Chiffon Rose Tee - Ann Taylor LOFT

I picked up this tee from my sister today (who purchased it for me last night before they all sold out!) and I really love it. There was only one XS left in the store and she got it! Yippie! It appears to be completely sold out online (or at least I can't find it) so I can't show ATL's description, but here are my thoughts and pics!

My first thought was that the tee shirt is very striking, just like the elusive J. Crew Rose tee from a while back. The twisted detail of the neckline is a nice touch, as well as double-stitched side seams. I haven't seen the black version, but the natural color is just thick enough to not be too see-thru as long as you wear a nude colored bra.

The quality of the actual tee shirt is about what you'd expect from ATL, but not quite as nice as I expected from a $35 tee shirt. There is no stretch to make it conform nicely to the body and the fit is a bit snug in the bust area and loose in the stomach area. For someone like me, that works out nicely, but for a large busted lady, maybe not-so-much. I'm sure the quality of the JC rose tee was better, but then again, maybe not ... JC hasn't exactly been Grade A on quality lately!

I love it with the black cardi (also ATL, purchased when they were Buy 1, Get 1, which was a super deal!) as recommended in this great review of the tee.

**Bottom Line: This is a great alternative to paying crazy eBay money for the original JC rose tee, plus I kind of like the thicker, chiffon outline a little better, anyway. $34.50 is still a lot to pay for a mediocre quality tee shirt (IMO), making this a MUST HAVE only for JC fans out there still searching for a rose too, but the unique design on the tee makes it worth it, esp if you have a coupon. TTS for ATL.

Linen-cotton braided-strap cami - J. Crew

I did end up going to the little "meet and greet" at J. Crew last Wednesday, but it wasn't really any big deal. I actually didn't buy much {woot! As, I'm still on a shopping strike! duh!} but I did pick up this cute little tank. I've already worn it twice! I LOVE to find cute, cotton tanks for the summer!! When it's sweltering outside, who can wear silk tops? Seriously, back sweat? Hello!

A slouchy cami in our whisper-soft linen and cotton, with braided straps and trim and a subtle pleated front. Easy fit. Comfortable shelf bra for extra support. Hits at hip. Import. Machine wash.

colors: white, flamingo, warm sand, weathered stone

was $39.50 select colors $9.99 item 14947

The neckline kind of dips down in the middle, which is helpful for being a bit more modest (not that I have the 'ladies' to be worried about that!). There is a built-in shelf bra and the thin straps have a braided look to them. I got the weathered stone color because I thought it would go with a lot of other pieces.

**Bottom Line: For the sale price of $9.99, it's very cute and practical. I bought an XS - runs TTS according to JC's current sizing.

PS - My sister bought me the ATL Chiffon Rose Tee (as reviewed here on another awesome fashion blog) and I'll review it myself when I pick it up from her tomorrow!

Classic Linen Cardigan - J. Crew

Extra long and exceptionally flattering, it's a seasonal must-have made from pure linen in a 7-gauge knit. Fitted. V-neck. Rib trim at neck, cuffs and hem. Short sleeves. Hits at low hip. Import. Machine wash. Colors: Natural and Birch 69.50 item 15131

My store had this new arrival sitting right at the door when I went to make returns about a week ago. I immediately was drawn to the neutral color of the linen, plus the fact that it's really a year-around piece. I generally NEVER buy anything at full price, but at $65, I was sold (plus I needed it to wear that night with an outfit, so...)

The linen is pretty substantial, but still just a bit sheer (as you can see in the picture with it buttoned up). The length is a little longer than what I would normally get (I just don't think it goes with as many things when it's longer... just my opinion). The buttons are nothing special and match the color of the thread. The deep v-neck makes this practical to put over cut shirts and camis because you'll still be able to see them underneath!

So far, I've only worn this with a dress and jeans, both times unbuttoned. In fact, had I wanted to wear it buttoned, I might have sized up on this one!

**Bottom Line: This will probably go on sale for $59, or $49 in the next month, so I would hold off for that if you don't HAVE IT HAVE IT! I got the neutral color, I haven't seen the birch. If you plan on wearing buttoned, you MIGHT consider sizing up ... otherwise, runs true to size ... I got an XS.

Discounted Designer Sandals - Eric Javits

The BEST new store opened up about 15 minutes from my house (and conveniently in the same shopping center as J. Crew, so I'm there a lot!). It's called Marmi Designer Shoe Rack and they are only open to the public Friday through Sunday. (as a frequent customer, I did find out that the public can come in on Thursday, but they are re-stocking, so it's kind of a mess! Needless to say, I go on Thursdays now!) The store carries only first quality shoes (including overstocks, past season, and samples) of a limited number of high quality designer shoe brands. Best of all, they specialize in hard-to-find sizes and widths, which includes narrows! Yea! All sales are final and they only accept credit cards and cash - no checks (who carries a checkbook anymore, anyway?) and all styles are $24.99 or $29.99, with a few clearance styles in the back being $19.99!

The brands they carry were nothing I had ever heard of before (mostly because there is no place to buy them in my area ... also because I'm just not an expensive-shoe kind of gal) but they are all leather and very comfortable! Brands they carry include: Eric Javits, Sesto Meucci, Amalfi, Rangoni and others!

I bought a couple pairs of flats there a few weeks ago (which actually stay on my narrow feet AND have great support!), but today I'd like to showcase the sandals I just snagged!

White and gold metallic slip-on w/ kitten heel

Gold and Black "Starfish" slingbacks w/ 1.5" wooden heel


Fuchsia suede flower sandal with natural/ gold colored straps and orange insole

They even have pretty insoles ... just like J. Crew!

Of course, like with any discount retailer, it's hit or miss when I shop there. Sometimes, like today, they'll just have gotten a huge shipment of great items in... other times I leave with nothing! But, it's always worth it to pop inside. The employees are always extremely helpful and polite! The biggest downfall is finding an awesome shoe that they don't have in your size anymore (obviously, 6-8 are the most rare so you have to shop frequently) and there is only one mirror in the whole place in the back of the store!!

Even the employees are not sure how long the store will be around since they have only a temporary lease with the shopping plaza right now for the space they're in (where a store just moved out) but I really hope they stick around! I can't wait to see if they get boots in this fall and winter!

"Meet and Shop With Our Personal Shoppers" at My Local J. Crew

I received this email a while back from my local store:

I wanted to reach out to you to say thank you once again for your interest in finding out more about our new arrivals, online exclusives, and special promotions. We truly appreciate your business and want you to experience personalized service. We would love to learn more about you so that we may learn what you need. Please share with us what items you like at J. Crew. What are your sizes and color preferences? Do you have an occasion coming up? Do you need a gift for someone? Perhaps you need help to put together an outfit?

We’d also like to invite you to come in and meet our personal shoppers. They’ll be available to help you with any of your shopping needs and this is a free service to you. It is like shopping with your best friend who can provide private shopping time with you in our store. Your personal shopper will know your sizes and can put together new items for you, as well as help coordinate with past purchases.

Please join us on Wednesday June 24th from 6-9pm. Meet our personal shoppers or come simply to see what is new.

You can send me an email or simply call the store and we can book an appointment with one of our personal shoppers. We’re looking forward to seeing you!


I think it was nice to get a more personal note from the store manager. They must have used the "client cards" the had us fill out a couple months ago to compile an email list. It's also nice to be able to email the store when there is a style, color, or size I'm looking for... so there is no reason to drag my two-year-old up to the store just to look for it!

I'm still not sure if I'm going to go tonight yet ... we have about a million things going on tonight... but I'll let you know how it goes if I do go check it out! I pretty much know everyone that works at the store by name, anyway!

Trench Rain Coat w/ Hood - Michael by Michael Kors

This is a little something special I snatched up at T.J. Maxx a couple weeks ago. I'm still trying to decide if I should keep it ... so that's the nature of this post.

I've put it back in the TJ bag w/ receipt twice already, then took it back to try on and then hung it back in the closet. My gut feeling is to return it because I'm obviously not 100% happy with it ... but then again, I got a great deal on it.

The most positive aspect of this coat is the hood!! OMG - what's a girl gotta do to get a cute rain jacket with a hood? COME ON!! If I end up returning this one, I think I'm going to search for a North Face white rain jacket with hood. I'm leaning toward that since the length would be shorter, which is more practical for every day wear.

I have a few other trench coats (BR trench - thanks to JCA exchange, JC Travel Trench, etc...) so I'm not hurtin' for a trench-style coat ... BUT none of them have hoods! And, as other moms out there know, it's damn near impossible to hold an umbrella AND a baby, diaper bag, your keys, close the door, etc... hence the need for a hood if it's down-pouring.

So what do you think? Do I keep this jacket, or opt for a more practical, shorter style? I have about another week to decide!

Sydney Cotton Poplin Dress - J. Crew

was $128.00 select colors $89.99 item 97372
Our easy, all-occasion dress tailored to fit in comfortable, crisp cotton—it's a wardrobe essential. The fitted bodice boasts a scoopneck with pleating at the front and back, and a slight A-line skirt with two sets of pleats also at the front and back. It's a great piece to dress up or down. Sleeveless silhouette. Non-adjustable straps. Side-seam pockets. Back zip. Fully lined. Falls above knee; 21" from natural waist. Import. Machine wash.

Quickly, because it's Father's Day and we're heading out for dinner and ice cream! yea!

I purchased this dress as a "ride along" to get free shipping on my Cruise Shorts, reviewed a while back. I LOVE the styling of the dress, especially as a girl who is inadequate at the top... if you know what I mean... as the top is very flattering!

Anyway, I bought this dress is my usual size 2, and would probably have preferred a 0... or it's just not meant for me, because the 0 might have been a bit snug in the waist.

I decided to return it today because I would probably prefer a color-color (instead of the light pewter) and the 2 was just too big for me in the bust area. With a little tailoring, I could have made it work, so if it's ever a $39.99 dress in the sale section... I'm sold! But for $89.99... this was a pass because of the fit. I am so proud of myself for returning a less-than-perfect item that I loved to death style-wise! I know I never would have worn it, since it just didn't fit me great!

**Bottom Line: I'll buy this again if it goes on sale more. Runs a big large.

Georgia Cardigan - J. Crew

This slightly sheer shawl-collar cardigan adds a look of laid-back luxury to any outfit. Silk/linen in a 14-gauge knit. Fitted. Long sleeves. Rib trim at cuffs and hem. Hits at hip. Import. Hand wash.
was $78.00 select colors $29.99 item 15132

This is a quick post today. I noticed this cardigan was marked down to $29.99 last week, so I ordered it in the warm shell, bistro orange, and navy colors. (OK, I made up those first two color names ... I don't even know if they are right!)

Anyway, the fabric is pretty light and airy, but not thin and flimsy like it's not going to hold its shape. I like the fact that this cardi is a v-neck, which shows off a little more of what you wear underneath (ie. cute tees, etc...) AND the buttons are unique... not just your same 'ole little white plasticy ones! The shaw-collar is a nice change in pace from the Jackie and gives it a more casual look.

**Ended Up With: I bought 3 in XS. I LOVE the orange color, so I know I'm keeping that... but I'm returning the warm shell (there will always be more neutral colored JC cardis down the line, I'm sure!) and I haven't decided on the navy yet.

**Bottom Line: I would get your normal JC cardi size in this style. It's cute, but not worth more than the current sale price.

Do you have this cardi? What do you think? Should I keep the navy, too, or just the orange?

Denim Cruise Shorts - J. Crew

A warm-weather essential. We styled ours in soft cotton and added a hint of stretch for comfort. The buttons? They're denim tacks City fit—our lowest rise. Sits just above hip. Belt loops. Zip fly. Side-seam pockets, back welt pockets with button closure. 3" inseam. Import. Machine wash.

was $58.00 select colors $29.99 item 12065

I wasn't so sure about these when they first came out. In fact, they might have been subject of a "questionable item of the week" over on the JCA blog. However, after trying on the American Eagle blue jean shorts I bought a couple of years ago, it was clear I needed a new pair... an upgrade. Not just an upgrade in fabric and fit, but something a little more grown-up.

I had to stalk these for a few days online (since my store only has the white ones left in stock), but thanks to "Ema's" help in a previous post {thanks again!}, I was able to snag them late last week. They came a couple of days ago. I was concerned that I might have needed to size up (like with the giraffe print shorts) but since there was only one pair online when I bought them, I went with my normal size.

Upon first trying on, the fabric felt substantial and nice, but still appropriate for summer. I really love the gold button accents on the back and front. The fit is perfect, with just the right amount of stretch. The color is also quite nice. A perfect in-between color that's 'just right' paired with just about anything. I really love these shorts... so my old ones are in the donation bin now! Can't wait to wear them!

**Bottom Line: I really like these. They will be a good, essential addition to my summer wardrobe. These run TTS.

Steam Fast Garment Steamer

Steam Fast Garment Steamer - $39.99 (Tuesday Morning)

Ok, so today is not a clothing item, but the next best thing ... an item that makes clothing look better!

To preface, I DO NOT IRON. I own an iron and a mini ironing board, but mostly because I feel like I have to (as a home owner, wife, and mom ... isn't it like a law or something?) But, the board is still in the plastic wrap, and the iron is one that somehow found its way on over to the new house from DH's bachelor pad when we moved... don't even know if it works.... don't care.

Anyway, I bought my mom a travel / portable garment steamer for Christmas (which she loves.... and it's pink, so bonus) and ever since then, I've been hauling clothing to her house every now and then to have them steamed... especially online-ordered JC items that come in shambles. It was really time I grew up and started using something a little more substantial than Downy Wrinkle Releaser (lived on that product since college!) on our family's clothing... especially DH's nice work clothes!

I noticed a Tuesday Morning ad at my grandmother's house a while back and there was a garment steamer in the ad. I made the decision at that point to bite the bullet ... to head to our nearest location that next Tuesday to pick one up.

The owner's manual states it takes 45 seconds to heat up .... but I think it's more like 20-30 seconds. Sweet! I'm thinking of racing my new RHD hair straightener and this steamer to see which one is ready first ... both are lightening fast!

I had read nightmare stories about the less-than-optimal results garment steamer owners got using their steamers.... soooo, I was prepared to hate it, pack it back up, and return it.

Until, I used it for the first time.

IT'S AWESOME!

No complaints here. I've even de-wrinkled linen items .... as well as silk, cotton, etc... with no issues. There is a plastic hook on the top of the rod which conveniently holds the item on a hanger while you are steaming it! The rod is in 3 sections, so it easily can be stored and then pulled right back up and used again. The fabric brush attachment came with it and I've used it on everything I've steamed so far, even if I didn't actually need to touch the brush to the fabric.

See .... folds up small so it can fit in my junky linen closet!

Cute little tank

They claim the water tank holds up to 45 minutes worth of water for steaming, and has a helpful little drain plug for emptying the tank area after use if you aren't going to be using it again for a while. It doesn't tank any special kind of water or chemical or anything, but they do suggest using fresh water and cleaning the tank periodically. That's easier than a vacuum cleaner!

The little plastic hook at the top of the rod

**Bottom Line: This is MUCH cheaper than the so-called "professional" garment steamers and I am 100% happy with this product. If I had paid $100 for this, would still be happy... so it's good! What a HUGE improvement over ironing for so many reasons... safety (for me and my clothes!), efficiency, pretty much fool-proof, fun to use, and WAY faster that ironing all those wrinkles on your Victoria Cami! ;)

Do you have a garment steamer? Hate it or love it?