J.Crew Spring, Michele Watch, Tory Burch Bags and the History of Mom Dance

Sorry for my long absence.  Holidays happened and I changed jobs.  In addition to a career opportunity, it was a great opportunity to wear new things. :)

I am very behind on blogging, so I will dip my toe back in and get back to a regular rhythm.  So here's to getting back in the groove:

It's February which means I can either shop a picked at clearance or be excited about Spring.  I choose to be excited about Spring, but it's still still cold in Seattle to break out the sandals.  So I am planning and dreaming ahead.  My very Personal Stylist emailed me some cute pics from Spring:

Love the pants.  Do I need more capri pants or polka dots?  Hmmm....

or this skirt with a simple tee shirt with the skirt from the January Style Guide?

I like it.  I like it a lot.

Here's my first day picture when my husband dropped me off (we do it when the kids start school, so he did it on my first day on the job).  I had on the vibrant fuschia J.Crew Double-Cloth Symphony coat, Halogen Cashmere Sweater, J.Crew Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace,  J.Crew Pencil Skirt in royal paisley and Born Bitsy boots:

I loved this coat since I saw this pic in the winter 2012 style guide:

Since, I haven't updated since before the holidays, I have so new purchases to share.  Here's what Santa brought (Michele Deco Watch):

I am very happy with this watch and it compliments my other jewelry and wardrobe.  Thank you, Santa!

I made some other recent purchases.  This is my new Tory Burch Hannah Tote (paired up with J.Crew Lady Jacket in Blue Tweed, J.Crew Double Crystal Brulee Necklace,  J.Crew Lana Cami, J.Crew No.@ Double-Serge Wool Skirt and Born Bitsy Boots:

I love Tory Burch.  Last week, I got a smaller Tory Burch Robinson Mini Leather Crossbody bag in Poppy Red (which looks like orange to me - what's the deal lately?  J.Crew calls Orange "Modern Red" and Tory Burch calls it "Poppy Red."  Is there something wrong with saying orange?)  I see lots of options for this sweet little thing:

 Here is in real life (with J.Crew Factory Garment-Dyed Sweatshirt and J.Crew Leopard Print Scarf):

 

 

In other news,  I made some new makeup purchases that are worth sharing.  I am in love with the Trish McEvoy Lips and Eyes set exclusive to Nordstrom.  I never tried Trish products until last month when shopping the cosmetic counters and had a demo of the essential lip pencil and line refiner  (this stuff is great under eyes.  The sales associate put it on over my makeup and under my eyes and it was like magic and removed circles.  I said "Sold!")  I liked that and the nude lip pencil so much that I went back and got the Lips and Eyes set that comes in the cute little bag.  The lip color in the set in berry is gorgeous and I use the shadow all over and purple as liner with a liner brush.  The gloss is nice and neutral.  

Trish McEvoy Lips and Eyes

I also made a nice shoe purchase.  I got the J.Crew Everly Suede Pumps in Bluebird after seeing Michelle Obama rock the pink ones at the Convention.

(I will take pictures soon with outfits since these shoes look good with jeans, minnies, capri pants and skirts).  

Speaking of Michelle Obama, did you see her on Jimmy Fallon last week?  She did The History of Mom Dance and she rocked.

She also rocked the J.Crew Collection Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan in windowpane check and the the Collection Featherweight Cashmere Shell in Microcheck underneath (I think she also has on J.Crew minnies and I am not sure about the shoes).  After this video, the sweater started selling out.  I panicked (why I don't know but I am obsessed getting the sweater because a) it's cute for spring and a collection piece, b) it will be in the March Style Guide, c) FLOTUS rocked it and maybe I can if do these moves too.  I called and got it after a search.  Phew!  Should I get the shell underneath is that something only she can pull off?  Thoughts?

What items are you currently obsessing over?

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?

J.Crew Royalty and Purple Rain: Majesty Peacoat, Royal Purple Paisley Print and Beilla Heels

I stopped by the Pacific Place J.Crew in Seattle to return the Natasha tops (I blogged about them a few weeks ago.  I bought two of them at full price because I loved them so much.  You know those cute little dainty buttons?  Well, they don't stay buttoned and they are wardrobe malfunctions waiting to happen.  Let's just say I had an awkward moment in a presentation, which led me to returning both of them). 

I was exited to see the new shipments in with the purple colors, especially the Majesty Coat:

J.Crew Majesty Peacoat

Yummy Colors!

How much do I love this coat?  Well let me tell you about it.  It is so beautiful.  (I didn't take a pic with it buttoned - arg!)  I was a bit surprised by the purple color in real life since it looks different than the catalog or online (Excuse the shoes and tights.  I look like an idiot.  I had on black shoes with black tights and tried on beige shoes):

Majesty Peacoat, Paisley head to toe, new shoes and unmatched tights

If you read my previous posts, you know that I dig the J.Crew Paisley.  I got the summer skirt with navy and orange and love it.  I had to get the Royal Paisley no.2 pencil skirt.  The purple, green and yellow colors are beautiful and the skirt isn't heavy, so you could wear it year round.  I tried on the crazy Royal Paisley with paisley combo with the top and no. 2 pencil skirt, like online:

In real life, it didn't work for me, although I like them separately.  That model would look good in a paper bag, but I can't bring myself to do that much pattern.  It felt too Prince, circa Purple Rain.  

J.Crew Royal Paisley Overkill

  I do like the scoopneck blouse and skirt separately, and can't wait to wear them with other items I own.

I did actually buy something that wasn't purple and neutral.  I got the Biella high-heel loafers in Warm Taupe regular $265 on sale for $59.99!  Shut the front door!  I couldn't pass these up.  These shoes have 4 inch heels.  I can walk in them and they are more comfortable then they look, but they are sitting shoes and not walking a lot shoes.  They are really pretty.  The warm taupe color makes the legs look really long.

Sitting shoes, not for long walks

I now have Prince songs playing in my head. How was your week?

J.Crew New Summer 2011 Arrivals

The store personal shoppers at Pacific Place at J.Crew in Seattle hosted a new collection event on Wednesday.  My personal shopper emailed me to let me know, although I just made a recent trip there.  Knowing that I am a sucker, that was a pretty savvy move on her part.  (Note: J.Crew Personal Shoppers are free.  If you set up time to come in, you can get 20% off for the personal shopper discount, and they can assist you with some existing items in your wardrobe from other brands.  I’ve shopped there for years and didn’t know until I tried the Personal Shopper in March.)

I bought the Paisley Skirt.  I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE (did I say LOVE?) this skirt.  I see so much long term potential.  A navy sweater, cardigan, blouse, jacket or tee as a pairing?  Check.  Or I could pair an orange Cardigan or tee?  Check.  How about cream or White?  Absolutely. Or perhaps add some denim or chambray?  Yes!  I have so many different options in my existing wardrobe with this purchase.

I wore it the next day and received several compliments from co-workers and some random weirdo on the street in Seattle.  Okay, so the weirdo was creepy, but the rest was all good.  I paired it with the Shortcut Sweater (see below in cream and navy, which was a color in store only.)  This is a nice versatile sweater that I walked out.

J.Crew Shortcut Sweater
J.Crew Montezuma Collar Necklace
J.Crew Paisley Skirt
Coach Sage Kristen Satchel Bag
Italian Shoemaker Shoes

J.Crew Shortcut Sweater (Navy in store only)
J.Crew Paisley Pencil Skirt
Cole Haan Shoes

I wore it to work Friday with the cream sweater and a jean jacket:

J.Crew Paisley Skirt by Handbag Aficionado featuring chunky jewelry

I bought the Montezuma Collar Necklace which was in the store for $118.  I'm very excited about it.

    

Since I was sold on the paisley print, I also tried the Candace Dress in Paisley at $148.  This is the same print as my skirt, but in a silk dress version with an A-line skirt and elastic waist.  This is a comfortable summer dress for beach, picnic, or cocktails.   I paired it with the Linen Island Cardigan in Indigo on sale for $59.50.

Linen Island Cardigan
Candace Paisley Dress

I was curious about the Sequin Stripe Tank.  I need this, right?  I didn’t get it, but I may get it.  I want it to go on sale first to justify since I have so many sequin items.  I was a bit nervous about the combination of two of my favorites, sequins and stripes, but it’s like pairing chocolate and peanut butter.  Once you experience them together, it’s a no-brainer.  The tank is comfortable and a good scoop neck that is not too low.  I paired it with the Conference Jacket in Linen, which is now on sale for $99. 

J.Crew Sequin Stripe Tank, $78
J.Crew Conference Jacket in Linen Beechwood, $99

How was your week?