J.Crew December 2015 Store Try Ons

Hello! I hope everyone had a great holiday. As usual, it went by fast and I hardly took any photos, let alone any outfit snaps! I did a little poking around J.Crew online over the holiday, but the sale section seemed to be waning by the day so I was hoping things would pick back up after the holiday. I also have a week off work, so armed with a few returns (the size 10 Perfect Shirt in Stewart Plaid was exchanged for the 12) I decided to check out what my J.Crew retail store had to offer. Stores are currently offering 40% off which is the same as the online offer. The sale section at my store was pretty slim, heavily stocked with tees, some Cece flats and a lot of those stiff grey Pixie pants. But…before long I had an armful of things to try on, most from the sale section.

First up, the Sequin Fair Isle Sweater in Cement/Ivory. This was clearly a return and a size Medium. I liked the pale colors of this one, and the wool was soft.

20151228_140643_Fotor Sweater: J. Crew Sequin Fair Isle Sweater, Pants: J.Crew Pixie Pants, Boots: Tory Burch

20151228_140730_Fotor

I liked that the sequins aren’t overly flashy but I do feel like they’re a little flimsy and I definitely was worried about them when I pulled the sweater off. This size was a little shorter than I liked, it was ok with the shirt layered underneath but I wanted to try a large for comparison. They had plenty of the Raisin/Oatmeal color in stock so I tried a large for comparison.

20151228_141154_FotorI wish the neon colors weren’t in this sweater, it could have been so much better with different shades of yellow and pink. This is one of those sweaters that looks nice from far away, and up close…no.

20151228_141351_FotorThe large was the right size though, I had a little more room through the body and in the length. I had them check to see if there were any more of the mint/grey version in the system but so far, none to be found. I’m hoping for another price cut and a popback on this one.

Next up, the Holly Sweater in Stripe. This comes in cement/ivory and navy/peony. I’m stripesick so I had to give it a try. I tried a large. This is still full price in store.

20151228_141227_Fotor

Boots: Tory Burch

This was a little loose through the body, but if I were layering it I am not sure I’d want it much smaller. I don’t need anything else with stripes but I would probably try the medium for comparison. I believe this sweater is all lambswool, which is much better than a lot of the wool blends out now. I like the ribbed crew neck, it reminds me of some of the older style J.Crew wool sweaters. This wasn’t scratchy to me, but it is lambswool which I know people find to be less soft than other wools.

20151228_141628_Fotor

Next up, the V-Neck Tunic Sweater in Heather Pewter. Again, I don’t really need a grey sweater but I wasn’t personally a fan of the other shades in this sweater – but I’m sure others will be, I can see the Cinnamon and Bright Ocean being popular, as those were the most picked over at my store. I wish the pink color hadn’t been quite so peppermint pink, a little paler and I may have been sold. This is a medium. The back of the sweater is ribbed and I found the wool to be soft, softer than the Holly sweater.

20151228_142108_FotorI didn’t recall seeing this top online, it’s the Holiday Party Top in Sequin. It was the last one on the rack in the store, in a size 12 so I grabbed it to try on with the lone pair of Pull-On Pants in Floral Lace. The tag says that the blouse is beige but in person it read more of a blush pink to me. It was a little large, I would have liked to try a 10 for comparison, I liked the more subtle sequins though and this would look great under a blazer. It’s hard to see the pants in this photo, but they’re a size 10T. And they fit!

20151228_143629_FotorStill not the best shot but you get the general idea. I liked that these hit my ankle, and I was able to sit without them pulling. I would have liked to try a 12 for comparison. I read that these pants ran large, and being that I’m usually a 12/14 in pants, and these are a 10, I agree. I think I asked five people in the store for their opinion but they all said they looked good.

PhotoGrid_1451409370243_Fotor

Pants: J.Crew Pull-On Pants in Floral Lace / Blouse: J.Crew Drapey Silk V-Neck Blouse / Necklace: J.Crew Crystal Rosette Necklace / Shoes: J.Crew Collection Elsie Calf Hair Pumps

The pants were the only thing that came home with me, they were full price yesterday (go figure) but I was excited to see they hit sale this morning so I will be going back for a price adjustment. I did also order the size 12 to compare and see the difference in fit. I think I expected these to be like other drapey pants with them being a little looser in the waist, but being they are lace, I think it makes more sense that they’re streamlined. I showed them with the blouse tucked and untucked for comparison, I think I’d try these with a crisp white button down and maybe a blazer for work, or a black turtleneck and ivory blazer. If I had something fabulous to do for New Year’s Eve, these would definitely be an option. But, knowing me, I’ll figure out how to style these for work. I know I’m a total sucker for lace, but I love the hem on these and I’m not sure I would want them much shorter.

So, what do you think? Any favorites? Have you made any good sale after holiday sale purchases? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

signature

J.Crew Cropped Pant in Wool Flannel and Perfect Shirt in Stewart Plaid

I have been on a mission to find a pair of cropped wide leg pants this season and was to the point where I thought that nothing was going to look good on me until I took a chance and tried the J.Crew Cropped Pant in Wool Flannel in antique navy. I had been eyeing the black and grey version of the Cropped Pants in Wool Flannel (which are a different style number but have the same name and look exactly the same to my untrained eye) but they immediately went to backorder until February (and have since sold out in my size).

I forgot about them for awhile until I saw the navy version on Instagram and then as luck would have it I found a navy pair on sale in my size. Based on recommendations to size down, I went with a  size 12. I think that if you aren’t curvy, you could definitely go down a size from your usual pant size. The grey and black color are still available on backorder in several sizes.

20151219_143549_Fotor

Pants: J.Crew Cropped Pant in Wool Flannel / Turtleneck: J.Crew Shrunken Wool Turtleneck Sweater / Shoes: J.Crew Glitter Elsie Pumps

The navy in the pants is a brighter navy, as you can see paired with a darker navy turtleneck. I was hoping the two would match, but that was probably wishful thinking being that the color of these pants is antique navy. I took a large in the turtleneck, and I guess the shrunken description is accurate, it’s shorter than J.Crew’s other traditional merino turtleneck. I would have liked a darker navy in the pants similar to the turtleneck but I don’t mind this shade.  They are a lighter weight wool, very soft and the pants are lined. The back of the waist is elastic but there are a few belt loops in the front, which is confusing because I don’t know how you’d wear a belt with these considering the back elastic.

20151220_112307_Fotor

So they seem a little wasteful in that respect. I was also very worried about the pleats – I tried another pair of cropped pants last year with the pleated front and they were horrible. These are a 24 1/2″ inseam vs the 21″ inseam I had tried on other pants and I definitely prefer the longer length. I’m standing in this picture so you can see the two pant legs, but they hit a few inches above my ankle.

20151219_144844_Fotor

Shirt: J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Stewart Plaid / Pants: J.Crew Cropped Pants in Wool Flannel / Shoes: J.Crew Glitter Elsie Pumps

You can see the angle better in this shot. And this shows the belt loop as well – with the shirt tucked, I feel like you’d need a belt, but again, with the rear elastic issue I’m not sure I would bother. And I don’t really like the full look of the pleats and the waistband with the shirt tucked in. I’d probably wear a top that goes over the waistline with these, such as the turtleneck, Tippi Sweater or an untucked button down. I didn’t try a more delicate blouse tucked in but again, I think I’d be wanting to reach for a belt. And the half tuck…well…I’m not sure about that! I like that the pant legs are wide but not too wide.

20151219_144542_Fotor

Speaking of button downs, because I needed another plaid shirt (in my grammar school uniform plaid no less) and after seeing the comparison of the previous version with this year’s version, I tried the J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Stewart Plaid. This shirt has been sold out for a while but as J.Crew items tend to do, several sizes have popped back. This is a size 10, which is a size smaller than what I usually wear in button down shirts at J.Crew. Although my tartan perfect shirt from a few years ago is a size 10 and fits me well, the reviews on this version said it ran small. As you can see, it just fits. There’s a bit of a gap in the chest area that you can see if you look closely. It is not tight in the arms though, and overall I don’t mind the fit on this, as I pretty much have to pin the gap at my chest in all of my button down shirts. I do wish it were a little longer, and it’s probably a much larger chance to hold out for a tall version of this to come back in stock. I did find a size 12 in stock when I checked the website after receiving my size 10 and I will soon have that to compare.

20151219_144329_Fotor

I really like the larger print on this year’s version and also like the brighter version of the plaid. You can see the other version on me in this post. Excuse my vampy lipstick here, it doesn’t really match the shirt. I was playing around with my new Nars Audacious lipstick in Bette (because I can’t get enough of this lipstick). You can sort of see the gap at my chest in this picture, it wasn’t so bad when I first put the shirt on but after moving around a bit, I knew it would definitely need to be pinned shut. So I’ll wait and see how the 12 fits before I make a decision.

And finally, a close up of my Glitter Elsie Pumps, because why not? I’ve already worn these shoes a few times to work and absolutely love them.

20151214_082830

So what’s your take on the cropped wide leg pant trend? Have you found a pair that you love or are you passing on this trend? How about plaid? Love it or over it? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

signature

Feeling Festive

In addition to weekend holiday parties, it is also the week of work related holiday activities – potluck, lunches, dinner…basically all things food related! At work I actually do work for two different teams so I end up getting double duty on the work holiday festivities. This year, everything fell within a few days of each other. First, I had potluck at work followed by dinner so I wanted a work appropriate outfit that could take me right on to dinner. I had ordered the J.Crew Drapey Silk V-Neck blouse in Belvedere Red to pair with my J.Crew Elsie Plaid D’Orsay Pumps but my blouse did not arrive in time for my dinner so I had to come up with another option.

I ended up going with the trusty white and cream combination again, wearing a statement bracelet, simple necklaces and the Tartan Plaid Elsie pumps. While I liked the outfit, I do think these plaid shoes need to be paired with ankle pants to show them off. I also amazed myself getting through a whole day of eating and drinking with these winter white pants on. And holy cow did my feet hurt after a day in these shoes. I have the Glossy Elsie D’Orsay Pumps and they are so comfortable – I have comfortably gone all day at work on to evening activities in these shoes and I was disappointed to find the plaid shoes didn’t prove the same.

20151216_081944_Fotor

Sweater: J.Crew Cashmere Cascade Sweater (old), Pants: J.Crew Collection Wide Leg Trousers, Shoes: J.Crew Plaid Elsie Pumps with Obi Bow, Bracelet: J.Crew Crystal Rosette Bracelet, Watch: Michael Kors, Necklaces: Rocksbox

20151216_082156_Fotor

I seem to never be able to get my lipstick and my necklaces in one photo so here’s a photo of my red lipstick. Darker red lipstick is my comfort zone, so doing the bright cherry holiday red is something new for me. I went with the Stila Liquid Lipstick in Fiery and even with a day of eating, only needed minimal touchups.

PhotoGrid_1450358004975

Lipstick: Stila, Necklaces: Rocksbox, Sweater: J.Crew Cashmere Cascade Sweater

I got home from dinner to find the red silk blouse waiting for me so of course it was time to wear it for the holiday lunch I had the next day! The red was sold out in a lot of sizes in this blouse and I have a size 12 in the blush color but I tried the 10 Tall in the red blouse and it is also a great fit. I have longer arms so the sleeves go right to the end of my wrist but they aren’t too long and I am always ok with a little extra length. I didn’t find it to be smaller through the body than the size 12 so I will have to keep this in mind for future purchases. At first I was leaning towards a paisley pair of J.Crew pumps that I found on eBay last fall, the Collection Falsetto Silk Printed Pumps (which are amazingly VERY comfortable.  Then I thought, ok, I can do one more day in these uncomfortable plaid shoes. Then I couldn’t decide which to wear.

PhotoGrid_1450360221935

Blouse: J.Crew Drapey Silk V-Neck Blouse, Pants: Banana Republic Harper Boy Crop Pants, Coat: J.Crew Double-Cloth Lady Day Coat, Necklace: J.Crew Crystal Rosette Necklace, Lipstick: Stila Liquid Lipstick in Fiery

So I put some red lipstick on while I decided, added my J.Crew Lady Day Coat in Oasis Green that I got for a song a few years ago and I think this may be the epitome of a festive holiday outfit for me.

20151201_081611-1_Fotor

A close up because why not??

As I said, I usually tend to go towards the more garnet shade of red so surprisingly when the holidays roll around I don’t have a lot of cherry red in my closet. This blouse is a great addition to my closet and I think it may make another appearance on Christmas Eve. And update – I gave the plaid shoes another spin with stockings on and they were much more comfortable which is a big relief! I think wearing them barefoot made them rub more on my feet which is no good!

PhotoGrid_1450364338645

Blouse: J.Crew, Necklace: J.Crew, Lipstick: Stila

So, how are you dressing for holiday work events? Which of the shoes do you like best with the red blouse? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

signature

Holiday Weekend Fab

We have officially hit that time of year where the weekend (and during the week) is full of holiday related activities. While I love getting all dressed up, some holiday parties call for being holiday appropriate as well as comfortable and as we had a triple header evening this past Saturday (yeah, don’t be fooled, we’re not that popular), I wanted to keep my outfit pieces simple and then dress it up with a statement necklace and shoes (namely flats, so I could make it through several hours of the evening). I tend to go for heels when I know I’m going to have a seated dinner to rest a bit but I knew I would be on my feet all night so flats it was. And since we’ve had zero snow this winter, I could take advantage of not skimping out and wearing boots, which is often what happens when the weather gets cold and dreary.

20151212_120238_Fotor

Necklace: J.Crew Corded Statement Necklace (old), Blouse: Banana Republic Boatneck Top (current), Shoes: J.Crew Sloan Striped D’Orsay Flats with Obi Bow

Don’t worry, I don’t make a habit of laying dirty shoes on my white blouses, these are brand new and hadn’t yet seen the dirtiness of the outdoors. After seeing the red version of this blouse on a friend of mine and after accidentally shrinking a similar J.Crew ivory blouse, I decided to try it out. It has a boxier fit, so I sized down to a medium per the reviews. It’s a little longer in the back too. I debated trying the tall version of this for a more tunic look, and I still might try the red version in a tall since this blouse is currently on a pretty good sale.

20151212_124417_Fotor

Blouse: Banana Republic, Pants: Banana Republic Sloan Pants, Shoes: J.Crew

20151212_124512

I took my regular J.Crew shoe size in these flats. At first I thought they might be a bit large as I did have a little room in the top area of the shoe, but after wearing them for a full evening, they proved to keep their shape and be incredibly comfortable. I found these to fit a bit better than the Suede Sloan Flats as it would appear that these have more material in the toe area and they are a little sturdier than the suede version. My suede Sloan flats are looking a little bent in the toes. These shoes definitely read holiday with the gold but I think you can get away with wearing them for a longer period of time than some holiday tartan (although I guess that’s always debated as well!) I finished the look off with a holiday red lipstick and red nail polish.

PhotoGrid_1450147693587

Lipstick: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Gash

Lastly, here is an outfit I wore two weekends in a row…one week for Sunday fun activities – our neighborhood tree lighting and hanging out with friends and this past Saturday going out to run errands. We’ve been so incredibly spoiled in the Northeast with temperate weather this winter. My go to weekend outfit that is usually reserved for fall has gone right in to winter. This outfit combo is a tried and true favorite of mine- I have several of these vests and have been hooked on my Pixie Pants for weekend wear.

PhotoGrid_1449946856011

Vest: J.Crew Factory Excursion Vest , Blouse: Ann Taylor (old, similar here), Pants: J.Crew Pixie Pants (I size down one size) Necklace: J.Crew Crystal Chandelier Pendant Necklace (old but you might track it down on eBay) Boots: Tory Burch (these actually fit my queen size calves!)

This is a busy time of year for me work wise as well, so while I do love getting dressed up and planning outfits, having some go to outfits on the weekends helps me stay on track from a schedule perspective. Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

signature

J.Crew Collection Italian Wool Mockneck Top

So I admit that the J.Crew Collection Italian Wool Mockneck Top was one of those tops that I didn’t notice through my first (or second, or third) pass through the new arrivals section of the J.Crew website.

E5410_GY5980_m

However, after reading several comments on the J.Crew Aficionada blog referencing this top, I decided to try it before it sold out. I have been gravitating more classic pieces lately, trying to be a little more dressed up at work and I thought this might work nicely in my suiting wardrobe. The purchase turned out being a good call, since it promptly sold out in most sizes, but keep an eye out as I have seen sizes coming and going so you may watch the website for a popback. Not being sure about fit, I went with my usual J.Crew blouse size of 12. Out of the box, this top was immediately impressive. It is lined, soft, a heavier wool flannel.

20151209_080813_Fotor

There are a few small vents on the side and the darts and seaming are beautiful. The zipper on the back starts a few inches up from the bottom hem all the way up to the top of the mockneck.

20151209_080828_Fotor

I made the mistake of first trying on this top after work, after I had already changed out of my work clothes, and I was wearing it with a pair of sweatpants. Meh. It was boxier than I expected, loose through the bust which surprised me. It is definitely a different silhouette than I am used to wearing but I knew paired with a pencil skirt or pants that this top would look elegant and it’s unique shape would stand out. I knew it would also need a necklace to complete the look. I may even prefer full length pants if I were wearing just the sleeveless top.

20151209_074822_Fotor

Pants: Banana Republic, Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Then I realized that it is December, and although we’ve had pretty mild weather, I’d probably freeze at work. I didn’t try a blazer with this but my first thought was to layer a silk blouse underneath and add a pendant necklace.

20151209_075613_Fotor

Blouse: J.Crew Silk Boy Blouse in Tossed Hearts (old), Necklace: J.Crew Crystal Icicle Pendant (old), Pants: Banana Republic, Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

And we have a winner! I felt so put together in this top. I admit I was unsure of the higher neck at first and wavered if maybe I could try a smaller size (not that there was a smaller size in stock to choose from) but I decided that I liked the slightly loose fit and the existing shape of the top made up for the slightly loose fit of the top. So if you are between sizes, you may be able to get away with going down a size. I tried the top as well with a pair of ivory trousers similar to the look on the model and also liked that look.

20151209_081425_Fotor

Lipstick: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Audrey

I think for winter I would tend towards layering this top but in warmer weather could see wearing it solo with full length pants. I still have to play around with a blazer pairing, I’m worried that layering a blazer over it will lessen the look of the top and the top will get lost under the blazer.

Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

signature