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 June 2012 Rollout and Nordstrom Shopping Goodness

I am really excited about Summer.  I'm ready for warm weather and new things.  I did a lot of shopping this weekend, even for me.  On Friday, I went to J.Crew to see the June rollout. I was excited to see the new colors and styles. 

I was excited about the No. 2 pencil skirt in Porcelain Paisley.  This is so beautiful in real life.  I love the print.  The fabric has a good amount of stretch and the fit is true to size. This skirt is very comfortable.  I love the way they pair it up with pink.  The only thing I disliked was the $158 price tag.  I'm crossing my fingers for a sale soon.

Here it is in real life:

J.Crew No.2 Pencil Skirt in Porcelain Paisley
My J.Crew Mona Pumps in Poppy 

I also tried on the Drawstring Tunic in Stripe.

I had high hopes for this dress because it was so cute on the model.  On me, it was like a shapeless bag.  So difference in my size or down, the fit was off, like a potato sack.  I tried messing with the drawstring to at least show the waist, but it's very limited on movement.  I'll pass.  I tried it with the navy bubble necklace which I love.  The color is beautiful, and this can look casual or elegant.  Great idea to make one in navy.  I also tried the Marci Patent Wedges which I didn't love.  They were not the least bit comfortable and sized small.  They also look cheap in real life but are priced at $198.  I'll pass.

J.Crew Bubble Necklace
J.Crew Drawstring Tunic in Stripe
J.Crew Marci Patent Wedges

Next up was the Whisper Gauze Peasant Blouse. 

I tried both colors in navy and chili.  I preferred the chili over navy since I have too many navy striped J.Crew tops.  This top is huge!  I wanted it to fit like the model and sized down 2 sizes and it was still blousy.

J.Crew Whisper Gauze Peasant Blouse
J.Crew No.@ Pencil Skirt in Porcelain Paisley
J.Crew Mona Pumps in Poppy

In addition the top,  I got the Tippi Sweater in Garment-Dyed Linen in neon pink.  I love this color for summer.

Here it is in real life (I love pink with pearls):

I also got the versatile Keeper Chambray Shirt (why did I wait this long to get one?)

I also stocked up on tees and got two vintage cotton v-neck tees (neon pink again and black).

At Nordstrom, I got the Citizens of Humanity 'Dylan' Cropped Loose Fit Jeans in the San Marco Wash.  I love everything about these jeans.  I had my eye on them from Anthropologie and didn't try them.

At Lululemon, I got the Chaturanga Tank and Wunder Under Crops along with a yoga tote.  I've been practicing hot yoga for 6 weeks now and I can see a difference.

How was your 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?

J.Crew Spring 2012 and Recent Shoe Acquisitions

Happy 2012!

I'm ready for Spring to arrive and I'm looking forward to Spring and the new J.Crew 2012 Spring roll out.  During my recent shopping adventures, I had to check out the No.2 Pencil Skirt in Gardenshade Floral:

In real life it's a less bright and more faded, similar to the No.2  Leopard Print wash (Imagine me in beautiful heels, less pasty legs and with a much more flattering pose that isn't end of day post dinner to really appreciate it).  I wish it looked like it did on the model, but the colors are still flattering.  I I would pair it like the model has above, but it would pop with lime green, periwinkle blue and works well with black, navy or cream.  It's so versatile and would be a wardrobe workhorse year round, so it deserves to be in my closet. Sold!

J.Crew No.2 Pencil Skirt in Gardenshade Floral, $128

Meet CeCe, Mona’s Little Sister!   
I have an announcement regarding an addition to my shoe family.  My beloved Wild Berry Mona Pumps (which I acquired a couple of months ago) just got a flat shoe little sister, Cece, the ballet flats.  I am not a flat shoe kind of girl.  My husband can’t stand them on women (it’s kind of like sweats in public, he considers them a sign on giving up!) so I have a bit of an aversion of flats due to his feeling.  Then I started seeing some of the cute Tory Burch ones, and decided that it’s so wrong, but it’s so right.  I vetoed him.  Other than the disapproving eye rolling and jokes, he’s going to come to terms with it.   

J.Crew Cece Ballet Flats

J.Crew Mona and Cece in Wild Berry

I was drawn to these naturally because I love pink and this has a slightly purplish hue to the pink vs. fuchsia (which I also appreciate).  I’m sure it sounds crazy to have two shoes of the same color, but I need the coffee shop or running errands casual shoes and the beautiful work shoes, the ones that people have stopped me and commented.   This wild berry color is adorable and so complimentary.  It especially works well with all of my J.Crew Bright Dahlia colors and coordinates with some of the other colors in my closet.    How could you go wrong when it feels so bright?

Leopard Print Wedges: The Splurges and the Deal
Speaking of shoes, I need to tell you about my  recent Leopard Print Calf hair Wedge score. First, there were the Christian Louboutin Peanut Leopard-Print Wedges at $965.  These are the shoes I stop and look at and hope that they go on sale at 90% off, or a more affordable brand comes up with a great knock off.

Christian Louboutin peanut 70 leopard-print wedges, $965

Then, J.Crew came up with a great leopard wedge knockoff in with the Martina calf hair wedge at $358.  Seriously, J.Crew? Pricing over $300?  As much as I wanted them and liked the print better, I decided to wait for a good sale to justify.

J.Crew Martina Calf Hair Wedge, $358

Finally, I went to Nordstrom Rack and spotted Ivanka Trump 'Linear' Wedge on sale for $37. They are a nice calf hair print, comfortable and look almost identical to the J.Crew version and very comfortable, which is important. I won't compromise comfort for cost.  

Ivanka Trump Linear Wedge, $37

In real life:

Grrrr....

I think I can calm down on shoes for a while, at least until more spring styles come out.

Have a great week and happy Valentine's Day!

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 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?