/ Uncategorized

After missing out on the Fluted Skirt in Leather, I found the Pleated Leather Skirt from the Factory new arrivals and decided to take a chance and see it IRL.

First, this skirt is not part of the 50% off “everything” at the Factory stores or online as leather is excluded. During the Factory First Early Access, this skirt was priced at $157.50. The following day it went up to $198, original price of $228, so getting it early was to my advantage. I had ordered two other items that did go down in price but I’m not keeping them so there was no need to re-order those items.

I ordered the size 8 and this skirt sits right at my belly-button. The leather is supple and soft. Unlike the online image, the pleating does not extend to the hem. I love the length and it also has front slant pockets.

The back does give me a bubble but since I don’t see it I don’t think that will bother me.

Even though I don’t have a Leather Skirt in my wardrobe I don’t feel I need this. I will play around with styling this to be sure. 

What do you think of the Factory Leather Skirt?

/ Uncategorized

Recognizing the Wool A-Line Skirt from Wednesday’s new arrivals as being similar, if not the same, as previous years Sterling Skirt, I ordered it in Black in an 8 Petite. I find the Petite sizing gives me my perfect length without any alterations.

The fit is perfect at the waist and there is no pulling at the hips. The 20-inch length (Petite, Regular=22″) hits just above my knee, right where I like it. The wool feels nice but it is not Double-Serge (see below).

The only similarity between the Wool A-Line Skirt and the Sterling Skirt is the A-Line shape and the slant pockets. But, having said that, the A-Line is not as pronounced in the Sterling Skirt and the trim of the pockets is different. 

There is Trapunto stitching at the waistband and hemline. The trim at the slant pockets is non-existent.

The material is wool but thinner and feels more like the wool from the City Mini skirts. The Sterling Skirt is a Double-Serge Wool and is thicker. If you are looking for warmth from this skirt I’d pass and try the No. 2 Pencil Skirts.

The length is about an 1/2-3/4 inch shorter than the Sterling Skirt. I am comparing this to an 8 Petite in the Sterling Skirt.

Now, I do like this skirt. Can I find one similar elsewhere? Yes, definitely. Currently Talbots has a promo for Buy One, Get One 50% off and they have an Italian Flannel Wool A-Line Skirt in various colors, including black, for $99. I’ve ordered a few colors and will make my final decision once they arrive.

I hope this review helps some of you thinking about ordering this skirt. I have the Crimson Maple from last year, thanks to a JCA, or I would have chosen the Pinot Noir color as well.

Have a Great Day!

/ Uncategorized

With Kate Spade having a promo last week, (ended Sunday) on both regular priced items and sale I placed an order and then a second when I found a few other items I wanted to see.

Goreski Glasses Ring – I missed out on this ring last Spring so I was happy to see it back in the Fall. I saw the Bracelet in-store and thought it was just adorable. This is about as Hipster as I’m going to get.

Dictionary Phone Book for iPhone – I preferred this in the Blue as opposed to the Brown but this didn’t work for me for one small reason. If you will notice in the 2nd and 3rd pics below there is a hole for the camera but it’s not wide enough for the flash. I use my phone for pictures all the time and use the flash quite a bit as well. I’d have to take the phone out of the case to take a pic with flash which defeats the purpose for me. I’m so sad because I love the color and it has a cute little Owl on it. This is perfect to slip a few cards and cash in and head out.

Owl Coin Purse – I used my Made in the Shade Coin Purse through the Spring and Summer so I decided to get a new one for Fall and Winter. This little Owl is perfect for whatever change I might carry around.

Cobble Hill Brandice – Lastly, I found this micro-mini cross-body bag that fits my phone, cards and some cash…maybe my lipstick too. After my trip to Las Vegas using the Brompton Mini-Hobo I realized I needed something just a bit smaller. I love my mini-Bromptons but this smaller cross-body will be perfect for shopping and it fits inside my Brompton.

Did you get anything from the Kate Spade sales? 
/ Uncategorized

The Brocatto Peplum Top was the only item on my Anthro wishlist I wanted to see using the Anthro Day 15% off. I ordered a Medium and should have probably chosen a Medium Petite. It’s loose in the shoulders and chest and then fits in the waist. The material is a beautiful brocade but does look a little like Grandmother’s couch. Also, the Peplum is a bit “peppy”

I love the color of the Roses and found so many items in my closet that would work with this top. I just don’t know if I love it enough to keep it or exchange it for a MP, so I’ll need your help deciding.

I originally didn’t care for pairing the Brocatto Peplum Top with the Fluted Skirt in Ivory because I had a Flare at the hip and then at my knees. But, now, seeing it in an image, I don’t think it looks that bad. What do you think? A pencil skirt or even the Sterling Skirt in Crimson Maple might be a better choice for this top.

Second, is a jean pairing. These are Lucky Brand Legend High-Rise Trouser Jeans, with the Schoolboy Blazer in Navy and Studded Strap Booties from Anthro. If I wore this top alone with a jean I would go a skinny jean like the Midrise Toothpick in Carbon.

Lastly, I have on the Flair Skirt in Double-Serge Wool in Navy, the Factory Clare Cardigan in Cabernet and my Louboutin’s in Cranberry. This is a nice look and the Clare Cardigan goes well with the top.

I created a few other looks in my Stylebook but am really on the fence about this top. So even though I like it and I can certainly wear this 3 ways, and more, I don’t know if I actually will. I have enough dressy tops to go with these items but can it be casual enough for WFH?
What do you think? 
/ TravelBella

Hi all! I’m heading to Vegas for the rest of the week to see my brother. We are treating MamaBella, who hasn’t been on a vacation out of Texas in 10 years. Vegas was one of the first vacations Dad wanted to take her on so we are doing it for him. My youngest Brother will also join us on Thursday so it will be just the four of us. Cannot wait but 3:30 a.m. will come very quick tomorrow.

Here’s are my planned outfits for this trip. I had it finalized in my Stylebook a few days ago and then found THE.MOST.AMAZING.LEATHER.TEE. at Lucky Brand. I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to be on-trend with Leather this year so I was being very picky. I tried on the Leather Tee from Banana and it was too long and a bit snug in the chest. Today, walking around making returns (so I can have more shopping money for Vegas!) I found this Tee.

The color is called “Ocean Depth” but it is a beautiful Teal color. The leather is supple and soft. I tried on a Medium and it fit well to a little loose. I tried on the Small and it seemed to be mis-sized. The length was at least 2-3 inches shorter and pulled all over the chest. I stayed with the Medium. Slouchy Leather Tee in a beautiful color…YES PLEASE!
It was also on sale from $199 to $149. AND!!! it was also 50% off! I double-checked on that one with the SA and then cursed like a sailor in my head. Yippee! LOL!
So, having bought this tee I had to re-do my outfits and re-pack. Below is the final packing list for 3 full days in Vegas. 
Travel Days – Wednesday and Saturday
J Crew Gingham Top, Citizens of Humanity Dylan Jeans, Converse Shoreline
Anthro Tee, CoH Dylan Jeans (hope they don’t smell by then!), Converse Shorline

During the Day…Thursday, Friday
J Crew Sequin Scoopneck Tee, Andie Chinos in Navy, Cece Flat in Navy

J Crew High Line Tee, Tuxedo Andie Chinos, Cece Flats

Evening…Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Lucky Brand Leather Tee, J Crew Cafe’ Capri in Tile Jacquard, Janey Flats and KS Clutch

JC Jenna Cardigan, Banana Republic Lace Cami, JC Lace Mini Skirt, Janey Flats, KS Clutch

Lucky Brand Leather Tee, JC Fluted Skirt, Janey Flats, KS Clutch

And an extra outfit that can be either Day or Night…
J Crew Kiss Kiss Tee, Fluted Mini, Printed Janey, Madewell Denim Shirt, KS Clutch

As long as the Fluted Mini is not too smoky-smelling I will try to use it at least twice. Same with the Leather Tee. I also threw in another silk top from Anthro to go with the jeans, Fluted Skirt or Tuxedo Andie Chinos. And I will shop with MamaBella one day. I also took a pair of black heels but may pull those out before tomorrow. I think the Janey Flats will be perfect each evening. I was lucky enough to get them on a pop-back last week. 
Have a Great Week! I’ll have another “1 Item, 3 Ways” with an Anthro Top this weekend. Also, follow me on Instagram because even though “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas”, I will be posting my outfits!
~Also, say the title of the post as Napoleon Dynamite would!