J.Crew August 2012 and Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

In my last post, I shared my latest obsession with J.Crew's Cafe capri pants. Since I recently got three pairs, I didn't think I needed more, but I really liked the Cafe Capri in Kaleidoscope Dot.  The print is bold and fun, it fits true to size (possibly a bit bigger due to stretch).  (Update:  now at 30% on the website.  I gave in!)

Here it is in real life (with the painter boatneck tee):

J.Crew Painter Boatneck Tee
J.Crew  Cafe Capri in Kaleidoscope Dot
J.Crew Watson Wedges

The way I will style this (with items I already own):

J.Crew Cafe Capri by handbagaficionado

I tried on the Top in Colorblock Stripe in festival green, which is currently $128.  I like this top but think I will wait it out for a sale. (Update, now $99 and 30% on the website.):

J.Crew Colorblock Stripe

In real life:

J.Crew Top in Colorblock Stripe

How I would style it (when I cave in):

J.Crew Color Block top by handbagaficionado 

Speaking of sales and caving in, did you check out Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale?  I got the new Laura Mercier Signature Essentials Travel Set.  I love the colors.

Laura Mercier Signature Color Essential Collection

I was recently honored by Closet Crisis and Rose with the One Lovely Blog Award.  Thank you!  I am a huge fan of both of their blogs.  Check them out!

 
How was your week?

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?

Memorial Day Shopping

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  I had a great week. I went with three co-workers (and fabulous fashionistas) to J.Crew at Pacific Place in Seattle.  You get 20% when you spend $125 for shop and share.  It was fun.  Ask your local J.Crew about the discount if you are shopping with Friends and Family before to set up an appointment before you arrive in the store.  We all ended up buying a lot, because the store had 30% off clearance and we got the additional discounts!  I got the Long Perfect Shirt in Linen in Navy for $63.60 (regular $79.50).  I usually avoid linen because it’s such a pain and wrinkles but made an exception.  (Don't ask what I am doing in the last pic - I have no idea).  

Long Perfect Shirt in Linen, Navy $79.50

I also got the Forever Cardigan in White for $22.39.  I was thrilled, since I already have two that I love (one in pink and one in spearmint).  They were both on sale, and this one was $69 on the label.  I debated it since I got my other two previously for $39.99, and my co-worker told me it was a wardrobe staple and if I love it I will wear it.  I can’t argue with logical, smart women.  When I stepped up to the counter, I was prepared to only get the 20% off, so I was thrilled to get the 30% for final sale, then 20% discount!  Woo-hoo!

Here it is in real life.  My husband and I had date night at Luc in Seattle last night.  The sweater was perfect when it cooled down.  Forgive the pasty legs.  I need sunlight.

J.Crew Allure Shift Dress in Super 120's in Navy
J.Crew Forever Cardigan in White
J.Crew Necklace
Coach Clutch
Cole Haan Peep Toe Pumps

I also got the leopard printed flip flops for $5.59 and the Pretty Kitty Leopard Print Cashmere Blend Scarf.  One can never have enough leopard print, in my opinion.  If you are a fan of leopard, this is scarf is a must have.

Leopard Flip Flops

J.Crew Leopard Scarf

J.Crew Leopard iPhone Case

 I got some new items, the Grosgrain Cardigan with Sequins which I have not seen online or in the catalog.  I said I wasn’t going to buy more sequins, but this one was love at first sparkle.  This is so cute and I see so many possibilities.  It's cropped shorter and would be great over a tank dress.  The regular price is $62, but the $49.60 with the discount made $49.60.

I also got a Sheer Solid Cotton Scarf for $16.79 (in stores).   Afterwards, we had a great dinner at Mexico Cantina Y Cocina.  It was a fun evening.  In addition, I ordered some things online from J.Crew during the free shipping and 30% off final sale earlier this week.   I ordered the Daytripper pants in Cobblestone, another Stripe sunburst tank (this one in navy), and caved in and bought the Sun-drenched sweatshirt in abstract blue since it’s been sold out my local stores.

I also shopped on Sephora.com and Stila for some cute spring time sets and products:

Stila Garden Bliss (limited edition), Sephora, $25

Stila Berry Love Set, Stila Cosmetics, $40

Laura Mercier Cavier eyeliner - Midnight, Sephora $22

Stila Haute in Hamptons, $14

The sets are really cute but the Garden Bliss bag looks cheaper in real life.  I love the lip glaze color (guava).  The Laura Mercier liner is good and lasts throughout the day.

With work and all this shopping, I did find time for two date nights in two weeks.  My husband and I went to Red Fin, one of my favorite sushi restaurants in Seattle.  I was a little more casual for sushi.

J.Crew Buffalo Check Boy Shirt
Kut by the Kloth Jean Jacket at Nordstrom
J.Crew Dahlia Pencil Skirt
Cole Haan pumps 

This has been one of my favorite outfits.  I just switched the boots for pumps:

Dahlia Skirt by Handbag Aficionado featuring buckle belts

Red Fin Sushi

On Friday, I set up an appointment with Closets by Design.   I'm getting my walk-in closet customized to my chick cave (with 10% of my husband's stuff, of course)!  I'm so excited.  It will be a month from now for installation.   I'm going to purge and post some items from my closet soon.  Stay tuned.

I hope you are having a great holiday weekend!

Gray Skies, Sequins and Spring Fever

I'm so ready for Spring and vacation. How many until days?  11!  Who's counting?  The skies in Seattle in the winter are gray (which makes spring and summer beautiful), so that was my  inspiration for my outfit last week for my offsite. I love bold colors, but recently discovered I can wear grey after years of not wearing it.  It's bizarre, but I dig it now. J.Crew has some great colors like Heather Carbon that work for us jewel tone girls.

Here are some pics:

I started out with my J.Crew Muse tank, and my husband was lukewarm.  He liked the Shimmer Crinkle better,  so I switched:

Thursday Meeting by Handbag Aficionado 

I've also been all about sequins lately or some sort of sparkle or shimmer. Life's too short to fade in the background.  Not me, I'm a walking disco!  (Warning: you may need sunglasses to continue reading.)

Here's what I wore shopping:

I also got the  J.Crew Drapey Sequin Tank  this month and the Sequin Front Tank in Aqua from Nordstrom for $9.97.  I found one of the Barbie Stila Paint Cans at Nordstrom Rack.  It's so cute, so I couldn't pass it up. At Sephora, I got the Laura Mercier Flawless Lip Set, which I love.  I saw that MAC is coming out with the Wonder Woman Collection this week. So cute - I'm totally in.    I went back to the Bellevue Square again. My brows were a disaster, and Sophia at Anastasia at Nordstrom does the best job. I scheduled an appointment, since everyone else screws them up and gives me crazy arches or thins them out too much.

I also stopped at J.Crew.  Remember the striped J.Crew dress I blogged about last - 2 weeks ago?  It is on sale $30 cheaper in the store on final sale - REALLY?  I still have the tags on.  I was 10 days instead of the 7-day price adjustment, but they honored it.  Of course it helps if you buy more stuff.  I also may have blinded them with my Haya Sequin Sweatshirt.  I got 2 of the scoop neck painter tees in vivid violet and orange for $19.99 and the Nickley Bib Top.  This is $39 in the store, and $79 online. Wow!

I had a fun time, and heard from the sales rep that more Spring items will be in next week. I can't wait!


Have a great week!


Tammy

Holiday Shopping Adventures

I decided I couldn't resist some pre-game black Friday shopping with J.Crew's 25% off purchases of $150 or more. Seattle got hit with a big snowstorm, so I've worked from home for two days while Madison's been out of school. We both had cabin fever! My son Dylan is in from college for Thanksgiving break and we all went to

Bellevue Square. After going to Zumiez with Dylan and Justice for Girls with Madison to hit their holiday sales, and I went to J.Crew.

I tried on so many things in J.Crew that the Sales Associate (who seemed new, since I seemed to know more about what they had than she did) innocently asked "Wow, are you buying a new wardrobe?" I said,"No, adding to the existing one, since I can't pass up a good sale." I was too embarrassed to admit that I went through this ritual a month ago. :)

I ended up with the Infinity Cardigan in black, Muse Tank (both pictured), Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt in lilac (I love it - want another in another color), another Coralie Cami (in cream, I have one in Iris) and another pearl necklace that I don't need but had to have another (cream this time, I have windsor grey which I love) at J.Crew. It was funny, there was one Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt left in medium. I saw it and picked it up and there was a lady nearby headed in that direction. She asked me if I was going to try it on, I said yes, and she waited around while I tried it on, because if I didn't want it, she wanted it. (It was fabulous, too bad for her, but I wasn't letting go, even though she cased the dressing room). The Sales Associate offered to call the other stores but this lady seemed committed to what I had picked up. I was wearing my J.Crew sequin sweatshirt walking out of the dressing room, and the lady came back and asked the sales associate to find her the sweatshirt I was wearing. The sales associate had no idea what she was talking about, but I did, and showed her at the front of the store where they were. Why can't I commission as a helpful customer? :)

I also picked up some Stila products at Sephora. I tried on jeans and tops at Nordstrom, didn't see anything I loved (shocking, I know), so I will try the downtown store. I didn't see anything at Ann Taylor or Banana Republic that caught my eye, either.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my family on Thanksgiving, some more shopping on Black Friday. Amazon has some great deals online (my cart is waiting to be clicked!) and I got a $50 Groupon for Nordstrom Rack (for $25, couldn't pass it up). I saw some Cole Haan boots at the Rack on Sunday for a sweet deal. If they are still there, then it was meant to be. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Holiday Shopping Adventures, Part #1 by Handbag Aficionado featuring j crew tops

Women - merino - Long merino cardigan - J.Crew
$90 - jcrew.com
J crew tops »

Citizens of Humanity Kelly boot cut jeans
$170 - net-a-porter.com
Citizens of humanity jeans »

Cole Haan Air Talia Pump Dark Chocolate Suede - Zappos.com Free...
$198 - zappos.com
Cole haan pumps »

Sydney Metallic Leather Shoulder Flap
$798 - coach.com
Metallic handbags »

J. Crew Pearl cobblestone necklace - pearl
$98 - jcrew.com
Pearls jewelry »

Amazon.com: CHINA GLAZE `Tis the Season Holiday 2010 Collection Phat...
$3.28 - amazon.com

stila cosmetics -category: lips >> lip glaze & gloss
$25 - stilacosmetics.com

J.Crew - Search
$60 - jcrew.com

stila cosmetics - search: dramatic eye
$15 - stilacosmetics.com





PS.  Here it is on.  (PS- the shirt looks bunched and wrinkled the way I have my hands on my waist,  but you get the idea).  Tying it a bit more seems to work better, which i didn't do in my picture, but the J.Crew model did). 

J.Crew Infinity Cardigan
J.Crew Muse Tank
J.Crew Pearl Cobblestone Necklace