw the Albertus Swanepoel Leopard Fedora at J Crew. So very cute. It also comes in a Vintage Burgandy…Love that color! But $178 for a hat? No thanks…I’m a shoe girl.

Well, Mr. Swanepoel currently has a collaboration with Target! And there is a Leopard Fedora in the collection! 
It is slightly different from the J Crew hat in that it has a ribbon with a feather detail. But, that is easily removed because it is only stitched every two inches or so around the hat. A few snips and the ribbon came off.

J Crew or Tar-Jay?
My guess is unless the J Crew and Target hats were side-by-side you would not be able to tell the difference between the two. Online, the descriptions state the J Crew hat is 100% Wool as does the Target collection hat. But that is not the case. The Target collection hat is 47% Angora, 28% nylon and 25% polyester.
The best part of the collection at Target…all the hats are $19.99! A great price if you are not really into hats (like me) or want to add a little leopard trend to your wardrobe without breaking the bank. There are some really cute cloches and a camo floppy hat. Perfect right now for us Texas gals during hunting season. I don’t hunt but a camo hat would make people think I do, right?
So what do you think about the fedora, J Crew or Target? 

I totally bit on the 25% off promo from J Crew hard I think I committed a sin. And I thought I was safe after last night when I “thought” the promo ended. Not only do I wake up to new arrivals but an “extended day” of the promo. I am a mess.

I did start to receive some of my orders today. (Yes ordersssss…plural…I think I need to go to confession.) I was really excited about this order because it contained the gorgeous Blythe Shirtdress in Bright Dahlia. I was never a “pink” kind of girl growing up but once I found this shade that is not quite fuchsia/bright pink and not quite purple I became a “pink” lady. I have the dress in Blue and once this promo hit I had to at least see the dress IRL.

Well, it is just as gorgeous in person. If you are a fan of bright colors then this is a great dress. I would add a navy, gray or black cardigan to tone down the color if I wanted. I’ll switch out the belt as well. As far as shoes are concerned, I would rock these Steve Madden Madee Black Patent Loafers as well as the Madee Glitter Loafers. I also have Navy, Black, Peacock, Snakeprint and Leopard Loafers that will work with this dress too. I’m wearing a size 8 here. If you don’t have shoulders and arms issues like I do then take your normal size.

Next up is the Blouson Dress in Royal Paisley. Unfortunately I can’t link to either dress because they are gone from the website. **Total confession here…I bought this dress twice. First when it was on promo last week. Then, I hadn’t even received it yet and the 25% off promo happened and the dress was still on promo so I ordered it again for an additional % off the $89.50.

Now, this dress is, I think, even prettier than the skirt. I think it’s the silk fabric. I am wearing a size 6 here.

Slightly styled with my Bright Dahlia Cashmere Cardigan. This dress really has so many colors to pick from that you can wear any color cardigan or sweater with it.

Now I also have this print in the pencil skirt. I am torn between keeping the skirt or returning it. Since the skirt is cotton, I consider it an all-year skirt, at least in my climate. But I am pretty sure I’ll wear the dress more, especially during the summer without a cardigan. I’ll sleep on it though before heading to the B&M tomorrow.

Then, I’ll have to start thinking about Christmas presents…yikes!

Have a Great Evening!

I stopped by the B&M to make some returns since I re-ordered those items with the 25% off and found a few new arrivals. First is the Jules Dress in Wildcat. This dress is amazing! I LOVE IT! I have a size 8 on as there was no size 6 in the store. I’m happy with the 8 because the 6 would be at least a half inch shorter. I happened to be wearing my brown boots and think they go well with the dress. I have the Bronson booties in camel and it will go well with this dress along with some camel tights. The material is rayon and is the same as the Scoopneck Blouse in Royal Paisley.

Two pockets in front.

Found the Double-Buckle Belt on sale to cinch the waist. If I did this I would add leggings and wear this as a tunic.
 

Scoopneck Blouse in Seine Stripe – I’ve tried this on before but this one is a size 8. It’s too big on me. I ordered the size 6 (twice) so that should be showing up any day now. I think that will be the best fit.
Wool Cafe’ Capri
in Yacht Blue – My store had these in stock and I was so happy to finally see this color IRL. These are a size 8. For some reason they are really loose on me. I have these in Camel so I’ll have to check that fit again

Talia/Scoopneck Blouse in Wildcat – Size 6, #57672, $118 – I really like this print. I have the Natasha Blouse in this print but may return it since the dress in this print is amazing. This will also come in the Jenna’s cardigan in one of the next rollouts.

Blythe Blouse in Silk – Fiesta Purple, Size 8 – This really is a pretty color and this camera pic doesn’t do it justice.
Wool Cafe Capri in Yacht Blue – Size 6 – This is a much better fit.

I just wanted to put these images out there, especially of the Jules dress, in case you were eyeing it online and wanted to use the 25% discount. I also caught a glimpse of the Holiday Catalog – Happy Holidays from the Italian Alps. There are some great pieces coming up for the Holiday rollouts, that my eyes glazed over skimming through it.
Have a Great evening!