Anthropologie Reviews - Lousada Heyhoe and others...

I've been trying to tone down my shopping in the new year but I can't help but wanting to constantly check the sale section at my Anthro store. There are always some random returns that are so tempting - love seeing some old items come back.

Leifsdottir Ombre Ikat Mini-Dress (size 4)

Oh, were I younger and in need of a sexy mini-dress with cutout shoulders... This was clearly a return and it is adorable. The 4 was a little big and the colors do not do anything for my skin but it's super comfy. The only weird thing is the shoulder - they pull where the cutouts are.

Askew Ikat Shift, Lousada Heyhoe, size XS 

I'm sort of regretting not buying this except for the fact that I need a silk dress like I need a hole in the head. I am absolutely IN LOVE with every one of Heyhoe's prints. Gorgeous! Like most of the reviews, I found the dress to fit slightly tight in the hips but not enough to size up.

Drafted Gardens Top size XS and Nubby Stripes Skirt (size 4)

I've seen this skirt on other bloggers and it is so cute. On me, it is a frumpy mess. Granted I definitely needed a 2 (it seems to run a bit big) but still. The pockets are awesome. 

Unequivocal Dress (size 6)

I tried on this dress in a size 4. It's amazing - beautiful retro shape. The 4 was a little tight in the tuckus but the 6 was gaping at the chest (which is unusual for my very-endowed self)

Pattern Call Blouse (size 4) and Conjuror Maxi Skirt (size 2)

 I look I just walked out of Hair or Little House on the Trippy Prairie. I've tried on both the size 2 and size 4 of this skirt and both are beautiful. I'm not sure I have room in my life for a silk maxi (I guarantee that within 2 minutes there would be greasy toddler hands all over it).

This blouse is a different story. I LOVE IT. The 4 is super roomy up top but a bit snug in the hips. I have a size 2 coming to me to compare but am afraid that it will be way too tight on the hips and better up top.

Stitched Spindles Coat (size 6) 

The colors are beautiful and waist-nipping band are great, but I found the overall fit a bit odd. The waist fit well while the rest felt a bit big. Perhaps a size 4 would be better?

 Drafted Gardens Top (XS)

 The top is totally fine but nothing exciting. Just a basic, cotton, slightly too expensive top.

Pale Borders Blouse (size 2)

Ah, pale borders blouse. Your colors, your adorable cap sleeves, your luxurious silk. I would have snapped this up but I can't figure out my size. The 4 looks baggy and lifeless but the 2 is too tight across my chest. Boo. Might have to take it to a tailor to see if she can work her magic. 

The 2nd cuts on the Heyhoe stuff were really tempting for me.  Did anyone take some home at the 2nd cut price?

J. Crew Stripe Sweater Dress Review

I finally snagged this in an XX-small the other day. Was a little nervous about fit since I had only tried on the XS which looked fine. This is such a cute comfy little dress - and super warm! It does make me feel a bit 80's-ish in it but I still think I'll get a lot of use out of it.

J. Crew Stripe Sweater Dress (XXS)

J. Crew Blythe Blouse in Extravagant Green (size 2)

Boden Leggings

Born Boots (not sure of name)

I wanted to toughen it up a little bit so I wore it with my "biker boots" - which by the way I got for a steal at Marshalls (Born on clearance!). The dress is definitely a little bit itchy so I threw on the Blythe Blouse underneath. If I put on my dress boots or heels I think this would definitely be okay for work (granted I work in a fairly casual environment).

The nice thing about the wide neckline is you can put anything underneath for a pop of color. I like the way the rusty orange color works with the green. The necklace is from Boden, Winter 2010. It's gorgeous. The dress sort of begs for a big fancy necklace or scarf.

Definitely doesn't hide any of your curves. It's a lot of info but I think it will stretch as I wear it.

I should have put on hose or something but I actually love it on its own. If it wasn't itchy I could do that but you do at least need a slip underneath.

I have to admit - I got the button-down shirt underneath idea from A Trail of Sequins. See how cute it is on her here

Anyone else have some styling ideas?

J. Crew - Jules Dress in Ashbury Floral

I've reviewed this dress before but decided to give it another whirl now that it is on sale and 30% off. I love a shift dress and find that I am constantly turning to the one that I own.

Jules Dress in Ashbury Floral (size 2)

It's hard to tell from the photos but the size 2 fits a little oddly. Both sizes I tried on had buttons that were hanging by a thread in the back so I couldn't completely button the dress in the back. There is too much material under the armpits but I wonder if that isn't because of the button problem. It felt a little big in this size but...

Jules Dress in size 0

This one was way too tight! and short! The back was snug and weirdly so were the hips (even though the size 2 was pretty roomy there). I'm actually wondering if this one wasn't mislabeled. It's really a shame because I love the Jules Dress silhouette but it doesn't lay as well in the silk material.

Might have to think about the skirt... darn final sale!

J. Crew Reviews - More New Arrivals - A Teddie, A Maxi and some Barbados

Breezed through JC today to have a quick looksee. Here are some things I found...

Maxi Skirt ($75.00)

Okay, so I seriously love this skirt. This is a size S and it was hanging off me but they didn't have an XS around. $75 is ridiculous for something that is a thin jersey knit but when it goes on sale... I shall pounce! The waist band is sort of ruched which I don't love but the drape is really nice. I recently purchased the Water's Edge Skirt from Anthropologie but I don't love its thickness and nubby texture.

Teddie Dress (size 2)

This is my usual size 2 which fit well except the waistband was maybe the tiniest bit snug. It's a lovely little dress but I don't love the frayed neckline and the proportion seems slightly off to me. A little too much fabric in the torso and hips and then a tight waistband. Will flatter many figures though.

Perfect Shirt in Mini-gingham in Bright Dahlia (size 2) 

Love gingham. Wear my shirt in Neon Gingham constantly. Love the fabric on that one better - this fabric is a bit thin and flimsy feeling.

Classic Merino Cardigan in Capri Pink (XXS)

Normally I would not take an XXS in a sweater like this but it worked here. I'm trying to show that Capri Pink and Bright Dahlia sort of "go" together but don't match.

Store-only? shirt (size 2)

I'm just going to say it - I'm sick of paisley! Please stop doing paisley prints JC. Please do something more interesting. It would look nice under a blazer or something but I like my shirts to stand alone :)

Boy Shirt in Barbados Plaid (size 4) 

They didn't have a size 2 and the size 4 was definitely a little baggy. The colors are gorgeous - definitely in the extravagant green family. I'm just not sure how I would work this into my wardrobe.

Classic Merino Cardigan (XS)  in Heather Emerald

Like above, doesn't match but sort of goes. The XS felt a bit baggy but would be good for a more relaxed, slouchy look. Great, classic "boyfriend" cardigan. Probably like my Eden a bit better.

Off to bed. I will have a follow-up review of the Jules Dress in Ashbury Floral tomorrow. Happy sale shopping!

Old Navy Reviews - Bow-Back Animal Print Top and Bird-Print Charmeuse Blouse

I never shop at Old Navy unless it's for my daughter. As I get older, I realize that high quality materials and thoughtful construction are really important for someone my age. But... after seeing some of the adorable new prints, I couldn't resist! Cats? Birds? All they have to do is throw some foxes in there and I'm a goner (see previous post on my obsession with foxes here)

Women's Bow Back Animal Print Top

Front (XS)

 Back (XS)

Front (XS) with bow tied more tightly

Front (S)

Oh the cats. They are so cute. I mean seriously meowing cute. The fabric is polyester but it doesn't feel like cheap, scratchy polyester. It feels more like cheap silk. This shirt is soooo cute but it lays funny over my chest in an unfortunate way. The XS felt good through the body but was super tight on the hips. An online review mentions wearing the top backwards, which might help the poufy pleats thing in the front. The static cling was out of control but nothing some Static Guard couldn't ameliorate.

Women's Bird-Print Charmeuse Blouse
 Blue Print (size S)

White (size XS)

The fit of this shirt was much more flattering but I was more aware of the fact that it might look a little cheap. It's super comfortable but the elastic neckline might giveaway that this is not the nicest of fabrics. It's tempting however. I got these at 30% off but might wait for a bigger sale.

Anyone else snag these cute little tops?

OOTD - Some Anthro love

I've never posted an OOTD because by the time I get dressed, I am inevitably late for something. By the time I get home, I am wrinkled and a mess! But, this time I caught a quick snap before heading out.

Anthropologie Form & Function Blazer (size 2)
J. Crew Perfect Tee (S) Dark Rosewood
Anthropologie Checked Crops (size 4)
Seychelles pumps

These little pants are so cute and cozy and were on super sale when I snagged them. They have a variety of different colors in them so I think you could pair them with almost anything. The form & function blazer is so perfectly slouchy - just a touch 90's yet totally refined. I wish I had gotten a better shot of my heels. Seychelles always come up with the most amazing styles. Highly recommended.

J. Crew Review - Pleated Jardin Skirt in Heart Throb

Everyone seems to be jumping on the boat with the new heart print from J Crew. I am not so drawn to it but thought I would take a peek at the skirt version.

Pleated Jardin Skirt in Heart Throb (Petite 6)

First off, the P6 was too big in the waist so I would definitely want a P4. I do like the length of the Petite.  The skirt is a lovely fabric and drapers fairly well but I don't exactly feel like it does wonders for my body. My waist has thickened a bit since baby and these kinds of skirts don't do it any favors. However, if this kind of skirt is your thing - it's a lovely! Very unique. Just can't do the heart thing. 

However I'm still obsessing over this:

Especially after reading A Bigger Closet's Review HERE

Didn't love this print in the Jules Dress because the fabric didn't drape well. The skirt is a slightly thicker fabric I believe so.... just waiting for a price drop and percent off. Wish it was offered in petites. My husband will hate it but I can't help myself :)