Crew Reviews: Delaney Eyelet Dress, gingham jacket, Maritime & Retro Shell.

Hello everyone!

I had a fun time at my J.Crew this morning. I was the only one in the store, and they had just received a big shipment last night. They didn't have everything out, but my personal shopper was excited to show me some new pieces.

First, the Delaney Eyelet Shift Dress (thanks audreybella -- see March catalog pics on her blog!), priced at $128. So pretty and summery. In alabaster, navy and copper dust. I took my usual size 2, although my PS said she sized up for her chest, so something to keep in mind. It is nice and simple on top, with no deep v-neck, so modest enough for anyone. It poofs out a bit, but I thought in a fun way -- not too much or too little IMO.  Love the eyelet detail, and that the top was left clean. Love the pockets, and it was lined. The only downside was that it's once again a shorter length, which might rule this one out for taller ladies. I'm ok with the length for summer cocktails and my Mexico trip. :)  (For ref, I'm 5'5".)  Er, need a tan as well. Also see it on Ema here.

Next up, a very cute unnamed black and white gingham cotton jacket. I'll admit I'm a sucker for gingham, so I loved it. The outer shell is a crisp100% cotton and it has a blended lining. Priced at $148, which is a bit steep for a cotton jacket IMO. The collar stands up nicely b/c of the crisp cotton, which was my favorite part. There is some zipper detailing, which it didn't necessarily need, but I think it adds some interest. (They are true pockets btw.) A more boxy fit and hits shorter at the waist. I would have liked the bottom pockets to also be side pockets to slip my hands into, but no biggie. It both zips up and buttons. I took a size 2. I think it's cuter IRL than in this pic.

Next, I was finally able to try the bright popsicle pink Retro Shell, which is marked to $49.99 in store right now (FP $89 online). There were only a few sizes left. I took a 4 home, although a 2 would have been a bit more fitted. The armholes didn't gape at all though, so it still works. I love pink, and this is just such a happy, shouting pink. Love the simple collar. Fits straight/boxy.  It will likely get marked down again, hopefully in my return window. If not, I'm actually ok with this price. ETA: Found a 2 at my other local store, which is a better fit...and my PS matched the online 30% off price -- woohoo!

Maritime Dress -- This dress has been discussed much in blogland, with both yays and nays. (See it on AppGal and Lindsey B and Summerilla). I finally tried it on and...loved it! Yes, it's shorter, so it's not going to the office or anywhere else where short is inappropriate. I don't think it's offensively short though. I think it's adorable for spring, and cooler summer nights (sleeves can be pushed up). It's a nice weight, which I also appreciate (no VPL! but not good for 85 degrees). The color is gorgeous.  This is an XS. A small might have added a touch more length, but I didn't want it to look like a sack.

Sequin Bib Cami (orig $78, $59.50 online, $19.99 in store!) -- I didn't look twice at this at FP online or in stores, but saw it on the sale rack for $20, and tried it on. I'm glad I did b/c the abstract blue (blue/white pinstripe) was really cute for spring and summer and I liked the little shimmer of clear sequins on a classic stripe -- nothing too over the top. To me, well worth $20...I wouldn't pay more though. This is a 2. I probably could have even done a 0, so runs TTS, if a bit big.

I also tried saw several chiffon-y, ruffled dresses, with small and delicate floral prints. Very un-Crew of late -- felt a bit more Anthro actually. Not what I'm looking for, so I didn't try them on yesterday due to time. Others have mentioned some pretty skirts are being unveiled as well, such as a Belle-type skirt in a bright blue, and a dahlia-colored pencil skirt. Can't wait to see these!  Also, if you missed my review of the Dulcie Mini, take a peek (it's a return -- too dressy/shiny).

Oh, and I want to note that in these pics are the Kork-Ease Elinor sandals in natural vachetta that arrived today, from 6pm. They're so, so, so comfortable, especially for heels. Rare is the shoe, let alone heel, that is perfectly comfortable from the get-go. They aren't super snug around my foot, but not too loose either. (If you have a super narrow foot, they might not work as well on you). The color is a gorgeous natural camel, which will darken with use/age. I credit FFM for turning me onto Kork-Ease, and, as always, she's brilliant!  They were a great price as well, at $68.75 (and I scored free shpping). There are only whole sizes, and I'm usually an 8.5, so ordered both 8 and 9. The 8's are perfect.

Have a wonderful day!