/ Reviews

Don’t you just love Spring? Birds are out. Weather is warming up. Flowers are blooming. And allergies are abundant. I was hit again with allergy issues when something blew in Monday evening. One minute I am perfectly fine. The next, I can’t stop sneezing. It’s windy today so all that does it swirl around all the pollen goodies to make everything worse. Yay Spring! But I’ll take it over cold and dreary any day.

~ Elsie Leopard Pumps, size 6 1/2 ~

I really love the Elsie and originally bought the size 7 in the Jeweled Feather Print. They fit me just fine. At least I thought they did until I tried on the Leopard in a 6 1/2. That half size down is a much better fit. This Leopard print is in Satin and the pair I tried on had the print almost matching on each shoe. The heel, though at almost 4 inches, is pretty comfortable to walk in. Unfortunately, the Jeweled Feather Print were final sale so I’ll need to make them work. I did get them at $150 and they are truly gorgeous.

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~ Elsie Fabric Knotted D’Orsay Pumps, 6 1/2 ~

Because I tried the 6 1/2 in the Leopard, I ordered the same size in the D’Orsay Pumps. I really loved this print and the knotted bow was a nice detail. I thought these would go well with dark jeans and my new LBD. But in the d’orsay, I need to size back up to my normal 7. They were really tight across the top. I knew no amount of stretching or walking in them to stretch them out would make them fit. It makes sense as there’s no toe cleavage on these, like there is on the Leopard Pump. I had to return them.

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~ Sloan Plaid D’Orsay Flats w/Bow, size 6 1/2 ~

I loved these Sloan flats. It’s actually the print as I want the Elsie Pump in the same print desperately. Surprisingly, the 6 1/2 fit really well. I think because my foot is not being forced to the front of the shoe by gravity. This wasn’t tight across the top at all. I’d stick with the 6 1/2.

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~ Plaid Espadrille, size 7 ~

I was really hoping these espadrilles would work in place of the Sloan Flats. And, I wanted to take them on my trip with me. But the size 7 were really tight across the top of the foot. I know the cotton wouldn’t stretch enough to make the Plaid Espadrille more comfortable. They don’t come in half sizes and the size 8 would be too long so I had to return them. The sole is not all rubber so if you step in water, the jute will swell for a bit until it dries out.

 

  

~ J Crew Factory Gingham Espadrille, 6 1/2 ~

I bought these with the Gilt City coupon and couldn’t be happier with them. They are just like the retail Seville Espadrilles and I ordered a 6 1/2. Perfect fit! I wear my Seville’s all Summer long. They are so comfortable to walk in and great for date night with a pair of bermuda shorts or fun skirt. The bottom on these is all rubber. This is probably the only thing I’ll get in the Gingham.
  

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/ Reviews

So I found some old fitting rooms pics, from around January, that I’ll throw in at the end of this post.

~ Perfect Shirt in Scattered Daisy, Navy, size 6 ~
~ Side-Zip Denim Short, size 8 ~

The Scattered Daisy shirt is really cute and immediately caught my eye during its roll-out. I hesitated to purchase it only because I have been wearing only the Foil Dot Shirt and my Ann Taylor Embroidered Dot Shirt frequently. My store had three shirts left so I grabbed the 6 knowing it would be snug in the chest, shoulders and arms. I need my normal size 8 in this shirt. The daisies are white with pink in the center. I rarely look at the online image details, preferring to see the detail in person so I completely missed it while browsing online. The print also comes in the Patio Pant and the Campbell Blazer, though in a brown color.

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~ Side-Zip Denim Short, size 8 ~

This is a nice, dark, thicker denim short, as compared to, say, the denim on a Toothpick Jean. The zipper is on the side, allowing for a flat front. The inseam is 3 1/2 inches but the rise is higher, at 11 inches. It’s a really good, dressy short and I’ll certainly get a lot of use out of these in the Summer, especially over Chino or printed shorts. I am in a size 29 and it fit just fine. The size 30 were bunchy in front. A solid pick from J Crew that I am considering them in White as well.

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~ Trench Cape, Barley, XS/S ~

I know capes are not my friend but I couldn’t resist trying the Trench Cape. I feel really awkward with my arms sticking out of those armholes. The Tippi in Gingham looks good with it. This is really oversized and I am in the XS/S. The interior buttons were a bit difficult to fasten too. Leaving them un-buttoned made for a little bulkiness underneath and not smooth.

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Hand in pocket…Doesn’t look too bad. But, I did struggle trying to slip my arm back inside the trench to get my hand in the pocket. The back is wide. Though I’m taking the pic with one arm it’s still right next to my side on top so it isn’t adding to the width of the Trench Cape. Give me a hood and a shapely silhouette!

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~ Sunday Slim Chino, White, size 8 ~

I have these in Sunset Haze or at least a similar color, that I purchased over the Summer. I chose a size 6 since it was the only one in that color. The size 8, in the White, runs a big large in the waist and bunchy in the front. I know the size 6 is just a little snug in the thighs for me but the pants do stretch a little with wear. I’d still get the size 6 in these, opting for the stretching out as opposed to baggy. Of course, now I see that there is a Petite option online so the 8P would probably work well. The Belvedere Red was really striking in-store. The red is pretty saturated in person but I wonder how much of that will fade with wash-and-wear.

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~ 5″ Chino Short, Storm Grey, size 8 ~

I don’t have a “true grey” short and wanted to try both this color and the length. The color isn’t as dark IRL as it is online. I like them and the size 8 fit fine but I do have a 4″ Chino Short in Quarry Green which looks grey but isn’t. Anyway, these are a good pair of shorts, if you are in need of any, and come in a few different colors.

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~ Lightweight Bermuda Chino Short, Navy, size 8 ~

I really needed to replace a pair I’ve had since at least 2009. They still fit, aren’t frayed or holey but are really faded. Size 8 was a good fit and I’m keeping these. I ordered the British Khaki too but it’s on back-order until Mid-April.

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~ Sunday Slim Chino Short, Honey Brown, size 8 ~

Comfy, casual, slouchy. That’s the Sunday Slim Chino Short. The fit is just like the Chino Pant but this time I do prefer the size 8. I bought these in the Navy as well though I’ll probably return them since I have the Bermuda’s above.

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~ Boy Shirt in Navy Weekend Plaid, size 8 ~
~ Colorblock Striped Skirt, size 6 ~

I recall being interested in this shirt when it arrived online. It’s currently on sale plus 30% off with SPRINGSALE. I recall it being a lightweight flannel type. The blue is just as saturated as it is in the pics. Size 8, good fit.

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I really liked this skirt. It’s not quite a pencil shape but more a-line as you can see it flares some from the hips. The size 6 was ok but I’d go with an 8 or 8 Petite instead. The length was not as long as I expected it to be and the Elsie in Leopard help. The mix of navy and bright blue are pretty and unexpected. I’m not shopping for skirts but this one gives some nice interest to it.

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~ Ruffled Button-Up Shirt in End-on-End Cotton, size 8 ~

The tiny ruffles are at the cuff, collar and button placket. A simple little touch that makes a basic button down a little more interesting. Not enough for me to buy it but still interesting, none-the-less. Fits TTS

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I’m curious if any of you bought the Scattered Daisy shirt or have tried on the Trench Cape? Anyone?

/ Reviews

This afternoon we have all the Gingham I could find in the store to try on.

~ Campbell Blazer in Gingham, Cobalt Blue Ivory, size 8 ~
~ Linen V-Neck Tee, Bright Butternut, Small ~
~ Lightweight Short in Gingham Linen, Cobalt Blue Ivory, size 8 ~

This was a really cute blazer. The Cobalt Blue is nice and bright and exactly matches the shorts. I felt silly wearing them together though. I do have a pair of white Linen shorts that would look fantastic with the blazer. The size 8 fit fine so this is TTS, but since it’s offered in a Petite I would size to my normal 10 Petite. It fits much better in the chest, waist and sleeve length. Single button is not great but will work. I usually leave my blazer buttons undone. I reviewed the Linen Tee yesterday. This blazer also comes in Pink Ivory.

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The blazer is lined in poly resembling a seersucker stripe.

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~ Lightweight Short in Gingham Linen, Cobalt Blue Ivory, size 8 ~

J. Crew baffles me sometimes with their product names. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a linen item not be “lightweight”. Maybe that’s their way of saying it’s not a blend? Moving on, the shorts are just as cute as the blazer and more my style. Though I wish these were offered in a true navy gingham, I do like the cobalt blue color. It’s just as bright and saturated as the blazer. The inseam is 5-inches, a pretty good length for me. If I can recall correctly, these shorts are not lined but not thin enough to be see-through.

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~ Tippi in Gingham, Caravan Blue, Small ~

This sweater is made of  a very lightweight and somewhat sheer Merino Wool. The Small fit really well and would be the size I’d get. I am normally a Medium in Tippis but the Medium was very slouchy on me so I would say this Tippi runs big. The Caravan Blue is pretty in person but I like the Vivid Canary that’s offered instead. I can definitely see that color with the Ponte Wide-Leg Pants.

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~ Lightweight Linen Tunic in Gingham, Small ~

I had already ordered this in the Hydrangea color. This runs large and the Small was fine and works for a decent coverup. The Gingham in Navy and White and has a tie at the neck. The sleeves are long but I’d definitely roll mine up.

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~ Lightweight Linen Tunic, Hydrangea White, Small ~

This the one I ordered and is the same style and fit just a different color. For the price, I decided I could find something cheaper (Factory) or take one of my Linen button-downs as a cover-up.

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I had purchased the Tippi but have since returned it. It was one of those things where I decided if I didn’t wear it in the first week of purchase I would return it and wait for it to go on sale. I won’t be heart-broken if I don’t get it. I have a feeling there will be other retailers copying the Gingham look soon.

/ Reviews

On to some reviews of the latest J Crew roll-out. I’m starting with my unexpected and favorite item, the Ponte Wide-Leg Pant.

~ Linen V-Neck Tee, Bright Butternut, Small ~
~ Ponte Wide-Leg Pant, Navy, size 6 ~
~ Dulci Suede Kitten Heels, Black, size 6 1/2 ~

I sized down to a Small in the tee and it’s still somewhat slouchy on me. The Bright Butternut color was very saturated and bright. A nice color to wear for Spring under a Navy or White blazer. They were just to try on with the pant but The Dulci Suede Kitten Heels fit a half size small. My normal shoe size is a 7 but I did feel more comfortable in the 6 1/2.

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~ Ponte Wide-Leg Pant, Navy, size 6 ~

This pant was just so amazing. I felt great in them. They felt great on. I’m in a size 6, one size down from my normal 8 pant size. The Navy is nice and dark. The side-zip only has a little poking out, as you can see. I lightened up the first photo so you can see how they really fit on me. I honestly don’t even think Spanx are needed with these pants. The ponte is thick enough to hold you in all on their own. They are supposed to be a bit cropped but, for me, the length is perfect, with or without a heel.

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Normal pic, un-lightened…you can see these will also be good with flats. If you do tuck in your shirt be sure it’s as flat and as smooth as can be. There will be some lines showing. I personally think leaving the shirt untucked or a very loose tuck will be good for these pants.

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~ Perfect Shirt in Embroidered Dot, size 8 ~
~ Teddie Pant, Navy, size 6 ~

The Teddie Pants were just ok for me. Of course, I tried them on after the Ponte Wide-Leg pants but I wasn’t all that impressed with them when they first rolled out. I also don’t have a need for pants like this. They’ll just sit in my closet. You’ll see they are not cropped on me (5’2″) and the size 6 fit fine. I could probably size to an 8 Petite for a little more comfort in the waist and thighs but overall the 6 was ok.

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The Embroidered Dot shirt was nice and interesting. Not enough to buy it because I have an Ann Taylor one but this one was nice. The size 8 fit me TTS. The white dots have tiny holes in the center while the blue dots have white embroidery in the center. The shirt does seem a little thin and if you look at it in closer detail on the product image you can see the blue embroidered dot on the back of the shirt. This is one shirt I would consider wearing with the Ponte Wide-Leg Pant un-tucked or maybe a half-tuck. Is that still a thing?

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~ Chambray Scalloped Top with Grommets, size 6 ~
~ Billie Demi-Boot Crop Jean, Bergen Wash, size 30 ~

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I skimmed right by this when I saw it online during the initial roll-out but my store had it. I accidentally grabbed a size 6 and it just fits. The 8 would be more comfortable across the chest. I know it says “grommets” in the name but wasn’t really expecting them. I figured the holes at the bottom were embroidered. So, if you wear this traveling, you may get an extra pat-down going through security.

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I had no expectation that my store would receive the Billie Demi-Boot Crop Jean. But they were available in two colors. Unsure of how they fit, I grabbed a size 30 because I knew it would be at least roomy if they were too big or fit just right if they ran small. The size 30 fit fine in the length (not cropped), and in the thighs and waist. The front was a little saggy and would probably worsen with wear. I really liked the high-rise on this, hitting just above my belly-button.

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~ Billie Demi-Boot Crop Jean, Surrey Wash, size 29 ~

There was not a size 29 in the Bergen Wash so the SA brought me that size in the Surrey Wash. The bagginess in front was a non-issue but I think with the lighter wash, I didn’t care for the high-rise look as much. The length was just slightly shorter than the 30. I can only assume the 30 Petite would be the best fit for me but since there are so many jean options I’m not going to settle. These are a pass for me, even on sale.

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Out of all of these, the Ponte Wide-Leg Pant are my absolute favorite! I’ll share soon several ways to style them.

Tomorrow is Gingham Day!

/ Bella Picks

I had time last Thursday to finally get to J Crew to try on some of the new arrivals. I hadn’t been in the store in almost a month (which is really unheard of for me).  Below are more of my picks with a mix of what I tried on but I must tell you I absolutely LOVED LOVED the Wide-Leg Ponte Pant. I left a review at J Crew about it. I went with a size 6 (my normal pant size is an 8). It’s amazingly flattering and I felt extremely comfortable in them. They are not cropped on me but a full length. I ordered the 8 Petite (on promo) to see how cropped it is though I really like the length it’s at in the 6. I bought mine in-store on Thursday and received 25% off. The regular size is excluded from the current SHOPMORE 25% off promo but the Petite size is not excluded. Only Navy is available in Petites, just FYI.

I also tried on the Tippi in Gingham and bought it at the time, without any promo, but I think I will be returning it. I should have trusted my instinct to not get it. When I pulled it on over my head the material stretched and I saw how sheer it could be. The color is nice but I don’t think I’ll get to wear it very much since we seem to be headed straight into Summer with very little Spring. I ended up sizing down one to a Small as the Medium was very roomy.

I already have the Panama Hat in natural but really like the Fino Beige Ivory color. I also tried on, and purchased,  the Side-Zip Denim Short in my normal size 8. I do wish it was an inch or two longer so I’ll play around with it a little before making a final decision on whether to keep them or not.

I’ll have reviews all week on everything I tried on so come back and visit!