J.Crew Review: Suzette Blouse in nightfall floral

When J.Crew ran their 25% off promo a couple of weeks ago, I decided to order a basic black merino turtle neck and the Suzette blouse in nightfall floral.  Not only was I enamored with the gorgeous nightfall floral print, but I've also recently become obsessed with neck-tie blouses.  Because I hadn't seen this blouse in the store and I couldn't quite make out the color or the print in stock photos, I was a little apprehensive.  However, as soon as the blouse arrived in the mail, I tore it open, put it on, and demanded that the fiance take pictures immediately so I could write a review for you guys since I feel so strongly about it and haven't seen any reviews of it from the JCAs.  Guys, I love it!  I can't recommend this blouse highly enough.

Price:  $138 originally, $103.50 with 25% off

Size:  2 (TTS)

Material:  Crinkled chiffon with a silk layering cami, extremely light and airy, perfect for layering

Colors:  Listed as "eggplant," nightfall floral print, but this blouse could be worn with black, navy, purple, green, peri, flame, you name it, it's probably in there somewhere (see the up-close photos below)

I sprung for the nightfall floral version of this blouse (an extra 10 bucks) for two reasons: 1. the print looked alluring, and it is, and 2. because the blouse is sheer, I wanted something to camouflage my bra straps if necessary.  With a nude bra, the straps aren't noticeable at all.  If the print isn't your style, the blouse is also available in newport navy, ripe melon, and dusty shale.  The ripe melon color looks beautiful.

Here's a close-up of the print and the sheer sleeve:

The detachable layering cami is a navy color:

A close-up of the neck-tie, buttons, and print:

J.Crew said this print is "adapted from an oil painting" they "nabbed at an estate sale."  It's pretty easy to see where they got their inspiration for their recent color palettes, yes?

Don't mind the tag.  I was THAT excited to get a review up for you guys!

I could easily see this blouse paired with the vibrant flame hacking jacket or the viridian green pencil skirt.  I plan on wearing it with a pair of navy Pilcro high-waisted cords as soon as they're back from the tailor (Polyvore set below).  Being a munchkin has its drawbacks.  :) 

The neck-tie could be tied up close to the neck or down further, as it is in the stock photos on J.Crew's website. 

Have you tried on the Suzette blouse in nightfall floral?  What did you think?

Secretary of the Seventies by alldressedupnoplace2go featuring a leather buckle belt

OOTD: Navy and Raspberry - plus an Anthro shoe review

Poncho-cardigan:  Merona for Target, sz. small

Sweater dress:  Brooks Brothers, sz. small

Belt:  Merona for Target, sz. small/medium

Tights:  Merona for Target, sz. small/medium

Shoes:  Miss Albright Lake & Land Heels, Anthropologie, sz. 7.5

This OOTD was from Wednesday and was inspired by Anthropologie's Lake & Land Heels by Miss Albright.  I ordered these shoes last week after I decided I needed a non-black pair of oxford-like heels.  After reading the reviews and seeing the sale price - $79.95 - I decided that my closet was sorely missing this pair of shoes.  Here are the shoes on their own:

After wearing these shoes all day, I can reaffirm the positive reviews on the website.  I'm on my feet pretty much all day, and these shoes kept me comfortable.  Some reviews on the website said to size down, but I ordered my regular size 7.5, and they fit just fine.  The adjustable ankle strap allowed for a tighter fit. 

I love the blue suede and light brown leather, and the tassels are the perfect touch.  I got compliments all day.  My only two complaints are that one set of tassels came untied several times throughout the day and the one strap dug into my ankle a bit when I walked.  After wearing the shoe all day, however, both problems seemed to be somewhat alleviated.  I think once I wear the shoes in, they'll be fine.  This shoe is still available on Anthro's website in sizes 7.5 - 11. 

J.Crew Reviews: Blythe shirtdress, Maisie dress, and Liquid silk skirt

I had a shopping date yesterday with a couple of my friends, and we went to J.Crew to do some back to school shopping.  My intentions were just to go back for my beloved Maisie dress (I swear!), but I ended up trying a few other items as well.  I say this all the time, but my darn personal shopper is WAY too good at her job.

Before I get to the reviews from my fitting room escapades, I wanted to share with you that our personal shopper at our local J.Crew told us that they would not be stocking our store with any of the cashmere items anymore.  I'm not sure if this is just our local J.Crew, or all J.Crews.  Apparently corporate told our store that it wasn't worth sending out the cashmere items because they don't sell in the stores as well as they do online.  Anyone else hear about this?  One of my friends was very disappointed because she wanted to try on one of the cashmere sweaters.  Anyway, just wanted to give everyone a heads up on that in case you make a special trip to the B&M to try on cashmere and it isn't there.

Switching gears, onto the reviews.

Blythe shirtdress in poppy

This dress was on my favorites list for the Crew's new fall arrivals, so when I saw it when I walked through the door, I grabbed it.  I couldn't help myself.  The bright gorgeous color made me do it.  Here's a closer shot:

I must say, when I first tried the dress on, I was a little disappointed.  I am so in love with my Blythe blouses, and the dress fell a little short of my high expectations.  However, the longer I had it on, the more I liked it.

Price: $178

Size:  4

Pros:  Wearing the silk felt luxe, and the color is bright, but very wearable. 

Cons:  The dress felt a little too drapey at first, and the belt didn't give it the shape that I had hoped it would (that's why I just gave up and tied it, as you can see in the photo above).  Here's a picture from the side to illustrate the draping:

I think overall, I just like my clothes to be more structured, and when I let go of that notion, I liked the dress quite a bit more. 

The Maisie dress in getaway green

I bought (and reviewed - see the link above) this dress in abstract floral, but my personal shopper threw the getaway green color in my dressing room, so I tried it on to review for you guys.

Price:  $178

Size:  4*

Pros:  The color on this dress is much brighter - and prettier, IMO - than it looks in the stock photo on the website.  It was very flattering on both my friend (who has similar coloring) and me.  The dress flows beautifully, and the fit is loose and comfortable.

Cons:  None that I could find

I left this dress in the store, but only because I was already buying the abstract floral Maisie, and I couldn't justify paying almost full price (I used my educator discount) for both dresses at once. 

*A note about the sizing: I actually bought the floral dress in a size 2.  I really couldn't find any difference in sizing other than with the 2, the elastic waist is a little higher up, to give the dress more of a babydoll vibe.  On the 4, as you can see in the picture, the dress has a more boho vibe because the waist sits lower.  I sized down on this, so if you generally wear a 4 and you're not too tall, you could probably size down, too. 

Liquid silk skirt in dark navy and bright dahlia

I tried this skirt on in three different sizes: 4, 2, and 0.  I took pictures of all 3, so I'll show you those first and explain the differences.

Size 4:

The size 4 sat very low on my waist, and I wasn't a fan of the length when it was on my "natural waist."  The site has the model wearing it on her natural waist, and the measurements are for your natural waist, but I like things to sit at the smallest part of my waist instead.  This skirt really fit much better all around when it sat there.

Size 2:

This is the size I ended up buying.  The fit was much more flattering and comfortable, and with heels, the length will look much more flattering (I tried on the leopard wedges with this just to see how it would look with heels, so those of you who are shorter that are considering this skirt, I'd say go for it and pair it with a pretty heel.).  BTW, love this with the boatneck painter tee in navy stripe.  So much so, in fact, that I bought the tee to go with the skirt.

Size 0 in bright dahlia

Sorry that this pic is blurry.  Nonetheless, you can still see that though the size 0 fit my waist, it created an odd fabric flow/draping pattern.  This is the reason I went with the 2. 

I feel like I covered the pros and cons with the explanations of sizes, so I'll just say a couple more things about this skirt.  I really had no intentions of buying another skirt, but this skirt can so easily be dressed up or dressed down that I think it will be extremely versatile.  I just got a vintage navy pleated skirt, so I went with the bright dahlia skirt instead.  The jury's still out on whether I'll keep it or exchange it for the navy color. 

Today is my last day of summer vacation :( so be on the lookout for a first day of school outfit post soon!  I'm not sure what I want to wear yet, so I might need some help :)

Enjoy your evening!

J.Crew Review: No.2 Pencil Skirt in double-serge wool

Hi all!  Before I get to the review, I know I have quite a few blogger friends in the greater D.C. area, and I want you all to know that I'm thinking about you.  The fiance's sister lives and works in D.C., and she was evacuated from her building today after the earthquake and was pretty alarmed.  I hope you are all safe and free of any kind of damage. 

On to the review.

J.Crew's No. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool in jazzy purple

After being waitlisted, I finally received this beauty in the mail, and I couldn't be happier with it.  The jazzy purple color is sold out on the website, but lots of other yummy hues are still available.  I am considering buying this skirt in viridian green or vibrant flame once I'm off my fiance-mandated spending moratorium, only because the jazzy purple color is so gorgeous, so I imagine the other colors are as well. 

The skirt is a size 4, and it fits TTS.  It's a little big in my waist, but I always have put up with that problem in order to fit my hips.  The color is a slightly deeper purple than the stock photo.  I had pictured something a little closer to the bright dahlia color. 

The double-serge wool gives the skirt a beautiful, heavy texture and adds structure to keep everything in, so to speak. 

Don't mind the tag sticking out the back.  I didn't know it was sticking up, and the fiance declined to tell me about it.  Men and their lack of attention to detail.  ;)  Anyway, the only thing that I don't like about this skirt is the 23 1/2" length.  The only other pencil skirt I have from J.Crew (other than my new paisley skirt) is the Oak Tweed pencil skirt, and it's 21 1/2" inches long.  That length hit just above my knees and was perfect on my short little legs.  The extra two inches of fabric dwarfs my legs even further than they already appear.  This is extremely apparent from the picture of the back of the skirt.  I think I'll get the skirt hemmed before school starts next week.  Anyone else miss the 21 1/2" length that was around for about a season?

I've already tried this skirt on with my Cecilia cami, above, and with my tippi sweater in the bright dahlia color.  I love the monochromatic look with a slightly lighter color on top, sort of like in this Looks We Love look:

I really think this skirt is going to be extremely versatile, even in the purple color.  I can just picture wearing it throughout the year, almost as a neutral as long as I don't get too out of hand with the rest of the outfit. 

I hope you all have a wonderful evening!

J.Crew Fall 2011 Reviews and IRL Photos: Maisie dress, Ticking Stripe derby dress, and Ruthie Shirtdress

Today I took a trip to my semi-local (50 minutes away) J.Crew B&M after my wonderful personal shopper enticed me by extending the online 20% off offer to in-store purchases.  She is really too good at her job, because she brought me loads of beautiful new arrivals to try on.  So many, in fact, that I'm going to split my reviews into three separate posts.  This post will review the dresses I tried on.  Let's get started, shall we?

Maisie Dress in abstract floral

Price: $178

Size: 4

Pros: Elastic waistband, gorgeous print, flowy and comfortable

Cons: I couldn't come up with any

I love love love this dress.  I've been trying to go on a bit of a spending break, but if this dress sticks around long enough to make it to the sale, it's mine.  It's extremely comfortable, and the elastic waistband allows for some extra room.  The arms are sheer, and the print is slightly lighter than the online picture shows.  The light areas are actually a pretty cream color instead of the brown in the website's photo.

Here's another shot of it with the Mona leather pumps in brick red. 

The pumps are another purchase I'm considering.  They're so ladylike and comfortable!  Don't mind the fiance's feet.  He was perusing the catalog and guffawing at the prices. 

Ticking Stripe derby dress

Price: $138

Size: 4

Pros: Sits nicely, flows well, fits a large bust and small waist quite well

Cons: The material, the darts at the bust, side zipper, spaghetti straps

This dress is pretty and is very wearable, but it just wasn't for me.  If you have a large bust and wear a bra, the spaghetti straps do not hide bra straps.  I love the pleating at the waist,  but hated the way the darts hit on the bust.  My personal shopper had it styled with the Schoolboy Blazer in wool flannel in the color heather caramel:

While I love the styling, I still wasn't going to bite on this outfit.  The blazer (here in a size 4) seemed a little heavy for the dress.  it also seemed like it was a little large.  I could have probably sized down to a 2. 

Ruthie Shirtdress in gatsby green

Price: $118

Size: 4

Pros: Pretty color, comfortable material, nice length, figure-flattering

Cons: Buttons gap on a larger bust

I seriously considered walking out of the store with this dress, and I was truly surprised.  The last time I was at the Crew at the beginning of the summer, my personal shopper tried to get me to buy the Herringbone Cargo dress, and I hated it.  At first glance, I thought this dress would be similar due to its military-esque look.  I almost didn't try it on at all.  Oh, how wrong I was.  This dress is so comfortable that I almost bought it.  The only thing that stopped me was the buttons.  Those darn buttons get me (and my chest) every time.  For reference, I wear a 34D.  If you wear a smaller bra size and are considering this dress, I highly recommend it.  The material is smooth and the shape of the dress allows for room in the hips and thighs, but it makes your waist look ittybitty.  Someone out there, please buy this dress so I can live vicariously through you :)

Alright, that's it for the dresses. 

Coming soon are reviews for:

Tippi Sweater in dark grape and bold peri

Blythe Blouse in extravagant green

Boy Shirt in quincy tartan

The much-loved and sold out online Paisley Pencil Skirt (my B&M had plenty in stock, so don't fear if you want one!)

Tucked mini

The little pink pants that could: J.Crew's Cafe Capri in Silk Shantung review and styling

When I first saw this image featured on J.Crew's website in April, I knew I wanted needed those pants. 

Then, the Crew decided to tease me for about a month.  Try as I may, I could not find those gorgeous, shimmery, PINK pants anywhere.  Finally, when they were released during a pre-summer roll-out, my heart sank when I saw that they were a collection piece priced at $250. 

For the better part spring, I forgot about them.  I saw they went on sale, but I still wasn't quite ready to shell out $150 for them.

Fast forward to the 40% + free shipping coupon code from a few weeks ago, and I went to check on my beauties.  The only size left was a size 4 - my size.  It was a sign.  I put them in my cart (along with a couple of pairs of capris and the eyelet blazer), put in the code, and the price went to $89.99.  Score. 

The pants are a little tighter in the hips than a regular J.Crew size 4, and the waist sits quite a bit higher than regular cafe capris.  Also, there are a few flaws in the fabric.  I'm not super-familiar with silk shantung, but there are a few spots that appear to be heavier thread-wise than others.  Overall, though, I'm quite happy with the pants.  I'm glad I didn't pay $250 for them, and I'll be much happier with them when I lose my last five pounds, but if you're a size 4 and you stumble upon a coupon code to knock some money off the top of the $150 that the pants are currently listed for, I'd recommend them!

Here's how I styled them just to try them on (Forgive the lack of make-up or hair styling, and forgive the yucky indoor setting - it's been pouring here all afternoon.):

I'm debating getting these hemmed, but I kind of love that they make my short little legs look longer. 

Here's the polyvore for the outfit:

Garden Party Casual by alldressedupnoplace2go featuring beaded necklaces

J crew
$30 - jcrew.com

J Crew beaded necklace
$33 - jcrew.com

Carolee bangle bracelet
£28 - houseoffraser.co.uk

J.Crew - Cafe Capri in Silk Shantung
$250 - jcrew.com

Women's Mossimo® Verity Peep-Toe Pumps - Taupe : Target
$21 - target.com

I know this review comes a little late for these pants, but hopefully it helps someone somewhere.  Have a wonderful day!

Today's Outfit: High and Low

In true working girl style, I often like to mix and match higher end, more expensive clothes with lower end, less expensive clothes to make outfits that are a bit more unique and easier on the wallet. I'm thinking about making this idea a weekly feature of my blog. Here are pics and reviews of today's High and Low outfit:
I had to take a close-up pic of the earrings because I love them so much. I've had them for years and I'm just rediscovering them.

• J.Crew Jackie cardigan in White, size small - $62 (unfortunately, the white color is not part of the summer sale that the J.Crew Aficionada informed us about this morning.)

• New York & Co. Scoop neck pocket tee in Protesting Orange, size small – $14.95 or 2 for $16

• J.Crew Sunshine peonies pencil skirt, size 4 - no longer available online, but $39.99 at the B&M? Anyone know if they're still in stock anywhere?

• New York & Co. Peep Toe Wedge Sandals in Charming Pearl (color out of stock in site, but the local store had a ton left last week), size 8 - $16.17

• Earrings - $15 at a charming little local vintage clothing/jewelry store that has since closed and broken my heart

Here are some reviews/thoughts on the pieces in this outfit:

The skirt: I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sunshine peony print, and I've been in love with it since it came out. The perfect shirt ($49.99) and coccinelle dress ($89.99) are still available and are part of the summer sale. However, does anyone have trouble with their J.Crew pencil skirts riding up? My new oak tweed 21" doesn't, but this 24" does. I'm not sure if it's because of the length or if it's because I have a relatively small waist and some junk in the trunk =P Whatever the reason, I have to keep pulling on it. Oh well. I love the print enough that I am willing to risk the embarrassment of getting caught yanking at the hem.


The scoop neck tee: I actually like this version of the boyfriend fit tee for $14.95 better than J.Crew's softspun cotton pocket tee for more than twice the price at $32.50. The fit is better...it's a bit more snug, so I feel like it's more feminine. PS...Protesting Orange?? The color is gorgeous and matches the sunshine peony print perfectly, but if I was web-shopping and came across this color, the name itself would deter me from buying this shirt. Just a thought.


The cardigan: I love how soft and lightweight the Jackie is. For spring/summer, I like the shorter sleeve length also. The only downside is that you can pretty much see right through the white color.


The shoes: Pretty comfortable, for less than 20 bucks. I can teach in them all day and not have sore feet by 3:00 PM. I love the cute knot detailing.


The earrings: Like I said, I just rediscovered these after they were hidden away in a drawer for 5 years. They're a bit kitschy, but I love the colors and I couldn't resist putting them on with this outfit. And they're clip-ons that are actually comfortable to wear!


I'm interested to know 1) if anyone has seen any of the other sunshine peony print stuff left in the B&Ms, and 2) if the 24" pencil skirts ride up on anyone else.

Have a fabulous day, everyone! :)