Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Chiffon Rose Tee - Ann Taylor LOFT

I picked up this tee from my sister today (who purchased it for me last night before they all sold out!) and I really love it. There was only one XS left in the store and she got it! Yippie! It appears to be completely sold out online (or at least I can't find it) so I can't show ATL's description, but here are my thoughts and pics!

My first thought was that the tee shirt is very striking, just like the elusive J. Crew Rose tee from a while back. The twisted detail of the neckline is a nice touch, as well as double-stitched side seams. I haven't seen the black version, but the natural color is just thick enough to not be too see-thru as long as you wear a nude colored bra.

The quality of the actual tee shirt is about what you'd expect from ATL, but not quite as nice as I expected from a $35 tee shirt. There is no stretch to make it conform nicely to the body and the fit is a bit snug in the bust area and loose in the stomach area. For someone like me, that works out nicely, but for a large busted lady, maybe not-so-much. I'm sure the quality of the JC rose tee was better, but then again, maybe not ... JC hasn't exactly been Grade A on quality lately!
I love it with the black cardi (also ATL, purchased when they were Buy 1, Get 1, which was a super deal!) as recommended in this great review of the tee.

**Bottom Line: This is a great alternative to paying crazy eBay money for the original JC rose tee, plus I kind of like the thicker, chiffon outline a little better, anyway. $34.50 is still a lot to pay for a mediocre quality tee shirt (IMO), making this a MUST HAVE only for JC fans out there still searching for a rose too, but the unique design on the tee makes it worth it, esp if you have a coupon. TTS for ATL.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Linen-cotton braided-strap cami - J. Crew

I did end up going to the little "meet and greet" at J. Crew last Wednesday, but it wasn't really any big deal. I actually didn't buy much {woot! As, I'm still on a shopping strike! duh!} but I did pick up this cute little tank. I've already worn it twice! I LOVE to find cute, cotton tanks for the summer!! When it's sweltering outside, who can wear silk tops? Seriously, back sweat? Hello!



A slouchy cami in our whisper-soft linen and cotton, with braided straps and trim and a subtle pleated front. Easy fit. Comfortable shelf bra for extra support. Hits at hip. Import. Machine wash.
colors: white, flamingo, warm sand, weathered stone
was $39.50 select colors $9.99 item 14947

The neckline kind of dips down in the middle, which is helpful for being a bit more modest (not that I have the 'ladies' to be worried about that!). There is a built-in shelf bra and the thin straps have a braided look to them. I got the weathered stone color because I thought it would go with a lot of other pieces.



**Bottom Line: For the sale price of $9.99, it's very cute and practical. I bought an XS - runs TTS according to JC's current sizing.

PS - My sister bought me the ATL Chiffon Rose Tee (as reviewed here on another awesome fashion blog) and I'll review it myself when I pick it up from her tomorrow!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Classic Linen Cardigan - J. Crew

Extra long and exceptionally flattering, it's a seasonal must-have made from pure linen in a 7-gauge knit. Fitted. V-neck. Rib trim at neck, cuffs and hem. Short sleeves. Hits at low hip. Import. Machine wash. Colors: Natural and Birch 69.50 item 15131


My store had this new arrival sitting right at the door when I went to make returns about a week ago. I immediately was drawn to the neutral color of the linen, plus the fact that it's really a year-around piece. I generally NEVER buy anything at full price, but at $65, I was sold (plus I needed it to wear that night with an outfit, so...)
The linen is pretty substantial, but still just a bit sheer (as you can see in the picture with it buttoned up). The length is a little longer than what I would normally get (I just don't think it goes with as many things when it's longer... just my opinion). The buttons are nothing special and match the color of the thread. The deep v-neck makes this practical to put over cut shirts and camis because you'll still be able to see them underneath!


So far, I've only worn this with a dress and jeans, both times unbuttoned. In fact, had I wanted to wear it buttoned, I might have sized up on this one!
**Bottom Line: This will probably go on sale for $59, or $49 in the next month, so I would hold off for that if you don't HAVE IT HAVE IT! I got the neutral color, I haven't seen the birch. If you plan on wearing buttoned, you MIGHT consider sizing up ... otherwise, runs true to size ... I got an XS.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Discounted Designer Sandals - Eric Javits

The BEST new store opened up about 15 minutes from my house (and conveniently in the same shopping center as J. Crew, so I'm there a lot!). It's called Marmi Designer Shoe Rack and they are only open to the public Friday through Sunday. (as a frequent customer, I did find out that the public can come in on Thursday, but they are re-stocking, so it's kind of a mess! Needless to say, I go on Thursdays now!) The store carries only first quality shoes (including overstocks, past season, and samples) of a limited number of high quality designer shoe brands. Best of all, they specialize in hard-to-find sizes and widths, which includes narrows! Yea! All sales are final and they only accept credit cards and cash - no checks (who carries a checkbook anymore, anyway?) and all styles are $24.99 or $29.99, with a few clearance styles in the back being $19.99!
The brands they carry were nothing I had ever heard of before (mostly because there is no place to buy them in my area ... also because I'm just not an expensive-shoe kind of gal) but they are all leather and very comfortable! Brands they carry include: Eric Javits, Sesto Meucci, Amalfi, Rangoni and others!
I bought a couple pairs of flats there a few weeks ago (which actually stay on my narrow feet AND have great support!), but today I'd like to showcase the sandals I just snagged!
White and gold metallic slip-on w/ kitten heel



Gold and Black "Starfish" slingbacks w/ 1.5" wooden heel


Fuchsia suede flower sandal with natural/ gold colored straps and orange insole



They even have pretty insoles ... just like J. Crew!




Of course, like with any discount retailer, it's hit or miss when I shop there. Sometimes, like today, they'll just have gotten a huge shipment of great items in... other times I leave with nothing! But, it's always worth it to pop inside. The employees are always extremely helpful and polite! The biggest downfall is finding an awesome shoe that they don't have in your size anymore (obviously, 6-8 are the most rare so you have to shop frequently) and there is only one mirror in the whole place in the back of the store!!
Even the employees are not sure how long the store will be around since they have only a temporary lease with the shopping plaza right now for the space they're in (where a store just moved out) but I really hope they stick around! I can't wait to see if they get boots in this fall and winter!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

"Meet and Shop With Our Personal Shoppers" at My Local J. Crew

I received this email a while back from my local store:

I wanted to reach out to you to say thank you once again for your interest in finding out more about our new arrivals, online exclusives, and special promotions. We truly appreciate your business and want you to experience personalized service. We would love to learn more about you so that we may learn what you need. Please share with us what items you like at J. Crew. What are your sizes and color preferences? Do you have an occasion coming up? Do you need a gift for someone? Perhaps you need help to put together an outfit?

We’d also like to invite you to come in and meet our personal shoppers. They’ll be available to help you with any of your shopping needs and this is a free service to you. It is like shopping with your best friend who can provide private shopping time with you in our store. Your personal shopper will know your sizes and can put together new items for you, as well as help coordinate with past purchases.

Please join us on Wednesday June 24th from 6-9pm. Meet our personal shoppers or come simply to see what is new.

You can send me an email or simply call the store and we can book an appointment with one of our personal shoppers. We’re looking forward to seeing you!



I think it was nice to get a more personal note from the store manager. They must have used the "client cards" the had us fill out a couple months ago to compile an email list. It's also nice to be able to email the store when there is a style, color, or size I'm looking for... so there is no reason to drag my two-year-old up to the store just to look for it!

I'm still not sure if I'm going to go tonight yet ... we have about a million things going on tonight... but I'll let you know how it goes if I do go check it out! I pretty much know everyone that works at the store by name, anyway!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Trench Rain Coat w/ Hood - Michael by Michael Kors




This is a little something special I snatched up at T.J. Maxx a couple weeks ago. I'm still trying to decide if I should keep it ... so that's the nature of this post.


I've put it back in the TJ bag w/ receipt twice already, then took it back to try on and then hung it back in the closet. My gut feeling is to return it because I'm obviously not 100% happy with it ... but then again, I got a great deal on it.


The most positive aspect of this coat is the hood!! OMG - what's a girl gotta do to get a cute rain jacket with a hood? COME ON!! If I end up returning this one, I think I'm going to search for a North Face white rain jacket with hood. I'm leaning toward that since the length would be shorter, which is more practical for every day wear.


I have a few other trench coats (BR trench - thanks to JCA exchange, JC Travel Trench, etc...) so I'm not hurtin' for a trench-style coat ... BUT none of them have hoods! And, as other moms out there know, it's damn near impossible to hold an umbrella AND a baby, diaper bag, your keys, close the door, etc... hence the need for a hood if it's down-pouring.


So what do you think? Do I keep this jacket, or opt for a more practical, shorter style? I have about another week to decide!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Sydney Cotton Poplin Dress - J. Crew



was $128.00 select colors $89.99 item 97372
Our easy, all-occasion dress tailored to fit in comfortable, crisp cotton—it's a wardrobe essential. The fitted bodice boasts a scoopneck with pleating at the front and back, and a slight A-line skirt with two sets of pleats also at the front and back. It's a great piece to dress up or down. Sleeveless silhouette. Non-adjustable straps. Side-seam pockets. Back zip. Fully lined. Falls above knee; 21" from natural waist. Import. Machine wash.

Quickly, because it's Father's Day and we're heading out for dinner and ice cream! yea!

I purchased this dress as a "ride along" to get free shipping on my Cruise Shorts, reviewed a while back. I LOVE the styling of the dress, especially as a girl who is inadequate at the top... if you know what I mean... as the top is very flattering!

Anyway, I bought this dress is my usual size 2, and would probably have preferred a 0... or it's just not meant for me, because the 0 might have been a bit snug in the waist.

I decided to return it today because I would probably prefer a color-color (instead of the light pewter) and the 2 was just too big for me in the bust area. With a little tailoring, I could have made it work, so if it's ever a $39.99 dress in the sale section... I'm sold! But for $89.99... this was a pass because of the fit. I am so proud of myself for returning a less-than-perfect item that I loved to death style-wise! I know I never would have worn it, since it just didn't fit me great!

**Bottom Line: I'll buy this again if it goes on sale more. Runs a big large.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Georgia Cardigan - J. Crew

This slightly sheer shawl-collar cardigan adds a look of laid-back luxury to any outfit. Silk/linen in a 14-gauge knit. Fitted. Long sleeves. Rib trim at cuffs and hem. Hits at hip. Import. Hand wash.
was $78.00 select colors $29.99 item 15132

This is a quick post today. I noticed this cardigan was marked down to $29.99 last week, so I ordered it in the warm shell, bistro orange, and navy colors. (OK, I made up those first two color names ... I don't even know if they are right!)
Anyway, the fabric is pretty light and airy, but not thin and flimsy like it's not going to hold its shape. I like the fact that this cardi is a v-neck, which shows off a little more of what you wear underneath (ie. cute tees, etc...) AND the buttons are unique... not just your same 'ole little white plasticy ones! The shaw-collar is a nice change in pace from the Jackie and gives it a more casual look.




**Ended Up With: I bought 3 in XS. I LOVE the orange color, so I know I'm keeping that... but I'm returning the warm shell (there will always be more neutral colored JC cardis down the line, I'm sure!) and I haven't decided on the navy yet.

**Bottom Line: I would get your normal JC cardi size in this style. It's cute, but not worth more than the current sale price.

Do you have this cardi? What do you think? Should I keep the navy, too, or just the orange?

Friday, June 19, 2009

Denim Cruise Shorts - J. Crew

A warm-weather essential. We styled ours in soft cotton and added a hint of stretch for comfort. The buttons? They're denim tacks City fit—our lowest rise. Sits just above hip. Belt loops. Zip fly. Side-seam pockets, back welt pockets with button closure. 3" inseam. Import. Machine wash.

was $58.00 select colors $29.99 item 12065



I wasn't so sure about these when they first came out. In fact, they might have been subject of a "questionable item of the week" over on the JCA blog. However, after trying on the American Eagle blue jean shorts I bought a couple of years ago, it was clear I needed a new pair... an upgrade. Not just an upgrade in fabric and fit, but something a little more grown-up.



I had to stalk these for a few days online (since my store only has the white ones left in stock), but thanks to "Ema's" help in a previous post {thanks again!}, I was able to snag them late last week. They came a couple of days ago. I was concerned that I might have needed to size up (like with the giraffe print shorts) but since there was only one pair online when I bought them, I went with my normal size.


Upon first trying on, the fabric felt substantial and nice, but still appropriate for summer. I really love the gold button accents on the back and front. The fit is perfect, with just the right amount of stretch. The color is also quite nice. A perfect in-between color that's 'just right' paired with just about anything. I really love these shorts... so my old ones are in the donation bin now! Can't wait to wear them!











**Bottom Line: I really like these. They will be a good, essential addition to my summer wardrobe. These run TTS.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Steam Fast Garment Steamer




Steam Fast Garment Steamer - $39.99 (Tuesday Morning)



Ok, so today is not a clothing item, but the next best thing ... an item that makes clothing look better!



To preface, I DO NOT IRON. I own an iron and a mini ironing board, but mostly because I feel like I have to (as a home owner, wife, and mom ... isn't it like a law or something?) But, the board is still in the plastic wrap, and the iron is one that somehow found its way on over to the new house from DH's bachelor pad when we moved... don't even know if it works.... don't care.




Anyway, I bought my mom a travel / portable garment steamer for Christmas (which she loves.... and it's pink, so bonus) and ever since then, I've been hauling clothing to her house every now and then to have them steamed... especially online-ordered JC items that come in shambles. It was really time I grew up and started using something a little more substantial than Downy Wrinkle Releaser (lived on that product since college!) on our family's clothing... especially DH's nice work clothes!




I noticed a Tuesday Morning ad at my grandmother's house a while back and there was a garment steamer in the ad. I made the decision at that point to bite the bullet ... to head to our nearest location that next Tuesday to pick one up.




The owner's manual states it takes 45 seconds to heat up .... but I think it's more like 20-30 seconds. Sweet! I'm thinking of racing my new RHD hair straightener and this steamer to see which one is ready first ... both are lightening fast!




I had read nightmare stories about the less-than-optimal results garment steamer owners got using their steamers.... soooo, I was prepared to hate it, pack it back up, and return it.



Until, I used it for the first time.



IT'S AWESOME!



No complaints here. I've even de-wrinkled linen items .... as well as silk, cotton, etc... with no issues. There is a plastic hook on the top of the rod which conveniently holds the item on a hanger while you are steaming it! The rod is in 3 sections, so it easily can be stored and then pulled right back up and used again. The fabric brush attachment came with it and I've used it on everything I've steamed so far, even if I didn't actually need to touch the brush to the fabric.

See .... folds up small so it can fit in my junky linen closet!




Cute little tank



They claim the water tank holds up to 45 minutes worth of water for steaming, and has a helpful little drain plug for emptying the tank area after use if you aren't going to be using it again for a while. It doesn't tank any special kind of water or chemical or anything, but they do suggest using fresh water and cleaning the tank periodically. That's easier than a vacuum cleaner!


The little plastic hook at the top of the rod





**Bottom Line: This is MUCH cheaper than the so-called "professional" garment steamers and I am 100% happy with this product. If I had paid $100 for this, would still be happy... so it's good! What a HUGE improvement over ironing for so many reasons... safety (for me and my clothes!), efficiency, pretty much fool-proof, fun to use, and WAY faster that ironing all those wrinkles on your Victoria Cami! ;)


Do you have a garment steamer? Hate it or love it?

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Cotton Tiered Ruffle Tank - Express


DREAMWEIGHT COTTON TIERED RUFFLE SCOOP-NECK TOP
Style: 9613338C
Was: $29.50 Now: $19.99
Layered-on ruffles add flirty swing to this sleeveless top
Cotton/Modal
Scoop neck
Tiered ruffles
Ruffled shoulders
Machine Washable
Imported


This was a nice surprise! I generally never go into Express (at least not for the last couple postpartum years) but I was shopping with a cousin for her high school graduation dress a couple weeks ago and this was one of the places she wanted to go. She didn't find any dresses to even try on, but I did run across this little beauty.

Bra-friendly and non-clingy, I was sold immediately. And, at 40% off, the price was right, too! It appeared that brighter colors had been available at one point because there were some XL sized stragglers hanging among the muted colored tanks still on the rack.


I feel like this tank resembles the hard-to-find Rolling Ruffles tank offered up by JC just recently, only cheaper and they still had my size. Soooo, I'm happy with it!

A pretty nice fit .... not too "pregnancy poofy" in the front



**Ended Up With: I bought the XS (could have gone with a small) in the off-white color.

**Bottom Line: At $18 bucks, sure, it's a good summer tank to have around! Runs TTS.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Chambray Perfect Shirt - J. Crew

Chambray Perfect Shirt - $78
(Summer '09) Item# 15463 100% Cotton



What a surprise this shirt was! I first saw it in the store last week and there was only a size 14 left. Luckily, my B&M got another shipment in yesterday and the super-nice SA's put a 0 and a 2 on hold for me!

**yes, I completely suck at this shopping ban thing ... but, in my defense, I'm adding days onto the original 2 weeks for every day I cheat ... which means this could go on forever ;)**

I popped in first thing this morning to take a peek at the shirts in my size, and I loved them even more! The SA couldn't believe they received more in their shipment ... it was a surprise! Yea! Apparently, I'm not the only one coveting this shirt ... so they said. I hardly EVER buy anything for FP from JC, but this shirt I had to have.

The sheen of the fabric takes it from being just a plain 'ole boring shirt, to something truly special. It does have a nice "hand-feel" as JC likes to say in their descriptions, and the fabric is nice and airy, with no stretch. I really like the 2-pocket look since I am small chested and I feel like it accentuates that area a bit! The buttons on the front are just a bit larger in size than on my other perfect shirts from JC, making it easier to button and unbutton.

I think this is going to make an excellent addition to my summer and fall wardrobe. I tried to take pictures of the different ways it can be worn... after a brief meeting with my new Garment Steamer (review to follow soon!) because it was SO wrinkly!! I'm not sure I would necessarily pair it with Bright Rhubarb Cafe Capris like in these pictures (it's just what I already had on!) but I do like it with the F21 pearl necklace!


**Bottom Line: This shirt runs pretty TTS. I could have gone with a zero, but it was a bit snug across the shoulders and back area and I would not have been able to wear even a thin t-shirt underneath it. I ended up with a 2, which is my true size (at JC at least). At $78, this is definitely an investment, IMO... but something about it I just LOVE!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Brand New J. Crew Top!!!

Pretty new J. Crew Top!
Up-close shot of the ruffles!


I just SOOOOO cheated on my shopping strike..... but it was totally worth it!!! Let me show you!

Connor and I were having a rough day (like a lot of Mondays when he... or us both... are still recovering from the weekend) so I decided I deserved a little "shopping" (not buying) trip. As I was just getting ready to leave J. Crew, I noticed one of the nice associates folding a bunch of new tops! Even though I'm not supposed to be buying anything right now, I had to take a look.

It was PERFECT!!! Exactly what I've been waiting for! Why? It's garment cotton... yea for washable! Sleeveless ... perfect for summer! It's got ruffles... cute! And, the kicker, it's not crazy-big and baggy like every other JC top that's come out recently! It fits perfectly, hugging the body just enough to look nice, but not show-your-muffin-top tight!

I have no idea what the name of this tank is, but the style# is 17329 and it came in at least these colors: lavender, crisp celery, slate (which is the one I got - SLA), dark slate, white, and natural. Sizing is XS, S, M, L, XL. The best part: $35 retail price! One of the store managers who checked me out said there was no way these will be around for very long ... and I think he's right!







See! No puffy, weird a-line silhouette!



Key-hold back button


**Bottom Line: BUY THIS TOP! The price, the fit, the style.... everything is perfect! I want more colors! I got an XS and it fits great. If you are large busted, you MAY want to size up. Otherwise, I think this is TTS.

***Update: I checked my receipt and the name of the top appears to be: Slub Shirred Ruffle Tank... FYI

Giraffe Print Shorts - J. Crew


Get spotted in our eye-catching cotton canvas giraffe print. City fit—our lowest rise. Sits just above hip. Zip fly. Slant pockets, back slit pockets. 3" inseam. Import. Machine wash.
was $65.00 select colors $19.99 item 10547 (sold out)


I loved these at first sight (in the store and online) but wasn't willing to shell-out the original price. Plus, they came out with the "Resort Wear" roll-out in the winter, which was way before I was even considering wearing shorts! However, once they went on sale, I was lucky enough to snag 'em!

I had to size-up to a 4 on these shorts. The fabric is pretty stiff and doesn't really give at all, plus the length is very short (they say 3", but I think they are more like 2.5" myself), so the size-up makes the fit more comfortable and they sit lower on the hips, lengthening them a little bit!


As with all the unique JC pieces, these shorts definitely are eye-catching and get a lot of compliments.


HOWEVER... the trend toward lower-quality definitely is evident in this particular pair! The second time I wore them, I noticed the inside seam on one of the legs was completely ripped out. Not so much ripped out, but was never sewn to begin with!! You can see wear the thread was sewn into just one side of the fabric, but didn't catch the other side! Also, the button was extremely loose when I bought them, and fell off the first time I wore them!! Both of these issues I was able to fix myself, but seriously! And it's not as if I'm bustin' out of these puppies... they're a little too big! SO... I LOVE them, but come on JC... this is not the only item I've had these issues with here lately!!




Eating on the beach at Sandals Ocho Rios


Our sans-baby Jamaica trip in March!


(sorry these aren't very close-up, these are the only pics I have of me wearing the shorts!)


** Outfit Ideas: The catalog pair these with the Travel Trench in tan, which I do have, but the weather isn't exactly warranting that right now. Besides pairing with the Merino Lea Sweaters, I like to put on the Ruffle Sleeve viscose tank in neutral, a glass pearl necklace and gold strappy sandals (or JC Tierney Sandals).

** Bottom Line: Definitely suggest sizing up on these. LOVE the look ... I'm sure it's pretty trendy, but I think I'll get a lot of wear out of them this summer (that is, if more of the seams don't keep bursting out!)




Do you own these? If so, what do you pair them with? Have you had any quality issues?

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Banana, ON, and Gap - Online Store Closed?

I just went to peruse the OldNavy.com site (not buy, obviously since this is my second day of "shopping strike" ) but all of the Gap Brand sites say they are "closed" right now.... I guess for maintenance. Say What? I hope it's not for long!

**Update: The websites are back up and running again! I guess I tried them right at the end of the down-time!

Pansy Jaquard Dress - J. Crew

Let the social season begin. This pretty dress is party-perfect in a beautiful blend of wool, silk and nylon jacquard with metallic threads. Its strapless silhouette features a fitted bodice, with boning and elastic in back along the top edge to hold it up—so you won't have to. Straight skirt. Straight neckline. Empire waist. Back zip. Fully lined. Falls to knee; 24" from natural waist. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only. was $225.00 select colors $129.99 item 13239



There is a story to how I wound up buying this dress. I was shopping at my local J. Crew and one of the associates I like to work with had this dress on. She was going out with her husband after work that day and decided to with dress to work that day. It caught my eye immediately! I knew I had seen it online, but I did not realize how absolutely gorgeous the fabric was until I saw it in person.

Because it was an online / catalog only item, I rushed home to give the dress a second look online. At the time, the dress was still FP, but a lot of sizes were already sold out, sizes 0 and 2 included! Darn! But there was no way I would have spent FP on the dress anyway (with no real place to wear it!) so I just kind of wrote it off.

Then, it went on sale and I was able to order a size 2 that popped back! {Woot!} But, when the dress arrived, it was way too big at the top!! Not just 'didn't-fit-perfect big', but 'I-can-pull-the-dress-down-to-my-waist big'. I was crushed, and immediately planned to head to the local tailor I use to get the dress taken in.... because, of course, at that point, the dress was completely sold out!

Magically (OK, not magic, I set my alarm for 6 AM and then stalked the sale section update for about 30 minutes on a Saturday morning!!), about 2 days later, I was able to snag the dress in a 0!! {Double Woot!} and it fit perfectly!

The fabric is a perfect light weight for summer, while remaining substantial enough to be very dressy and classy. There is not too much metallic threading, but just enough to make the dress fun! The color is amazing! I wouldn't even call it pink (they do on the JC website) because there is a lot of orange in the background color... I guess kind of like a coral color. I'm never pulling and tugging at the top to get it to stay up because of the silicone strip around the neckline that holds the dress in place perfectly! I've gotten TONS of compliments on this dress ... and it really just makes me happy to look at it ... and especially happy when I wear it! This is an example of when you should definitely purchase a piece of clothing, no matter what it costs, if you feel like a million bucks when wearing it!

I didn't even think I needed this dress when I bought it, but I've already worn it twice to social events! That makes the purchase totally worth it in my book! Unfortunately, both places I wore it were at events with my husbands firm, so we didn't take any pictures! Crap! But I popped the dress back on today to take some shots! I will add shots of us actually out and about the next time I wear this beauty!




**Outfit Suggestions: I have paired this dress with the JC long pearl/ sparkle necklace I reviewed a couple of days ago in shell and JC Paige Chunky Sandals in Metallic Blush. I've also considered wearing the Target heels we all went crazy about a couple months ago in the light pink color! Gold sandals also look fantastic with this dress!
**Bottom Line: Hot summer cocktail dress!! A must-have for weddings and social events this summer! Runs a bit large, I would size down, especially if you are not large on top.