j.crew reviews -- a whole mess of skirts

True to my word, I headed out to J.Crew this past weekend to scope out the new arrivals in my store. Unfortunately, my J.Crew never really has a huge selection of stuff, so my try-ons were limited (especially since my size is always out too, grrr...).

But, here we go!

Streetscape cape, on sale for $129.99. I saw this in the store and was curious as to how it'd look on me. The verdict: ridiculous. It feels very nice on, but I think a piece like this might work better on someone a bit taller. The length of the cape just kind of split my body in two halves, making my shortness even more evident. For those of you who are interested, I am a S-M/4-6 in tops and I'm wearing a M in the cape here.

***

Toothpick cord, $89.50. I'm wearing the color "bright persimmon," which is the exact same shade as those old Flintstones push-pops. I've always found these to run a bit small, so I recommend sizing up. I'm wearing one size up from my usual here, and it fit very comfortably. Also, note that these are not ankle length on me -- if you're 5'2" like me, these will fit like regular pants.

***

Liquid silk skirt, on sale for $118. As you can tell from Boyfriend's thumbs up in the first picture, he liked this one. I have to agree! I'm wearing the "bright dahlia" color, which is exactly like the hue shown on the website. It feels so lovely and light on, and the material flows away from the hips so that I don't think VPL (visible panty lines, anyone?) will be a problem. On my 5'2" frame, the skirt hit about 2 inches below my knees. Sizing down is possible with this skirt -- I'm wearing one size below my regular in this picture, and it fit just fine. The skirt wasn't available in my regular size to try on, so I don't know if it runs big or not. Judging from all the wrinkles that were on this already, I'd say one major downside is that it'll wrinkle easily.

***

Classic mini in felted wool, $98. Guys, mini skirts just don't work on me. But I tried this on for you anyways just in case some of you were interested. This is the "decadent red" color, which is more like a bright red-orange. I'm wearing my regular size 8 here, but while it fit in the waist, it was all kinds of way-too-tight on my bum and thighs. BUT, there is good news! This mini is a bit longer than the J.Crew minis I've tried on in the past, so while it's still a mini, it's also not too scandalous! The material is fairly heavy wool too, so I can imagine it being a great piece to wear tights under in cooler weather.

***

Flair skirt in double-serge wool, $108-128. I wanted to try this on in some other colors, but my store only had the "hthr acorn" color in my size, which is basically khaki. The material is lovely -- a thick, heavy wool with enough weight to hold its shape and pleats. I'd recommend sizing down, as I'm wearing my usual size here and it's kind of baggy. It was knee length on me. I also think this skirt, as a solid color, may work better on someone who isn't pear-shaped, as I found the A-line cut to be a little awkward on me. I found myself wishing it was flared out a bit more.

***

Flair skirt in plaid, on sale for $118 ($89.99 in my store). This is made out of the same material as the double-serge wool version of this. I'm wearing it in one size smaller than my usual size, and it fit perfectly. While I didn't like the A-line cut of the solid version of this skirt, I do really like it with a pattern, which I think somehow keeps it visually interesting enough for me not to notice the cut as much. Does that even make sense? Probably not, but the bottom line is: I like it.

***

Blythe shirtdress, on sale for $148. Before you look at the picture and rue the day you ordered the Blythe dress, know that I'm wearing 2 sizes up from my usual because that's all my store had and I really wanted to try this dress on. So no, this is not how your regular size will fit, not by a long shot. I also ordered the dress online in my actual size, so I'll do another review once that one comes in, but for now, here are my notes on Blythe: comfortable material, but reminds me a little bit of silk pajamas. I'm not sure how I feel about that yet. The belt is a little awkward since the material is so flimsy. The dress went down to mid-calf on me, but it could be because this dress is way too big. I'll do a proper review when the other one comes!

Let me know if you have any questions about anything I reviewed!

J.CREW REVIEWS -- THE SKIRT EDITION

Well, I was originally going to post these on Friday, but seeing how there is some interest in the Bell Skirt, and the fact that I don't have any OOTD pictures this fine Wednesday, today shall be J.Crew review day.

As always, let me know if you have any questions!

The 'Dorrie' skirt, $75.00:

YAY. When I first saw this skirt in the Spring lookbook, I was worried that the pockets would look strange. Well, worry no more! The pockets are cute, and honestly, I didn't even notice them too much until I was taking these photos. In other words, they don't add any bulk to the skirt! Woohoo!

I'm wearing a size up from my usual size because my store didn't have any in a size 8, but it still fit fine. I'd say that you can get away with wearing it a size bigger, especially if you have generous hips like me. The material is a nice, thick linen blend that I think would be perfect for spring and summer -- it'd also be blow-up-by-the-wind-proof! Another note: J.Crew calls this color "modern red," but be aware that it is essentially REALLY BRIGHT ORANGE. I guess modern red = orange, according to the Crew. Waiting for a sale!

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The 'Horizon Stripe' pencil skirt, $138:

UNDECIDED. Obviously, I should have sized up. I'm wearing this in my usual size 8 and it was waaaay too tight across the hips. I'd recommend going up a size (or two), but be aware that the waist may be too loose if you do. The waistband part of this skirt is thick and soft, and not stretchy like I had thought. For a white skirt, it also was not see-through, which is a big plus in my book. On 5'3" me, the skirt hit right at my knees.

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The 'Cotton Bell' skirt, $49.50:

YAY. This little baby obviously went home with me. I'm wearing this in a size larger than my usual size because they didn't have any in my size at the store (can you tell that this is a regular issue for me?), which is why the hip part of the skirt kind of poofs out strangely. In your regular size, though, I don't think this would be a problem. The elastic on the skirt is very comfortable and loose, so I imagine you'd be able to size down as well. The skirt part flows away from the body, which is good news for anyone who is hip-tacular like me!

The only downfall? WRINKLEFEST. Oh well.

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Also featured in this review, the Jackie cardigan and Candy Plaid perfect shirt. Both run TTS.

See you all tomorrow!

ANTHRO REVIEWS

Hello hello! Popping in over the weekend to put up some new reviews that a few ladies may find useful.

So here's the outfit:


And here are the pieces:

Jeweler's Choice Cardigan, $148:

YAY. I know this is on the wishlist of many (including mine!), and let me just say that I can see why! This cardigan is every bit as beautiful as it appears online. The beading detail is absolutely stunning, and even though it reads as reddish in my pictures, it is actually a nice coral hue. I was worried at first that the beading detail would be overwhelming, but it's a nice size that adds a pop of pizazz to an otherwise straight-forward cardigan without being too over-the-top. I can definitely see this working with a variety of outfits effortlessly. The knit is slightly scratchy on my sensitive skin, but it's nothing intolerable. I'm wearing my regular size in this photo and the buttons are pulling, but it's mostly because I've kind of -- gulp -- put on a few pounds recently, so I'd wager that if I were my regular size, there wouldn't be a button-pulling issue. All in all, it runs TTS and a winner! I'm stalking this and crossing my fingers that it'll make it to the sales rack!

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Amhara Skirt, $68:

YAY. This little number didn't catch my eye at all online, but in stores, the bright colors and canvas-y material just called my name. It did not disappoint! The skirt is fun, and its light material makes it a perfect summer skirt while the colors make it easy to "autumn/winter-ize." On my 5'3" frame, the skirt hit about 2 inches from my knees, which is the perfect mini length for me, but taller gals may need to see for themselves whether this is too mini or not. I'd say this fits TTS. I can imagine wearing it with a utilitarian jacket and white v-neck tee, or with a nice gingham button-down for some awesome pattern mixing. Waiting for a sale!

As always, leave any questions you may have in the comments or e-mail me. Have a great rest of the weekend!

ANTHRO REVIEWS + A J.CREW ONE FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Happy Monday, readers! I had the great joy of visiting my two favorite stores this past weekend, so I got to try on a few things. Unfortunately, J.Crew was barren, but I did spy a great jacket for Boyfriend to try on. I was hoping to try on some pretties in the dressing room myself, but oh well, haha! It's probably better for my wallet that there was nothing to tempt me anyways.

Also, be prepared to see Boyfriend in the background of these. Sometimes he doesn't want to sit outside in "The Men's Waiting Area" at Anthropologie, so instead he chooses to hang out in the dressing room with me. Men.

Enjoy!

Precious Particulars Blouse, $98:

YES. I love this blouse. Love love love. It is definitely on my "to stalk until sale time" list because I just don't feel comfortable dropping nearly $100 for a top, but I will probably love it for a sale price. It runs pretty true to size, though you could ostensibly size up without much issue if you want it to look slightly more loose. Bottom-heavy girls beware, though -- this top has a straight cut, so I had trouble buttoning the last button in both a size 2 (my regular top size and the one shown here) and a size 4, but if you plan to tuck this blouse in like I did, then that won't be an issue.

The material is a lovely silk that felt so soft and comfortable on. The tie part at the neck is removable, but I think it looks awesome so I can't see why anyone would remove it, haha! I can also see this working beautifully with pencil skirts and belted with full skirts.

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Esmerelda Dress, $158:


YES. This one was Boyfriend's pick, which I obligingly tried on and surprisingly loved! I'm usually a size small in these types of dresses, but the small in this one was a little snug. I really struggled to put it on and take it off, hahaha! There are no zippers, so it's just a slip-on type of deal. Sizing up to a medium made the dress too big, though. Hmm... The shape was really flattering. It has a nice empire waist, a neckline that isn't too scandalous for those with smaller chests (those who are more endowed may need a cami), and beautiful flutter sleeves. I love this length of flutter sleeve because instead of hitting at the meatiest part of my arm, it extends below it so that it looks slimmer. Always a plus! And though it looks like it extends below the knee in the pictures, the dress hits right at the knee on my 5'3" frame. I'll definitely be stalking this.

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Cadet jacket, $128:

YES. I loved this on Boyfriend and I think it's a great casual jacket for men. It touches on that utilitarian/military look that's all the rage right now without looking too trendy, too. Though the jacket looks brown in this photo, it most definitely is the shade of green shown on the J.Crew website in real life. This runs true to size, as Boyfriend took his usual large in it. In his words, the jacket is "light, comfortable," and the arm holes "actually fit [his] arms and shoulders," unlike most of the jackets he has tried on from Gap and Urban Outfitters. I'll be sale-stalking this one for him, you can be sure of that!

See you all tomorrow with an OOTD!

SOME ANTHRO REVIEWS

I unfortunately don't get to go to the store as often as I used to, but I still managed to squeeze in a trip over the holidays! So for your viewing pleasure, some quick and dirty Anthropologie reviews paired with some ill-taken photos. I didn't exactly do my hair or wear any makeup that day, so please excuse my head, haha!

Easy-Peasy Blazer, $98.00:


Pass. The material felt really nice and soft, and I love the double-breasted look, but this blazer just looked way too bulky on me. On a shorty like me, it also was just the wrong length because the hem hit me right across the fullest part of my hips, making me look GIGANTIC. The loose, boxy-ish shape didn't really help either. I'm wearing this in my normal size. I don't know if sizing down would solve this issue because I was too lazy to grab another one. I can see this working on someone taller and slimmer, though, but for my stumpy pear-shaped body, this is a no-go.

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All Angles Blouse, $128:

Pass. This is one billowy top! It feels super soft and comfortable, but it was just too much fabric for my tiny body. I'd say that due to the generous cut, you could easily get away with wearing it 1-2 sizes smaller. The side tie doesn't serve any function, so you can't tighten the bottom of it. The sleeves are huge, and if you're wearing a regular bra with this top, the sides of it WILL show if you lift up your arms in this top. I tried wearing it with a more fitted topper to see if that would make this work, but as you can see for yourself below, the result is a pathetic waaah-waaaaaaah. Also, I have no idea what makes this top worth $100+.

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Sequin Flame Blazer, no longer available online:


Pass. I thought I would love this, but I was pretty underwhelmed. The sequins on the collar kept scratching the back of my neck, and the ones at the cuffs were irritating as well. I sized down with this jacket (wearing one size under my regular size) and it still fit pretty well in the arms and shoulders. I couldn't get it to button, but I liked how it looked open in the smaller size.

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A Separate Space Skirt, $49.95:

Want. Forgive the top I'm wearing with this skirt, as it doesn't really "go" at all, haha! I'm wearing this in my regular size and it fit well and snug, so I'd say that this one runs TTS. It is made out of a wonderfully weighty material that I adored. It's heavy enough to stay put in the wind too, I reckon, yet light enough to look kicky when you stroll around. The skirt went up to my waist exactly where it should have, and though it's a little long and went past my knees, I still like it. I can see this working with some cute rust-orange tights and brown heels!

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Gull Wing Dress, $168:

Pass. Don't get me wrong -- this dress will definitely look awesome on some people. But on me, I wasn't a fan. I tried on the red color because it is super punchy and saturated, which I adore. However, I believe that the navy blue colorway looks much more expensive than the red color, which reads kind of cheap. The material was soft, but not as soft and comfortable as I thought a $168 dress should be. If this were $70, I would consider it a great deal, though. The ribbon sash ties right at the waist, and I took this in my regular size. It was a little loose, though, so I think going down a size is feasible as well. For someone small-chested like me, the low cut was also not a problem.

j.crew reviews, some april new arrivals

Let's begin!

Featherweight cotton lynx bling-button cardigan (whew!), $88:

This cardigan is gorgeous. I'm wearing the "sand dune" color here. The material is super light and super soft and the print is wonderful. I took this in my regular size Small and it was a little snug at first, but loosened up after I moved around a little in it. I would say that the material may be prone to stretching, but the cardigan definitely didn't look any worse for wear after I took it off. The belt pictured here is the studded bar-car belt.

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Philo eyelet blouse, $49.99:

If you've been looking for the perfect summer knit blouse, this is it! The details on this hippie-ish top is just darling. The neckline is really flattering and the little tie just adds to the dear-ness of the look. I also love the added little flowers on the bottom, and the scalloped edge! Cuteness! I'm wearing a size 2, which is pretty run of the mill for me in J.Crew tops. Fits true to size.

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Flower mosaic embroidered tunic, $78:

Holy wrinkled skirt! Let's focus on the top here. There is definitely a Mexican market vibe going on here with the embroidery, neckline, and ties. Except that this top costs $78, instead of, you know, $10. The material is really light and the v-neck plunge is pretty deep. I had to maneuver around a bit before I could snap a picture without showing you all my skivvies. The puff sleeves are a nice touch, but not my thing. I bet this would look really cute under a blazer! I'm wearing a size XS and it fit perfectly. This definitely runs at least one size big because of the style.

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Mystery dress (in-store item only?), I forgot how much it cost:

I didn't realize that this dress wasn't available online until just now. Sorry for not snapping a photo of the tag! It's a strapless cotton dress with raised horizontal lines running down the entire thing. The line decoration is stiff and feels kind of like heavy-duty embroidery. The dress is cute in its simplicity and I can definitely see it being a summer staple. There's a bra backing inside the dress, it is fully lined, and has boning in the bodice. And pockets! As with most relatively fitted tube dresses, I had to size up for this one. I'm usually a size 4, and I'm wearing a size 6 in these photos. It was still a bit too tight, though, but I didn't feel like asking for a size 8. I recommend sizing up! Overall, I thought this was a cute little frock, but it's not for me. Seen in the second picture styled with the aforementioned studded bar-car belt and chambray schoolboy blazer.

Let me know if you have any questions!

leifsdottir + ann taylor dress reviews

Leifsdottir "Lafayette" strapless dress, $278:

streeeeeetch

I spied this dress at Nordstrom a few weekends ago but can't seem to find it on the Nordies website, so I linked to the dress from the Liefsdottir website instead. Anthropologie was selling the skirt version of this dress, which is seemingly sold out online but I'm pretty sure is still available in stores. I typically have a hard time fitting into fitted dresses like this one, so I sized up and it worked! The dress hugged my hips but surprisingly wasn't too loose at the bust either, despite sizing up. The material is a bit thin, making it a really great summer weight dress. The color, pattern, and pleating all covers up any VPL that may occur. Boyfriend really liked it (though you wouldn't be able to tell with his languid expressions in the mirror) but I'm not willing to drop $300 for this, especially since I only see it working in the spring/summer. And especially because, you know, it costs $300 for a sun dress.

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Ann Taylor lace dress (in stores only?), $198:

no cardigan on hand to test how it'd look with one, so a knotted shirt will have to do

En route to J.Crew, I passed by Ann Taylor and immediately saw this dress on a mannequin in the window. I'm a little confused because the dress is clearly featured on the website but there's no product page for it. I'm not sure if this is because it's not yet available online or if it's an in-store only item, but either way, I've attached a shot of the product tag for those who are interested. I took this in my usual size 4 and it fit really well. It's not clingy, and the lace is ever-so-slightly two-toned, which I adore. The details are lovely! With the Friends & Family 30% off event going on right now, I might just swing by and pick it up! Maybe.

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Ann Taylor lace skirt (in stores only?), $148:



This is the matching skirt for the above lace dress. It has the same lovely detailing as the dress, but I think I prefer the dress to the skirt. I tried this on in my usual size 6 for bottoms and it fit well. Again, not too clingy and with room to tuck a shirt in and move around comfortably.

j.crew reviews

Look for my Giveaway post tonight! Woot woot! And thanks for all the gift suggestions for Boyfriend's mother -- I took your advice and put together a neat little "gift basket" of gardening goodies. Boyfriend says she'll love it!

Poplin Bridget Dress, $138:

Hilarious. I ordered this dress out of curiosity about how it'd look, and well... It's going back. Once I stop laughing at how silly it looks on me, that is. I'm wearing my usual size 6 and it's definitely too tight across the hips. If you're pear-shaped like me, either size up or pass on this frock because it is not hip-friendly. The shoulder strap is too thick for my liking, and I think it makes me look strangely large up top. I tried layering under it like in one of J.Crew's product shots, but it was disastrous. I think the sweater I tried to put under it was too thick. If you want to give the layering look a try, I'd recommend trying a thinner under layer because the dress itself is pretty light.

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Stretch Double-Serge Pencil Skirt, $98:

Let me just preface this by saying that J.Crew has my heart when it comes to pencil skirts. I own 3 pencil skirts from J.Crew and I love all of them. In fact, I've worn one of them so much that the vent in the back came undone. Nothing a quick trip to the sewing machine won't fix, though. Anyway, this skirt is no exception to J.Crew's trend of pencil skirt perfection. The material is really thick, yet cool. I don't think it'll be a problem when the temperature rises. The seaming on the back is super bum-friendly and will make your derriere look amazing. I'm wearing this in my usual size Petite 6 in the photo but have since replaced it with a size Petite 8. The P6 was too snug across the hips for my personal taste, but if you don't mind some extra clingyness, go with your usual size.

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Laporte Drape Blouse, $59.99:

I was intrigued by the blouse when I saw it on the model. It had the potential to be lovely and Grecian-inspired. Instead, it just looks sloppy. The top looks nothing like it does in the product shot. It's poorly constructed and the drape is awkwardly sewn on. But that's not all. I'm wearing this in my usual size 2 and while the bodice fit, the waist is way too narrow. As I walked around, the blouse kept riding up like a petulant child who refused to stay put. The fit was also too weirdly boxy. I am not a fan. The only positive I can think of for this top is that the fabric feels really nice.

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Lightweight Trifle Cardigan, $88:

I fell in love with this sweater when I saw it online. I mean, hello, ruffles and school bus yellow? How could it go wrong?! Well, somehow, it did go wrong. Look at the second picture. See how the ruffle awkwardly stops midway down on the right (your right) side of the cardigan? What the heck? This just makes wearing the cardigan open look odd, like someone had run up and snipped off part of the trim. I'm a gal who loves to wear her cardigans open, so this is a total no-go for me, which made me kind of sad because I was so excited to wear this. Otherwise, the cardigan is really nice. I found the construction lovely, the color bright and bold, and the fabric lightweight and sooooft. Sigh. Too bad the abrupt ruffle demise ruins it for me.