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Before the new year, J Crew updated their site with some new arrivals for Resort/Spring 2012. I was anxious to see the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Warm Jade along with the new Jackie Pullover. My store won’t be receiving anything until next week and I didn’t want to wait that long so I placed an order.

Here are my first reviews of Resort/Spring 2012.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton – #59369, $110, Warm Jade, Sz 6 – I quite like this color IRL. Online, the color did not look like the little sample color in the catalog so I was worried it wouldn’t be as lovely as I hoped. But I didn’t need to worry. I love the color. It’s vibrant and a very pretty green, maybe a little darker than the pictures below. This fits well in my normal size 6. The cotton is nice, a little thick (double-serge) and sturdy. It is unlined, which I believe is how they were last year too, and that’s ok with me. I added some heels to get a better idea of the length, which is 22 inches long. I don’t think I’ll have this hemmed as this hits just below the knee on me. This one is a keeper, even at full price.

 

Jackie Pullover – #65341, $65, Canvas, M –  I ordered the Jackie Pullover in Canvas and Byzantine Blue.  I thought about ordering the Warm Jade and Bright Violet but I was immediately drawn to the Blue in the catalog and I also wanted to see a neutral color in this new item. I have to say I am a little disappointed in this pullover. Immediately, even while still in the plastic packaging, I could tell this was a different texture and was thicker than the Jackie Cardigan. I was expecting something a little more lightweight like the cardigan. I don’t have any of the Jackie Shells so I can’t compare the two.

The Canvas color is a nice neutral and goes well with the Warm Jade pencil skirt. I just couldn’t get over the texture of this sweater. The Cotton V-Neck Sweater is a much lighter weight than the pullover. My normal size Medium fits perfectly.

Here I have the Jackie Cardigan in Pearl (from 2010) on top and the Jackie Pullover in Canvas on the bottom. I tried to capture the texture I’m seeing so I hope you can see it too. As far as material they are both the same Cotton/Nylon/Spandex but with slightly different percentages.
2010 Jackie Cardigan: 66% Cotton, 29% Nylon, 5% Spandex
2012 Jackie Pullover: 66% Cotton, 31% Nylon, 3% Spandex

Here is the Byzantine Blue. This is another vibrant color and I originally thought it wouldn’t pair well with the Warm Jade pencil skirt but I think it does. I’ll look for this color in another cardigan or top. This is the color I was hoping the Jackie Cardigan in Pacific would be. I honestly do not like the Jackie Pullover but I know a lot of you will so I hope the review and pics of the colors will help you. I’ll be returning both colors.

Now, Whitney, has a completely different view of the Jackie Pullover. Go to her blog, Only Boring People are Bored, to read all about it.

Before I knew my store would not be receiving any Resort/Spring 2012 until next week, I stopped by to have a look. There was nothing new that interested me other than this skirt.
Gimlet Skirt in Coaster Stripe – #55688, #118, Dark Blue, 6 – Here’s what J Crew says about this skirt.


A festive fan of pleats along the waist renders this classic A-line skirt a sophisticated pick for all your invitations of the season. We can’t get enough of its ladylike length (it hits right at the knee for that fabulous swing). The best part? We fashioned it in alternating transparent and opaque stripes, just like the vintage dress one of our stylists sported around the office to rave reviews. 

I saw this skirt and immediately thought of how I would stroll around Paris and Italy wearing it with a lovely linen blouse and sweet little wedge sandals. It’s very organza-ish but is actually Cotton/Nylon. The close-up of the pattern and material does not do it justice. The size 6 fits well on me. This skirt is meant to sit at your waist or just a tiny bit lower. It hits right at the knee (perfect for the times we’ll be sight-seeing and walk inside a church).

I kept this skirt in the bag, in my truck, for a week before bringing it inside but I could never get it out of my head. See, here WAS my dilemma. I have a Banana Republic Seersucker skirt that is similar in style to this skirt. I immediately thought of that skirt, after my strolling around Paris/Italy thought, when I saw this skirt. But I decided they are both two different skirts and I don’t have strolling visions with that other skirt. The only negative about this skirt is that it doesn’t have pockets. That would make this skirt absolutely perfect in my book.

What do you think?

Stroll on ladies, stroll on.


/ Reviews

I stopped by J Crew Friday morning to do some returns and try on a few new arrivals.

Heart Me Sweater – #54949, Acorn Black, Medium – I know some like this and it’s a cute sweater but I don’t really want a heart on my chest. I tried this on over the perfect shirt and it seemed to fit well in my usual Medium.

Perfect Shirt in Tartan – #35236, Black, 8 – I missed out on this last year. I had too many plaid shirts and just couldn’t justify another one. Glad it came back this year.
City Mini – #50305, Black, 6 – On sale in store $59.99 +30% off – I liked this skirt when it originally came out and now it’s on sale. I took the 6 even though I could wear the 8 for a touch more length.

You can laugh at the next one…it’s o.k.
Merino Cambon Cardigan – #57758, Heather Acorn Black, Medium – This also comes in Heather Graphite Black. I actually like this sweater and have added it to my wishlist. The fit was good and I would wear it layered like I am now.
Blythe Shirt – #37871, Neon Azalea, 8 – Wow, is this bright. Adding the leggings doesn’t help of course.
Homestead Waffle Leggings in Thermal Stripe – #57941, Neon Azalea, Medium – These are very comfortable but I’d only wear them to bed or around the house with a long sweater. Never outside.

Natasha Top – #54024, Creamy Peach, 8 – I have this in a few colors in a size 6 which is the better fit for me.
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Harvest Tweed – #55821, Camel Coral, 6 – Pretty skirt with a nubby tweed. I have the Café capri in the Olive Mint. My normal size 6 fit well.

Natasha Top – #54024, Creamy Peach, 8
City Mini – #50305, Heather Aluminum, 6
Fair Isle Sweater Leggings – #60057, Flame, Medium – I am glad I was able to see this IRL. They were comfortable and perfect for lounging. Not sure how I would style them. I liked it from the catalog but I have a feeling I can find something similar at Forever 21 or at least cheaper elsewhere.

Tweed Bow Skirt – #55689, GMU, 6 – This is a new skirt in-store right now with a cute little big bow in front. The pattern is plaid and the material is 100% Wool. This fit a little snug. I couldn’t tuck in the top and I was afraid to sit down. The size 8 fit a little looser.

Size 8

Whew! So that’s my last review of the week. What do you think of these new items? I think the bow skirt is cute and is reminiscent of the Double-Serge Bow skirt from a few years ago.

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Happy Halloween everyone! The Boy is “too old” for trick-or-treating and he also has soccer practice so we will be missing the neighborhood kids this year. That’s kind-of good because all that candy around the kitchen is so tempting to keep for myself. I buy the good stuff – chocolate, Willy Wonka candies and chocolate.

The stores received the first roll-out of Holiday items last week and my PS emailed me to let me know she had some items on hold for me to try on. I was able to head in there on Saturday for a little while to do some try-ons.

Crochet Lace-Front Tee – White, M, #58195, Runs Small
Either this tee runs really small and short or I tried on a defective one. The Medium was short in length, barely reaching my waistband on my jeans and tight across the bust and arms. Pass

Dream Dolman Sweater – Heather Cypress, M, #54574, Runs Big
This is a soft sweater with Dolman sleeves and a loose fit. I’d size down in this one. Wishlist

Hadley Sweater in Stripe – Navy Henna, M, #49365
Cute sweater that’s great for jeans but didn’t really “wow” me in any way. Pass

Colorblock Minimalist Mockneck Sweater – Flame/Acorn, M, #55765, TTS
Great little sweater to pair with Minnies or the Viridian Green pencil skirt. It’s a 7-gauge merino and a little too thick for me. I would prefer to layer with thinner sweaters or cashmere in my milder winter climate. If you are not a fan of the colorblocking but like the mockneck it also comes in solid colors. Pass

Shimmer Bow Sweater – Sparkle Pebble, M; Sparkle Charcoal, S, #57105
This has a cute little black bow in the back and is very sparkly. The gold/pebble has gold threading throughout while the Charcoal has silver. I think this sweater will be great for holiday parties. I immediately pictured the gold with the Golden Bubbles Pencil Skirt from Holiday 2010. I also have the Degrade Swing Skirt that the Charcoal will pair nicely with. The Small (charcoal) is a better fit on me especially in length but if you want to layer something under this you might want to stay with your regular size (my RS is Medium). Purchased Charcoal

Kendor Cardigan – Dusty Cedar, S, #54540, Runs Small
A nice thick cardigan that I’d probably use around the house as loungewear. I’m sure I can find something similar elsewhere for that type of use that is not as expensive. Pass

Fanfare Jacket in Peacock Tweed – Turquoise, 6, #56794, TTS
Like the Rialta Tweed jacket, this has a “matching” skirt but it was not in my store to try on. The skirt is a mini, 18 1/2 inches, according to the online description. I really like the tweed and color on this jacket and would be interested in seeing the skirt. I would have preferred trying on the size 8 because I was unable to button this one and it was a little snug across the shoulders. Pass but like

Always Wrap Cardigan – Vermont Pine, M, #57955, TTS
Very cute, lightweight, soft cardigan. Again, I’d purchase for loungewear or quick errands. Wishlisted

Sequin Shawl-Collar Cardigan – Black, #62289
I saw this IRL but didn’t try is on. This is similar to the Holiday 2009 Sequin Shawl Collar Cardigan, that you can see on me here and here. This cardigan is longer and the sequins are sparse and not as filled in on the collar but if you did miss out on the 2009 version this one is still a good option. Pass

Jester Turtleneck Sweater – Navy/Acorn/Ivory, M, TTS, #55734
I didn’t take a pic but you can see it in some of my pics in the background. This fit TTS. Wishlisted

Colorblock Stripe Long-Sleeve Tee – #57762, This is a cute jersey (poly/rayon) tee IRL but I didn’t try it on. It’s very soft and lightweight so it better for milder climates or for Spring. Wishlisted

Classic Mini in Felted Wool – Decadent Red, 6 & 8, #51732; Ivory, 10
I liked the color and length of the Ivory in a 10 but it was too loose on me. There was only a slight difference in the 6 and 8 in width and length. I’d probably get the 8 and would wear with tight so the length on this mini is not an issue. I have a camel felted wool mini from years ago still NWT so I should probably wear that first before thinking about getting another. If I did I would like the Ivory and the Vintage Violet. Wishlisted

Silk Scoopneck Blouse in Seine Stripe – Navy Stripe, 4, #59612, Size Down
As you can see, I am wearing a 4 in this blouse and would have to say this runs a size small. I’m usually an 8/M in tops, depending on the shoulder/sleeve cut but this size wasn’t too bad. There is no pulling at my bust but I would buy a size 6 to have a little more room in the arms. Unfortunately, my store had 5 of these left (but not in a 6 or 8) so I’d have to order online to try the fit in my size. The Viscose/Rayon feels a bit like a rough chiffon or silk. Wishlisted

Elsie Skirt in Nightfall Floral – Eggplant, 6, #55784, TTS to Size Down due to elastic waistband
I like this skirt but two things about this skirt disappointed me. First, it’s cotton and I think it would look better in a silk/chiffon like the Soiree Skirt from the summer. Second, the waistband is elastic, so it’s pull-on only. The length is perfect for me at 19 inches and I don’t think the full-shape overwhelms me too much. I could use this now and then again in the late Spring and Summer. Wishlisted

Talia Blouse/Silk Scoopneck Blouse in Royal Paisley – 6, #60333, TTS
I really have no idea what the name of this blouse is. I keep seeing it two different ways online.
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Paisley – 6, #57494, TTS
This skirt is a longer length on me but is the “normal JC” 23 1/2 inches. I’ll hem this up an inch or two but I love this skirt. I like the pairing of the top and skirt together too but I think I would get the Blouson Dress if I wanted a full body pattern. The top will be great with my Viridian Green Pencil Skirt, Camel Cafe Capri’s, and casually with jeans. See the same styling on Rose from One More Shopping Blog. Blouse Wishlisted, Skirt Purchased

Cafe’ Capri in Harvest Tweed – Olive Mint, #55822, 8, TTS
Love. Love. LOVE! these pants. I wasn’t interested in them when I first saw them online but IRL they are gorgeous. I returned my Maraschino Cherry Cafe’ Capri’s and got these instead. I know I will wear these more. I plan on hemming them so they are true capri. I tried on the size 6 too and that size fit well except for the slight pulling right at my hips. Purchase

AND, I was able to score the Biella Heeled Loafers for $50. My PS saved them for me! 

Cafe’ Trouser in Wool – Maraschino Cherry, 6, #49982, TTS
I would prefer an 8 in these because there is just some slight pulling at the hips with the 6. These are gorgeous trousers and I’m tempted by the black since I do not have a basic black pant. These would have to be hemmed up at least 5-6 inches. I’m wearing the Biella Heeled Loafers and still have about 3 inches in length dragging. Wishlisted

Overtime Neck-Tie Top in Bird’s Eye Tweed – Navy, 6, #52356
I am so mad at myself because I tried on the Interoffice Skirt in Bird’s Eye Tweed with this top and looked like I came right off the “Mad Men” set but the picture came out really blurry. This top was a little snug and I think the 8 would fit a lot better overall. The tweed is actually wool but so fine and gorgeous and I love the little tie-neck bow detail. Another thing I like about this top – It has a side-zip that zips down, making for a smooth seam line. Skirt & Top Wishlisted

Blouson Dress in Polka Dot – Black, 6, #61022
I am a big fan of the Blouson Dresses. I have the Striped and the Black and Cream Lace dresses. But if I had to choose, I would get the Paisley Blouson dress instead of this one. Wishlisted

What do you think? Anything that’s peaked your interest now? Are you already waiting for the second Holiday roll-out to use your rewards card?

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Not only did I have a reward card burning a hole in my pocket but also a J Crew gift card. I’ve done a major closet clean-out and am now only (trying) to buy items I will know I will wear. I’m really trying to create 3 outfits in my mind when considering buying an item. I’m not consistent with that process yet but I’m getting there.

Rainy Day Utility Jacket in Forest- Size 6 – $188 sale $99.99 – My PS put this in the fitting room for me. I didn’t care for it but it has a hood, fleece lining and a drawstring waist.

Utility Shirtdress – #39623 – Size M – This has a belt, 3/4 sleeves and mandarin collar. It was a little snug for me in the shoulders and upper arms. I’m not in need of a casual dress

No. 2 Pencil Skirt – Citron – Size 6 – I love J Crew pencil skirts and I know this specific color has been loved by many but, unfortunately, I was not one of them. I think it’s the fabric. Or the fact that I would have to alter the hem and I don’t think that the color is for me. The color is more saturated IRL than compared to the online pic. This fit TTS for me.

Floral Tulle Mini – Size 8 – $110 sale $59.99 – This came out a few weeks ago and is already on sale although the website still shows the regular price. I thought it was cute when it came out but I already have too many dresses and skirts for “just that special occasion” that I have not worn or rarely wear. It is a bubble hem but it’s very minimal.
Vintage Cotton Raglan Tee – Size M – $39.50 currently 20% off $31.60 – Good fit…TTS for me

Lunette Mini in Dark Beechwood – Size 8 – This is a cotton sateen and J Crew describes this as a lantern silhouette. It’s tulip to me. The front and back are the same. I like the fit of the 8 because it give a little more length. I prefer the navy color and can’t wait to wear it through the spring and summer!

Dark Navy – Size 6

Camp Pocket Cardigan in Smoldering Brick – Size Medium – $88 Sale $49.99 – Good fit and the pockets are/seem silk but I don’t like that they are right on the girls.
Silk Pocket Tank in Wave Crest – Size 6 – $68 – Not a big fan of this. It’s a little snug in the chest for me.

Hope these pics and comments help.