/ Bella Picks

As retailers start bringing in Resort and Spring Collections, in the middle of Winter, it’s a good time to take a look in your closet to see what you do have that might be similar. I don’t have my Spring Shopping list put together but I do know of a few items I don’t need (from my favorite retailer) since I do have very similar items to what is now being offered. Take a look and see what I’ve found already in my closet.

The Voile Skirt in Stripe looks very pretty and I like the red and blue/black stripe but I do already have and LOVE the Gimlet Skirt in Coaster Stripe. I am not sure if the few inches of flat panel before the pleats would feel tight across the hips or not. Also, the length on the Voile Skirt is 23 inches, several inches below my knee. I have found I prefer above the knee or all the way maxi for my skirt lengths; I’m not a midi- girl. That still doesn’t stop me from wanting to see it, either IRL or on someone’s blog.

The Blythe Blouse in Pale Graphite is another one of my favorites. So much that I bought another one, just in case. It’s very rare that I will buy the exact same item as a back-up but I love it that much. Now, for Resort/Early Spring, there is a Soft Sand color with darker Polka Dots. I’m not so much a fan of the darker spots. For me, I think the appeal of the original from Fall was that the Polka Dots were in Gray/Graphite which blended slightly with the base color of the shirt. The darker spots are not doing it for me. I also think they should have switched these two…the Soft Sand for Fall/Winter because of the darker spots and the Pale Graphite for Resort/Spring. Makes sense in my head. Of course, if I see it IRL I’ll probably change my mind. But for now, definitely off my list.
I have similar variations of the Silk Short-Sleeve Blouse. I have the Striped Tee from a year or two ago and the Raindrop Lace Top in Navy. I wore my Striped Tee constantly after the initial purchase for several months and haven’t worn it since, maybe a year to 14 months. The Raindrop Lace Top fills a void of Spring/Summer Navy blouse and it’s Cotton, making it easier to wear than Silk. I’m sure the Silk Short-Sleeve Blouse is pretty IRL and the Warm Ivory would fill a void in my closet but it’s not a have-to-have. If it makes it to sale with a % off I’ll probably get it, that is, if the fit is right.
I have enough Striped Sweaters to last me a while. The Jackie Cardigan in Stripe is very similar to the Factory version I purchased last Spring. I have an Ann Taylor Loft green striped cardigan that will fill the void of the V-Neck Sweater in Stripe. If anything, I need two or three solid colors of the Jackie.
Shorts! I live in these all Summer and have quite a few pairs. I started trying to wear skirts more this Summer but still need a good reliable pair (or 10) of shorts. But I have found that these Anchor Shorts are  at the Factory Store every Spring/Summer. That goes for the Denim Shorts. I found mine last year at the Factory and they were exactly like the Retail version that was offered this past Summer, which is the same pair being offered now. The only difference is that mine are darker, which I like. Also, the Factory comes out with lots of colors in the 3-, 5- inch and Bermuda Shorts, so I’ll look there first before the Retail store.
I couldn’t forget the Double-Serge Pencil Skirts, could I? J Crew pencil skirts are my favorite and they fit me very well but this year I’ll be looking for a special print, like the Porcelain Paisley from last Summer, before making a purchase. I have very similar solid Pencil skirts already to substitute for the pretty new colors being offered now. And, two of the colors I wanted last year went to sale I was able to get them for a really really good price.
First, instead of Indigo Blue, I have the Factory Casablanca Blue and the Retail Mini in Brilliant Blue. I am sure the Indigo Blue will be very vibrant but I doubt it will be that much of a brightness to make me change my mind. Next up, is the Spearmint colorway, and I am sure it’s super gorgeous IRL. But I do have the Bright Spearmint Double-Serge Mini, the Jardin Maxi in the Morning Aqua, the Cafe’ Capri in the Tropical Aqua and the Sterling Skirt in Mint to fill the Winter void. Lastly, is the Melon color. Oh, it’s sooo pretty online and is definitely going on my list. I have the Sterling Skirt in Autumn Coral. I suspect the Melon will be slightly lighter and definitely pretty for Spring and Summer.
So, picking one of the three colors isn’t bad. The Fresh Pear looks pretty but I wasn’t too much of a fan of the Kiwi so I doubt I’ll be attracted to it. And, I have the Natural from last year that I purchase for about $24. A good staple color to have.
Jewelry is last to discuss. The latest incarnation of the Frog Critter bracelet is pretty, especially with the gold links but I have the Summer 2012 version and like the resin better. It’s more playful, IMO. I love my Flower Lattice necklace in Multicolor and was oh so tempted to get it in the Crystal but I really wouldn’t wear it very much. It’s more for a dressy occasion and not every day, at least for me. That, and I’d rather spend $228 on something else.
With each rollout I will be looking to my closet to see if I have a similar version. I really am looking for those special pieces now, like the Jules in Scroll Print. Having a list for Fall helped me so much. I didn’t stray very far from it and really looked for the items I had on my list and found a few of them on sale, including my two Kate Spade pieces. So I may be paying more, but I will be consuming less.
You’ll also notice I didn’t discuss shoes or bags. Those really are special pieces for me. I may be more selective in my purchases and already have two very specific items on my list. Once it is finalized I will share it with you.
So, do you have anything new from your favorites stores that you might already have in your closet?

**Hmm, what’s that Kate? You have something you want me to see? Oh this too?
/ Uncategorized

I am quite enjoying our beautiful weather here in Central Texas. It looks like a lot of you have been experiencing milder temps for Winter. But now it’s Spring!, which came really fast. I can’t believe April is less than two weeks away. Staying busy with work has made the time fly by. And now I have something to really look forward to.

We booked our trip to Europe!!! Whee!! I’m so excited but Husband is making me be very PRACTICAL about what I pack. That word isn’t even in my vocabulary and now I have to figure out how to do that very thing with packing. I’ll worry about that later. Besides…that’s what Polyvore is for.

I was so excited to finally wear the Gimlet Skirt in Coaster Stripe and my new Tippi Sweater in Succulent Green. I am a sucker for beautiful shades of green. Both have been sitting in my closet for a while but they were both pieces I knew I would enjoy wearing. I added my new Stuart Weitzman wedges that are the most perfect shade of Nude. You can hardly tell I”m wearing shoes. They are comfortable and I lasted all day wearing them at the office without any issues. The Gimlet Skirt is something I so want to bring to Europe with me but won’t be able to because it’s not practical. Blegh…bad taste in my mouth for that word even when typing it. 

Next up is the Crepe Myrtle Shirtdress by Sarah Ball from Anthropologie. I tried it on here and instantly fell in love with it. I added the sunny colored Featherweight Cotton Cardigan and Anthropologie’s Dearie Me Wedges. I was un-prepared for the height of these shoes. I did last all day long at the office but will need to make some adjustments with the strap so it’s a little tighter on me. This dress would be another great Europe item but won’t be travelling with me this time.

Lastly, my outfit from today. This is the Old Navy Wrap Dress in the black print. You’ve seen me in the green print dress here. I added an old Banana Republic lace cami and brought out my Lanvin Espadrille Wedges. This wrap dress is a great item and is now on sale for $10 in-store! Grab it if you can. I also have it in solid black and red.

Have a Great Evening!

/ Uncategorized

Before the new year, J Crew updated their site with some new arrivals for Resort/Spring 2012. I was anxious to see the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Warm Jade along with the new Jackie Pullover. My store won’t be receiving anything until next week and I didn’t want to wait that long so I placed an order.

Here are my first reviews of Resort/Spring 2012.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton – #59369, $110, Warm Jade, Sz 6 – I quite like this color IRL. Online, the color did not look like the little sample color in the catalog so I was worried it wouldn’t be as lovely as I hoped. But I didn’t need to worry. I love the color. It’s vibrant and a very pretty green, maybe a little darker than the pictures below. This fits well in my normal size 6. The cotton is nice, a little thick (double-serge) and sturdy. It is unlined, which I believe is how they were last year too, and that’s ok with me. I added some heels to get a better idea of the length, which is 22 inches long. I don’t think I’ll have this hemmed as this hits just below the knee on me. This one is a keeper, even at full price.

 

Jackie Pullover – #65341, $65, Canvas, M –  I ordered the Jackie Pullover in Canvas and Byzantine Blue.  I thought about ordering the Warm Jade and Bright Violet but I was immediately drawn to the Blue in the catalog and I also wanted to see a neutral color in this new item. I have to say I am a little disappointed in this pullover. Immediately, even while still in the plastic packaging, I could tell this was a different texture and was thicker than the Jackie Cardigan. I was expecting something a little more lightweight like the cardigan. I don’t have any of the Jackie Shells so I can’t compare the two.

The Canvas color is a nice neutral and goes well with the Warm Jade pencil skirt. I just couldn’t get over the texture of this sweater. The Cotton V-Neck Sweater is a much lighter weight than the pullover. My normal size Medium fits perfectly.

Here I have the Jackie Cardigan in Pearl (from 2010) on top and the Jackie Pullover in Canvas on the bottom. I tried to capture the texture I’m seeing so I hope you can see it too. As far as material they are both the same Cotton/Nylon/Spandex but with slightly different percentages.
2010 Jackie Cardigan: 66% Cotton, 29% Nylon, 5% Spandex
2012 Jackie Pullover: 66% Cotton, 31% Nylon, 3% Spandex

Here is the Byzantine Blue. This is another vibrant color and I originally thought it wouldn’t pair well with the Warm Jade pencil skirt but I think it does. I’ll look for this color in another cardigan or top. This is the color I was hoping the Jackie Cardigan in Pacific would be. I honestly do not like the Jackie Pullover but I know a lot of you will so I hope the review and pics of the colors will help you. I’ll be returning both colors.

Now, Whitney, has a completely different view of the Jackie Pullover. Go to her blog, Only Boring People are Bored, to read all about it.

Before I knew my store would not be receiving any Resort/Spring 2012 until next week, I stopped by to have a look. There was nothing new that interested me other than this skirt.
Gimlet Skirt in Coaster Stripe – #55688, #118, Dark Blue, 6 – Here’s what J Crew says about this skirt.


A festive fan of pleats along the waist renders this classic A-line skirt a sophisticated pick for all your invitations of the season. We can’t get enough of its ladylike length (it hits right at the knee for that fabulous swing). The best part? We fashioned it in alternating transparent and opaque stripes, just like the vintage dress one of our stylists sported around the office to rave reviews. 

I saw this skirt and immediately thought of how I would stroll around Paris and Italy wearing it with a lovely linen blouse and sweet little wedge sandals. It’s very organza-ish but is actually Cotton/Nylon. The close-up of the pattern and material does not do it justice. The size 6 fits well on me. This skirt is meant to sit at your waist or just a tiny bit lower. It hits right at the knee (perfect for the times we’ll be sight-seeing and walk inside a church).

I kept this skirt in the bag, in my truck, for a week before bringing it inside but I could never get it out of my head. See, here WAS my dilemma. I have a Banana Republic Seersucker skirt that is similar in style to this skirt. I immediately thought of that skirt, after my strolling around Paris/Italy thought, when I saw this skirt. But I decided they are both two different skirts and I don’t have strolling visions with that other skirt. The only negative about this skirt is that it doesn’t have pockets. That would make this skirt absolutely perfect in my book.

What do you think?

Stroll on ladies, stroll on.