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?

Birthday and Book Club

It finally feels like summer in Seattle.  I missed the warmth and that big yellow thing that used to be in the sky.  It was a great weekend.  I celebrated my "un-birthday" (it's not about getting older, it's about the celebration).  I got this beauty for my birthday.  Isn't she gorgeous?  Her name is Kristin, and she's a limited edition and more stunning in real life.  The navy just pops and I love the styling, straps and size.  My husband got a 25% card in the mail (he gets them instead of me since he's bought birthday or Christmas gifts in the past).  He asked the Sales Associate at Coach about it since it expired a week ago, and they honored it.  Woo-hoo!

Coach Kristin Elevated Leather Sage Round Satchel, $698

They only had the one in stock that was on display in Navy, and after the sales associate showed me a little scratch on the clip, I decided it would drive me crazy, so they are shipping it and I get it over night by Tuesday.  Here it is in real life:

Coach Kristin Elevated Sage Bag
J.Crew Rialta Tweed Jacket
J.Crew Coralie Cami
Joe's Jeans
Italian Shoemaker Shoes

Here are some celebrity pics of Eva Longoria, Halle Barry and Rebecca Romijn caring the same bag in a different color:

I'm so excited.  I had a dream that this bag came early before the delivery.  I realize that sounds insane.  That just tells you how excited I was when the package came.

It was a beautiful, sunny day in Seattle on my birthday.  We went out for appetizers (and I had a margarita, or two) to Citrus in South Lake Union.  Then then went to Elliot's Oyster House for dinner.  Since I was full on my previous appetizer and 2nd margarita, I went with an seared Ahi Tuna appetizer for dinner (yum).  I had a blast:

The previous night, I went to my neighborhood book club.  This month's book was The Violets of March by Sarah Jio.  Here's what I wore:

J.Crew Fiona White Canvas Jacket (bought 2-3 years ago)
J.Crew Stripe Sunburst Tank, $24.99
Joe's Jeans, $168
 Italian Shoemaker brand Shoes
Coach Metallic Clutch

I did some more shopping this week.  I bought a pair of Joe's Jeans (my favorite brand now) at Nordstrom during their big Half-Yearly Sale.  Unfortunately, this pair wasn't on sale but it was the pair I liked so I got them.  So much for finding the sale!  There were some things I passed on from J.Crew.  I tried on the Mirabel Dress, and I think I am the only person it didn't work on either.  Just didn't love it. The dress seemed  horrible and frumpy to me.  

Mirabel Dress, $148

I bought the Linen Jacket last week, then regretted it, so I returned it.  I love white, but the Linen Bermuda Jacket seemed like a lot of work, and I liked it less after I got home and hung it in the closet.  I stared at it for 2 days before taking it back.  I did get a picture.  (My husband said hold your hands up, as I was rolling up the sleeves which explained the jazz hands).

J.Crew Linen Bermuda Jacket, $118
J.Crew Sequin Tank, $48

In addition to shopping for clothes, my hubby and I also went furniture shopping.   We wanted to do something for the house and get new furniture.  We ordered this couch and leather ottoman (used as the coffee table in the middle) from Pottery Barn (we've looked at it for over a year, love the look and keep going back to it):

Pottery Barn Pierce Sectional

In the store they paired it up with a chair that cost as much as the couch.  I didn't love the chair.  We ended up getting this chair in Bordeaux from Crate and Barrel (Pottery Barn's red leather chair was nearly double, and didn't look as good or was as comfortable in my opinion):

Crate & Barrel Streeter Leather Swivel Chair

I also got this nice throw pillow with poppies (which looked really good on the display chair):

While we were on this crazy buying spree, we saw a dining table and chairs with a buffet that we really liked, and at that point, decided to go for it (this was before the margaritas.  Perhaps we were crazy from the heat? Or, to my husband's point, the buffet cost what the handbag did).  We liked the Cabria Honey Brown chairs and table size, and we have so many big windows in the room, it looks odd to have the big cabinet that we've had for 10 years (bought for our previous dining room):

It was a fun weekend.  I'm exhausted from all of the shopping, birthday fun and sunshine.  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!

Happy Mother's Day!

I had a good Mother's Day weekend. 

I spent time with my family and went to dinner.  I got my brows done at Anastasia at Nordstrom (they needed it).  Then I got a manicure and pedicure with my 11 year old daughter. (She went for blue with flowers.  I was more conservative with a french manicure and OPI Miami Beet on the pedicure).  We also went to the Seattle Premium Outlet Mall today.  I picked up a pair of Cole Haan Nike Air Dark Silver Metallic Pumps at the Cole Haan Outlet.

That's Rufus, my miniature dachshund, checking them out.  :)  These will be good for work and something different than my other open toe pumps.  They are also made with Nike Air, so they are comfortable.

I  went to the Coach Outlet, which was packed with a line outside the store.  I got an adorable Coach Soho Leather Bleeker Zip Around Clutch Wallet in Pewter Metallic:

I went to the Banana Republic and J.Crew Factory Outlets and I didn't find anything I loved.  I know, hard to imagine, right?   The window display was cute, but in store was less exciting.  Hey, there are the pearls I paid full price for half that price!  Don't you hate it when that happens?

I did like the gingham scarf in store and ended up with a white t-shirt.  My husband was shocked when I walked out with a tiny bag spending under $20.

I wore my Sunburst Strip Tank with Nolita Denim Jacket with my Coach Metallic Sydney Boutique Edition Bag:

J.Crew Nolita White Jean Jacket- S
J.Crew Strip Sunburst Tank - M
Joe's Cropped Ex-Love Jeans
Coach Metallic Sydney Bag
J.Crew flip flops

Happy Mother's Day by Handbag Aficionado featuring leather shoes 

I am blessed to be a mother to two wonderful children. That's the best gift of all.

Book Club: Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter

Last night I got to meet my favorite author, Jane Porter, who came to my neighborhood book club.  It was such a privilege to meet Jane in real life, since I've read all of her chick lit books and I am a huge fan.  She is so down to earth and it was great to hear how Jane came up with her characters.  Jane's books are great beach reads and have accompanied me on my vacations and work related travel over the last few years.   I can't wait until she writes her next one.  

It was great getting together with my neighbors.  I also got to meet a fellow blogger who lives nearby, Hip Travel Mama. Check her blog out if you enjoy travel.

I planned on wearing a charcoal shell and cardigan, but my 11 year old daughter advised me to wear something brighter and fun, so I switched to a striped tank and cardigan:

Book Club: Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter by Handbag Aficionado featuring embellished tank tops

In real life:

Last minute change: J.Crew pearls and tank, Joe's Jeans, Coach Handbag

I highly recommend Jane's books if you enjoy good chick lit or fun beach read: