J.Crew: Scalloped Zip Cardigan and Shocking Pink Jackie (atop a neon dress)

**First off, I am scheduled to be induced with my second son on Tuesday, July 27th!  I'm not sure if I'll even make it that long, but I for sure won't be doing any new posts for a while!  I may post some updates and pics on my other "mommy" blog if you'd like to check that out!  (mommy2connor.blogspot.com)

Otherwise, I'll see you back here soon!

Thanks for reading!**

A couple more final sale reviews:

Jackie in Shocking Pink - Size Small

I'm a pink girl ....so I can't go wrong with a hot pink cardi!  I'm always either an XS or Small in Jackies ... I'll wear either.  The size Small gives me the option of buttoning it (when I'm not with child, obviously!)

Scalloped Zipper Cardigan in Heather Stone - Size Small

I wanted this back in the day when it first came out, so when it was re-introduced, and then on sale and an extra 20% off, I bit.  I'm still not sure how the length is going to work, but for now, I'm loving it!   Won't be long now before I can start actually WEARING some of my new clothes!

Crewcuts: Giant Gingham Shirt Review

**First Up:  Enter Dr. Drama's "Moody Mama" $25 giftcard giveaway!  The entry question is cute and definitely hits close to home for me right now!!**

If there's one thing worse than a "final sale" online, it's a "final sale" on clothing for kids, because there is just no way to know about the fit! 

However, during the last % off promo at J.Crew.com, I did pick up a few things for DS.

My faves?

Short-sleeve giant two-toned gingham shirt - on sale for $19.99

Sconset-plaid shirt - on sale for $34.99

I didn't end up getting this one for DS for 2 reasons:  I have it in the women's version, and the price is still too much for a 2-year-old IMO.  We'll wait for more sale!

Long-sleeve Amagansett slub tee - on sale for $14.99

This feels amazing!  I wish I had one!

Anchor slub tee - on sale for $19.99

This is so cute and has a little design on the back of skeletons, too! Can't believe this is still available in so many sizes, this shirt is perfect for summer time at the beach, river, lake, etc...!

Stripe Hoodie - on sale for $34.99

I really wanted to get him this, but it WAS  sold out in his size during the promo... it's back in stock now.  I saw it when it first came out at FP - guess I should have bought it then.... but that would be crazy at$50 - right!?  I'm gonna go ahead and order it now since it's free shipping on Crewcuts.

There were a few other tees I picked up for under $15.  I usually size up on the tees and size down or go TTS on button-down shirts and bottoms.  I think you can get away with the tees being a bit big and hopefully getting a few seasons out of them.... plus I do think they run a bit slim. 

My absolute favorite CC piece we've purchased this year has got to be the first shirt.  LOVING gingham for both myself and DS for the fall.  I just HAD to take a picture of him looking so cute in his outfit!!  We were supposed to wait for school to start for these items, but seriously, I have no self control!

Shirt: J.Crew Crewcuts; size 2

Shorts: J.Crew Crewcuts in navy; size 2 ('09)

Shoes: See Kai Run; size 7 ('09)

Thanks for stopping by!

J. Crew Neon Peach Ruched V-Neck Dress Review

**First Up:  Enter fellow blogger Dr. Drama's cooking giveaway {HERE}!  There is a lot of great stuff for Williams Sonoma!!**

I've reviewed this dress in the light grey previously, but I just had to show the neon peach color I just received from my ONE final sale order (that I said I wasn't going to do!!!  Ack!)

J.Crew Ruched V-Neck Dress - some colors $39.99

Love love love this dress.... even pregnant.  Here I am wearing an XS, which will fit perfectly after the baby is born.  This is the neon peach color, which I'm kind of obsessed with right now!

With the Pastiche Cardigan - awesome!

Bottom Line:  I LOVE this dress. I'm keeping it in the grey and peach colors.  It is a little short, but it will be a good 3-4" longer on me once I'm not pregnant!  Runs a bit big (which is normal for the JC knit dresses IMO)  My only concern is the possible see-thru-ness of this color... but from experimenting, I think it will be OK.

OOTD: Gap and J.Crew + Giveaway Link

**First off, click HERE to enter a fellow blogger's contest / giveaway for a Zumba workout DVD!  Waa hoo!!**


Today's outfit: I finally got to wear my new stripe-cuffed Gap tee!  It's so super-soft!  I was waiting for a day under 90 degrees because I really wanted to pair it with my dark denim leggings!

Shirt: Gap Cuffed Tee (size Small)

Jeans: LOFT by Japanese Weekend (size Small)

Necklace: J.Crew Fireball Necklace

I love this tee and cannot believe how inexpensive it now in online and in stores!  I would normally buy an XS, but I wanted to be able to wear this both pregnant and then afterward with leggings for a more slouchy fit!  This is such a great shirt and many wonderful colors!  Be sure to check it out at Gap.com!

Baby Update:  Still no baby, but getting more and more uncomfortable, especially at night!   We are definitely on a stand-by, any-day-now status at this point.  Induction is scheduled for next Monday if I don't go before then!  Expect a slow-down in posts for a while after that!  You can also visit my other blog (mommy2connor.blogspot.com) for more baby related info! 

Thanks for reading!

OOTD w/ J.Crew Potpourri Scarf

We met some friends out for dinner Friday night and I actually had some time and the energy to put an outfit together (which is rare).  I've been wearing only dresses lately due to heat and the fact that ANYTHING around my waist is extremely uncomfortable right now, but I got some new size Large leggings from Forever21 that are super comfy, so I decided to give them a shot!

Grey Short Sleeve Cashmere Blend Cardigan: Ann Taylor

Black Knit Cropped Leggings: Forever 21

Long White T-Back Tank: Liz Lange for Target

Watercolor Potpourri Scarf: J.Crew

Skinny Black Patent Leather Belt: J.Crew

Cobblestone Bracelet in black: J. Crew

And, yes, we're still cookin'...

Thanks for stopping by!

Ann Taylor LOFT Oversized Zebra Jacket Review

I had been wanting to find this in an XS to try on since it came out a few weeks ago, so when LOFT was having 40% off last weekend, I ordered this jacket to try.  It's now sold out online, but I'm sure it will pop-back eventually or you can find it in a store.

This is an XS.  It's hard to get an idea of the length with my huge belly.  I also have it on with a dress here, which is why it looks like I don't have any legs!  I had my mom try it on for me and it even looked ridiculously short on her... and she's only 5'1" and doesn't have a long torso like me, so...

The back.  There is a pleat, but it really just serves to make the jacket fit even bigger and billowy.  I think "oversized" was supposed to be referring to the print, but I think it also refers to the fit of the jacket!

Bottom Line: CUTE idea!  But this jacket only works in theory... at least for me.  The print, quality, fabric, and price are great (it's 50% right now online) but the fit and cut is just weird.  The XS is still huge (and I'm 38 weeks prego here!) and the cropped length is going to be super-tough to pull off.  This is a return for me.  I'd LOVE to see pics or reviews of others who can make this work!  I'm bummed, I really wanted to love it!!

New Liz Lange for Target Dresses - Plus 2 OOTD!

Liz Lange for Target Maternity Sleeveless Iconic Floral Dress in Blue - $29.99

I don't really need to by buying any more maternity things at this point, but I saw this at Target last week and HAD to have it!  Mostly because the cut on the top and back is so cute and almost...sexy... for a maternity dress!  Perfect for this hot summer!

Love the colors, shape, everything!  This is an XS .... it's still a bit big on top, but I first tried the Small and it was HUGE on me... even at 9.5 months pregnant!  So it runs big!

Back is so cute and summery!  What's hard to see are the wooden beaded accents on the straps!  It's the same kind of cute touch that is found on much more expensive maternity dresses .... like a $118+ one I have from Maternal America.  So yeah, this dress is cute!

With Gap knit cropped cardigan in off-white

With J.Crew short sleeve cardigan, Banana Republic necklace.

Other great Liz Lange dresses right now...

Maxi Sleeveless Iconic Dress in Orange/Purple - $34.99

Extended Shoulder Knit Dress in Purple/Cream - $24.99


You can't beat these dresses for the price!  The look is right-on-trend and they will be prefect to get you through the end of summer and into Fall under a cardigan!

Thanks for stopping by!

J.Crew: Roses Vine Blazer Review

So I'm a little late on the bandwagon with this blazer, but I figure it's still worth it since it still keeps popping back online in the sale section.

I was thinking this would be super-cute for Spring (too hot here in the summer to make this appropriate!) and love the way other JCA's have fashioned it online.

Here's what I liked:

- nice weight for summer ( mostly unlined)

- lots of colors in the print, which makes it easy to pair with tanks and camis

- gathering at the waist in the back, creating a cinched waist

I'm wearing a size 2 here .... clearly not buttoned!!

Here's what I didn't like:

- the sleeve lining kept peeking out at the arm holes at the wrists - annoying

- no back slit / vent

- the collar kept acting funny or not laying correctly... it was just bugging me

- no cute lining for when you want to roll the sleeves up

Back - nice gathered waist and good length.

Bottom Line: This is a cute jacket for someone who thinks they can wear it in the Spring and Summer.  The print is definitely not for the fall or winter based on the print (IMO).  The fit is TTS from what I can tell.  It just didn't feel or look like a $100+ jacket... but for the sale price of $59 (minus any current 20% or 30% off promo) it might be worth a try.  It was a return for me.

OOTD: LOFT and Splendid **Updated with ring pic :(

First off, I made the horrid discovery this afternoon that I have lost the center diamond and setting to my engagement ring!  Yes, the entire center of my ring fell off!! (I'll post a pic later tonight .... it's just disgusting!)  Of course, I discover this after running about 10 different errands today.... and cleaning the whirlpool tub in our master bath (LOVE the nesting energy of late!) soooo.... I have NO idea where it could be.  The only thing keeping my from completely melting down is that it is insured, but I'm still devastated and really hoping it turns up here soon!  Seriously, I've only had it for four years.... I'm still emotionally attached (and fragile right now!)  What's worse, I haven't even started swelling like I did with Connor, so my ring actually still fit... but I now I can't wear it!!  At least I didn't solder the ring and band together on so I can still wear wear my wedding band!

                                 

Are you kidding me???

~~

As we approach D-Day, I'm pretty limited in what I'm able to wear ... so I apologize for the boring posts for the next couple of weeks!!

Dress: Splendid (Small)

Cami: LOFT Maternity (Small)

Bracelet: J.Crew {see review here}

Necklace: The Limited

This has got to be the MOST comfortable dress I've ever owned.... and it even looks great when I'm not prego!  Splendid pieces are pricey, but I'm happy with everything from Splendid I've ever purchased... and it's soooo soft!  Love it for my little guy, too!

J.Crew Review: Perfect-Fit Stripe Boatneck Tee

Perfect-Fit Stripe Boatneck Tee 

$39.50  Item# 27743Our perfect-fit tee in our favorite, most superbly slimming stripe of the season. Crafted in very soft cotton with extra-fine ribs. (We ooh la love it.) Three-quarter sleeves. Import. Machine wash.   Available in Navy and White.

This is the Navy in a Size Small

I absolutely love this shirt.  Usually I steer away from the Perfect-Fit tees because I think they are super clingy and not flattering on a less-than-perfect waistline.  However, the fabric on this is pretty substantial and the stripes are SO cute that I'm willing to at least keep this one until I have the baby and see how I like it without the bulging baby-bump.

I'm kind of striped-out at this point and I can't wait to rock the nautical look through the Fall and again next Spring! I miss wearing normal clothing!! Not too much longer to go!!

Bottom Line:  TTS to a little large compared to other Perfect-Fit tees (from what I can tell ;).  This is a GREAT shirt ... probably a 3-season or year-around tee for most climates.  Grab it while you can!  I rarely pay full price for anything, but this shirt is worth it if you can find your size!

Padded Hangers - A Cardigan's Best Friend

It probably means you have WAY too many sweaters and cardigans when they sit in the same place on a hanger long enough for the shoulders to actually start molding to the hanger. 

Now, before you start thinking I'm a complete wardrobe dunce, I do use the thicker plastic hangers (without the 'strap holder grooves' on the top) for ALL my cardigans, sweaters (if they're not folded) and more delicate items.  And then I love the plastic hangers WITH the notches on the top for all my tanks, camis, etc...

However, even the best plastic hanger (or wooden for that matter) can and will leave it's mark on your clothing, especially if it's not worn often or heavy.

I set out to find a great deal on padded hangers.  I hit up my usual suspects.... Target, TJMaxx, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc... but they either didn't have any or they were too expensive to make sense.  Let's face it, I don't need super-high-quality, just decent quality but in high quantity.

I have a bit of closet OCD, so if I'm gonna switch all my cardigans and sweaters (and delicate tops) to padded satin hangers, they ALL have to be switched over... otherwise I will go nuts every time I walk into my closet.

So where to turn?  Good 'ole Walmart is usually game for providing a product that no one else has at an exceptional low price.  (I have lots of examples, but I won't boar you... mostly including housewares, paper goods, etc...)  Now I didn't truck my waddling butt to the local Walmart, and thank goodness.  Their padded hangers on online only...

Padded Hanger Bundle Set of 20 - $19.00

This is the best deal I could find - and when I got them on my doorstep, I was not disappointed in the least!  What a fabulous deal!! 

So far I've gotten 60 of these hangers and put them all to use.  I love that I can just order more on a whim at any time because the shipping charge is only $2 (or free if they ship it to your store!).  The quality feels the same as any other padded hanger I've run across and they work perfectly for my needs!

Bottom Line: If your cardi collection is screaming for some relief, check these out ASAP!  They are wonderful and easy on the pocketbook!

Misc J.Crew Sale Items - IRL Pics

A little peek at the items I picked up at my B&M last week during the 30% off sale promo...many are still available online or in stores!

Impressionist Pencil Skirt

Can't even get this over my hips right now, but 30% off $59 was too yummy to leave behind.  LOVE this skirt and the length will be much better than some of last years pencil skirts.

Ruched V Neck Dress

This is a really cute fit (even prego).  I'm wearing an XS here and could still wear this out.... so it's probably a good thing it came in an XXS!  This color was on sale, but there is a nice blue and black still online for $59.  For some reason, I like this

Saturday Twist Dress

I LOVE the Orchid Shadow color.  Wearing the XS here ... way too small to wear right now.  I don't mind that this dress is a little shorter than others ... I'm kind of over the Amish-length summer dresses JC has offered recently.

Cotton Check Shirt

This is a size 2.  Love the softness of this shirt.   This was 30% off $39 I believe.

Spring Buffalo Check Scarf

Just couldn't resist this!

White Popover

Can't wait to throw this on over leggings later this summer and fall.  I can't get it over my tummy right now.... hence the upper-body shot here.  This was 30% off $19.

Torque Moto Cardigan

Yeah, this is like the third time I bought this.  The last time was an XS, but I'm back to the Small based on the arm tightness.  I figured I wouldn't even be able to get the XS over my arms after I washed it, so a Small it is!  I originally bought this at full-price, but 30% off $49 was much nicer!

sort-of closed....

The length on the Small was a little better than the XS... which is good for us long-waisted gals!

On a Similar Note: I seriously cannot believe that J. Crew has gone back to final sale online and in-store (when there is extra % off).  Boo :(  That will definitely make my current shopping ban a lot easier ... I won't even allow myself to look at the Final Sale section right now!  And, I'm trying to avoid reading any blog entries and comments about any great deals!  Let's see how long that lasts!

OOTD: 'Pink' White and Blue

This morning was about 70 degrees, which feels COLD compared to the icky 95+ degree weather we've been having around here!  That means, I got to wear my new favorite cardigan while running errands this morning!  Yay!

Cardigan: Mossimo Black, Size Small (Target)

Top: Maternal America, Size Small (Nordstrom)

Jeans: Japanese Weekend, Size Small (LOFT)

Bracelet: Target