J Crew Factory: Embellished Sheath Dress, Keating Boy Blazer in Linen, Basketweave Pencil Skirt

I went to the Factory store to exchange the Denim Trousers and, though pressed for time (I was with Husband), try some things on.

~ Striped Knit Dress, Small ~

Just your standard striped knit dress but it does run big. The Small fit me best. I was swallowed up in the Medium though it gave me a touch more length. Husband and I are planning a trip and dresses like this are easy to wear and comfortable for flights. I would add a scarf and leggings for the flight. A maxi dress like the Racerback Maxi is another great, comfortable option for travel. That one is also easier to layer with a cardigan and blazer, if needed.

~ Embellished Sheath Dress, size 8 ~

I was at a family wedding last weekend and wore a Tory Burch Dress. If I had been looking for a dress I would have bought the Embellished Sheath Dress in a heartbeat. I was a little leery about the embellishment at the neckline and how cheap it would look but it looks well done. The material is cotton/basketweave and the size 8 was a great fit. The Navy and White stripe is perfect for Spring and Summer and could double as a work dress, with a built-in necklace.

~ Keating Boy Blazer in Linen, Navy, size 8 ~
~ Printed Drapey Sleeveless Popover, 10 Petite ~
~ Denim Trouser, size 6 ~

My original goal was to find and try on the Denim Trouser in a size 6. They fit much better than the size 8 and I know they will stretch when wearing so I did exchange them. Now to get them to the tailor to hem them up.

~ Keating Boy Blazer in Linen, Navy, size 8 ~

I’m trying very hard to be thoughtful in my purchases this year but the Keating Boy Blazer in Linen made it really hard for me during my store visit. I have a Cotton Navy Blazer as well as a Tipped Linen Blazer in Navy but I was in love with this one instantly. I miss the retail Schoolboy Blazer and this is the factory duplicate. I hate the Regent Blazer, with it’s one-button and permanent popped collar. The Rhodes is okay but the buttons are so cheap looking. I’d rather have the buttons that are on this Factory Blazer.

Anyway, the size 8 fit well in this, though a little long in the arms. I almost always roll my sleeves so the length isn’t a problem. It does come in Petite sizing but only the White is available.

~ Printed Drapey Sleeveless Popover, 10 Petite ~

My store brought in Petite sizing and I thought I had grabbed the 8 Petite in this blouse. It wasn’t until I took a picture of the tag that I realized why the “8 Petite” fit so loose. The 10 Petite actually fit good to a little loose. I would probably just stick with my normal size 8. This seems to fit TTS compared to it’s retail counterpart, where I can wear a 6 comfortably. I wasn’t a fan of the print and the purple-blue background.

~ Basketweave Pencil Skirt, Navy Dot, size 6 ~

Pencil skirts are something I rarely wear anymore since I’m not going to an office daily. I have whittled my collection down to a prized few but this dotted skirt is on my wishlist. I immediately imagined stripes on top, like my Midweight Boatneck Tee in Cherry. I’m still fitting into a size 6 in the Factory pencil skirts so they are still TTS.

~ Petite Basketweave Pencil Skirt, Navy Dot, size 8 Petite ~

I had to compare the Petite size and I loved it even more. The length hits me just above the knee, which is where I prefer it. On the rack this looked like a mini skirt, so if you see this in-store, just know it’s a Petite size.

I regret not getting the Basketweave Pencil Skirt when I was in-store but it’s and additional 30% off today with code PICKLED.

Have you shopped the Factory recently?

audreybella