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I haven’t been to the J Crew Factory Store in ages. But today, I did a “hand-off” of The Boy to his great-uncle/godfather so he could go to the Longhorn/Tech game. I laughed so hard when my uncle called to tell me The Boy forgot his cell phone in his truck and he had to walk 20 blocks to get it at half-time. He was ranting and raving and all I could say, through my laughter, was “Welcome to the managing-a-teenager club.” But they’re having a great time.

I was able to get to the Factory Store right as it opened. I did a quick walk-through and then started picking out things I have been interested in from the online store. There were lots and lots of sales going on throughout the store. I’ll try to list all the ones I remember or took pics of. I will try to link to all the items I find on-line as well. Let’s get started.

Sequin-Front Tee – UGR, Small, #53120, $88 (plus $10 off sequined tees)
This fits TTS. I should have sized up to a Medium in this. This also came in a cream color which I liked too.

Drapey Sequin 3/4-Sleeve Tee – Black, Small, #53161, $69.50 (plus $10 off sequined tees)
This was a little snug for me in the arms so I tried on a Medium too. I tried on the Retail version of this last year and could feel the stitching of the sequins on the inside of the shirt. This one didn’t bother me so much. It also comes in Heirloom Pink and Dark Pewter. Here’s a link to the short-sleeved tee. It looks the same except for the sleeve length.

Size Medium – Fits a little looser

Tartan Scottie Graphic Tee – Black, Medium, #53244, $34.50 (plus 40% off tees)
Printed Flannel Sleep Pant – Red Dot, Small, #52344, $39.50 (plus 20% off flannel sleep pants)
The tee is so cute and fit TTS. I haven’t bought a graphic tee in a while so I did get this one. The pants are long on me but the fit is great. A medium would have fallen off me. There were lots of colors in-store and they are all online as well.

Sequin Snowflake Tee – Tuscan Olive, Medium, #33137, $45 (plus 20% off tees)
Fits TTS. Cute tee but green snowflakes don’t appeal to me. Plaid pants review is below.

Jackie Cardigan – Deep Poppy, Medium, #14041, $49.50 (plus 40% off cardigans)
I like this “red” color better than the retail Maraschino Cherry.

Cotton Tuxedo Tunic in Check – Dark Charcoal, Small, #33813, $64.50
This size fit great on me. I would not size to my normal Medium. I almost bought it but decided to pass on it not knowing if I would really wear it a lot.

Factory Plush Vest – #61970, $125 (plus 20% off)
I think I also saw this in black in the store. Cute but not my style.

Black Watch Tartan Wool Pant – Blackwatch, 6, #53183, $89.50 (plus 40% off, I think, maybe it was 30%)
Not sure why I tried on the 6 when 8 is my normal pant size. These pull at the hips on me but fit great in the booty and leg. I’d have to get these altered (I’m on my tippy-toes in this pic). I have the retail Cafe’ Capri so these are a pass for me. If you can get to a store with the email coupon these will be a great deal for you.

Plaid Pants – ESPresso, 8, #60967, $89.50
These are an EXACT match for the Cafe Capri in Houndstooth Wool that are currently on sale and which I reviewed here. I checked the tag and it does have a factory tag on it not a retail tag. They fit TTS on me.

Tartan Marvelle Skirt – Black, 6, #54361, $74.50 (plus 30% off skirts)
I’ve been eyeing this skirt online since it first came out. I love my black Marvelle Skirt from last year and was excited to see it in a plaid. But, it is cotton not taffeta like last year’s Marvelle skirt. I would also have liked to try it in a size 8 for just a little more length. It does seem to be popular in-store as there were only 8 left.

Black Watch Tartan Skirt – Blackwatch, 6, #53269, $79.50 (plus 30% off skirts)
I like this skirt and also tried on the 8 for length as well.

Size 8 – Not much of a difference in length. This was sitting on my hips as well.

Fireside Plaid Skirt – Rosy Red, 6, #53742, $79.50 (plus 30% off skirts)
This seems the same as the retail version of this skirt from last year. I think the factory version is not as “leggy” on the pleated side. You can see the retail version on me here.

Taffeta Marvelle Mini – Manchester Purple, 8, #46894, $74.50 (plus 30% off skirts)
This one is not as “poufy” as the retail version (see on me here). I also like this color and, of course, didn’t get it. Wish I had.

Sunnie Pencil Skirt – Gold Multi, 8, #53743, $89.50 ($10 off pencil skirts)
This one is a good material and doesn’t seem cheap. It is not as heavy as the retail version but still has a good weight to it and is lined.

Timber Tweed Pencil Skirt – Bronze, 6, #53734, $89.50 (plus $10 off pencil skirts)
This is another great factory pencil skirt with little bronze flecks throughout. I need another pencil skirt like I need a new pair of shoes…or a hole in my head.

Sequin Velvet Dress – aka “the I’m Kicking Myself Dress” – kick, Kick, KICK! – Black, 6, #55627, $198 (online $178, on sale for $168…in-store promo 30% off of the $198)
Not sure why the pricing is different but I don’t really care because I’m still kicking myself. First off, I don’t know where the velvet is on this dress. There’s no trim or lining in velvet. It is lined though and has a blousey top. This is a pull-over dress, no zippers or buttons. Ugh, this would have been about $110 with the in-store discount and my email coupon. I don’t know when I’ll be back to the store. Why oh freaking why didn’t I get this dress?!?!

Sundrine Shirtdress in Solid Flannel – Heather Elm, 6, #52615, $98 (plus 40% off)
Cute dress and I wore the perfect boots today to try this on with, the Anthropologie Pebbled and Primped boots. This was a great fit, has a drop waist and pockets. I can’t wait to add some tights and wear this.

Factory Suede Ballet Flats – These look just like the Cece Ballet Flats in Oasis Green. $79.50 plus (20% off ballet flats).

Other promos in-store:
Jewelry: 30% off
Hair Accessories: 30% off
Socks: 30% off
Hope these IRL pics help if you’re looking at some online items. I also had the email coupon for 20% off if you spent $125 or more. If you are near a Factory Store I suggest you print out the coupon, which Alexis posted about here on JCA. There are some great deals in-store and with the coupon, it makes the deals even better.
Have a Great evening! I’m off to see Stomp tonight so I need to find something to wear. Shouldn’t be too hard to do, right?

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Happy Halloween everyone! The Boy is “too old” for trick-or-treating and he also has soccer practice so we will be missing the neighborhood kids this year. That’s kind-of good because all that candy around the kitchen is so tempting to keep for myself. I buy the good stuff – chocolate, Willy Wonka candies and chocolate.

The stores received the first roll-out of Holiday items last week and my PS emailed me to let me know she had some items on hold for me to try on. I was able to head in there on Saturday for a little while to do some try-ons.

Crochet Lace-Front Tee – White, M, #58195, Runs Small
Either this tee runs really small and short or I tried on a defective one. The Medium was short in length, barely reaching my waistband on my jeans and tight across the bust and arms. Pass

Dream Dolman Sweater – Heather Cypress, M, #54574, Runs Big
This is a soft sweater with Dolman sleeves and a loose fit. I’d size down in this one. Wishlist

Hadley Sweater in Stripe – Navy Henna, M, #49365
Cute sweater that’s great for jeans but didn’t really “wow” me in any way. Pass

Colorblock Minimalist Mockneck Sweater – Flame/Acorn, M, #55765, TTS
Great little sweater to pair with Minnies or the Viridian Green pencil skirt. It’s a 7-gauge merino and a little too thick for me. I would prefer to layer with thinner sweaters or cashmere in my milder winter climate. If you are not a fan of the colorblocking but like the mockneck it also comes in solid colors. Pass

Shimmer Bow Sweater – Sparkle Pebble, M; Sparkle Charcoal, S, #57105
This has a cute little black bow in the back and is very sparkly. The gold/pebble has gold threading throughout while the Charcoal has silver. I think this sweater will be great for holiday parties. I immediately pictured the gold with the Golden Bubbles Pencil Skirt from Holiday 2010. I also have the Degrade Swing Skirt that the Charcoal will pair nicely with. The Small (charcoal) is a better fit on me especially in length but if you want to layer something under this you might want to stay with your regular size (my RS is Medium). Purchased Charcoal

Kendor Cardigan – Dusty Cedar, S, #54540, Runs Small
A nice thick cardigan that I’d probably use around the house as loungewear. I’m sure I can find something similar elsewhere for that type of use that is not as expensive. Pass

Fanfare Jacket in Peacock Tweed – Turquoise, 6, #56794, TTS
Like the Rialta Tweed jacket, this has a “matching” skirt but it was not in my store to try on. The skirt is a mini, 18 1/2 inches, according to the online description. I really like the tweed and color on this jacket and would be interested in seeing the skirt. I would have preferred trying on the size 8 because I was unable to button this one and it was a little snug across the shoulders. Pass but like

Always Wrap Cardigan – Vermont Pine, M, #57955, TTS
Very cute, lightweight, soft cardigan. Again, I’d purchase for loungewear or quick errands. Wishlisted

Sequin Shawl-Collar Cardigan – Black, #62289
I saw this IRL but didn’t try is on. This is similar to the Holiday 2009 Sequin Shawl Collar Cardigan, that you can see on me here and here. This cardigan is longer and the sequins are sparse and not as filled in on the collar but if you did miss out on the 2009 version this one is still a good option. Pass

Jester Turtleneck Sweater – Navy/Acorn/Ivory, M, TTS, #55734
I didn’t take a pic but you can see it in some of my pics in the background. This fit TTS. Wishlisted

Colorblock Stripe Long-Sleeve Tee – #57762, This is a cute jersey (poly/rayon) tee IRL but I didn’t try it on. It’s very soft and lightweight so it better for milder climates or for Spring. Wishlisted

Classic Mini in Felted Wool – Decadent Red, 6 & 8, #51732; Ivory, 10
I liked the color and length of the Ivory in a 10 but it was too loose on me. There was only a slight difference in the 6 and 8 in width and length. I’d probably get the 8 and would wear with tight so the length on this mini is not an issue. I have a camel felted wool mini from years ago still NWT so I should probably wear that first before thinking about getting another. If I did I would like the Ivory and the Vintage Violet. Wishlisted

Silk Scoopneck Blouse in Seine Stripe – Navy Stripe, 4, #59612, Size Down
As you can see, I am wearing a 4 in this blouse and would have to say this runs a size small. I’m usually an 8/M in tops, depending on the shoulder/sleeve cut but this size wasn’t too bad. There is no pulling at my bust but I would buy a size 6 to have a little more room in the arms. Unfortunately, my store had 5 of these left (but not in a 6 or 8) so I’d have to order online to try the fit in my size. The Viscose/Rayon feels a bit like a rough chiffon or silk. Wishlisted

Elsie Skirt in Nightfall Floral – Eggplant, 6, #55784, TTS to Size Down due to elastic waistband
I like this skirt but two things about this skirt disappointed me. First, it’s cotton and I think it would look better in a silk/chiffon like the Soiree Skirt from the summer. Second, the waistband is elastic, so it’s pull-on only. The length is perfect for me at 19 inches and I don’t think the full-shape overwhelms me too much. I could use this now and then again in the late Spring and Summer. Wishlisted

Talia Blouse/Silk Scoopneck Blouse in Royal Paisley – 6, #60333, TTS
I really have no idea what the name of this blouse is. I keep seeing it two different ways online.
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Paisley – 6, #57494, TTS
This skirt is a longer length on me but is the “normal JC” 23 1/2 inches. I’ll hem this up an inch or two but I love this skirt. I like the pairing of the top and skirt together too but I think I would get the Blouson Dress if I wanted a full body pattern. The top will be great with my Viridian Green Pencil Skirt, Camel Cafe Capri’s, and casually with jeans. See the same styling on Rose from One More Shopping Blog. Blouse Wishlisted, Skirt Purchased

Cafe’ Capri in Harvest Tweed – Olive Mint, #55822, 8, TTS
Love. Love. LOVE! these pants. I wasn’t interested in them when I first saw them online but IRL they are gorgeous. I returned my Maraschino Cherry Cafe’ Capri’s and got these instead. I know I will wear these more. I plan on hemming them so they are true capri. I tried on the size 6 too and that size fit well except for the slight pulling right at my hips. Purchase

AND, I was able to score the Biella Heeled Loafers for $50. My PS saved them for me! 

Cafe’ Trouser in Wool – Maraschino Cherry, 6, #49982, TTS
I would prefer an 8 in these because there is just some slight pulling at the hips with the 6. These are gorgeous trousers and I’m tempted by the black since I do not have a basic black pant. These would have to be hemmed up at least 5-6 inches. I’m wearing the Biella Heeled Loafers and still have about 3 inches in length dragging. Wishlisted

Overtime Neck-Tie Top in Bird’s Eye Tweed – Navy, 6, #52356
I am so mad at myself because I tried on the Interoffice Skirt in Bird’s Eye Tweed with this top and looked like I came right off the “Mad Men” set but the picture came out really blurry. This top was a little snug and I think the 8 would fit a lot better overall. The tweed is actually wool but so fine and gorgeous and I love the little tie-neck bow detail. Another thing I like about this top – It has a side-zip that zips down, making for a smooth seam line. Skirt & Top Wishlisted

Blouson Dress in Polka Dot – Black, 6, #61022
I am a big fan of the Blouson Dresses. I have the Striped and the Black and Cream Lace dresses. But if I had to choose, I would get the Paisley Blouson dress instead of this one. Wishlisted

What do you think? Anything that’s peaked your interest now? Are you already waiting for the second Holiday roll-out to use your rewards card?

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My order finally arrived today from the 25% off at J Crew last week. As much as I wanted to order more, I didn’t NEED to order anything. Even now, I’ve perused the sale section and there’s nothing I need, have-to-have, or like/love. It seems kind of blah right now. I’m sure once more Holiday arrivals come in there will be another big push to sale.

Anyway, here’s what came from my Brown Sancho (aka the UPS man).

Two Jackies – Pacific and Maraschino Cherry – I didn’t like the Pacific blue color IRL. I don’t have a color like it in my closet but nothing came to mind when I tried to style it in my head so it will go back. As for the Maraschino Cherry, the red is pretty and I’ll think about it for a while. Naturally, it will be great to pull out and wear during Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Vintage Matchstick Cords – Vintage Violet – Such an beautiful color.

And then I stopped by my other B&M today and found these.
A scarf I have had my eye on since I first saw it in the store. I was able to snag this on sale plus 30% off.

A new Natasha blouse in a Leopard print. Love it! – $98, Color SAV, #60637

Stretch Vintage Bootcut Cords – $69.50 (promo), Color DAT Deep Atlantic, #50025 (This color is not online.)

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Paisley – ABC was so right about this skirt. It has so many colors and goes with so many things. See her posts here and here about styling and colors. And I love that both the skirt and lining are cotton. I can wear this into Spring and possibly early Summer.

My PS has put away some more Holiday 1 new arrivals so I should be checking those out tomorrow.
Have a Great Evening!

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I’m sad to say that not all Shoes-day items work out and the Tory Burch Flannel Blaire Riding Boot is one of those examples.

They are a gorgeous equestrian boot with leather and flannel. They come in two colors: Charcoal/Almond and Bright Navy/Black. I love the flannel contrast on the first boot pictured.

I have to try on all boots due to my calf challenges that I have. Even though these stated the leg circumference was 13 1/2 to 16 inches I was a little wary. I saw these in both Nordstrom’s and Neiman’s so the last time I was at the mall I tried them on. 
I tried on a size 7 in the Charcoal/Almond and the fit through the foot-bed was great so these are TTS. Sadly, I could not zip them all the way up, with the zipper stopping right at the thickest part of my calf. No amount of strength used to tug and pull at the zipper would make it budge. I was so very disappointed. Now that I have these in my head, I want them. Sizing up only made the boot loose in the foot-bed so that is not an option, even with a thick sock. It just feels like I’m clomping around in shoes that don’t fit.

One possible option I found was the Cole Haan Air Kennedy Buckle Boot. This has a pretty significant heel with a slight platform. It comes in this Dark Chocolate/Gray Flannel, Black/Black Suede, Chestnut/Tweed and a neutral Greige/Greige Suede. I really would like a flat boot as I will wear that more often than a heeled boot. But I do not have any heeled boots since I grew out of them all.

So, I will have to live vicariously through one of you readers who might get this boot. Unless, I can figure out how to lose some weight in the calf area, or find a SPANX knee-high sock that will actually slim my calf. 

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You know I’m not one to shy away from color. That goes for shoes as well. If I feel like I’m wearing something that’s not all that exciting I’ll add an interesting or colorful pair of heels or flats to finish the outfit. That is where the Cece Suede Ballet Flats come in. I have them in both the Sapphire and Wild Berry in a Size 7. They also come in Black, Dusty Cedar, Tropical Green, Aged Driftwood, Navy and Bright Flame.

Description from J Crew: Beautifully styled in sumptuous suede (from Italy, of course). Our designers deliberated over every detail to ensure our ballets are the most comfortable you’ll ever wear, adding more padding, removing the shank and finishing them with an arch-hugging wedge. We think they’ve nailed it. Elasticized topline. Cushioned insole. Man-made lining. Rubber sole.

You can see the color is really vivid, even without the flash from my camera. 
Now, I cannot compare these to the older Cece’s as I don’t have a pair but I can tell you that these are comfortable flats. I reach for ballet flats most of the time during the Fall/Winter/Spring, especially when I have to run a quick errand. These two colors certainly jazz up a pair of jeans and a tee. 
I will say the back of the shoe is higher than most of my other flats and they did rub enough to get a blister the first time I wore the Wild Berry.  I think I’ll be fine from now on but will carry some band-aids just in case I feel it happening again. 

There are also several other Cece Ballet Flats styles:

  • Patent Bow – The Getaway Green is gorgeous!
  • Studded Leather – Even those these are in neutral colors, the studs give the shoe a little “oomph”.
  • Glitter Bow – I know the Glitter sandal was pretty popular this summer so how about a great flat option? Unfortunately I keep missing my size in the Warm Sienna (Size 7 anyone?)
  • Leather or Suede Studded – A little more tone down as only the toe is studded on these.
  • Patent Toe – Check out the Bright Bayberry if you aren’t a fan of a bright color.
  • Metallic Suede – The Metallic Sienna looks like a great neutral.
  • Tweed – If you like menswear, check out the Grey.
  • Leather and Tortoise – I like the tortoise toe on these. And they are also offered in Girls sizes.

Do you have the Cece Ballet Flat? What about the older Cece flat? I’m curious to know if there really is a difference between the two like the description is stating.