/ Reviews

**Yay! I was able to recover my photos from my back-up drive and my son’s MacBook.

Lots of reviews but not very many “gotta have right now” items. The Spring Collection has had some cute things but nothing really really special like the Casbah print from last year.

I was trying some of the new Picasa features which took a lot longer than I expected. Some cool features like borders, adding corners, and different types of processing. Anyway, let’s get to the reviews.

Blythe Blouse in Silk, Royal Violet, Sz 8 – I really like the Blythe Blouse and the Sz 8 fits perfect in the shoulders and arms but too big in the chest and body. The Sz 6 is just the opposite so I have to pass on this great shirt because of it.
Long No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Sovereign Paisley, Sz 6 – Oh how I wish this skirt came in at least the regular length. The petite length is 23 inches so I may have to try it. I really am liking this print, especially in the skirt. (And now it’s on sale for $99!)

Tippi Sweater in Orchard Print, Sz M – Whoops…seemed like this is sold out online but I took my normal sweater size. It’s a cute print and my PS paired it with the Postage Stamp Mini in Big Apple Print, Sz 8. If you’ll notice the length is not so mini on me because J Crew states they “tweaked the mini so you’ll never feel over-exposed.” Hmmm…I think me likey. I did purchase it but am deciding if I really want to keep it. I am wearing the Seville Wedge Espadrilles in a Size 7 and they are half a size too big. The Size 6 (no half sizes) was way too tight. I was really disappointed because I really wanted the Seville in Stripe.

Stripe Sequin Tank, Sz Small – I bought this right after it originally rolled out in lat February/early March but returned it. I’m waiting for a sale and hope it makes it. I really do like it. I can wear the Small but may size to a Medium, depending on what makes sale.

Stripe Twisted Stitch Henley, Sz Small – My store manager predicted this would go on sale pretty quick as it’s very box, although comfortable. She was right. Not even two weeks after I tried this on it went to sale. Size down one if you are interested. My PS paired it with the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Violet, Sz 8 (although I take a 6 in pencil skirts). This is a very pretty purple but not needed in my closet right now. This color is on sale, online, for $59.99.

Here, the henley sweater is paired with the 5 inch Chino Shorts in Lemon Zest. I would size to an 8 for a more comfortable fit.

Now, I was really intrigued by the Tessallate Necklace when it appeared online a few weeks ago. I was happy to see my PS had it in my dressing room but up close I was disappointed. I was hoping it was gold painted enamel not resin (plastic). This was a pass after seeing it IRL. I can certainly find something similar for a lot less than EIGHTY-FIVE DOLLARS!!!

This is some sort of tweed-ish pencil skirt that was in-store but I can’t find online. Style #76956, $118

Colorblock Stripe Slash Henley, Sz Small – This shirt was flying out the door and I tried on one of the last two left. The Small fit well but the v-neck was cut really low. The Electric Orange of the 5 inch Chino Shorts are a nice vibrant color.

This is the Cafe’ Trouser in Linen in at least one size way too big for me. There was no size 6 or 8 to try on in the Festival Green or Navy that was in-store. I like this color and have it in the Perfect Linen Shirt. I think a Petite 8 might be my size for this pant but I don’t need it as I have an Navy linen pant from a few years ago.

The Maritime Colorblock Dress is not online (did I miss it and it’s sold out?). I have on a Sz Small which was a good fit. The cotton is pretty thick/substantial. I’ve missed my opportunity to wear it here as the weather is holding in the 80s daily now. I have it paired with the Mini Prints Scarf in Orchard. I can do the apple print in this piece and took it home with me. The first shipment my store received sold out in a day. I was happy my PS put this one away for me when they received their next shipment.

I had never tried the Amie Maxi Dress, Sz S, Bright Flame, before. I know the JCAs have been loving it and I know why. It’s amazing and comfortable and the drawstring helps define your waist. The Navy is online as are the solid colors.

The Cafe’ Capri in Foulard, Sz 8, fit me really odd as do all of the cotton Cafe’ Capris. I think I need a Petite 8 for a better fit. It’s reminiscent of the Mahali Dot Print from a few years ago.

Gondola Stripe Top, Sz 8 & 6 – This is a very comfortable silk shirt. The silk is soft and IMO it runs a little big. As you can see, the size 6 is loose through the body on me but that would be the size I would get.

IMO, the Seaport Maxi Dress does nothing for me. I mean, it’s comfortable but pretty long on me. It feels like a long nightgown to me. I’m not sure if sizing to a Small would change my mind.

This is a gorgeous in-store only floral lightweight wool scarf. It came home with me. Style #88503, $59.50

A yellow paisley scarf that was also in-store only. Style #88503, $59.50

I don’t know how to feel about the print on the Big Apple Tunic Dress. I mean I like the print but I think, for me, it needs to be on a smaller scale, like the mini skirt. I know the website says it has a back zip but I don’t remember one. See, for being such a big print, it’s not memorable, like the Jaipur from a few years ago.

I sometimes wish I worked in an office setting and not from home, only if to buy and wear beautiful work-wear dresses like this. The size 6 of Director Dress was a perfect fit for me. And of course, the Bright Dahlia is one of my favorite J Crew colors. Alas, I have the Andre’ Dress in this color I’ve never worn. Maybe I’ll get it on sale with a discount? Here’s to wishful thinking.

So, I know these are a few weeks old but I wanted to post them anyway since I know some of you are my size and/or shape. I’m sure there are now April arrivals in my store. I may end up not even seeing them as I have been swamped.

I did manage to set up my iPad as a mini netbook, with a keyboard and everything, since my laptop is being ridiculous. Oh, and if any of you Blogger iPad users are looking for a Blogging App try Blog Docs. It’s $1.99 but it really is cool. You can write up your posts, add pics, change your formats, add a signature, etc. I did my last post completely in it and have two more drafts written that I hope to post this week.

Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

Hi all! Hope you had a great weekend! I was able to fit in a personal shopping appointment on Saturday, the day before Husband was due home. I had all afternoon to spend trying on the newest collection for Spring. I tried on quite a bit and came home with only one item.

Jules Dress in Fanfare – #70216, 8, Black – I have a lot of love for the Jules Dress. I feel it is so effortless and chic. This “fanfare” print looks to be THE print of the season as it is on everything from dresses to pants to shorts to swimwear. The “8” fit well but I also tried on the “6”, below. That size wasn’t such a tight fit this time. I would probably add a pop of pink underneath the dress or with my Cece Suede Ballet Flats.

Size 6

And a “sit-down” shot. I wanted to remind myself how the length was and how much fabric gathered at the waist. You’ll see what I mean with another dress below.

Lillian Dress in Watercolor Floral – #73878, 8, Admiral Blue – This was one of the items I was very excited to try on and was happy to see it in the store. Unfortunately, this dress does not work for me. It fits very well in the upper portion (shoulders/arms/bust) but the bottom has too much fabric. This hit me just below the knee so I feel the length was good, especially for a non-casual dress. But as you will see with the sit-down shot below there is way too much fabric bunching up. It does have pockets so that is a plus but, overall, this is a pass for me.  

Blythe Blouse in Silk – #37871, 8, Royal Blue – This color is amazing. I love the blues this season. This is so vibrant and just plain gorgeous in silk. Unfortunately, the Blythe Blouse is not for me. It fits in the upper area but there is too much fabric starting at the bust down to the hem. I really need a “6” but it’s just a little too snug for me. I really wish I could wear this blouse, as I love this color.

Postage Stamp Mini in Confetti Tweed – #64052, 10, Confetti – Normally I would wear an “8” in minis but this was all that was left in the bigger sizes. The “10” is big on me and you can see where it hits me as far as length. I was wearing this at my hips too so this is probably 16 inches in length. This skirt has lots of colors in it and I think it would be very versatile, I just wish it came in a pencil skirt. I would buy that.

The sit-down..the “8” would probably ride up a little higher.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Gardenshade Floral – #64008, 6, Admiral Blue – This is a great alternative to the dress version of this print and goes well with the Blythe Blouse in Royal Blue. This is my normal pencil skirt size and it fits just like all the others. I would consider it on sale with a promo since I don’t have an immediate need for any more pencil skirts.

Fanfare Short – #69899, 8, Classic Navy – So first impression of this short on the hanger is that it looked HUGE. I knew it was the print that was causing that illusion. These fit well but I think I could have sized to a 6. We’ll see in another 7 pounds.

Rugby Stripe Dress – #67139, M, Navy Grotto – This is a great casual, every day dress though I think some of you taller ladies may find this too short. In comparison to the Maritime Dress I’d say this is a little thinner in material and smaller. I wear a “S” in the Maritime and this was pulling a little in the shoulders/chest.
Classic Merino Cardigan – #65370, M, Cerise – This is what my PS gave me to pair the dress with. I like the colors together and the Merino Cardigan is such a nice lightweight staple to carry you through Spring.

Another item I was very very excited to try on was the Crinkle Chiffon Skirt – #72299, 6, Warm Peacock. Alas, I was very very disappointed in this skirt. The waist band is grosgrain ribbon with no give what-so-ever. I barely got this hooked and zipped. It’s sitting at the smallest part of my waist area. The length is well below my knee but not quite to midi length. Also, I was hoping the color would be a little more vibrant and not so dull looking. It reminded me a lot of the Jardin Skirt, which I take an 8 in. I’m so sad I have to pass on this skirt but I can imagine the skirt would snag easily.

Size 8, Navy – Still no better in the waist area. It is now sitting at my natural waist but it is still snug. It also got wider and longer.

5-inch Chino Short – #68925, 8, Neon Pink – I totally missed out on this color and the yellow last year so it was nice to see this color come back. I am starting to shy away from the 3 & 5-inch shorts but this color and the Lemon Zest comes in the 7-inch Chino Short and 9-inch Chino Short. 

Scalloped Sateen Skirt – #63860, 6, Royal Violet – This size fit a little small on me. It’s a cute skirt and the color is more purple in person.

Boatneck Popover – #64784, M, Apricot/Navy – This sweater really surprised me. I really was not expecting to like it so much. It’s a little on the thick side but not in a smothering kind of way. I really like both colors too, although I didn’t try on the Cerise Mist. This runs big IMO and I would size down to a Small.

Skirt in Shadow, 8 – This fit a little better but gave me no extra length.

Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb – #72214, 8, Red – This is another item that surprised me. I liked it from the catalog but thought it would be too kitschy for any time other than February. I can totally see this under a cardigan or blazer; open with the sleeves rolled up and a tee underneath. See the many ways Ema has styled it.

Here’s what I was not expecting from this shirt. 1) The silk is soft and very comfortable. 2) It really does read easy-to-wear once you try it on. 3) The “8” ran a little big on me and I could probably size down to a “6”. Is it worth FP? Maybe, especially since I don’t think this will make it to a promo. I expect this shirt to sell, quickly. I hope I’m wrong because I want this.

Denim Short in Faded Indigo – #75648, 31, Faded Indigo – So both my PS and I had no idea how these ran so I tried on this size. These were at least two sizes too big, maybe even three. These fit like boyfriend jeans/shorts. I bought a similar pair at the Factory Store in a darker wash for wear around the house and pool.

High-Waisted Buckle Short – #60118, 8, Shadow – Even though these are high-waisted I wish they were an inch or two longer. But they are very cute and fit very well and tailored. And they look great with the Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb.

Schoolboy Blazer in Herringbone – #37852, 8, Neon Pink – I was very happy to see this color in my store. I wish they had gotten the Chili colorway too but that won’t be for a few weeks or so. This is my normal size in blazers and it fits very well. I love love this color and it looks great with both the High-Waisted  Buckle Short and the Windowpane Scarf. The pink is bright but not neon-y pink.

Paintbox Floral Cardigan – #65521, M, Casablanca Blue – Cute cardigan. Reminds me of Anthro.
Polly Popover in Stripe Crepe de Chine – #72387, 8, Green Navy – I like green and navy together. This shirt ran big, IMO and I would size down to a 6 if I bought it. But I do have a new Loft cardigan in this same colorway that I feel is more versatile, since it’s a cardi.

I like it with the shorts.

Fanfare Tunic – #68128, S, Blue Orchard – A lovely beach cover-up in the Fanfare print. This fit TTS, as I find most of the cover-ups run big.

Fanfare Popover – #68397, M, Classic Navy – Another shirt that looks great with the shorts. I love that it’s navy and not black. I wish the Jules Dress was in Navy as I prefer this colorway better. This fit TTS.

And with the Schoolboy Blazer. So cute.

Wow! That was a lot. I hope these reviews help, especially those of you who are more my size/build. My store had the Cafe’ Capri in Morse Code Jacquard but not in my size or a size down so I was unable to get a fit on those. See more reviews on Shop with M here, here and here,  Ema, AppGal and DaniBP. 

Oh, and what did I get, you wonder? The Jules Dress of course, in the size 6. It was the only thing I really liked after the disappointing fit of the Crinkle Chiffon Skirt and the Lillian Dress.

Have a Great Evening!

/ Reviews

I stopped by the B&M to make some returns since I re-ordered those items with the 25% off and found a few new arrivals. First is the Jules Dress in Wildcat. This dress is amazing! I LOVE IT! I have a size 8 on as there was no size 6 in the store. I’m happy with the 8 because the 6 would be at least a half inch shorter. I happened to be wearing my brown boots and think they go well with the dress. I have the Bronson booties in camel and it will go well with this dress along with some camel tights. The material is rayon and is the same as the Scoopneck Blouse in Royal Paisley.

Two pockets in front.

Found the Double-Buckle Belt on sale to cinch the waist. If I did this I would add leggings and wear this as a tunic.
 

Scoopneck Blouse in Seine Stripe – I’ve tried this on before but this one is a size 8. It’s too big on me. I ordered the size 6 (twice) so that should be showing up any day now. I think that will be the best fit.
Wool Cafe’ Capri
in Yacht Blue – My store had these in stock and I was so happy to finally see this color IRL. These are a size 8. For some reason they are really loose on me. I have these in Camel so I’ll have to check that fit again

Talia/Scoopneck Blouse in Wildcat – Size 6, #57672, $118 – I really like this print. I have the Natasha Blouse in this print but may return it since the dress in this print is amazing. This will also come in the Jenna’s cardigan in one of the next rollouts.

Blythe Blouse in Silk – Fiesta Purple, Size 8 – This really is a pretty color and this camera pic doesn’t do it justice.
Wool Cafe Capri in Yacht Blue – Size 6 – This is a much better fit.

I just wanted to put these images out there, especially of the Jules dress, in case you were eyeing it online and wanted to use the 25% discount. I also caught a glimpse of the Holiday Catalog – Happy Holidays from the Italian Alps. There are some great pieces coming up for the Holiday rollouts, that my eyes glazed over skimming through it.
Have a Great evening!
 
/ Reviews

Lots of pictures below so let’s get to it.

Blythe Blouse – Extravagant Green, 8 – Love the color and took my normal size in L/S shirts. 

Silk Elodie Blouse – Paradise Blue, 8 – Another great color to go with several items already in my closet (Lolli pants, Cafe Capri in Camel, Viridian Green Pencil Skirt)

Silk Scarf Tank in Floating Rose – Rouge, 4 – I also tried on a 2 in this blouse. I was more comfortable in the 4. I did not like that it was longer in the back. Pass

Natasha Top – Vivid Poppy, 6 – Lovely silk chiffon cami/blouse in THE J Crew color of the season (Almost that I might not be loving it as much. Just bring out the RED already!) Purchase – Versatile blouse to wear alone or layered as we transition to Fall.

Sequin Slouchy Tee – Tawny Sand, S – Cute but it is not lined so you can feel the stitching. Also, I the sequins weren’t laying the same way and I would hate for it to snag on something. Pass

Silk Polka Dot Tee – Navy, 8 – Even though I just wore it for the first time, I quite like my Silk Striped Tee. I did size up due to the smaller cut in the sleeves. Purchase

Puff-sleeve Popover – Vibrant Flame, 8 – I really wanted this shirt. I think the puff-sleeve is so cute but the sleeves are cut smaller and it has a button closure. I even tried on the 10 and was not comfortable in it. Check your stores because this is on sale in the B&M. Sadly Pass

Vintage Matchstick Cord – Vibrant Flame, 30 & 29 – The matchsticks seem to be cut a little differently this year. I am quite comfortable in both the 29 & 30. Again, a great color to welcome Fall. Purchase in the 29
Cafe’ Capri in Plaid Wool – Deep Navy/Blackwatch, 8 – I didn’t realize these were not online so I didn’t get a picture of the tag. These are the Cafe’ Capri in a lightweight wool but are cut a bit smaller. I have the Camel in an 8 and they fit great. These are a little snug for some reason. My PS did say she had to size up too so it wasn’t just me. I really wanted to buy these since the skirt didn’t work out for me (see below). Wishlist Purchase

**Update – This is the Cafe’ Capri in Plaid Wool. It is selling out which is why I couldn’t find it online. Check or call the B&M if you like these pants. I went back and tried on the 8 & 10 and found the 10 to be loose but comfortable and the 8 to fit “just right”. Go figure. Must have been bloated or something on the I first day I tried them on. Needless to say, I did purchase these.
 
Wool Lounge Pant – Heather Charcoal, Sz 8 & 6, #47328, $138 – Now, these are oddly cute. They have an elastic waistband and hem. They are Favorite Fit and run a size big IMO. The 8 was really baggy while the 6 fit much better (2nd/3rd pic). I tried them with my sandals to give a visual of them in heels. I think they would be cute with heels but for the price I’ll Pass.
Jester Sweater – Saddle Flame Carbon, M – Cute but Pass
Flair Skirt in Double-Serge Wool – Cool Pine, 6 – A-line shapes are usually my friend but the Flair Skirt is not. I think it might be where the pleating is but I will not be purchasing this in any color or patter. Pass
No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Blackwatch Plaid – Deep Navy, 6 – This is not a typical pencil skirt. The waist is smaller and there’s pleating below the waistband so it made my normal size 6 in JC pencil skirts a pass. Also, take a look at the side-view picture. There’s some bunchy-ness going on. You’ll probably need to size up one.
Flair Skirt in Plaid – Warm Bark, 8 – A great pattern for the Flair Skirt. Pass
Origami Mini in Check Wool – SGR, 8, #47743, $128  – Pass
Cowlneck Poncho – Grey White, XS – A very cute poncho that is super cozy (shown with the Liquid Silk Skirt in Bright Dahlia). But I just wasn’t comfortable in it. It would a hassle to have to take it off and on while running errands. I would have to make it my main clothing item with a tee or cami underneath. Pass
Double-Breasted Sweater Jacket – Vibrant Flame, M – This is so very Anthropologie. I had a boiled wool cardigan/sweater I purchased from there by Casch. I loved it but it got too small for me. This is reminiscent of that cardigan. The buttons are somewhat difficult because the hole is smaller than the button. Weird. And it leaves fuzz every where. I like it though. Purchase-but may return for the Navy
Streetscape Cape – Saddle Black, S – This is so lovely, but I need a Sherlock Holmes cap and a pipe. And, I felt like 1) doing the robot 2) I had T-rex arms. But I like it.
Metallic Foil Jacquard Dress – Gold Saddle, 8 – The shape is similar to the Darla dress which I tried on here. Cute and material seems nice but I wasn’t a fan of the Darla. This has an exposed back zip but it matches the material (gold). Pass
So, four purchases out of the 19-20 items. I am waiting on my online purchase of the Wool Cafe’ Capri in Maraschino Cherry. Those were immediately back-ordered but should be shipping in a week or two. I can’t wait to see them.
What has caught your eye with the J Crew Fall Arrivals?

/ Uncategorized

I went by J Crew, for what now seems like my weekly visit, to scope out the new arrivals of Summer II. I received a call from my PS and the store did get the Linen Swoon Skirt so I told her to pull the size 8 in hopes that it would fit better than the 6.

Linen Swoon Skirt – 8 – This is still sitting at my belly-button but not as tight. I wasn’t about to size to a 10 so I returned my original purchase. I’m sure this skirt will work for someone but unfortunately that person is not me.

Floral Peasant Blouse, #44121, Indigo, Size 6 – Very Anthro-esque. This was very loose and blouse-y.

Accordion Dress in Super 120s, $250, #36525, Warm Buff (also comes in Dark Heather Grey), 4 – This is such a beautiful dress. I was drawn to it on the website and this was a return to the store. The 4 was a great fit and the 6 would be too loose. This is so light weight and I love the pleating on this. I don’t need any formal work pieces but if this hits sale I may get the dark color.

Mirabel Pencil Skirt, $128, #42825, Faded Black Sand, 6 – You know me and JC pencil skirts are besties but since I have the dress in this color I decided to pass on the skirt.
Silk Blythe Blouse, $98, #37871, Poppy, 6 – A lovely silk blouse and the poppy color has a little bit of a pink tone to it. It’s not red red but more of a pinkish red in person. I know it looks more coral/salmon in my photos.

Back of Mirabel Pencil Skirt

Rumi Dress, $118, #42820, Poppy, 6 – Personally, this is not my style but is a cute dress with a built in belt but the sleeves were giving me fits as well and the low v-neckline.

Cece Suede Ballet Flats, $128, #46198, Wild Berry, 7 – Totally love this color and was happy to find it in store. The Sapphire color is just as stunning in person as it is online.

FAVORITE TRY-ON OF THE DAY (maybe even year!)
Stripe Blouson Dress, $148, #42822, Black (also Azalea/Pink), 6 – You know how “they” say horizontal stripes make you look wider. “They” are so wrong. I am very used to the mirrors at my B&M store and they do not give off an illusion (or delusion) of making you look slimmer. This dress is so pretty and silky and slimming. I didn’t want to take it off.

Featherweight Cotton Cardigan, $62, #41103, Moroccan Yellow, M – My PS had this paired with the black Mirabel Dress in my dressing room but I like it with the Blouson Dress. It has lovely tortoise buttons and is super-lightweight and comes in 12 other colors.

There were lots of other new items in store but I only had a little time to try on things that interested me.

Have a great day!