/ Que Bella

Husband and I are off to the West Coast soon, San Jose/San Francisco in fact, for a long weekend. Our last “grown-up getaway” was last September to put our toes in the sand in Mexico. I’m pretty excited as I’ve never been to California. Also, a change in scenery means a change in temps so I’ll be able to pack some items I’ve been waiting to wear for chillier weather.

For the Airport days, I’ll be relaxed, as I was for my Vegas trip at the beginning of the month.

1. Factory Clare Cardigan in Cabernet, Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Ivory, Cropped Matchstick Jeans, Cece Ballet Flats in Black
2. Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Black, Cropped Matchstick Jeans, Cece Flats

 

     
For the full days in San Jose and San Francisco, I’ve decided on a Black/Grey/Cream color story with a touch of Burgundy.
1. Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Ivory, Pixie Pants in Leather Tuxedo Stripe, Cece Flats

2. Merino Pocket Tunic in Garnet, Pixie Pants, Cece Flats

3. Silk Blythe Blouse in Polka Dot, Jackie Cardigan in Dark Charcoal (Old but Factory is offering this color.), Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Grey, Cece Flats – I’ll also layer my Grey Lexington Blazer over this and carry a scarf if needed. The Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Grey were a very unexpected love after trying them on in the store. I took my normal Toothpick Jean size of 30.

4. Factory Beaded Sweatshirt in Black, Toothpick Jeans, Cece Flats

5. Ruffle Collar Sweatshirt in Grey, Cropped Donegal Wool Pant, Cece Flats – I’ll add a necklace to jazz this outfit up for the evening and switch to the Janey Patent Flats in Black.

6. Tippi Sweater in Light Pewter (Last year’s version…This year has Heather Grey, which I love.), Medallion Tie-Silk Skirt, Janey Patent Flats – This is a back-up dinner outfit in case I feel like wearing a skirt.

Extras – Lexington Blazer, Michael Kors Jet Set Tote, Michael Kors iPhone Crossbody, Grande Crystal Drops Necklace, Burberry Scarf, Printed Airy Wool Scarf

I do plan to layer long-sleeve tees underneath the sweatshirts and use either the Lexington Blazer or Excursion Vest and a scarf every day. The cross-body will function as my daily bag and the Tote my travel bag.
As usual, I am taking a carry-on so I’ve made sure I can mix-and-match most items and can wear items twice. This also gives me a little room in my bag for bringing home any thing I pick up from shopping. I debated on bringing a heavier coat but Husband has assured me we will not be outside long at night. It would also mean I couldn’t pack it and would have to carry it over my arm on the plane. That would look a bit odd leaving the warmth of Texas. I can always make him buy me a new coat if I get too chilly or cold. 😉
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, where I’ll be posting my outfits. I hope to do an outfit round-up from both trips next week.
Have a Great Week!

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The, now sold out, Merino Pocket Tunic is one of my favorites from the Fall arrivals at J Crew. I was able to grab it in both the Garnet and Navy, both perfect for Fall and Winter. The Midrise Toothpick’s are one of my new favorites as well. I have the Jeans in Carbon and the Cords in Sea Salt, which is a beautiful Winter White color.

I loved this outfit, both items and color combination, I wore a version of it twice in a week. I first wore some Corso Como boots in a light brown leather. The I switched it up and wore my Frye Carson Leather Wedge Booties.

I do need to get the jeans and cords hemmed as they are several inches too long but would love to grab the cords in the Dark Forest. 
I can’t wait to wear this Tunic again. And I’ll definitely pair the Garnet Tunic with these cords.
Have a Restful Sunday!
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I found this sweater by Michael Kors before the J Crew October roll-out introduced their versions of the zip sweater – Colorblock and Solid. This color is called Dark Malachite and is a beautiful Forest Green. I ordered a Medium and though it’s a little long in the arms it fits me well everywhere else. I think a Small for me would be too snug.

The zippers on this sweater are just at the bottom. The hem is somewhat high-low but I quite like it. The only thing that bothers me is that you feel the zippers against your skin so I’ll be adding a cami underneath.


Double-Zip Sweater in Colorblock, Small, Elm Indigo – The Small fit well and I wouldn’t size to a Medium but, oh, is the Lambswool itchy. Had it been Merino, Cashmere ($$$) or even Cotton, I would have probably bought this and returned the Michael Kors.

Other differences, besides the material, between the two are that the MK is a Cable-Knit Sweater and Cotton/Poly not Lambswool. It’s priced about $30 more as well. It’s not long enough for me to wear with my Pixie Pants but the color is gorgeous against the Midrise Toothpick Cords in Sea Salt (wearing in the pics, size 30). The tag says to hand-wash in cold water so I know this will be fine on the Delicate cycle in the machine. You’ll have to dry-clean the J Crew version. Since I know I’ll wear this quite a bit during the Winter (inside the house I layer or wear thick sweaters to stay cozy) the hand wash/machine wash is better suited for me.
What do you think of this Michael Kors Zip Sweater? Like the J Crew one better? 
Have a Great Day! 
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I ordered a few things from the latest J Crew New Arrivals. Overall, I was under-whelmed, which is probably good because I am ready for the Holiday roll-out. But these items caught my eye and I wanted to share while the 25% off $150 was still going on.

Bonded Wool Varsity Sweater Jacket, Medium, Dusk/Indigo/Garnet – I was able to grab this in the morning at the promo price of $188 before the price went back up later in the day. It was a very last minute, didn’t-think-about-it, add to my cart and I’m so glad I purchased this. My lifestyle is more casual than I would like it to be so vests, lightweight jackets, jeans, etc. are more my Winter Style than pencil skirts, silk shirts and coats. This Sweater Jacket falls into my everyday-wear file.

I grabbed a Medium because I knew I would be layering.

The outside is a bonded lambswool and the inside is lined in a super-soft flannel. I couldn’t stop touching it as it felt so cozy.

Vintage Sweatshirt in Cheers, Small – The size Small fit me well and the sweatshirt is very cozy and comfortable. I don’t think I’d size to my normal Medium as this size seems slouchy enough, so size down one. 

Medallion Tie-Silk Skirt, 8 – This skirt was the first item to catch my eye in the November Style Guide. I was not a big fan of the inverted front-pleat but this print was too pretty to pass up. And I don’t mind the front-pleat at all. This came in Petites as well but due to the length difference (17 1/2 in for Regular, 16  in for /Petites), I stuck with my regular size 8 for mini skirts. 

If the length bothers you grab the Cafe’ Capri in the same print.

The Blue Medallions are on a Black background and I already see many of my Tippi and Cashmere Tees with this skirt.

Lastly, I stocked up on a few scarves from both Women’s and Men’s. 
Cashmere Plaid Scarf, Blue/Grey Plaid – There’s just something about having your neck wrapped in cozy cashmere that makes it feel like Fall/Winter.

Cashmere Double-Faced Plaid Scarf – Cashmere, cozy, plaid on one side, Houdstooth on the other…what more could you want?

Printed Airy Wool Scarf, Burgundy/Navy – I grab the Airy Wool Scarf every year. The colors always seem to go with what I’m buying for that season/year.

What do you think of the latest new arrivals? Waiting for Holiday? Added to your Wishlist? 
Have Great Day!
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My Talbots order that I placed during the Buy One, Get One 50% off came in over the weekend and I was very happy with everything I purchased. I wanted to share with you what I ordered as there are some items similar to current J Crew offerings, at better price points.

Checked Pleated Skirt, 8 Petite – I liked this skirt immediately out of the package, even before trying it on. I purchased the Factory Pencil Skirt in Houndstooth but truly like this one more. It is black and white and has camel in it as well. The waist and length are perfect and I like that it can still be great for office-wear but also day-to-day. I have numerous Tippi Sweaters and Cashmere Tees to pair with this skirt.

Italian Flannel Wool A-Line Skirt in Palomino, Size 8 Petite – This is less A-Line that the Wool A-Line Skirt I reviewed here. The material feels the same, thin like the past years City Mini Skirt. This is a great skirt and only missing pockets. The 8 Petite is a perfect fit. I’m finally realizing the Petite sizing fits me best. 

This is about 1/4-1/2 in shorter than the J Crew version. 

There is also no stitching at the waistband and hem, which I prefer.

Curvy Fit Doupioni Pants, Size 8 Petite – I can’t compare these directly with the Collection Cafe’ Capri in Pintucked Heavy Shantung or the Collection Cafe’ Capri in Pintucked Shantung but I can tell you that these are lined, have back pockets, are Silk/Wool and are cropped just like both J Crew pants but they are also $99….before any promos. These come in an array of colors including this Candy Apple. They fit well without any help (Spanx). Online the inseam for Petites says 26 1/2 inches and is perfect on me.

I ordered these in Black as well and thought I would decide on which ones to keep but I really like this color. It really does remind me of my favorite Carnival snack. There are also the Signature Doupioni Ankle Pants which is straight through the hip and thigh. 

Overall, I’m very pleased with my order from Talbots. I’ve only ever purchases shoes and accessories from Talbots. MamaBella is a huge fan. Each of my purchases are great basic additions to my closet. And being able to purchase these with a BOGO and then stack a 20% off coupon made the skirts around $40. 
What do you think of my purchases from Talbots?