/ Reviews

I have a review and Que Bella in this post for you today.

The Embellished Tippi in Glen Plaid was not on my radar when it was released online. I am not in need of any more sweaters so I just glanced over that section. But, when I was in the store it immediately caught my eye. I loved the subtle sparkle all over the front and the glen plaid at the top.

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My normal size Medium fit just fine in this sweater. I am used to the Tippi having 3/4-sleeves but this was full-arm sleeve-length. The embellishment are rhinestones and not sequins. They are on there pretty snugly but we’ll need to see what happens when it’s sent to the cleaners.

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For a day of shopping I kept my outfit very simple with some older Pilcro Jeans and my comfortable Cole Haan ZeroGrand Sneakers.
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I can’t wait to layer this with my Silk Blythe Blouse in Polka Dot.

Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

I’ll start my reviews with two shirts I ordered a few weeks ago during one of the many promos.

~ Boy Shirt in Crinkle Gingham, Jade, size 8 ~

I loved the Jade color online and had envisioned wearing it with my Viridian Green Wool Pencil Skirt from a few years ago. It’s one of the few pencil skirts that have stayed in my closet. Anyway, the shirt fit well in my normal size 8. The shoulders and arms weren’t tight and it’s just a normal button-down shirt fit.

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I loved the color when I saw it in the package. It’s a nice vibrant green. This didn’t seem as “crinkled” as one I have from a few years ago. I’m sure it will get that way if you wash it. I decided that even though I could wear it with my pencil skirt and two green sweaters I have, I probably wouldn’t gravitate towards it like I do a few other button-downs I have. I ended up returning it and haven’t looked back. But, I still love the color!

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~ Thomas Mason Flannel Shirt in Stewart Plaid, size 8 ~

I have been wanting to try Thomas Mason for J. Crew for years but didn’t have a need for dress shirts. But I was looking to maybe replace my Tartan Plaid from a few years ago. The size 8 fit ok. You can tell it’s pulls a bit across the chest. Also, in the online photos of other Thomas Mason shirts there is seaming in the back to give the shirt more shape and not look so boxy. This shirt didn’t have that.

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I think I would still take the size 8 and adjust the buttons as needed. Though the name of this shirt says “flannel” it wasn’t very flannel-thick as I would expect. I did like the feel of the material. It was comfortable. The sleeves were a little long but would work layered under a sweater and cuffed. The pattern is smaller than the Perfect Shirt in Stewart Plaid.

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I ended up returning the Thomas Mason shirt as well since I have the Tartan Plaid and it’s working for me ok right now.

I’m curious if any JCA’s have tried any Thomas Mason shirts in the past. Are they really worth the money? Do most of them have the seaming in the back?

/ Bella Picks

I really enjoyed seeing the Holiday roll-out from J Crew last week. There are so many things I added to my wishlist and I did buy one item immediately and have already worn it.

I have an older version Tartan Shirt but it’s starting to fit a little snug. The Perfect Shirt in Stewart Plaid would be an exact replacement of it. There’s also one for Men and Boys. The shirt would go well with the Sequin Pull-on Pants. I’m always leery of getting sequined pants or skirts for fear of the sequins getting caught on something I’m sitting on.  Another perfect party item it the Perfect Party Skirt. I tried this on and will review this week but I loved it! Even in the longer length. I haven’t loved a retail pencil skirt in a while but this might just get added to my closet. I glanced over the Embellished Tippi in Glen Plaid when it came out online but it caught my eye when I saw it in-store. I ended up buying it and have already worn it. It’s has the perfect amount of subtle sparkle to it.

Accessories are plentiful in this roll-out. They always make great stocking-stuffers or last minute gifts. Especially socks like these Penguins or Bulldogs.

I tried on several items last week so I’ll have reviews coming soon!

/ Reviews

Today for Shoes-day, I have the Collins Tortoise Loafer.

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During the “buy more/save more” promo I felt these looked nice enough to order and try on at home. They are a beautiful darker patent tortoise color than some other styles I’ve seen. They fit me true-to-size in my normal size 7.

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I didn’t feel they fit tight anywhere, especially at the widest part of my foot. The toe is really pointy, maybe even more exaggerated than some might like.

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I had been trying to think of a good reason to keep the Collins Tortoise Loafers because I really really liked them. I walked around for a few minutes once more on carpet and found they started stretching or widening on the sides. And this is only when I stood. When I walked they were more pronounced and felt a bit uncomfortable.  That was a deal-breaker for me and I ended up returning them.

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I really like the Colette Tortoise Pumps, but I don’t think I’d wear them very often. I’ve added them to my wishlist in case I can get them on sale.

What do you think of the Collins Tortoise Loafer? Have you tried any of the other Collins Loafers?

 

/ Bella Picks

We had our good first nip in the air so I thought it was time to finally have some hot cocoa. We all have a Monogram Mug from Anthropologie. I add a single pack of cocoa in with each mug and give them as gifts at Christmas. I think everyone in my extended family has their own Monogram Mug now. Of course the Basketball or Football Mugs are fun for kids who can “shoot” or “pass” their marshmallows.

These marshmallows from Sur La Table were a hit at Christmas last year. They do take a little time to melt in your mug though. These Snowmen are cute too. And don’t forget the peppermint!

If you prefer to stay a little warmer for longer then you might want to pick these up.

Or how about a nice hot bath? I’ve got you covered there too!

 

There are no excuses to not stay Cocoa Cozy!