Notes from the Dressing Room-Feeling the Gap

Lately, I've found myself a little unenamoured with the offerings of my favorite store that rhymes with G Stew. Madewell has been getting way too much of my money and Gap has piqued my interest whenever I view their website. I took a looky-loo in the store and even found myself in the dressing room. Here are a few reviews:

 1969 Western Polka Dot Dress, $69.95, available here

Lots of retailers have been throwing polka dots on jeans and chambray shirts these days, so it was only a matter of time before they migrated to other articles of clothing. I would love a polka dot chambray top, but don't feel like I need it, so the idea of this dress was intriguing. My size wasn't available, so I had to size up. There was way too much bagginess in this size so I would say this fits tts. This was a nice casual dress that can be thrown on anytime, the cotton felt comfy. The sleeves would look great rolled up or down, there were no button gaps going on, the length was great (not too long and dowdy and not inappropriately short, I'm 5'4 by the way) and the two chest pockets do a great job of blending in. The only thing that I could really complain about is the string belt which added nothing to this dress. I think something more substantial would work better at creating a nice shape. I'm still debating if I have a need for such a dress although I think it would be perfect for casual Friday at the office when I don't feel like wearing jeans. Thumbs up on this one!

 

Embellished Dolman-Sleeve T, $34.95, available here

So I was browsing through Net-a-Porter yesterday and came across this tee. I thought the jeweled neckline was fabulous, but there is no way in hell I would pay $500 for a tee. Okay, maybe if I was super filthy rich, but that's just craziness for what it is and I immediately thought this Gap tee gets the job done just as well at a fraction of the cost of the fancy one. The website made the jewels look pastel-y, but this was a more vibrant (slightly neon) pink in person. I'm not 100% sure why the description says it is dolman sleeve because I didn't find anything different about the sleeve on this compared to any other t-shirt. The weight on this is a bit on the thin size, but I wouldn't consider it tissue thin. I sized down in this and it fit great, not loose or tight, just right in the middle. I thought this was really cute and would have considered it, if I didn't already have a nice pile of tees at home.

 

Marbled Jacquard Jacket in Diva Pink, $69.95, available here

This cardigan reads more tweed-ish looking rather than jacquard. Who names these products? There's nothing cuter than a cardi with a retro feel but still modern enough to not make it look old. This looks like something I imagine Jackie O. might have thrown on in her times. The color is nice although it appeared more red than pink to me, the white trim was nicely done, the feel is soft and cozy and it has adorable (if incredibly shallow) pockets. Unfortunately, the button closure ruined the look for me. There was gaping (and I was just wearing it by itself, no extra layer) not only from a side view perspective but also in the front. Those buttons didn't want to lay flat at all. Sizing up would have been too big and sizing down didn't seem to be a good option for that issue. Perhaps it would have work best on a smaller chest. Overall, very cute, just not for me. Fit is tts.

 

1969 Dot Legging Skimmer Jeans, $69.95, available here

Dots, dots and more dots! I noticed that J.Crew came out with a chambray shirt with an open/abstract polka dot print and these jeans have the same pattern. I have one pair of Gap jeans from a million years ago that I picked up at Marshall's and other than that, I have not tried on any of their jeans. With all of the new (and super cute) patterns and colors that they have been rolling out, I figured it was time that I give them a try. I have to say, I am now a fan. These were soft, I thought they looked flattering on my shape and the length was just right for almost any shoe whether I went flat or heel. I'm fairly certain that I tried on my regular size in this as I forgot to capture the tag. I would probably go for that size although I would be concerned about these stretching out. I didn't snag these up because I have a ridiculous amount of jeans already, but I don't have too many prints. I will probably get one pair soon, just have to pick a pattern.

So I was only there to browse, but now I have some things on my wishlist (including these leopard shoes that you can see in some of the pics). Gap always have great sales, so something tells me, I might be adding a few things to my closet.

Anything catch your eye lately? Have you tried Gap denim before? Would you recommend?

OOTD- Branded

This outfit makes me feel like a brand ambassador for Madewell and you know what, I don't mind one bit! Each component of this outfit makes up a few of my wardrobe favorites (some old and some new purchased during the crazy sales of December). This beyond cozy sweater (that I would wear every day if it wouldn't be weird or potentially a little stinky, lol), these pants that feel like jammies and my cute new red shoes with a little something going on in the back were perfect to throw on and head out for a little me time at the nail salon. Tamed nails and some sparkle made the day complete!

Madewell is offering an extra 30% off sale items today with code LOVEIT

Outfit Details:

Sweater-Madewell (available here on sale)

Polka dot Pants- old Madewell (similar here, here and here)

Red shoes- Madewell (available here on sale)

Black studded handbag- Rebecca Minkoff (similar and smaller size here and here on sale, same size as mine in a different color here)

Jeweled beanie- J.Crew (similar here and here)

Chain necklace- old Target

Notes from the Dressing Room-Pattern Up at Madewell

After all of this holiday shopping it was time to pay the piper aka Nordstrom, so I had to take a little trip to the mall. It felt great not to walk around feeling crushed by the crowds and to not have to hunt for a parking space. While I was there, I peeked in a few other stores and Madewell made the cut. Lots of new arrivals in store and I tried on a few. Here are some reviews:

Starry Sweater in Heather Grey, $88.00, available here

This wasn't initially a piece that sparked my interest when I viewed it online, but given my recent propensity for patterns and especially patterns on sweaters, I thought why the heck not and try it on. My overall impressions are that it's cute, it felt comfortable and it was soft although not ultra soft as it is just a regular cotton sweater. I tried this on in my normal alpha size (L) and there was a bit of room towards the bottom. I don't think I would size down though as the arms might be tighter and it would leave less room in the bust area. This sweater has a low v-neck with a hint of cleavage showing, but not enough to be totally indecent. A simple cami or tank underneath would take care of that for more modesty. Overall, it is a really cute sweater, but when I just looked at the pics I uploaded, I noticed that the stars on the top front part are in a spot I'm not sure I want people's eye gravitating towards, lol. Like it, but not for $88.00.

Silk Rose Print Boyshirt, $118.00, available here

Button-down shirts aren't usually my friend, but this print was interesting. Plus, it reminded me of something I might have owned in high school. I can't say if that is necessarily a good thing because my style certainly has come a long way since then. Anyway, this silky top has some great things going for it. First, no button gaping!!! That's always an exciting thing for me because that's usually why I don't bother with button-downs. Although the fit is loose (it is a boyshirt after all), there is still some shape to it with the curved seam at the waistline. I feel like the print is borderline too overwhelming, but I could throw it on under a blazer and call it a day. There are hints of lavender and light green in this top, so I think it could work well with lots of different colored bottoms. Fit is tts to slightly big, if you are in between or have a smaller bust, you might be able to get away with sizing down should you want a more fitted look. Nice blouse and nice fit, but the pattern is something you either like or don't like.

Monochrome Shiftdress in Melodic Purple, $138.00, available here

That bit of purple peaking out from the flower blouse above is this pretty colored a-line dress. Purple is usually one of those colors I make a beeline for if I see it on a rack in the store; combined with the shape of this dress, I had to check it out at least. I love the color, I like that the shape isn't fitted but not totally shapeless, the non-sleeve makes this perfectly versatile for all seasons (throw a silky blouse over or underneath, a sweater, cardi or blazer to make it work for fall/winter). Oh, and it has a little slit pocket on the sides. Such a cute dress, although it is borderline on the too short side for me, plus I need to get on the Michelle Obama arm regimen before I bare mine in this dress. Thumbs up on this lady here. Fit is tts and it also comes in black.

Printed Linen Tee, $59.50, available here

I'm sure I've mentioned before that I love a Madewell tee. They never fail to entice me with a pretty color, comfy fit or interesting wash/pattern. I spotted this top and instantly thought it looked like confetti. Confetti equals party which equals fun, so I was totally on board. I didn't realize it at the time, but this is a linen tee which explains why it didn't feel very soft. It wasn't scratchy, but definitely not the feel of good ole' cotton. The fit is about tts, it isn't clingy in my regular tee size (L), but not baggy either. It has bracelet sleeves which are not my favorite, but it seems to work for this top. I'm not sure why they decided to make a linen tee during a winter roll out, but this would be great for layering now and wearing by itself when the weather is much warmer. I loved all of the colors in this top so much that I was prepared to take it to the register and buy it, but then I looked at the price tag. I had a price in mind that I would be willing to pay and $60 was not it. So sadly it went back on the rack, but I've got my eye on this one because I can see myself wearing it. Let's hope the fashion gods are good to me and bring the price down.

 Skinny Skinny Pants in Switchdot, $125.00, available here

These are definitely interesting. They look like jeans, but they are listed as pants, plus they don't feel like regular jeans and have a texture to them. I like the pattern on these pants, dots and lines that I are designed to make me look taller than I am, I'll take it! Most of the denim (or pants for that matter) with a pattern on it these days have the pattern printed onto it, but you can actually feel the dots in these pants. Now, these aren't super comfy and soft like denim, but they have the stretch of denim which makes them fit well. However, this cotton material reminded me of a dish towel. The cotton is thin and like a dish towel, you can feel the weave of the cotton. Like I said before, these are interesting, I don't know if I've ever tried on something like these. I decided to size up because I'm in between sixes on the bottom and I think that was a good call. The waistband fit without gaping or digging in and I didn't feel like the legs were too tight. The length came down to my ankle and didn't seem like high-waters, so that was a plus (because that is usually the case with anything ankle length at J.Crew). And it came right underneath my belly button, so the waist was in a great spot to hold everything in where it is supposed to be. I give these a thumbs up.

Have you been to the mall since all of the holiday madness? Any new arrivals that have caught your eye?

Ringing In the New

Happy New Year!! I want to take the time to thank all of you guys who read this here blog and keep me going. The beginning of a new year is certainly a time of excitement and anticipation for what's to come and I certainly can't wait to see all of what's in store. I know it will definitely include color, prints, fun bags and dressing room pics.

Do you have a list of resolutions for 2013?

OOTD-Stay Cozy

Hi guys!!! So glad to finally see Friday although with snow in the forecast and a house to clean up after the holidays, I'm not so sure I should go home after work. Maybe I'll make a detour to the airport and hop on a plane someplace tropical. I like that idea much better than thinking about cleaning. :)

Since the weather around this part of the east coast has finally started reaching temperatures that resemble winter, I've been craving sweaters. Now sure I have plenty of sweaters already in my arsenal that I could throw on including a few cashmere ones, but I've had my mind set on something that goes beyond the standard Crayola crayon box of colors. This little striped number from Forever 21 certainly hit the spot with some visual interest plus color and I had to get it right away. And right after I bought this sweater, I bought this one from Madewell. I'm in sweater heaven right now and it feels so cozy!

What's your favorite stay warm and cozy item? Scarf, fuzzy socks, faux fur earmuffs?

Outfit Details:

Stripe sweater- Forever 21 (available here and also comes in a red version)

Metallic skirt- consignment find Ann Taylor (similar here and here on sale)

Otk boots- old LOFT (similar vibe here on sale, similar here and here

Blue/brown handbag- old Rebecca Minkoff MAC

Green lionhead bracelet- Fallon

Spike bracelet- BaubleBar (out of stock but there is a waitlist here, similar here and here)

Leopard watch- Timex (similar here and here)

SHOP THE POST

 

From You To Yours

Just dropping in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday. May your days be filled with great memories, belly full of yummy food and presents strewn all over the floor! :)

OOTD-We Were On A Break

Wow, I sure took a hiatus that was longer than expected. Between the holiday season, getting prepared for Christmas and honestly needing a surge of fashion inspiration, it's been a little slow going on the blogging front. But I miss all of you guys and this blog and I swear I have been getting dressed (not getting dressed because there's nothing to wear in my closet is just not an option in real life). Like this weekend when I braved the malls to tackle some of my Christmas shopping. I managed to last a few hours before I was reading to expire from hunger and annoyance at being in a crowded mall and I knocked a few names off my list (sigh, but still several more to go). Lots of walking and bag holding required comfort from head to toe, so I threw on some jeans and a tee. Of course I couldn't leave out style too, so I added some color and loaded up with jewelry including a few new pieces from BaubleBar that I'm totally loving. And all of this jewelry layering has me craving more cute and edgy pieces. Maybe Santa will be really nice this year since I've been a very good girl...most of the time. :)

Have you finished your holiday shopping?

Have you been partaking in the two for me, one for you gift strategy like I have?

Have all of these retail sales been driving your wallet mad?

Outfit Details:

Blue blazer- old Lilly Pulitzer (similar here, here and here)

Gray tee- stolen from my guy H&M

Boyfriend jeans- Madewell (available here, similar here)

Purple suede flats- Madewell (available here on sale)

Sunglasses- StyleMint

Magenta handbag-old Kale

Necklaces (from top to bottom)-initial, old Urban Outfitters (similar here), heart, old Forever 21 (cute alternative here; double bar necklace, BaubleBar (available here in silver, alternative here)

Bracelets- left arm from top to bottom-white studded cuff, old Forever 21(alternative here); double arrow bracelet, Baublebar; purple skull bracelet, BaubleBar (available here)

Bracelet- right arm from top to bottom- studded bracelet, old Forever 21; gold watch, old Nixon (similar here); fox bracelet, BCBG (alternative here on sale, alternative here in colors)

Notes from the Dressing Room-Madewell, Dress Edition

Madewell is currently offering 25% off dresses, so this post is right on time. I've mentioned before how I love a Madewell dress. They always offer an array of different shapes, colors and prints. I usually can't resist something in their new arrivals. Here are a few reviews from a recent store visit and an order with the holiday 25% off deal.

Colorblock Sequin Dress, original price $198.00 (on sale for $149.50), available here

I circled this dress in the store debating if I should even try it on, but I couldn't resist the call of the sequins. This dress is so festive and perfect for a fancy or even a not so fancy party or event this holiday season. It has a simple shape, but the light to dark (silver to navy to black) sequins give it lots of character. I sized up in this dress due to the zipper and the fitted waistband and that was definitely a good call. It still has a bit of shape, but there is room to feel comfortable dancing the night away or eating some yummy food without feeling constricted. The hemline isn't obscenely short, the sequins seemed well made and it has a lining. My only issue is the band around the waist. The ribbon on the website blended better into the dress, but this one just felt off to me. I think it might be the curve under the bustline. It would look better if they were both straight across or if the ribbon was moved a few inches higher. Despite that, I give this dress a big thumbs up and with the sale going on, a must buy.

Silk Multiprint Dress, on sale for $109.99, available here

I saw this dress online and instantly fell in love with the print and colors. I had to see what it was all about although I knew the shape would be iffy. When I pulled this dress out of the package, I still loved all of the colors in this dress, but I want to note that the blue sections down the front aren't as vibrant as they seem online. Then I tried on the dress and I just don't know what to think. Now this is a simple shift dress with very little to no shape. I threw on a simple belt with it to give it some kind of shape, but it didn't really work right because it created bunching and made the dress even shorter. It could definitely look better with a fitted cardi over it, but it would be a shame to cover up this dress. Sizing down might make the body fit nicer, but I have a feeling that it would be tight underneath the arms or across the shoulders. The length is about 2-2.5 inches above my knee, so it could definitely work for the shorter ladies (I'm 5'4). One thing I didn't like was the sleeve length. It isn't quite full-length and not really bracelet length. On the plus size, this dress is lined and it has pockets! The colors in this dress make it extremely versatile with a variety of colored tights for winter, but it would totally work alone in the warmer months. Truthfully, I would be inclined to keep this for the print/color alone, but I would love to hear your opinion. Keep or return?

Long-Sleeve Tunic Dress, original price $155.00 (on sale for $114.50), available here

I saw this dress in the last batch of new arrivals and instantly loved the color (also comes in black), how could I not with the name majesty purple? This particular dress doesn't have a defined shape like the dress I reviewed above, however the fact that it would work better with a belt and the button-up part at the top that allows some skin to show makes this number a bit more flattering. I tried this on in my normal alpha size (sames as above) and it fit well. If I sized down, there would be some serious button gaping going on, so I would stick to my regular size. The color is lovely, a rich grape purple shade (but like the crayon and not the juice, lol). The length works perfectly as a dress for me, but I suppose the taller ladies would find that this is more a tunic or mini-dress like it is on the model. I also want to note that the hemline is longer in the back, but it isn't as pronounced as it is shown on the website. I little disappointing for me, but not a big deal. This dress also has a neither here nor there kind of sleeve-length that I'm not crazy about, but this one works better at showing off the arm parties. Now this dress isn't lined and doesn't have pockets (serious sad face), but it has more potential. It would work so well with lots of other colors and it has a all-season quality. I'm certainly inclined to keep it, I can't resist the color, but I haven't made up my mind. I would still give it a thumbs up.

Any dresses at Madewell that you are eyeing? Are you going to take advantage of this latest promo?

Weigh in on the last two dress--should I keep or return?

Notes from the Dressing Room- J.Crew Quick Review

Are you guys all shopped out from the whirlwind holiday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that went around the past week? Share your goodies so that I can live vicariously through you!! I stayed clear away from the malls minus a trip to Target on Thanksgiving night and the few purchases I made were before Thanksgiving.

So today I wanted to share with you a very quick review of an item I tried on during my last visit to J.Crew. I saw this top online and was definitely intrigued, so I was quite happy to see it in the store.

Silk Boy Shirt in Windowpane, $135.00, available here

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double Serge Wool in Spicy Gold, on sale for $99.99, available here

I love a good windowpane design. Whether it is on a top, a pair of pants, a chic looking blazer, or a nice skirt, I find myself instantly intrigued. I think it's a timeless kind of print and a bit more refined than some of those color plaid prints. I love plaid, but windowpane has an element of simplicity that I like better. Anyway, this top is essentially like the Blythe blouse that comes in lots of delicious colors but in a very bright pink and black windowpane design. I'm not afraid of color, so I love how vibrant and bright the pink is in this top. It might be too much for some, but it is a very pretty color. However, pink and black together might create limited outfits. Of course this would work well with black pants/skirt, perhaps something in cream or gray, but other than that, I'm not sure. Any ideas?

I tried this on in my normal number size, but based on the Blythe I knew there would be gaping issues. Sure enough, those bust line buttons did not want to stay closed. The fit on the body was a bit loose, but not in a bad way (it skimmed the body, but there was a bit of room in the torso and arms). It didn't feel tight in the shoulders and I'm broad across the top, so that's always a plus with button-ups. The length was a tad bit long reaching my hip area, but it wasn't overwhelmingly so. I would say stick to your regular size unless you have a larger chest size. Overall, I really loved this top and would have gotten it if it wasn't so pricey. It's going on my wishlist.

If the color palette of the J.Crew shirt doesn't float your boat, there are definitely other options out there Here are a few:

Gap Slim Cropped Windowpane Pants, $49.95, available here

Absolutely perfect for a day at work. Slim leg line, a subtle print and completely versatile.

Oversized Grid Print Shirt, $19.80, available here

I actually own this top and really like it. The fit is loose and it's borderline cropped, but it still works without looking bad. If I was the type to buy multiples, I would get it in the cream/black version too.

CashTouch Windowpane Scarf, on sale for $9.99, available here

Would this not make a great Christmas gift?

Tibi Windowpane Silk Shift Dress, $450.00, preorder here

Oh, how I love a Tibi dress, including this one. I would totally be on board with getting this, but I think I can recreate it with the F21 top above.

Joie Elan Sequin Windowpane Blouse, on sale for $111.30, available here

How awesome would this be for a holiday party or out for New Years Eve? I love this top and think the sequins are done just right, plus the color is different.

Do you like windowpane, its cousin plaid or both?

OOTD-I'm Watching You

Happy Monday guys! For once, I'm going to be happy to see Monday because I am one step closer to stuffing myself silly with food in just a few days, lol. I can't wait!!

While heading out for the evening this weekend, I decided to show off my new jeans. They certainly are bright, aren't they? I tried them on ages ago at J.Crew and immediately wanted to take them home with me, just for the color alone, but that $125.00 had me cringing. I have a good selection of designer jeans in my closet, but I don't recall ever paying full price for the majority of them. I stalked these suckers like a hawk, but this color never went on sale...until two weeks ago. The crazy thing is I took them off my radar because I had lost hope on getting a good deal, plus I really don't need more jeans. But all bets were off when they came down in price; I made these babies mine in a hurry. I couldn't help it, bright colors make me happy. And happy I was prancing around in my bright new denim and high heels, that I only wore them because I would be sitting down. I'm such a high heel wimp. ;)

What's your denim purchase persona? Do you like to buy designer or the more budget friendly options? If you buy designer, do you generally pay full price?

Outfit Details:

Marled cardigan- J.Crew (similar here, here and here)

Abstract top- Forever 21 (similar here and here

Jeans- J.Crew "Toothpick" in neon violet (color available here on sale and similar here)

Black pumps- Yesstyle (similar here, here, real deal designer version here)

Black handbag- Foley + Corinna (same designer, almost the same style here and take an additional 20% off today with code MERRYDAY)

Black watch - Michael Kors (similar here, more budget friendly version here)

White bracelet- ILY Couture (available here)