J.Crew Maritime Dress Review

There has been a lot of talk about this dress - both for and against it.  In most cases, we are loving the stripes, color, etc.... but the length (short) has been questioned, and the fabric weight (heavy) being a bit heavy for spring/summer.  Honestly, I just couldn't resist this dress. Not at all!  So with the 20% off promo, I bit.

I am wearing an XS with a white ribbed tank under.  The fit is boaty, however the shoulders would be too snug in an XXS and the length would be even shorter.  I would recommend purchasing your regular JC size, and possibly down a size if you are between.

With the multi-buckle belt.  I didn't 'love' this look - although this is similar to what's shown in the catalog and online.

With a long necklace (and unflattering pose :)

Even though it runs roomy, it doesn't create a prego look or bubble butt.  The zippers on the side I could take or leave - but they do not bother me and kind of help to weight down the bottom of the dress.

Lays nice in back and doesn't cling.  Doesn't appear to be see-thru in the white areas.

With silver military belt.  This was my fave belt with it.

With the sleeves pushed up.

 There will definitely be the right weather to wear this dress in the mid-west - both Spring and late Summer nights.  I also found wearing white jeggings with this dress makes it more do-able for early Spring and allows me more time to not worry about shaving my legs ;) - woot!  (not sure why I didn't take pics with the jeggings). 

There are so many ways to style it, including belted, or not - and with long necklaces.  I found it looks great with both heels and flip-flops.  I definitely see this being a go-to dress, especially on our beach vacations and to casual spring/summer parties. 

Bottom Line:  Runs TTS to big - with a big fit.  Soft, thick fabric weight, runs a bit short.  So cute!  Perfect throw-on dress for warmer weather - before it gets super-hot!  This is a keeper for me!

The Great Closet Clean-Out ...Reduced Prices!

Wow - I've been MIA for a while.  Busy busy busy around this house, but now that we are past the holidays, a great big closet clean out was in order!

*All items are in excellent used condition, unless otherwise noted.
*All sales are final.
*Shipping is $5 to USA addresses only.  Each additional item is $1 for shipping.
*PayPal only.
*My email is lindseybs@live.com if you wish to purchase items!

( Quick note: I'm posting these pics as quickly as possible and then may go back in and add details as I have time.  I didn't 'primp' or style the clothing - it's just as-is on the hanger from my closet!  I'm NOT a great photographer. Please feel free to comment or contact me with any questions regarding the items.)

In addition to the things you see here, I also have (and will be posting on here in the next day or two)

*J.Crew Seaside Madras Minnie's with zip ankle, size 2 - $20
+ some Anthropologie items and more!

J.CREW

Toothpick cords, Fall 2010, zippers on ankles, #28522, Size 28 - $20 (shipped)

Merino Cardigan, XS - $10

This cardigan came to me with a small hole in the front - it was professionally fixed, but still shows a little - I tried to picture it here.  It's about 1/3 down the picture.

Striped Chalet Zip Sweater, #34091, Small, NWOT (I have the tag if you want it) - $18  SOLD

Gray V-Neck Tee, #17884 - XS - $5

Whisper Lame Perfect Shirt, silver, #93675, Size 2 - $12  SOLD

Pintuck henley shirt, honey glaze, #96811, XS - $7

Vintage cord skirt, honey glaze, #96175, Size 2 - $15 SOLD

Ruffle front tank,# 30262, Small - $5

Ruffle V Neck Tee, mushroom, #14971, Small - $7

100% Merino ruffle front henley, Small, ivory, #91024, NWOT - $10

LOFT

Chiffon Rose Tee, XS - $8

100% Silk Dress, Size 2 - $15  SOLD

(this was worn once - may be slight, barely noticeable imperfections from water drips, etc... as expected with silk :)

Navy cotton dress w. jeweled neckline and tie at back neck, navy, Small - $15

Black Tee w/ chiffon tie at neck, XS, NWT - $5

Ann Taylor

Ivory Layering Tank, chiffon accents, Medium - $10

One Shoulder black top, NWT, Small - $12  SOLD

Nice Rayon, nylon, spandex blend (Holiday collection)

Banana Republic

Banana Republic gathered front black cotton tee, Small - $8

Banana Republic gray merino blend cardigan, Small - $9  SOLD

Banana Republic black tee, silk - $9

Gap Body striped tunic, 2010,  military green stripe, XS - $8  SOLD

"Forth and Towne" black short sleeve cotton sweater, from Gap outlet, Small - $8   SOLD

Banana Republic Ruffle Front Plaid Flannel Shirt

I used my 40% Off Wednesday coupon to get this shirt yesterday.  I've had my eye on it for a while, but could never find it in a small. It must have been returned or taken off a mannequin or something, because it all of a sudden appeared in the store yesterday!  I loved it so much I wore it out of the store!

I'm wearing a size Small. An X-Small might have fit, but would probably have been too tight in the shoulders.  The fabric is flannel - the tag says it's stretch.

The navy in the shirt looks so great with dark denim.

The ruffles are cute - but not too much.  Just enough to peek out of a sweater.

Bottom Line: Love love love this shirt.  Runs TTS for BR.  I NEVER wear things out of the store, but I just fell in love with it!  BR is having 40% off in stores today - and 35% off online for cardholders!  Get it if you can snag it!

J.Crew Fair Isle Sweater Review

J.Crew Chunky Fair Isle Funnelneck Sweater - $148

I'm wearing an XS here.

This sweater caught my eye right from the start.  The price turned my away just as quickly.  However, I ended up grabbing it when there was a sweater promo + my 30% off cardholder deal.  And still, at almost $100, I think they could have done a little better than acrylic as a main fabric component..... but whatever.  I figured that if the sweater was 100% wool (or even close) it would be overly-warm and thick, so that's how I'm justifying being ok with just a high "fake" content.

Moving on.  I really really love this sweater paired with black leggings.  I wasn't certain I was going to keep the sweater and it was just hanging out in my closet - getting to know my other sweaters - but I found myself getting excited to wear it, so I did.   I feel much better about keeping an indulgent purchase if I wear it right away.

Bottom Line:  TTS for JC sweaters.  It's a touch itchy, but I found it to be comfy with just a tank layered underneath.  The pattern is super cute and I love the snaps on the neckline.  Definitely a keeper.



Last Minute HELP! Opinions please!

So, I'm trying to find a way to use more of the clothing in my closet and I REALLY wanted to wear the drapey sequin tee .... but I don't want to wear pants, so here is what I came up with... for tonight.... so it's kind of do or die time...

Of course I'm going to wear black tights - this baby is short and it's COLD outside! 

Can this work?  What do you think?  Am I crazy?

J.Crew Cypress Plaid Skirt Review

When I first saw this skirt in the store as a new arrival a few weeks ago, I totally scoffed.   In fact, I told my PS that it looked far too "lounging by the fireplace" for my liking.  HOWEVER, as is the case with many JC items I own, after seeing it several times, the hate turned to love.  Weird.  Anyway - I ended up buying it using my 30% off cardholder promo code.

With metallic beach cardi + candy shirt.  I'm wearing a size 2 here.

With candy shirt + navy Jackie. 

It's a bit "full" - and I'm not sure how I feel about that....  I MIGHT have liked to size up to a 4 to make the waist looser, but there would be way too much puffy fabric in a 4.

I love that it has pockets!

I tried to be a little less lazy here and put on some navy tights.  Here I have on a Perfect fit scoop neck tee in navy and the multi-buckle belt.

Another side-shot.

And without the belt...

And.... another side shot - I'm just not sure this is very flattering... ?!

Bottom Line:  TTS. This is not a skirt to make you look thin, IMO.... It's puffy on the bottom and pretty fitted at the waist, which is much different from the typical pencil skirt silhouette I'm used to.  However, I think this is a cute casual skirt.  And it's pretty warm for a skirt since it's wool.  This skirt really had to grow on me, but now that I have been able to put together a couple of outfits using it, I think it's a keeper.  How are you styling your Cypress Plaid skirt?

Talbots: Ruffle Plaid Blouse *new pic*

Sorry I've been MIA for a while.  It's not that I haven't been shopping and taking pictures of things, I've just been running around like a crazy person and not really feeling much like blogging.  But, alas, Black Friday has brought me back to life!  :)

Talbots Ruffle Plaid Blouse - $69.50

Untucked.  I am wearing a size 2.  Runs TTS.

Tucked into black pants and black patent belt.

With the side-zip sweatshirt over.  More casual I guess ... not sure if this even works, but ...

With black J.Crew sweater over.

*I took this pic based on FFM's comment.  I actually forgot I had this nice, thick boyfriend cardi from AT last year.  Its long enough to wear with tights/leggings.  I do like this outfit as a more casual way to wear this shirt!  It takes like a freakin' hour to get the shirt all situated beneath the sweater, but in the end, looks cute.*

I really wanted this from the first time I saw it.  I love that is a nice, thinner, stretch fabric.  The ruffles are just enough to be cute, but not 'crazy' or in-the-way big.  I ordered it during the 30% off tops promo and waited almost a month for it to be off back order.

Anyway, now I'm just not sure if I have a need for this shirt as it's pretty conservative and I'm not sure if I can dress it down enough to get a lot of wear out of it.

What do you think?  I like it with the black pants, but can this shirt be pulled off with jeans?  Give me your thoughts!

Rachel Roy for Macys: Holiday Party Dress!

Rachel Roy Liza Sequined Dress - $148

Appears it is now sold out in all sizes at Macys.com

I am wearing a size 2 here and I think this dress runs TTS to a little big. The length is definitely short, but probably still OK for a cocktail party. I plan on wearing some opaque tights and booties, which I'll take a picture of when I have it all on!

Loving the exposed zipper.

Oddly, this sold out on Macy's website before I could even get this posted - but definitely have your store do a search for you if interested!  The purple is very of-the-moment and I love that it has sleeves so there isn't that cold-shock when you give up your winter coat at the door of a party!

Thanks for stopping by!

OOTD: Blazer + Belt

Quick post today.... outfit from going out to dinner a couple nights ago... I'm trying to utilize the many belts I have in my closet that never seem to get touched!

Blazer: Gap

Military Belt: J.Crew

Sweater: J.Crew

Jeans: Gap