/ 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?

/ Bella Picks

Madewell has a new promotion today. Using code WINWIN will get you 20% off $100 or 30% off $200, both in-stores and online. Such a great deal to gather the rest of your Fall items.

My favorite item from Madewell right now is the Cadet Blazer. I love the cut, the style, the color. I was hoping to see this in store but it’s an “online only” item. This is in my cart right now deciding on which item below will be the ride-along to get the 30% off. I have the Courier Shirt in Mathius Plaid and would love to try the Silk Courier Shirt in Camouflage Green.

I picked several shirts in plaid, gravitating towards them because of the color schemes. I can’t decide between the Slim Boyshirt in Lawton Plaid or the Penfield® Jansen Plaid Shirt.

I’m always looking for easy dresses to throw on for the day. Especially when they can be dressed down with a chunky cardigan and tall boots, like my Frye Shirley Boots. I think the Moviehouse Shirtdress or the Short-Sleeve Shirtdress in Masmodil Plaid. That one would satisfy both my plaid craving and casual dress need.
I have just as many picks for shoes and accessories from Madewell too! I have several layered necklaces I purchased last year that I love to wear and I’d love to add the Knotshine Necklace to that collection. The Stargraph Cuff Bracelet is similar to one I already have, the Studded Rail Cuff. Though I have pierced ears, I rarely wear earrings any more; maybe once a year. But I like the look of the Crossbar Earrings. They don’t look very big. I hope I can see them in store to make sure.
I know that I need the Octavia Sandal in Dark Cabernet in my life. But the 4-inch heel height is over my personal limit. I really like the Billie Boot in Suede and would love to see it in the Leopard Calf-Hair of the Nico Boot.
How about you? What are you going to shop for using the WINWIN promo?
/ Bella Picks

J Crew Factory had new arrivals this week. I browsed the Early Access but didn’t make a purchase this time around. The beloved Elephant Parade Tee is back along with the Mini Dachshund Tee and Sweater. I have worn my retail Elephant Tee a lot so I may get this one as a back-up.

I like the Dark Olive color of the Wool Skimmer Pant. I might consider pairing it with the Floral Sweatshirt, also a dupe of it’s retail sister, the Dutch Floral Sweatshirt.

I am very surprised to see the popular Chateau Parka from last year, the Vail Parka for Factory. Everyone had that coat! I didn’t because I didn’t need it. I wasn’t a fan of the furry hood either. I’m sure it was cozy for those who had it, as it looked warm. There’s also a new Puffer Vest in Plaid. I’m all good on Puffer Vests this year though.

Probably the only thing I’m considering from this roll-out is the Zebra Sweater. I have a black gingham shirt that would layer nicely under this sweater.

Don’t forget to use code EXTRA20 for 20% off your purchase online. That promo is good through September 21.

/ Bella Picks

Loft has 40% off everything with code FALLSTYLE, ending on Saturday, but only for US shipments. Lou & Grey is also excluded from this promo. Though Loft uses quite a bit of Poly in their clothes they look a little nicer than most fast fashion I’ve seen and purchased.

The Plaid Dolman Dress is probably my main pick. I think it will be great for Fall with a slouchy sweater and boots. The Boyfriend Corduroy Pants looks very cool to me, especially in that Violet Smoke color. I bought the Striped Coatigan a few weeks ago and took a Petite Small. I plan on wearing it with one of my TB Cora Dresses as well as just around the house in Winter. I like the Camel and Navy colors of the Colorblock Coatigan as well. They really should just call those chunky sweaters.

Loft is a nice choice, especially right now, if you are on a budget. I know that Career Fairs at colleges and universities are happening this month and a lot of college students are looking for internships and jobs right now. I’m not sure how many college students read this blog but first impressions are always important. I have several friends who recruit, all over the country, for their companies during this time and I have heard many a story about how a student showed up in her clubbing clothes for the Career Fair or interview. Even the Swingy Chambray Dress is more put together than a black mini-dress. The guys are a little more put together as they usually own a button-down or two and a tie but I’ve heard some stories of grungy or ironic tees with shorts and flip-flops.
For women, one pair of black pants, two blouses and a blazer should get you through your Career Fairs, first-meets, dinners and interviews. As far as heels, keep the 4-inches at home and stick with black or navy. Here are some of my picks.Loft – I like that they have different styles of trousers to fit you. I go with the Marissa fit for my curves.

Forever 21 – There are some great blouse options at F21 but the pant selections weren’t good. I’d stick with Loft or maybe H&M or Zara for some decent trousers.
Once you’ve succeeded in getting that internship or job, you can gauge how everyone else dresses. Most places are business casual. You’ll still need those blouses and a trouser or two but chinos and jeans will probably work too.
I hope I didn’t sound too judgmental there but first impressions do matter. Most of the time, feedback is given to the student in the interview on what he or she can do to improve for next time, whether or not he or she gets the job or internship. A short conversation on appearance is usually included. I’m just basing this on a lot of conversations and stories from recruiters over the years. I hope it helps you!

Happy Shopping!

/ Bella Picks

Finally I’m getting to some J Crew. Below are my picks from the New Arrivals for September. I’ll have reviews up starting tomorrow.

I was a bit sad when I saw the Rhodes Blazer in Italian Wool online. I think it means the end of the Schoolboy Blazer. But then, I tried it on in-store and love it! The texture of the blazer is thicker in a way, not as smooth as the Schoolboy Blazer in Wool. It fits about the same too. I’ll talk more in my review on it tomorrow. Another jacket I love is the Hooded Downtown Field Jacket. I actually like the color of Weathered Spruce. I bought the Downtown Field Jacket in Deep Burgundy and would have chosen Weathered Spruce had it been offered.

I don’t need any dressy or fancy pants but I really like the Thistle Floral print on the Collection Italian Silk Twill Pant. And those come in Petite too! I did buy the Sunday Slim Chino in Baked Terracotta. I have worn the Chino Shorts in a similar color all Summer and think it’s a great color to transition into Fall.

I absolutely LOVE the Carrie Cami in Watercolor Floral. I think a lot of the prints should put on the Carrie Cami. The cami is so versatile and easy to layer. Had some of the prints from this year been on the cami I might have bought more from J Crew.
The Adele Glossy Leather Ankle Boots look divine in Orchid Smoke. The 4-inch heel is over my limit on heel height though, so I’ll admire it from afar.You can see more of my picks on my Pinterest Board!

For me, there’s a lot to love in this roll-out.  What about you?