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?

Summer Sales, Nails and Hotels

It was a busy week.  I had a leadership summit for work at Willow’s Lodge in beautiful Woodinville Wine Country near Seattle.  I know it sounds miserable, right?  I did actually spend a lot of time in the conference so there wasn't a lot of time for play.  The guestrooms were beautiful with fireplaces and a  beautiful bathroom with a large spa tub.    This is a lovely place to stay.

I got to do some shopping prior to the summit.  I went to J.Crew at Bellevue Square.  I finally ended up with the Whisper Linen Stripe Tank.  This is true to size with a longer length than online it seems.  I ended up with the Pointelle Beach Cardigan, which is now on final sale at $88 from $118 (and an additional 40% off in the store).  I loved this looked in the catalog:

Here in real life (I decided to wear pants for my pic instead of completely copying the model).  Check out my fabulous diva phone case (grrrrr!):

J.Crew Whisper Linen StripeTank
J.Crew Pointelle Beach Cardigan
J.Crew Leopard iPhone 4 Case

J.Crew Pointelle Beach Cardigan by Handbag Aficionado featuring a long sleeve cardigan

It's funny how I didn't love it at full price, but marked down significantly, it's suddenly appealing.  I think it seems thicker in real life than in the catalog and the sleeves are longer.   My husband said: "Isn't that sweater a little thick for summer?"  Oh yeah, good point.  It's final sale though, so I can't return it.  I do have air conditioned offices and cooler Pacific Northwest nights, so what the heck.  It's good for evenings around the fire pit.  This is sized bigger.  I am wearing a size down, and you can see the sleeves are still long and will need a little flip or push.  This was the only one left in the store.  

I  tried on the Candace Dress.  Here it is on the model, which is much shorter.  The models must be 6 feet tall.  I am reluctant to buy some the dresses since they look so short on the model, but some aren't when I try them on (I'm 5'7).

I have the other one in Paisley which like better.   It's a fun, comfortable summer dress.  They are super cute on their own or paired with a jean jacket or cardigan.  I didn't end up with the Ink Dot one at full price, although, if this goes on sale soon, I may get it.  I wore it with my Linen Island Cardigan, which is now $39 and an additional 40% in the store.

Candace Dress in Ink Dot
J.Crew Linen Island Cardigan
Born Sandals

I got a manicure and pedicure today with my daughter.  She's 11 years old, so she went for the bright blue colors with nail art (multi colored dots).  I tried out some colors from the new Summer OPI Collection:  Nice Stems.  I had the lightest color, Play with Peonies, for my manicure and the third color, Be a Dahlia, Won't You? on my pedicure. 

OPI 2011 Summer Collection: Nice Stems

Amazon.com has this cute little mini set that I ordered.  I am not such a fan of the glittery one but love the colors because the Poppy and Dahlia colors will compliment a lot of the J.Crew colors now in Poppy or Dahlia.  I'm kind of obsessed with the new Dahlia items coming out in the store.


Hope your summer is going well!

Summer Lovin'

Summer is my favorite season.  I love everything about it: the warmth, longer days, the styles - from fabulous sun dresses, skirts, flip flops, bright lip and nail colors on the possibility of a tan.  

I went to Ohio this week to visit my mother.  The weather was hot and muggy, and I pretty much packed sun dresses  and flip flops.  I got back late Sunday night after delayed flights to a busy work week. I did manage to do some shopping yesterday and last week before I went.  

I made a trip to J.Crew and tried on the Maritime Dress in Navy.   I tried the size down for a different look:

Maritime Dress, Sized down to Small

Here is my original dress in my regular size to give you an idea for cut, depending on how you want to wear it.  The sail blue seems softer inside.  Would it be ridiculous to get two of the same dresses in different colors and sizes?

Original Maritime in Medium (I typically belt it)

I found the Daytripper Pants on Final Sale for $13.99. Score!  These are great weekend pants that are as comfy as sweats.

I have been debating on the Sequin-Stripe Tank, then ended up caving and got this one online with the 20%:

J.Crew Fisherman Cardigan
J.Crew Montezuma Collar Necklace
J.Crew Sequin-Stripe Tank
J.Crew Daytripper Pants
Italian Shoemaker Shoes

The Fisherman Cardigan is so comfy.  I sized down because the sleeves were so long.

I liked the black sequin-striped tank that I tried last time, but ended up going for the dune color, which is opposite of what I would typically pick. Here's the black striped one just in case I should reconsider:

J.Crew Sequin-Stripe Tank
Kut from the Cloth Denim Jacket

At Nordstrom Rack, I found some great deals on sandals.  Now is the time to buy because you will find sales in anticipation of early fall arrivals.  I got a pair of Tory Burch Thora Metallic Flip Flops in Turquoise:

Tory Burch Metallic Thora Flip Flops, $69 on sale

Since I must have been on a metallic sandal kick, I also got a comfy pair of Born Chacha Sandals at the disagreement of my 11 year old daughter (she is not a fan):

Born Chacha Sandals, $49 on sale

I went to Nordstrom to try and buy some lip colors.  I went to the Laura Mercier counter and got the
Peony Stick Gloss. This lip color is as close to perfect as it gets.  It’s longwearing and hydrating, part lip gloss and blam that provides a beautiful wash of a sheer and universally flattering color.

I also bought the Laura Mercier Limited Edition Berry Sorbet Gel Lip Color.  This is so stunning for summer and I love the coverage.  I probably need another one to tuck away since I love it so much.

I hope your summer is going well.  What are you lovin' right now?

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?