Notes From the Dressing Room-Simple and Soft at J. Crew

I swear one of these days, I'm going to review clothing at other stores, but I was so excited about the new arrivals at J. Crew last week, that I had to check them out.

Silk Blythe blouse in alabaster, $98, available here

Lace skirt not online, Style #31326 Color code SCH, $110

Since Equipment silk blouses have been so popular and featured on tons of celebs, many retailers have come up with their own version. J. Crew's version is very similar with a much easier to swallow price point. This would be a perfect piece to pair under a blazer or cardi for work and would go just as nicely with a pair of jeans on the weekend. I tried this on in my regular size and although it fit fine there was just a bit of snugness around the shoulders and a button gaping; however it should be noted that I have broad shoulders and some boobies. A silk blouse would be the perfect piece in my wardrobe, but I would prefer one without the big pockets. I feel like they are a design feature to highlight a place you don't need people's eye drawn to

I was pretty certain this skirt was the lace dobby, but it is all lace and not cotton. I thought this was a very pretty number and definitely liked that the tiers laid flat. It is a mix of purple and grey color with an elastic waistband. I tried this on in my normal size and it fit fine. My only issue is the length which makes it borderline too short for work.

Maritime-Striped Blazer in Dragonfly Blue, $118, available here 

This seems to be a popular blazer on the JCA blog and I definitely liked it too. This is a soft cotton blazer that would be perfect for spring, it was a good length and still had shape. It only loses points for the long sleeve length and that price tag. Cotton blazers should not cost over $100!!! Stripes are still the in thing and I can see LOFT making something similar and I stepped into Forever 21 yesterday and spyed a look-a-like for about $23.

 

Dress not on website in Pop Pink, Style#38762, $128

I'm a big lover of pink and this bright number was sitting right near the door so I immediately picked it up to try on. Although I adore the color and pockets, I wasn't too thrilled with the shape. It felt a bit too cutesy with the cap sleeves and waist band detail, although I know that will work for some. It does have a nice deep v detail in the back and a long exposed zipper.

Waverly Chino in Midnight, $69.50, available here 
Metallic detail tee not on website, Color Ivory (IVO), $39.50

I have a million tees to last for awhile, but thought that this one would be a nice little addition. There is a simple shimmery silver trim around the neckline and the pocket and I can see it with a multitude of outfits. I paired the tee with the Waverly Chino that was a simple item that could be a workhorse in anyone's closet.

 

Organza Dots skirt in Seaweed, $110, available here

I'm all about trying something different and the print and color of this skirt certainly doesn't look like anything else in my closet. Although I would prefer a richer shade of green, this is a perfect spring color. The fit, however, left a lot to be desired. I tried this on in my normal size and if you look on the side there is some stiff puffing action going on. I don't know if this skirt was folded, but the front had the same issue. When I tried it on a size down, the poofing was less pronounced, but still present. It gets a thumbs up on the design, but a big thumbs down on the fit.

Sailor Sweater in Black Linen, $88, available here

Riveter Pant in Rose Shadow , $85, available here

I was really intrigued by these pants when I saw them on the website. They had some seaming detail down the front and a soft pink color, but those weren't enough to give it a complete thumbs up. These seem to be a step up from jeans and I feel like another pair of chinos would be a better purchase.

If there are stripes in the store, I am usually drawn to them. This would be a perfect sweater for a warmer day, that is if it weren't so darn itchy. This is a silk-linen blend and the silk wasn't enough to disguise the tell-tale signs of linen's itch factor.

 

Slouchy Knit Twill Pant in Spiced Olive, $68, available here

Pants that are soft like a pair of sweats but aren't are usually a plus. But pants that show the pockets and all of your lumps are a serious minus. These pants do have their good qualities, soft with features of a regular pair of pants. Size down in these for a less baggy fit.

I find myself a lot more interested in the jewelry this rollout, but I'm sure I'll be buying something soon in one of those softer colors.

Are these colors appealing to you or do you prefer brighter spring colors?