J.Crew Stripes, Dots, Naomi, Bubble Necklace and Other Multiple Purchases

I am a multiple buyer.  It's a bad habit.  If I like something, I buy another (or two, or sometimes three) in another color,then it's overload.   I couldn't pass up the J.Crew ribbon-stripe boatneck tee after this beautiful pic in the July Style Guide although  I already had the one with the bright orange and blue (which I love).

J.Crew July Style Guide

Here is on me in real life, super casual:

J.Crew Factory Resin Droplet Necklace
J.Crew Ribbon-stripe boatneck tee
J.Crew Canteen Pants
J.Crew Golden Cabochon Bracelet
DKNY Ceramic Watch
Cole Haan Air Catalina Sandals

I got the J.Crew Factory Resin Droplet Necklace (mini bubble necklace) at 30% last week.  It's more every day wearable - and cheaper - than a bubble necklace (except of course, I got the citrus lime color.  My husband doesn't get this at all.)

Speaking of multiples, I just ordered an ebay version of the pink and the white like the one that was featured in the July Style Guide (cross your fingers, I am a little nervous, but the seller got good feedback, so I will let you know):

Here it is below it pink (ebay $18.99 - the bottom beads are a bit darker but who cares, the price is great):

I wanted the pink one after I saw this J.Crew pic, but didn't want to pay the $150.

I'll post some with the white one when it arrives.

I also bought the Naomi top on sale in hot pink (I LOVE everything about the look featured below - the hat, bracelets, perfection!).  I reviewed this in the polka dot version:

in Modern Red

Naomi Top in Neon Pink

I also got the painter boatneck tee in navy (fits true to size with gold snaps on the boatneck, which gives it some interesting detail) and Cafe Capri in Pop Art Polka dot (also fits true to size with a bit of stretch).  The pants are fun and will look great with a solid color of navy, pink, red, yellow, green.  They are also on sale this week for $99, so I gave in.  As I posted here and here, I've been on a bit of a crazy cafe capri kick (again back to multiple purchasing!)

J.Crew Painter Boatneck Tee
J.Crew Cafe Capri in Pop Art Polka Dot
DKNY Ceramic Watch
Tory Burch Robinson Demi Wedge Sandals

I must have been inspired by dots.  My daughter turned 13 yesterday, and we redid her room from Pottery Barn Kids Surf to PB Teen Dots (she loved this below in the catalog).  

How was your week?

J.Crew 30% off Summer Sale

Even after all of my unbirthday shopping in June, I couldn't resist the 30% off sale at J.Crew.  I got the Plaid Boucle Tweed Jacket, which was $268, for $87.99 in store.  Wow!  I love the way it was styled in the June Style Guide:

Oh, J.Crew!  Love everything about this look

Here it is on me in real life...

J.Crew Plaid Bouncle Tweed Jacket
J.Crew Tiered Dot Tank
DKNY White and Gold Ceramic Watch
Citizens of Humanity Cropped Dylan Jeans
J.Crew Mona Shoes in Poppy

Love the neon pink accents! 

It's more fitted, so if you are busty or beyond a B cup, you will probably either need to size up or not zip it.  I don't plan on zipping it up, so I am fine.  The next size was too baggy under arms and the sleeves were longer.

I also love this picture featuring the white Tiered Dot Tank from the June Style Guide.  I was so excited when I saw it on sale in the store for $27.99.  This fits true to size.

Love this look...

I got the Cafe Capri in Safari Cat for the killer price of 24.99 after the in store 30% off  discount. They are thicker linen material, true to size fit maybe a bit bigger. For this look, I added something old and something new.  I haven't wore my ruffle tank for a while, but threw it on for a warm summer day and bright shoes.  Simple for a sunny day.

Madewell Secret Shapes Necklace
DKNY White Ceramic and Gold Watch
J.Crew Sequin Tiered Ruffle Tank (old)
J.Crew Cafe Capri in Safari Cat
Tory Burch Robinson Demi-Wedge Sandals

Speaking of J.Crew Cafe Capri,  I've been on a kick lately.   I was afraid to try them at first out of fear of looking ridiculous, then I caved in when I got the abstract leopard pair I reviewed in March.  I'm sure I didn't need another leopard pair, but this is a different print, linen, and at the sale price of $20.99 after the discount, why not?  Besides, I have so many J.Crew pencil skirts, so this is a nice switch.  In addition to the Cafe Capri's in Safari Cat and I got the warm jade and bright dahlia, as seen below:

I will post pictures later of different styles.

In the store, I found the Shoreline-stripe dress in Kelly Green below for $27.99 after the 30% off in store?  It's still full price online ($69.50).  Seriously, the price differences between online and in store drive me nuts.

This will be great for summer days.  You can also add a cardigan, blazer or jean jacket for evenings or cooler days.  I paired it with the white Nolita Denim Jacket (from two years ago) below:

J.Crew Shoreline-stripe dress in Kelly Green
J.Crew White Nolita Denim Jacket (older)
J.Crew Golden Cabochon Bracelet in Navy
J.Crew Farmer's Market Tote
Cole Haan Air Catalina Sandal

How was your week?  Did you give into to the 30% off sale?

Birthday Shopping at Tory Burch, J.Crew, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus

This week was my unbirthday, which I celebrate the event but not the actual age.   Of course, this is when I reflect.  What is the rule for fashion for women my age?  What age is too old to wear what?  After 40, I started having more fun with clothes.  Is this a mid-life crisis I am having with my closet?  Am I too old for colored capri pants, prints, etc.  Is there a rule?  Jennifer Aniston is my age and she rocks a mini dress because she can.  Should she get a high five and “you go girl” for pulling it off or should she stop and dress more mature?  As I was left pondering the meaning of age, life and fashion, I decided to throw my rule book out and have some fun going shopping.  I took the day off on my unbirthday and went to the Bravern and Bellevue Square to shop.  I also decided not to worry about it, celebrate life and ate chocolate and drank wine at Wild Ginger.   Here I  am celebrating with a delicious and naughty chocolate desert:

 

J.Crew Nolita Denim Jacket
J.Crew Blouson Dress in Polka Dot
OPI Nail Polish in Pompeii Purple

I  did a lot of shopping, and when I say a lot, I mean a lot, even for me:

Lots of goodies!

J.Crew Nolita Denim Jacket
J.Crew Blouson Dress in Polka Dot
J.Crew Watson Wedge shoes

Neiman Marcus was having a gift with purchase.  The gift bag is cute, and I like the samples.  I opted for the orange bag.  (I bet you guessed pink!  I can’t believe I didn’t pick pink.  I think I was trying to be bold and daring).  I got a bottle of Michael Kors perfume and La Mer eye cream (back to that aging thing).  I also had a makeover at Yves Saint Laurent and bought this glossy stain lip color in encre rose, perfect for summer and super long lasting (stays on for hours, seriously):

YSL Glossy Stain in Encre Rose

I went to Tory Burch and Nordstrom and went crazy on shoe shopping.  I'm more of a handbag girl (hence the name), but I've been on a shoe kick lately.

Shoes!

At Tory Burch I  got the Robinson Demi-Wedge Sandal.  I love these and the blood orange color is beautiful for summer and they are comfortable.

Tory Burch Robinson Demi-Wedge Sandal

I also got the Tory Burch Leather Amanda High Peep Toe Wedge, which are cushioned, comfortable and cute on.

Tory Burch Leather Amanda High Peep Toe Wedge

I got the Tory Burch Miller 2 Logo Thong Sandals in Royal Tan.   They are comfy and will go with a lot of things for summer.  I'm  still debating if I should keep these since I got so many others.

Tory Burch Miller 2 Thongs

At Nordstrom the Half Yearly Sale, I got a pair of Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan'Air Catalina' Sandal on sale for $99.  These are so cute and comfortable.  They have the concealed Nike Air Technology.  They are sparkly and even met my 12 year old daughter’s seal of approval.

Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan Air Catalina Sandal

I went to J.Crew and took advantage of the sales. I got the Vintage cottoncap-sleeve tee in stripe with neon pink stripes (item 80405) $34.50, in store sale of $19.99.   This is a basic tee shirt, true to size.

J.Crew Vintage cotton-cap sleeve tee

I got the Candy-stripe Jute Clutch.  This bag is so cute for summer (goes with brights) It makes me smile.  It’s on sale in stores at $49.99.  Grab one of these, since it’s a cute bag for summer that you can keep year of year.

J.Crew Candy Stripe Jute Clutch

I got the Summerlight terry pullover ($59.50 item 82341, on sale in store for $39.99) in café mint.  It super soft and comfy, fits true to size and is bright neon green which is fun for summer.  I love the neons.  Makes me think of the 80's.

J.Crew Summerlight Terry Pullover

I love the way it is styled in the June Style Guide:

I got the Villa Dress in green on sale for $49.99.  I reviewed the stripe dress.  I love this green shade.  So bright and cheerful.

J.Crew Villa Dress

I also got the Navy Golden Cabochon Bracelet in the store for the online sale price of $49.99.  It's beautiful in real life.  I've had several compliments on it already.

Here I am in my new things pulled together:

J.Crew Nolita Denim Jacket
J.Crew Villa Dress in Emerald
J.Crew Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace
J.Crew Navy Golden Cobochon Bracelet
J.Crew Candy-Stripe Jute Clutch
DKNY Ceramic Watch
Cole Haan Catalina shoes

 In addition to all of this fun stuff, I got some beautiful earrings from my husband.  (I lost one of my diamond studs the day of my mother’s funeral in December.  Since then, I’ve been wearing costume and pearls). 

My husband said "After all of this, you won't need to shop for a couple of weeks, right?" Phew!  I am exhausted after all of this shopping, but excited about my new things.

 How was your week?

Holiday Shopping: Leopard, Tortoise and Wildcat Spots

Happy Holidays!    Thanksgiving was a nice day to spend with family.  

I didn't venture out into the stores early morning on Black Friday (I don't like getting out in that mess.  I did shop online on Amazon.com).  I did some pre-holiday shopping online and in the store with J.Crew.  In the store, I got the Savannah wildcat print Airy Wool Scarf 25% off.  This scarf is gorgeous!  It’s a nice, lightweight wool material.  The print is beautiful.  I wore it to work and after to dinner had so many compliments.  This is now my favorite scarf with so many options to dress up or down.   This piece has wardrobe versatility. I love it!

Here it is in real life:

J.Crew Airy Wool Scarf in Savannah Wildcat

I also got the J.Crew Mona Tortoise Pumps online with the 30% off promo last week.  These are beautiful and chic.  I don’t know that I would agree with J.Crew’s description that they “incredibly comfortable” (seems like an overstatement in comparison to some others brands like Cole Haan or Stuart Weizman for around the same price, but they are nicely padded).  They are made beautifully but sized more narrow than the other Mona pumps.  I think I would need a half size up, which sadly isn't available on the website.  I will try for the store today.  Wish me luck.   

I got the J.Crew Newsstand tote in leopard suede on sale.  It's a very nice print, with brass finish hardware and cotton twill lining.  It's beautiful, versatile, eye catching, and a great bag for around town, shopping, work, etc. I wish it zipped on top since it would be a great laptop or travel bag.  This tote is huge in real life.  I love it though.  I have so many leopard bags now but this is fun.   

J.Crew Leopard Newstand Tote

How was your Thanksgiving?  Did you find any good deals on Black Friday?  

J.Crew Fall 2011 Collection Preview and Summer Sales

I was excited to see all of the new leopard items on J.Crew's website.  I received an email from my personal stylist at Pacific Place J.Crew regarding the new Fall Collection.

I got the Leopard Print No. 2 Pencil Skirt. The print is really nice.  It's more subtle and isn't as bright.  This is a bit longer than the regular J.Crew pencil skirts and a little more fitted at hips but the same in the waist.  It’s cotton and unlined.  I was worried about that but happy to report that after a full day of work, then dinner and shopping, it still kept it’s shape.

J.Crew black pullover (in store item)
J.Crew Leopard Print no.2 Pencil Skirt
J.Crew Mona Pumps

I got the skirt and wore it to work on Friday, paired with a basic black tee and denim jacket.  I see a lot of possibilities in this skirt to dress up or down.

J.Crew Nolita Jacket
J.Crew crewneck tee
Pencil Skirt
Cole Haan Air Carma pumps

I also tried the Leopard Tippi Sweater.  

I was so excited about this sweater when I saw it online in the picture above and wanted to love it.  I have and adore several leopard J.Crew cardigans so I liked the idea of a sweater in leopard print.  In real life, I hated it.  The wool was so itchy that I couldn’t stand it on.  Perhaps with a button down underneath it would be okay, but the cut is more fitted.  Too much hassle.  I love all things leopard, but this print looked a bit too Cougar for me.  I’ll pass.   I tried it with the no. 2 pencil skirt in double serge wool.  I didn't love that either, sadly, because the wool was itchy.

J.Crew Leopard Tippi Sweater
J.Crew no. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool
J.Crew Mona Leather pumps

I tried the Leopard Perfect Shirt. 

J.Crew Leopard Perfect Shirt
Joe's Jeans
J.Crew Watson Wedges

It’s cotton without the stretch that some of the other button down shirts have, which is disappointing for the price (the stretch would've actually made it a "perfect shirt"). However, I really like the print and think it will be cute under a black sweater, cardigan or blazer.   I didn't get it, but I still thinking about it.

The new fall shoes were in.  I loved the Mona leather pumps in brick red which looks more orange in real life.  At $198, I will wait for a sale or rewards, but want to get them.

I tried on the Watson Wedges, loving them, but I passed thinking they were full price.  I hesitated because I didn’t think $198 made sense for shoes that were more summery versus fall.  Then I went home and saw that they were on final sale online!  The store has 40% off final sale, so they ended up at $83.99.  I went back the next day, dressed in my leopard pencil skirt and all the stuff I bought the day before that was new.  They looked at me like I was insane or must have had a return.  I had to have the shoes.  It was meant to be.  

J.Crew Watson Wedges in black
J.Crew Leopard no.2 pencil skirt

I also ended up with the Watercolor Floral Scarf.  I’m all about it.  This scarf is gorgeous.  It's hard to see the green in my camera phone photos, but it's beautiful.

I also scored some 40% final sale items.  I’m going on vacation next month to Maui and took advantage of some of the summer sales.  I got the Jetty Dress for $17.99 after discounts.  

The color is Indigo Tile and very pretty.

J.Crew Jetty Dress
Tory Burch sandals

I got the beautiful Silk Casbah top for $48 after discounts.

I also got a pair of skinny wedge flip flops in Bright Dahlia for $7.99.  The flip flops are cheaper, but for the price and color (which matches my boatneck painter tee, sun-drenched sweatshirt and skirt).

Today is the last day of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale.  I ended up with the Laura Mercier Everyday Classic Colour Collection.  This kit is $75 but worth the splurge (it’s valued at $218 with the full sized items and brush).  I love the colors and the brush. The collection features four Well Eye Color Palette (Buff, Guava, Sable, Black Smoke), Full Size Cheek color in Plum Radiance, Full Sized Lip Glace in Raspberry (exclusive shade), Full Size Mascara, Mini Foundation Primer, Cheek Color Brush and a Double Ended Ponytail/smudge brush.

Laura Mercier Everyday Classic Colour Collection 

There were plenty of leopard shoe sightings there.  I saw some cute ones, but didn't buy any.

I love all the fall items, but I am not in a hurry for summer to end.  It's my favorite time of year.  How was your week?