/ 2017

I really wasn’t all that impressed with this roll-out. I usually find one piece that is a must-have but this roll-out didn’t have that. I did add a few items to my wish-list for when they go on sale.

~ Tippi Sweater in Ornate Floral, Medium ~
~ Cropped Chambray Ruffle Pant, size 8 ~
~ Audrey Flat in Printed Snakeskin, size 7 ~

There’s no change in sizing on the Tippi Sweater. I still take my normal Medium though it is fitting just a little less snug in the arms. I always find the Tippi bunches around the underarm just above my chest. Anyone else? The front and sleeves of this Tippi are printed in the Ornate Floral while the back and neckline are navy. Despite the description saying this is a 27-inch sleeve sweater, this is really your standard 3/4-sleeve Tippi. I still cannot put my finger on why I’m not a fan of this print. The colors are pretty but everything in this print is going to be a pass for me.

~ Cropped Chambray Ruffle Pant, size 8 ~

Like 99% of J.Crew’s cropped pants, these are standard length on me so Petite sizing would be better for me. These did seem to run a little snug across the hips. I could sit down but would prefer a little more room. The ruffle is at the top of the waistband and the edge of the pockets. You’ll have to tuck in your shirt to show off the waistband ruffle. Personally, it’s a little much and I would have just preferred the pocket ruffle. These are also offered in Solid Chino. I do think the Chambray will be a hit for quite a few people. The waist isn’t too high or low and though this is a slim fit, the fit is still really good in this material. Not sure how it will feel or look in the solid chino.

~ Ruffle Tippi Sweater in Mermaid Floral, Medium ~
~ Martie Pant in Windowpane, size 8 ~
~ Audrey Flat in Printed Snakeskin, size 7 ~

I really liked this entire outfit. The contrasting print of the Tippi and Martie with the light pinky coral of the Audrey Flat just works. I wasn’t sure if I would like this Mermaid Print but once I saw it IRL I really thought it was cute. The mermaid does hit you right smack in the center of your stomach though. The ruffle may need a little steaming after being dry-cleaned to lift it up a little, unless you prefer it to lay flat. I think with this print, the ruffle is a little much but people will love this one too. This comes in a popover, short and bandana, which I think would be really cute for Spring.

~ Martie Pant in Windowpane, size 8 ~

The Martie Pant has not fit me in a size 8 since they first came out. I prefer the old Cafe’ Capri pant but the Windowpane fit really well in the size 8. The material is slightly thicker but not quite Winter-ish. It’s a great transition into Spring. I would have to get a Petite size to crop them. The hem has a notch that I would lose if I had these hemmed. These are definitely wish-listed.

~ Audrey Flat in Printed Snakeskin, size 7 ~

I saw a hint of these in the Style Guide and couldn’t wait to see the full view of them. The color is a light pink/coral and not a color I would normally gravitate to but I do prefer it over the suede and Liberty print. I found the size 7 to be the best fit, even with the pointy-toe and D’Orsay style. This is a completely flat shoe with no arch support. I can still walk around for hours in a shoe like this but try not to if at all possible.

The sweater promo is still going on through Wednesday and the Ornate Floral and Mermaid Print are included. Use code ZY3BU for 30% off. I also like the Beaded Tippi but my store didn’t have it when I was there last week.

Are you shopping this sweater promo or waiting for an “all-item” promo?

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ Bella Picks

Of course, with my new training regimen, I HAD to get new shoes. I had a random email telling me about 25% off the clearance section at Nike. I clicked on through and found so many shoes it was hard to narrow the choices down. Eventually, I ended up with the Free TR Focus Flyknit in Midnight Turquoise/Electric Green/White. I ordered my normal size, though suggestions said to size up a half size. The shoe Gods must have been watching me because my order was cancelled. My size had sold out. I quickly ordered another pair, this time half a size up in 7 1/2. That was the right size and great fit, especially since some of my athletic socks are little thicker. And these ladies make an entrance. Wow are they green!

I also realized a lot of my workout clothes, particularly sports bras, did not fit. I went to Target and found the Champion line to be really reasonable and fit well. I loved the vent Tee as it has a zip pocket on the right side big enough to fit my keys or gym card in. I also prefer longer tanks with support and this Fitted Tank Top fits well in my normal size Medium. And whether or not you exercise I highly recommend these cozy joggers. I don’t want to take them off.


Everything I’ve purchased from Target so far has held up well in the wash. Also, through tonight, all clothing is 25% off, including activewear. AND…use STYLE10 or STYLE25 to take $10 or $25 off your clothing purchase. STYLE10 must have a purchase over $50 and STYLE25 is $100. If you are in the store use the Cartwheel app to get those promos. I know there’s a text you can send but I can’t recall what that is.

Happy Shopping!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ Bella Picks

J.Crew has a little promo going on through Sunday. Take 30% off your purchase or 40% off over $200 with code PRESENTS. I made some purchases over Black Friday and then when I returned the Taffeta Skirt in Stewart Plaid.

~ Oversized Striped Turtleneck, Navy/Camel, Small ~

I really wanted this turtleneck. I liked the colors and the over-sized look of it and the neck isn’t all that tight. I took a Small as this is really big. It’s pretty reasonably priced if you can get your shopping cart to $200. That’s not hard for JCAs! Of course, there’s a similar navy/camel cashmere option.

~ Knit leggings in Zebra, Medium ~

Not that I needed another pair of lounge pants but these looked too cute and cozy to pass up. I have various colored sweaters to wear these with on the weekends or to bed. I also bought the striped leggings, in a Small. Those really stretch out so be sure to size down one. And those have a matching top.

~ Chup Santa Socks ~

I bought these during the Black Friday sale and they are also included in the current promo. They are in the men’s section and I absolutely recommend getting these. I have last year’s version in red and they kept my feet so cozy and warm. These are actually a gift for MamaBella’s stocking, so shhhhhh.

~ Elsie Pave’ Pumps in Snakeskin, size 7 ~

Wow! These shoes are gorgeous. I have other Elsie Pumps, clearly they are some of my favorites, but these are stunning. I can take a 6 1/2 or 7 in Elsie and I chose the 7 this time due to the non-adjustable strap in the front, where the pave’ “button” is. I though it would fit a little more snug there with that extra piece, and I was right. Though there’s a gap at the heel I don’t walk out of these. Unfortunately, these and the Blackwatch heel are sold out online but check the stores.

Here are a few more picks.


This is a pretty decent promo. I would love to shop for presents but everyone has asked for gift cards. I guess I’ll just have to shop this promo for me!

Don’t forget to use Ebates before placing your order. Every little order adds up.

Happy Shopping!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

/ Reviews

J.Crew’s latest promo is SHOPNOW/SHOPCARD. You can take 25% off your purchase with SHOPNOW or 30% off if you have a J.Crew Credit Card, code SHOPCARD. There are a few exclusions but most of the new arrivals as on promo, which is great if you are already shopping for Christmas gifts. I couldn’t resist just a couple of things that will help me transition into what we call Fall around here.

~ Striped Boatneck T-shirt with Built-in Cuffs, Ivory/Navy, Medium ~

I liked the concept of this tee, with the piqué cuffs. But I was disappointed when I saw the Ivory/Navy color in person. The cuffs are white and I don’t really like that. I know they are supposed to contrast but the ivory is really creamy. I would have preferred the ivory in the tee be a little lighter. The fit is a bit off for me. The neckline seemed loose and would probably, eventually stretch. The body was loose as well. The cuffs covered my hands if I didn’t roll them up. I like the outfit as a whole and will use another striped tee I have to recreate this look.

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~ Sammie Chino Pant, British Khaki, 30 Petite ~

I cannot believe I waited so long to try these pants in a Petite. I’ve finally found a cropped pant! They are a little loose in the front. I have the Sammie in Polka Dot, which wasn’t offered in a Petite. I would like to get another pair and wish these had been offered in navy or black. I don’t see myself wearing any of the other colors offered. As far as sizing, I would normally get a size 29 so I’m really happy the 30P worked out and fit almost like the 29.

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~ Leopard Bow Sandals, size 7 ~

I’ve been stalking these since they showed up online. I just couldn’t bring myself to pay full-price for them knowing I they wouldn’t be a daily or weekly shoe. But at 50% off $100, I happily ordered them in a size 7. They run TTS and the heel doesn’t feel too high that I would be uncomfortable wearing them for a full day. Doesn’t mean I will chance that though. There are still some sizes left and they are still 50% off.

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And here are a few more of my picks that are an additional 50% off with SHOPNOW.


I’ll chance wearing the Leopard Bow Sandals through Fall as long as the weather allows and then put them away for Spring. I also picked up the Tipped Lightweight Wool Jackie Shell. I plan on wearing it with the Perfect Shirt in Foil Dot from last year. Since I had that I didn’t get the Ruffled Popover version.

Are you shopping the SHOPNOW sale? I hope to have some in-store reviews for you next week but the closer we get to holidays, the busier my weekend schedule is.

/ Bella Picks

As soon as I ordered the Gingham Sandals with the Ankle Wraps I knew I wanted a white shirtdress to wear with them. Now, I have the J.Crew Short-Sleeve Shirtdress but I wanted something more structured as well as flattering. The J.Crew white shirtdress is too short for the sandals, which has a 3 5/8 inch heel. I liked the Michael Kors white dress but the arms looked like they might run a little tight.

I found a few dresses at TheRealReal but not in my size. The Ralph Lauren dress was sleeveless and eyelet, making it too Summery. So, what did I find?


The Sophia Shirt Dress from Boden and it was on sale. I ordered the white in an 8 Regular. It is a perfect fit! It’s a little stretchy but not too much. It has cap sleeves and is a fit-and-flare style with the length hitting me just at the knee. Perfect!

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You can see the pockets on the white shirtdress dress and I am wearing nude-colored undergarments. I think this works instead of finding a slip to wear under the skirt portion.

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The most surprising and best part of the dress are the reverse buttons. I don’t know what the official name is but basically, the dress buttons to the inside and outside. This is especially helpful at the waist and bust where gaping can happen.

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And, to tag along with the shirtdress, I found the cutest booties. They style is very reminiscent of my Rag & Bone Newbury Booties (TheRealReal in Leopard). I love the Leopard calf-hair on these and the stacked 3 1/2 inch heel. There’s a low-heeled bootie if you prefer that instead. I am usually a 7/37 but Boden suggested I order a size 38. They fit a little loose in the toe box but I am pretty sure I bought the right size. I will be wearing socks with these so that will help make them more snug.

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The zippers are on both sides of the bootie, in case you need a wider space to get your foot in.

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Through tonight you can take 20% off at Boden. That will decrease to 15% on Friday and 10% Saturday and Sunday. If you have an account you should see a code or prices automatically updated to reflect the discount.