/ Bella Picks

I haven’t shopped at Ann Taylor in quite a while but there’s a Friends & Family event going on until Monday night. You can take 40% off your purchase, with code FRIENDS40. During my time off this week I stopped by to see the, mostly Polyester, offerings for Fall. Below are my picks from the sale.

I loved the look and fit of the Lace Tee, in Warm Twilight. I took a Medium. I didn’t see the Black in-store. The Paisley Shift Dress was a little snug in the shoulders so I went with a Medium. I would’t size to a Petite in this dress. The same goes for the Paisley Top in the same print.

The Devin Mosaic Ankle Pants remind me of the Minnie Pant in Foulard from J Crew. I love the idea of the Refined Denim Trench Coat. I don’t own a trench coat as there’s no real need for one but this is a strong contender.

The Faux Leather Pencil Skirt tricked me. I thought it was real leather until I saw the price. The green is really nice and saturated. There’s also a Jacket. The Lace Shift Dress in Dark Ruby fit so well in the size 6. I have so many “party” and “occasion” dresses that I don’t need another. I decided against buying it and chose the Tile Wrap Dress as a more practical “daily use” item. But, I can’t stop thinking about the Lace Shift Dress. I may go back tomorrow and get it.

Have you shopped the Ann Taylor Friends & Family event yet? What do you like from it?

/ Reviews

The latest set of new J Crew Factory arrivals are very Fall-like – Sweaters, Long-sleeves, Booties. Before I share my picks and what I purchased during the Early Access I wanted to let you know I did a mock check-out with the Quilted Vest and the Gilt City coupon of 30% applied.

I saw the Dachshund Sweater in the store in the Crewcuts section and lamented about how I couldn’t fit into the largest size. I really wanted that sweater. I was excited to see an adult version of the Dachshund Sweater in the latest roll-out. Of course I ordered it. I already see myself layering the retail version of the Sleeveless Printed Blouse under it. I’d also wear it with the Plaza Skirt in Glen Plaid. I see that the Tweed version is available at the Factory so I would think the Glen Plaid version can’t be far behind.

It’s very interesting to see the Leather Pocket Tee Dress because that was a Madewell item I purchased last October. You can re-visit my Que Bella and review of the Madewell Leather Pocket T-Shirt Dress. Have you noticed any other Madewell items being made for J Crew Factory? This is the first one I’ve noticed.

I also ordered the Suede Sawyer Boots in Olive Moss. The color looks really nice online so I’m excited to see it IRL. I like the lower heel even though the style is a little Western. Those will be coming up on a Shoesday in about two weeks.
Do you have any favorite picks from the latest Factory roll-out? It looks like a retail roll-out will be happening next week.

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Anthropologie has their August arrivals online. During the “sneak peek” I added a bunch of items to my Anthro wishlist as well as my “Bella Wants Anthro” Pinterest Board. There are so many pretties during this roll-out.

I would say I am good on jeans but the Pilcro Stet Cropped Flare Jeans are some I just need to try. It didn’t help that I had a gift card still to use. The Pilcro Stet Jeans are some of my favorite pair so I have no doubt these will become my new favorite pair. I tried the Maeve Tesni Swing Tank on in the store over the weekend in the Blue Motif, which has lipsticks all over it. The size 6 was a great fit on me. Not too tight across the chest or digging at the armpits.

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As much as I loved a lot of the dresses, I have enough “party” in my closet. But, I did order the Bailey 44 Maren Midi Dress. I don’t own a trench coat or really even need one but I absolutely love the Eva Franco Ferryside Linen Trench in Raspberry. 

What are you loving from the new Anthropologie August roll-out?

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I shared my picks from J Crew Retail yesterday and today I have my Factory picks for the August arrivals.

I ordered the Quilted Wool Puffer Vest and the Metallic Elephant Sweatshirt during the Early Access period. I knew from previous years that 1) the best price for these vest are always during Early Access 2) they are 99% of the time excluded from all promos, including the 50% off ones and 3) this would probably sell out quickly, once people start to see it.

The print of the Pencil Skirt in Basketweave and Floral Piqué Dress is absolutely gorgeous IRL. And I can also tell you that I see no difference in the Printed Pleated Skirt or Pleated Skirt compared to the retail version.

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All these new arrivals are so exciting! And this list is only a part of it. I have so much more I want from the Factory store and you can find the rest of my picks on my Pinterest Board. It also has the rest of my J Crew Retail picks.

I will return this weekend with Fitting Room pics of some Factory items. Then you’ll see why I want so much from there!

Have a Great Day!

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New arrivals showed up yesterday and J Crew and Early Access for Factory happened today. My head was spinning as I looked back and forth between the two sites. Let’s talk J Crew retail new arrivals first. My store has a First Look event tonight but I don’t think I’ll be able to make it this time.

I absolutely LOVE the Marble Print. I don’t think I do light pink very well but this print has a nice mix of color that I think I can pull it off. I wish I was in an office because the No. 2 Pencil Skirt looks beautiful but the Chiffon Dress in Marble Print is probably the most practical of these items. I can’t justify paying $110 for a Poly sleeveless blouse. I see this transitioning to Factory in a more faded color.

Of course the Excursion Vest is always popular and I love the Irish Moss this year. I already have Black from several years ago and Navy from the Factory. And how does that Deep Burgundy color of the Downtown Field Jacket look? I love it! And I might just finally get a Midi Skirt since both the Pesto and Warm Sepia of the Micro-Pleated Midi Skirt are beautiful colors for Fall.

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Lastly, I have no reasons why but I absolutely NEED the Soft Lamé Shirtdress. 

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I want to see everything I can IRL before I decide on making any purchases. I did buy from the Factory today during Early Access. I’ll share those picks tomorrow.
What are your picks from the August roll-out? 

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