Perfect Pencil Skirt - J. Crew: Ways to Wear It

I've had several opportunities lately to wear this skirt, so I thought I would share a few pics! Plus, a way to wear a spring/ summer item for the fall!

Shirt: J. Crew (cotton silk twisted placket)

Skirt: J. Crew

Necklaces: J. Crew

Belt: Martin + Osa

Black belt: J. Crew

Tank: Ann Taylor

Cardigan: AT LOFT

Skinny Belt: J. Crew

Jacket: F21
Shirt: CAbi
Skirt: J. Crew
Necklace: Lisa Sophia

Hope you had a great weekend!

Ann Taylor Super-Sale

So, this is a little late in posting but....what's new?

A couple of weeks ago, ONE of the Ann Taylor's in our area was having 50% off all tops (sweaters included)! I say ONE, because the other AT in my area was having Buy 1, Get 1 50% (which is soooo not the same thing!) Also, they were offering 40% off all sale items!

Anyway, I snagged a few great deals (and bonus, I was by myself at the time of shopping, so I got to spend tons of time trying on and scouring for deals!) mostly for winter, I'm pretty pumped!

From the Sale Racks (@ 40% additional savings):

Rayon/ Wool Ruffle Top

Pd: $17 - non-itchy and the perfect weight for a sweater (although I'm not sure they think of it as a sweater, I do :) Currently Sold Out online.

I also snagged gold metallic and silver metallic seamless camis from the sale racks for Christmas outfits. I always find myself wishing a had metallic cami to go under certain sweaters, cardis, etc... so I was pumped to pick them up for about $11 each! (no pics - those camis are NOT forgiving on the tummy/waistline area .... who needs to see that?!)

From the 50% Full Price Selection:

Paid: $25 - Breast Cancer Awareness and fundraiser tee - so cute for October!

Textured Cowl Neck Sweater

paid: $44 - itchy, but I LOVE the color, so I can wear a tee shirt underneath ... loving this with black leggings and even without the belt it is not "tent-like". This is still FP online.

One of my favorites is the *Wool Cardigan with Grosgrain Trim* in "Galaxy". I didn't take a pic of it yet, but I plan on pairing it with my cream cords or over a black dress. I am loving the navy and black combo right now! This is still FP online right now, too.

Lastly, for my absolute favorite piece I purchased...

Sleeveless Cascade Ripple Top

I purchased this in a medium (that's all the had left at the time) and then found it in black on the sale rack for only $17 last week! I love love love them! I checked today and they are basically sold out online.

More recently at The LOFT, I purchased *this* J. Crew Victoria shirt look-alike to wear in our family photos yesterday! I'll post actual pics in the next week or so! Loving it so far! And now it's only $22.50 online! Sweet!

** Snagged any good deals at AT or The Loft lately?? You can share your excitement here!!

Minnies in a New Color and New Tee - J. Crew

Obviously, I had to hit up my JC this past Thursday to see the highly-touted new roll-out of fall/winter items. Mostly I'm just waiting for items I already love to go on sale so I can purchase them (or purchase them in an additional color) but I still had to make it up to the store to check out the new items!

I was SO excited to find out that the Minnie pants now come in an additional navy/ purple-ish color! The Minnie's are my absolute fave pants hanging in my closet right now and I'm so excited to add the new color to my wardrobe. I have a slight obsession with the color navy right now... I don't know what that's all about, but anyway....

So, this picture seriously sucks, but believe me, these are the Minnie's in the new navy/purple color!

I also came home with a new tee with a tuxedo looking front in a dusty pink color. Gigi reviewed the same shirt in navy here on her fabulous blog! I purchased this in a small.

Up close of the detail on the tee

Can't wait to wear these new items .... maybe together!

*SURPRISE* from J. Crew!!

Ok, so it wasn't a COMPLETE surprise - I had read on my fave J.Crew blog here that some J. Crew lovers (and I assume credit card holders) were receiving an extra special surprise in the mail!

And, although I spend far too much money at J. Crew (and time in the store, online, reviewing items, etc...) I really did not think I would receive this gift or be considered a VIP customer - although I'm not really sure how they decided who received the gifts and who didn't, so I shouldn't just assume it has something to do with how much you spend with them....

Unfortunately, my husband DOES assume it's spending-based, so I'm probably on 'J.Crew Shopping Watch' for the next few weeks. (aka: my husband looking for signs of JC shopping such as receipts, brown boxes, new clothing in the closet, tags in the trash can, me being especially nice, looking guilty or giddy, etc...)

Just Kidding!

(kind of!)

ANYWAY - I am thrilled to have received these gorgeous earrings and have already worn them twice! I am generally too cheap to spend any real money on costume jewelry (even from my beloved JC) so I will be cherishing these for years to come!!

Heirloom flora earrings $45.00

What a great way to keep customers happy and spending!

THANK YOU J. CREW!!!

Fall Dresses from Boden - And An Important Fashion Question

I recently attended a Boden Trunk Show at the home of a friend in the neighborhood. It was pretty cool because you could see almost of all Boden's fall catalog in person, try it on, etc... which is a huge advantage over the online guessing game I'm usually playing about colors, sizes, materials, quality, blah blah blah.

So, I took advantage of this trunk show, which was a great way to introduce my closet to a new brand:

"Closet, this is Boden. Boden, this is closet."


"J.Crew, be nice to Boden. Boden, don't be intimidated by J.Crew, there are more of them, momma has enough love to go around, plus you might be higher quality and less expensive."


(am I the only one amused by this? probably... moving on....)

I ended up purchasing a couple of sweater dresses and a long sleeved tee (not pictured) and everything arrived at my door within a week! Yea! I wasn't going to get anything for myself, only my son, but I was a sucker for the 20% off you entire order and free shipping both ways. What can I say?

This is a merino tunic, which could also be paired with skinny jeans. The sleeves are longer, I just have them scrunched up in the picture! This dress is thin enough to wear indoors in the winter and not burn-up!

I just love the coloring of this dress. I plan on pairing it with my new gray suede mary jane heels and tights, or gray Cardi Uggs to dress it down! I found the waist band to be slimming and the length (just past my knees) to be very comfy for colder weather!

The biggest plus to these sweater dresses (the mod-print one is actually called a tunic, but at my height, what's the difference?) is that they are cut slim enough to not look frumpy, but they do not cling too much (aka: you can wear them on Thanksgiving without looking prego! Also, see question at the bottom of this post!)

Boden pieces tend to run a big long and have a lot of material in my opinion, making most of the clothing more suitable for a taller women, but these dresses fit very nicely and are long enough for me to be comfortable in the cooler fall and winter temps. (There is no petite option in Boden that I'm aware of, but I think some pants might come in lengths... that I would still need hemmed ;)

*Bottom Line: I really enjoyed the experience of shopping in a friend's home and seeing these clothes in person before buying! I will definitely keep an eye out for Boden items in the future. Remember, the sizes are European. I ordered a 10 (US 2/4) in both of these dresses, so I feel their sizes are pretty much right on!

**Question I've be meaning to ask: What's a girl to do about the tights/leggings-induced tummy roll when wearing them under dresses, tunics, etc...? I'm getting to the point wear I'm willing to try maternity leggings and tights just to see if they won't create that gut-roll effect! I even notice very slim young ladies where you can see the waistband of their tights and it really bothers me! Any ideas, ladies? Pa-lease tell me you know what I'm talking about!!!

Merona Skirt: J.Crew Deco Shirred Skirt Alternative

Once again, I stumbled across a great little deal at Target. I found a really comfy and flattering skirt in a cute print! I'm going to use it as my way to justify NOT buying the JC Deco Shirred Silk/ Wool skirt!

J. Crew Deco Shirred Skirt $98.00

I really wanted to buy this skirt when it first came out. An associate in JC had it on while I was shopping and it looked so cute! But, I just found it too pricey and short in length for the fall and winter, so I had to pass on it and bought the Perfect Pencil Skirt instead.

Target Skirt: Merona Brand Color: Birds Nest Ebony $16.99

Of course there are major differences here. Obviously, the JC pattern is cooler, that goes without saying. However, this Target version is much more casual in cotton ... which means washable and more appropriate for non-office attire. The length is longer and the fabric is very stretchy, making this a more comfortable and warmer alternative.

At 17 bucks, you can't really beat it! The skirt also comes in solid colors and is sold online and in stores! All of my local Targets were sold out of this print, so I had to order it online in my size!

Had to share! Enjoy!

PS: To find this skirt online, search "B00281BDYG" on the Target site!

Ralph Lauren Sale Starts Tomorrow!!!

I received a post card in the mail from Ralph Lauren recently for a wonderful promotion they are offering starting September 29th through October 12th! It is seriously a really great deal!!!

25% off your entire purchase at Ralph Lauren stores and at RalphLauren.com

{plus, 10% of your purchase goes to one of two participating charities supporting cancer research, prevention, and more!! }

Use the code: PINK at checkout to benefit The Pink Pony Fund of the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation

or

Use the code: PLCCP at checkout to benefit The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention

You guys know I'll be taking advantage of this to stock up on Connor's clothing for the next year! {I've blogged several times about the great quality and amazing deals you can find, especially for kiddos, at RalphLauren.com} I've already got my cart filled and ready!

Happy Shopping... and Cancer Fighting!

Ribbon-Front Bow Top - J. Crew {What a Deal!}

While perusing through my local B&M recently, I happened across this top. I really liked it when it first came out, but not enough to pull the trigger ... especially after reading some less-than-fabulous blog reviews about the fit.

However, when I ran across it at $19.99, I felt like it was a "Hell yeah!" no-brainer! I've already worn it twice. I could definitely see how someone who is ample in the "ladies" department would have to size-up in this top, or find it to be a hard fit in general, but for me it works! I LOVE the cotton/ silk blend and the nice sheen!

For 20 bucks, you better head to your local store now and see if you can pick one up!

Donegal Pocket V-Neck Sweater and Ruffle Front Tank: J. Crew

Inspired by the salt-and-pepper flecks of the centuries-old traditional Irish tweed, our designers were delighted when they found a beautiful heathered yarn to recreate this classic piece. We made it modern with a slightly slouchy, longer silhouette and a deep V, then added special details like a pouch pocket. Wool/mohair/angora in a 5-gauge knit. V-neck. Long sleeves. Pouch pocket. Hits at low hip. Import. Dry clean.

Item # 18999 $88.00

I fell in love with the silhouette of this sweater when I first saw it! You can make it sexier by not layering it over a cami or tee, or wear it as the JC model above is, giving it a more sophisticated appearance. Full length sleeves and the kangaroo pockets in the front make it wonderful for winter ... plus it's not too thick to still wear under a coat when it's really cold out!

This sweater fits TTS for most clothing companies, but maybe a little on the smaller size for JC. The cut is supposed to be a little loose, and in order to get that look, I had to get a size small. For a more fitted look, you could definitely go with your regular size.

Something entirely unexpected that I picked up was the Chiffon Ruffle Front Perfect Tank in Ivory. I only took it into the fitting room so I could put outfits together, but I loved it with everything I put it with... so I got it! Just so happens, there are similar tanks in other colors in the Final Sale section online here (falling ruffles tank), so I ordered a couple of the colors, as well!

I purchased a medium in this because I really hate tight and clingy tops, especially in a light color. Otherwise, this tank runs TTS. I don't see this online yet.... but I only did a quick search.

More to come!

*First Fall Review* Perfect Pencil Skirt and Kelsey Ruffle Top: J. Crew

Kelsey Ruffle Top

An utterly fabulous top —we want one in every color. Luxe silk habotai with a bloom of cascading ruffles around the neckline. Perfect alone or underneath a sweater. Button front. Import. Dry clean.

Item# 19064 $88

Perfect Pencil Skirt

Our leg-lengthening pencil skirt, now with long darts at the front and back waistband for an even more flattering fit. The lustrous wool—a distinctive twilled weave with a very refined finish—is from a century-old Japanese weaving mill. Sits at waist. Side zip. Back vent. Fully lined. 24" long. Import. Dry clean.

Item# 17444 $118

When I got home from J. Crew a few days ago, this is what my bed looked like. Funny, I didn't really go with a lot of color variation, but I'm really loving the golds and oranges this fall. Moving on...

Today I'm reviewing the Kelsey Top and Perfect Pencil Skirt. I've shown them put together with outfits because I'm planning on wearing the skirt and top to the Parent's Night at Connor's school tonight. For that reason, please chime in on which you like best - or a different combo you'd like to see! Or, are these colors just too "fall" for right now? I never would have put these colors together, but my PS suggested it, and I'm acutally kind of digging it! Anway...

I ended up purchasing the Kelsey top in an in-store only color apparently, as I haven't seen it online yet. The tag says CSP for the color (sleuth JCA's - what do you think that color is?) but to me it looks like an orangey/ mustardy color.

I'm loving that this top is a button front - it's just different from the zippers we usually see from JC. Also, it's not HUGE throughout the body (IMO) so I went ahead and got a 2 not a zero like I would have in last year's styles! Oddly, my tag says to hand wash and hang dry (which is why I purchased it over all the other silk tops) but the online description says dry clean. Go figure.

Pictured with Perfect Skirt and M+O Skinny Leather Belt

JC Perfect Skirt and JC Metallic Gold Belt

I will just go ahead and say it. I DO NOT need this perfect pencil skirt. I do not. BUT, I really fell in love with the cinnamon stick color and just completely lost all self control. Typical. The length of this skirt (in the regular, not petite) is very nice on me for the fall. Not too "Amish" long, but long enough to block cold fall wind. (since you can't see in the pics, it hits right below the knee cap on me) The new darts they added this season are fantastic.

I bought my normal size 2 in the skirt, although the PS wanted me to try the zero. Naaa.... need some room to grow for the fall and winter! (it's not swim season anymore! ha!) This skirt fits me WAY better than the Spring/Summer cotton version AND the watercolor floral skirt (although I still have and love that skirt, as well) I can't wait to pair this with thick brown tights and booties or boots for the winter!

Shown w/ Kelsey and cream Jackie

With chocolate Jackie - even though it looks black!

**Bottom Line: Both seem to run TTS - especially the top which is not as baggy as previous tops. I purchased both of these at FP based solely on the colors - I have a feeling they will go pretty fast (at least, I love them that much!)

What do you think about the outfits? Have better ideas for tonight? TIA for any comments to help!