Some long overdue J.Crew reviews (and some new ones!)

Man, I've had some of these pics for over a month! My bad. Here are some reviews, better late than never, I guess?

First up, the olympia suede wedges, which are currently $119.99 before the 30% off. I love a good, low wedge. I am actually thinking of selling off most of my heels, except of course for my beloved penelopes and other gems from 2008...

I got the bright persimmon, hoping it would be bright, not as dull as it is pictured.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I still like them, but I was just hoping for a less "blah" shade. Here you can see how different the color is from my Juliets and vibrant flame tippi. The fit is a little weird too. I have high arches so I rarely have the problem of straps being loose, but the third strap (the one below the ankle strap) is really loose!

See what I mean? In spite of my negativity, I do really love these and decided to keep them. The dull shade actually goes with alot more in my closet. But beware if you have low arches they will probably be too loose on you.

Next up was a factory item that I added to my order on a whim, hoping it would be perfect for an upcoming wedding. It is on sale for $49.99 right now, although as of this moment it is sold out. I'm talking about the factory schuyler candy wrap dress. The online photos do not do this lovely dress justice. I thought the waist would be too high, it'd be cheap, etc, but no. It is lovely, substantial material and I think it fits quite well. I took my normal size 6.

Ok, so it's short, but it's a party dress so I don't mind! If this pops back, I highly recommend it. It's fun and very high quality, especially for factory. The pleating is very precise. It even has the little bra strap holders. I sort of wish I had gotten a 4 so the waist would be a little tighter, but oh well. More room for wedding cake!

Finally, the foulard print maxi dress. I can't seem to find this one online, but it's probably still out there in stores. I purchased mine about a month ago on sale. It is TTS and flatters your waist, but the top is quite poofy, which I don't mind. I got my normal size 6 and could not have gone any smaller because the fabric has absolutely no give.

One more! The edie calf hair wallet! It lived up to my expectations, although I am not sure how durable it will be! It came in a big silver gift box, and is made of the same scratch prone leather as the Edie purses (the only downside). The calf hair is extremely soft and high quality and I just love the print. Gorgeous. The inner zipper is very nice quality and seems sturdy. Worth it on sale... I'm just not into paying $100+ for a freakin' wallet!

Well, what do you think? Have you purchased any of these items? Any other items catching your eye?

J.Crew New Arrivals (Summer 2012)

I haven't posted in almost a month. Not sure how that happened, but I'm still here, and still obsessively stalking jcrew.com every weekday at approximately 6:50am, eastern time for popbacks and new markdowns alike. Speaking of which, there was a huge update today, but the items I really want are still not on sale. Namely, the gingham Altuzarra dress! I need that! I ordered it a while back and planned to do a review but all my pictures were accidentally deleted. Hmph.

So, new arrivals! Hate to say it, but there is nothing I have to have in this rollout. Here are the things I would like to have if I can get them at a substantial discount (I'm looking at you, Arden clearance store).

I think most of us will agree that the Tippi cardigan is lovely and we need it in at least 3-5 colors. Right? Unless, of course, it pills horribly after two wears (2009 infinity cardigan, I'm looking at you).

Crepe knit sundress, $175

This is just cute, although it looks like it might be hard to wear even a strapless bra with it. I have the skirt in a gorg kelly green (it is a sample), and I do love it. I am just not sure where the high price tag comes from... $75 more than the skirt to add a skimpy top? Not seeing it! Also, too bad it doesn't come in more colors.

Cafe capri in kaleidoscope dot, $148

Ok, I will admit, I LOVE THESE PANTS. But the foulard capris looked terrible on me, so I don't have high hopes. Anyone else miss the "classic cafe capri" silhouette? I dunno, the legs on these new ones just seem slightly too slim. But I will probably "have to have" these when they go on sale.

How gorgeous is this bag? It seems a bit impractical, but I still loooove it:

Telegram suede mini satchel

 Reminiscent of some of the 2008 handbags, methinks.

Edie calf hair wallet, on promo for $158

This isn't brand spanking new, but I love it, and I ordered it. I have two J.Crew wallets from 2004ish and they are SUCH high quality... I'd love to add this beauty to my collection. I'll do a review when it arrives!

Did I miss any other gems/duds from the new arrivals? How hilarious is this necklace? Do you agree with my picks?

J.Crew Factory Reviews: Slim Stripe Maxiskirt, Cork Clutch & Anchor Tee

I couldn't resist the allure of the factory new arrivals for very long! In fact, I went into my b&m today to sample the goods. Here is what I took home:

This tee isn't online and who knows if it ever will be. It is super cute, I think! It is 100% cotton and I'd call it a tissue tee, but it doesn't seem like it is too fragile. The sequin anchor is navy. I bought a size medium for a slouchier look. I also noticed they had a remake of the tee from a few years ago that had a big gold fish on the front. All the tees like this were 40% off.

The skirt is the slim-stripe knit maxiskirt and it is $72.50, but was also 40% off. There is also a plain navy version that I tried but decided not to buy. I loooove this skirt! I was worried it would be too short but it is a good length, I think... though I wouldn't mind another few inches. I purchased it in a small. Please try to pretend that I am not wearing hot pink underwear... this skirt is a little sheer. It definitely requires nude colored underwear or (shudder) a thong. Totally worth it though. It is a very cute skirt, comfortable, and easy to wear. Factory just keeps churning out winners lately!

Here is the cork envelope clutch. I have wanted a cork bag of some sort for a while but I didn't want to spend a ton on something so frivolous and unnecessary, not to mention very seasonally limited. Bags are 50% off so for about $27, I couldn't resist. The lining is standard cotton twill, and it has a cool little change purse type interior. Behind that is a large slip pocket. This clutch won't hold much but it will be really cute for weddings and such this summer.

What do you think of the factory new arrivals? Anything you have to have?

Anchors Everywhere!

I love a good nautical print, and it is everywhere at J.Crew these days. But I am wondering, will this delightful sample dress ever make it to production?

I certainly hope so. I have been meaning to post this picture, and the lovely Bo Sanborn (check out her blog, FORM/FUNCTION) reminded me of it in the "Looking to find" post over at the mothership.

I am kicking myself for not buying this dress... it sure is adorable. Now I just hope it (or a similar dress) made the cut and will be in the Summer 2012 line!

It appears to be the same print used on many Crewcuts items and an iphone case.

Anchor prints by jcrewjd on polyvore.com

Cute! Thanks for stopping by!

An oldie but goodie

Today I had one of those days where you just don't know what to wear. On those days, I go one of two routes: yoga pants, or a dress. Both are extremely easy, one is just more comfortable than the other and can be worn in any season without having to wear tights! I decided to go with my "new" J.Crew Wool Flannel Watercolor Floral Dress.

New to me, that is. A recent eBay find, made even better because it was Goodwill that was selling it on eBay. I've never found something so awesome in my local Goodwill, so I love how they sell some of their better items on eBay and reach a bigger audience. Pretty smart if you ask me! Does anyone else love these dresses as much as I do? I also have the Golden Roses and abstract rose print ones. Lovely!

My J.Crew factory Cece suede flats are a perfect match! I've never been a huge factory fan; I prefer the special pieces from regular J.Crew made of lovely fabrics and pretty prints over the utilitarian, often boring factory items. But I made an exception for these shoes because there is no difference between them and the regular ones, they are much cheaper, and I could actually try them on before buying. My local regular b&m does not carry shoes (or purses, or most of the clothes...) so I am out of luck there!

Are there any oldies but goodies you are still pining after?

OOTD 4/26/12 by jcrewjd featuring ballet shoes

Land's End Sale (lots of cute picks for cheap!)

I have always liked Land's End, and have worn it since elementary school. Today, they have the more fashion forward Canvas line, which can be very J.Crew like. A good thing! Even better, they don't do final sale and you can return items hassle-free to Sears. And the SAs are never mean or judgmental when I return an entire order consisting of clearance items.

Today I received an e-mail about their new sale. 30% off everything and free shipping, no minimum. They say that the "no minimum" doesn't apply to orders that are clearance only, but I just placed one and I got free shipping where my total was only $13. Score.

First I looked in the regular Canvas sale section and saw a disappointing 43 items. So, I went over to "regular" Land's End and found that there are tons of Canvas items over there, for some reason.

They aren't Canvas, but check these pretties out:

Women's Emma Tailored Ballet Shoes from Lands' End

Oh, hello, adorable spectator flats for $13!!! Let's be honest, if these were sold by J.Crew I would probably pay alot more for them, and have wanted them from day one. That's just one of the many effects of drinking the crewlade. Apparently, since they are sold by boring old Land's End, they are destined to languish in the sale section. They are like a cute suede version of the Penelope flats of yore. If the purple had been available in my size, I would have bought those too. I only have one pair of Land's End ballet flats, but they are really nice, padded, and comfy, yet still cute. They are these, also on sale:

Canvas The Heritage Ballet Flat from Lands' End

It can be hard to find a navy shoe, so I was pretty excited to get these last year. They are even cheaper now, and they also come in black. Just as cute as the J.Crew classic ballet flats, comfier, and MUCH cheaper.

Some other cute things of note:

Women's Phoebe Toe Ring Wrap Sandals

It's always nice to find items you can wear now for a steal. I think these are adorable and if I could justify another pair of sandals, I would totally get them. These are only one pair among many sandals that are super cheap. They must be from last year... I don't know.

A cute dress, but the price and amount of sizes left leaves me suspicious:

Women's Split Neck Dress

What can I say, I am a sucker for a cute little print! Sadly, it is poly, but how could would it look over skinny jeans/pixie pants/leggings?

How about a jackie cardigan lookalike?

Women's Cafe Cardigan

I ordered it in this color because the last time J.Crew released a brown cardigan, it was the most hideous shade, and I desperately need a plain brown cardi!

Last of all, some super cozy looking boots that would have to be saved for next year:

Women's Eliza Tall Shearling Boot

These are so cute and I love the over the knee/foldover detail.

Be sure to check out the regular Land's End section if you're shopping, because most of the Canvas clearance items are found there.

To get 30% off and free shipping, use Code PICK30 and Pin 3022.

Lands End Sale by jcrewjd on polyvore.com

Women's Eliza Tall Shearling Boot
$225 - landsend.com

Women's Split Neck Dress
$90 - landsend.com

Women's Emma Tailored Ballet Shoes
$50 - landsend.com

Women's Emma Tailored Ballet Shoes
$50 - landsend.com

Women's Phoebe Toe Ring Wrap Sandals
$50 - landsend.com

Women's Cafe Cardigan
$6 - canvas.landsend.com

What do you think of my picks? Anything else amazing that I missed?

Creamsicle

The first thing I thought when this outfit came together this morning was that I resembled a creamsicle. And then I craved one all day!

 J.Crew Rococco Shell, size 6

J.Crew jackie cardigan (2010)

J.Crew Toothpick cords, tall 30

Necklace, made from dismembered storybook bracelet

These "neon persimmon" toothpick cords satisfy my craving for a somewhat brightly colored pair of pants that doesn't break the bank. They were a whole $20 minus 30%. It almost always pays to wait for deep discounts... I wanted these cords all winter but I am glad now that I waited and got them for such a small amount of money. Even better, the color is "springy" enough that I can totally wear them now and into the early summer. It was in the 70s today and I wasn't overly hot.

Close up of the lovely lace

 The Rococco shell was the perfect piece to springify the pants. This was a very lucky clearance store find... although the full price of $128 actually isn't too unreasonable. This is a special top and I received many compliments! It is a size 6, which is my standard top size, and it fits perfectly. It is fitted at the top but nicely flows away from the body. I absolutely love it and if you can get it, I say try it. It did wrinkle a little, but after I was done wearing it for the day, I just steamed it and it is ready for another wear. Gotta love that!

Sans cardigan

 Once upon a time, I traded a cashmere sweater for the storybook bracelet on the JCA weekly exchange. I then proceeded to remove all of the charms and use them on my existing long J.Crew chains from other necklaces as cute little pendants! The bracelet was chunky and impractical but I love the individual charms so much.

Well, that's all for now. I ordered one of the lovely new arrivals today, that fabulous gingham dress... fingers crossed it's as adorable as it looks!

So, what do you think of the Rococco shell? What about the new arrivals that came out today?

Luxe

Finally busted out my luxe crepe blouse. I love, love, LOVE this blouse and own it in both colors. It runs ever so slightly large, so if you're in between sizes, you could size down. If it ever goes on sale... this is one of the few items that has been around for 6+ months with no markdown! Rare these days. Here is my outfit... nothing special, but comfortable and pulled together enough for work:

Minnies in wild blackberry (4 tall), Lulu flats, and luxe silk crepe blouse (6), old necklace

OOTD 4/3/12 by jcrewjd featuring j crew jewelry

J Crew button shirt
$198 - jcrew.com

J.Crew j crew pants
$50 - jcrew.com

J.Crew ballerina shoes
$90 - jcrew.com

J Crew j crew jewelry
$40 - jcrew.com

Hope you all have a great Tuesday!

A couple pencil skirt OsOTD

Here are two outfits I wore last week. I was on a pencil skirt kick! Now it is going to be in the mid 70's all week... my summer clothes are still packed away so I am really not sure what I'll wear.

Oh look, it's the mini orbit necklace again! I sure do love this necklace. The bright colors go with many items in my wardrobe. I also have on a jackie shell, and a denim pencil and merino cardigan from 2009. 

Here I wore the neon azelea double serge pencil with the lovely sunshine peonies cardigan, and a tank top from....KMart. It is Basic Editions, has a lovely built in bra (still need an actual one, unfortunately), and is actually really nice. Especially for the $8 I paid! I love finding great clothing in unexpected places.

I hope everyone who is having it is enjoying this amazingly warm weather!

Giveaway winner!

Thank you to the several readers for entering my little nail polish giveaway. I used random.org to pick the winner, and the winner is: Unknown (seaglassmartini)

I have e-mailed the winner. Thanks again everyone!

Black, white, red, and some coral that totally doesn't match thrown in, too

 J.Crew Lexington Jacket (size 8)

J.Crew Blouson dress in polka dot (size 6)

J.Crew mini orbit necklace

Jessica Simpson tights (best tights ever, besides Spanx tights)

J.Crew Juliet midheels in poppy (see below)

This morning, I pulled this dress out of the closet and thought, it's about time I wear you, pretty silk polka dotted dress. So, I did, but not before I had to run and look at Polyvore to see a set I had made. You see, I've had difficulty styling this dress... it just seemed grannyish and unflattering for some reason, even though I have the neon pink stripe version and have no similar issues with that one. JCA Elaine and I both put out pleas on the weekly Help! Style Me post over at the mothership. A wonderful JCA whose name eludes me suggested pairing the dress with a plain black super 120s jacket. Brilliant! Why didn't I think of that!? So, after checking polyvore, I remembered this wonderful suggestion and was all ready to try it until I pulled out my favorite black super 120s jacket (the 1035) and saw that it was hopelessly wrinkled from being jammed in my too-full closet. Since my steamer broke yesterday I had no choice but to rethink. Fortunately, my impossible-to-wrinkle trusty Lexington jackets were hanging right there and so I decided on the black and ivory version.

I threw on my new mini orbit necklace at the last minute, even though it is a totally different shade than the Juliets I am wearing. It is the only reddish necklace I have besides the red bubble necklace which I have yet to wear because, well, it's HUGE and it scares me.

Mini review of the mini orbit: The plastic beads are a muted coral-y red with wine colored stripes. The little discs covered in rhinestones are hefty and overall, I really like this necklace. Great for adding a pop of color. The colors IRL are very close to what is shown in the website photo.

Didn't want my Juliets to feel left out!

Finally, I wore one of my favorite pairs of shoes. I had to sell off my entire collection of these in size 10 after my feet inexplicably grew, and am now on a quest to replace them in size 11. Luckily I found these ones almost right away, in my favorite color, poppy. Really, really wish J.Crew would bring these back. I would buy them... maybe not at full price (they were $198 back in the day, I think), unless they changed out the plastic linings and soles for leather! Then $198 might be fair and I'd  have to make an exception to my never pay full price policy.

Edited to add: Ooh, I must be psychic, or something... thanks to my friend wonkess on Polyvore who pointed out that a very similar outfit was featured today on corporette. 

So, what do you think of my last minute pairing of the lexington w/ the blouson dress? Do you have any other styling ideas for this dress?