j.crew reviews: factory linen stripe maxi skirt, tunic top and havana clutch.

Morning everyone!

Some new sale markdowns at J.Crew this morning, like the Audra sandal and the Colorblock cardigan (pink/navy is my favorite). Also, some new arrivals posted, like this re-make of an old-school beauty, the Pom-Pom Confetti Top:

I stopped at the Factory store before my trip, and found some winners there.

This Linen Stripe Maxi Skirt was so cute and comfy. It's a thin navy/white stripe. The store had the sensor right through the waistline, making it impossible to pull out the button sash thing (which was a little strange -- not sure why they didn't just do a zipper?). I yanked it over my head and wiggled into this 6, which was too big in the waistline, so I knew a 4 would be the right call. It was 40% off in my store, plus I had the extra 25% off coupon, making it a reasonable price. This little tee was pretty cute too (sold out online right now). This was a small.

(Bazaar print?) Tunic -- It's not online right now, and I'm blanking on the name of this one, but it's the bazaar print of last year in different colors, no?. I like the print and colors, but thought that the front split would be too low cut, and I was right. It was soft and cute, but I'm not wearing a tank under a long-sleeve in the hot summer.

Factory Havana Clutch (retail here)-- I had been searching for a little navy purse/clutch for a while, and was excited to find a navy version at the factory. All their bags were 50% off, making it I think $26? I took off the tags and totally forgot, sorry! Anyway, it seems to be pretty similar in construction to the retail one (retail black from last year in the first pic), though I"m sure there are some differences. It was great in Vegas, fits lots of things, and looks cute. ETA: style number is 72968

Have you seen any of these factory pieces?  What do you love of the new rollout? I'll pick out my faves and post soon.

Have a wonderful day!

j.crew reviews: silk bow cami, heart tippi, jardin maxi, stripe slash henley, ribbon tee, anchor mini.

Hi everyone!

I have a huge backlog of reviews that I really I wanted to get out for you all before the promo ended, but I missed the boat. Nonetheless, here they are!

Silk Bow Cami -- I love this print, but didn't need the pencil skirt, so wanted to try on this top. I finally got in there the other day and they had lots of sizes. I wanted to check sizing and how a bra works with it.  I wore a thin-strapped racer-back bra and it was ok at first. I could hide the straps in front, but as I moved around, they would peek out (see second pic). In a pinch, I think it's fine, but likely a straples is your best bet.  Although maybe you could use that Hollywood tape stuff? It would be very cute with a little cardi. This was priced at $65 before promo in my store (vs. $90 online). I like the size 0 on me better than the 2, as it's a boxy shape.

Tippi Sweater in Heart-print Crepe -- This one didn't grab me when it was rolled out, but I do adore the whole Tippi shape. It's really flattering, and a nice throw-on-and-go piece. I don't think the hearts are overly cutesy (depending on what you're pairing it with, if you KWIM), and navy is my go-to dark color these days. I've been going with a size small in the Tippi, which has just enough give to not be too-tight, but doesn't look sloppy.

Jardin Maxi and Colorblock Stripe Slash Henley (sold out online, but pops back). I didn't think I'd like the Jardin Maxi, even though I love the regular Jardin skirt. Well, count me in on the maxi love bandwagon, b/c it was light and airy and swishy and twirly. Love! I see just pairing it with a white tank and some easy sandals. It was just marked down to $70 in store before the promo, so I snagged it. The aqua one wasn't marked sale in my store when I was there, otherwise I might have grabbed that one too! Sizing ETA: So sorry, I thought I listed my sizing in the skirt, but must have deleted it!  Anyway, size down in the Jardin Maxi! I wear a 4 pencil skirt, and have a a 4 and a 6 regular (shorter) Jardin. This is a size 2 and it fits very comfortably. So definitely go down if you can

It was very cute with the stripe top below. I originally ordered this top in an XS, but it was too tight. This one is a small, and that was the right call. It's too low-cut for the office, but I didn't think it was too bad otherwise. Might have liked it just a touch more closed-up. The top was $30 before promo in store (and online). The belt in the second pic was $15. It was a little long for my liking, but I think a belt is needed with the top tucked in.

Ribbon Stripe Tee (in-store only?) and new Anchor mini -- I think this tee is very fun, and it's on my wishlist, but not for $49.50.  It fits tight in the top bust area, so I needed a small. It was cute with the Jardin (second pic). I also found a new mini in an anchor print, which I was excited to see, but just wasn't feeling it when I put it on. I can't put my finger on what, as I do like the nautical thing. Maybe it was too in-your-face? I tried on a 6, b/c I like to wear the minis a little lower, and it fit fine. Not sure if that's the Vegas food overload talking, or that it runs a little small.

What did you pick up during the promo?

vegas recap, part II.

Hi everyone!

Let's continue my little recap of vacation time, shall we? It forces me to go through my pictures, save the good ones (few), discard the hideous (most).

Let's talk some shopping in Vegas. Since we didn't hit it big, I didn't get to pick up anything from the major designer shops -- which are everywhere!  Including right near the Aria hotel, the Crystals retail "mall." I use the term mall very lightly here, as we're talking high, high end here people. It was fun to pop into Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Harry Winston, but after a while, it was a little much.  I did truly covet this fun dress from Prada:

At the Caesar's Palace Forum Shops, there were more shops a bit more in my range, like Anthro and Kate Spade.  At Anthro, I fell in love with this pretty Soca Flutter Blouse:

I also loved the Bike Lane Dress, but didn't want it quite enough to pay full price. Looks like it's sold out online, but I'm guessing it could be found in stores still?

The next place we found was Kate Spade. Oh how I love a KS store. They look and feel just like their brand looks. Cheery and pretty and quirky and bright. Even DH appreciated it. ;) Some pics:

I was lucky enough to take home a pretty bracelet (this one).

I didn't hit the J.Crew store, but after I figured out there was a sale promo going on, I managed to snag a couple items online. Thank goodness for the iphone! ha. (If you're interested, that first day I was able to order the Caribbean Tweed pencil skirt and the Metallic Linen Slicker. Very excited!)
Most of the shopping was done on a hot, hot day, and I was happy to have my old-school J.Crew Campo de fiori print ballerina dress. It's floaty and cool. Unfortunately, it was crazy windy, and walking across the elevated bridges was a challenge. No need for a Marilyn Monroe moment, yikes. Though I'm pretty sure in Vegas, nobody would blink an eye. It might get a cheer.  Here's a snap of it in the Anthro dressing room:

I like to wear it belted, b/c otherwise it's way too maternity-looking for my tast. It has pockets, is cotton, well lined, and gorgeously constructed.  I wore it with my favorite travel go-to sandals by Stuart Weitzman, which I found at Nordstrom Rack last year before a Mexico trip. They are padded, comfortable (nary a blister ever), go with everything, and are very pretty. SW makes some nice shoes. You can find some great deals on them sometimes at 6pm.com (Here are some that look similar and are likely pretty comfy. Also here.)

Some other hits:

-- Ella Dress in Medallion Paisley, paired with Anthro's Gerbera Flats and JC Merino V-neck Cardigan (used to be the Jenna cardigan -- what's the deal?). The Ella Dress was comfortable, didn't need a bra, had pockets for storing my iphone and casino players card, and matches up perfectly with these adorable flat sandals. My back really couldn't manage too many nights in heels, so I'm glad I packed these as an option. I don't have much experience with Seychelles shoes, but these were quite comfortable. And thank goodness I packed th cardi in purple and navy, b/c the casinos are coooooold. The first night I didn't bring a cardi and my teeth were practically chattering. These cardis are the best with dresses btw -- highly recommend.

-- Perilla Dress from Anthro last year. It's so comfortable, lets you wear a normal bra, and has an inner lining, so no need for another slip layer. Plus, it looks sexy at the same time (hello cleavage!).  This, paired with the flax JC Seville wedges, was a hit with DH and me. The wedges were comfortable enough to walk through 3 hotels to get to a restaurant and back to our hotel. (This was their first wearing too -- no blisters!)

I found a navy Havana Clutch at the J.Crew factory store, just before our trip (it was half price on promo, so I think like $26-ish?), and I loved it. I used that one and the black one from last year the whole time. During the day, I had planned to use a purse, but ended up just grabbing one of my J.Crew cotton totes.

And misses:

-- I overpacked for the day-time. Too many tees, skirts and tanks. We ended up mostly just staying at the pool, and when we did go out, I wore one of my dresses (easier, cooler, felt more pulled together). 

-- I also overpacked shoes. I always do this. I was ok with it this time, b/c I just wasn't sure what shoes my back could handle. So I was right to bring the flats. Could have done with less though of course.

Overall, I think my outfits fit right in with everyone. There were some that were more sequin-ed out than me, but they were most likely heading to the clubs, and we were mainly just going to eat and then hanging out in the casino/lounges for a bit. There were all sorts of looks going, but in the higher-end hotels and casinos, it was definitely a dressier vibe.

So that's pretty much it for the trip. I'm trip-ed out for now, and am thrilled to be home in my own bed, and to have my little munchkin back home with me. He's been a joy today (picked him up early this morning), and is extra-special-y loving and huggable.  I truly believe these little getaways are good for both parents and children. Everyone needs a little break sometimes, kids included!

Bring on summer vacation!

p.s. In addition to the J.Crew sale promo, there's a great Land's End (and Canvas) promo going on as well -- 30% off everything, with free shipping on $50+! See my sidebar for code and a link. Note: go to the Land's End sale section to see more Canvas clearance items. I couldn't resist trying out the Gathered Plaid Taffeta Skirt (I ordered both blue and burgundy), for $15.40 each. Will report back.  The rest of my order was stock-up for my son for next fall/winter (hoodies, hats, flannel pjs).

wedding and vegas recap (part 1)!

Hi everyone!

Whew, that was a long blog break, wasn't it? We are home from our wanderings...a long weekend for a wedding and then the rest of the week in Vegas. All of it was fabulous.

The wedding weekend was lovely, spending quality time with my in-law family. For the wedding, I had planned to wear my pretty J.crew Lillian dress, but it was scorching outside. Thank goodness I am anal enough to pack an alternate dress. I chose the old-school J.Crew Giverney-print Sydney dress. It's a gorgeous silk, and feels like a breath of fresh air in that lovely floral. (You can see my packing plan here.) Alas, the only picture I got was not my most flattering, ha, but I'll share it with you all:

We had a day back at home before our trip, which was a luxury. We left for Vegas before dawn, with a town car pickup (Fancy! Thank you Deal Find!), and had quite a nice flight on Southwest.  I have to say that I kind of love them. Why? 1. All personnel we encountered were extremely pleasant. 2. There is more leg room, I swear, than American or United. 3. I like the no assigned seats set-up -- it goes way faster than assignments. 4. They offer lots of good snacks, and you can have more than one.  5. Free checked luggage. (I'm not sure if it's the airline in general or just Southwest Vacation packages?)

Here's a snap of my carry-on, the J.Crew Tillary Tote in Canvas. It was a good size, although it would have been better to have a cross body strap. I was going to rig something up with one I have, but ended up skipping it. It was totally fine. I wore the Top Sail Maxi Dress from last year Anthro, topped with Madewell's Perfect Chambray Ex-Boyfriend Shirt, and it was the perfect traveling outfit. Like wearing pajamas, but cuter, and cool enough for when we got to Vegas (taking off the shirt, of course). Highly recommend a maxi for a plane ride, b/c the length keeps you warm in uber-ac.

We stayed at the Aria Resort, which is quite new to the Vegas strip, and loved it. It's definitely nice to be in a newer hotel over the more dated ones showing their age. It's a more modern hotel than the last hotel I visited, Bellagio (which is my favorite).  The room was quite large, with a wonderful view (we were on the 22nd floor), and motorized blackout shades (heaven the morning-after!). 

Large bathroom with a cool combo shower and bathtub.   The hotel itself is large, but very manageable. Easy access to the pools, where we were able to get shaded loungers every day, and loads of fluffy towels.

Restaurants were wonderful!  We loved being able to get Jean Phillipe Patisserie pastries and coffee in the mornings.  Below is a picture of the chocolate fountain. Mmm, I miss those chocolate croissants already...

We are not big gamblers, so I can't really speak to the casino, but we found it quite nice and not overly crowded. We didn't win big, but we didn't lose either. I think my best win was playing a $.05 slot and winning $50. So fun! 

I'll just mention two of our favorite meals. First was DH's birthday lunch at Todd English's Olives in the Bellagio. If you get there just before they open for lunch (11am), you will get your pick of the tables in the small-ish patio, which overlooks the lake/fountain and the Strip. Gorgeous. And the food was soooo delicious. Along with some Bellinis, we ordered the Fig & Prosciutto Flatbread (rosemary crust, sweet & sour fig jam, gorgonzola, prosciutto di parma) and the Shaved Roast Beef Sliders (vermont white cheddar, horseradish crema, chiffonade romaine, sautéed tomatoes, skinny fries). Insanely good. They knew it was his birthday, and the chef sent out strawberries and truffles as a little treat. Yum. Highly recommend!  I wore my Big Apple Tunic Dress from JC and it was perfect. Very airy and cool and cute. I topped it with the turquoise factory bubble neclace a bit later on and and added the Seville wedges (which were quite comfortable first day out).

The other memorable meal was Eva Longoria's Beso Steakhouse (at Crystals), a dark and romantic place, just what you want in ambience for a special night. We were given a very comfortable booth, and ordered petite fillets, which were melt-in-your-mouth.  The executive chef came out to chat with us, which we thought wonderful. He then sent DH a special birthday dessert after the meal, tasty churros with caramel sauce and some cream (I nearly licked the jar). 

More to come tomorrow...including shopping escapades at Anthro and Kate Spade, my Campo di Fiore ballerina dress in action, and what clothing/accessories were the hits and misses. I also have a backlog of J.Crew and factory reviews to come!

p.s. While I didn't have much time to comment, I did keep up with your comments and others blogger posts. I also caught a bit of the MSNBC show on Mickey Drexler. Was so fun to see Alexis' blog get recognized!


p.p.s. I checked for a J.crew extra % off sale promo every morning but the day they started it! Lol. Luckily, I was still able to snag a few wishlisted items. Also, yesterdsy my store did match the online 30% off (and didn't make it final sale), so it's worth asking. I think it just depends on the store -- some might not want to do it. Have you guys been shopping the promo? What did you pick up?

j.crew new arrivals!

Hi everyone!

One final post before I head off on my vacation -- some new arrivals at J.Crew!  First, love the location shoot in Bali. Here's the cover:

Polly Popover in Screen Dot -- not sure these colors would be great on me, but I like the idea of it.

Camp Popover in Stripe -- Nice basic. I have something similar and I reach for it all the time.

Silk Stripe Cami -- Well, the price is obviously ridiculous, but it's pretty and simple. Nothing really excited, but I still like it.

Smocked Top in Dapple Dot -- One of those tops I can see reaching for a lot in summer.

Tiered Dot Tank -- Ooh, love this one. I can see this one selling out in this faded jade color.

Vintage Cotton Cap-sleeve Tee in Stripe -- I like all the new color combos.

Pamela Love for J.Crew Lorimer Jacket -- Price is crazy high, but it is darn cute to look at.

Neon Tweed Short-sleeve Jacket -- Oh, how I love how this is styled right here.

Plaid Boucle Tweed Jacket -- The color, I die. Wishlisted (at a sale price).

Ella Dress in Porcelain Paisley -- Other bloggers have reviewed this and it looks to be really pretty IRL. I'm not enamored of the pencil skirt (what?), but this one I love.

Lucille Dress in Lace -- The sun color is gorgeous and the lace elevates it.

Cafe Capri in Domino Eyelet -- White pants are always chic in summer. The eyelet makes these a bit more special .

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Deck Stripe -- Cute, of course. (Though I have to mention that the Talbots striped pencil skirt looks a bit more flattering, with it's thinner/striped-placed-closer-together look.)

Promenade Skirt -- Looks like a really easy piece. Cotton crepe, pull-on waistband.

Anchor Popover Hoodie -- oh c'mon, who doesn't love an anchor? Wel, for $80, I suppose maybe not.

T-shirt Dress in Dizzy Anchors -- It might be a bit much, but I kind of like that about it. Of course, if it developed holes after one washing, that would be expected annoying.

T-shirt Dress in Ikat -- Cute, easy.

Lara Peep-toe Heels -- So fun! Reasonable heels.













Bubble Necklace -- In pink! pink! I really can't justify this baby at FP, but oh how I want it. I wonder if it's really neon-y though? Anyone see it in person yet?

Anchor Bead Charm Bracelet -- Obviously I'm a fan of anchors. If you don't like them all over your dresses, this is a nice little nod. Love it in white too!













What do you think? Any favorites?

p.s. I just wanted to mention that I received some super cute items from the Land's End Stock Room Sale.
First, the patterned tank in the anchor print -- I die, it's so cute. $12! There's a navy/white dot and cream/rust dot one as well. The XS fit me nicely (I wear a 2-4 in JC blouses, small in perfect-fit tanks).

The striped maxi dress is nice. It's a light sweater material, that should be ok in summer. (Great to layer up in fall!) The rust/tan one is down to $25 (from $100, which was high for them). I got an XS and that was right (what I wear in JC knit dresses). It was probably to tops of my feet and I'm 5'5", so might not be for taller ladies. Note the racer-back.

The short-sleeve oxford shirt with little anchor emblem (anchor obsessed apparently) is super cute too. It has a buttoned-down peter pan collar. I went with a 4, my JC perfect shirt size. $12.

Finally, the patterened pinktuck shell in the floral. Very pretty, antique-looking top. Note the yellowish tones that the reviewers spoke of (which I like). I went with a 2 and am glad I did, as it would have been too tent-y any bigger. $20.