Which Crazy A$$ Sweatshirt? J.Crew's Haya Hoodie vs Zip-Side Foil + Striped Scarf

Zip-Side Foil Sweatshirt - XS

This is really different.... at least for me.  I went back and forth regarding the size and ended up getting the XS... but seeing the pics now, all I see is the baby pooch, so I'm thinking of exchanging it for a small... or returning.   I don't see this online yet - maybe in-store only?

With Striped Scarf - which I'm also trying to decide about keeping.  Every time I think," Gee - I shouldn't be spending $40 on a scarf!", I try it back on and I love it.

But I'm not really sure how to wear a scarf necessarily - I need to try this on with some of my winter coats to see if it's an option for the fall through winter as an actual useful item.  The idea of  Spring/Summer scarfs is funny to me.

Cute side-zip... only on the one side.

Haya Striped Hoodie - XS

I've been in love with the look and the amazing feel of this sweatshirt since it came out.  However... do I need a $60 sweatshirt?  I paid FP for this because my B&M was already sold out and they were going fast online.  Now that it's sold out online, I need to decide for sure if I want to keep this or not, because I can't return it and then change my mind!

Do you have either of these crazy-expensive sweatshirts?  Any ideas on how to style?  I can only keep one, so I'm looking for some insight.  Do you think the first sweatshirt is supposed to be slouchy?  If so, I think I'm going to go back tomorrow and exchange for a Small.  Do you have a striped scarf?  How are you wearing it? Thanks for stopping by!

J.Crew: Merino Open Cardigan

Merino Open Cardigan - on sale for $39.99

Great belted or left open, this seasonless sweater is just the thing to throw in your purse for later—it goes with absolutely everything. Merino wool in a 14-gauge knit. V-neck. Three-quarter sleeves. Welt pockets. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean.

So, somehow I missed this little gem coming out (whenever it did) but I discovered it in the sale section about a week ago.  There are several great colors available still in most sizes!  I went to JC to do a bunch of returns last week with my mom and discovered there are other colors (not on sale - at least in the store) in this cardigan, one of which is a light lavender color that my mom is currently lusting over (not sure of the actual name).  Not sure if it was an in-store only color, or just not online yet.

This is an XS in the Orchid Shadow- one of my favorite colors JC has come out with in recent seasons.

Here I'm wearing the Lagoon Green - this is definitely a color I do not have anything similar to in my closet.  The length is nice and the front drapes well.

To get an idea of the length.

Bottom Line:  I REALLY love this cardigan, and like I said, my mom even loved it, too! Runs TTS, but a bit tight in the arms, which happens to be pretty common with JC sweaters right now.  For instance, I had to size up on the Torque Cardigan and Rimini Cardigan because the arms were so tight!  I have pretty thin arms, too.  For the sale price, jump on it!

Ann Taylor: Striped Strapless Dress Review + Open Cardigan

Striped Strapless Dress - $98

Here I am wearing a Petite Small.  The smaller 'regular' sizes were sold out, so I decided to size-up and try the petite.  Definitely a good move... see the length?  Any longer and I wouldn't like it.  I'm almost 5'6" and this hits right at the top of my knee .... appropriate for just about any occasion IMO.

Trying to do a 'twirl' here!

All in all, love this dress.  It was a love-affair once I saw it in the store when I was 9 months prego, so on Friends and Family promo (30% off) it was a no-brainer.  It's all stretch with no zippers.  Right now, I'm not super happy with how it looks on my hips, but I'm also still carrying an extra 10-15 pounds right now, so....  I would suggest trying the Petite if you are shorter than 5'6" because I think the regular length would have been too much fabric for me for the summer! TTS from what I can tell.

Also,

Long Sleeve Open Cardigan - $69

I wouldn't pair these together, but I love this cardi!  This is an XS in the Sea Salt color.  Definitely a darker 'sea salt' than J.Crew's.  Trying to give the 'belted' effect with my hands here b/c I was too lazy to go find a belt!

This cardigan is probably one of the nicest pieces I've received from any order from any store in a long time!  LOVE IT!   Thick and supple, it's a great transition piece for fall/winter!  There are so many other great colors, including Mouse Brown which I would LOVE to have!  I would definitely check this out while still 30% off today! TTS.

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!