/ TravelBella

Just a little outfit post from my Vegas Vacation. Each time I go the experience is a little different whether it’s different restaurants, always a different hotel, different shows, etc. This time we stayed in two hotels, the Flamingo and then moved to the Mandarin Oriental. The latter is a beautiful, albeit pricey, hotel. If I could afford it I would stay there each time. There’s something to be said about not having a casino in the same hotel you are staying. The pool was gorgeous and everyone has a padded lounge chair. No stalking or reserving any like the other hotels. There was nothing wrong with our room at the Flamingo. We stayed in the remodeled “Go Rooms” and it’s perfect for a quick stay.

This was Travel Day 1. The Silk Crepe Maxidress was perfect. I am always chilly on planes and the Metallic V-Neck Sweater was just enough to keep me warm. One drawback to the sweater though. It almost caused me to get a pat-down by TSA due to the metallic threading in the sweater. I was about to go on my way and the TSA Agent said, “Hold on. I may have to check your sweater.” I was like “Say what?” Luckily I passed on through. I used my Amalie Sandals more than I thought I would. They were very comfortable all day. I usually like to take a small purse, like a cross-body for trips but I loved carrying the Kerrington Tote around. The interior zipped pouch kept my phone and wallet secure.

I had my cross-body bag, jewelry boxes and my Keating Boy Blazer in Chambray all tucked in my Tote bag.

I am in love with the Chrome Green color of the Factory Scalloped Shift Dress. I wore this the first night out with the Grande Crystal Drops Necklace and Martina Metallic Wedges. Husband and I went to the Mandarin Bar to celebrate our anniversary.

Day 2 had Husband finishing up a poker tournament and me on my own for a little while. My London Blouse with white Pleated Shorts and Amalie Sandals were perfect for the morning and afternoon. I chose these shorts instead of the Bermudas since they were a little dressier.

I kept the London Blouse on and changed into the Fluted Skirt in Double-Crepe. My Cleo Metallic Loafers and Kate Spade Clutch helped polish me up for the evening.

And this was the show Husband picked for that night. If you are ever in Vegas, a fan of Prince or not, you MUST MUST go see this show! It was simply amazing, complete with Morris Day, Jerome & the Time, and all the requisite banter. I would definitely go see this show again and again.

We moved hotels on Day 3 and I wore my new purchase from the Tory Burch store, the Mia Slim Boot Jean with the matching-in-color Lidia Polo and my Cece Ballet Flats. I loved this outfit. Husband thought the jeans were a little wacky but he lived with it.

We spent most of the afternoon at the pool and when we came back to our room a little treat was waiting for us.

On the flight home, I wore the Silk Crepe Maxidress in Brilliant Blueberry and topped it with the Jackie Cardigan in Black.

One thing that was really annoying this time were all the “get a free show but sit in this time-share/not time-share meeting for a few hours”. This is the first time I’ve experienced this in Vegas. It was truly annoying as the people dressed similar to the hotel employees so asking a question may have gotten you a spiel. Some were also really really agressive. This did not happen at the Mandarin. I hated to be rude but it was really bad to be on the lookout for them and take a long walk around them.
Other than that, we had a great time and a wonderful anniversary.
Have a Great Day!

Follow me on…
 
/ Uncategorized

Probably like many of you, I took advantage of the 50% off at the J Crew Factory last week. I was busy packing for my trip so I was happy this offer was online as well!

Scalloped Shift Dress, Chrome Green – I am such a fan of this dress. It joins the Black and Pale Citrus I already own. The color is so pretty IRL. It came just in time for my trip so I packed it along with the Pale Citrus dress.

Classic Button-Down Shirt in Cotton-Silk, Dark Cove – This is the only item I ordered in the Punk Floral print. I love that the shirt is blue and not green. I didn’t even notice it at first, until I saw it on Gigi. This is such a nice lightweight blouse. The color isn’t really purple but more blue; not navy though. I’m glad this print was done in a different color.

I love the feel of it on and it works really well with the Lace-Stripe Skirt in Light Citron. If you prefer a more subtle pop of color you can choose the Seville Wedge Espadrille in Citrus Lime works well too. As you can see, I chose both.

Printed Pull-on Short, Florida Pink – I’m so sad because I may the only person who isn’t fond of these shorts. Yes, they are cute but I just didn’t like the pull-on style or elastic waistband.

5″ Printed Chino Short, Modern Red – I like the print an color of these shorts but they ran a bit big in the waist. I’m on the fence with keeping them as the size 8, wearing them, and the size 6 are both sold out online.

Keating Boy Blazer in Chambray – I wanted the retail Schoolboy Blazer in Chambray but it’s so popular it has sold out. I settled on the size 8 and am so happy I was able to find it. Rolled cuffs and un-buttoned is how I’ll wear it.
Tortoise Crystal Pendant Necklace – This necklace is very pretty IRL. It has a nice weight to it and doesn’t feel too light like some other Factory necklaces I’ve tried and have.

Follow me on…
 
/ Uncategorized

I had a few people ask about the differences between the Retail vs Factory Scalloped Shift Dress. I have the retail version in Black and the Factory in Pale Citrus.

The material on both is a blend of Poly/Viscose/Spandex. The retail dress has 75% Poly compared to 62% in the factory dress. Also, the factory dress label states there is less Poly, more Spandex in the back than the front. The feel of the material is the same. I can’t tell a 13% difference between the two. Maybe the retail is a touch thicker but just barely.

You can see the shape is the same. I should have gone against a lighter background so you could see the retail shape better. Both have bra-keeps at the shoulders. Scallops are around the sleeves and hem.

There is maybe a touch difference in length, with the factory dress slightly longer. As you can see in the above pics, the dress is short in either version. Be careful bending over.

I really do see myself wearing the Pale Citrus. It looks good with the Lillian Sandals in Calf Hair {patent, suede, metallic}. I did end up returning the Navy dress as I kept the Ann Taylor dress in Navy.
Overall, the Factory Scalloped Shift Dress is a great, exact duplicate of the Retail version of this dress. 

Follow me on…
 
/ Uncategorized

I was excited to see the Hummingbird Print make it to the Factory. I was able to visit the Factory Store during the 50% off weekend. I love the print but resisted and purchased only the Pencil Skirt in Botanical Bird Print. I took my normal size 6 in pencil skirts.

  

I saw the Skimmer Pant in Oxford in Blue Grotto from an image in an email or on the website, but I can no longer find it. I tried on the size 8 and it was too big in the front and slightly through the waist. These are the size 6 and fit pretty well. The Blue Grotto is more light Chambray in color which I love instead of the pink.

  

I was unable to decide between the Navy and the Pale Citrus of the Scalloped Shift Dress so I brought both home with me since they were 50% off. I have on a size 6 in both since that was the same size as my retail dress in Black.

  

I still, truly cannot decide between the two colors. I know Navy is classic but I love how the Yellow just pops against my skin-tone.

  

The Addie Loafer in Chambray Dot is now online. A set of new arrivals snuck in this past Wednesday. I took my normal size 7, same as the Addie Printed Loafer I reviewed a few weeks ago. Now, I need to decide if I will really wear them or if I should return them. I’ll need to plan some outfits in the next week or two, before my 30-day return window is up.

The Minaudière Clutch in Botanical Print was the other item I picked along with the skirt. This was not in my store so I didn’t get it for 50% off. I am definitely keeping this clutch. The material is a soft silky-feel cotton. The interior has a single pocket and can hold my cell, lipstick, card-holder and even my keys. I have a time with my some of my kate spade clutches as the lipstick and cell have to be next to each other and not all thrown in together.

I tried the following items on in the store but forgot to take my phone inside, which I use to take my fitting room pics.

I loved Skimmer Pant in Multi-Stripe. I took a size 6 and the fit was perfect, just like the Skimmer Pant in Oxford above. I really should have bought these to at least make some outfits with, especially at 50% off. Fingers crossed I’ll catch it on FS in the store in a few months. 

Factory skimmer pant in multistripe
I tried on a size 6 in the Optic Dot Dress and it was ok. It was a little big through the waist and just fit in the arms and shoulders. Sizing to an 8 would have been really big on me and both sizes would have required alterations to make it a little more A-Line or at least bring in the waist a bit. 
Factory optic dot dress
I saw the Keating Boy Blazer in Chambray and grabbed an 8 to try on. It fit but since I know my size is a 10 Petite I didn’t buy it. I think the Chambray felt nice but the shoulders just fit. We’ve had such a cold Winter I’m afraid we will have a really hot Summer and I won’t have any chance to wear this blazer. I would rather try the 10 Petite in the retail Schoolboy in Chambray. 
Factory Keating boy blazer in chambray
The Charley Sweater in Oversized Flower is cute but I definitely didn’t need another sweater. The ones I have are getting plenty of use this year. My normal Medium fit TTS. 
Factory Charley sweater in oversize flower

No, my store did not have the Factory Isabelle Printed Pump but it did have the Isabelle in Suede. I found a lone size 7 and tried that on to gauge how it would be. There’s a little less than 1/4-inch space at the heel. Sizing down to a 6 1/2 would fix that issue but tighten the toe-box. The insole felt comfortable and looked like leather. The sole was definitely man-made but didn’t bother me. I love the look of these Printed Pump but since I have the Etta in Hummingbird I will definitely pass on the Isabelle. I think they are a great substitute with a slightly lower heel. 
Factory Isabelle printed pumps

I am still really tempted by the Skimmer Pant in Botanical Bird Print and the Shorts in the same print.



/ Uncategorized

Last Saturday, I attended a family wedding. I specifically picked the Scalloped Dress to wear. I originally reviewed it here and loved it this time around as opposed to the Spring. I added my Etta Printed Cap Toe and my Pave’ Link Bracelet and Necklace.

Me and my Baby Brother
This was the first time I wore my Etta’s and had not planned on standing for 2 hours straight. That put a little more strain on my feet than I had anticipated and they were off as soon as I got in the car. I was good in them, standing, walking around and sitting, for about 3 1/2 hours so I think they will handle an 8 hour work day since I don’t stand all day. 
I love my new little LBD but I do have to be careful not to bend over. It’s a bit short, or so Husband tells me. Yikes!
Do you have a favorite LBD?