Brooks Brothers - Liberty and Seersucker Shirts

I don't shop at Brooks Brothers that often but I can absolutely appreciate their quality and timelessness. One thing they do really well are shirts. They are fitted so perfectly and have such lovely details and pure cotton fabrics. Really lovely. They often skirt the line between beautiful and a bit stodgy but I found a few the other day that were perfect!

Tailored Seersucker Shirt (size 2)

 This shirt is currently on sale for around $44. The fit is impeccable. Enough room for the girls but nipped in at the waist, shaped at the back and a perfect bum-covering length. The seersucker is so lovely and light but not totally see-through. I'm normally not a pink girl but I love this sweet shade.

 Floral Print Blouse (size 2)

 Ooooo, Liberty. Again this shirt fits perfectly. Almost too perfectly - I maybe should have considered sizing up. Anyway, the print is just adorable and I think this is the perfect length to be tucked into a lovely pencil skirt (perhaps my Pinwheel Eyelet from J Crew?) It's refreshing to find beautifully tailored shirt in fun prints from another retailer!

Floral Print Blouse (size 4)

 This is a size up giving it a more casual feel. This print is equally as gorgeous but I never really wear short-sleeved buttondowns. Somehow I always feel a bit awkward in them. Plus, since I'm a teacher, I'm basically wearing sundresses and t-shirts all summer. The blue color in the print is just gorgeous.

Do you ever shop at Brooks Brothers?

J Crew Review: shorts and some liberty

I've slacking on the blog as of late but I'm trying to turn that around this week. New arrivals are coming and the sales have been absolutely insane! I walked out of Madewell the other day (reviews coming) with 2 pairs of jeans, a pair of Keds, a sweater and a linen tee for $60! At J Crew I somehow walked away with a cashmere boyfriend sweater (currently full price online) for $36! It's really irresistible but I think I'll have to take a break after this.

Anyway, more reviews forthcoming but here are 2 little summer goodies I tried on a while back:

Lightweight Bermuda Short in Peacock Blue (size 0) currently online for $19.99

I bought some 4" chino shorts earlier this summer, and while I love them, I do sometimes long for a little more coverage. I thought these might fit the bill but instead of feeling chic I felt sort of mumsy and dumpy. I have some other "surfer" length shorts that I love but I think these miss the mark because of their width. If you're going to go long, you have to go slim.

 Liberty Popover in Matilda Tulip Floral (size 0)

 I'm still kicking myself for not holding on to the Liberty Floral Eve popover but I just couldn't justify the price. Now I'm sad that it's all sold out! I thought I'd try this one on for size, literally, as the size 2 in the other popover felt a bit roomy. It confirmed what I thought, sizing down is not an option for the infinitely busty. Although I don't love the print I liked the shirt on way more than I thought I would. The colors look really great with a tan (which sadly with my SPF 5000 I do not have) and I think this is a great little summer shirt.

Lots more reviews to come this week including Madewell and some surprise Liberty from Brooks Brothers!

What have you gotten during all the summer sale madness?

J. Crew - a few new arrivals before fall...

I popped in today to make a return and was sort of surprised to see the 40% off still going on. Nothing lures me in like almost 50% off but there isn't much to pick up and try on anymore. This, of course, begins the cycle of - well I didn't buy it before but maybe I should try it on more time because now it's only $20! Grrr... I do often fall prey to this mentality. Mostly I scored some Crewcuts basics for my little lady so that felt like a success. Who can turn down a $6 jackie cardigan in purple?

My SA said that new arrivals come next Wednesday and that she expects that the 40% off will continue. She also mentioned that J Crew starts to cycle some of its sale clothing around to stores that sell well to clear out the inventory so don't dismay if your sale section is looking a little empty. It may be replenished!

Here are a few newer items that I tried.

Stripe Ponte Dress (size 2)

 I knew this style wouldn't work for me but tried it on anyway. It's quite snug and the seaming makes me a little self conscious about the size of my chest. I think it would cuter on a less busty lady but the seam at the waist really bothered me. It sort of dips down creating a bizarre effect. Also, for a summer style, the fabric is a bit thick. No more high necks, please, J Crew!

 Desert Floral Short (size 0)

 Oh lord. I am slowly making friends with shorts because it's so darn hot and I want want want to wear them, but, 3" is a no go. I basically felt naked. Plus, the shorts this year seam to have a slimmer leg. While this is flattering, it makes me feel overexposed when the inseam is so short. I think this print could be pretty versatile but it didn't personally appeal to me. Perhaps on slightly darker skin?

 Schoolboy Blazer in Navy (size 2)

 I'm not a big fan of the schoolboy blazer but I loved this one! I'm not sure what made the difference but I felt like it was quite flattering and comfortable. I feel like it fits better through the shoulder area. Anyway, nothing to get super excited about as it is just a navy blazer but if you're looking for one, this is quite delightful.

 Striking my corporate pose. Or something like that.

 Cafe Capri in Rope Print (size 0)

 This is a size up from my normal size in cafe capri but that's because I usually size down in them. I feel like you can go either way with these depending on your personal comfort level. The print is cute and would be a good work basic. Pretty true to size for cafe capris. Right now it's so hot I don't really want anything close to my skin so I was happy with the 0.

 Merino Tippi Sweater in Mixed Stitch (S)

 YAY! Loveliness in a Missoni-like form! I think this sweater is absolutely adorable. The pink trim is a wonderful shade of fuchsia instead of the neon pink they've been doing. My SA said that there was going to be a lot of that in the initial fall rollout and I'm excited to see it. The top stripes are sort of a mint color. I sized up on this one and it was still pretty snug. Love the wider neckline. Adore. So cute. Might sell quite quickly since it's priced fairly reasonably for J Crew.

 Merino Tippi Sweater in Embroidered Flowers (XS)

I'm not so into the embroidered Tippi thing but the colors on this drew me in. Sort of lavendar and mauve. A nice transition piece from summer to fall. Fit is typical Tippi. I know the Tippi has been quite successful but I wish they would lower the neckline a bit. Please, for us bigger busted ladies. So much more flattering.

I have to admit I am not ready to even try on fall clothes yet. I tried on a pair of jeans tonight and could barely pull them on due to the heat and humidity. Yuck. Maybe those 3" shorts will appeal to me after another day of this... :)

What do you like of the newer arrivals?

Anthropologie Reviews: Osei-Duro, Clara Peasant, Kashida Dolman

I'm sort of shocked I haven't been tempted by the tag sale but to be quite honest, I've only used it to buy a few things I've been interested in but haven't been willing to pay the price for. I do enjoy combing the racks just in case a random fun item shows up (like the Devi dress the other day). It's the thrill of the hunt that I enjoy more than the actual items sometimes! Anyway, on a regular day at Anthro (weeks ago) here are some things I tried on.

Clara Peasant Blouse (size 2) in Pink

I was drawn to the print and the peasant vibe but knew it would be a bad fit on my body. This reminds me of the Silk Peasant Blouse from Madewell. The yoke on the top half fits close to the body and could be quite flattering except that then the billowy part of the shirt starts draping from the top of my chest which does not work on my body. I think these blouses are made for the smaller busted. It's a shame because I thought it was a sweet top. 

Embroidered Posies Sweatshirt (XS)

Cute. Love the embroidery. Wasn't awesome enough to say "I have to have it" but definitely cute. The neckline stood up a bit which I think cheapens the overall look, but otherwise it is a nice summery top.

Whitmarsh Shift Dress (size M) by Osei-Duro

So I know that a size medium is not my normal size but still.... woah does this run on the big side. It's cute that the print is so cheeky with the little painted on belt and pocket but I think the overall effect is a bit strange. I would actually really like it if it was in my size and a bit plainer. Of course, I realize that's missing the whole point of this garment but I just feel a bit silly in it. Unless I'm a gallery owner in Soho, which I'm not :)

Kashida Dolman (XS)

I sort of love this blouse. the embroidery is so beautiful and the overall effect is lovely and somewhat ethereal. What I don't love it the fluff over the chest. The panel running down the center is flattering and beautiful and then the billowy sleeves start way too far in towards the center of one's chest. Sort of reminds of what I think was called the 2 Rivers Tee a year or so ago. If the billowy sleeve part started farther out, like where a sleeve usually starts, this top would be a winner. Being as though I like to avoid having cloud pillow poof breasts, I think I'll pass. 

Looks like the 20% is coming to an end this weekend... will that motivate us to buy?

Anthropologie Reviews: The tag sale ramps up with 20% off

An extra percentage off! So exciting. I think I got spoiled about a year and a half ago when Anthro was doing constant free shipping and percent off promos. 50% became a common thing. Now we just get regular sales so any little extra percent off is nice. I'm not really finding much I have to have right now but I always enjoy shopping at Anthro. The smell alone draws me in (what is it that all their clothes smell like?)

Modern Composition Dress (size XS)

In theory, this dress should be quite slimming. I thought the way the stripes curved in at the waistline would be very flattering. I actually thought it made me look sort of thick. The black and white stripes are also a bit too harsh for my taste. I do like the colors on the bottom. Fits true to size.

 Cora Eyelet Blouse (XS)

This is a sweet little blouse. Similar to J Crew's Eyelet Peasant Top. I find the lines of this blouse more flattering, however. The armholes are quite low so if that's something that bothers you, this is not the blouse for you. The color IRL is more vibrant than the website shot.

 Level 99 Slim Twill Crops (size 26) in Thistle

These are pictured above as well. They are cute but REALLY tight. I don't think I needed the next size up, it's the material they are made out of. On the thinner side with loads of spandex so there is no hiding in these. I think I would prefer them in a darker color. The buttons on the bottom sides are a cute detail.

 Astral Swing Skirt (size 2) in Nude
Empty Nest Pullover (XS)

I love anything with birds and the color is great but this sweater is a bit too silly for me. I like the fit - close to the body but not too tight, perhaps a little short. The skirt is interesting - looks like a faux leather and fits like a skater skirt. The length isn't obscene, which is appreciated, but I felt a bit silly. Good for someone younger. I think for this type of skirt, the style is executed quite well.

 Devi Pencil Skirt (size 8)

Devi Pencil Skirt - how I love your patterns! How I hate your fit and material. When I first picked this up, I thought it was a mistake because it's made out of that polyester that you only find in vintage shops. The size 8 was too big but when I ordered the 4 it was obscenely small. Plus, the material bunches up at the end of the zipper line. Not well made at all. Boo. Why couldn't they make this in cotton or silk?

Unknown Tank

I believe this was by Tiny but I can't remember. I tried it on simply because it stood out as something a bit different. The top is thick and made out of a shimmery gold material. It's definitely interesting but I can't imagine where I would wear it.

 Aveiro Safari Shirt in Green (size 2)

Sorry for the blur. I prefer this shirt without the belt, as the belted way is too 80's Banana Republic to me. The material is soft and drapes well and I love the little gold buttons. Overall, a nice shirt.

Level 99 Wide-Legs in Pink (size 26)

I really liked these and despite that the rear-end shot implies, they felt a little big in my regular size. After reading online reviews, I learned that they stretch out considerably after a little wear so perhaps that is what I was experiencing. I like the fuller leg, higher rise and longer length. Could be quite elegant with heels.

Find any good bargains at the tag sale?