J.Crew Stripe Sweater-Skirt Review + THE Shirt

Striped Sweater-Skirt - $158

item# 66382

When I saw this online, I HAD to try it.... even though I knew it was going to be clingy and I wasn't going to like all the personal 'details' you could see through it ... but anyway...

Wearing a size Small here .... I ordered up a size from my normal and I don't think I would like the XS.  The waist is definitely loose-ish, but not too big.

The colors are gorgeous together, but I can't really decide if this would work all the way through Spring because it's not a 'wooly' feeling sweater, but more of a silky, cool hand-feel sweater material... and the lighter color is more of a tan than a white.  But, you wouldn't really want to put tights under it, so I think I'm questioning how much and WHEN I would wear this.

This is how I made the decision to send this one back.... NOT a fan of the backside view.

This is not a keeper for me at full price .... I might re-visit it on sale AND if I can figure out a way I would wear it a lot, which I could then just plan on wearing some butt-slimming Spanx underneath!  I do think this would be adorable with some red shoes or handbag... but then you have to avoid looking like an American Flag....

As for the white button-down shirt, I am so excited to have found "The Shirt" as featured on Oprah.  This shirt doesn't gape or pucker at the bust thanks to some extra hidden buttons in just the right places!  Check it out {here}  I'm wearing the Skinny Shirt in a Small, for size references.  Especially for those larger busted ladies, or ladies wanting to maintain modesty in the workplace, this shirt is a must!

So Many Things .... Happy New Year!

Fell off the face of the planet for a while - and I would like to apologize for all the comments that I just got on here and posted!!  I love all of you and thank you so much for stopping by when you have time!

So, where have I been?  Ahh!  So much to discuss...


First off, planning for a week away from the kids while out of the country - Mexico - was a little more daunting than I expected.  Nothing makes you feel more important as a parent than trying to write down/explain/instruct about everything that goes on in a typical day!  Part of this has to do with my can't-let-go A-type personality ... ok, a lot has to do with that... but anyway, that was back in early November and it was something that I just needed to plan for and conquer before I could really spend any 'me' time.  My husband's cousin was getting married, so while away there was a lot of fun-family-time and also a lot of relaxing-without-the-kids-or-cell-phone-access time...

Gotta love a pool without kiddos!  ;)  J.Crew string bikini top and bottom in black here.  Funny, I had to wait months with these suckers on backorder.

Hubby and me .... after the wedding ceremony.

I realize from the first picture it would appear we had good weather, but I don't want to mislead you.... the weather sucked! Rainy and cloudy most of the time!  *BUMMED*  But, alas, an all-inclusive resort offers other activities I enjoy such as eating and drinking all day ...

I'm one of those 'Work Hard, Play Hard'  types.  I'm definitely a social/party girl by nature, and I enjoy a good beer, nice wine or a decent vodka/tequila .... usually all in a row....  I always joke that the only reason I go to the gym is so I can drink it all back!  (and then I laugh like I'm joking, but in reality, it's true.) Subsequently, a Mexican vacation takes someone like me a long time to recover from!  :)


Next week hit the Holiday circuit - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years .... aka.  overeat, drink, overeat, drink, overeat, drink....  do you see a pattern here?! lol 

Wine tasting at Huber's Winery Christmas week - that's my sis in town from school with me!

Our attempt at a family picture on Thanksgiving...

New Years before we all went out - did I mention how much a love a good spray tan lately?!

So that brings us to current-day and here's what's up!  A friend of mine and I started our own image/closet/wardrobe consulting business called "Wardrobe Rehab" which is 'launching' this month ... more to come on that, of course!   But even more 'current' is the 21-Day RIP program I began on 1/1/12...

Well, actually, let's go back a couple of weeks to when the J.Crew blackwatch plaid pants I had planned on wearing on Christmas Day would no long button with a shirt tucked in (the way I tried them on and planned on wearing them about a month prior)  which, as you can imagine, was a very maddening wakeup call on Christmas morning - especially since I had cinnamon rolls in the oven that I was REALLY looking forward to ... *sad face* ... I have to say I was really bummed!  But it also got me motivated....

Another good friend of mine is an amazing personal trainer who conducts bootcamps, etc... and has moved into nutrition and workout planning online.  I decided to give it a go considering the last couple of months I've had .... .errr... OFF the nutrition wagon!  I opted for the RIP program, which is 21 days of what to eat and workout schedules, but there is also an option for just food, a beginner's program, etc...  Click {here} to find out more on 21-dayslater.com!

So.... for the next few weeks I am blogging about my experience with the program - and ALSO trying to get back into the swing of fashion.... so please look for more to come and HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

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.... :)

J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer: Caramel

 Ok, round 2 of the schoolboy.... now with the caramel color... which is GORGEOUS by the way...

 Size 2

Shown with:

Tipi Sweater in Leopard print: XS

Saturday Pants w/ ankle zip: XS

Whoa!  I'm whipping out the Candy Tee again!

Shown with:

Ivory Matchstick cords: 27 (I always size up in the matchsticks, FYI)

Shown with:

Old LOFT sweater in Orange

Teal F21 Skinny Stretch Cords: 26

This is a lot of color.... but I wanted to try it!

Really love the ivory / caramel color combo!

Super-love the ivory / caramel / leopard print combo!  This is my favorite combo!

So, after reviewing the pictures I do think I'm going to keep both the red and camel colors of the wool schoolboy.  This is the first year I've bitten on the schoolboys, so I don't have any other blazers needing to be worn in my closet.... that's how I'm going to defend my choice to keep both!  ;)

J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer: Decisions

Love love love the schoolboy blazer this year.  Yes, the front gold button is crappy (at least it feels that way) but I don't mind the look of it and I love the color options in the blazer so much this year I'm willing to look past the crappy buttons.  (but yeah, J.Crew, we noticed the crappy buttons and thinner fabric!  Come ON!)

I purchased the Decadent Red (the 1st red color that they introduced that sold out) and the Caramel colors.... both during the cardholder 20% promo.  The red I'm definitely keeping and that's the one I'm reveiwing in this post.  It's one of those things I've found myself throwing on to run out the door already, and it's not even fall yet!

Size: 2

Merino Pleated Skirt: XS (returned)

I *might* have been able to do a 0, but it would not be comfortable or allow for layering underneath. Length is perfect on me and I'm long waisted and generally find jackets to be at annoying, unflattering hip/waist length - but this one is fine in the regular length.

Shown here with:

Matchstick cords: 27

Perfect Shirt: 2

I love the red with the leopard print.  I ended up returning this shirt because I don't think I would have worn it very often (opted for the Leopard Tipi sweater instead) but I really do love it in this outfit!

With Jeans - of course it looks good with jeans ....

And I don't normally share 'real-life' pics, but I loved the couple of outfits I came up with on our recent vacay to Cali...

Celebrating our anniversary in Laguna Beach

(yeah... it was freezing!)

In Solvang, CA. 

Shown here with:

Husband ;)

J.Crew Matchstick ankle jeans: 27

J.Crew beach sweater (can't remember the name!) XS

J.Crew Animal Print Patent Pumps: ala a few years ago!

So, clearly I'm keeping the red one, but now I have to decide on the camel colored one.... those pics tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!