J.Crew Spring 2013 Purchases

I fell in love with the J.Crew Crystal Drops Necklace ($148.00, item #01661) when the

style guide with jewelry came out in April.  I usually go for brighter colors, but this is so beautiful and different.  When the 25% off the entire website promotion happened last week (30% for cardholders), I decided to get it at $118. (Oh J.Crew!  You know I can't resist a good sale.)

According to J.Crew, this necklace is described as “a '60s-inspired piece dripping with geometric glass gems and translucent faceted resin. The mix of powdery pale hues and pops of neon gives it a fresh feeling (and the interplay between the palettes makes the entire piece more vibrant).”

I love the way the necklace pops on white.  The colors are so pretty.  It also looks good with denim and chambray (makes the blue stones stand out).  I'd keep it simple to make the necklace pop, with a plain tee and denim jacket, simple neckline or chambray shirt.  

J.Crew Keeper Chambray Shirt
J.Crew Perfect Fit Scoop Neck Tee
J.Crew Pencil Shirt
Michele Diamond Deco Watch
Cole Haan Sandals

The length is 20 inches 4 inch extender chain for adjustable length.  I like this better than the bubble necklace length because you have more options to make  shorter it or drop it down depending on what you wear (so that it doesn't dip in the valley, if you know what I mean).

Here it is close up (the flash made the neon green stones look yellow, but they are more neon green):



I paired it with the J.Crew Collection featherweight cashmere cardigan item 23241 in neon lime (it was $188 now $168 on the website.  I got it in store for $49 after final sale and 30% cardholder discounts).  This is fun color and the lightweight material will be great for Spring/Summer months. 

 

Speaking of fun, I also bought the Darby Printed Loafers  in leopard white canvas ($168.00 item #42185).  I've also heard them referred to as "smoking slippers" which reminds me of something Snoop Dog or Hugh Hefner would wear!  They are super comfortable and true to size.   Here's what the J.Crew website says about them:

Our designer was inspired by a gentlemen's formal dress slipper when creating these sleek, wear-with-all ladylike slip-ons. Crafted in new must-have prints, they're the perfect way to add a little elegant edge to any ensemble.  Fit true to size; interior wedge adds a little height and comfort.  Cotton upper.  Leather lining and sole.  Made in Italy.



Darby Printed Loafers

Here's what I say:  I love, love, love my Darby loafers (and the whole look below from the J.Crew April Style Guide for that matter!).  This is an anomaly for me.  I rarely buy flats since My husband has aversion to women in flats (he sees it as sweatpants in public - like you've given up!) but these were too cute to pass up.  I want to copy the look with the model below:

 

Here they are in real life:

 

J.Crew 1035 jacket in superfine cotton
J.Crew Painter Boatneck Tee
Paige Jimmy Jimmy Skinny Jeans
J.Crew Bubble Necklace
J.Crew Golden Cabochon bracelet
Michele Diamond Deco Watch
J.Crew Printed Darby Loafers





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?

Stripes, Leopard, Sunshine,Yoga and Flowers

My recent J.Crew purchase was the Villa Dress in Stripe.  It was $88 in the store.  I didn’t get it thinking it would go on sale soon and that full price was crazy for this dress, then went home,saw it online for $68 with an additional 30% off (Really J.Crew?   Do you need such inconsistency from store to online pricing?) I gave in, and took advantage of that 30% sale online.

The fabric weight is a good, thick weight similar to the Maritime Dress, which I love.  The buttons on the back are a nice touch:

This is a nice, easy summer dress which you can also add a jean jacket, cardigan or blazer.  I wore it today to the market with sandals (the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day). I paired it below with my J.Crew Nolita Denim Jacket (last year) and rooftop red Valentina Pumps (I swear I own more shoes than these, but yes, I do really love them).   

Speaking of shoes, what do you think of the new J.Crew Printed Wedge Espadrilles?  I like the print, but think the price is too much for the style.

J.Crew Printed Wedge Espadrilles, $128

 Now look what I found at Nordstrom Rack for $17 on the clearance rack?

Mee Too Princess Espadrille, $17 at Nordstrom Rack

They are super cute, open toe with a bow, comfortable, and too cheap not to indulge.  The brand is Me Too, found in Nordstrom, Endless.com, Zappos, etc.  The print and fabric are similar to J.Crew's at a bargain.

Today was a nice day.  I went to Hot Yoga this morning (I've been doing it for the last month.).  I got to wear my new yoga Practice Freely Tank top from Lululemon, which was perfect for the hot room.  I love it.  Namaste!

Lululemon Practice Freely Tank

I visited Pike Place Market in Seattle today for the Flower Festival.  The flowers were beautiful.

Pike Place Market

How was your weekend?   Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms!

J.Crew 2012 May Roll Out and Reviews

I'm back.  Since I last blogged I had an amazing vacation (thank you Maui) then a busy month.  Here are some of my purchases:

Amie Maxi Dress

After I said Larry David!

I love the simplicity of the Amie Maxi Dress.   See on the beautiful model above, then me in real life at a restaurant (Lelaini's on the beach).  I had on my Ami Maxi Dress, sunglasses and J.Crew navy summer hat and had a Larry David Spotting (look over my shoulder).   I said (rather loudly, accidentally) "Larry David!"  My kids said "Who cares?  Is that a celebrity?" It could've been the mai tai's at Aloha Hour on the beach, but my husband and I are convinced.

Mai Tai, yummy. 

I think the Amie Maxi Dress is a head turner, regardless if you are a celebrity.

Okay, now back to reality.  Seattle had some pretty days that inspired my desire for Spring.  Then my J.Crew Personal Stylist, kept after me pushing my addiction, even after I said: "I spent too much on vacation!  Give me until May to even think about new clothes..." Then she sent me a link with the new May roll out. There I am, the j.crew junkie trying to withdrawal, going to the store, sucked in again...

So, here's the thing.  I had big aspirations.  I said "I will come in and peek.  Just let me get the clearance Valentina pumps and I will be on my merry way.  I'm trying to quit this month."

Then, I saw the pencil skirts. Wow.  I like.  Maybe just a little look, but none for me.  Well, I guess there could be worse things I could do.

A J.Crew bag full of lovely goodies later, here are some things I bought or tried:

J.Crew No.2 Raj Paisley Skirt

 The J.Crew No. 2 Raj Paisley Pencil Skirt Is it me, or does that skirt belong with my shoes?  I think so...

Next up, I'm the geek in the pink...and green...How about this skirt  - the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Garden Floral.  I love the fit (I sized down), the color options are incredible (I can wear orange, pink, navy, green, white, you name it). Seriously.  This skirt.  I didn't need it, but how could I live without it?

J.Crew Featherweight Cardigan in Warm Jade

I also love the Garden Floral print in the Ella Dress:

Beautiful!

I had to buy the featherweight cotton cardigan, in jade.  Beautiful color and perfect for summer.  It fits true to size.  I paired the skirt and cardigan with the Vintage Cotton Tank in the Neon Azalea color that is all over the store.  Then I ordered pink shoes that weren't in store but online.  Arriving in 3-6 business days.  So much for April restraint.

I also got the J.Crew Drea Pumps in Leopard Patent for 30% off of 99.99 in store.

How was your week?

J.Crew March 2012 Spring Review

I went a little crazy this week on the Spring rollout of the new March 2012 items.  I am so ready for Spring, it's ridiculous.   I went to two different J.Crew stores out of my enthusiasm for bright colors and sunny days in two days because I clearly have some issues with winter and gray Seattle skies.

I didn't expect to love the Long No. 2 pencil skirt in sovereign paisley especially at $148.  Shame on J.Crew for the price, but I am drawn this skirt and I sized down to 6.   It’s meant to be.

Here are some real life pics:

Here are the Cafe Capri pants in Sovereign Paisley in the same print.  They are super comfortable.  My husband and 12-year old daughter stood outside the dressing room waiting for me.  While my Personal Stylist cheered me on for my boldness with prints, my husband and daughter let out a collective gasp and looked confused.  Then my husband cringed and said "You will wear those once, maybe twice, then they will hang in the closet." Okay.  Fair enough.  Next, please.

I indulged my inner rocker chic and bought another leopard pencil skirt. The No.2 Pencil Skirt in Abstract Leopard fits like the paisley skirt (I got a 6).  This doesn't look great on the hanger, but I see so many options in real life.

Real life pics:

J.Crew Jean Jacket
J.Crew Vintage V-neck Tee
J.Crew Abstract Leopard No.2 pencil skirt
J.Crew Palma Leather Platform Wedges

Here  are the Cafe Capri pants in Abstract Leopard,which are super comfortable, but feel a little late 80's Vince Neil or David Lee Roth.   I kind of dig them but they frighten me.   Thoughts?  Are these a midlife crisis in my pants or fun and playful?

(Update: I caved and got the pants on sale for $79).  Here is another pic - forgive the dog's toys in the background:)

Nordstrom Halogen Cardigan
J.Crew Ribboned Tank
J.Crew Abstract Leopard Cafe Capri pants
J.Crew Watson Wedges
Coach Alexandra Handbag
DNKY Ceramic Watch
Madewell Necklace

I tried on the Fabiola Dress in the same print which fit everywhere but the chest was tight and pushed the girls up to the sky!  I only posted this one since the other pic was close to a wardrobe malfunction.  Hello, kitty!  I think not.  My husband would probably dig it, but it's a bit too much for me.

Speaking of wild inner rocker chick nostalgia, did you see this tank?  I like the print, it's true to size but it's too low cut for work.  I love the Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan.

How about this Cotton Cardigan in Overbloom Floral at $88 (so cute in real life)?  Please go on sale and wait for me, cutie!

The dotted skirt  (in store) is cute for Spring.   I didn't get it, and thought I should quit while I am ahead and get this on sale (and my hubby was ready to go at this point):

I did give in and buy the dotted scarf (will match my other pencil skirt):

I love the No. 2 pencil skirt in ultra eyelet in chili (for next time or online):

The shoes I love now (seen above):

Valentina Pumps in Roof top Red, $228

Here they are in real life:

I love, love love these cuties.   These are comfy (believe it or not) and chunky wedges (love!):

Palma Leather Platform Wedges, $178

I do love the reds, purples and bright blues.  It's still colder and rainy in Seattle, but I am trying my best to channel Spring.  This is what I wore to work on Friday:

J.Crew Factory Necklace
J.Crew Contrast Stripe Tee
J.Crew no.2 Pencil Skirt
Born Bitty Boots

How was your week?