/ Bella Picks

Loft has 40% off everything with code FALLSTYLE, ending on Saturday, but only for US shipments. Lou & Grey is also excluded from this promo. Though Loft uses quite a bit of Poly in their clothes they look a little nicer than most fast fashion I’ve seen and purchased.

The Plaid Dolman Dress is probably my main pick. I think it will be great for Fall with a slouchy sweater and boots. The Boyfriend Corduroy Pants looks very cool to me, especially in that Violet Smoke color. I bought the Striped Coatigan a few weeks ago and took a Petite Small. I plan on wearing it with one of my TB Cora Dresses as well as just around the house in Winter. I like the Camel and Navy colors of the Colorblock Coatigan as well. They really should just call those chunky sweaters.

Loft is a nice choice, especially right now, if you are on a budget. I know that Career Fairs at colleges and universities are happening this month and a lot of college students are looking for internships and jobs right now. I’m not sure how many college students read this blog but first impressions are always important. I have several friends who recruit, all over the country, for their companies during this time and I have heard many a story about how a student showed up in her clubbing clothes for the Career Fair or interview. Even the Swingy Chambray Dress is more put together than a black mini-dress. The guys are a little more put together as they usually own a button-down or two and a tie but I’ve heard some stories of grungy or ironic tees with shorts and flip-flops.
For women, one pair of black pants, two blouses and a blazer should get you through your Career Fairs, first-meets, dinners and interviews. As far as heels, keep the 4-inches at home and stick with black or navy. Here are some of my picks.Loft – I like that they have different styles of trousers to fit you. I go with the Marissa fit for my curves.

Forever 21 – There are some great blouse options at F21 but the pant selections weren’t good. I’d stick with Loft or maybe H&M or Zara for some decent trousers.
Once you’ve succeeded in getting that internship or job, you can gauge how everyone else dresses. Most places are business casual. You’ll still need those blouses and a trouser or two but chinos and jeans will probably work too.
I hope I didn’t sound too judgmental there but first impressions do matter. Most of the time, feedback is given to the student in the interview on what he or she can do to improve for next time, whether or not he or she gets the job or internship. A short conversation on appearance is usually included. I’m just basing this on a lot of conversations and stories from recruiters over the years. I hope it helps you!

Happy Shopping!

/ Bella Picks

J Crew Factory only does this 50% off everything (well 99%) just a few times a year. It’s a great promo to take advantage of, especially on the Puffer Vests now $49-54! And there’s no code needed!

It’s so hard to choose which items I want. There are so many! I really really want the Sherpa Lined Utility Vest. Like really really want! And I hadn’t noticed the Pleated Wool Skirt either.
I reviewed the Suede Sawyer Booties. As a Doxie owner I also bought the Intarsia Wrap Around Dachshund Sweater. And I own the Leather Pocket Tee Dress that was originally done by Madewell last year, getting a size Small. I haven’t tried the Factory version. I have a lot more picks so go check out my Pinterest Board!

What are you contemplating from this sale?

/ Bella Picks

Finally I’m getting to some J Crew. Below are my picks from the New Arrivals for September. I’ll have reviews up starting tomorrow.

I was a bit sad when I saw the Rhodes Blazer in Italian Wool online. I think it means the end of the Schoolboy Blazer. But then, I tried it on in-store and love it! The texture of the blazer is thicker in a way, not as smooth as the Schoolboy Blazer in Wool. It fits about the same too. I’ll talk more in my review on it tomorrow. Another jacket I love is the Hooded Downtown Field Jacket. I actually like the color of Weathered Spruce. I bought the Downtown Field Jacket in Deep Burgundy and would have chosen Weathered Spruce had it been offered.

I don’t need any dressy or fancy pants but I really like the Thistle Floral print on the Collection Italian Silk Twill Pant. And those come in Petite too! I did buy the Sunday Slim Chino in Baked Terracotta. I have worn the Chino Shorts in a similar color all Summer and think it’s a great color to transition into Fall.

I absolutely LOVE the Carrie Cami in Watercolor Floral. I think a lot of the prints should put on the Carrie Cami. The cami is so versatile and easy to layer. Had some of the prints from this year been on the cami I might have bought more from J Crew.
The Adele Glossy Leather Ankle Boots look divine in Orchid Smoke. The 4-inch heel is over my limit on heel height though, so I’ll admire it from afar.You can see more of my picks on my Pinterest Board!

For me, there’s a lot to love in this roll-out.  What about you?

/ Bella Picks

I haven’t shopped at Ann Taylor in quite a while but there’s a Friends & Family event going on until Monday night. You can take 40% off your purchase, with code FRIENDS40. During my time off this week I stopped by to see the, mostly Polyester, offerings for Fall. Below are my picks from the sale.

I loved the look and fit of the Lace Tee, in Warm Twilight. I took a Medium. I didn’t see the Black in-store. The Paisley Shift Dress was a little snug in the shoulders so I went with a Medium. I would’t size to a Petite in this dress. The same goes for the Paisley Top in the same print.

The Devin Mosaic Ankle Pants remind me of the Minnie Pant in Foulard from J Crew. I love the idea of the Refined Denim Trench Coat. I don’t own a trench coat as there’s no real need for one but this is a strong contender.

The Faux Leather Pencil Skirt tricked me. I thought it was real leather until I saw the price. The green is really nice and saturated. There’s also a Jacket. The Lace Shift Dress in Dark Ruby fit so well in the size 6. I have so many “party” and “occasion” dresses that I don’t need another. I decided against buying it and chose the Tile Wrap Dress as a more practical “daily use” item. But, I can’t stop thinking about the Lace Shift Dress. I may go back tomorrow and get it.

Have you shopped the Ann Taylor Friends & Family event yet? What do you like from it?

/ Bella Picks

This is not something I would normally post but Husband will not stop raving about his new underwear by TOMMY JOHN. I pay attention when he mentions something he likes because he is so very picky. It’s annoying most of the time but helps when he plans vacations as we always find the best places to stay and eat.

When we first met he was a boxers guy. The boxers moved around and would ride up. I think he also didn’t like the various prints I would buy him. He then switch to boxer briefs. Those were good for a while but he said those also rode up giving him a wedgie. These Tommy John Trunks stay put all day long – no moving around or riding up. The material is a micro modal and feels really soft. Husband says it doesn’t feel like he’s wearing any underwear at all and had to check himself a time or two to make sure he didn’t forget to put any on.

 TJ_SecondSkinTrunk_1

The waist band also stays put helping with the fit. His favorite feature is their “quick draw fly”. I won’t be too detailed but instead of a side opening there is what he calls a “top-loader”. He says it’s very convenient so I’ll take his word for it.

The only thing he was hesitant about when buying his first pair was the price. They range from $29-32 per item. Not a bundle or two but each single item. He’s a bargain shopper if I ever saw one. But, once he wore them he knew they were worth their price. He still looks online to find the cheapest price but has several pair now and is slowly getting rid of all the others he currently has.

Tommy John also has t-shirts which he has yet to buy since they run $40-45 depending on the store. I’ve purchased him a bundle, for Father’s Day, from Tommy John directly and bought him a t-shirt to try. Now that I have found something he likes and can really use I’ll keep the link handy to purchase when he needs more, especially if he likes the tees.

Again, the fact that he is super picky but seriously raves about the Tommy John Trunks meant I couldn’t keep this hidden from you. If you have a man in your life who you struggle to buy for try these out.

Have a Great Day!