From the March roll-out, the Graphic Peony print surprised me IRL. I didn’t really take any notice of it online when it arrived but in-store, I loved it.

~ Graphic Peony Top, Vivid Ink, size 6 ~
I originally tried on the size 4 and it just fit. With a tiny bit of weight loss and a non-padded bra it would have been a good fit. But since I buy-for-now-sizing, I tried on the size 6, which you see here. I love the stripes on the sleeves that contrast so nicely with the peony print on the body. The best part? It’s machine washable!

It covers those thick arms of mine!

~ Reese Pant in Graphic Peony, Vivid Ink, size 6 ~
These pants! Love them. The pants have the Peony print while the side is the stripe. The size 6 was a great fit. I think I would like to try the 8 Petite to get these cropped above the ankle. Right now the length is perfect, hitting right at the floor.  

The only thing I don’t like is that they are lined. It creates a little bunchiness in front. I think these would work great without the lining and I could wear them in the Summer too.

My own jumpsuit with both the top and pants.

I had a hard time deciding which to get but eventually chose the top. I can definitely wear it in the Summer and am already planning on wear it with white bottoms. I wish this print had come in swimwear. I would have bought a new bikini if it had.

What do you think of the Graphic Peony print?

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The Firework Floral items are all from the February release. One of my original pick was the Sleeveless Sequin Top. My store had several more items in the print for me to try on as well.

This was a nice fit, not pulling across the chest or anything. I like the rounded hem on it, much better than the straight hems. The sequins are a nice touch but I overall I wasn’t a huge fan of the top in person. Especially after seeing the red background on the next two items. 

I liked the feel of the material on this skirt. It’s cotton in a thick twill. It’s not super thick but good enough for Spring but maybe a little warm for Summer. I like the red background more than the white. It seems to make the blue in the pattern pop. The size 8 was a decent fit to a little snug in the waist. That’s my extra baggage doing that and not the skirt…take your normal size. 

At 18 inches it hits at just above the knee on me.

Back zip…booo…

You can see the two prints together here. Though I like the red/white-ivory/blue of the top, the skirt just looks so much prettier, IMO. 
~ Firework Floral Short, Dark Cognac, size 8 ~
The material on these shorts feel like the Pleated Crepe Short from last year. They are a little bunchy in the front but the waist fits me fine. These will be great for a date night in the Summer. A little dressy but still keeping you cool. 

If I had to choose I would probably get the short. We have more shorts-weather days than any other type of day. These really would be great for date night with the Hubby.
Are you watching the Oscars? I have my wine, Milk Duds and Pizza all ready tonight. 
Have a Great Evening! 

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Hi everyone! I finally had the time to visit J Crew and do some try-ons, from the February roll-out. I’ve been in the office all week so I am really hoping to swing by the Factory Store on my way home today as well!

~ Structured Flutter Tee, Heather Graphite, Small ~
I ordered this when there was a 25% off promo but it hadn’t arrived before I went to the B&M. I ordered a Small based off of the reviews. The first thing to note is that this top is pull-over. No buttons or (exposed) zippers anywhere. They could have done an exposed zip but had a little self-restraint from doing so. It stretches enough to get over your head. The arms fit fine and the length is good. The knit feels like a ponte-scuba. It’s not too thick for Spring but might get a little warm in the Summer. 

~ Medium ~
Once I tried on the Medium I knew the reviews were correct and sizing down is needed for a good fit. You can see how loose this top is at the arms and through the body. The Small just skimmed my waist and wasn’t snug. The Medium is too big through the body. This makes the peplum look not so “peppy”. 

Structured Flutter Tee, Ivory, Small ~ 
The Ivory is not sheer or see-through in any way but personally I did not like the color. For me, the Heather Graphite fits better into my current closet. I think the Ivory will look great with all the solid J Crew Pencil Skirts. I think you could also wear a short necklace, not one of the layered ones I currently prefer. 

Overall, size down in this top. Remember that this is a pull-over style (do your hair and make-up before putting this on). I think my package arrived at the house and I’ll keep the Heather Graphite and return the Ivory.

Have a Great Day! More reviews to come all weekend!

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It took me a few days to get over the ‘meh’ I felt about the new arrivals. I did find a few things for my current life, though.

Sleeveless Beaded Zip Top – This would look nice under blazers through the Spring and then with slim white jeans in the Summer.
Structured Fluttered Tee – I’m so attracted to this “tee” especially in the Heather Graphite color. I guess because it looks so easy to wear. I’m all for that.
Midweight Stripe Tee – I have no idea why I like this tee other than it’s navy stripe. I buy and get rid of my striped tees every year. I have no business getting another one I’ll re-sell after a few wears. But this one look so cute.
Lightweight Bermuda Short – I already have Navy, Tan and White in these but they are from years ago. I will probably replace the Navy since it is starting to look a little faded. These are a very good summer staple for me. I wear them long and at times will also roll up the cuffs a few times.

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Sequin Firework Floral Top and Pant – I like the print of the Firework Floral but I don’t know if I prefer the white or red background. I see the Sequin Firework Floral Top under the Schoolboy Blazer in Navy but the pant? Maybe the Sleeveless Beaded Zip Top from above with the Schoolboy Blazer? And then there’s the ease/laziness of drawstring. There seem to be quite a few items without zippers or buttons. I guess they still going with the pajama/drapey trend for Spring.
Chambray Pleated Mini Skirt – I liked this immediately when I saw it in the catalog but when it showed up online, my feelings changed. I think I have something like this in my closet already, from Madewell. And, I would have loved if it had been the Pleated Lattice Skirt but in Chambray. How great would that have been?
Wide Leg Jean in Odell Wash – I’d love to try on this jean but, in reality, if it’s not short enough, I’ll just look dumpy.
Collection Silk Secretary Blouse in Willoughby Pine – I hope I get to see this blouse IRL. If this color is as saturated IRL as it is online I’ll love it.
Drapey Crepe Oxford Popover – I like the Navy but it has Viscose in it which means shrinkage. So as much as I might love it once I try it on, it’s going to stay in the store.
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Collarless Collection Jacket in Cayman Blue – This would be a total splurge and very un-necessary. But isn’t the color divine!
Overall, I am uninspired by the February roll-out. I’m hoping March/Spring will be better. I usually prefer late Spring and Summer anyway. 
What are you shopping in the new J Crew arrivals? 
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I’m a little on the fence with the Cotton Cable Sweater. I like it and read the review before I purchased it. My store sold out of it pretty quickly so it seems popular. I don’t have a true white sweater so I though this would be a good choice.

I think what might be bothering me is the cable stitching on the outer sides of the sweater. To me, it seems to make me larger than I am. The size is definitely correct. The Medium fit well, TTS. If you want a slouchy look then go up one size. This is a little tight in the arms for me but that’s just me, as always. The sleeves aren’t too long as I would probably roll the cuff anyway.

Overall, I do like the sweater and will be keeping it. The Navy may have been a comfortable choice for me since it is a darker color but I have plenty of Navy in my closet. The White will make me think of ways to style it.

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