Notes from the Dressing Room-Color and Pattern Play at J. Crew

When J. Crew new arrivals call, I am there!! It's like a signal that new goodies for ready for my closet. When the new arrivals popped up on the website last week, I was tempted to run and check out what I could in person but mall time has been scarce lately. I did the next best thing and ordered a few of my favorites or what's on my needs list. Here is a small review of some newbies (and excuse the crazy hair):

Popover Tunic in Sovereign Paisley in Violet, $198, available here

Scout Chino in Mint, $69.50, available here

I have a thing for J. Crew's paisley print items, so when I saw this top I really liked it. Plus, purple is one of my color weaknesses. This little silk number had potential, I really like the pops of bright color running through the pattern that kind of looks like it could be two dragons or something. Despite my love for the color and pattern, the price and fabric just doesn't seem to match up. This is a very thin silk that didn't feel like it was of the highest quality. If I'm going to spend $200 on a silk top, I want it to feel it is worth that or more, this just didn't. Although it's described as a tunic, it wasn't especially long. It could be tucked in and look fine or worn out like it was meant to. I tried this on in my regular size and it fit well, there was just some slight button gaping for me, but nothing a little double-sided tape couldn't handle.

I'm all about the color mint these days, so when I saw these pants, I thought they would be perfect for work and the spring weather. Umm, not so much. The loose, straight leg line combined with the capri length just did not look very flattering. If it was a skinnier leg and/or a few inches longer in length, it might have worked. On the plus size, the cotton fabric is soft and the color is really pretty in person; like a stick of spearmint gum. I'm sure there's someone else who could totally rock these pants, just not me. :(  Fit is tts.

Raindrop Lace Top in Apricot Mist and Neon Azalea, $110, available here

Polka-Dot Short, $59.50, available here

I immediately fell in love with this top online and the only problem I had was figuring out which of the three colors to order. So I decided to pick two and keep my favorite. But my dilemma is that I like them both and still can't pick a favorite. I love the lacy sleeves and the great texture of this top. It has a key button hole in the back for an extra feminine touch. The scalloped edge is adorable. There is a cotton lining underneath the lace overlay. This is by far my top pick out of what I ordered and all the new arrivals. Now if I'm going to list any negatives, it would be that it is pricey. This is pretty much a cotton top that is on par with a tee. I'm a bargain hunter at heart, but sometimes I'll spend a few extra bucks for something that is unique or has fun detailing. This fits the bill for me and hey, if it ends up on sale after some time, I'll be able to get another color!! I sized up in this to accommodate my bust, but I would say it fits about tts.

Who wears short shorts?? Apparently, I do. I love polka dots, but I love polka dots even more when they are on bottoms. Skirts, pants, these shoes, I would wear them all. Therefore, I had to buy these, right? Now, I'll admit that I'm not one for exposing my legs. It's a body issue stemming from childhood/teenage-dom (isn't it crazy how long we can carry those issue around?). But when it is ridiculously hot in the summer, the less clothes the better to the point that you aren't at risk of getting arrested. What better way to keep "cool" when it gets warmer than with a cute pair of shorts. I think these are adorable. The cotton feels similar in texture to a chambray shirt and the fit is tts. These are a keeper.

So what new arrivals did you like?

What color of the Raindrop top should I keep?

OOTD- You're Hot Then You're Cold

September hit and the weather 'round these parts turned on a dime. It was one of those drizzly, perfect to stay in bed kind of days, but it made me excited to feel the coolness in the air because it means I can break out some real blazers. A definite change from the hot and humid weekend when these pictures were taken. These pretty, purple shorts decided to come out for a last hurrah along with my sandals. However, I'm determined to keep this blazer going a little longer and have been brainstorming ways to make that happen. I think a sweater combo is in its future.

Do you find it easy or difficult to extend the wear of summer items into fall/winter? What's the secret?

Outfit Details:

White tank- H&M

Purple shorts and tie belt- J. Crew (shorts on sale here) Use code LOVEIT for 30% off sale items

Tweed blazer- Banana Republic

Sandals- Loeffler Randall Lila (limited sizes on sale here)

Timex leopard belt- Nordstrom (available here)

Quick Review- J. Crew Hacking Jacket

When J. Crew fall arrivals became available, I couldn't be happier about the wonderful selection of blazers. The Hacking jacket was definitely one that was tops of my list for the color selection and a chic and timeless shape.

I was biting my nails trying to figure out which one to pick and finally decided on this one:

And the winner is midnight ocean!!! And it finally came in the mail.

After getting measurements with an online specialist, I decided to order my regular size. It fits great. It doesn't feel tight in the shoulders, I can button it up with no issue, I did an arm raise test and it passed. This jacket gets a thumbs up in fit and in the gorgeous shade of blue. It also has cute leather buttons. Compared to the wool of the Schoolboy blazer (which I found to be really thin), this feels like a real wool blazer (it has a nice mid-weight, substantial feel to it). The only issue I had was the fact that the sleeves felt itchy which I found weird considering that the sleeves are lined. If you have sensitive skin this might be a nuisance, but it's not enough to take this baby back. I love my new blazer and wish I could get it in all the other colors!!

P.S. The color looks slightly pale blue in my pictures, but the real color is somewhere in between the lightness of my pictures and the darker hue of the stock photo.

Are you a fan of the Hacking jacket??

Snack Break: Should Be Working, Rather Be Shopping

It's Monday and I'd rather be on vacation. Since I'm not, let's go pretend shopping instead. Here are a few things that are tickling my fancy:

Rachel Zoe Asymmetrical Button Tie Waist Coat, $575, available here

Rachel Zoe has come out with a new collection and I am smitten. I saw a picture of this coat somewhere and absolutely loved it. The contrast of the black buttons and tie belt is perfect with the color of the coat. If I had $600 to spend on a coat, I would be all on this; even if I would probably not wear it often for fear of getting it dirty.

Rebecca Minkoff Covet Satchel in Cheetah, $495.00, available here

All I can think about is a leopard or cheetah print bag for fall. You all know I love myself some Rebecca Minkoff, so this would certainly go on my list.

Rachel Rachel Roy Pleated Aladdin Belt It! Dress, $149, available here

Another Rachel I heart is Rachel Roy. I saw this dress and immediately added to my cart. I love the color, the asymmetrical hemline, the way she put the bow on it to keep if from being a totally sack. My only issue would be that I can't really wear it with a blazer or cardigan when it gets colder because that would totally hide it's wonderful features.

Oh, Lola!, $48, available here

All you have to say is Marc Jacobs and I'm all on it. I've loved several of his perfume scents since he came on the make you smell good scene. Essence will always be my favorite of his, but the new version of Lola is wonderful and needs to take up residence on my dresser.

Kelly Wearstler Perforated Cuff, $225, available here

Kelly of the oh so colorful and glamorous interior design fame has a jewelry collection now. There are such interesting pieces and I think I likey very much!!

J. Crew Tweed Vintage Jacket in Mustard, $198, available here

Tweed!!! Oh, how I love you!!! It was destined that I would fall in love with this jacket, for sure.

West Elm Organic Bird Collage Duvet Cover and Shams, available here

I'm in a serious redecorating/reorganizing mood and new sheets are in order. I think this would make the bed look a little bit more fun, but not in a juvenile way.

Charlotte Olympia Tessa, way to much $$$, available here

Something to make me at least 4 inches taller than I am... yes, please!!! This is my color for fall. I want everything in a nice dark red/burgundy shade.



What do you have your eye right now???

Notes From the Dressing Room- Fall Time at J. Crew

I was very excited to view J. Crew's new fall arrivals online and in the catalog. So much color and texture had me wanting this wave of hot weather to end, so I can put on a blazer. Here are a few new arrival reviews from a much anticipated visit to the store.

Jardin skirt in Rich Purple, $88, available here

Schoolboy blazer in Pearl Grey, $188, available here

Let's start at the bottom. I zeroed in on this color while I was walking through the store. It is a gorgeous shade of purple!! The fabric gives it a nice, floaty feel, especially with a few layers to it. I didn't feel like the poofy-ness made it look extra big on the body. With all of those plusses, this just wasn't a hit. It's at the "trendy" midi-length and I think this would have looked better if it was either shorter or longer. Fit is tts.

There have been complaints from the J. Crew fans out there that the Schoolboy blazer just isn't up to par with its previous year's versions. I've never purchased a J. Crew blazer before, but I have to add to the chorus that this blazer just wasn't all that fabulous. I was really disappointed too since it looked so great styled in the catalog. Sizing was limited in the store, so I tried on a size up from what I normally wear. It fit pretty well on me minus the shoulders and sleeves being a bit big. My main source of dissatisfaction came from how thin the wool felt. The thinness might not be bad if you plan to layer it with sweaters or turtlenecks, but it translated into a poor overall look. I don't think it is normal to find such wrinkling in a good wool garment, especially a blazer. I definitely don't feel that the almost $200 price tag is warranted. Let's hope the other blazers are better because I have a Hacking jacket coming soon (fingers crossed).

Chambray Tuxedo Tunic in Rich Purple, $69.50, available here

New Cafe Capri in Wool in Camel, $118, available here

With so many wonderful colors available, I had to try on the wool cafe capri pants. I've been on the lookout for a nice pair of khaki pants for the upcoming season. This pair will not be it. I've read a few reviews that stated these pants were itchy and that they were. They were also a pretty thin wool, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, but given how wrinkled they were on the hanger, it doesn't bode well for the fit and feel of these pants. I tried on a size smaller than normal and the fit was just a tiny bit snug, so I would say this is tts.

I'm normally not one for tunics, but this one was such a soft, pretty shade of purple. I thought this was a nice piece and would look lovely styled the right way (and probably with a belt). Fit is true to size, but you should probably base that on your bust size.

Ruthie Shirtdress in Gatsby Green, $118, available here

Hmm, what to say about this dress. It has a good shape to it, but in my regular size, this dress was a really snug fit and the bust part just wasn't working. It's a good olive tone, not too light or dark; I just didn't think it worked for me. It might be good to size up in this one.

Elodie Sleeveless Blouse in Navy, $88, available here

Toothpick Cord in Snowy Thistle, $89.50, available here

This top is pretty cute and looks like the Blythe blouse without sleeves. One interesting thing is that this top is described as silk, but it has a suede-like feel. I'm used to the silkiness of silk, but the texture of this blouse is interesting (and not necessarily in a bad way). I sized down in this top and you can see that it is pulling a bit across the front. I would say go with your normal size, but note that the actual body part might be looser.

I'm all about lavender at the moment, so when I saw this pair of pants in the catalog, I knew I had to try them out. Although they are a light pair of cords, the color would lend itself well to some of the more darker fall colors. I could easily pair this with navy, green, or brown. I tried this on in what I think is my normal pant size, they fit fine, but I have a feeling that it could possibly stretch out with wear.

Minnie Pant in Stretch Twill in Vibrant Flame, $79.50, available here

I have to confess that I just couldn't get on board with the Minnie pant, but this color I couldn't resist. I know this extremely bright color may not work for everyone, but I personally love it. The fiance thinks that this color would be too bright for the fall/winter, but I think this would make a wonderful bright accent on those dreary days. The fit is tts, although I also think this will definitely stretch out with wear. Unfortunately, there were only two left in the store and they didn't have the size down for me to try on.  I also have a big issue with the length. I felt as if this looked like my pants are too short rather than like an actual pair of capri pants, if that makes sense. Shorter ladies can certainly get away with them looking like pants and it would probably hit a better spot on the leg for the tall gals.

Although this was one of the few items I did like, this stayed in the store. I'm still not 100% convinced the Minnie is for me, so I'm thinking about whether I should get something else in the vibrant flame color.

Pipe Dream Hoodie in Bright Persimmon, $78, available here

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Gilded Tweed Mini, $128, available here in full pencil skirt length (mini version Style #50648)

Close-up of pattern/texture

This hoodie is soft and comfy, but also thin and loose in the arms, almost like a dolman sleeve. I think the orange color is great. Fit is larger than normal, so I would suggest you size down. Although I liked this one, I'm a little hesitant to spend so much on a thin hoodie. I would definitely be concerned about the wear and tear of washing for this type of material.

Tweed is one of my favorite fabrics, so I had to try on this skirt. I love the texture and the colors in the skirt. The fit is tts and I think it is a great skirt. However, this is not the thickest of tweed and so the price gives me pause for paying full price.

Although there was some good pieces with this rollout, I didn't buy any clothing items. However, a new Crystal Venus flytrap necklace is all mine. This does make me excited to see what comes out next. Oh, the color combinations I will be able to create!!

Are you excited for the new J. Crew fall items? What's on your list of faves?

OOTD- Mom, Can I Borrow Your Shorts?

Don't you love the fancy background!!?

I did not borrow these from my momma, but bermuda shorts usually have that mom-wear vibe. I find them to be a bit challenging, but I just couldn't resist this gorgeous shade of purple. So instead of pairing them with a something simple that could work for the playground or PTA, I decided my ridiculously bright yellow blouse would keep this outfit from being a snooze-fest.

Do you fashionable ladies have any suggestions on making such a conservative piece a bit more fun?

I'm thinking a good hem roll would be a start like they were styled in the catalog.

(source)

P.S. This post is not a dig on moms or their wardrobe, but you know comfort is key when dealing with kids and that usually means simple, no-fuss, easy pieces. There are tons of fashionable moms out there!

Outfit Details:

Yellow draped blouse- Zara (old) (pretty yellow blouse here, similar vibe here in one-shoulder)

Purple bermuda shorts and belt- J. Crew (shorts on sale here)

Brown wedges- Dolce Vita for Target (available here)

Cat-eye sunglasses- Forever 21

Handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAC (similar vibe here)

OOTD- I've Got My Cat Eye On You

You guys have one more full day to enter my giveaway, if you haven't already. Details here!!

You guys should alert the authorities, a snake escaped the Bronx Zoo and followed me home from New York!!! I love this new piece because I can wear it as a bracelet, but I chose to wear it as a necklace on this particular day.

I got a little bit of blogger envy last week after seeing a few wear this J. Crew skirt (in the loveliest of bright orange), so I took mine out of hiding. I used to be such a black clothing lover when I was younger, but now I can't resist the rainbow, especially blue. And since my natural inclination would be to wear it with a light color on top, I decided to go a little monochrome with another shade of blue. And then I added what felt like one too many other colors.

Do you ever get the feeling that your outfit might need toning down? Or do you have the opposite feeling of needing some oomph?

Outfit Details:

Blue silk top- Rory Beca

Blue linen skirt- J. Crew (available here)

Pink studded belt- Matthew Williamson for H&M

Gray suede heels- Yesstyle.com

Lilac studded bag- Spotted Moth (available here)

Snake necklace- Random NYC boutique (similar available here)

Gold mesh bracelet and cat eye sunglasses- Forever 21 (sunglasses available here, bracelet available here)

OOTD- Peacock Strut

Pretend that this skirt was wrinkle-free!!

With a bright, sunny week ahead, I decided to stave off a case of the Mondays with some color. I think it worked because I had a skip in my step and had no urges to go at a bat with my computer or come up with schemes to take money from the company. No Office Space moments for me!!

Do you have things in your wardrobe that make you feel happier?

Outfit Details:

Flower cardigan- Marc by Marc Jacobs

Purple tee and blue pencil skirt- J. Crew (skirt available here)

Patent leopard belt- J. Crew outlet (similar here)

Tan platforms- Miu Miu