/ Bella Picks

Madewell has a new promotion today. Using code WINWIN will get you 20% off $100 or 30% off $200, both in-stores and online. Such a great deal to gather the rest of your Fall items.

My favorite item from Madewell right now is the Cadet Blazer. I love the cut, the style, the color. I was hoping to see this in store but it’s an “online only” item. This is in my cart right now deciding on which item below will be the ride-along to get the 30% off. I have the Courier Shirt in Mathius Plaid and would love to try the Silk Courier Shirt in Camouflage Green.

I picked several shirts in plaid, gravitating towards them because of the color schemes. I can’t decide between the Slim Boyshirt in Lawton Plaid or the Penfield® Jansen Plaid Shirt.

I’m always looking for easy dresses to throw on for the day. Especially when they can be dressed down with a chunky cardigan and tall boots, like my Frye Shirley Boots. I think the Moviehouse Shirtdress or the Short-Sleeve Shirtdress in Masmodil Plaid. That one would satisfy both my plaid craving and casual dress need.
I have just as many picks for shoes and accessories from Madewell too! I have several layered necklaces I purchased last year that I love to wear and I’d love to add the Knotshine Necklace to that collection. The Stargraph Cuff Bracelet is similar to one I already have, the Studded Rail Cuff. Though I have pierced ears, I rarely wear earrings any more; maybe once a year. But I like the look of the Crossbar Earrings. They don’t look very big. I hope I can see them in store to make sure.
I know that I need the Octavia Sandal in Dark Cabernet in my life. But the 4-inch heel height is over my personal limit. I really like the Billie Boot in Suede and would love to see it in the Leopard Calf-Hair of the Nico Boot.
How about you? What are you going to shop for using the WINWIN promo?
/ Bella Picks

J Crew Factory had new arrivals this week. I browsed the Early Access but didn’t make a purchase this time around. The beloved Elephant Parade Tee is back along with the Mini Dachshund Tee and Sweater. I have worn my retail Elephant Tee a lot so I may get this one as a back-up.

I like the Dark Olive color of the Wool Skimmer Pant. I might consider pairing it with the Floral Sweatshirt, also a dupe of it’s retail sister, the Dutch Floral Sweatshirt.

I am very surprised to see the popular Chateau Parka from last year, the Vail Parka for Factory. Everyone had that coat! I didn’t because I didn’t need it. I wasn’t a fan of the furry hood either. I’m sure it was cozy for those who had it, as it looked warm. There’s also a new Puffer Vest in Plaid. I’m all good on Puffer Vests this year though.

Probably the only thing I’m considering from this roll-out is the Zebra Sweater. I have a black gingham shirt that would layer nicely under this sweater.

Don’t forget to use code EXTRA20 for 20% off your purchase online. That promo is good through September 21.

/ Reviews

I have a few more reviews from Loft before the sale ends tonight. Use FALLSTYLE to get 40% off your purchase.

~ Colorblock Coatigan, XS/Small Petite ~
I bought the Striped Coatigan a few weeks back and took the Small Petite. The petite sizing for the Colorblock Coatigan went from XSP/SP to MP. There wasn’t a separate XSP and SP. This is supposed to be oversized and I would definitely size down at least one, if not two sizes depending on how you oversized you want it to fit. I won’t button this. I’ll leave it open.
The button was already getting a little loose and the material around it and the button-hole were getting a bit stretchy, just from trying it on. I did like it enough to overlook that. I’m sure I’ll regret it. Even in this smaller size the arms are still loose on me. It will be nice and cozy around the house for Winter.
 
~ Button Back Chambray Shirt, Medium Petite ~
~ Petite Skinny Corduroy Pants in Marisa Fit, Crystal Mauve, 29P/8P ~
 

I looked high and low for the Boyfriend Cordoroy Pants but never found them. The Crystal Mauve color kept leaping out at me every where I looked so I decided to give them a shot. These are very stretchy even though there’s only 2% Spandex. The material feels pretty thin too. I don’t like the look of the Skinny Corduroy on me. Everything just looks too tight. I think a looser fit like the Boyfriend would have been better. The color is pretty though. I don’t really have a need for Cords and have whittled mine down to just one pair that I rarely wear. These are a pass for me but you can find them in 8 different colors.

Regular Marisa Fit
Regular Julie Fit

 

I didn’t really like the Button Back Chambray Shirt on the hanger but decided to give it a shot anyway. It doesn’t really look any better on me. The Medium Petite is snug in the arms and the length hits me just at the top of the waistband. The chambray is lightweight so it might be a good shirt for a nice transition into Fall.

I didn’t check my buttons in the back before I put it on so I missed one. You have to make sure they are all buttoned except for the top one or two and then slip it on over your head.

~ Dotblock Ruffle Shell, Medium Petite ~
I really liked the print and colors of this blouse. But when I put it on it was just too prairie for me. The ruffle hits me at the top of my chest and it’s not flattering at all. The size was fine in the Medium Petite but that’s about it.
~ Swingy Chambray Shirtdress, Medium Petite ~
Either I grabbed a Large Petite or the MP is really big. I could tell all the way through the dress and even in the arms. I would probably try another one in MP and then a regular size Small. This isn’t denim/cotton but Tencel. It’s lightweight but a little shiny. I wanted to like this dress but will need a different size to be sure. Since I have a Chambray Tunic from Anthro last year I’ll be passing on this.
 

If you’re considering making a purchase then I hope these two reviews helped you!

Have a Great Evening!

/ Reviews

I was able to find a little extra time on Friday to stop by Loft and try on a few items while the 40% promo/FALLSTYLE was going on. I only tried on a few items from my original list from Friday.

~ Mixprint Shirtdress, Medium Petite ~
The colors on this dress quickly caught my eye, and apparently a whole lot of others as well since there were only two left. An SA was also wearing one. I like the fit of the Medium Petite though I think it’s just a little short on the sides to wear without skinnies or leggings. Maybe it will look find with tall boots. I also like the look of this shirtdress un-belted.
The material is a lightweight cotton and navy and tan are a nice combination for Fall. I could have probably fit into the normal size Small as well. I tend to go for Medium Petite at Loft so I will say this is TTS.
 
~ Seamed Ponte Pants, Autumn Navy Heather, Medium Petite ~
I grabbed these to try under the Mixprint Shirdress and they look great with it (below). I thought the length was a little long but when I compared it to the regular Small it was shorter. The Small was about two inches longer. These are ponte so they fit very snug but not extremely tight. I like the Navy Heather color. I think I will be able to wear these quite a bit in Fall/Winter.
 
…with the Mixprint Shirtdress
~ Blocked Poncho Sweater, Ominous Teal, Small Petite ~
I also wanted to try this sweater with the Seamed Ponte Pants. I liked the feel of it on. It’s quite comfortable. It doesn’t have enough coverage for me in front or back to wear with these pants or with leggings. I’d have to stick to jeans for this sweater. The Small Petite was a good fit. It’s meant to be oversized and does have drop-shoulders and slim arms. The sleeves are 3/4 length. 

I brought the Mixprint Shirtdress and Seamed Ponte Pants home with me. I really liked both of them separately and together. Loft is also giving you two $25 Loft Cash Cards for every $50 you spend. Those can be used on your full-price purchase starting on Sunday, September 13. The FALLSTYLE sale ends Saturday, September 12.

Have a Great Day!

/ Bella Picks

Loft has 40% off everything with code FALLSTYLE, ending on Saturday, but only for US shipments. Lou & Grey is also excluded from this promo. Though Loft uses quite a bit of Poly in their clothes they look a little nicer than most fast fashion I’ve seen and purchased.

The Plaid Dolman Dress is probably my main pick. I think it will be great for Fall with a slouchy sweater and boots. The Boyfriend Corduroy Pants looks very cool to me, especially in that Violet Smoke color. I bought the Striped Coatigan a few weeks ago and took a Petite Small. I plan on wearing it with one of my TB Cora Dresses as well as just around the house in Winter. I like the Camel and Navy colors of the Colorblock Coatigan as well. They really should just call those chunky sweaters.

Loft is a nice choice, especially right now, if you are on a budget. I know that Career Fairs at colleges and universities are happening this month and a lot of college students are looking for internships and jobs right now. I’m not sure how many college students read this blog but first impressions are always important. I have several friends who recruit, all over the country, for their companies during this time and I have heard many a story about how a student showed up in her clubbing clothes for the Career Fair or interview. Even the Swingy Chambray Dress is more put together than a black mini-dress. The guys are a little more put together as they usually own a button-down or two and a tie but I’ve heard some stories of grungy or ironic tees with shorts and flip-flops.
For women, one pair of black pants, two blouses and a blazer should get you through your Career Fairs, first-meets, dinners and interviews. As far as heels, keep the 4-inches at home and stick with black or navy. Here are some of my picks.Loft – I like that they have different styles of trousers to fit you. I go with the Marissa fit for my curves.

Forever 21 – There are some great blouse options at F21 but the pant selections weren’t good. I’d stick with Loft or maybe H&M or Zara for some decent trousers.
Once you’ve succeeded in getting that internship or job, you can gauge how everyone else dresses. Most places are business casual. You’ll still need those blouses and a trouser or two but chinos and jeans will probably work too.
I hope I didn’t sound too judgmental there but first impressions do matter. Most of the time, feedback is given to the student in the interview on what he or she can do to improve for next time, whether or not he or she gets the job or internship. A short conversation on appearance is usually included. I’m just basing this on a lot of conversations and stories from recruiters over the years. I hope it helps you!

Happy Shopping!