/ Reviews

This next outfit is not one I put together and none of the pieces caught my eye online during the new rollout. But, my VPS put these in my fitting room since she knows my style is more casual than most.

This scarf feels quite larger than the normal scarves J Crew has had in the past. There are already quite a few larger scarves in-store and online. They are also a thicker wool, for added warmth. This one felt cozy and soft on. I like the buffalo check in navy and white as well but I have so many scarves already I passed on this one. The jeans are the Vintage Cropped Jean in Rinse Wash. and the loafers are the Darby in Calf-Hair Leopard. I am loving the Collins Tortoise Loafer. I was just wishing I had a pair similar to the Ferragamo Driving Moccasins Dani posted on her latest Frock Philosophy post about her Autumn Color Story.
~ Plush Fleece Excursion Vest, Navy, Small ~
I am not a fan of this furry vest but my VPS put it in the dressing room anyway. And she hit the nail on the head when I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t like it. It looks like a Muppet, and the Golden Hickory looks just like Fozzy Bear’s fur, wacka-wacka. But I’ll move on.
I wear a Small in Excursion Vests and still have plenty of room to layer underneath them. This one fits no differently than my Retail and Factory versions. The pockets have zippers and not buttons. I don’t close my pockets so I don’t see the need for either. This does feel a little thicker than the other excursion vests so if layered under a coat it might do well in helping keep you warm.
I noticed immediately how well this shirt fit me and didn’t know it was a size 6 until after I took it off. Now that I see the pic, I can tell that it’s a size 6 since the material looks tight around the arms. But it didn’t feel that way when it was on.

But just to be safe I would get the size 8 in this, my normal shirt size. I like the feel of the Shrunken Boy Shirt as well. The description is not lying. It is a lightweight flannel and super soft. It almost came home with me, it felt that nice.

Am I the only one who thinks the Plush Fleece Excursion Vest reminds me of a Muppet?

/ Reviews

I was able to make a little time to see the new arrivals Wednesday evening and tried on quite a few items. I love a lot from this roll-out but am really really trying to be selective with my purchases. I was able to have my VPS all to myself as well and she’s always a lot of fun. We can’t ever stop laughing the whole time when that happens.

The main item in this review is the Double-Notch Mini Skirt.
 ~ Tippi Leopard Sweater, Small ~
I think this is probably the best Leopard pattern I’ve seen on the Tippi. There have been at least two other and I passed on both of those. Though I prefer a Medium in the Tippi, my VPS gave me a Small to try. It looks really nice with the Ivory colored Double-Notch Mini Skirt. I’d also wear it with my Patio Pant with the Leather Tux Stripe. I have both black and Ivory Lexington Blazers to go with this as well. Even with all of those options I didn’t purchase it. I have a feeling that MamaBella will want this too and she won’t buy it if I do.
~ Double-Notch Mini Skirt, Ivory, size 8 ~

The Wool Mini Skirt is a J Crew staple each year with the design being modified slightly. This year the pockets have been removed and notches added to the sides. The size 8 is my mini skirt size and it fit TTS. I like the Ivory color but always feel like I will get it dirty, especially pants, so I don’t buy the color to wear on bottom.

 
As much as I like it, I know we will see this skirt at the Factory next year.
Though the solid only comes in three colors, there are other printed options.

This is another sweater J Crew does almost every year, having leather panels down the sleeve starting at the elbow. This year they have added the same double-notch as the Double-Notch Mini Skirt. The Small fit well so I would not size to a Medium.

You can see the sleeves are really long on me in the size Small so I would suggest sizing down one. I feel there is still enough room to layer underneath if needed.

~ Classic Felt Hat with Leather Band, Black ~

I wore hats all the time when I was younger and had a really cool black felt derby hat in HS. I wish I had it now. I liked this one too and the leather band is a nice touch. It also comes in Heather Graphite and Picturesque Pink. I have my Factory Wool Fedora that I like a little more than this one, since it’s a bit floppy. I didn’t realize this came in two sizes, since there’s a little room under there, I’m guessing I have on the Medium-Large. But I don’t think there’s not enough room to fit into the Small. Hats you just have to try on, for both size and how it looks on you.

Right now, through October 26, you can take 25% off your purchase, barring exclusions, as well as 40-50% off Final Sale. Some items that are marked on promo count for the 40% off and no FS. The V-Neck Sweater with Leather Panels is on promo for $118 and nets $70.80 with the 40% off.

What do you think of these items, especially the Tippi Leopard Sweater?

/ Reviews

Some of the next items from Anthropologie stopped me in my tracks and I wanted the pieces immediately without trying them on. The first two are Anthrpologie exclusives with a beautiful Butterfly print.

I first saw the Culottes below with this Butterfly print and then found this top in the same print. The size 8 fit fine, not great or amazing. It pulls over but does have a few buttons in front as well as the decorative silk tie. The button just under the chest along the widest part of my rib-cage was just a little snug but not uncomfortable.
The back is open at the top and the silk tie still goes around/lays on the neck. It feels a little odd to have some exposure but then material at the neckline. The sleeves are nice and flowy and of course the print on the silk is gorgeous. I added the size 8 to my wishlist.
~ Elevenses Mariposa Silk Culottes, size 8 ~

These culottes are what first stopped me in my tracks. These wide-leg culottes are made from a beautiful silk and in a fantastic print. I tried on the size 8 and they fit very loose everywhere but were still cropped. The online model image shows these hitting a few inches below the knee, not just above the ankle bone. Though I’m usually a size 8 in Elevenses, I think the size 6 would fit since there really was plenty of room at the waist and hips.
 
~ Meadow Rue Cascade Blouse, Taupe, Medium ~
The taupe color went well with the Culottes. Because of the loud print I would stick to a neutral color on top. It fit perfect in the Medium and draped really well. I wouldn’t tuck it in as the ruffle looks a little odd that way. It’s a great little blouse that can be worn with dressy pants or casually with jeans and a cardi.
 
 
~ Dolan Lucille Tie-Neck Tee, White, Small ~

I was looking for a white top to try on with the Vespertine Skirt and chose this one by Dolan. The small is snug in the arms so I would size to a medium. There is a little hook in front to close up some of v-neck to hide the exposed cleavage. It’s a pass for me. I’m not in need of another version of a white tee.
 
~ Sachin + Babi Vespertine Skirt, size 6 ~
I love the contrasting interior of this skirt that the low-high hemline highlights. It’s what immediately caught my eye.
There was no 8 to try on so I grabbed the 6. I wasn’t able to zip it all the way up and where it stopped makes me think the size 8 may not zip all the way either. Because of the low-high hemline I don’t mind this midi skirt. The front hits just below the knee and the back is just below the calf. Wearing heels will help elongate the legs as well.  
The Vespertine Skirt is one you definitely need to try on if you see it in-store. I highly recommend it.

Happy Shopping!

/ Reviews

I had a tiny bit of time to stop by Anthropologie and I found a few things to try on.

I like the silhouette and bell/flare cuff of this sweater dress. The print is good too. I like that there is a stripe on one side and the floral print isn’t all over the dress. The stripe seems visually slimming. Without Spanx! Gotta love that! The Small fit well through the body and I wouldn’t size up even though the arms were a little snug. I like the length too, hitting just above the knee.
 
I liked the print of this dress but the fit was a mess for me. Though the pic on the right shows I have a big stomach it’s just the shape and pattern on the dress. The shoulders are dropped as well. This dress looks good in pictures online but they probably have it pinned. A Medium would have been too big and the XS would have not fit on the hips or shoulders.  

These were just random dresses I found while perusing the store last week. They don’t fit a current need at this time. I’m looking for dresses that are more casual that will work with tall and short boots or can be cinched with a belt and worn with leggings, like the following. I have two different Chambray dresses right now but the Weekend Tunic Dress is at the top of my list to try on.

Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

I’ve been watching Emerson Fry for a few years now but was hesitant to order since I couldn’t find a whole lot out on the web about fit. Some of you may recall the Leopard Linen Coat from years ago. EF received a lot of requests for it and so they brought it back this Fall for a limited pre-order, which sold out.

After receiving an offer for $75 off my order over $200 I took the plunge and placed an order. I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived 5 days later. Upon opening the box I immediately noticed a pleasant lavender smell that came from this little sachet. That was a really unexpected and nice touch.

~ Triangle Tank, Coal, size 6 ~

I really wasn’t sure about sizing but based on body measurements provided on the site, I chose a 6 for this tank. That size fit snug across the chest and hips. It pulls just below the chest and across the back. The hem is supposed to be asymmetrical and I did like that part and where it hit. I would have been better off with the size 8, my normal size.
The material is Modal but felt like a thicker silk. I would only use this as a layering piece and I have plenty of silk sleeveless blouses I purchased last year from J Crew that I can already use for layering.
 
~ Yoshi Sweater, Jet, Small ~

This sweater comes in three colors – Jet (Black), Charcoal (Gray), Natural. Thinking of the layering pieces I have, I chose Jet. The fit is supposed to be over-sized and cocoon-shaped but I am on the fence with the Small. It’s almost too big and I’m thinking an XS might have been better.
There’s ample room through the arms and body to layer under as much as you want.
 
With the Small though, it covers the booty very well so it will be great to wear with leggings and Pixie Pants. Also, with the Small, I might accidentally machine wash it, though it says to hand-wash, and could shrink.The wool is really comfortable and soft. It’s not itchy at all.
I returned the Triangle Tank as I have plenty of long silk sleeveless tops I can layer with instead. What I like with Emerson Fry is that you pay for shipping one time and then returns and exchanges are complimentary. I really like the Yoshi Sweater and will watch the “Shop Ends“section to see if I can get the Coal or Natural on sale.

Right now, Emerson Fry has 35% off all shoes with code EFSHOES1015. These are my picks.

   

Have you shopped Emerson Fry before? They are pricey and they produce domestically and launch small capsules. The $75 off did help make my purchase. I expect the Yoshi Sweater will be a piece I will keep for years and expect the quality to be exceptional. We shall see and I will report back if there are any issues with the sweater.