Next up we have Jules Dresses.

See Part 1
See Part 2
Jules Dress in Stripe Silk Twill, Navy, #96940, $188, Sz 6 – This is the same shape as the Jules dress but has on-seam pockets not front pockets. This is red, white and blue, with the red stripe very thin and subtle. This is lined and a wonderful silk twill. The web-site says this has 3/4-sleeves but they are full sleeves on me. Also, please note the length on me. I like it but it will be shorter on taller ladies. Wishlisted
The size 8 only added bulk not length. I’d stay with the 6 which is my Jules Dress size.
Jules Dress in Snowcat, Black, #11330, $188, Sz 6 (says the tag) –  So the tag on this specific dress said “6” but when I showed my PS she said, “That dress is huge on you!” She found a size 4 and another size 6. Turns out this should be at least a size 8, maybe a 10,  and was mis-tagged as a 6. Pass since I have the Wildcat print.
Here’s the correct size 6. I am a fan of the Jules Dress. This one is lined in the body but not the arms. I like that as the Wildcat and Fanfare prints were not lined. 
This is the size 4, which wasn’t a bad fit either. It didn’t shorten the sleeves any and the length came up just a little. Size 6 was the best fit.
Jules Dress in Wool, Retro Jade, #90748, $198, Sz 6 – This print is GORGEOUS!! And look how lovely the Flower Lattice Necklace pairs with it. I hope there are other colors but I think this one will be my favorite. Wishlisted
The Flower Lattice Necklace is uber-gorgeous. I have been lusting after it since seeing it on DaniBP. Though she returned hers, this came home with me. As much as I like the colors of the Bubble Necklace, it is a bit too long for me. I need something closer to my neck, but not choker-ish.
What are your thoughts on these Jules Dresses?

Shirts, Sweaters and my new favorite Jeans…Oh My!

My PS certainly has an eye for mixing prints and pairing button down shirts with pullover sweaters. Here’s what she pulled for this first Fall roll-out.
Confession – I actually did this pairing. I wanted to treat this color-way, Carbon Neutral, of the Tippi Sweater in Polka Dot, Sz M, as a neutral and put a pop of color underneath. What do you think? Now, I know Old Navy also has some polka dot sweaters and I purchased the White/Black. I’m happy with it and will Pass on this color-way.
Perfect Shirt in Medium Gingham, Timeless Turquoise, Sz 8 – This shirt is not on sale in the B&M but is online ($75 $49.99). This fit TTS for me.
Matchstick Jean in Old Glory Wash, aka “My new favorite jeans”, Sz 29S – These fit amazing! I love the wash, the fit, the feel of these jeans. I’d need to get these hemmed but that’s a minor issue. 
Collection Cashmere Polka Dot Sweater, Green Atlantic, Sz S – I usually take a Medium in tops/sweaters but this fit well in a Small. It is a lovely, vibrant shade of green. Again, Old Navy is hitting it out of the park and has a similar colored sweater, in a cotton, and much more affordable (Cotton vs Cashmere, $24.94 vs $268). See Gigi’s review of the sweater here. The JC cashmere sweater is nice and soft and has a cute three-button detail in the back. Pass
Liberty Perfect Shirt in Floral, Blue White Floral, Sz 6 – I would not have paired this shirt and sweater together but I love it. IRL, the blue of the shirt looks more vibrant with the green of the sweater. I will try to re-create this look with a blue-checked shirt and the ON green polka dot sweater. Pass
Boy Shirt in Snowcat, Black, Sz 6 – The shirt was a little snug but the print and color is a good solid black and not faded. I think it will be a great layering piece. Wishlisted
Bow Sweater, Ivory, #95623, WBL (? Black), Sz S – This is such a cute sweater with all the tiny bows on it. I think a little too cutesy for me. Pass
This color-way, Navy Burgandy, of the Tippi Polka Dot sweater is a favorite of mine. I wasn’t sure what colors ON had but I will go back and purchase this one. Will purchase
Stretch Perfect Shirt in End on End, Light Blue, Sz M – This fits TTS and looks like a men’s oxford shirt. It goes well with the Tippi in the Navy Burgandy color-way. Pass
One option I didn’t try on but it looks lovely. It’s the Blythe Blouse in Retro Jade. That seems to be the main Fall color for J Crew. It’s paired with the Rugby Stripe Boatneck Top, Retro Jade Navy, Sz S. I did try on this top and it is a size down for me. It fits well and you’ll see an IRL in the next few days. It comes in several different colors and though it’s only $65 it is a Rayon/Linen blend and Dry Clean only.  
What do you think of the shirts and sweater combos?

I had a personal shopping appointment Saturday at J Crew and my PS did not disappoint. She pulled some great items for me and I may have changed my mind about not needing anything from the First Fall roll-out. She has a great eye for mixing prints and colors. There is just so much that I tried on I’ll start with an anticipated item for me, the Zig Zag Sequin Tee.

Blythe Blouse in Polka Dot, Pale Graphite, Sz 8 – I’ve said my piece many times about this blouse. It’s a great silk blouse and always comes in wonderful colors but I always have to size to my bigger top size due to the shoulders. Then the body of the shirt is too big. For me, this blouse is better as a layering piece. Wishlisted
Zig Zag Sequin Tee, Natural, Sz M – This also comes in Mint. This “tee” has a nice weight to it and lots of sparkle, unfortunately wearing it alone, without a layering piece is bothersome (last pic below). Every time I moved I wanted to scratch. A long-sleeved tissue tee will be best underneath this sequin tee. Or you can layer it like I have here. I think the combination of the two prints and the colors go well together. I’d like to see this blouse underneath the Mint colorway. Wishlisted-Mint
Minnie Pants in Stetch Twill, Boulevard Green, Sz 8 –  I had several pairs of Minnie Pants when they first came out and eventually sold them all as I had stopped wearing pants, especially body hugging ones. But I like the dark green of these and they are the perfect ballet flat length on me. Wishlisted-Green and Navy
Schoolboy Blazer in Wool Flannel, Modern Red, Sz 6 – Blazers have been my winter coat the last several years due to the mild winters we’ve had. The size 6 is a bit tight, especially with the layering underneath so I would go with an 8 to be more comfortable. I have so many blazers and a coral tweed one from a few years ago so this one is a Pass.
I’ll have lots of shirts and sweater layering combinations coming in the next few days. Other than the dresses those were probably my favorites.
Have a Great day!

Here are two more office outfits from a few weeks ago I had yet to post. I have been in workout clothes or my Italy trip jersey skirts for most of the last two weeks. I usually stick to pencil skirts and a blouse when I’m travelling.

Here is the lovely Pink Cottage blouse along with the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Warm Jade and Valentino Bow heels. Looks like Jeannie had a similar idea here. Forgive the “no make-up” look. This was at the end of a super long day. I’m much more fresh faced in the next pic.
I paired the Linen Cotton striped shirt with the Porcleain Paisley skirt (LOVE!! this skirt) and the Arene’ sandals in Cognac from last summer. This could have used a belt and a necklace, I suppose.
I’ve been trying to figure out what I need for the Fall/Winter. It’s so hard to think about it when it’s so hot outside. I haven’t seen the new arrivals in the store yet but plan on going Saturday. As beautiful as the Wool pencil skirt colors are I just won’t get enough wear out of them like the cotton skirts. I do grab a new color of the Cashmere Tee each year and now the Tippi is in Cashmere so I’ll have a decision to make there. I do want a Schoolboy Blazer in Navy and maybe a pair of the Matchstick Jeans. Have you seen my fit-twin in them today? She looks great in them along with the Tippi in Snakeprint.
I’ll be in the office again next week so there will be some Que Bella posts when I return. I also plan on visiting the J Crew Factory store and hope to publish those reviews next week. Anything you want to see from the Factory? Leave your request in the comments!

Have a Great weekend!

How sweet is my little Bella? She’s very camera shy. She always puts down her head when I point the camera at her. She even knows when I’m trying to take an iPad picture.

I’m on the fence about this dress. I waited and waited to see a review or for it to go on sale. It arrived yesterday and I’m not sure I like it. The fit seems a little off although the material is super soft and comfortable. What do you think? I’m wearing a size Small and would either have to wear a cami underneath or get it altered to raise it up at the shoulders, like I am showing now. This would make is more of an Empire waist as well. 
Impromptu date night with Husband brings out the “NWT” items.
Ann Taylor Pleated Cami (NWT)
J Crew Origami Mini in Peony (NWT)
Stuart Weitzman Wedges
Did I mention I had a 40th birthday party a few weeks ago to round out my “40 days of turning 40”? Here are some pics.
The front door sign welcoming our guests.
Margaritas!!
The Birthday Girl – with TWO cakes!!!
Opening presents…What does this paper say???
OMG!! Husband’s taking me to Cancun in September, with some good friends! 
Sneaky sneaky.
And this video made me LOL! How many of you know about “La Chancla“?
Lastly, The Boy texted me late one night while at a friend’s and asked if I had heard of INSANITY. Of course, I told him. It’s for crazy people. He said he was doing it right then with some other friends and wanted to buy it. So being like all the other Mother’s out there who don’t spoil her children at some point, I bought it AND agreed to do it with him. 
I honestly believe you have to be INSANE to do this. I just watched a video and started hurting everywhere. I’m prepping myself this week by doing Level 3 of the 30 Day Shred. I did convince The Boy today to start moving so he did it with me. We begin on Monday. My before pictures are horrendous so I have motivation. I’m so glad there are clothes and accessories to hide those imperfections we have. 
Just a few random things going on in the AudreyBella house. I didn’t have the motivation to do individual posts for all of this so I took inspiration from FABULOUS Florida Mommy‘s blog posts, A Little This, A Little That.
Have a Great Evening!