/ 2017

Here are the reviews from the latest J.Crew roll-out. This has been one of my favorites of the year so far. There are a lot of regular-wear classics in it for me like the Popover Oxford Shirt, Linen Shorts and Linen Shirt.

~ Tippi Short-Sleeve Sweater in Berry Print, Medium ~
~ Pleated Skirt in Berry Print, size 8 ~

 I love that this Tippi has a contrasting striped back and that it’s short-sleeved. I wonder if we will see solid s/s Tippi’s in another roll-out or two? If they had an all stripe like the back of this sweater I would definitely get it. I haven’t changed sizes in the Tippi with the Medium still fitting me well.

~ Pleated Skirt in Berry Print, size 8 ~

This skirt is long for me and I would be better suited in the Petite size. I was shocked to see the skirt was $98 but then I saw the material was 100% Polyester. This would have been much nicer in silk but of course probably raised the price another $100. But, because it’s Poly it’s also machine washable. I like the Berry Print but think I would get tired of wearing it as a top or bottom. I think the Bandana or D’Orsay Pumps are more my style.

~ Heels on Fire Tee, Small ~
~ Ruffle Skirt in Chambray, 8P ~

I thought the vintage cotton was looser like the tissue tee so I ordered a small in this tee. It’s a cute tee and the wording is embroidered on. It fits well through the body but the arms are a little snug. I was going to exchange it but my store only had two sizes left. I’m hoping it doesn’t shrink when I wash it. And I know you’re thinking “Why don’t you re-order the right size?” And I could but I want to wear this tee now and not wait for the new size to get here. But it is the right thing to do. I hope when I return from my trip that my store will have gotten more sizes so I can exchange it.

~ Ruffle Skirt in Chambray, 8P ~

I was hoping to get a pretty skirt that I could wear casually this Summer. This one, in the Chambray, was perfect. But I don’t care for the ruffle. I’d prefer a pencil or a-line silhouette. I ordered the 8P for length and it fits well everywhere. I like where the length hits, just at the middle of the knee but I couldn’t get past the ruffle so it was returned. If you order this, take your normal size.

~ Gingham Ruffle-Hem Dress, size 8 ~

I liked this dress when I saw it online and was happy to see it in my store. Unfortunately, I am not that girl who can casually tie her belt and still look cool. The bottom is visually heavy so I do think you need something in the middle to balance out the hem. The Petite is still going to be long, at 41-inches. If I got this at a crazy sale price I think I would chop off the hem. That would allow me to wear it at my desired length and without the belt. But it’s took cute and I think my size will sell out. I’m saying take your normal size in this dress.

~ Sheath Dress in Fringy Lace, Black, size 6/8P/8 ~

I absolutely loved this dress. I originally saw it at Nordstrom and both the 6 and 8 sold out quickly. I ended up ordering the 8 Petite from J.Crew and found it to be a perfect fit, except for the length. (middle pic) It’s really flattering at that length and I did love it but sitting, dancing or any kind of movement would have hiked up the hem to show a lot more than just my legs. I was relieved that my store had this in black in both the 6 and 8.

I tried the 8 first and it was roomy through the chest and waist. It wasn’t huge by any means but knowing how the 8P fit I knew it would look better a little closer to the body. The size 6 wasn’t as snug as the 8P but still very comfortable and body-hugging. The length hits about an inch above the knee and more appropriate in general. If I had a lot of fun places and events to go to I would have kept the 8P. Though all three sizes fit me I’m going to say to size down one in this dress.

J.Crew has a 30% off promo right now of almost everything. Just use code HAPPYSPRING at check-out.

Happy Shopping!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ 2017

J.Crew popped up a few great Spring New Arrivals today and you can get and additional 25% off most of them with code GETSHOPPING. Quick picks I’m eyeing are the Sheath Dress in Fringy Lace, Linen Bermuda Short and the Tippi Short-Sleeve Sweater in Berry Print. I really loved a lot from this roll-out so I’m excited to see them IRL. I do have some fitting room pictures from the last rollout that are below.

~ Western Chambray Shirt in Vintage Indigo, size 8 ~
~ Cropped Silk Pant in Foulard, size 6 ~

The shirt fit snug in the arms so I would definitely need a size 10. I think this runs a little small so that size may not even fit. I like the snap-shell buttons and the color is a nice faded indigo. I do like this better untucked but that just could be a sizing issue. The pants were nice and the size 6 fit me fairly well. There is some bunching in the front but that’s really due to the elastic waist. The length is full to-the-floor on me. I like the print though it wouldn’t fit in my daily wear items.

~ Drake’s for J.Crew Bell-Sleeve Top in Giraffe Print, size 6 ~
~ Boyfriend Chino Pant, Honey Brown, size 6 ~

The size 6 fit in this Giraffe Print shirt but it added weight in the front. The bell-sleeves did hit me just below the wrist though the sleeve is a little more 3/4 on the model image. The shirt does look better un-buttoned but overall was just oddly fitting for me. The pants also fit me in the size 6. The size 8 would have a been a bit looser through the legs and probably really big in the waist. I think a Petite 8 would be the best fit overall.

~ Gathered Popover Shirt in Vintage Plaid, size 8 ~

I usually do take a size 8 in popovers so this fit TTS for me. I liked the look of the colors in the vintage plaid but not so much IRL or on me. Still, the colors are great for Spring especially under a Navy Blazer.

~ Striped V-Neck Sweater in Summerweight Cotton, Small ~

This cute sweater is a relaxed fit so the Small fit well. I like the navy/ivory combo for Spring. The sweater is very comfortable and lightweight. I could wear this through the Spring though I think our Summer will get here early. We’ve had a really warm Winter this year.

~ Tippi Sweater with Tortoise Critter, Medium ~

This little turtle is smelling a little bitty flower. It’s so cute but the color washes me out. Both the turtle and flower have an embroidered detail and outline.

~ Pop-Stripe Dress, size 8 ~

I really loved the skirt in this pattern but I knew I would not wear it very often so I haven’t purchased it. The dress was in store so I thought I’d try it on. I grabbed my normal size 8 it did not fit. I really doubted I dropped a whole dress size and online reviews confirm this dress runs  a size large. It’s loose through the chest and the waist. I definitely need an 8 Petite or even a size 6. I am disappointed this is polyester.

I ended up ordering the Western Chambray Shirt in a size 10. I’m hoping it fits and doesn’t run small. I’m a bit behind on the blog just due to a big work project, prepping for some upcoming travel and concentrating on my fitness journey. I’ll have reviews later this week of new arrivals.

Don’t forget to use Ebates today! They have 6% back at J.Crew.

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ 2017

Banana Republic is having a Friends & Family offer through Monday. You can take 50% off up to 5 full-priced items with code BRFAMILY. Cardmembers can take an additional 10% off with code BRCARD. There are exclusions with the BRFAMILY code that include sale, BR Picks, cashmere and leather. But everything else is available at 50% off.

I ordered the Heritage Wide-Leg Crop Pant. I have the same pant in wool in both Navy and Ivory and have worn both quite a bit through “Winter”. I’m struggling with finding things to wear in my closet that I really love. I know these pants work for me and the gray color is a good neutral to go with tops and shoes. A linen-blend will also be perfect for the Spring transition. I also purchased the Chambray Off-Shoulder Dress. It has the fit-and-flare style I love and it looks like off-the-shoulder is here for another year. I purchased several sandals last year from J.Crew that should spice up the chambray.

Even though there are exclusions, this is a really great sale to shop. I really thought about the Embroidered Jeans but Husband already calls me Punky Brewster when I wear my two Pilcro jeans, the Bejeweled and the Embroidered, so I didn’t want to give him anymore ammunition. 🙂

Happy Shopping! And don’t forget to use Ebates before placing your order or shopping in-store!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ 2017

I apologize for dropping the ball on getting the Banana Republic reviews out to you. Good news is there is another 40% off promo, no code needed, both in-store and online. Bad news is that it ends today. Bonus news is I was able to try on a few more items so this post will be lengthy.

~ Pink Tweed Fringe Blazer, size 8 ~

Out of all the pink tweed fringe items this blazer was the one I liked the most. The fringe is around the cuffs and edges of this blazer. After having to size up to a 10 in BR blazers I can finally say this fits TTS in the 8. The sleeve length is “almost” perfect. I don’t button any of my blazers but it isn’t tight when I button this tweed blazer. Though you really see the pink it’s a little more on the red side due to the blue mixed in the tweed. It’s so perfect for Spring. As much as I loved this blazer, I don’t really think I would get much use out of it.

~ Double-Breasted Chambray Blazer, size 8 ~

This looks a bit weird buttoned now that I look at the picture, but again, even though this is double-breasted, I probably won’t button it. I like the loose swingy look it gives when it’s not buttoned. Again, the size 8 is a great fit and though I should get the cuffs hemmed, I usually end up rolling them. The denim is a little darker than a normal chambray color and will be a great transition to Spring. Even though we’ve had a few cold days, I think I’ve only worn my Peacoat once. Otherwise, I’ve been layering with a blazer on top.

~ Girlfriend Fit Jeans, Medium Wash, size 28 ~

I know sizing is a little looser at Banana Republic compared to J.Crew but it’s always nice to “size down”, especially in jeans. I loved the medium wash which is closer to a dark wash. The fit on these Girlfriend Jeans were perfect for my hips and curves, unlike Boyfriend Jeans which usually gape at the waist and are tight at the thighs. I am trying to whittle down my jeans collection so I did not buy these. I’m still trying to figure out what style of jean I really want to keep. These are a good start to a new denim collection.

~ Flutter-Sleeve Polo Dress, Green, Small ~

This was in the recent new arrivals from last week and I couldn’t wait to try it on. First, the green is more of a Kelly Green when you see it in person, just like the website image. I was hoping there would be a little more shape through the body. The sleeves and above the chest are a little snug. Reviews put this as running small and I agree. I was ready to buy this if it had fit well, though in the black colorway. Maybe a Petite Medium would work better?

~ Embellished Fit-and-Flare Dress, size 8 ~

This was a lovely dress and the embellishment on the upper part are sown on fairly well. The size 8 was a perfect fit for me. There is a side zip and the buttons down the front are functional making this very easy to get in and out of. If you want something a little more subtle, the faux-leather pouch is really cute.

~ Flounce Wrap Dress, Black, Small ~

I love wrap dresses and though this one fits well in the Small the hook at the chest comes undone when you move. If you lean forward or make major arm movements it unhooks and then you’re semi-exposed. It’s a shame because I liked the ruffle across the skirt portion.

~Plaid Midi Pencil Skirt, size 6 ~
~ Riley-Fit Pleated Ruffle Shirt, White, size 6 (French Blue, Dot, Stripe)~

~Plaid Midi Pencil Skirt, size 6 ~

I haven’t tried on a pencil skirt from Banana in a while and this one looked to pretty to not take to the fitting room. The material feels a little chiffon-y and is 100% Polyester. The size 6 fit great and comes just below my knee. I wish I worked in a office so I could wear this more than once or twice a year. This pretty plaid print also comes in a dress and ruffle shirt.

~ Riley-Fit Pleated Ruffle Shirt, White, size 6 (French Blue, Dot, Stripe)~

I was hesitant to try on this shirt. I didn’t love it on the hanger. The ruffles seemed to be a bit much all asymmetrical and askew. But once I tried it on I loved it. There is still a collar so the ruffles are not climbing up your neck. The fit in the size 6 was amazing, though it’s also because it’s sleeveless and you’ll see why in a bit. I comes in a few other options that I’ve linked to above.

~ Jersey Faux-Wrap Shirt, Navy, Small ~

This was another item I really loved when I saw it online but after trying it on I didn’t like it so much. It looked so cute online and though the Small fit well the buttons were awkward. I guess you’re only supposed to button the bottom one. I liked the material but just couldn’t get over the look from the front.

~ Denim Peplum Top, Dark Denim, Small ~

I ordered the Chambray Peplum Top last year and though I liked the lightweight material of the chambray I though it ran long for a Peplum top. This one is no different. The denim is a little stiffer and pulls over the head. There’s a single button at the back of the neck that took forever to get unbuttoned. Then I had to wiggle myself out of this shirt. Had it been an inch shorter I might have considered buying it.

~ Riley-Fit Denim Bow Shirt, Blue, size 6 ~

Here’s another Riley-Fit shirt but this time with sleeves. This is the cutest denim shirt though I didn’t do a very good bow. The arms are really snug in the size 6 and I definitely need a size 8 in this. I love that these Riley-Fit shirts have some shape through the body for a lovely feminine look. I would get tired of the bow but it does come off so you essentially get two shirts in one!

~ Embellished Elbow Sleeve Sweater, Navy, Small ~

I think Banana Republic did an embellished sweater in the Fall but the front was decorated. This time it’s the sleeves. The beading at the sleeves was a little odd but I kind of like the way the embellishments look on the sleeves. This sweater is pretty stretchy and a Small fit very well.

~ Flutter Sleeve Polo Top, Small (2 weeks ago) ~

I saw this shirt weeks ago online and knew I wanted it. When I went to try it on originally, a little over 2 weeks ago, the Small was too snug in the arms but fit well through the body. I tried on the Medium and I was swimming in it. I assumed the Medium Petite was the best fit but kept missing it online. We skip ahead two weeks to Monday and, just to be sure, I tried on the Small again. The arms fit without being snug or tight. To be positively sure it wasn’t a mis-labeling issue I tried on another Small in the Ivory. It fit too! I really liked this top and wanted it to work. I love the length of the sleeves with the flutter at the end.

~ Flutter Sleeve Polo Top, Medium ~

~ Flutter Sleeve Polo Top, Small (2nd try-on) ~

Overall, the Flutter-Sleeve Polo Top was the only thing I bought in this sale. Had the Flutter-Sleeve Polo Dress fit better through the body I would have bought that as well.

I’m finding I like a lot more Banana Republic this year. What about you?

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ 2017

Banana Republic is having a rare and fantastic promo through Monday, February 13th. They usually have a 40% off promo every other week but what makes this one so rare is that NOTHING is excluded!! Cashmere, Leather and Suede are all included and there’s no code needed but you do need to reach $200. Just add your item to the basket and once you reach $200 the 40% off will automatically apply! Card members will also receive an additional 15% off with code BRC15.


I bought this lovely gray suede A-Line skirt in December when it went on sale and I absolutely love it. The suede is gorgeous and I’ve worn it several times since purchasing. I ended up sizing to a 6 in this skirt. I’m so tempted by this sale to get the Leather Skirt since the suede one worked out so well.

I’ll return tomorrow to share more picks and some try-ons from Banana Republic! I love the Double-Breasted Chambray Blazer. It runs TTS and is very lightweight. I’ll share more tomorrow!

Happy Shopping!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back