/ Reviews

Madewell had a great promo over a week ago that I took advantage of. I didn’t have an opportunity to shop the store at that time and I wanted to try on some of their wide-leg pants.

~ Marled Wide-Leg Pant, Medium ~

I really liked the look of these marled pants and the wool/cotton blend was very comfortable. The waist is elastic but not the bunchy kind, making these pull-on pants. The wide-leg is nice and roomy but the front fit a little weird, pulling a bit. I though it was because of my hips but there was room enough there. Maybe the waist could have been a little looser. The length hit me right at the ankle bone though I would have liked them a little bit shorter since they were supposed to be cropped. Overall, I didn’t like the way they looked, especially in the front so I returned them.

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~ Downtime Wide-Leg Pants, Medium ~

I loved these lounge pants immediately but they ran a little big on me in the Medium. They were very loose in the waist, even though it’s elastic, as well as through the hips. Luckily, my store had these in-stock and I was able to try on and exchange them for a Small.

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~ Downtime Wide-Leg Pants, Small ~

These are much better fit and they are so comfortable. I know there will be days when I won’t want to put on a dress or jeans and these lounge pants will come in so handy on those days. They even have pockets. I don’t like to wear lounge clothes outside the house but these are good for a quick run to grab lunch from a drive-through. I only wish they had come in a charcoal gray. The black will make all kinds of pet hair and other fuzz more noticeable.

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~ Wide-Leg Crop Jeans in Corduroy, Cabernet, size 29 ~

I was excited to see these since they are in this beautiful Cabernet color and they are cords. There is a back, exposed zip but I don’t mind that since it probably won’t be seen. The rise is higher at 11 1/2 inches, which I’m not used to wearing. The 29 is a great fit though the length is not quite crop but not quite all the way to the floor. I think they’ll still be ok to wear with flats. I think I may just hem these. Once I have some styling ideas I’ll know for sure. These are the same pant, I just used a flash on one of the images. The color looks more like the image on the right.

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The Wide-Leg Crop Jeans in Corduroy also come in “Ink”. There’s a matching vest to the Marled Wide-Leg Pant.

J.Crew is finishing up their latest sale, YESPLEASE, with 30% off quite a few recent releases. New arrivals will be in-stores next week and my VPS tells me it’s the first Holiday roll-out. I made a few purchases in-store, which included the Wide-Leg Crop Pant in Glen Plaid. I’ll share that review with you this week.

/ Reviews

Madewell has a nice promo right now through Monday, October 3rd. You can take 20% off your $100  order or 30% off your $200 order, with code GOODBUY. Though it’s not stated, it does look like all jeans are excluded. But, all Transport items like the Tote, Crossbody and Weekender are all included!

~ Silk Lace-Up Shirt in Windowpane Plaid, Medium ~

I did go into the store a few weeks ago and was able to try a few things on. This Windowpane Top caught my eye, especially being aware that J.Crew had just come out with a windowpane shirt as well. It’s a little more unique from other shirts in that it has a lace-up front neckline. I have the laces pulled tight but this will require a cami underneath, especially if you want to make this work appropriate. I prefer these seamless camis from The Limited. I have several in various colors and they hug the body and feel like you aren’t even wearing them. I could have used a Small throughout the body but the Medium fit much better in the shoulders and arms for me. I don’t plan on wearing this with anything other than jeans or cords so the slouchy look is fine with me.

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~ Wide-Leg Crop Drop-Hem Jeans, size 29 ~

Whenever I see a wide-leg jean, I have to try it on. I’m still searching for another great pair, after last year’s success with the Wide-Leg Crop Jeans from J.Crew. These have a “drop-hem” which I don’t really care for. If these had stayed hemmed up they would have been the perfect crop length. The fit of the size 29 were fine but overall, due to the drop-hem, they were a pass for me. The search continues.

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~ Cinematheque Mockneck Sweater in Chevron, Heather Sandalwood, Small ~

I liked this little sweater immediately on the hanger. I have an aversion to turtlenecks that are too tight and feel like they are choking me. This sweater has a loose mockneck. The sleeves are a little loose at the cuff but not bell-sleeve. I like the fit of the Small as I’m sure it will stretch out some. It also comes in Heather Pebble and Black.

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~ Cali Demi Boot in Mitchell Wash, Drop-Hem Edition, size 29 ~

Another drop-hem jean but I tried this on for the wash as well as to see how the Cali Demi Boot jean fit. I really like the fit and even the higher rise. They were a bit snug in the size 29 when I tried them on but they according to the reviews they will stretch some. I think because of the drop-hem you can’t really see the little flare at the hem. Had these been included in the promo I would have ordered the Donovan Wash.

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~ Cityblock Mockneck Dress, Heather Gravel, Small ~

I’m always looking for cozy dresses to wear in late Fall and Winter with tights and boots. This ribbed jersey dress feels so comfortable on but the Small looked bigger on the hanger. I would size to my normal Medium in this dress. Even though it’s included in the current promo, it’s not even remotely Fall around here. I hope I will be able to grab this one when it goes to sale. I would love to see this dress in more colors too. It’s a great little dress for running around town, working from home or going to a little Fall Festival.

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~ C!ao Graphic Sweatshirt, Medium ~

This is a really cute sweatshirt but has a drop-shoulder and a wide hem. It still draped well in the Medium and I wouldn’t size down. It’s nice and comfortable but I can see myself only wearing this around the house. I also prefer to layer with shirts and cardigans, in case it warms up during the day. This sweatshirt seems to be sold out online but I am sure there are still some in-stores. There’s also a tee in white with red lettering.

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I did place an order, all for pants and all wide-leg crop. I’ll share my reviews of them when they arrive.

Are you shopping the Madewell promo GOODBUY?

/ Bella Picks

During my last vacation, my Missoni for Target carry-on finally bit the dust. It was able to hold together through the whole vacation but I noticed it had started to come apart at a seam that couldn’t be repaired. It made me really sad as it went everywhere with me – Italy, New York, Vegas many times, San Diego, San Francisco and SE Asia. It was always easy to spot among the sea of black and gray.

Thus began my search for a new travel buddy. I have always wanted a leather weekender and originally considered the Transport Weekender. But I also wanted something that could be rolled around instead of being carried everywhere. Because of that, I turned my focus to an actual suitcase. I knew I wanted something chic and I love the look of the old vintage style steamer trunks and cases. That took me to Steamline and Globe-Trotter, which would be fabulous to have, but I just couldn’t justify the price. I know they are well made but for most of the year, it would be in a closet, unseen.


I finally found something that is so chic and that I absolutely love from Amazon. I bought the Vanity Case and the Small Carry-on. Against my better judgement, I chose the white with dark brown accents and straps. I just couldn’t resist the white over the other colors, knowing full well it will get dirty. There are some covers for them but even though that would keep them clean I wouldn’t be able to show them off.

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They items came from Japan and took about a week, which was quicker than I expected. The material is PVC/PU and the brown does look a little cheap. The small trunk is a carry-on size and so lightweight, especially compared to my last bag. I could have used it in place of a kettle ball for workouts.

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The vanity case can sit on top of the small trunk and there is a little strap that you can hook around the handle so nothing falls off.

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The inside of the small trunk. There’s a small pocket on the top. The bottom has a cover, with another zip pocket, so that everything looks nice and neat.

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So there is one thing bothers me about this trunk. The poles for the pull-out handle take up a little room inside the trunk. You don’t start out with a flat bottom. Now, I haven’t seen, or even been able to find, pictures of the inside of the Steamline or Globetrotter trunks so I don’t know if they have the same issue. For the price, I doubt it. If you roll your clothes then you can work with this issue. Sometimes I roll, sometimes I use additional inserts.

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I’m all packed! I have six outfits in here including pants, shorts, a dress and tops. They are all Summer items so the material is thinner than a sweater, but everything fit comfortably. The leather straps that you see buckle and there are two key locks on either side.

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The vanity case has two pockets on one side but no cover on the other. Since there is no pull-out handle, the bottom is flat. I have some additional shoes underneath my toiletries and make-up bags. The leather straps snap to the case and there is a combination lock for the case. I’ve actually used this case for weekend trips to see our friends in Dallas.

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The wheels on the small trunk spin and the handle is easy to pull out. The proportion is good for me and not overwhelming. I always hate to see people struggling with such large bags. I think I’d rather have two small trunks than one large suitcase to manage.

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In addition to the small strap to connect around the handles, the vanity case also comes with an over-the-shoulder strap.

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I am contemplating ordering the Medium size, with a cover, so that it would be more useful traveling during Winter or for longer trips, when I need more clothes. Of course, I also hate checking a bag so I may just get another small trunk. I did use this a few weeks ago traveling to Vegas. I was forced to check the small trunk on the way there and it did get dirty and a little scuffed up. When I got home I got a little baking soda and water and made a little paste and all the dark scuffs and dirt came right off. I did choose fashion over function with these two bags but I’m really pleased with my purchases.

/ Reviews

There are some great dresses at Tory Burch this season though the Cora Dress will always be my favorite. I liked all but one of what I tried on. 

~ Palais Dress, Small ~
~ Gemini Link Printed Patent Loafers, size 7 ~

This dress is made of merino wool with a fit-and-flare style and cable-knit design. I found the Small to fit just a little snug but due to the style I wouldn’t size up. The length hits be just below the knee. It’s really cute and I think it would be a great work dress. There’s a matching cardigan as well. 

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~ Musee Dress, Medium ~

This is made of a silk jersey, which I love but fit really small. This dress isn’t made for curves. I am not even sure if the Large would fit well. The belt doesn’t help to create any shape either. The length hits above the knee and the dress is a pullover-style. The geometric design is cute but there’s too much that’s wrong with this dress to buy it, even on sale. 

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~ Julia Dress,  size 8 ~
~ Gemini Link Printed Patent Loafers, size 7 ~

Here’s another silk jersey dress that fits much better in a numbered size. I love the pattern and perfect Fall colors on it. The belt matches the dress and has a d-ring closure. I think this dress would be better suited with a different belt since the current one isn’t very structured. The length is actually good on me and what I would consider midi, for my height. There are side slits at the hem allowing some movement in the skirt. I can see wearing a good chunky sweater over this for Fall. This dress is also on sale. 

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~ Sardy Dress, Medium (also blue) ~

This sporty little dress is made of Merino Wool. It slips over the head without having to un-do any buttons at the shoulder. The mock neck isn’t tight and always something I look for in turtleneck-style items. The medium was a great fit too. This was a dress I really liked and will try to get it on sale in the Navy which has a green racing stripe. If you prefer, there is a sweater. 

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~ Ryder Dress, size 8 ~
~ Gemini Link Printed Patent Loafers, size 7 ~

This dress was my favorite of everything I tried on. It is 100% silk twill and has an elastic waist. I’m a sucker for Tory’s silk dresses, especially if they are a shirt-dress style. I easily came up with three different ways to style this dress. I also love how the dress looks with the Tortoise Loafers. 

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I ended up purchasing the Ryder Dress, Gemini Link Printed Patent Loafers and the Blossom T-Strap Flat. I think it will be a unique little black flat to wear this Fall. I have some outfit ideas for the Ryder Dress that I’ll be sharing with you soon!

/ Reviews

Tory Burch is having a wonderful Fall promo where you can take 30% off your purchase of $250 or more, with code FALL16. I had just happened to visit the store last week and was able to try on some new arrivals as well as some recent markdowns.

~ Hallandale Dickey Sweater, Medium ~
~ Silla Skirt, Black, size 8 ~
~ Gemini Link Printed Patent Loafers, size 7 ~

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~ Hallandale Dickey Sweater, Medium ~

Hearing the word “dickey” makes me think of 70s style. The silk-twill floral print is layered under a merino vest with a striped hem – layers without the bulk. The Medium fit well. The colors in the shirt portion are pretty and vibrant against the black background. Of course, if you prefer the actual layers you can choose the Azra Bow Blouse and Seine Sweater.

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~ Silla Skirt, Black, size 8 ~

This skirt also comes in Redwood, which what I originally saw in the store. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a size 8 or 10 to try on in that color but there was an 8 in the black. The size 8 fit really well and the length is above the knee on me. The inverted pleats don’t puff out too much and the waist is detail with leather tabs and Gemini Links. I liked the black but do prefer the Redwood color.

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~ Fleur Tunic, size 8 ~

I always look for an interesting tunic to try on when I’m in the store and found this one with little pom-poms. The metal the poms were attached to jingled. I didn’t walk around but did notice the jingling when I was tying the neckline. The floral print from the Dickey Sweater is embroidered at the shoulders and waist on the Fleur Tunic. The size 8 fit well in this cute cotton tunic.

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~ Judson Silk Blouse, size 8 ~

This style of blouse doesn’t quite work with my chest. The front has a few hook-and-eye closures and you can see they are pulling just a bit. I would size to a 10 in this top to have a little more comfortable fit. The waistline is a little higher and there’s a pleat down the center on the bottom. This little babydoll top wasn’t really my style and I’m afraid that if I did size to a 10, it might get too loose.

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~ Avery Stripe Sleeveless Tunic, size 6 ~

I have been watching this top since it arrived online. I resisted buying it full-price or with a promo even though I had several options to wear with this striped tunic. I finally tried it on last week and the size 6 fit well, making this tunic run big. It had also made another round of price cuts and was marked to $118. I still didn’t buy it. I think it’s a little too boxy and could have a little shape at the waist. Of course, buying this as an add-on, with the 30% off does make this tunic more appealing to add to my closet.

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~ Gemini Link Printed Patent Loafers, size 7 ~

These Tortoise loafers were gorgeous IRL. They have the Gemini Link detail across the front and a stacked mid-heel. When you look at the bottom, the heel is shaped like a horseshoe. You’ll be lucky wherever you go when you wear these Tortoise Loafers.

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You know I’ve tried in the past to find a great pair of patent tortoise flats. I think these are probably one of the best tortoise pair I’ve found. They aren’t flats, but are a comfortable 2 1/2-inch heel. They also went so well with everything I tried on. You’ll see more of these in tomorrow’s post.

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If you don’t prefer the patent tortoise, there is also the solid loafer in Jtiney Green or Navy. There is also a flat loafer in black, redwood or calf-hair. If you want something different in the patent tortoise, try the bootie, pump or either (one, two) mule.

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I’ll have a few dresses from Tory Burch for you tomorrow. Happy Friday!