/ Reviews

I had a Banana Republic mail-day last week and was very happy with what I received. I checked in my stores for the Lemon Print Full Skirt but only saw the dress which is no longer online. Based on a few other full-skirt try-ons I ordered a size 6 in this skirt. I love everything about this skirt – the print, fit, length, pockets! I’ll balance the fullness of the skirt with a slim top or one tucked in.

I was able to order the Marimekko Collection Kivet Hampton Pant first thing in the morning on release day. I ordered my normal Hampton pant size of 6 and was able to get them in Short length. The fit is perfect. I thought the big dots on a pant might be a little overwhelming for me but I casually had on a graphic tee with it and it looked cool. I can’t wait to wear them!

  

You can still find the dress, sweater and skirt in the Kivet print online and in some stores.

Lemons seem to be a trend as Kate Spade, Ann Taylor and Banana all have some items. I would expect Forever 21 to pop some up too here soon.

Were you able to get anything from the Marimekko Collection? Have any “Lemons” in your closet?

/ Reviews

I am trying my best to not buy every embellished sweatshirt that comes out but the Mini-Bows Sweatshirt in Heather Onyx was too cute to pass up. I grabbed a Medium and this run TTS.

Plenty of room through the arms. The material is cozy, of course.

The bows are all over the front and arms. They are not in the back which is good because there are little rhinestones at the center of each bow. Those could get snagged on something and the whole bow could fall off and you wouldn’t know.

Aren’t these just the cutest?

As of now, this sweatshirt is on promo for $98 plus there is 30% off and free shipping today only, making this a pretty good deal. I do plan on layering under this sweatshirt. I’m thinking the Tartan shirt from last year as well as the Silk French Hen Shirt.
Have you tried the Mini-Bows Sweatshirt yet?

/ Reviews

After a quick stop to the room to drop off my bag, I settled on El Jardin Tequila Bar & Restaurant for lunch. The weather was gorgeous and perfect for outdoor seating (all they have). Mango was the fruit choice of the day as I ordered a yummy Chile Mango Margarita and the Baja Fish Tacos with a Mango Salsa and Avocado Sauce.

 The real deal…no Photoshopping these images.

I was so tempted to order another Margarita but you would have had to pick me up off the floor. Delicious with a nice kick to it, due to the Chile, but, hello Tequila.

After lunch I stopped by J Crew in Westfield Valley Fair Mall across the street and picked up this versatile necklace.

 I cannot stop wearing it. It just seems to go with everything, even my Apple Print Tippi Sweater I wore yesterday. It’s almost becoming second nature to grab this necklace to wear with whatever I have on. The receipt stated this was the Dorado Necklace. I have no idea if this will show up online Wednesday or if this is in-store only. My VPS said they had it for about two seconds before they were sold out.

Then I was off to Anthropologie, as Husband and I had stopped in Kate Spade the day before. I was able to find a few items to try on. They had quite a few party dresses and items out already.

Guimauve Top, Sz Medium – This fit well but I’d like to try a Small to be sure. This was really cozy on and would look great with some dark jeans and heels. Wishlisted.

Beaded Poeme Top, Sz 6, Ivory – A great little top for Holiday parties but definitely needs a cami underneath. It also comes in Pink. It’s also a little heavy due to the beading. I vary between a 6 and 8 in tops and felt this was a great fit. Wishlisted

Emperor Kiss Sweater, Medium – Oh this is such a super cute sweater. I doubt it will make it to sale. This would fit in well with all the black and gray I’ve been wearing lately. Wishlisted

Joyeux Dress, Sz 6 – This was a perfect fit and beautiful for the upcoming Holidays. I don’t have a need for it but would love to find one. Wishlisted
   

Violante Dress, Sz Medium – This is another dress that would be great for any Holiday dinners. The Medium fit a little loose in the bust so if I were to get this I would like to try a Small or Medium Petite to see if that works any better. Wishlisted

Emerald Founce Skirt, Sz 8 – I was excited to try this skirt on as I loved the color. Sadly this skirt was all kinds of wrong. The waist was a little loose, the hips were really tight and the flounce I just didn’t like on me.  Pass

Odette Skirt, Medium/Small Petite/XS – This skirt was right in front of the store on a display. I walked around twice before I actually found it and grabbed a Medium to try on. That is the larger pic of the three and it was loose in the hips and too long. The back is pleated on this sweater skirt with a felted wool swan. I asked the SA for a Small and she brought a Small Petite. It’s still a little big on me so I sized to an Xtra Small. Though I was Spanxing it that day, the XS was the best fit. I can’t explain why. This was also after lunch too.

 I purchased the Odette Skirt but may return it as I don’t really have a great need for it. I do have plenty of Cashmere sweaters in various colors to go with the skirt as well as plenty of shoe options but it doesn’t fit in to my day-to-day life.
What do you think of these items? Anything catch your eye?
Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

 

OK, I get a little skeeved out by snakeskin prints. So when I saw this print in the No. 2 Pencil Skirt I knew it would not be making it into my closet. But, there’s no harm trying it on for blog’s sake, right?

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Snake Print, Sz 6 – This is a wool/silk blend and fit TTS. The length seems a little long, more than normal. If I were to buy this it would be in a Petite 8 to shorten it up a little.
Blythe Blouse, Neon Kiwi, Sz 6 – Wow, is this bright. Even more so when paired with the Collection Cashmere Cardigan, in Neon Kiwi, Sz M.
This skirt is a pass for me. I’ll wait for another skirt in a print I prefer.
What do you think of this print and skirt?

/ Reviews

**Yay! I was able to recover my photos from my back-up drive and my son’s MacBook.

Lots of reviews but not very many “gotta have right now” items. The Spring Collection has had some cute things but nothing really really special like the Casbah print from last year.

I was trying some of the new Picasa features which took a lot longer than I expected. Some cool features like borders, adding corners, and different types of processing. Anyway, let’s get to the reviews.

Blythe Blouse in Silk, Royal Violet, Sz 8 – I really like the Blythe Blouse and the Sz 8 fits perfect in the shoulders and arms but too big in the chest and body. The Sz 6 is just the opposite so I have to pass on this great shirt because of it.
Long No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Sovereign Paisley, Sz 6 – Oh how I wish this skirt came in at least the regular length. The petite length is 23 inches so I may have to try it. I really am liking this print, especially in the skirt. (And now it’s on sale for $99!)

Tippi Sweater in Orchard Print, Sz M – Whoops…seemed like this is sold out online but I took my normal sweater size. It’s a cute print and my PS paired it with the Postage Stamp Mini in Big Apple Print, Sz 8. If you’ll notice the length is not so mini on me because J Crew states they “tweaked the mini so you’ll never feel over-exposed.” Hmmm…I think me likey. I did purchase it but am deciding if I really want to keep it. I am wearing the Seville Wedge Espadrilles in a Size 7 and they are half a size too big. The Size 6 (no half sizes) was way too tight. I was really disappointed because I really wanted the Seville in Stripe.

Stripe Sequin Tank, Sz Small – I bought this right after it originally rolled out in lat February/early March but returned it. I’m waiting for a sale and hope it makes it. I really do like it. I can wear the Small but may size to a Medium, depending on what makes sale.

Stripe Twisted Stitch Henley, Sz Small – My store manager predicted this would go on sale pretty quick as it’s very box, although comfortable. She was right. Not even two weeks after I tried this on it went to sale. Size down one if you are interested. My PS paired it with the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Violet, Sz 8 (although I take a 6 in pencil skirts). This is a very pretty purple but not needed in my closet right now. This color is on sale, online, for $59.99.

Here, the henley sweater is paired with the 5 inch Chino Shorts in Lemon Zest. I would size to an 8 for a more comfortable fit.

Now, I was really intrigued by the Tessallate Necklace when it appeared online a few weeks ago. I was happy to see my PS had it in my dressing room but up close I was disappointed. I was hoping it was gold painted enamel not resin (plastic). This was a pass after seeing it IRL. I can certainly find something similar for a lot less than EIGHTY-FIVE DOLLARS!!!

This is some sort of tweed-ish pencil skirt that was in-store but I can’t find online. Style #76956, $118

Colorblock Stripe Slash Henley, Sz Small – This shirt was flying out the door and I tried on one of the last two left. The Small fit well but the v-neck was cut really low. The Electric Orange of the 5 inch Chino Shorts are a nice vibrant color.

This is the Cafe’ Trouser in Linen in at least one size way too big for me. There was no size 6 or 8 to try on in the Festival Green or Navy that was in-store. I like this color and have it in the Perfect Linen Shirt. I think a Petite 8 might be my size for this pant but I don’t need it as I have an Navy linen pant from a few years ago.

The Maritime Colorblock Dress is not online (did I miss it and it’s sold out?). I have on a Sz Small which was a good fit. The cotton is pretty thick/substantial. I’ve missed my opportunity to wear it here as the weather is holding in the 80s daily now. I have it paired with the Mini Prints Scarf in Orchard. I can do the apple print in this piece and took it home with me. The first shipment my store received sold out in a day. I was happy my PS put this one away for me when they received their next shipment.

I had never tried the Amie Maxi Dress, Sz S, Bright Flame, before. I know the JCAs have been loving it and I know why. It’s amazing and comfortable and the drawstring helps define your waist. The Navy is online as are the solid colors.

The Cafe’ Capri in Foulard, Sz 8, fit me really odd as do all of the cotton Cafe’ Capris. I think I need a Petite 8 for a better fit. It’s reminiscent of the Mahali Dot Print from a few years ago.

Gondola Stripe Top, Sz 8 & 6 – This is a very comfortable silk shirt. The silk is soft and IMO it runs a little big. As you can see, the size 6 is loose through the body on me but that would be the size I would get.

IMO, the Seaport Maxi Dress does nothing for me. I mean, it’s comfortable but pretty long on me. It feels like a long nightgown to me. I’m not sure if sizing to a Small would change my mind.

This is a gorgeous in-store only floral lightweight wool scarf. It came home with me. Style #88503, $59.50

A yellow paisley scarf that was also in-store only. Style #88503, $59.50

I don’t know how to feel about the print on the Big Apple Tunic Dress. I mean I like the print but I think, for me, it needs to be on a smaller scale, like the mini skirt. I know the website says it has a back zip but I don’t remember one. See, for being such a big print, it’s not memorable, like the Jaipur from a few years ago.

I sometimes wish I worked in an office setting and not from home, only if to buy and wear beautiful work-wear dresses like this. The size 6 of Director Dress was a perfect fit for me. And of course, the Bright Dahlia is one of my favorite J Crew colors. Alas, I have the Andre’ Dress in this color I’ve never worn. Maybe I’ll get it on sale with a discount? Here’s to wishful thinking.

So, I know these are a few weeks old but I wanted to post them anyway since I know some of you are my size and/or shape. I’m sure there are now April arrivals in my store. I may end up not even seeing them as I have been swamped.

I did manage to set up my iPad as a mini netbook, with a keyboard and everything, since my laptop is being ridiculous. Oh, and if any of you Blogger iPad users are looking for a Blogging App try Blog Docs. It’s $1.99 but it really is cool. You can write up your posts, add pics, change your formats, add a signature, etc. I did my last post completely in it and have two more drafts written that I hope to post this week.

Have a Great Day!