/ Reviews

Hi all! Hope you had a great weekend! I was able to fit in a personal shopping appointment on Saturday, the day before Husband was due home. I had all afternoon to spend trying on the newest collection for Spring. I tried on quite a bit and came home with only one item.

Jules Dress in Fanfare – #70216, 8, Black – I have a lot of love for the Jules Dress. I feel it is so effortless and chic. This “fanfare” print looks to be THE print of the season as it is on everything from dresses to pants to shorts to swimwear. The “8” fit well but I also tried on the “6”, below. That size wasn’t such a tight fit this time. I would probably add a pop of pink underneath the dress or with my Cece Suede Ballet Flats.

Size 6

And a “sit-down” shot. I wanted to remind myself how the length was and how much fabric gathered at the waist. You’ll see what I mean with another dress below.

Lillian Dress in Watercolor Floral – #73878, 8, Admiral Blue – This was one of the items I was very excited to try on and was happy to see it in the store. Unfortunately, this dress does not work for me. It fits very well in the upper portion (shoulders/arms/bust) but the bottom has too much fabric. This hit me just below the knee so I feel the length was good, especially for a non-casual dress. But as you will see with the sit-down shot below there is way too much fabric bunching up. It does have pockets so that is a plus but, overall, this is a pass for me.  

Blythe Blouse in Silk – #37871, 8, Royal Blue – This color is amazing. I love the blues this season. This is so vibrant and just plain gorgeous in silk. Unfortunately, the Blythe Blouse is not for me. It fits in the upper area but there is too much fabric starting at the bust down to the hem. I really need a “6” but it’s just a little too snug for me. I really wish I could wear this blouse, as I love this color.

Postage Stamp Mini in Confetti Tweed – #64052, 10, Confetti – Normally I would wear an “8” in minis but this was all that was left in the bigger sizes. The “10” is big on me and you can see where it hits me as far as length. I was wearing this at my hips too so this is probably 16 inches in length. This skirt has lots of colors in it and I think it would be very versatile, I just wish it came in a pencil skirt. I would buy that.

The sit-down..the “8” would probably ride up a little higher.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Gardenshade Floral – #64008, 6, Admiral Blue – This is a great alternative to the dress version of this print and goes well with the Blythe Blouse in Royal Blue. This is my normal pencil skirt size and it fits just like all the others. I would consider it on sale with a promo since I don’t have an immediate need for any more pencil skirts.

Fanfare Short – #69899, 8, Classic Navy – So first impression of this short on the hanger is that it looked HUGE. I knew it was the print that was causing that illusion. These fit well but I think I could have sized to a 6. We’ll see in another 7 pounds.

Rugby Stripe Dress – #67139, M, Navy Grotto – This is a great casual, every day dress though I think some of you taller ladies may find this too short. In comparison to the Maritime Dress I’d say this is a little thinner in material and smaller. I wear a “S” in the Maritime and this was pulling a little in the shoulders/chest.
Classic Merino Cardigan – #65370, M, Cerise – This is what my PS gave me to pair the dress with. I like the colors together and the Merino Cardigan is such a nice lightweight staple to carry you through Spring.

Another item I was very very excited to try on was the Crinkle Chiffon Skirt – #72299, 6, Warm Peacock. Alas, I was very very disappointed in this skirt. The waist band is grosgrain ribbon with no give what-so-ever. I barely got this hooked and zipped. It’s sitting at the smallest part of my waist area. The length is well below my knee but not quite to midi length. Also, I was hoping the color would be a little more vibrant and not so dull looking. It reminded me a lot of the Jardin Skirt, which I take an 8 in. I’m so sad I have to pass on this skirt but I can imagine the skirt would snag easily.

Size 8, Navy – Still no better in the waist area. It is now sitting at my natural waist but it is still snug. It also got wider and longer.

5-inch Chino Short – #68925, 8, Neon Pink – I totally missed out on this color and the yellow last year so it was nice to see this color come back. I am starting to shy away from the 3 & 5-inch shorts but this color and the Lemon Zest comes in the 7-inch Chino Short and 9-inch Chino Short. 

Scalloped Sateen Skirt – #63860, 6, Royal Violet – This size fit a little small on me. It’s a cute skirt and the color is more purple in person.

Boatneck Popover – #64784, M, Apricot/Navy – This sweater really surprised me. I really was not expecting to like it so much. It’s a little on the thick side but not in a smothering kind of way. I really like both colors too, although I didn’t try on the Cerise Mist. This runs big IMO and I would size down to a Small.

Skirt in Shadow, 8 – This fit a little better but gave me no extra length.

Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb – #72214, 8, Red – This is another item that surprised me. I liked it from the catalog but thought it would be too kitschy for any time other than February. I can totally see this under a cardigan or blazer; open with the sleeves rolled up and a tee underneath. See the many ways Ema has styled it.

Here’s what I was not expecting from this shirt. 1) The silk is soft and very comfortable. 2) It really does read easy-to-wear once you try it on. 3) The “8” ran a little big on me and I could probably size down to a “6”. Is it worth FP? Maybe, especially since I don’t think this will make it to a promo. I expect this shirt to sell, quickly. I hope I’m wrong because I want this.

Denim Short in Faded Indigo – #75648, 31, Faded Indigo – So both my PS and I had no idea how these ran so I tried on this size. These were at least two sizes too big, maybe even three. These fit like boyfriend jeans/shorts. I bought a similar pair at the Factory Store in a darker wash for wear around the house and pool.

High-Waisted Buckle Short – #60118, 8, Shadow – Even though these are high-waisted I wish they were an inch or two longer. But they are very cute and fit very well and tailored. And they look great with the Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb.

Schoolboy Blazer in Herringbone – #37852, 8, Neon Pink – I was very happy to see this color in my store. I wish they had gotten the Chili colorway too but that won’t be for a few weeks or so. This is my normal size in blazers and it fits very well. I love love this color and it looks great with both the High-Waisted  Buckle Short and the Windowpane Scarf. The pink is bright but not neon-y pink.

Paintbox Floral Cardigan – #65521, M, Casablanca Blue – Cute cardigan. Reminds me of Anthro.
Polly Popover in Stripe Crepe de Chine – #72387, 8, Green Navy – I like green and navy together. This shirt ran big, IMO and I would size down to a 6 if I bought it. But I do have a new Loft cardigan in this same colorway that I feel is more versatile, since it’s a cardi.

I like it with the shorts.

Fanfare Tunic – #68128, S, Blue Orchard – A lovely beach cover-up in the Fanfare print. This fit TTS, as I find most of the cover-ups run big.

Fanfare Popover – #68397, M, Classic Navy – Another shirt that looks great with the shorts. I love that it’s navy and not black. I wish the Jules Dress was in Navy as I prefer this colorway better. This fit TTS.

And with the Schoolboy Blazer. So cute.

Wow! That was a lot. I hope these reviews help, especially those of you who are more my size/build. My store had the Cafe’ Capri in Morse Code Jacquard but not in my size or a size down so I was unable to get a fit on those. See more reviews on Shop with M here, here and here,  Ema, AppGal and DaniBP. 

Oh, and what did I get, you wonder? The Jules Dress of course, in the size 6. It was the only thing I really liked after the disappointing fit of the Crinkle Chiffon Skirt and the Lillian Dress.

Have a Great Evening!

/ Reviews

I stopped by J Crew Friday morning to do some returns and try on a few new arrivals.

Heart Me Sweater – #54949, Acorn Black, Medium – I know some like this and it’s a cute sweater but I don’t really want a heart on my chest. I tried this on over the perfect shirt and it seemed to fit well in my usual Medium.

Perfect Shirt in Tartan – #35236, Black, 8 – I missed out on this last year. I had too many plaid shirts and just couldn’t justify another one. Glad it came back this year.
City Mini – #50305, Black, 6 – On sale in store $59.99 +30% off – I liked this skirt when it originally came out and now it’s on sale. I took the 6 even though I could wear the 8 for a touch more length.

You can laugh at the next one…it’s o.k.
Merino Cambon Cardigan – #57758, Heather Acorn Black, Medium – This also comes in Heather Graphite Black. I actually like this sweater and have added it to my wishlist. The fit was good and I would wear it layered like I am now.
Blythe Shirt – #37871, Neon Azalea, 8 – Wow, is this bright. Adding the leggings doesn’t help of course.
Homestead Waffle Leggings in Thermal Stripe – #57941, Neon Azalea, Medium – These are very comfortable but I’d only wear them to bed or around the house with a long sweater. Never outside.

Natasha Top – #54024, Creamy Peach, 8 – I have this in a few colors in a size 6 which is the better fit for me.
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Harvest Tweed – #55821, Camel Coral, 6 – Pretty skirt with a nubby tweed. I have the Café capri in the Olive Mint. My normal size 6 fit well.

Natasha Top – #54024, Creamy Peach, 8
City Mini – #50305, Heather Aluminum, 6
Fair Isle Sweater Leggings – #60057, Flame, Medium – I am glad I was able to see this IRL. They were comfortable and perfect for lounging. Not sure how I would style them. I liked it from the catalog but I have a feeling I can find something similar at Forever 21 or at least cheaper elsewhere.

Tweed Bow Skirt – #55689, GMU, 6 – This is a new skirt in-store right now with a cute little big bow in front. The pattern is plaid and the material is 100% Wool. This fit a little snug. I couldn’t tuck in the top and I was afraid to sit down. The size 8 fit a little looser.

Size 8

Whew! So that’s my last review of the week. What do you think of these new items? I think the bow skirt is cute and is reminiscent of the Double-Serge Bow skirt from a few years ago.

/ Reviews

I stopped by the B&M to make some returns since I re-ordered those items with the 25% off and found a few new arrivals. First is the Jules Dress in Wildcat. This dress is amazing! I LOVE IT! I have a size 8 on as there was no size 6 in the store. I’m happy with the 8 because the 6 would be at least a half inch shorter. I happened to be wearing my brown boots and think they go well with the dress. I have the Bronson booties in camel and it will go well with this dress along with some camel tights. The material is rayon and is the same as the Scoopneck Blouse in Royal Paisley.

Two pockets in front.

Found the Double-Buckle Belt on sale to cinch the waist. If I did this I would add leggings and wear this as a tunic.
 

Scoopneck Blouse in Seine Stripe – I’ve tried this on before but this one is a size 8. It’s too big on me. I ordered the size 6 (twice) so that should be showing up any day now. I think that will be the best fit.
Wool Cafe’ Capri
in Yacht Blue – My store had these in stock and I was so happy to finally see this color IRL. These are a size 8. For some reason they are really loose on me. I have these in Camel so I’ll have to check that fit again

Talia/Scoopneck Blouse in Wildcat – Size 6, #57672, $118 – I really like this print. I have the Natasha Blouse in this print but may return it since the dress in this print is amazing. This will also come in the Jenna’s cardigan in one of the next rollouts.

Blythe Blouse in Silk – Fiesta Purple, Size 8 – This really is a pretty color and this camera pic doesn’t do it justice.
Wool Cafe Capri in Yacht Blue – Size 6 – This is a much better fit.

I just wanted to put these images out there, especially of the Jules dress, in case you were eyeing it online and wanted to use the 25% discount. I also caught a glimpse of the Holiday Catalog – Happy Holidays from the Italian Alps. There are some great pieces coming up for the Holiday rollouts, that my eyes glazed over skimming through it.
Have a Great evening!
 
/ Reviews

Lots of pictures below so let’s get to it.

Blythe Blouse – Extravagant Green, 8 – Love the color and took my normal size in L/S shirts. 

Silk Elodie Blouse – Paradise Blue, 8 – Another great color to go with several items already in my closet (Lolli pants, Cafe Capri in Camel, Viridian Green Pencil Skirt)

Silk Scarf Tank in Floating Rose – Rouge, 4 – I also tried on a 2 in this blouse. I was more comfortable in the 4. I did not like that it was longer in the back. Pass

Natasha Top – Vivid Poppy, 6 – Lovely silk chiffon cami/blouse in THE J Crew color of the season (Almost that I might not be loving it as much. Just bring out the RED already!) Purchase – Versatile blouse to wear alone or layered as we transition to Fall.

Sequin Slouchy Tee – Tawny Sand, S – Cute but it is not lined so you can feel the stitching. Also, I the sequins weren’t laying the same way and I would hate for it to snag on something. Pass

Silk Polka Dot Tee – Navy, 8 – Even though I just wore it for the first time, I quite like my Silk Striped Tee. I did size up due to the smaller cut in the sleeves. Purchase

Puff-sleeve Popover – Vibrant Flame, 8 – I really wanted this shirt. I think the puff-sleeve is so cute but the sleeves are cut smaller and it has a button closure. I even tried on the 10 and was not comfortable in it. Check your stores because this is on sale in the B&M. Sadly Pass

Vintage Matchstick Cord – Vibrant Flame, 30 & 29 – The matchsticks seem to be cut a little differently this year. I am quite comfortable in both the 29 & 30. Again, a great color to welcome Fall. Purchase in the 29
Cafe’ Capri in Plaid Wool – Deep Navy/Blackwatch, 8 – I didn’t realize these were not online so I didn’t get a picture of the tag. These are the Cafe’ Capri in a lightweight wool but are cut a bit smaller. I have the Camel in an 8 and they fit great. These are a little snug for some reason. My PS did say she had to size up too so it wasn’t just me. I really wanted to buy these since the skirt didn’t work out for me (see below). Wishlist Purchase

**Update – This is the Cafe’ Capri in Plaid Wool. It is selling out which is why I couldn’t find it online. Check or call the B&M if you like these pants. I went back and tried on the 8 & 10 and found the 10 to be loose but comfortable and the 8 to fit “just right”. Go figure. Must have been bloated or something on the I first day I tried them on. Needless to say, I did purchase these.
 
Wool Lounge Pant – Heather Charcoal, Sz 8 & 6, #47328, $138 – Now, these are oddly cute. They have an elastic waistband and hem. They are Favorite Fit and run a size big IMO. The 8 was really baggy while the 6 fit much better (2nd/3rd pic). I tried them with my sandals to give a visual of them in heels. I think they would be cute with heels but for the price I’ll Pass.
Jester Sweater – Saddle Flame Carbon, M – Cute but Pass
Flair Skirt in Double-Serge Wool – Cool Pine, 6 – A-line shapes are usually my friend but the Flair Skirt is not. I think it might be where the pleating is but I will not be purchasing this in any color or patter. Pass
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Blackwatch Plaid – Deep Navy, 6 – This is not a typical pencil skirt. The waist is smaller and there’s pleating below the waistband so it made my normal size 6 in JC pencil skirts a pass. Also, take a look at the side-view picture. There’s some bunchy-ness going on. You’ll probably need to size up one.
Flair Skirt in Plaid – Warm Bark, 8 – A great pattern for the Flair Skirt. Pass
Origami Mini in Check Wool – SGR, 8, #47743, $128  – Pass
Cowlneck Poncho – Grey White, XS – A very cute poncho that is super cozy (shown with the Liquid Silk Skirt in Bright Dahlia). But I just wasn’t comfortable in it. It would a hassle to have to take it off and on while running errands. I would have to make it my main clothing item with a tee or cami underneath. Pass
Double-Breasted Sweater Jacket – Vibrant Flame, M – This is so very Anthropologie. I had a boiled wool cardigan/sweater I purchased from there by Casch. I loved it but it got too small for me. This is reminiscent of that cardigan. The buttons are somewhat difficult because the hole is smaller than the button. Weird. And it leaves fuzz every where. I like it though. Purchase-but may return for the Navy
Streetscape Cape – Saddle Black, S – This is so lovely, but I need a Sherlock Holmes cap and a pipe. And, I felt like 1) doing the robot 2) I had T-rex arms. But I like it.
Metallic Foil Jacquard Dress – Gold Saddle, 8 – The shape is similar to the Darla dress which I tried on here. Cute and material seems nice but I wasn’t a fan of the Darla. This has an exposed back zip but it matches the material (gold). Pass
So, four purchases out of the 19-20 items. I am waiting on my online purchase of the Wool Cafe’ Capri in Maraschino Cherry. Those were immediately back-ordered but should be shipping in a week or two. I can’t wait to see them.
What has caught your eye with the J Crew Fall Arrivals?

/ Reviews

I’ve been struggling with what I really want to buy during this 30% off promo at J Crew. I have been lusting over the Wool Origami Sheath Dress since it first popped up online.

But I have also been eyeing the Heidi Dress in Prince of Wales Wool. The two-tone really intrigued me. Online says it’s catalog and online only but my store had it along with the Wool Flannel.

So I decided to go to the store to try on the Heidi Dress. There are some new SAs and Personal Shoppers and there’s one girl who is so helpful. Each time I’ve been in and given her something to start a fitting room I find several outfits when I arrive, accessories included. Most of the time I’m not interested in the extra stuff due to time constraints and they are just not my style but I really appreciate the effort.

Anyway, I tried on the Heidi in a 6 and 8. The 6 was a perfect fit and the 8 was a little looser but still a good fit. The PS also brought me the Super 120s Petale’ Dress in Black. It was $49.99 in-store, plus the 30% off. I tried the 6 and it fit great. I didn’t even bother with the 8. It’s a shift dress with and I had the PS bring a belt. It totally change the shape of the dress. I loved it.

So here are the IRLs of the two dresses along with a few other things I bought online last week with the 25% off.

Heidi Dress

Super 120s Petale Dress
Petale’ Dress belted
Double-Serge Stripe Pencil Skirt
Size 8 – Fits perfectly…I normally wear a 6 in JC Pencil Skirts. That size was sold out so I got the 8 and I’m glad I did. A 6 would have been returned.
Worn with JC Black Cashmere Tee
Flannery Peep-Toe Mary Janes
 
Golden Bubbles Pencil Skirt – Size 6
The material, it’s like a quilt, which I’m not a big fan of, but this skirt is lovely.
And…Merry Christmas to me.
Buena Notte Bag – There were two in-store, returns, and it is gorgeous. Sammy, the cat, ruined my dressy black clutch. I think this will do nicely as a great substitute.

I hope the pics helped if you’re still deciding on any items.

Have a great evening.