Maui, Steven Tyler, Louis Vuitton's Alma and J.Crew's Panama Hat

We went to Maui for a family vacation before the start of school and returned on Labor Day.  It was awesome.  We spent part of the time in Wailea, then the other part in Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina.  I mostly sat on the beach or at the pool, but I did go to the Shops at Wailea to mostly window shop.  I went to Louis Vuitton and saw this beautiful Alma bag in Green for fall (they also have purple, red, blue, black - all gorgeous).  I want this bag.

Louis Vuitton Alma - my dream bag

Speaking of Louis and travel, they have a great online guide on The Art of Packing that I would highly recommend if you travel.  Very helpful!

I wore my J.Crew Panama Hat which I love. I pretty much wore it every other day  (last time my scalp burned, so I learned my lesson).  This hat is so versatile and worth every penny.  When I wear this, I hear the Van Halen song in my head!  It must be my inner rocker chick!

J.Crew Panama Hat

Speaking of this hat and rockers, when we were staying in Wailea, we did some exploring past Makena Beach. Steven Tyler.  I wore my favorite Shoreline-stripe dress in Kelly Green. This is now on final sale, so if you thought about it, buy it now. It fits true to size.  It's an easy and versatile sundress.) I had this on when I had a celebrity sighting. We went exploring in Makena and we unknowingly ran in front of Steven Tyler's house in Wailea. He was coming outside of his driveway. My son said "Hey, that's Steven Tyler!" and it was him.  I pulled out my camera and didn't get a picture though. He said "Man, no pictures.":( I will never make it as a paparazzi! So Steven, this is from the lady with dark hair in front of your home last week. I am not a stalker. Peace and Mahalo! :)  Here's what I wore (inspired by the J.Crew picture):

Celebrity Sighting by handbagaficionado featuring a striped knit dress

Steven does have some artwork on display at the gallery in the Shops at Walea, that I did take a picture of the display.  :)

This was much more exciting from my Larry David celebrity sighting last time.  While I didn't get my celebrity photo opportunity, here are some beautiful views and fun things from the other end:

On the windy day I hung out by the pool mostly:

My daughter's idea for me to get flowers on my pedicure.  Silly.

Mai Tai's at Aloha Hour.

Before vacation, I did check out some of the new J.Crew items.  I like the Bouncle Peplum Jacket for fall.

Here it is in real life.  The pic came out a bit cloudy but you get the point:

J.Crew Peplum Jacket and Naomi Top

I had to try the French Hen after all the clucking.  I don't know.   I'm over 40 and it's feels a bit silly (and I will wear all kinds of things).  If it were cashmere or merino.  I don't know.  I can't get past the merino and cashmere paired with nylon.  It's sort of itchy and not so flattering on me. 

J.Crew French Hen Sweater

Hmmm.

What the cluck?!?

I'm going to pass on this one.

I think I need a few weeks to get enthusiastic about fall.  I'm sad summer ended. 

Hope you had a great week. 

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?