Life is Short…Buy the Shoes – Page 44

audreybella / November 25, 2015 / Reviews

J Crew: Double Cloth Belted Trench, Fair Isle Leggings

I stopped by the retail store over the weekend to return a few items and found a few other items to try on.

~ Double-Cloth Belted Trench, Heather Cloud, size 8 ~

This was a return and so I was excited to try it on. I love the Warm Olive and this Heather Cloud color. It’s a very pretty light gray. The size 8 fit well and it’s the size I would buy since this is not offered in Petite. I’d have to get the sleeve length altered since it’s about 2-3 inches too long. I’d probably shorten the belt as well. Though the online description states this “hits above the knee” the length is midi on me. The material is thin and would be a good coat for my climate but it is not thick enough or insulated for anywhere with temps in the 40s daily or snow.

Though no one will see it, the interior is lined in a matching color with burgundy accents and pocket.

~ Cowlneck Sweatshirt, Heather Arctic, Medium ~

I was trying on the Fair Isle Leggings and my VPS created an outfit for me that included this sweatshirt. It fits just fine in my normal Medium and I love the blue color. It’s not something I’m going to wear though and it the coverage isn’t long enough for the leggings.

~ Fair Isle Sweater Legging, Navy Holiday, Small ~

So a few years ago my VPS loved these leggings and insisted that I try them on. I liked them but not enough to buy them. I think the color was called Flame. This year, I saw these and immediately liked them. I like the gray color and prefer it over the Navy. The Small fit well especially since I think these will stretch out during a day of wearing.

I have several Merino Tunic Pocket Sweaters (similar) in various colors that will go great with these leggings. You’ll see these soon on a Friday Que Bella post.

~ Painter Boatneck T-Shirt in Stripe, Ivory Vintage Sea, Medium ~

I’m not in the market for any new tees but I did like the Vintage Sea color of this one. I had this layered under the Cowlneck Sweatshirt, above. The Medium fits well. I always have issues with the neckline getting saggy so I tend to stay away from these.

I really liked the Fair Isle Leggings and was planning on wearing them for Thanksgiving. Stretchy pants are a must! But, we are going to have temps in the 70s that day so I’ll use them another day.

audreybella / November 24, 2015 / Shoes-day

Shoes-day: Asos Minkie Loafers

I reviewed the Collins Tortoise Loafer last week and they were basically a bust because of the gaping that occurred when I stood and walked. Lucky for me, and YOU, my Insta-gal fleurdelijs found a copycat at Asos.

~ Minkie Loafer ~

I have yet to try these but she reports that they are comfortable and needed no breaking in. AND! they are priced way way less than the Collins.

It’s always great when you can find something that is a perfect duplicate to a higher priced item, don’t you think?

Go check out the Minkie Loafers in Tortoise, Brown or Black. And go follow Fleur de Lijs on Instagram. She’s a pretty stylish gal!

audreybella / November 24, 2015 / Reviews

Shoes-day: Frye Melanie Slip-on Sneaker

I was browsing for some shoes and came across these Melanie Slip-On Sneakers by Frye. They looked like a great alternative to a ballet flat and less bulky than the slip-on sneakers.

I ordered my normal size 7. I tried them on as soon as they arrived. But when I slipped my foot in, without any struggle or using my hands, they were the most dreamy comfortable pair of shoes I think I’ve ever owned. They were a little snug across the top of my foot but within minutes the leather seemed to stretch out. I would stick with your normal shoe size because they will stretch.

From the outside, it looks like these Slip-Ons have no support but the inside is all leather and well padded. There must be memory foam or something in there. I wasn’t going anywhere but these shoes didn’t leave my feet the rest of the evening.

I bought them in black as well and as soon as I see MamaBella, I’ll make sure she likes them before getting her a pair too.

You have to get a pair. I’m not kidding. If there ever was a single pair of shoes to own, the Melanie Slip-on Sneaker is it. And, they come in a array of colors and styles.

I live in these shoes right now. I could almost get rid of all my other shoes and wear these forever. Almost.

audreybella / November 23, 2015 / Bella Picks

L’Occitane en Provence Black Friday

I use L’Occitane en Provence for my total skin care regimen. Their products are the only ones that keep my Rosacea at bay, even when I fail to take my prescription. I started out slowly with the Shea Butter Cleansing Oil. It is safe on my eyes, removes almost all of my make-up and moisturizes my skin. At the same time, I also received samples of the Divine Cream. I didn’t even finish the samples I received before I went back in the store to buy the jar. It made my face feel even more moisturized and didn’t have a smell at all.

I would advise you to sign up for their emails and become an insider. They always have gift sets for a lower price than normal when you spend a certain amount. For Black Friday, you can pick from several “extras” if you spend a certain amount. I love these promos because I can refill on items I’m getting low on and get little extras for gifts and samples for my guest room. Win Win Win! Right now, while supplies last you can get these Black Friday items.

I just refilled my Divine Cream and was able to get the Radiant Divine Collection. I use it twice daily and it lasts me two months so I’m pretty stingy on the samples and travel size I get, in case I run out before my refill arrives. Other gift sets I plan on giving this year are below. The hand cream is always a good bet as that is what people are most familiar with.

I cannot recommend L’Occitane en Provence enough. And love when my guests use the samples I’ve left for them!

Happy (early) Black Friday shopping!

audreybella / November 23, 2015 / Reviews

J Crew: Carrie Cami in Floral Lace, Perfect Shirt in Stewart Plaid, Edged Lace Cap-Sleeve Dress

In the home stretch here. Because I was on vacation I was able to try on a lot more items than I normally do. And I stopped by my store and found a few more items I missed so those are coming up in the next few days.

~ Carrie Cami in Floral Lace, Dark Shadow, size 8 ~

Though I only own two, I am a fan of the Carrie Cami. The neckline is very flattering and when I wore the Carrie Cami in Blue Grotto I received a lot of compliments. Not only because of the stunning color but also because of the neckline. I wasn’t too much of a fan of the lace when I saw it online but in person it is very pretty.

The size 8 fit fine on me. I originally thought this was a dark navy but it’s really a dark gray. This or the black will be great closet staples to have for layering.

~ Perfect Shirt in Stewart Plaid, size 8 ~

This Perfect Shirt fit well in the size 8. I wouldn’t go to a Petite in this one even though the arms are a little long. I really wanted to get this so that I had back-up but I decided to just use what I have. I only wear my Tartan shirt 2-3 times a year so it should last several more years.

I’m surprised I haven’t seen this pattern at the Factory. I would have surely expected it to be offered last year. I think this looks good with Leopard and would be nice to see this layered under the Leopard Tippi Sweater.

~ Men’s Secret Wash Shirt in Royal Tartan, Small ~

I saw this in the Men’s section and liked the colors so I grabbed a Small to try on. Of course it’s a man’s shirt so it isn’t cut for a bust or hips.

The Small did fit fine to a little big under the arms and through the chest. Where the last button on the bottom hits is right at my hips and that is just fitting.

~ Edged Lace Cap-Sleeve Dress, Ivory, size 6 ~

In shift dresses I usually try to take my smaller of two size, 6 and 8. The size 6 fit well through the bust and skimmed over my hips. The material is crepe and is very nice in the Ivory, especially with the contrasting cap-sleeves. The length hits me just at the knee.

I think this would be nice for Christmas service, with a cardigan, or a holiday dinner.

When I saw this dress online I thought the lace cap-sleeves were silver or shimmery. I didn’t think it was the same dress when I saw it because it is actually embroidered in black. It’s still very nice though, just not what I expected.

I really wish the stores would at least steam nicer items like this dress. I have no idea what could have made that circle in the middle of the dress.

I can’t think of where I would use any of these right now so only the Carrie Cami was added to my wishlist.

Have you tried the Edged Lace Cap-Sleeve Dress?