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Still on the hunt for some new white denim, I tried on the Stretch Reid Crop Jean in Chalk in a size 29. These were unfortunately not a good fit. They were a little bunchy in the front but tight in the thighs. They are to the floor and not cropped for me and a little see-through. The only place they fit was in the waist. So, I’m still searching for White Denim. I’ll keep posting any that I try on, especially if they were suggestions from my post.

  

The Andie Chino in Dusty Quartz is a nice peachy pink color. This color is not something I gravitate to, especially on bottom. These are a bit see-through for my darker skin tone but fit in my normal size 8. They are a great color for Spring and Summer.

The Swiss-Dot Pom-Pom Skirt in Dusty Pomegranate will be perfect for Fall. The color just screams Fall to me. I am wearing a size 6 which was perfect on me.


My VPS gave me the Embroidered Tassel Top in Arrow Print to try on with the Andie Chino’s. I wasn’t a fan. The fit was fine though I don’t recall the size, probably a 6. This seems too young or juvenile for me. I thought it might be the tassels so I tucked them away but I just think it’s the style overall. I did look cute with the Andie Chino in Dusty Quartz.

The one item I have loved since it came out is the Boy Shirt in Stripe Gauze. I tried the Stripe Gauze Tunic and it was very big on me, even in the Small. The Boy Shirt, in a size 8, is a much better fit and style for me. I took this one home. 
I have a few Dresses coming up later. 
Have a Great Day!

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I was able to stop by J Crew to try on a few new arrivals. I am under-whelmed with the latest Summer arrivals, as I was expecting a few more cute skirts and dresses. Right now, I’ve just been gravitating towards the tees, which I definitely don’t need any more of. First up are the graphic items I tried on.

I was surprised to see The Crab Top in my store. I knew just by looking at it I would need a size 8. It’s very boxy and the arms are cut small. There’s a keyhole with a single button in the back. The shirt is Poly and feels a little thick. I really like the color and print of the crab and hope that something similar, preferably in a tee, comes to the Factory next year. I have pics from all angles below.

I loved the Linen Embroidered Crab Sweater on the hanger but I didn’t notice the drop-shoulder until I tried it on. So disappointed by that. I am wearing a Small. I wouldn’t size to my normal Medium in this as it is supposed to drape and swing. The Linen is woven a little thicker and not see through like some of the tees and other sweaters from previous years. I think we’ll see this crab as an Intarsia Charley sweater at the Factory next year. 

The Linen Surfboard Sweater is the same as the Embroidered Crab Sweater as far as the drape/swing/drop-shoulders are concerned. The surfboards are not embroidered but Intarsia knit. The linen is also see-through on this one. The surfboards are cute and the sweater pairs well with the Swiss-Dot Pom-Pom Skirt in Dusty Pomegranate. I’m wearing a Medium in this and you can see the it’s bunchy at the waist and a little big through the chest. I’d size down to a Small in this.

I am wearing a Small in the Linen Pocket Tee in Surfboard. I loved it though wish that the tee was a different color, like Navy or even the teal on the surfboard. Probably another one we will see at the Factory next year, in Cotton. Loved it though.

The Drapey Tee in Beach Heart was my favorite. I love the graphic on it. I can’t remember what size I’m wearing but from the looks of it, I have on a Medium. I ended up passing on it though as I haven’t seen a tee sell out at full-price yet, so it should make it to sale. And, you know this will end up at the Factory. The colors will be a little muted but it will still be cute. 

I liked the Hugo Guinness Masterpiece Tee because it was in black. I took a Medium in case I happen to shrink it. It’s a cute tee and not too see-through like the Ivory ones.

Crabs, Surfboards, Waves, Beaches, Palm Trees – I’m sensing J Crew wants us to be one with the ocean, if we can’t be near it.

Have a Great Day!

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There were a few of the Marimekko Collection pieces in one of my stores Thursday and I grabbed a couple to try on.

The Marimekko Collection Kivet Pleated Dress is very pretty and a nice Linen/Cotton blend. I have on a size 6 but wasn’t able to zip this up the back so I would need an 8. The silhouette is very flattering on. The black and white dot print seams to create a nice affect. I do with the pronounced waistband was seamed evenly though or at least all one piece until the back. It does have pockets.

  

I have on a size 6 in the Marimekko Collection Kivet Full Skirt. This has pleating at the waistband creating the fullness. It also has pockets. I was able to tuck in my shirt but it was a little snug. I don’t think I’d size up though. The length was perfect for me and not a midi skirt like some of the pre-Collection images showed.

I didn’t get the two items above though they were both lovely. Though most of the Collection sold out in hours there are still a few items online. There are also several other dresses and tees in stores. I’m sure bigger stores will have more items. I have 4 in my city so they may have each received different items. I was able to order the Marimekko Collection Kivet Hampton Pant. 
I also tried on the White Linen Patio Skirt in a size 6. Though the length was about 3-4 inches long the waist was a perfect fit. I so wanted to bring this home with me but even at 40% off I would still need to invest in altering it. That would mean I probably wouldn’t wear it until next Summer. I already have a pile of pants to alter and have no time to get to the tailor.
I am standing on my very tippy-toes here. I would need at least a 4-inch heel or wedge to wear this skirt without hemming. 
And this is completely flat-footed. 
Lastly, I found a pair of White Jeans to try on. These are the White Boyfriend Jean in a size 28. The waist fit fine with a little gap in the back. The jeans will stretch so that would get even looser. Also, the length would need to be hemmed. You can also see the pockets so it’s pretty see-through for me. Other than being White in color, they don’t meet any of my other criteria for a new pair.
 
Were you able to order anything from the Marimekko Collection? Or see it in store? 
Have a Great Day!

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Before meeting up with Husband and a friend one evening I ventured inside The Limited. There I found a currently collection full of red, white and blue.

The Lace & Stripe Skater Skirt was just as adorable on me as it was on the hanger. The lining is navy and white stripe with a lace overlay. I tried on a size 8 and that seemed to fit comparable to my JC Fluted Skirts. Don’t want the skirt? There’s also a cami with the same concept.

peek-a-boo

The Stripe Slant-Seam Pencil Skirt has the same pattern of the Gondola print from J Crew a few years back. I love that this is in a pencil skirt, though I have no need for it. I have on a size 6 and I’d stick with that size. It’s the same as my J Crew pencil skirt size.

  
This was also at the time I was searching for an additional pair of white shorts. I tried some other prints and solids as well. All of these are a size 8. I preferred the printed and dotted shorts over the solid. I think I need to size up in the solid. 
Denim Tailored Short

Tailored Short in Blue Print – This is in Sateen.

Dot Tailored Short – This one is a printed jacquard.

Solid Tailored Short in White & Red
The Limited always has some sort of promo going on. I used to wear this brand a lot when I was in an office-setting daily. I just don’t think of them so much anymore since I work from home. It’s also because they are one of the last retail stores before the restaurants start. When I’m down that way I usually am heading to eat and not shop. 
Here are some other striped pattern options from The Limited. If you missed out on the Gondola pieces from J Crew these might work for you.

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While making a few quick purchases for The Boy for Prom I found myself in the dressing room with a few items. I have the J Crew Pleated Short in Structured Cotton in Ivory from last year (this year’s version, Factory version) and have been wearing that and the Black quite a bit so far this Spring. I started looking for another pair of white shorts* as a back-up and the White Eyelet Short are perfect. I love the eyelet detail and they are a true white with a 5-inch inseam.

The Silver Pleat Skirt was right when I walked in the door and immediately caught my eye. I tried on the size 8 and it was a perfect fit. I am going to play around with it to see what kind of outfits I can come up with.

The store had 30% off regular-priced items. The current collection is a neutral palette which is refreshing from all the brights. Also, if you spent a certain amount, I’m thinking $100-150, you received nail color high-lighting the Marimekko Collection coming May 22. All these colors are great for Summer.  
One thing you can count on with Banana Republic is that there will always be a promo off full-priced items. In fact, to encourage me to shop the new Marimekko Collection I was sent a 25% off card, to use just for the Collection. 

More of the new Collection I am drawn to.

Have you seen the new Neutral Collection at Banana Republic? Are you interested in the new Marimekko Collection?

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*Laundry Confession – I had the same pair of white shorts and washed them in the machine on delicate (front-loader). I thought they came out fine and I laid them flat to dry. Once dry I noticed a large yellow stain on them. I know I didn’t put any bleach in the wash, nor in the load before that one. I tried to blame the cat having an accident on them but they were high up on the machine so it’s really not likely. I was, again, lucky enough to find them on a pop-back and have been dry-cleaning them ever since. This is seriously so embarrassing. I would suck as a 50s housewife.