/ Uncategorized

Questioning the Swoop Dress in Tropical Guava, I ordered the Turquoise Reef to see the color IRL and choose between the two.

One picture…that’s all I got. This was in the same order the Collection pieces so I was in a hurry to try those items on since I knew how the Swoop Dress fit. I think the color is beautiful and pairs well with my skin-tone. Now, that I’ve seen and tried the Silk Shantung Dress in Navy, I will have to decide which color to keep or to return..

While looking in the Men’s sale section for some more jeans for The Boy (he prefers the Slim-Straight Jean) I came across the Montague Tote Bag.
I have been looking for a Brown Leather Tote for a few months. I’m
being really picky about the size, color, leather type, interior pocket
storage, etc. I want something similar to the Madewell Transport Tote but a little more structured. Online, this Tote looked to have the right color, a pebbled leather, and seems
to be the size I am looking for so I took a chance and ordered it since
it was also on promo plus the additional 30% off.

Sadly, it’s not as structured as I hoped. I know this is not a woman’s bag and there are some features I do like about it. The color is what I’m looking for. I love the leather which is pebbled. The interior has two pockets and it zips on top to close. But it’s not sturdy. I guess I was hoping it would not be so slouchy and that the bottom would stay flat but it doesn’t. The drop is long enough that it does fit over my shoulder but because it has a strap to enclose both handles they don’t stay put for very long. The search continues.

The Frost Foulard Short-Sleeve Shirt looked interesting and cute so I decided to give it a try.
It wasn’t in my store so I had to order it. I tell ya, my Brown Sancho
is getting a work-out walking down my long driveway this week.

This is a size 8 and is quite boxy. I’m not sure where the “tailored slim and trim” part is. It feels great on, very comfortable. I was not expecting this to be blue though the color is Frost BLUE (duh AudreyBella). The online image looked more green with tan. It has white piping all around it including on the pocket and sleeves. The shirt is very cute but I’m not a pajama-style person so this will be going back.

Lastly, the Cece Suede Ballet Flat in Vivid Aqua is currently on sale. With minty colors on the brain when ordering the Frost Foulard Shirt I added these in my cart as well. This pic is a true to the real color. I’ve not met a Cece I didn’t like.

Decisions. Decisions. Such is the life of a Fashionista, right ladies?

/ Uncategorized

Another great Collection item I was able to purchase was the Collection Schoolboy Blazer in Tipped Linen before the promo ended. Now, I have my lovely 95 Cent Blazer scored from Nordstrom Rack that I have worn quite a bit since purchasing. But a Linen Blazer was next on my list to buy.

This blazer does not disappoint and I only wish I was as eloquent and knowledgeable as xoxo to be able to describe this better. The linen is very lightweight and has biased-striped ribbon tipping. The tipping looks almost like seersucker. There area a few differences between this blazer and the non-Collection Tipped Linen Schoolboy. The buttons are flat on this blazer as opposed to crested buttons. The pockets are tipped and the tipping does not go all the way around the edge of the blazer.

This fits very well, though the sleeves are a little long on me. A size down would have been too tight in the shoulders and this does not come in Petites. I’ll probably just fold the cuffs anyway like I do my Schoolboy Herringbone Blazer from last year. 

The blazer is also partially lined in a striped Viscose/Poly material.

This blazer is definitely a keeper and I am so happy I took the plunge at the last minute with the promo. I’m sure my Brown Sancho is getting really tired of delivering to me this week. This is one piece going to NYC with me this Summer. 

What do you think of the Collection Schoolboy Blazer? Do you think it’s “Collection-worthy”? I know J Crew seems to be adding the “Collection” word to most everything lately.

/ Uncategorized

I really was happy with the last J Crew roll-out. There were so many pieces I really wanted. The 25%/30% off helped take the sting out of the higher prices so that I could at least try them IRL.

Today, I have the Collection Silk Shantung Dress, Sz 8, in Navy. This is a beautiful dress that also comes in Pale Citrus and Ivory. Because the description stated “Straight Silhouette” I didn’t want to chance this dress in a size 6. I think I chose the right size (Jules dress size) in the 8. The sleeves are just loose enough. The hips have about an inch on either side. The chest and waist could be taken in just ever so slightly but overall, I really love it. I mean really REALLY love it. Maybe more than the Punk Floral Dress.

 

The dress has a shirt-tail hem, with the back slightly longer than the front.

With the Flower Lattice Necklace

The material is a Silk/Cotton blend. It’s thick enough that it feels like there is a lining sown in but there actually isn’t. I almost put a hole in the dress (oops) trying to pull it apart to check. Take your normal dress size unless you are a little hippy. Then take the larger of your two sizes.

I found some shoes that would be amazing with this dress.

Jimmy Choo Volt –  The color is swoon-worthy. And the heel is a contrasting pale lilac.

Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Butterfly –  Whimsical but still a Manolo.

Manolo Blahnik Colter Snakeskin & Patent Pumps – The navy patent toe and the purple leather strap are amazing. This would definitely step up the Ivory dress.
Kate Spade Licorice Heel in Hologram – Though I prefer the fit of the Karolina over the Licorice, I think this one would be great paried with the Light Citrus dress.
What do you think of the Silk Shantung Dress? Going to wait for a sale?
Have a Great Evening! 
/ Uncategorized

For Gigi…I hope I do you proud with this SmAcKdOwN.

I purchased the Classic Enamel Link Bracelet in White during the promo last week. The evening before, I started looking on ebay for something similar. Since I couldn’t see the twin immediately I purchased the J Crew version. 

That evening I started trolling ebay again because I knew I could find something similar…and cheaper. That led me to etsy. There are many sellers out there with the same bracelet so it takes a little time to find the one for you. Mine happened to have a sale going on and I was able to get the bracelet for $18 plus shipping. Most sellers average around $22 which is still a great price. 
So…let the SmAcKdOwN commence! 
Which one is the etsy bracelet and which is the J Crew version?
Can you tell between the two now?
OK…now you can tell, right?

The J Crew version was the one on top in each image. In the first image, you really can’t tell the difference. In the second, you can see that the circle where you clasp the bracelet is different. The JC version is a little smaller and thicker. Of course, the last image has the JC price tag on it.

The JC bracelet is a bit heavier than the etsy version weighing (of course I weighed them) 3 ounces. The etsy version weighs 2.2 ounces. In hand you can feel the difference in weight. They even sound different. I am very happy with my etsy version that I bought the Mint and Black colors too. 

You can also find them in Pink, Turquoise, and a light Tan/Beige. I’m on the lookout for Navy and Red Enamel bracelets now. There are resin versions of these so it will depend on what you prefer to obtain the color and material you want. I know there are some of you out there who will prefer the JC option but, for me, the cheaper etsy version is better. I hardly wear jewelry as it is so I am trying my best to change that when I do leave the house…like a reverse Coco Chanel, if you will. Instead of taking one thing off before I leave the house, I put one more piece on. 
Hope you enjoyed the SmAcKdOwN!