Crewlet – Page 2 – The Fab Life

J.Crew Factory Jacquard Pants Review

March 8, 2015

I ventured up to the J.Crew Factory store a few weeks ago for the first time since the holidays in hopes of finding some spring items (despite all of the snow on the ground). I sadly didn’t see a lot that caught my eye. The standout patterns were two recycles from last year – the photo floral print as well as the moonglow paisley, both of which I have from retail last year. I didn’t feel the need to add any items, although the Factory photo floral dress is growing on me. The one item I did see in store and liked on the rack were the Factory Jacquard Pants in navy/fresh berry. Why the primary color is billed as navy, I’m not sure, because these pants are most definitely black with a berry/blue stitched print on them (still no navy).

My store only had a size run up to a 12, and I usually take a 14 in the skimmer pants. I tried the 12s on for the heck of it, but couldn’t even get my legs in to them. Eek. I went home and ordered the size 14 and 16, which was a good call because the 14s were also tight, but of course, the 16s just a bit loose in the waist, but nothing a belt couldn’t fix. Here’s a closeup of the fabric.

These pants are polyester/cotton mix and not lined but have a sateen look to them. They have a 26″ inseam which for my 5’8″ frame is a little shorter than I like; so they’re definitely more of a capri than an ankle pant on me. There’s a few inches of fabric in the hem, so if I keep them, I’ll likely have the hem taken down so they’re more of an ankle pant. I didn’t get a picture of the waist, but I probably have at least an inch of room in the waist that’s gaping in the back. But I need the room in the hips/rear. If I have the hem taken down, I could have the waist taken in as well. If you’re a little straighter, you may just want to size up one size. I ended up sizing up 2 and it’s not a perfect fit.

As you can see, they hit a few inches above my ankle.

These pants are right in my color palette – anything I can pair with bright pink I’m in to. I think they’d also look great with a crisp white button down or a chambray shirt. I’m wearing the J.Crew merino boyfriend sweater from 2014 in this photo (similar Factory sweater here) as well as the J.Crew metallic Viv flats (similar pointy-toe here and round toe flats here).

Aside from a few dresses which I’ll review in another post, I’m not seeing a ton to love at Factory this spring. How about you, do you have these pants? Anything you’re loving at Factory this spring? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting.

Summer Fab Series – Pattern Mixing

August 7, 2014

As promised, here is part 2 of my 3 part Summer Fab Series. I’m sure a lot of people have moved past pattern mixing but I am still going strong. For me, it’s really just another way to pair clothes – of course paisley goes with polka dots! I actually really like the way pattern mixing challenges my outfit planning and I’m always looking for new combinations – even though really, at the end of the day it’s floral, stripe, polka dot, animal print, paisley, rinse repeat.So, here we go, a few of my favorite summer pattern mixing outfits.

First up…stripes on stripes

Purse: Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote

Stripes and polka dots are the two patterns that you can pair up a little more easily. I love the simple navy and green combination and the different width stripes added more interest to this outfit.

Sweater : J.Crew (last year) / Skirt: J.Crew Pencil Skirt in Colorblock Stripe / Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Next up…triple pattern mix. I love paisley and stripes…and paisley and polka dots…so I decided to go for all three! I kept it “toned down” by adding the navy cardigan. I love this Tory Burch cardigan because it’s like having some fun jewelry on my cardigan!

Cardigan : Tory Burch Simone Cardigan / Blouse: J.Crew (old), similar here / Necklace: J.Crew Pearl Hammock Necklace / Skirt: J.Crew Factory (old), similar here and / Heels: J.Crew Factory Isabelle Pumps

Here’s another similar look with the same color scheme:

Blouse: J.Crew / Skirt: J.Crew Factory (old) / Necklace: J.Crew Floating Gems Necklace/ Shoes: J.Crew Everly Metallic Pumps (similar here)

And yet another variation…paisley and stripes

Blazer: J.Crew Chambray Schoolboy Blazer (similar here) / Blouse : J.Crew Moonglow Paisley Blouse / J.Crew Factory Isabelle Pumps / Necklace: J.Crew Inspired via Groopdealz

And last but not least…probably my favorite pattern mix of the summer…floral and stripe. I’ll admit, it’s been quite a few years since I’ve been in to any florals but this Cove floral blouse caught my eye this year and it’s been fun to style.

Blouse: J.Crew Sleeveless Drapey Top in Cove Floral / J.Crew Stripe Pencil skirt (similar from Factory here)/ Necklace: J.Crew Circular Petals Necklace / Shoes: Banana Republic Carter Flat

So, there you have it, a few of my favorite summer pattern mixing looks! What do you think? Any favorites? Too many patterns? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

4th of July Fab

July 4, 2014

Happy 4th of July! Just wanted to pop in and share a few of my patriotic looks from this past week. I admittedly don’t own a ton of red, but after a further inspection of my closet and a lucky eBay purchase, I found I had a few items that I could work in different shades of red, white and blue. I recently received the J.Crew pencil skirt in Raj Paisley via eBay and was surprised to see that it was mostly made up of a blue and red pattern (I thought there was more purple in it…but that must be the mixing of the two colors from far away). I originally had it paired with just the oxford Tilda blouse but found this J.Crew Lightweight Merino v-neck sweater in Monaco Blue in my closet and it was a perfect match! I admittedly don’t wear a lot of blue that isn’t navy or aqua hued, so I was happy to find another outfit combination for this sweater. I opted for neutral shoes since I had a lot of color in the outfit itself.

Next up, the J.Crew Gondola Stripe skirt. I have a lot of trouble deciding on tops for this skirt – the skirt hits higher on my waist so anything tucked in usually makes my torso look really short and my chest look really big. On a whim, I tried a blousy top and really liked the look, which I finished off with a chambray blazer.

Blazer: J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer / Blouse : Banana Republic / Shoes : Gap

I’ve seen this skirt styled with polka dots and liked the look so I thought I would add that in via my loafers. Some gold jewelry and a simple necklace and I have to say this was a pretty solid patriotic effort in my opinion!

Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: J.Crew and J.Crew Factory

After a very busy week we actually have a quiet 4th planned but fireworks are always in the plan! I am usually not one to pair red, white and blue but it is always fun to do so around the 4th of July! So what do you think, are these patriotic enough? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

Reviews: J.Crew Factory Pleated Maxiskirt and Half-Flower Fringe Necklace

March 30, 2014

Hi there! A few Factory reviews for you to get you ready for spring…

First up, the J.Crew Factory Pleated Maxiskirt in Flirty Peach

It was the color that immediately drew me to this skirt – I don’t own a lot of peach/coral and it’s a color I’m trying to add in to my wardrobe. I immediately thought about my upcoming Caribbean vacation and thought this would be perfect with a white tank and denim jacket and a matching necklace – very easy, beachy, casual. I was also well aware that this could be one of those items that look way better in my head than it would on me. But, I figured I’d give it a shot. The skirt is 100% polyester with an acetate lining.

The color is very close to what’s depicted on the website. I took my usual J.Crew skirt size (12) in this and it was the right size. At 5’8″, it grazes my ankles. I don’t think I would want it much longer, with the structured pleats it looks good at this length. The skirt has a chiffon feel to it but the acetate lining is …well, it’s acetate. I worry that it would be hot in warmer weather, it doesn’t seem like it would be very breathable at all. I really want to like this skirt but don’t think it’s doing any favors for my lower half. I feel like I look really wide and even though the waistline of the skirt sits right on my waist, I still feel cut off at my midsection. Then I thought maybe I just needed to add a jacket to make it work.

I like it a little better with the jacket. In all honesty, I think this is a skirt for the straighter bottomed ladies. I will not share the rear shot with you. I don’t know, maybe I’m having a bad image day but I’m not 100% on this skirt. Aside from not loving the way it looks on me, I do think the lining will be problematic for making it breathable in the summer. It is a very pretty skirt though and I can see a lot of people doing it justice, I think it’s just not for me. I’m wearing the J.Crew Tybee Patent Slide Sandals in Moroccan Sand in this photo. Jacket is Gap from last year and the tee is an older Factory Graphic Tee. Finally, here’s the Factory Half-Flower Fringe Necklace in melon which matches the skirt perfectly.

This is a pretty necklace, very reminiscent of the fan fringe necklace that Factory re-released this year. I might keep it to coordinate with other spring/summer items. The fringe stones are a light blueish grey. As I said, I don’t have a lot of peach/coral colored items, so I’ll have to go through my closet to see what else this will really match if I don’t end up keeping the skirt.

So, what do you think of these items? I’m having a really tough time deciding on the skirt – would love to hear your feedback! Thanks so much for visiting!

More Layers

February 6, 2014

Hi there! I checked the extended forecast today and as much as I want to think about spring…we’ve got a little ways to go around here. So, since I’ve decided to do the Closet Remix challenge for February which means no new clothes, shoes or jewelry…I’m getting the most out of my winter outfits!! With the cold temperatures lingering I am still all about the layers (I don’t think I have much choice!) So here’s a few of my favorites from the last few weeks:

I found this cashmere J.Crew sweater on eBay a few weeks ago and had to have it – I don’t wear a ton of argyle (not sure I totally love it on my chest but I’m embracing ME). It has a hint of pink and coordinated perfectly with my J.Crew Blythe blouse in shocking pink. Shocking pink is exactly the color of this blouse – it is BRIGHT. Just the way I like it. I paired with my Banana Republic ankle Jackson pants and the Crystal Cluster Necklace from Purple Peridot (J.Crew Factory inspired). Silver shoes were the finishing touch. I’m seriously starting to think that I am going to need a backup pair of these mirror pumps!

Sweater, Blouse, Shoes: J.Crew / Pants: Banana Republic / Necklace: Purple Peridot

Another layer! Finished it up with a trusty J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer

And my arm candy courtesy of J.Crew Factory, Kate Spade and Tiffany’s

This was one of my favorite winter outfits – cozy and cute!

Sweater, Pants, Shoes : Banana Republic / , Blouse: J.Crew / Necklace: Purple Peridot

How great is this necklace? Another Purple Peridot stunner!

And my J.Crew Crystal Triangle Bracelet which was a surprise love.

Oh and here’s when I decided I could wear a sweatshirt to work if worn the right way. J. Crew has taught me that such things are acceptable. And I think under a preppy blazer and a girly blouse underneath…you can totally get away with it.

Of course if you get up close you see it’s a sweatshirt but come on…look at those cute bows!

I want to wear this outfit again!! With another month of winter (at least…) I think this might have to go in the rotation one more time.

And finally…another weekend look in which I (probably foolishly) protest a coat. Sadly the weather turned to miserable rain as I was out but lucky I had my Hunter boots to keep my feet dry.

Sweater, Shirt: J.Crew / Vest: Coldwater Creek / Jeans: Gap / Boots: Hunter / Necklaces: J.Crew & Purple Peridot

So there you go, some of my recent layers! What do you think? Can I pull off a sweatshirt at work? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

Put a Bow on It

December 30, 2013

I have to admit, I’ve always been a picky pattern person. I don’t do a ton of florals, I tend to stick to my stripes, polka dots and plaids – and love to mix them up (more about that in another post!) I owned my stack of graphic tees when they were the thing to own but I haven’t gotten much in to the “critter” sweaters or any other “cutesy” prints. So when I took a chance and ordered the J.Crew Factory bow blouse last month – this was a leap for me. I saw a lot of people raving online about the bows and while I have my share of bow shoes…I wasn’t sure how I was going to do with a bow print. Sure, I love how it looks on everyone else, but me…not so sure. And it had a big bow at the neck? Wow, talk about a case of peer pressure to order this blouse, because I still hit the ‘place order’ button even though I wasn’t totally sold.

I pulled it out a few times and was a little stumped on styling until on a Sunday evening session of choosing my outfits for the week, I decided to try this with the Maple Tweed skirt. And…well, here’s the result. I have to say, I was pretty pleased. I did cover the neckline bow with a necklace…and I haven’t worn the blouse since this outfit so I think I need the challenge of a second outfit.

And some details…

The outfit is all J.Crew….mostly from this past year except the cardigan is the J.Crew cashmere boyfriend sweater from a few years ago and the necklace I found via Groopdealz however it is a J.Crew “inspired” piece.

And finally, here’ s another outfit where I “put a bow on it” in the way of a Target glitter bow belt and Groopdealz Kate Spade inspired bow bracelet.

So, there you have it…a few bow inspired outfits…and as I sit here writing, I’ve just added this J.Crew beauty to my shopping cart:

So, any outfit faves? Do you love bows or are they too girly and cute for you? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

The Fab Life

Making every day fabulous

Category: Crewlet