J. Crew Sale - 40%

Just some quick reviews while there is 40% in place. Unfortunately, not much for me this go-round...

Double Stripe-Sweatpant (XS) in Heather Carbon

I so badly want a pair of "cool" sweatpants if there is such a thing. These are totally fine and quite comfortable but the back view is so diaper-y. I would wear them around the house but not out and about. I like the little stripes on the side and the material. TTS.

 Jet-Set Geo Mini Skirt (size 2)

I love a good mini skirt and this one is definitely cute. I feel like this pattern will be something you can wear in the future and not a trendy gone in a year type thing. The fit was okay on me. When I moved I felt like I got a bit of bagginess in the crotch area. Love the little notches at the hemline. TTS.

More pics - it is cute. Just not a have to have for me.

 Laine Suede Boots

These are so cute. Even my husband said - wow those are sexy! Unfortunately my bunions and J crew's narrowness are not a match made in heaven. If you have normal feet, however, these are fantastic. Remind me of Madewell's Billie Boot which I have an adore.

Painter Tee with Zips (XS) in Navy Bronzed Brown

At first I wasn't too sure about the colors but I liked it once I got it on. Then I wasn't so sure about the zips. I'm still not so sure. I like the overall fit of the shirt and the width of the stripes but I can't quite figure out the zips. I have another similar shirt to this from a few years ago and I love it. These zips make the neckline quite high but when you unzip them it looks really strange. What do you think?

 Embroidered Lace Top in Light Blush (size 2)

I loved the idea of this. The embroidery is so beautiful and the color is perfect for spring. It runs REALLY big. I think it would look better on someone with less of a chest so it didn't pouf out so much. Definitely size down at least 1 if not several sizes on this one. The cotton was nice.

 Jet-Set Geo Shift Dress (size 2)

I went it to the store planning on buying this one. Shift dressed work for me right now as I try to rehabilitate my poor post-pregnancy abs. I still like this dress but I don't know why they had to do those zippes all the way to the top. They are so darn cold and I knew this would bother me. Poo. Would love this dress in another print and with only partial zippes. The fit was nice and quite comfortable.

Looking forward to trying on some new spring stuff soon. How about you?

Madewell Reviews: Embroidered V-Neck Top and Marled Button-Back Sweater

I fall in and out of love with Madewell. The IDEA of Madewell is appearing - laid back, cool, slouchy but skimming the body just right. A lot of the "drapiness" ends up looking like "dumpiness" on my body and sometimes I wonder who the clothes were intended for. Maybe a younger jetset? Nonetheless, I can always find a few things to love and who doesn't love their current 40% off sale promo? Here are a few things I recently tried:

Embroidered V-Neck Top (size XS) in Bleached Linen

 This is an "I love the idea of this top" top. There's nothing particuarly wrong with it I just didn't love it and I'm trying to get better about loving what I buy. The embroidery is quite cute and I like the hem. It felt slightly low cut in the front.

 Embroidered V-Neck Top (XS) in Dark Plum

 Same shirt in the dark plum color which I didn't like as much. It read more muddy brownish then purply/burgundy-ish.

 Embroidered V-Neck Top (XXS0 in Dark Plum

 I'm not sure if smaller is better in this case. It provided a little more shape but I'm not sure this kind of shirt is supposed to have much shape. On the up side, the cotton was soft and thicker than most little t-shirts and I appreciated that.

 Marled Button-Back Sweater (XS) (find it here and here as well)

 This is slouchy Madewell done well. So cute soft and comfortable. I'm a bit concerned about the extra material under my arms so I ordered the XXS to compare. I'll review that when it comes in. Love the little hem and the buttons down the back. Just a cute casual piece at a decent price point.

Did you grab anything during the 40% off sale?

J. Crew Review: Perforated Drapey Crepe Dress

Spring is almost, sort of, finally here and I am just getting ready to say hello to spring clothes! There's nothing I like more than walking into one of my favorite stores and seeing all the fresh new colors. While this neon persimmon color is a bit out of my comfort zone, it did make me want to go sit on the veranda (like we have one, ha) and sip a cocktail.

Perforated Drapey Crepe Dress (size 2)

 I would definitely throw a belt on with this. Those elastic waistbands don't do anyone any favors. Check out the model shot - even she could use some extra waist definition. The armholes are a bit gaping but I didn't mind on this style of dress. I will say there is something that feels cool about this piece.

 The left shot is the "Gigi heels"shot. I never think to bring heels with me to try-ons but I did learn the trick of pretending like I have them on. Gigi does this in most of her reviews and it's amazing how a little heel height can really change the fit of a garment. There are pockets that don't add bulk on this one - yay. It is slightly low cut so perhaps not work appropriate without a cami but everything else is pretty subdued. I REALLY like this dress but am not loving the colors. Black is sort of boring, the walnut color I have not seen IRL, and this color is a bit too bold. Plus it is constantly sold out online and not on sale. What's a girl to do?

Have you tried on this dress? What do you think?

Madewell Reviews: Spring Dresses and more

I haven't been to Madewell in forever. I love their slouchy casual vibe but that's totally working for me right now. While I still transition back to my normal pre-baby body (ha ha is there such a thing?) I'm preferring more streamlined silhouettes and a preppier vibe. I was, however, quite thrilled to catch my all time favorite printed denim in a bigger size the other day. Have no idea what these jeans are doing back on the website since they originally came out a year and a half ago but I'll take it.

They were still running extra 30% off sale in store so it is definitely worth poking around.

Silk Two-Piece Dress in Woodcut Paisley (size 2)

 I knew this would be a disaster on me but was curious anyway. This blousy top over dress silhouette has become popular but is not a great match for my body type. I didn't even mind the front view SO much but the side view was pretty preggorific.

The back is a cute detail but not for those of us who have to wear majorly supportive bras. At all times.

 Button-Down Shirtdress (XS)

 I loved this. It felt so good on - comfy and yet with a slim enough shape. It is a bit transparent but I would happily wear flesh-toned underwear and a cami underneath. I almost walked out with this but couldn't help think I looked a little too much like a nurse or lab technician in it.

 Pockets in the right place - no bulk added. Yahoo! What do you think of this one?

 Vista Shirtdress in Colorblock (XS)

Wanted to love this and it is quite cute overall. Crisp cotton. What was weird is that it was really tight across the chest and then HUGE at the hips. The pockets were sticking out and I can't even comment on the area around my bum in the side view. Perhaps would work on the less busty?

 Sleeveless Tee Dress in Stripe (XS)

 They basically had this same dress last year but just in the grey. I love it. So comfortable but doesn't look dumpy, easy cheesy could wear it to park or work. It's way too expensive right now but I think I will have to invest in it if it doesn't go on sale. I'm lifting my arm up to show you that there is a bit of bra exposure but nothing too terible.

 Trelliswork Eyelet Skirt in White Eyelet (Size S)

 This type of skirt is really popular right now. There are a few over at Anthropologie including this one that I have been wanting to try on. This was a size bigger than my usual and I could barely keep it up. Seems like it would add a bit too much bulk around my hips and waist. I would much rather try this one at Madewell.

 Alley Straight Jeans in Raw Wash (size 27)

 I had been curious about the Alley Straight and overall I like them. Medium rises seem to be really in right now but they don't work on me. I'm really short-waisted and I always get that pulling at the crotch (see photo #1) when I try to make it work. Overall the silhouette was nice and no waist gap! These are pretty slim for a straight fit which I like.

Some cute stuff right now. What do you think of the Button-Down Shirtdress? Debating that one!