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Banana Republic currently has a 40% off, online only, promo through tomorrow 11/20. Use code BRSMILE40 for the discount. Exclusions apply, including BR Picks, BR Monogram, Cashmere, Leather, and blazers, to name a few.

This is the same style, but in a pattern, as the Gray Flannel Fit-and-Flare Skirt I reviewed in late October. This plaid option showed up online just after my review and I knew I wanted it. I decided to order the 8 Tall to have a little more length in the skirt. At the time, this skirt was a BR Pick, and excluded from online promos, and it was on back-order. The skirt finally shipped last week but not before I also found it in one of the stores here in town.

The store did not have a size 8 for me to try so I grabbed the last size 10 on the rack. The size is perfect. The Gray Flannel Skirt was a little snug at the “fit” area, though not uncomfortable. But the 10 leaves me room to tuck in shirts and still not look like it’s too small or tight on me. I’m not necessarily saying to size up. I still think this skirt runs TTS but right now, the size 10 in this style is good for me.

It looks good with the Noir Sweatshirt I bought on sale last week but I think just ok with the Fringe Tank. I think a little pop of red on top will look great and bring this into the Holiday season.

  
Here are two other styling options I’ll try with this skirt. Both J Crew, the Masquerade Tee is from 2009 and the Harper Boots are from 2012, . They are so sleek and thankfully came in Extended Calf sizing. This tee is one of my all-time favorites.  

My booties are the Christian Louboutin Melisa that I splurged on last year. I have worn them quite a bit and will be wearing them frequently again soon. I’m normally a 37 in the CL Simple Pumps but sized to a 38 since these ran a little narrow. The necklace is the Radial Necklace from J Crew about a year ago. This may be my Christmas Eve or Day outfit. 

Being able to style this 3 different ways immediately is a good sign I’ll be keeping this skirt. As soon as I receive the 8 Tall I’ll be returning it. Especially since I paid full-price for it. Since it’s no longer a BR Pick you can get this skirt with the 40% off, BRSMILE40, promo.

Have a Great Evening!

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This set of skirts and a pair of pants should round up my latest stop at J Crew.

~ Plaza Skirt in Tweed, size 8 ~
(on promo as of 11/17)

I love my Plaza Skirt in Glen Plaid (now on sale) so I’ve been on the lookout to see if I wanted to add this tweed number to my closet or the pinstripe. This skirt doesn’t fit like my other one. It seems to run a little big below the waistband, in the hip area. I can’t put my finger on it but I think it’s the tweed material. I still think the size 8 is my Plaza Skirt size but this particular skirt is a pass for me.

~ Flounce Skirt in Bonded Wool, Heather Charcoal, size 8 ~
(on promo as of 11/17)

The material and thickness of this Flounce Skirt is how I had hoped the Banana Republic Fit-and-Flare skirt I tried on would feel {review}. This skirt fit a little big in the waist and hips, where you can see some bunchiness. I was in a hurry so I wasn’t able to grab the size 6 to try on. I love the length of the size 8 and would probably stick with that size since it would be paired with layers and sweaters, covering the front. Overall, I liked the skirt but it’s probably not something I would wear on a consistent basis. 
  

~ Box Pleat Skirt in Crepe, Caravan Blue, size 8 ~

I saw this in Ivory a few weeks ago and though “meh”, it’s ok but I did want to try it on for the blog. The Caravan Blue is a really nice color IRL. The shape and pleating were fine. The pleats didn’t add any extra bulk or weight but I’m not really inspired to wear this skirt. I think the Ivory might look best with a cozy sweater tights and tall boots. Maybe in wool this might have made me think twice about getting but this ones a pass as well.

~ Collection Black Floral Skirt, size 10 ~
This skirt was a return to my store so I thought I’d try it on to gauge fit in case there are pop-backs. The size 10 is, of course, big on me but from the extra material and space at the waist I think I need to size to a 6 and not an 8 in this skirt. The floral jacquard is a nice material and the fluted/a-line shape is always a favorite of mine. This would have made a great item for the Holiday Collection. I’m always looking for a skirt like this to wear for Christmas or a party over the holidays. It’s perfect for a cashmere sweater and pearls or an embellished shirt. This was marked down to $149.99 in-store. 
  

These pants feel amazing. They are just plain old pinstripe wool/cotton pants but the Japanese Wool is very soft and cozy. I did not want to take these off. They are not lined but there was no itchiness to them. The fit could have been tweaked a little. The waist just fit but the hips were better and not tight. From the online reviews it looks like these will stretch some throughout the day so I would stick with my normal size 8 and not get an 8 Petite or a 10. These are definitely on my wishlist.

Have you tried any of these skirts or the Pinstripe Pant? I really recommend the pants, if I had to choose.  I would love to see these in a solid color as well. 
Are you shopping this promo or saving your pennies for Black Friday? 

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Today’s Shoes-day is a two-for-one. My store received two returns from the Sophia Webster for J Crew Collection. One of the SAs suggested I try them on, for fun, when he found out I was a size 7 in shoes.

~ Lola Pumps, size 7 1/2 ~

These silk twill floral pumps are so stunning IRL. The heel is also the floral fabric with a light blue heel tip. They are trimmed in black patent leather. 
I love that the pattern at the toe matches on both shoes. 
As expected, these fit a half size too big. I think I could get away with using a heel pad and insert but I would rather get my true size 37/7. 

The heel is 4 inches which is out of my heel-height range. I try to stick with 3 inches or less. But I was amazed at how comfortable these were to walk in. The lining is leather but it almost feels like there is a good amount of padding or memory foam under the lining. They really were that comfortable right away.

~ Pippa Pumps, size 7 1/2 ~

I would buy these just to displayed them all the time. The Pippa Pumps are absolutely gorgeous. Again, I need a size 37/7 for the best fit. These tie at the ankle and the vamp shows some toe cleavage. Like the Lola Pumps, they were pretty comfortable. These would make a beautiful D’Orsay Flat, don’t you think? Enjoy the pics!

The Pippa Pumps would be perfect for the upcoming party season. You could wear a sack and still look amazing with these shoes on your feet. 
Have you seen any of the Sophia Webster Collection for J Crew in person? 

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Anthropologie has a 25% off promo on dresses and jewelry right now. There isn’t an end-day but this will probably through Tuesday. I was at the store two weekends ago and did try on a few dresses, in case you are looking at purchasing any of these.

 ~ Abelia Dress by Floreat, Medium ~

I’m a sucker for shift dresses and this one was no exception. There’s beading and fringe and embroidery on this dress. I really was attracted to the neckline fringe and beading. The Medium fit well and through the arms and body, mainly chest, so I would say this is TTS. It doesn’t look too bad with the Quinn Suede Ankle Booties in Dark Cedar either. 

~ Tiled Amethyst Dress by Maeve, Small ~
I liked the colors and smocking on this dress. The Small fit well though it pulled just a little across the chest. A medium would look too over-sized so I’d stick with the Small. This is a nice little jersey dress that is probably better for early Spring and not Winter. 
  
~ Bressay Shift by Sparrow, Turquoise, Medium ~
This boiled wool dress was styled in the store window and the Turquoise was stunning that I had to try it on. I like the Sky color of the Scalloped Remy Blouse with the Turquoise but the style/neckline of the blouse was a little difficult to adjust. This fits TTS in the Medium and has front pockets that don’t add any extra bulk. 
  

~ Colorstack Sweater Dress, Medium ~
I originally went in the store for this dress. I loved it online and though it’s a bit Sesame Street/Ernie and Bert I love it! The Medium is a perfect fit and also looks great styled with the Quinn Booties. I’ll throw a long cardi over this to be nice and cozy. 
  
And here are just a few other dress picks.
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Happy Shopping!

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My search for a long or draped grey cardigan brought me to Ann Taylor to see the Wool Blend Open Cardigan in person. The two stores I went to did not have either color so I was out of luck, but I did find a few things to try on. Ann Taylor has extended their 40% off Friends-and-Family code through today (use FRIENDS40).

~ Camel Print Silk Camp Shirt, Medium ~

I am always on the lookout for a 100% Silk shirt, especially printed ones. I think they are perfect layering pieces for my casual work-from-home style. The Medium is true-to-size though the shirt is sheer. It will probably require a cami if worn solo, and I already had one on. There’s also a Deer Print Silk Camp Shirt. 

~ Cable Turtleneck Sweater, Silver Lake Grey, Small ~
I surprisingly liked this turtleneck sweater. I don’t like my neck constricted and tend to stay away from turtlenecks but this is one I would get. I loved the color and cable-knit. There is a small split hem for just enough trend but still able to be worn after that’s finished. I would need a Medium for just a little more comfort. It also comes in Black, Irish Cream and Smokey Pond which is a light blue. 

~ Structured Zip-Back Sweater, White, Medium ~
This sweater looked like an option to use as an outer layer. It’s just a little cropped but still hit me at the waist-band. It looked and was comfortable on and had a short exposed zip in the back. The Medium was TTS and I like the neckline but the drop-shoulder makes it a pass. 
~ Dot Sweater Flounce Skirt, Petite Medium ~
This was another one of those looks-cute-on-the-hanger items. I like the length and the sweater knit was comfortable but I just don’t see myself wearing this enough. I also think it was on sale in-store but still full-price online. 

~ Lace Slim Ankle Pants, size 10 Petite ~
I loved these pants. I tried on a Petite to see if I could get the length cropped or at least just the right length to the ankle. Also, from past experience with Ann Taylor, I size to a 10 Petite instead of an 8 Petite like I would at J Crew. Can I just say how much I love that Ann Taylor carries petite sizing in-store. There’s a Banana Republic here in town that does as well and of course, Talbot’s. I wish J Crew would have a few items in Petite in-store, particularly pants. 
The 10 Petite was the perfect fit and felt very comfortable. I’ve been looking for something like these for a few years to wear with a Cashmere sweater and a statement necklace. You’ll see these on me this party season. 
Ann Taylor has been mostly a miss for me for a while now. And the one store I frequent is just not fun to be in. The lighting is drab and the SAs are either very helpful or completely ignore you. I am glad I stopped by since I loved the pants and the Silk Camel Blouse. 
Are you shopping the Ann Taylor Friends and Family, code FRIENDS40? 

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