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?

Stripes, Leopard, Sunshine,Yoga and Flowers

My recent J.Crew purchase was the Villa Dress in Stripe.  It was $88 in the store.  I didn’t get it thinking it would go on sale soon and that full price was crazy for this dress, then went home,saw it online for $68 with an additional 30% off (Really J.Crew?   Do you need such inconsistency from store to online pricing?) I gave in, and took advantage of that 30% sale online.

The fabric weight is a good, thick weight similar to the Maritime Dress, which I love.  The buttons on the back are a nice touch:

This is a nice, easy summer dress which you can also add a jean jacket, cardigan or blazer.  I wore it today to the market with sandals (the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day). I paired it below with my J.Crew Nolita Denim Jacket (last year) and rooftop red Valentina Pumps (I swear I own more shoes than these, but yes, I do really love them).   

Speaking of shoes, what do you think of the new J.Crew Printed Wedge Espadrilles?  I like the print, but think the price is too much for the style.

J.Crew Printed Wedge Espadrilles, $128

 Now look what I found at Nordstrom Rack for $17 on the clearance rack?

Mee Too Princess Espadrille, $17 at Nordstrom Rack

They are super cute, open toe with a bow, comfortable, and too cheap not to indulge.  The brand is Me Too, found in Nordstrom, Endless.com, Zappos, etc.  The print and fabric are similar to J.Crew's at a bargain.

Today was a nice day.  I went to Hot Yoga this morning (I've been doing it for the last month.).  I got to wear my new yoga Practice Freely Tank top from Lululemon, which was perfect for the hot room.  I love it.  Namaste!

Lululemon Practice Freely Tank

I visited Pike Place Market in Seattle today for the Flower Festival.  The flowers were beautiful.

Pike Place Market

How was your weekend?   Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms!

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 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!

Blog Break - I'll be back very soon...

I've taken a bit of an unexpected blog break (my beautiful mother passed away when I was in London for work, flew back to the states to be with my kids and husband in Seattle then we traveled to Ohio for the funeral, etc.  It's been a hectic few weeks and I am glad to be back in my home).  Then Christmas came a couple of days later, etc. and I've spent time much needed time with my family. My plan for the new year is to get back in the groove before I go back to to work end of week, respond to comments and check out what I've been missing, and post some things I got for Christmas.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!