/ Bella Picks

After seeing the J Crew Chateau Trench online and completely swooning over it and it’s gingham lining, I realized I needed a good, sturdy trench coat with a hood. I debated ordering the Chateau Trench but felt that if it wasn’t going to make it to my store, I didn’t want to spend at least $300 ordering two different sizes and not being happy with either. My decision was sealed in searching for something else when I wanted more than what the Chateau Trench was offering.

Here’s my criteria.

  1. Hood – This is the main thing I want on my trench coat. I don’t care if it’s removable but I must have a hood.
  2. Color – Navy is my first choice in color and not the classic beige everyone else has.
  3. Style/Shape – The Chateau Trench is a shift and just a long rectangle. I want something with shape or with a belt to give it shape.
  4. Material – I don’t want anything that’s poncho-like or too thin material, which I know will be Poly. I need to have some substance.

Here’s what I found online. Of course, there’s Eddie Bauer, London Fog and The North Face but I was surprised by how stylish they were. My first pick is the Eddie Bauer Girl on the Go Trench. It meets all of my criteria. Instead of buttons or a belt it has princess seams for a flattering fit. The other Eddie Bauer trench is the Pack & Go Trench. Yes, it’s $100 for a trench that you can stuff into one of the pockets but the waist has a drawcord, it looks long enough to cover the booty. Both Eddie Bauer trenches are machine washable too.

The Via Spiga Single-Breasted Trench has a belt and pleating on the bottom. It comes in four colors on Amazon, including Navy. It’s not sold out, despite what my widget above shows. The Old Navy Trench is only available in size Large and above but the olive color is what intrigued me about it.

How bold is this Joe Browns Floral Mac? The hood and the waist both have a drawstring. And though the Boden Mac is an a-line shape I really like it in the Navy Floral Print.

The Via Spiga and Eddie Bauer trenches are on their way to me so I’ll do a follow-up post and review them for you.


/ Bella Picks

J Crew has finally released new arrivals for the first big roll-out of the year. I was able to grab the latest Style Guide over the weekend and liked some of the pieces. These are the items currently in my shopping cart.

~ Betty Sunglasses, Gray ~

I am always looking for a good pair of sunglasses. Over the last year, I’ve found lower priced sunglasses have held up very well, including minimal to no scratches on the lenses. I had some Marc Jacobs Aviators and they were pretty scratched up within months. I like the style of both the Betty in Gray and the Irving in Blush Crystal. Those I saw in the Style Guide and knew I wanted to see them IRL.

JCBettyGray

~ Irving Sunglasses, Blush Crystal ~

JCIrvingClear

~ Collection Silk Top in Tie-Dye Print ~

I saw the Silk Skirt in this print first and then swooned over the more-practical-for-my-life Silk Top. I can imagine this under one of my Navy Blazers or Ivory Lexington Blazer. I don’t mind the no collar look as I tend to get make-up on my collared shirts very easily. This also comes in a Patio Pant though the price of $395 certainly seems quite a bit inflated, don’t you think?

JCCollectionSilkTieDyeBlouse

~ Striped Polo Sweater-Dress in Merino Wool ~

I saw this on Ema’s Instagram and knew it would be one of the first items I bought. I do wish the stripes were Navy and not Black since I have a Tory Burch with black/gray stripes already. Here’s to hoping Navy will be released in one of the next coming roll-outs.

JCStripedPoloDress

~ Chateau Trench, Barley ~

I do not have a trench coat and all the ones I see don’t have a hood. I don’t see the point in having a coat that will repel rain if you still need a umbrella for your head. Is that just me? I love the gingham lining and hope the Chateau Trench looks as good IRL as it does online. I prefer the neutral Barley/Camel shade but the Fiery Sunset sure looks bold and exciting.

JCChateauTrench

Of course, there are a whole lot more items I like, and added to my wishlist but these 5, especially the Striped Polo Sweater-Dress in Merino Wool and the Chateau Trench are the two I’m excited about the most.

What do you like from the latest J Crew roll-out?


/ 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?