So, what do you think of my picks? As you can tell, I am a sucker for vibrant colors. I am sad that none of the shoes I want come in 10.5, but they will probably run so small that I'll need an 11 anyway!
The new tresco floral is just to die for, but is it too bright? I think the pants may be WAY too much... but I still want them. My 17 or even 22 year old self is snickering at me.
I saw the feather ring in person and it is very pretty. Much more sparkly than it looks in the website photos!
What I love most about this rollout, ignoring some of the complete fails (ok, not totally ignoring, just look at how horrible these are), is that alot of it reminds me of Spring 2008, which was one of my favorite J.Crew seasons.
What are you loving from the latest J.Crew rollout?
January 30, 2013
January 19, 2013
January 18, 2013
J.Crew Spring 2013: 80s disaster?
Whilst perusing the 2013 pre-order lookbook at J.Crew, I was struck by the number of items that look like they are straight of the 1980s and/or the set of the Golden Girls. (Don't get me wrong - that is my favorite show EVER!)
Case in point:
Case in point:
80s flashback time! by jcrewjd featuring silk tops
This makes me very, very sad. Let's compare these items with some images from the March 2008 catalog:
moodboard: J.Crew Spring Lookbook 2008 (clipped to polyvore.com)
Beautiful merino cardigan with ruffle - classic.
moodboard: J.Crew Spring Lookbook 2008 (clipped to polyvore.com)
The lovely Vanessa in a gorgeous scarf, cashmere tee, and adorable pleated, knee length denim skirt.
J.Crew of Seasons Past {a look in the closet} (clipped to polyvore.com)
Finally, and most striking, is this image which is from the Spring 2008 Collection Lookbook. Can you imagine seeing such classic items in the collection lookbook now? Me neither. (Still sad I missed out on those shoes, btw.)
I see how J.Crew is trying to change their image, and I see no need to comment on that, other than to say, me no likey. I have heard people say that the old J.Crew was boring, but I have to disagree. It was classic and beautiful and they provided gorgeous, unique accessories to jazz everything up. I want my old J.Crew back, darnit!
So, what do you think about the new Spring 2013, or is it 1987, collection?
I see how J.Crew is trying to change their image, and I see no need to comment on that, other than to say, me no likey. I have heard people say that the old J.Crew was boring, but I have to disagree. It was classic and beautiful and they provided gorgeous, unique accessories to jazz everything up. I want my old J.Crew back, darnit!
So, what do you think about the new Spring 2013, or is it 1987, collection?
December 17, 2012
J.Crew Jewelry Spotted at TJ Maxx?
No, but there are extremely close copies of current J.Crew selling for a fraction of the price. I am an avid TJ Maxx shopper but I rarely look at the jewelry. This past weekend, though, I walked past the case en route to the cosmetics section, and this necklace immediately caught my eye:
Sure looks familiar! Probably because it looks exactly like the J.Crew archipelago necklace:
So, did these come from the same factory? (I'm gonna say yes.) Does J.Crew know/care that their current season jewelry is being knocked off any sold at TJ Maxx? For the record, the TJ Maxx version was $29.99. There was also a knockoff of the fall floral crystal bracelet, and I've seen copies of the Tesselate necklace at several different TJ Maxx stores over the past 6 months or so (and on eBay and other places.) But the Archipelago copy really stood out to me because it is so distinctive.
I thought this was quite interesting and just wanted to share!
I thought this was quite interesting and just wanted to share!
December 12, 2012
Ahoy! New J.Crew Factory Merino Anchor Sweater
I love intarsia knit sweaters, and thankfully J.Crew (along with just about every other retailer out there) is on the the bandwagon this season. While nothing can compare to the 100% cashmere intarsia sweaters they did 6 or more years ago, I will settle for 100% merino, which it seems they are offering only at the Factory store this year. Puzzling, but fine, because factory is cheaper! Hooray! Check out the latest critter sweater, in 100% merino and with a nautical theme:
It is navy with a heather gray anchor, and it is really cute! It is $88 full price. The only downside is that it is pretty thin. To me, it seemed thinner than the tippi/charley sweater, but that may have been my imagination. My slightly shiny nude colored bra was available for all to see through the sweater, so it'd require a more incognito bra and/or a cami. At least the thin-ness will be good for spring, when an anchor sweater would be a little more appropriate than it is in DECEMBER.
As to fit, this is a small. All of my regular Tippis are mediums, and so is my Factory puffin sweater. So, I'd say this runs slightly large. I didn't even bother trying the medium because the small fit perfectly, not tight, not loose, but just right!
It seems to be exactly the same shape/cut as the Tippi/charley.
Overall, I give it a thumbs up, and will buy it if I can ever get it cheap enough! I LOVE that it is merino, and not some atrocious blend like 99% of factory sweaters. Keep it up, please!
Not yet on the website but maybe it will be tomorrow? I am not sure when the Factory site adds new arrivals. Anyway, what do you think of this latest critter sweater? Are you crittered out yet? Do you even bother with J.Crew Factory or do you stick to the "real thing"?
As to fit, this is a small. All of my regular Tippis are mediums, and so is my Factory puffin sweater. So, I'd say this runs slightly large. I didn't even bother trying the medium because the small fit perfectly, not tight, not loose, but just right!
It seems to be exactly the same shape/cut as the Tippi/charley.
Overall, I give it a thumbs up, and will buy it if I can ever get it cheap enough! I LOVE that it is merino, and not some atrocious blend like 99% of factory sweaters. Keep it up, please!
Not yet on the website but maybe it will be tomorrow? I am not sure when the Factory site adds new arrivals. Anyway, what do you think of this latest critter sweater? Are you crittered out yet? Do you even bother with J.Crew Factory or do you stick to the "real thing"?
November 29, 2012
OOTD 11/29/12: Feeling festive!
I was feeling festive this morning, for some reason. Maybe because I saw the muppets singing Christmas songs in a sleigh last night at the Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony. LOVE those muppets, especially Gonzo! He's so cute. Or perhaps because Christmas candy is in stores, and anyone who knows me knows how much I love candy... I get overly excited when it is finally the time of year that I can buy the old fashioned cut rock candy in the bulk foods section at the grocery store. Whatever the reason, I love this outfit and think it is a perfect example of the types of clothing I wish J.Crew would produce (in high quality materials of course) forever! Like everyone else, I did size up one in these pants (the factory skimmers in black watch plaid, except that it isn't black watch plaid) and was lucky to get them when they were 50% off in store. Highly recommend! (I'd post a real life pic, but my dog broke the mirror with his gigantic, fluffy tail.)
Are you in the holiday spirit yet? What is your favorite thing about this time of year?
October 5, 2012
Land's End sale: 40% off one item
Lately, Land's End has been hitting it out of the park with cute designs and high quality materials. For example, all leather shoes for only $99, and gorgeous 100% silk scarves. Love it! Now, even with the low prices, I am still always looking for a deal. And today it arrived in my mailbox: 40% off one item and free shipping over $50. The thing I love about Land's End is that the $50 free shipping requirement applies to the pre-discount amount. So if you put a $50 item in your cart and then apply the discount, you only have to pay $30 and you will still get free shipping. Pretty awesome. Here are some items that I think are worth checking out:
Some pretty silk scarves:
Some pretty silk scarves:
Women's Extra Large Silk Square Scarf from Lands' End (clipped to polyvore.com)
Scarve (see more square silk scarves)
The perfect nude heel (I am ordering these)
Ashby shoes (see more ashbies)
The also come in suede, I ordered the sweet potato with the last promo (30% off) and they arrive today. Will reorder to save $8. Yes, I am that cheap.
They also have some really pretty coats with plush wool/cashmere material woven in Italy. The prices are really good, and they have petite and tall sizes in many styles. This is my personal favorite... but I really don't need a coat.
Ok, I'm done. The code is plastered all over their site but I'll tell you anyway: LEAVES with pin 9876. Happy shopping! Will you be picking anything up with this sale? It goes through Tuesday!
They also have some really pretty coats with plush wool/cashmere material woven in Italy. The prices are really good, and they have petite and tall sizes in many styles. This is my personal favorite... but I really don't need a coat.
Ok, I'm done. The code is plastered all over their site but I'll tell you anyway: LEAVES with pin 9876. Happy shopping! Will you be picking anything up with this sale? It goes through Tuesday!
October 4, 2012
A spiffy outfit
J.Crew Lexington Jacket (2007)
J.Crew Telegraph Pencil Skirt in Super 120s, size 4, Summer 2012 (size down to your smaller skirt size)
J.Crew perfect fit tape boatneck tee, size medium, Summer 2012
Talbots heels, Fall 2011, size 10.5 (thank you, Talbots, for making my shoe size)
I was inspired by this photo from J.Crew's Holiday 2007 collection. It is gorgeous, isn't it? Wouldnt wear this particular outfit but the colors are so pretty. I miss that green background; it made everything feel festive.
I was told I look spiffy while wearing the above outfit. I am choosing to take that as a compliment.
September 27, 2012
Jello buttons
Reading other like minded women's blogs is delightful and makes me happy. It also causes me to buy things I normally either never would have known existed, or would not have noticed had I seen them. (It's a good thing, actually, because sometimes I am blinded by J.Crew and don't think to look at other stores.) The hot pink pants fall into the first category, but thanks to WMM, I was enlightened and able to purchase these delightful pants for myself!
I can hardly stand such an adorable detail. They remind me of the jello my mom used to make every Christmas, it looked like this:
It was delicious, too. Good memories! (here is the recipe, which is also where I found the photo.)
Back to the pants. They run large, as stated by many reviewers on the Gap website, a detail I chose to ignore. So, they are held up by a belt today! I actually like the way the look even though the waist is a little big so it works for me. Many sizes are sold out but they do popback and there are promos constantly. Highly recommend. The fabric is lightweight without being flimsy, and the color is so saturated, I just love it. It's been years since I've bought pants from the Gap, but in the last week I have purchased three pairs! So, thank you again WMM, for reintroducing me to the Gap!
Have you made any great finds lately at retailers you don't normally frequent? What other retailers out there am I missing?! As a loyal J.Crew Aficionada, I am afraid I am really missing out sometimes.
Tank - J.Crew old ruffled favorite tank, 2008
Sweater - J.Crew Tessa sweater jacket, Holiday 2007 (aka, the best season ever for J.Crew)
Pants - Gap Broken-in straight khakis, size 6 tall
Shoes - J.Crew Lulu ballet flats, 2008
Before we get to talking about the pants, can we just admire this sweater for a second? I mean, just read the description: "Cotton in a 9-gauge double-knit with big, shiny buttons." Double knit cotton? When was the last time J.Crew did double knit cotton? Too long ago... and the buttons. Not only are they indeed big and shiny, but they are striped:
Back to the pants. They run large, as stated by many reviewers on the Gap website, a detail I chose to ignore. So, they are held up by a belt today! I actually like the way the look even though the waist is a little big so it works for me. Many sizes are sold out but they do popback and there are promos constantly. Highly recommend. The fabric is lightweight without being flimsy, and the color is so saturated, I just love it. It's been years since I've bought pants from the Gap, but in the last week I have purchased three pairs! So, thank you again WMM, for reintroducing me to the Gap!
Have you made any great finds lately at retailers you don't normally frequent? What other retailers out there am I missing?! As a loyal J.Crew Aficionada, I am afraid I am really missing out sometimes.
September 11, 2012
September 7, 2012
Too-short, high-waisted dresses
Or, the majority of J.Crew's current and recent past dress offerings. It makes me sad, being a tall person. However, I am mostly legs, and I figure, why not flaunt them from time to time, so with that in mind I ordered the Allie Dress in Aqua Floral. I watched it get marked down once, twice, then a third time, finally landing at $69.99. A reasonable price for a too short, high waisted dress, right? I told myself I could let the hem down and finally just ordered the thing already, after hemming and hawing for days. I had to face the fact that I can't resist a good print nor a good silk twill.
There she is in all her glory. And now I will show you the dress on myself. I should've steamed it first... because after steaming, it really came to life and the skirt is all full and cute now.
See, it's not totally obscene!!
The waist actually isn't too far above my natural waist,which is positive.
Annnnd high waist. I probably should not raise my arms this high at any point during the wearing of this dress.
Here's a close up of the print, the hem width, and the lovely silk organza that is sewn into the skirt to give it body. A very nice detail if you ask me. It then has a full lining which you see at the top of the photo.
I ordered my normal size 6 and it fits perfectly.
I am wearing this dress to a wedding this weekend, but after that I do plan to let the hem down as far as possible, if I can. That fancy organza lining may ruin my plans, though. I have some of that fancy invisible thread but it will be my first time doing a hem on silk. I hope I don't completely mess it up. I think the length is appropriate for a fun wedding but it would make me happy to have it a little longer!
I can't decide which shoes to wear, so I will be hauling several pairs to my destination :)
A final sale success... I love those!
So, what do you think of the dress? Do you too wish it was just a few inches longer? Have you had any final sale successes lately?
J Crew dress (see more floral dresses)
There she is in all her glory. And now I will show you the dress on myself. I should've steamed it first... because after steaming, it really came to life and the skirt is all full and cute now.
I ordered my normal size 6 and it fits perfectly.
I am wearing this dress to a wedding this weekend, but after that I do plan to let the hem down as far as possible, if I can. That fancy organza lining may ruin my plans, though. I have some of that fancy invisible thread but it will be my first time doing a hem on silk. I hope I don't completely mess it up. I think the length is appropriate for a fun wedding but it would make me happy to have it a little longer!
I can't decide which shoes to wear, so I will be hauling several pairs to my destination :)
A final sale success... I love those!
So, what do you think of the dress? Do you too wish it was just a few inches longer? Have you had any final sale successes lately?
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