/ Reviews

I was excited to finally stop in to the J Crew store to see the new arrivals and was a little disappointed. I wasn’t as enthusiastic about the new arrivals compared to the online release, for two reasons. One, the store did not receive the Chateau Trench Coat (which I just noticed today states “online only”); and two, there were no sunglasses. After touting about them online and sending emails about them you would think J Crew shipping would be caught up with J Crew Marketing and get those in-stores upon online release. Maybe not full stock but at least a few pair should have been sent to every store. I asked. My store didn’t receive any but “shipments come each week”.

Despite my disappointment I did muster up some energy to try on some items.

~ Tweed Jacket w/Zippers, size 8 ~

I don’t really go for jackets like these. I feel too matronly (or my mom) in them. But I surprised myself and really liked this one. The size 8 fit very well so I don’t feel the need to size to my normal 10 Petite that I wear in blazers. The length stopped just skimming the top of my jeans. The sleeve length is perfect too. No alterations are needed this time.

JC_TweedJacket

JC_TweedJacket_Side

So, I didn’t like it zipped up on me. There’s all kinds of pulling across the chest though I can assure you it wasn’t tight at all. I would keep this unzipped. You can barely see it but there are zippers at the arms as well.

JC_TweedJacket_Zipped

This pretty blue tweed would go with lots in my closet.

JC_TweedJacketDetai

Nice interior detail with the sown-in lining and seersucker piping along with a pocket on the inside.

JC_TweedJacket_Detail

~ Sleeveless Top in Deco Floral, size 6 ~

It looks like the floral of the month is Deco Floral. This Factory blouse looks a little similar, though not in Silk like the retail blouse. I usually go for a 6 in these drapey/sleeveless tops and it fit just fine. I wasn’t into the floral print or the colors so though the material is 100% Silk, it’s a pass for me.

JC_FloralShell

JC_TweedFloral

Both the tweed and Deco Floral are offered in several styles.

I’ve added the Tweed Jacket to my wishlist to 1) see if I still like it in a few weeks and 2) see if I can snag it on sale.

What do you think of the Tweed Jacket?


/ Reviews

I received the Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans in Mid Indigo Wash on Wednesday, the same day that I received my Factory Denim Trouser. Though both “trouser” jeans they are completely different. The Factory version is a true trouser jean in a nice dark wash. The LOFT version is a little more 70s in style. The pockets are large in the back and then there are slightly smaller front square-ish pockets.

~ Size 6 ~

I liked the fit of the 6 and you can see the comparison of it with the size 8 below. There is a lot of extra length (middle pic) so at least 6 inches will have to come off. I don’t think it will mess up the leg line but I’ll ask my tailor to be sure.

LOFT_WideLegJeans6

~ Size 8 ~

The material is a cotton/poly/elastane blend making them stretchy and comfortable. I really wish the length was already my size so I could wear them now.

Loft_WideLeg8

The two sizes, side-by-side…size 6 is on the left and size 8 is on the right. I’ve lightened the image so you can see the detail and fit a little better. There is probably only a half inch difference in the sizes but I can definitely tell and you can see it too. The size 6 shows a little more pulling across and the waistband doesn’t lay as flat. The leg line on the size 8 flows a little more smooth than the size 6 too. Personally, I feel there’s not much difference in fit once they are on to warrant really searching for another size 8. I may just keep both sizes if my store doesn’t have the size 8 in stock. I will have both pair hemmed for flats and heels.

Loft_WideLeg_6_8

~ Pleated Flippy Dress, Burgundy Melange, Medium ~

This is really a cute dress with a drop waist and pleated skirt. The material is a poly/rayon blend so I’m not sure where the “wool” comes from, per the description “super soft wool-handed jersey”. The jersey does make it very comfortable on but the material is very thin. I would need to layer a lot if wearing out in the cold, or even around my drafty house. There’s a Spacedye and a Lace Flippy Dress too, if you’re interested.

Loft_FlippySweaterDress

Overall, I’m pleased with my LOFT purchases. I love the jeans as well as the White Softened Tunic. I’ll return the other items as I know I can find something better.

Don’t forget LOFT has 40% off items, online and in-store. Happy Shopping!


/ Reviews

Starting today, you can take 40% off at LOFT, no code needed. And there is 60% off sale items. Lou & Grey items are excluded. I received the rest of my order on Wednesday so let’s take a look at how they all fit.

~ Rabbit Sweater, Medium ~

This sweater is a pretty snug fit in my normal Medium. I was hoping for a little slouch or looseness. The color is a beautifully saturated green. I think the color was described as Teal Green. This is sold out online but you may be able to find it in-stores. The rabbits are cute, maybe a little too cute for me. I do love the color though. I’m on the fence with this one.

Loft_RabbitSweater

~ Ivy Softened Shirt, Medium ~

I was intrigued by the “softened” shirt, especially since the reviews are very positive. I ordered both the Ivy and the Tunic (below) in a Medium. The Ivy Softened Shirt fit well in the Medium though it was pretty loose and boxy from below the chest down. The shirt is soft and is 100% cotton. I am sure it will soften even more as it is washed. This shirt is sheer so nude bra would be best underneath.

Loft_PaisleySoftenedShirt

~ Crisp Softened Tunic, Medium ~

I liked this one a little more as since it is a bit more structured than the Ivy Softened Shirt. This is not 100% cotton but has 3% spandex in it. This is tunic length and falls well below the hips, almost providing full coverage in the back. I would prefer another inch to wear with leggings though. I have a white shirt on my shopping list and feel this one will work for now. You can see this one is a bit see-through as well.

LOFT_SoftenedTunic

Here are a few more softened shirts for you.


I’ll have a review of the Wide-Leg Trousers later today.


/ Reviews

Today only J Crew Factory has a promo for 25% off your purchase with code CHECKOUT. Some prices stayed the same from the last promo but some went up. The Denim Trouser below went up another $2. This time I would have saved about $15 but since I may possibly exchange one item I am not going to bother with a price adjustment this time.

~ Denim Trouser, size 8 ~

These are exactly what I’m looking for; non-skinny, wide-leg, dark wash trouser jeans. Perfect for date night, especially during these colder month and great for the office. I chose a size 8 and they fit fine to a little loose in the waist and hips. Not a lot but enough that when they stretch out from wear might look a bit saggy. I am hoping to stop by the store this weekend and will try on a size 6 if they are available.

JFC_DenimTrouser

I’ve lightened the image so you can see how long they are on me. I tucked them under several times and will probably need to have about 6 inches, at least, removed. It looks like the line of the leg won’t be affected, but I’ll confirm that with the tailor.

JCF_DenimTrouser_light

~ Slim Cable-Knit V-Neck Sweater, Small ~

This 100% Cotton sweater can be found in the men’s section. I am normally a Medium in Women’s tops and sweaters and the Small fit good to a little big. You can see the sleeves are very long and the length could be an inch shorter. I will see if there’s an XS in store but I kind of like how slouchy it is now. Even though it’s 100% cotton, I’ll probably find a way to shrink it so the Small might be best.

JCF_CableVNeck

There was an issue with both of these items though. The smell. They both must have been dipped in formaldehyde or something. It had an overpowering chemical smell, even through the bag it came in. I had to put both items outside to air out. I hope the store doesn’t smell that way.

JCF_DenimTrouser_Sweater

Here are a few more items I’m browsing during this promo.

Is there anything that’s caught your eye?


/ Bella Picks

J Crew has finally released new arrivals for the first big roll-out of the year. I was able to grab the latest Style Guide over the weekend and liked some of the pieces. These are the items currently in my shopping cart.

~ Betty Sunglasses, Gray ~

I am always looking for a good pair of sunglasses. Over the last year, I’ve found lower priced sunglasses have held up very well, including minimal to no scratches on the lenses. I had some Marc Jacobs Aviators and they were pretty scratched up within months. I like the style of both the Betty in Gray and the Irving in Blush Crystal. Those I saw in the Style Guide and knew I wanted to see them IRL.

JCBettyGray

~ Irving Sunglasses, Blush Crystal ~

JCIrvingClear

~ Collection Silk Top in Tie-Dye Print ~

I saw the Silk Skirt in this print first and then swooned over the more-practical-for-my-life Silk Top. I can imagine this under one of my Navy Blazers or Ivory Lexington Blazer. I don’t mind the no collar look as I tend to get make-up on my collared shirts very easily. This also comes in a Patio Pant though the price of $395 certainly seems quite a bit inflated, don’t you think?

JCCollectionSilkTieDyeBlouse

~ Striped Polo Sweater-Dress in Merino Wool ~

I saw this on Ema’s Instagram and knew it would be one of the first items I bought. I do wish the stripes were Navy and not Black since I have a Tory Burch with black/gray stripes already. Here’s to hoping Navy will be released in one of the next coming roll-outs.

JCStripedPoloDress

~ Chateau Trench, Barley ~

I do not have a trench coat and all the ones I see don’t have a hood. I don’t see the point in having a coat that will repel rain if you still need a umbrella for your head. Is that just me? I love the gingham lining and hope the Chateau Trench looks as good IRL as it does online. I prefer the neutral Barley/Camel shade but the Fiery Sunset sure looks bold and exciting.

JCChateauTrench

Of course, there are a whole lot more items I like, and added to my wishlist but these 5, especially the Striped Polo Sweater-Dress in Merino Wool and the Chateau Trench are the two I’m excited about the most.

What do you like from the latest J Crew roll-out?