Banana Republic: Boyfriend Military Jacket + 25% off Online!

First off, Banana Republic is offering 25% off all full-priced orders onilne only today with code: *BRSAVE25*

So, what should you get?  Well, I got this jacket last week and LOVE it!

Boyfriend Military Jacket - $98

Available online in Smoking Gray and also in a light khaki in stores.

IMO, they did not do a very good job styling this jacket online.  It's much more striking in person and the color is much darker than what it looks like in the online pic.  The light khaki is very nice and cute if you need it, but seeing as I have about 100 jackets (you think I'm kidding) the gray seemed like something I at least had LESS of at the moment!  It also looked awesome over the JC coral tunic top I had on that day (see it in this post)... but I forgot to snap a pic of that!

It was finally warm enough last week that I was able to wear this out to dinner one night!

Scarf: ON last year

Pants: Maternal America Black Denim Leggings

Bracelet: F21

Closer up of the front.  I have the sleeves rolled up, but you don't have to.  Also, I could unsnap the buttons on the pockets to make it look more 'crumpled' I guess.

Another outfit shot with my new Dooney handbag (see it here) ... LOVE the nylon, brown on black accents, and hot pink interior lining!  I found this style to be MUCH more practical than what I actually went to buy, the Longchamp bag, which is basically just a big duffle-like bag.  This bag has dividers, cell pockets, zip pockets, etc...

Left open...

Pulled open a little more .... it will actually stay this way if you want to show more of your underneath shirt

There is a little bit of elastic, plus a internal string belt, that helps really cinch the waist in on this coat.  Now, remember, I don't really have a waist right now, but this is pretty flattering in both the front and back.  If nothing else, Banana creates the hands-down most flattering-fromt-the-back coats and jackets over everyone else!

Are you planning on buying anything with the 25% off promo today?

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY!  DON'T FORGET TO WEAR GREEN!!

Talbots Accessories: Necklaces, Earrings, and Scarves

I have been surprisingly interested and impressed with Talbots merchandise lately.  Not only the clothing, but also many of their accessories.  Recently {here} I reviewed the Twill Trench in Gypsy Rose which I wore out in the rainy weather today and got tons of compliments!  I love it!

Here are items I've recently purchased (or are lusting over!) that I think you'll love, too!  I've recently started focusing on finding shorter length necklaces as I already have way too many long ones from last year!

First off, check out the Pave Necklace which is on super sale for $23.39!  The picture just doesn't do it justice, but this will be PERFECT for dressy black outfits ... especially at holiday time!! I would snatch this beauty up ASAP if I were you!

These gorgeous necklaces also now have a place on my dresser:

Faux-Pearl Cluster Necklace - $49

                                                     

Multi-Bead Necklace - $49

Illusion Necklace - $49

This is way pretty in preson and really compliments all the new spring colors!

On my wishlist:

(which, but the way, I love that Talbots lets you keep a wishlist!)

Bauble Bib Necklace in Neutral Multi - $89

Quartz Cluster Earrings - $29

Mini-Pave Hoop Earrings - $29

And,  a couple of gorgeous scarves:

Floral Rose Wrap - $69

Water Poppies Sash - $34

also available in blue!

There is also a Tulip Print scarf that is my favorite ... but it keeps becoming sold out online!

Thanks for reading!

Liberty of London For Target: Finally Here!

I made a last-minute stop at Target tonight hoping some Liberty stuff might already be out on the racks!  Sure enough, it was!  A girl working the floor told me they got it all in and out on the floor last night. 

Here is my personal take on this gorgeous, exciting line.... and remember, this is from a pregnant girl's point of view! ;)

First off, I was really excited about the trench coat and that was specifically what I was looking for.  Unfortunately, when I saw it IRL, I was like.... uhhh.  In fact, I kept looking around the the jacket I swear I saw in the commercials and previews of the line, only to finally figure out that this was in fact that same trench.  Bummer.  It's yellow patterned and has big black shiny buttons.  Although it was very nicely made, even at $45, it was certianly not what I was hoping for and definitely passed.
(I LOVE my coat from the 2006 Tara Jarmon for Target collection!  I've lost a couple buttons, though which sucks because they are so unique!  I still love pulling it out every spring!  The picture below was taken from nitrolicious.com)

Tara Jarmon for Target ala 2006

My absolute favorite items were the swimsuits.  They feel lucsious.... like the softest swim suit material I've even felt!  I purchased a tankini and 2-piece bikini - all in size smalls - to wear next year.  They were $19.99 per piece.  The cups are lightly padded, which are hard to find!  Love it!  Cute cover-ups are well, but I don't need any.

The dresses and tops are gorgeous, but I found the patterns to be quite overwhelming.  I brought one dress home to try, but it's going back.  Some of them actually would have worked through my second trimester because of the cut, but I just can't do it.  Too much.  I'll look again tomorrow to see if there is a smaller pattern or different style I might like better.  The price of the dress I bought is $29.99.

Love the accessories!  Rain boots are cute, but I have no need for a third pair of rain boots.  The umbrella was already sold out at the store I went to, but it looks super-cute on the TV commercial (and matches the rain boots!)  There are 2 styles of medium/large sized wallets that could also be used alone as a small clutch, cute bucket hats that will be great by the pool, and a couple different bags ... including one that is laminated and would be great to tote magazines to the beach or pool .... and one fabric small duffle with a removable shoulder strap that makes a great gym bag!

The home stuff is cute, but again, a little much for our house I'm afraid!  If I had (or was having) a little girl, I' be all over the toddler stuff!  If you are a mom of a little girl you HAVE to check it out!!

Sorry I don't have any pics (believe me, I am sparing you by not showing swimsuit pics at this point!) but I'm anticipating everything being available online later tonight (like after midnight or 1 am) so don't forget to check it out!  Thanks for reading!

Talbots Twill Trench: Perfect in Pink!

Talbot's Twill Trench - $189

What would spring be without the perfect, classic trench? In vibrant hues that lend a cheery feel to the grayest of days. Back length: M36"; P34"; W38". Cotton/ polyester. Dry clean. Imported. #H67013 (Available in many colors!)

I bought this coat ASAP after seeing a younger associate in Talbots wearing it over leggings and a tank top.  She was wearing it more as an outfit, not an overcoat.  Several of the smaller sizes were already gone and they had just put them out that day!

(FYI: These are very casual pics!  I'll show more soon with actual outfits!)

 

With hands in pockets... which are easy to get hands in and out of, BTW.  An excellent bonus.  Also, the buttons are 'internal' so as not to be seen.... which I think makes for a cleaner and dressier look.

Uhh, definitely looking prego here ... And, YES, I have on JC leopard print PJ pants on.... it was a lazy day!   Notice there is just enough details - like adjustable buckles on the sleeves and self-covered buttons on the pockets - to give it a nice and tailored look, without being too overboard trench-y ... does that even make sense?

I think this pic captures the nice sheen of the fabric.  There is a back slit that isn't really visible and the belt is thick enough so that you don't have to worry about it twisting up and looking bad in the back!

BOTTOM LINE

Size: I have to get either a Petite Petite (PP) or a Petite 2 (P2) in everything Talbots in order for it to work!  This is no different.  The 4P fit OK but the sleeves were a bit long.   This coat fits like a JC regular size 2 IMO.

Fabric:  The weight is excellent .... not too stiff, but certainly not flimsy or cheap at all!  The color I bought is called Gypsy Rose.... perfection!  I mean perfect!  I would describe it as raspberry sherbet.  Just gorgeous!  You have to see it in person!  As far as functionality, I think this will repel water and stains quite nicely and the length is great because it's not too long and constricting, but just long enough to be flattering.

Price: I found a 20% code online and got free shipping, so I'm OK with that!  I am a coat person AND a pink person, so this was pretty much a must-buy for me!

J.Crew Metallic Beach: Tons of IRL Pics

J.Crew Metallic Beach Cardigan

item# 23159 - $128 

available in Camel and Silver

*Gold on Backorder until 5/17 and Silver XL on Backorder until July!

I was lucky enough to snag the gold color on the 20% off promo before they went on backorder.  I also ordered the silver so I could try it on with different things, although it will have to go on sale quite a bit before I'll buy it for keeps! 

Below is just a TON of pics of each cardi with different color combos, etc... I didn't dress any of the outfits up cute with jewelry or anything, I just wanted to get an idea of how much I liked each color and how 'metallic-ish' they would look.  Too much metallic really leaves me feeling more "holiday" time than "beach" time!

Most of the items I have on with the cardigans I've already reviewed... or they are in line to be reviewed on this blog in the next week or two.  I finish up with a short review of this sweater.

I wore this outfit into my B&M the other day and got several compliments .... I love the gold with this shirt!

*Bottom Line*

SIZE: I purchased the XS and it fits TTS to a little large for JC.  A Small would definitely be too big, as I'm still able to button the XS 19 weeks pregnant!

MATERIAL: It's not super itchy and it's not the most comfy either.  It might have been in my head, but the gold seemed a bit less itchy and rough than the silver. Who knows.  The metallic is definitely more comfortable to me than some winter sweaters with odd animal hair in them!  Jewelry is this sweater's enemy!  Seriously!  I'm not talking gaping holes or anything, but I've already cut 2 or 3 loose golden strands off the sleeves ... it's doesn't affect the look though.  Just beware.

LOOK: I loved each color equally, but seemed to be able to create more outfits with the gold, so that's the one I'm keeping for now.  I can see throwing this on with anything just about all year long.  I completely plan on bringing it with my on our trip to LA later this month... it goes with everything, so it's a good piece to bring!

PRICE: $128 is a bit steep in my opinion considering it's not cashmere or something.  You're paying for the uniqueness of the product here.  I got mine for $102 and I am OKAY with that ..... $80 would make me happier!  I will buy the silver if it goes $80 or below. 

Outfits with F21 Safari/ Military Jacket + J.Crew (and pretty Target bangles!)

Still loving this $20 Forever 21 jacket from last year some love, with some new Spring items!  I'm really glad I still love this jacket ... funny, because there are ones I spent $100's on last year that I haven't even worn in over a year.  Just goes to show, you never know!

Jacket: F21 from last year  (Small)

Shirt: J.Crew Vintage Bateau Tee in Camel (XS)

Necklace: J.Crew from last year

Bracelet: LOFT

Jeans: True Religion Maternity Straight Leg

I really love this gold and pearl necklace with the white and camel stripes of the shirt.

Jacket: F21

Top: J.Crew Tuxedo Ruffle Painter Henley in White (Small)

Jeans: Chip and Pepper Maternity Jeans

And, some really pretty bangles from Target.  I was finally able to get the third color on a recent Target trip!  I love these and they look great with all the new J.Crew Spring colors!  Check out the coral one: here.  The colors are better shown on Target's website ... they look a little faded out here!   For $12.99 each, it's not wonder they are sold out online... but they're still available in most stores!  Good luck!

Hit Me With Some Hot-Mama Clothes: Gap, Old Navy, and Target (and... swimsuit.... gasp!) + Talbots Pink Trench

A short review of my latest finds for fashionable-attempting moms-2-be from 3 of my fave places to shop maternity!  All items are an XS unless otherwise noted.

Old Navy

Ruffle Cap Sleeve Top - $17.50 in "Shot of Love"

Button Front Pintuck Tank - $10.00 in "Cobalt Ink"

Twisted Tankini Top - $24.50 in "Pink Print" (size Small)

Gap

Mid-length Trench Coat - $59.99 (sale) in "Timeless Tank"

I'm poking it out here for effect!

This coat really is much too big for me now, but I think I'll get a lot of use out of it during this late winter and spring.  I'm still confused as to why it's so difficult to find maternity clothing in smaller sizes .... but generally the more expensive or "designer" the brand, the smaller you can find the clothing.

Target

Liz Lange for Target Tops - Black and Drak Coral

I'm not sure why it looks like my bra is showing thru so bad in the coral one ... it's really not that thin!

I got these on sale for $11.

And, this is obviously not maternity, but has anyone seen this trench IRL in Talbots?  It's gorgeous!  The pink is way nicer than what it looks like online.  I would personally call it Raspberry Sherbet.  Yummy!

I tried in on yesterdat in a 4P in the store and they were already out of the 2P in the store.  (probably because the coat apparently only comes in Misses 4 and up and Petite 2 and up .... so if you're a 2, then hopefully you can wear a petite because that's your only option!)  I'm considering ordering this is a 2P (which based on other items from Talbots will fit just fine... and I'm certainly not petite at 5'5"+) and making an outfit out of it for the upcoming Kentucky Oaks this early Spring.  The Oaks is the more "locals" day before the Derby and they started with a "Pink" theme last year to help support the Breast Cancer cause!  This will be perfect!

Twill Trench - $189 in "Gypsy Rose"

LOVE IT!  Thanks for stopping by!

My Latest Cravings .... And No, It's Not Food! (Hint: It's Clothes!)

A little pictoral journey through what I am lusting over at J.Crew (and waiting to buy!) right now!

Stretch Double Serge Pencil Skirt - $98

I have the Cinnamon Spice wool pencil skirt from the fall that I LOVE and I didn't even consider getting another one until I read Gigi's post and review here and saw it in the store.  I didn't try it on, but I think I would get my regular size 2.  I wonder what size I would wear in the Petite?  Maybe a Petite 4?  I might try that, as well.  I'm torn between this papaya color and the slate.  Due to extreme lack of need of the item, I will wait until this at least goes on sale and there is a promo.

Watercolor Potpourri Ames Dress - Orig. $148  Now $79.99

OK, this dress I've been stalking for a while and it finally landed in the sale section today.  Here's the deal: I cannot wear it or even know if it's going to fit me properly right now.... but I love it so much that I think I'm willing to take the risk on it in my regular size 2.  I'm watching the numbers closely on this one and will order it when the timing is right!

Metallic Beach Cardigan - $128

Shown on the model in the less-popular silver color... this color is darker in person and I actually really liked it!

And here, in the more talked-about golden color.  I have not seen this in person.

I was full-on prepared to hate this when I saw it.  I just didn't get the concept of metallic in the spring time... but it works.  It works for now, it works for later... it just works.  I think what sold me on it was the buttons and the length.  Honestly, it is not going to be the most comfortable cardigan you've ever owned.... it's a little rough.... but it might end up being your favorite!  I'm torn on the color to buy, but I'm not sure I'll be able to wait for a promo or sale to buy this!   Hey, my birthday is this month! ;)

Does anyone know about the sizing on the Ames dress as compared to beach dresses, etc....? 

How about the pencil skirt?  If I were to order a Petite for a shorter fit,  shouldn't I size-up?

How are other ladies wearing their Metallic Beach Cardis?  I'd love to hear about it!

My New True Religion Maternity Jeans

What a wonderful thanks-for-having-my-second-grandchild gift from my mother-in-law!  I don't even have regular True Religion jeans, but I am thrilled to have this maternity version!  Clearly, these pics were taken a few weeks ago when I was about 15 weeks.

Cute front pockets at the hip.

Lots of sewn detail on the front...

And, of course on the back... plus their signature button-down flap pockets.

On top, I'm wearing my new Liz Lange for Target ruched side, v-neck long sleeve tee in sea foam green that I purchased a few weeks ago for about $7.50!  I'm super excited about it since I'm obesessed with this color right now!

This is actually a better pic of the back pockets!

I bought my normal size 28 in these.... sometimes I can wear a 27, it just depends.  As usual (even with my regualr jeans) I probably could have gone down a size, but pregnancy is not the time to try squeezing into things for fashion's sake.  I don't have any pics of the rest of the leg (doh!) but I think these pics I do have capture the detail and look of the jeans.  The leg is slim/straight and the "rise" is low, though there is a long and stretchy comfy waistband that should last me at least through 7-8 months.

It's a little difficult to find cute designer maternity jeans, even online.  But, the best websites I've found so far are:

http://www.paigepremiumdenim.com/,

http://www.nordstrom.com/,

and 

http://www.apeainthepod.com/ (where this pair was purchased)

Thanks for stopping by!