J.Crew Wintress Puffer Coat Review

I think I have just about wool-coated myself to death these past few years and it's time to update the seriously-cold-coat department in my closet!  I've resisted the J.Crew puffers these past few years, but I really liked the idea of the belt to give a little shape to such a puffy coat... so I bit on the 25% off discount....

J.Crew Wintress Puffer: $238  52362

This is the Shadow color in an XS.

Bonus: also comes in Petite and Tall

I typically wear a 2 in Crew coats, and I feel this runs about TTS with most J.Crew things.  I know a down coat isn't very exciting for most people, but for some reason I'm really LOVING this coat!  I LOVE the tie belt, I LOVE the length (just right for running errands, etc...but still covers the bum!) I LOVE the hood, the color, the feel, the thumb holes.... pretty much everything!

Maybe it will go on sale eventually, but I feel good about getting the 25% off since I think I'll be wearing this a TON this year!

Bottom Line: Need a really warm coat that still has a bit of style!  Check this one out!

J.Crew Gimlet Skirt in Harvest Tweed Review

Gimlet Skirt in Harvest Tweed  - $138

Item# 55820

I'm wearing a size 2 here.  I've been sizing down to a zero in most bottoms this year, but the 2 fits well in this skirt and I would not want a 0. 

While this isn't the most flattering, slimming style, considering the thickness of the fabric, I'm happy with the look. The length is perfect for me... not too frumpy, but definitely conservative enough for me to wear this for any occasion... or any occasion that occurs in my life!

From the back.... what can you say?

I did get the Silk Blythe blouse in the neon azalea, which looks amazing with this.... why no pictures?  I have no idea... it's happening soon!

I went with the Gimlet skirt instead of the pencil because I thought it would be more fun, there are pockets!, and it's just different in general.  This is still a 50/50 keeper for me - I got it for about $100 with the 25% off promo.... maybe I'll see if it goes on sale for cheaper in the next month or so!?

Bottom Line:  Cute and different and you'll be able to wear just about ANY color on top with it!  Runs TTS (a little smaller maybe than other skirts/pants this year?!  Could just be me....)  Pricey, but cheaper than than the pencil version.  I LOVE this pink and browns! 

J.Crew Wool Cafe Capri in Blackwatch Plaid: Review

Item# 49397 - $138

As I am writing this, it is only available in a size 4 online and it's backordered.

 

 

This is a 0.  I picked it up in the store just to try on, but ended up walking out with it because it's a little outside of my normal 'range' of clothing and I thought if I didn't go ahead and grab it, I would regret it.

My thoughts are definitely of 'Christmas' and wintertime with this pattern. Which is great, but I tend to go with full-length pants in the winter because it's freezing! So...

That's a sexy shot with all the tags hanging out!  Sorry!

 

 

As with almost every pant or skirt this year, I really feel like I am between sizes on these.  In fact, I would want to have the waist button and hooks moved about a half-inch to give more room if I kept these.  Also, unlike the houndstooth wool version, these are not nearly as thick OR lined.

 

Bottom Line:  Run TTS. Cute novelty pant.  BUT, the fact that they are full price, don't fit perfect, and not full-length lends me to think I will probably return these... but I wanted to share since they went like hotcakes online!  Thanks for stopping by!

J.Crew Wool Cafe Capri Review: Houndstooth Wool

Cafe Capri in Houndstooth Wool - $138

Item# 49396

**I snagged these in-store for $99 on sale, plus an extra 30% off .... so about $70.

I did try a light brown belt with mine, as pictured online, and it does look really good!

This is a size 0.  I feel like I am full-on between sizes (0 and 2) in Capfe Capri's AND Minnies this year, but these look truly frumpy if they are a little to big.  After a little time on, they did loosen up a bit.  There is a touch of blue and mustard running through this pattern and it's fun to draw it out with an accessory... ie: the bright blue belt!

This is how my PS styled them in the store and I went ahead and bit on the Fisherman sweater and blue belt because I loved them outside of this outfit, as well.  Sweater is a Small - sized up for a bit of extra length.  Belt is a small and runs large.  The pants are thick AND fully lined.... so they are quite warm and can even be tucked into some boots during the winter, FYI.

One of the male PS suggested the belt on the outside, which I actually think looks pretty cool, but I ended up just putting it through the belt loops when I actually wore the outfit.  You can't see it here because my camera angle sucks, but I have on the Penelope heels in blue/platinum gold from several years ago and it looks pretty cool!

And look where else these puppies showed up....

This is a Sole Society email I got a few days ago.... I'm pretty certain those are the same pants on the left!  And, notice how they paired them with a bright blue coat!  Sweet!

J.Crew Hacking Jacket Review: Grass

I've already admitted to keeping 2 schoolboy blazers this year (red and caramel) and this was the third blazer I took home and 'tried' out in my closet. This is the grass color - I purchased it in the store at FP which I *never* do because I loved it so much in the dressing room... just not so much at home....

J. Crew Hacking Jacket - Size 2 - $198

The leather buttons are a little 'granola' for me, and the length just makes me feel frumpy.

Not bad from the back.... probably my favorite view of the jacket, actually.

Not great un-buttoned.... I just feel sloppy like this.

In the end, I felt like this jacket overwhelmed me a bit.  Life is too short (and my wallet is too thin) to keep something I don't feel attractive in.... is it the color, the length, the fabric, the cut?  I can't put my finger on it...

I couldn't help feeling a bit masculine and the wool was a bit itchy.  That said, I will stalk this jacket once it goes on sale (and you KNOW if will before the Holidays) if I can get the blue one close to $100, I'll do it!

Bottom Line: For me, the schoolboy blazer just worked better. It's thinner and not as long, ie. not as warm as the hacking, but once it gets *cold* outside, I will be wearing a REAL winter coat, not a hacking jacket.... so the thinner blazer/jacket will suit my needs better, anyway.... plus you could put a winter coat on over it.

"Lucky" Skinnies.... I'm Lucky-In-Love

Checked out Lucky jeans lately?  I hadn't since high school and boy am I glad I did!  I KNEW you could find great jeans under $200 .... but I was having trouble finding them!  But I did at the Lucky store in our local mall!

Charlie Skinny - $119

(some washes are under $100!)

I have these and they are amazing!  NO spare-tire effect, no baggy knees by noon!  LOVE them!

Charlie Baby-boot - $119

(some washes are under $100!)

Don't have these yet, but I'm getting them soon!  Just have to decide on the wash!

I haven't taken any good pics yet of me actually IN mine yet, but let me highly recommend the Charlie Skinny and Charlie Baby-Boot if you are looking for some good-fitting, ultra-stretchy, and super-flattering jeans this season!

Anyone else have good luck with Lucky's lately!?

(Pics to come soon.... :)