/ Bella Picks

Have you seen the latest prints over at Banana Republic? They are so perfect for Spring that it’s hard to choose a favorite, but I’ll try.

My favorite of the Brushstroke Print is the Shirtdress.  When I first saw it online, I thought the contrasting collar and cuffs were another shirt layered under but they are part of the dress. Sadly, it’s 100% Polyester. For $158, I was hoping for a least jersey, if not silk. Only the skirt is a rayon/linen blend.

Of the Watercolor print, I really like both the Pencil and Pleated Skirts. The Pencil Skirt and Pants are 100% Cotton.

Though I can see both of these prints at J Crew, I am really happy to see Banana Republic adding some nice prints to their collection.

Which of the two prints do you like? Or do you prefer the Pinstripe (Skirt, Shirtdress)?


/ Bella Picks

New arrivals are here! I was excited to see the Early Access email Wednesday for J Crew Factory and only ordered two items. The prices didn’t seem to be as discounted like they normally are. They went up slightly when all the new arrivals were rolled out to everyone and the latest promo started. You can take 20% off your purchase of $100 or more with WEARNOW. If I had bought today, I would be spending $3 more with this promo.

You can see I’m still “stripesick” and like the Moroccan Red of the Artist Stripe Tee. Online, the color looks similar to the retail Midweight Stripe Tee in Cherry. In hindsight, I would purchase the Factory Tee for the slightly slimmer shape.

Like I mentioned in my Loft post yesterday, I want some nice trouser jeans. I ordered the Denim Trouser Jean. I know I’ll need to have them hemmed and if they fit well and look nice I will definitely get another pair. I’d like one for flats and one for heels. They look nice and dark with no fading so they’ll be good for in-the-office-days and date nights.

I also love the Retro Lemon of the Split-Neck Dress and the Scalloped Shift Dress in both the Bright Amethyst and Dublin Green. I don’t need them and have no where to wear them but those bright colors are enticing.

I always peruse the men’s section for The Boy but also for me. I like their Fisherman Sweaters and found one a few years ago. It’s back in both Navy and Ivory, though only larger sizes remain. I have a size Small in the Navy. I ordered the preppy Slim Cable-Knit V-Neck.

I haven’t been yet, but I am guessing the actual store might have some better promos. They usually start at 30% off certain items but I’m sure there are less items discounted than the website. If anyone knows for sure, let me know.

Are you shopping J Crew Factory or waiting until the next roll-out?

/ Bella Picks

Loft has a new BOGO promo now taking 50% off your second Top or Sweater purchase (no code needed). You buy top or sweater at full-price and get 50% off the second. I found a few things I’d love to try on in-store.

Loft just ended a 50% off flash sale at 10AM E.T. I bought a few things. I’m really looking for some new wide-leg trouser jeans and bought the Loft Wide Leg Trouser in both a 28 and 29. The lone reviewer stated she took her smaller size due to the amount of poly and stretch in the denim. I’m also very intrigued to see how the Softened shirts feel. They are getting great reviews and also sound like they hold up well to washing.

Are you shopping the Loft BOGO?

/ Reviews

I tried on several dresses over two fitting room visits to Ann Taylor. Currently, the have a 40% off promo with code WEEKEND.

~ Sleeveless Shirtdress, Navy, size 8 ~

I love the cut and style of shirt dresses. I try to stick with sleeveless styles as the ones with sleeves are usually a little snug in the arms for me. The size 8 was perfect on me. The pleats on the skirt don’t create a whole amount of fullness. The pockets are hidden in the mix of the pleats. This also comes in Hot Tropical Coral. I saw that color in store as well and though it would go well with my skin tone, I will stick with the Navy. There’s also a Denim Shirtdress that has a pencil skirt bottom. I know I’d need an 8 or Petite 10 in that as it looks very lean and small in the arms.

AT_Shirtdress

AT_Shirtdress_Detail

~ Striped Double V Sheath Dress, Small –

This is a fitted knit dress fit well in the Small. I don’t mind the length going past the knee but would like to try the Petite Medium to see if the length will hit me closer to the knee. There are vertical stripes on the side, breaking up the front horizontal stripes, and, in my opinion, create some shape. This was another of my favorites that I tried and made me long for Spring to come quickly. I can see wearing this with flat sandals or heeled espadrilles.

AT_StripedDress

AT_StripedDress_Detail

~ Spacedye Flare Dress, Small ~

I wasn’t too sure about this dress on the hanger. I kind of liked the spacedye pattern but didn’t know how it would look when I tried it on. I’m still on the fence with the dress since the pattern is horizontal on top and vertical on the skirt. The Small of this fitted dress fit fine though I think I would prefer the Medium a little more. The length is just below the knee for me so a Medium would be a little longer. There’s also a midi skirt in the same pattern.  I think, even on sale, this dress is a pass for me.

AT_SpacedyeDress

AT_Spacedye_Detail

~ Tweed Shift Dress, size 6 ~

This dress is currently on sale and you can take an additional 60% off, not 40%. I liked this dress and the fit of the 6 was good, especially through the hips. I like the color mix of the tweed and it’s not very thick. If I worked in an office this would definitely be in constant rotation since it would be so easy to just add a Navy Blazer. It also has a matching tweed jacket.

AT_TweedShiftDress

AT_TweedShiftDress_Detail

Code WEEKEND will get you 40% off regular-priced items and 60% off sale. There are several types of dresses on sale, plus the 60% off, to choose from.

Are you shopping any dresses during the Ann Taylor WEEKEND promo?

/ Bella Picks

Ann Taylor has a promo for the long weekend, taking 40% off your purchase with code WEEKEND.  I was able to try some things on last weekend that I’ll be sharing soon.

The print on the Shadow Floral Pencil Skirt and blouse are reminiscent of the Inky Floral from J Crew last Spring/Summer. During a 50% off promo last weekend I bought the Embroidered Dot Perfect Shirt. The size 8 worked for me.

The dresses are what really got me when I did try-ons. Especially the Sleeveless Shirtdress and  Striped Double-V Sheath Dress. Those two are on my list to find in-store this weekend. The Striped Midi Dress sold quickly in-store and I didn’t have an opportunity to try on a Small or Medium. I’ll also be looking for the Drapey Crop Pants to try on as well.

Have you checked out the Ann Taylor WEEKEND promo yet?