/ Bella Picks

I haven’t received the latest J Crew catalog in months so I was surprised to find the October catalog in my mailbox this week. The first image that I immediately wanted to buy and duplicate was the cover, similar to the one below with the Saint James Slouchy Tee and Campbell Blazer in Tweed.

So the Vail Parka came out at the Factory this week but J Crew also brought out more colors in the Chateau Parka for this season. I am loving that Heather Mustard color which reminds me of the Dark Ochre from seasons ago.

I want to find Silk tops over Poly and I think the Silk Blouse in Cobalt Leopard will fit nicely into my Fall wardrobe. It like that it is similar in color to the Midnight Floral print (Jumpsuit).

The other item I immediately loved from the Style Guide was the Patio Pant with Leather Tux Stripe in Bi-Stretch Wool. I stalked those all day on the site yesterday and then ended up ordering the Patio Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool in Blue Stone. I have no idea why I changed my mind. Probably because of the leather tux stripe and how expensive it would be to have them dry-cleaned since they have that leather on it.

Lastly, the Boy Shirt in Dawson Plaid is one I’m hoping to see IRL before buying. I think I like the colors but want to make sure. The colors on the model image are light while the stock image shows it more saturated. I want it lighter than the stock image.

Take 25% off your purchase on most items with code SHOPNOW, through Sunday, September 20. The Patio Pants are excluded which is a huge bummer for me. All the blazers are included in the promo except the Rhodes Blazer which I what I would be ordering. Of course third party like Saint James and Thomas Mason are excluded too.

What have you added to your Wishlist from this roll-out?

/ Reviews

One more outfit review today from J Crew.

~ Silk Drapey V-Neck Blouse, Dusty Petal, size 8 ~

I’ve been wearing a lot of silk blouses, mostly sleeveless lately, even with the weather so hot. That or cotton but basically any natural fibers. I will be carrying that into the Fall and was hoping this blouse would work too.

The size 8 fit fine, especially in the shoulders and upper arms. It’s a little long in the sleeves. I would consider ordering an 8 Petite to see if that helped with sleeves as well as drape a little better. The little pleat at the neckline is to help with the draping. The material is 100% Silk Crepe de Chin and feels nice against the skin.

I do like the blouse but not in this color, at least against my skin tone. The pink needs to be a little bit darker for me. I rarely wear solid blush pink though I think it looks great with gray. I think I’ll like it better in Navy or Black. It comes in Ivory too.

I mentioned in this post how much I love this Watercolor Floral print. I think it’s because the background is mostly lilac and then has all these other colors, that I would have never thought to put with lilac, splashed around. The online image of this skirt seems to showcase the light aqua blue more than the lilac and that’s the case IRL too.
I was surprised at how well the skirt fit in the size 6. I have other colors in the original version in size 8. I recommend sizing down in this skirt.
 

The length, at 18 inches, hits me just above the knee. This skirt is a slightly different version of the Pleated Lattice Skirt, adding two tiers. In theory, you would think the tiers would add bulk but because the pleats are so thin, the tiers mostly flat, slimming the whole skirt. Like all the other pleated skirts of this type, the material is Polyester.

 

I tried to find a top that would compliment the skirt and should have chosen the Navy blouse instead of the Dusty Petal. Also, does anyone remember when the stores used to steam out the wrinkles of the clothes on the floor, especially the nicer ones, i.e. Silk? I think, even if I had liked this color on me I wouldn’t buy it as, at first glance/try-on, it doesn’t look flattering at all because of the wrinkles.

 

Overall, I like both of these pieces and added the Silk Drapey V-Neck Blouse to my wishlist.

/ Reviews

I tried to create outfits for the reviews today but think I missed the mark on the right tops for these skirts. Let’s see how everything looks anyway.

~ Micropleated Midi Skirt, Navy, size 6 ~

It nice to see the newly named Lattice Skirt in midi length. I knew the length wouldn’t work for me but the colors offered for Fall are gorgeous. Fingers crossed they bring those colors to the Factory in the shorter length next year.

The size 6 fit very well. It even left some comfortable room to tuck in shirts. The length is about 3 inches below my knee and too long for my style. The pleats are the same as the Pleated Lattice Skirt which is nice because I wasn’t a big fan of the Stitched-Down Pleated Mini Skirt. My store only carried the Navy when I was there a few weeks ago so I wasn’t able to see the Pesto or Warm Sepia. Can anyone comment on how saturated those colors are compared to the online images?

 
~ Tailored Popover Shirt in Stripe, size 6 (now on sale) ~

This was selling out and there was a size 6 and then a 12. I chose the size 6 knowing it would be tight. From the fit, I can tell I need my normal size 8. The size 6 is very snug in the arms and pulls on the sides of the chest.

I’m not sure how “tailored” this shirt really is as it is pretty boxy and loose, especially from the chest down. This also means if I size to an 8 it will be really loose from the chest down. They missed the mark on this one. At least darts should have been added, if they weren’t going to cut the material with a slightly defined waist.

~ Zip-Front Pencil Skirt in Sparkle Tweed, size 6 ~

I don’t like my pencil skirts to be loose on me. I would prefer they fit as close to the body as possible and I can then do a little Spanx-ing to accommodate the bulges and imperfections. I bought a size 8 pencil skirt in wool once and when I wore it the zipper wound up in front instead of the back. That’s why I usually try on a size 6 in pencil skirts and buy a 6 if an 8 Petite is not available. I find a pencil skirt is one of the most flattering styles than anyone can wear. Sadly, I rarely wear them. I just don’t have a work-need to wear them. So I’ve whittled them down and only have a few now; my most favorite ones and all J Crew.
This skirt is metallic and tweedy and has a front zipper you can keep fully zipped or un-zippped at the bottom to show a little more leg, my preference. I can see this being an option for an upcoming event or Holiday party. The size 6 is a good fit but the length, at 25 inches, is a little long for my style. Good thing this also comes in Petite sizing! I would buy an 8 Petite to shorten the length.
Where the zipper starts at the bottom is actually my preferred skirt length, just above the knee.

~ Cap-Sleeve Floral Lace Top, Bright Ocean, size 6 (now on sale) ~

I’ve been wavering back-and-forth on this top as to whether I like this top or not. The size 6 fit fine, though it does look like it’s pulling across the chest a little. The blouse doesn’t have a lining and is completely see-through so a Cami will be needed. The Bright Ocean color is nice and saturated but I think I would get this in Navy Black instead. There’s a little button at the top of the neckline if you want to fully close it. The lace is nice. It’s sturdy and not delicate. It’s made of Poly and states to hand-wash. Meh…
I think I’m bothered by the boxy fit. I tried tucking this in and it makes me look like I have a really short torso, when I’m really pretty average. I don’t think this top can be saved, even with jeans. But I’m also in the dislike category as this top has a 5-star rating at J Crew.

Overall, these are all a pass for me though I do recommend the Micropleated Midi Skirt. If the length was right for me I would buy it.

Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

Let’s move on to J Crew dresses today.

This is the same style as the Aquatic Floral Silk Dress. The neckline may be a little rounder on this one. But it’s the same down to the wide hem at the bottom with one HUGE difference. This dress is 100% Polyester while the other was 100% Silk. AND!!!! This dress is $10 more at $168 while the Aquatic Floral dress was $158. WTF!!
The size 8 fit fine. I wouldn’t be able to size down since it’s a fit-and-flare/A-line style. Take your normal size in this dress. I have no room to give in the regular size 8 so I can’t size to the Petite.
 
But gosh is that print gorgeous.
~ Sleeveless Lace Shift Dress, Navy Black, size 6 ~
I tried on the size 6 because there’s wasn’t a size 8 and it actually fit. It could use a little smoothing out with some Spanx but overall it fits well. The V-Neck is not too low that you need a cami. The length is just right for me but could be a little short on those of you taller than me. The overlay is Navy with the black underneath it. It also comes in Bright Ocean and Grey Ivory. That last color looks like it could really be dressed up for a wedding.
  
~ Merino Striped Sweater Dress, Navy Ivory, Small ~

There always seems to be some iteration of the sweater dress each year weather in wool, cashmere or blend. This dress is 100% Merino Wool and is actually really comfortable on. It’s not itchy at all as some wool can be. The Small is a nice fit with room to layer if you need it. It has a slight drop-shoulder seam but it’s not too bothersome.
Navy and Ivory stripes are my favorite stripes to wear. It’s on promo (as of this writing) so I expect it to make it to the sale section by the time it cools down and is really needed. I do see this as an option for the Factory too. It’s seems like something that would be copied.
 
Dresses aren’t really on my radar yet. And when they will be I’ll be looking for those that can go with my Frye boots. You can still get them on Amazon. There’s a Leslie with a little bit higher heel, too. So I’ll be looking for casual and comfortable dresses.

How about you? Are you looking for any dresses for Fall?

/ Reviews

Under the Rhodes Blazer in Italian Wool I wore the Carrie Cami in Watercolor Floral. I immediately knew I would be buying this cami as soon as I saw it in-store.

I took a size 8, based on previous try-ons. It draped well and wasn’t tight across the chest. Unlike the Silk Cami, this does not have adjustable straps. The cami is silk and the back is a racerback. Either a strapless bra or a cardigan you’ll keep on all day are needed for this cami.

The colors are beautiful. I would have never paired lilac and bright blue together but it totally works. I have several layering outfit ideas for this cami that I hope to show you soon.

~ Toothpick Cone Denim Jean in Pacific Wash, size 29 ~

I am completely set on denim right now but these were interesting. I have several pair of Toothpick Jeans and the material on these felt really nice. The Toothpick on the Miller Wash I have are super soft but these had a little bit of a rough but comfortable feel to them. I really liked them. And they fit great in my normal size 29. 

The inseam is 28-inches and are normal length on me.

They added a leather tag on the back of the jean as well.

Here are a lot more options in the Watercolor Floral print. I really love the print on the Colette Fabric d’Orsay Mid Heels.
Lastly, I’d just like to recognize my dad. His birthday is today. He’s been gone for almost 2 1/2 years and though it gets a little easier each year, the Holidays and birthdays get a little tough. Staying busy is tough, especially with no child at home now. That’s where this blog and you readers come in. Thank you so much for keeping me on your reading list. I love this little outlet of mine and the ‘friends’ I’ve made over the years.
I’d like to share with you one of my favorite pictures of my dad. We were living in Azores, Portugal and I was 4 & 5 during that time. This was taken during one of his many many BBQs he hosted. He loved to grill! And he loved that little beret too! Love you Dad!

Have a Great Day!