/ Reviews

With the temps changing I’m always interested in additional outerwear to add to my closed. I usually go for a new blazer each Fall season since I wear those the most. I have a few coat options if the weather warrants it.

~ Wool Blazer, Green, size 8 ~

I am so happy I was able to see this blazer in-store. The green color is perfect for Fall and I have quite a few outfit ideas for it already. The size 8 fit fine though I prefer 10 Petite. I ended up buying this one since it was 50% off in-store and online was about $15-20 higher at the time. I usually don’t button my blazers but do layer under them.
~ Bonded Trench Coat, Medium ~

I found the perfect trench at the Banana Republic Factory Store so I was very underwhelmed when I tried this one on. The material is a little thicker, not much, but enough to notice. The sleeves have an elastic cuff and there’s no belt. There’s that collar strap hanging on the left but I couldn’t find a button on the right to connect it to.

The fit was good in the Medium and enough room for some layers.

I didn’t personally like this one and would have like to have compared it to the Trench Coat.

I debated between getting this vest or the Wool Blazer and chose the blazer. I loved this vest though. The Small fit well, same as my excursion vest size. I know some have sized down two sizes but I like the Small on me.

I really do like the Sherpa lining and it comes out so you can wear this into Spring. There’s a front zip and buttons and front flap pockets.

There is also an interior drawstring so you can cinch the waist. At the time I was in-store, this was 50% off. I highly recommend this vest, in case you’re still debating.

~ Quilted Jacket, Navy, Medium ~
I tried this on for the blog only but really liked it. The Medium was a great fit and still enough room to layer underneath. I liked the Navy color personally but I think the store was selling out of all three colors.

There’s a front-zip and buttons and high collar.

I liked that the sleeves had an interior elastic cuff to help keep the cold out.

The Wool Blazer did come home with me and the Sherpa Lined Utility Vest was very very tempting.

What do you think of this set of outwear?

/ Reviews

Like I mentioned Sunday, I was able to visit the J Crew Factory to look at the arrivals from a few weeks ago. This week will be the next roll-out. I’m guessing Early Access will be Tuesday and the full roll-out on Wednesday.

~ Chevron Stitch Boatneck Sweater, Heather Safari, Small ~

This fit well in the Small. The arms are a little snug but I like how it skims the body. Sizing to a Medium will make this too loose for my liking. This is a merino wool blend but felt very comfortable and soft on. I like the Heather Safari color as well with the striped neckline, wrists and hem.

~ Intarsia Zebra Sweater, Gentle Sea Ivory, Small ~
This was on my wishlist from the beginning. I don’t care for the light blue of the sweater but the zebra is cute. The Small fit well and I wouldn’t size up, even if I was layering underneath. After seeing this IRL though I decided not to buy it. I have a lot of sweaters and usually wear my Cashmere Sweaters the most.
It’s always good to visit the Factory or new Mercantile store in-person if you can as the promos are usually different from online. At the time I visited, everything was between 40-60% off. Both of these sweaters were 50% off.
What do you think of these sweaters? Are you excited to see what new arrivals bring to the Factory?

/ Reviews

J Crew has had a promo every day this week with the final promo being 40% off Final Sale with code DAYFIVE. I wanted to share with you a couple of items I have been wearing that are currently included in this promo.

The main item that’s been a constant in my outfits is the Wide-Leg Cropped Jean in both the Lowry Wash and the Odell Wash. I absolutely LOVE these jeans. They are not too wide-leg but feel more like a Boyfriend Fit. I reviewed the Odell Wash here and have two pair of them, having paid $16 for one of the pair during a 60% off promo. Since I loved them so much I wanted a pair that weren’t distressed but still casual so I ordered the Lowry Wash and have rotated them with the two other pair.

I also recently purchased the Thurston Wash and they fit a little more snug and are a little longer than my other pairs. Alas, those were Final Sale so I’ll have to make them work.

 

I’ve been wearing the jeans with Silk Blouses like the Silk Twill Shell in Jungle Print, the Silk Blouse in Cobalt Leopard and an old-school-Crew favorite of mine, the Indigo Silk Blouse. The Odell Wash in show below. 

This is probably my favorite look so far. I can’t wait to add the Factory Wool Blazer over this when it gets a little cooler around here. I paired my new favorite blouse, the Collection Ruffle Pintuck Heart Dot Blouse (found on ebay) with the Lowry Wash, my TB Kerrington Mini Square Tote and some Louboutin Heels.
 

I don’t have any intention of taking these to be hemmed as I wear them rolled up a few times instead. I ordered a second pair of the Lowry Wash bringing my total to 5 pairs of the Wide-Leg Cropped Jean. They come in White as well but I don’t wear my other pair of white jeans enough to buy a second pair that I may not wear.

Skinny jeans have been tossed to the back of the closet for now!

Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

Last up today for dresses are two I didn’t except to ever try on or even love.

~ Paper Crown Florette Maxi Dress, size 6 ~

This was a return to my store and though I knew it would be long on me I really liked the retro style and was happy to try it on. The size 6 is too small for me. I couldn’t get it zipped past the waistband so I would get the size 8. I think the 8 Petite would still be too snug in that area. The top didn’t drape very well but only because of the zip issue. I see the potential in it and in the right size will drape nicely. The length was long, as expected and would need some hemming.
 

Both sides of the skirt portion have slits that may only show when moving. This dress would be a nice alternative to a cocktail dress and you’ll still look and feel glamorous.

~ Byron Lars Carissima Sheath, Black, size 6 ~
A variation of this dress by Byron Lars has been around for a while but it’s the first time I’ve tried one on. My store had a return of the Black in a size 6 and decided to try it on just to gauge the fit. I was surprised at how well this size fit. I couldn’t get the back to zip all the way but that’s just due to reach. The lace arms were not too tight and didn’t feel like they were going to shred at any moment.
 

I really like the Navy as it’s such a different color option than black but still nice and dark. This dress made me feel sexy and thin. I am debating on ordering the size 8 as I’m a little worried about arm movement and the lace limiting that. But, it’s no wonder it has an almost 5-star review at Anthropologie. It’s definitely a dress for everyone.

What are you thoughts on these two dresses? Have you ever tried on the Byron Lars dress?

/ Reviews

Next up are three completely different dress styles and all wishlisted for me.

~ Maeve Cabled Colorblock Dress, size 6 ~

I love Mod style from the 60s but never feel comfortable enough to pull it off. This dress changes that. I loved it immediately when I saw it on the hanger. I’m a 34C and don’t think the colorblocking at the chest accentuates it any further. The skirt hits just below the knee on me but has a nice flow to it. The skirt also has some accent buttons on both sides.
 

There are pockets at the front, not the sides of the skirt. The only negative I have is the exposed zip. But the zipper pull has a little ribbon on it to help with pulling it up if you find yourself without and extra pair of hands to help.

 

~ Maeve Brindille Sheath, Navy, size 8 ~

I went straight for this dress because of the pattern, especially the blue flowers popping out all over. My sizing is all over the place for Maeve but it does depend on the style. This sheath dress is the right size in an 8. It has a slight waist to give you just enough curve and definition. The chest is snug but not tight so there’s no gaping on the sides.
 

Again, an exposed zip but it does seem to blend well into the pattern.

 
~ Tylho Brynn Shirtdress, Green, Medium ~
This is an absolutely darling shirtdress. I love the green print and the criss-cross at the waistline is flattering. The chest isn’t tight, which is common for me in shirtdresses, and the skirt portion pleating doesn’t add bulk. The Medium was the best fit though I would like the length just an inch higher, though it’s not a deal-breaker. I think I could easily transition this through Late Fall which boots and a long chunky cardigan. I wonder if I could add my Harvest Moon Poncho in Ivory over the top? I’ve added this dress to my wishlist.