/ Bella Picks

While I was out trying to finish my Christmas shopping Wednesday night, this Bow Sweater caught my eye in the window of Ann Taylor. It’s navy with white little bows all over. Not quite similar as my Bow Sweatshirt but I think it’s close enough to satisfy those who can’t find the J Crew version. Once in the store, the other item that caught my eye as being similar to another popular J Crew item was the Jeweled Wool Tee. If you missed out on the Chandelier Sweatshirt I think this boiled wool tee is a great option.

The Placed Stripe Sweater caught my eye as I was leaving the store as 1) it looks very Spring-like and 2) it is similar to a recent Tory Burch Sweater. There’s a matching skirt as well. The Lace Flare Dress is the same color as the Lace Shift Dress I was able to find on sale a few months ago. And the Refined Windowpane Pants are in Navy with white. They are beautiful IRL and there’s also a skirt option.

I’ll have reviews starting tomorrow but if you’re interested, the Bow Sweater runs TTS. I tried on a Medium. The knit is woven a little tight so it’s not going to be a loose fit. Also, the Jeweled Wool Tee runs loose to TTS. I tried on a Medium but over another blouse. I would stay with the Medium. I was a little worried because it looked cropped on the hanger but did hit me a little above the hip.

Use code MERRY50 to take 50% off most items, including the Jeweled Wool Tee and Bow Sweater.

/ Reviews

I returned the Walkway Sweater Dress but made a walk around the store before completing the transaction. I found the Orson Loafer and really liked them.

~ Orson Loafer in Leopard, size 6 1/2 ~

They are a different print and colors from the Darby Loafers that I have from J Crew. The shoe itself looks a bit more masculine and the tongue comes up a bit higher on the foot. I will say they are a stiffer and may need a little breaking in.

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I tried on both the 6 1/2 and 7 in the Orson Loafer and found the size 7 to be a bit loose and long in the toe box. I chose the 6 1/2, which is a 1/2 size smaller than my normal size. I only tried them on but they felt comfortable in that brief amount of time. I’ll report back once I wear them for a longer period of time.

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The calf hair is very fine and the pattern looks printed on satin instead of tiny hairs. It’s only until you touch it that you realize it’s calf hair.

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I’m excited to wear these soon. The Darby Loafers I have are a tan and brown pattern, very different from these camel and black.

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Shop other flats at Madewell…

I also like these boots too.

Have you tried the Orson Loafer? Currently, you can take 25%off with code YOUGOTTHIS on these and all my picks above.

/ Bella Picks

I have just a few more gifts to buy and several stocking stuffers. I was going to by MamaBella this Tory Burch Fragrance Gift Set but it was already sold out in-stores. I stopped by Sephora to use a $15 gift and found the Holiday Cracker which was the same price as the rollerball but not in a fun package. The soap sets are a good gift too and you can break them up and give them a singles or doubles. I grabbed a few of the Holiday Crackers as gifts for my aunt and sister-in-law.


I have some Hunter Wellies as does my niece so these socks will great to wear with them, especially since we are rumored to have a cold, rainy Winter due to El Nino.

I’ve seen the Instax Mini Cameras at Nordstrom Rack for 40% off the retail price. And don’t forget the film! As a family we go through lightning cables like crazy, even when we are very careful to remove it from our phone after charging. They always tear and fray so I like to give them as gifts. And a bluetooth speaker is great for my nephew so he’s not completely tuned out wearing headphones.


Lastly, I am looking for a few more Stocking Stuffers to go with Husband’s Cheese Board and Knives I bought him. I will probably get him his favorite bottle of wine and a Wine Preserver. I have these exact wine glasses from Target and use them all the time over the stemmed glasses. My girlfriend loves Moscow Mules so I think a monogrammed mug will be perfect for her.

I am really trying to finish my Christmas shopping by this coming weekend. I have yet to decorate or put up the Christmas Tree so I’ll tackle that in the evenings this week. The Boy comes home Friday for a few weeks and I want to be available and not busy with things I know I can get done this week.

Are you almost done with your Shopping?

/ Bella Picks

The Kate Spade December roll-out is full of polar bears and monkeys. I don’t normally think of monkeys during the Winter but they sure are cute. You can have your pick of polar bears and I can’t decide between the flats, scarf, or watch.

Between the two monkey key chains, I think I like the pearl one best. You can match your key chain to your earrings too. I’ll have to upgrade my phone to have a Klondike Bar handy at all times. It’s taking all of my shopping energy to not buy the Trompe L’Oeil Scout Bag Tee and Caitlin Tee for my friends girls.

Have you checked out Kate Spade’s new arrivals for December?

/ Bella Picks

I received this email on Thursday about a flash sale happening this morning at J.Crew. This is an in-store promo of 30% off your purchase, plus an extra 10% off. I also have some $20 off $100 cards so I am hoping to use one of those as well.

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Here’s what I’ve already bought and love.

I still need to find a few gifts for Husband and The Boy. Husband is sized out of J. Crew but there are some things I can still get him, like beanies and scarves. The Boy loves the half-zips and I’m hoping he’ll also like the Flannel-lined 770 cords.

Everyone in my family is asking for pajamas. I guess they weren’t prepared for the abnormally cold Winter we had in South Texas last year. I’ll throw in some cute socks too.

I’m hoping to find everything I’m looking for in-store. Then I can get them quickly wrapped and under the tree.

Are you attending your store’s “Flash Sale”?