/ Reviews

I was at the outlet a few weeks ago and it was crazy busy. I made the mistake of going on a Saturday, in the middle of the day. Not the best time for shopping. But since I was there and I had the time, I pushed my way into the Tory Burch store. The store itself is pretty small and carries clothing from seasons past. From what I’ve been told and from what I’ve seen, they do not make clothes for the outlet store. Everything is overstock from the retail stores and boutiques. On this trip I was able to find some things I had either originally passed up or couldn’t get because they sold out quickly.

~ Kerrington Wallet Cross-Body, Diamond Print ~
This is similar to the Marion Cross-Body I own though just a little bigger. It’s made of PVC with a leather removable strap. This pattern was one of my favorites from this Spring. I just couldn’t decide between the Kerrington bag or this Cross-Body and they both sold out. This was the only one in the store and I was very surprised to find it. Once I did, I didn’t let go of it.
It has several card slots as well as room for keys, phone, lipstick and a few other small items. I don’t ever over-pack my Cross-Body Wallets. The price was $136.50 down from the original of $195. I know it’s not a significant price cut and is what you would have found had it been in the retail store on sale. It’s a great colorful alternative to my Marion Cross-Body.

~ Lidia Lace Polo (solid, print), Indian Blue/White, Medium ~

I found this blue version of the Lidia Lace Polo shirt in the store as well. I have a few solid colors of the Lidia Polo and love them. The ruffle collar and button placket dresses up what would otherwise be another standard polo shirt. This one goes one step further and has a lace overlay with white lining. I know this also came in white and green and was timed with the Botanical Floral print. I bought the Mia Slim Boot Jean and love them. This blue polo will pair nicely with them. You can re-visit my review of the solid Lidia Polo here and the Linen Stripe here.
 
~ Brigitte Blouse in Linen (solid, Paisley, Geometric), Red, size 8 ~
No IRL on this one since this is at the cleaners. I was so giddy when I found this blouse at the outlet store. It was on a rack in the dressing room area and there weren’t any on the floor. I have never tried the Brigitte as I thought I would need to size to a 10 since it looked a little small. But the size 8 was perfect and I was so hoping there were other colors as I would have bought every single one. The Linen is very lightweight. I’ve worn it twice already and just love it! I’ve been scouring the reseller sites (ebay, The Real Real, Tradesy) for any of these in another color but I’ve had no luck just yet.
They are currently carrying items from what looks like Spring 2014. A lot of items in this Botanical Garden but not that dress specifically. I was told by my retail store SA that they are able to look up all inventory, including those items at the factory stores. I don’t think they necessarily have an “outlet” or “factory” section they look up but can find items in inventory if you know the name or style number. The SA wasn’t able to find any more of the Brigitte Blouses for me.

There was not a promo on bags that day but there was a 25% off promo on clothing. I bought the Brigitte Blouse for $35 and the Lidia Lace Polo for $105. Still a little pricey for that one but the original retail was $250. I hope to get back to the outlet in a few weeks to see if there are any new arrivals. By then, the Summer shoppers will be gone and the store won’t be so crazy.

Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

Since I was in the area last week, I headed over to Madewell to see if they had any Embroidered Stitchtake Dresses in stock. Sadly, they were sold out but I did find three shirts that I took home with me.

~ Bon Vivant Tee, Small ~
This tee is so soft and comfortable that I didn’t even notice the drop-shoulder on it. This runs big so size down at least one. I usually get a Medium for comfort but the Small fits really well.
Here’s another comfortable shirt. It’s really super soft cotton and I like the blue-and-gray plaid. The is oversized so go down one size. You’ll still have that slouchy, oversized look. I’ve worn this one already with some old chambray shorts. 
This shirt was styled in the window as a wrap-style blouse. I searched all over the store for it and had to go back and check the colors on it. Then I found it on a table. It’s pretty over-sized but I like how it looks tucked-in, which is how I would wear it most of the time. Since it is over-sized, you’ll need to size down at least one size. 

The Courier Shirt comes in a variety of patterns as well as White and Chambray. This shirt has a 4-5 star rating depending on the pattern. It seems it is very well loved by Madewell Aficionadas.

What do you think of these three shirts? Have you tried the Courier Shirt?

/ Reviews

I found two set of J Crew Factory items from the last roll-out that I hadn’t reviewed. I am hoping to get to the Factory in the next few weeks to see the latest Fall arrivals.

~ Grid Jacquard Keyhole Tee, White, Medium ~

I really liked this shirt on the hanger but it is really square and boxy. The sleeves just fit on me so there’s no sizing down to a Small. I have room in the chest and shoulders but I think the black colorway looks less ratty, a lot nicer.

There’s a keyhole in the front with a hook-and-eye closure. There’s also a skirt in the same material and pattern.

 

I love this print in the Floral Piqué Dress and since the dress didn’t work out, I was happy to see this print and texture in a pencil skirt. I haven’t bought any pencil skirts in a while and have culled my closest to only a chosen few. The size 6 fit fine on me and the length hits just below the knee. I wanted just a little more wiggle room so I bought the size 8.
 
~ Swing Top with Zip Back, White, Medium ~
I’m not sure how this is a swing top but it is boxy. The Medium is a good fit for me with it fitting a little loose in the shoulders and arms. The back has an exposed short zip. I did need it to take the shirt off and on so it’s not just for show.

I have a linen shirt similar to this one as well as one in black so I can sub either one of those in for this outfit. The cotton is a nice quality and once ironed would seem crisp and polished.

 

~ Floral Eyelet Pencil Skirt, Autumn Crimson, size 6 ~
This skirt runs small and the size 6 was pretty snug. I definitely need a size 8 in this one. It is cotton and lined but there is no give what-so-ever. The red color is saturated and a nice shade; a blue undertone as opposed to orange.
 
I loved the Basketweave Pencil Skirt and can’t wait to wear it. I’ll be sure to post the Que Bella when I do.
What do you think of these skirts from the last roll-out?

/ Reviews

The latest set of new J Crew Factory arrivals are very Fall-like – Sweaters, Long-sleeves, Booties. Before I share my picks and what I purchased during the Early Access I wanted to let you know I did a mock check-out with the Quilted Vest and the Gilt City coupon of 30% applied.

I saw the Dachshund Sweater in the store in the Crewcuts section and lamented about how I couldn’t fit into the largest size. I really wanted that sweater. I was excited to see an adult version of the Dachshund Sweater in the latest roll-out. Of course I ordered it. I already see myself layering the retail version of the Sleeveless Printed Blouse under it. I’d also wear it with the Plaza Skirt in Glen Plaid. I see that the Tweed version is available at the Factory so I would think the Glen Plaid version can’t be far behind.

It’s very interesting to see the Leather Pocket Tee Dress because that was a Madewell item I purchased last October. You can re-visit my Que Bella and review of the Madewell Leather Pocket T-Shirt Dress. Have you noticed any other Madewell items being made for J Crew Factory? This is the first one I’ve noticed.

I also ordered the Suede Sawyer Boots in Olive Moss. The color looks really nice online so I’m excited to see it IRL. I like the lower heel even though the style is a little Western. Those will be coming up on a Shoesday in about two weeks.
Do you have any favorite picks from the latest Factory roll-out? It looks like a retail roll-out will be happening next week.

/ Reviews

Last up from the new arrivals is one of my favorite sets, that features The Downtown Field Jacket. It’s way too hot around here to consider Fall clothing. Just thinking about jackets and sweaters and boots makes me hot.

~ The Downtown Field Jacket, Deep Burgundy, Medium ~
I love this color. It really is a deep shade of burgundy, IRL. The Medium fit TTS, with the sleeves just a little long on me. Buttoned-up, it looks and is fitted. I could get away with layering a vest underneath (J Crew, Factory, Wool Factory) for a little added warmth.
 
Un-buttoned and a more relaxed look. I usually don’t zip and button jackets and blazers so this look is more me. I really love how it looks with the Vintage Scarf print. It makes the color on the skirt pop just a little more.
 
The small details of this jacket are the trim when you fold the sleeve to make a cuff. The same checkered print is also on the inside of the jacket. I never noticed this before on the other colors. Does anyone know if this is the same in the Black or Mossy Brown? I can’t tell in the online photos.
~ Polka Dot Tippi Sweater with Shoulder Buttons, Medium ~
This fit TTS on me but it still seemed a little off. It felt a little tighter in the sleeves and the length seems a lot longer than the other Tippis I have. The neckline also looks a little lower and somewhat loose. I wasn’t really that impressed with this Tippi. I didn’t need to un-button the shoulder buttons to get into the sweater. They seem more for decoration than anything.

 

~ Flutter Mini Skirt in Vintage Scarf, size 8 ~

This is a very cute skirt that runs TTS to just a smidge small. This fit pretty snug, almost like a pencil skirt, at the hips. This may be on purpose to flare out the hem a little more. The material at the hem also felt like scuba but not as think as the other scuba skirts in the past. I really liked the print on the skirt but would probably get more wear out of the dress.
 

 

This was, by far, one of my favorite outfits I put together, despite the odd-fit of the Tippi. Unfortunately, the Downtown Field Jacket is excluded from the SHOPMORE promo.
What do you think of these items? Have you tried this Tippi yet?