J. Crew Review: New Arrivals: Dresses and Skirt

I'm trying to catch up because I have since been to the store again and tried on even newer arrivals. It's fun to see fall but since I'm still wearing shorts and t-shirts right now, I'm happy to wait for things to go on sale...

Silk Tonal Paisley Dress (size 2)

I thought this would be a love for me as I generally an easy throw-on dress. It's fine but sort of clingy with the fabric choice and the I didn't love the neckline and slightly pouf sleeves. Once I unhooked the top, too much cleavage. It's cute and the "tonal paisley" is sort of fun (see photo below) but i wasn't totally bowled over by it. I have yet to find a shift dress silhouette at J Crew that works for me. Except for the Rosie in Colorblock.

 Gwen Dress in Colorblock (size 2)

This looked like a great office dress to me. Slightly elevated, a bit chic-er than average. I am having trouble finding dresses that fit me this year at J. Crew. The size 2's fit in the chest but are way too big in the hips (and it's not like I don't have me some bum and hips), the size 0's are way too tight in the chest.

Here I am showing the almost 2 inches of fabric extra. See how much cuter the dress is when I pull it taut in the back (alas a bit too taut but you get the idea)?

 Silk Skirt in Beanstalk Stripe (size 2)

This is one size bigger than my normal size because they were out of the 0's. I would definitely need my normal size. That being said, this was one of my favorite pieces from the most recent rollout. Nice streamlined silhouette around the hips with gentle pleating that drapes beautifully. The shape of the skirt is really spot on. I'm not that into the beanstalk pattern so if they did this same silhouette in another color/print I would be tempted.

More to come... I'm having trouble buying anything without the extra 40% of sale... A girl can get spoiled.

Anthropologie Reviews: New Arrivals!

Summer's a funny time for me. I'm not working per se (I'm a teacher) but I feel like I have twice the work! Trying to entertain a 4 year old all day can be a challenge. I love spending extra bonding time with her but I do miss having me time as well. This week she's in a little camp and I finally have a little breathing room. I went to the gym 3 days in a row (yowch) and decided to take a little indulgent trip to Anthropologie. It is always such a pleasure to shop there: the lovely smells, the kind SA's who knew me a bit too well, the luxurious colors and patterns. Ahh... like a little mini-retreat.

Summer is not my favorite season at Anthro because a lot of their dresses don't really work for me, but, fall is another story.

Here are some beautiful new items I found (disclaimer: I have not been to Anthro in a while so perhaps there not totally new, just new to me! :):

Diamond Stitched Moto Pants (size 2)

 I am a sucker for a skinny pant. Even more so for one in a beautiful burgundy/wine color. These felt great and I thought they were quite flattering. It's a lot of information in the bum area but I think that would give as you wore them. They had a nice thick waistband that fit well and the length was absolutely perfect on my 5' 4" frame. Even the zippers seem placed in such a way to create a slimming effect. Love. Now I have to decide between these and J. Crew's Andie Chinos.

 Perruche Dress (size 0)

First of all, this is a size smaller than I usually take in anything Anthro, especially Karen Walker which has the habit of running a bit small. Nonetheless, it's a lovely dress. Super nipped in a the waist, the length is just right and the peplum is cute and flirty without adding pounds. The bottom fit fine in the size 0 but I couldn't get the top part zippered (I am quite busty though). My only gripe with this dress is the material - polyester - and it felt flimsy. For something this fitted I'd like a thicker material. The birds are delightful.

 Zola Shift (size 2)

This looked super comfortable and appropriate for pregnancy in case that occurs again in my life (we are currently in hot debate!). I think you really have to love bears to like this one. The color is terrible on my skin tone and even for loose and relaxed this looks terrible on my body. I felt like a dumpy middle schooler. 

 Taryn Crepe Shirt (size 2)

This dress is definitely my style. Adorable and SO EASY. It definitely requires a cami underneath which is a bit of a bummer. It's way more low-cut than I thought. I think that's why the model is reaching up in the air in the shot so you can't tell how low it is.

 Taryn Crepe Shift (size 0)

I think sizing down worked better. Just a slightly slimmer silhouette. I couldn't help but think I've seen this dress before and then I realized where - the long sleeve tunic dress that they made last year at Madewell - which I own and love.

 Shimmer Spot Dress (size 2)

Fun and easy breezy but the material is really thin. So thin that I felt like I should be at F21 not Anthro. This style of dress is not a good match for my body - it drapes over my biggest part (chest) and then just hangs making me look heavy. If you do have the right body shape for this type of dress, then I think you'll really like it. It does drape quite well and the colors are really fun. Again, I thought the length was quite nice.

 Blushing Delphinium Dress (size 2)

 This was hanging out on the onesie rack. Usually I have to size up in Tracy Reese but I actually found this fairly true to size. This was a surprise love. The colors are hella-bright but the fit is divine. Perfectly nipped in at the waist, a nice amount of bounce to the skirt and the neckline is awesome! I'm so sick of all the high necklines because they don't work for me. I thought the top half was very nice and I liked the way it dipped down in the back. It was slightly snug in the chest but I don't think I would like the way the rest of the dress fit if I sized up. The material is very odd to the touch but its stiffness makes for a great structured dress.

Overall, some really nice things! What do you like?

J. Crew Review: More new arrivals: tops and a tuxedo stripe

The new arrivals continue. I feel like I tried on most of the items from this rollout that even slightly interested me so I'm sad I have to wait until mid-August for more. Then again, mid-August is coming a lot sooner than I'd like to think (I believe August 19th is the next rollout)!

Jeweled Short-Sleeve Sweatshirt (XS)

J. Crew definitely does sweatshirts well. I love the heathered color and the fit of this one. Slim enough to be flattering and slouchy enough to be chic. The gems feel a bit heavy for me and the sleeves too long. If the sleeves were shorter and I layered this over a button-down I think I would love it. Then again, why not just make it without jewels? More to my taste...

Andie Chino with Tuxedo Stripe (size 0)

I have already proclaimed my love for these. Yes, they are another slim-fitting strechy chino but the proportions are just right. I'm showing my belly button in the first one just so you can tell that these are pretty low rise. Yet, because of the nice thick waistband, I don't feel like I'll be having plumber's crack when I sit. The butt view is a lot of information but I had not even sat down in these yet. Super cute. I feel like khakis usually make me feel pretty dorky/mumsy but these are adorable.

Jeweled Sweater Tee (XS) in Nickel Titanium

Mmm... yeah. The fit is slightly oversized and the jewels are interesting but I just don't know. Neckline too high? Too many things going on (baseball tee coloring, jewels, oversize)? I'm not sure how to carry off this look, or more importantly, that I should.

Unknown Plaid Shirt (size 2)

This must be in-store only or something. It's cute and basic fare for J Crew button-downs. I don't generally like button-flap pockets on my boobs because I'm already carrying enough baggage up there but for most it would be fine. It's definitely a great little plaid shirt but I didn't feel like there was anything special about it. These days, the plaid has to be really beautiful or an interesting color combo for me to buy it.

 Silk Gingham Top (size 2)

It took me 10 minutes to unbutton the button - I don't know if that was particular to this shirt or if it is a problem with all these shirts but it was quite frustrating. This is a lovely work blouse but I can't see wearing it out of the office. The fit was TTS.

 Drapey Sailor Tee in Madagascar Peri (size XS)

I would size down on this one. Pretty big although the description does say "drapey" so I should have known. It is a true boatneck in that the fabric goes straight across - no dipping down. Made me look a bit thick. Nice lightweight material and beautiful colors. Might be more intrigued by the XXS.

What do you think?

J. Crew Review: New Arrivals!

Tried on a lot of the new fall stuff the other day. I'm liking some of the colors and the new fits. Here are a few things I tried:

New Schoolboy Blazer in Black (size 2)

This basically looks like the old schoolboy to me. I like the longer length but it's a pretty small difference. I'm not a fan of the schoolboy personally because I think the shoulders are too big and the hips too narrow. Nonetheless, as for blazers, this would be a great staple to add to your wardrobe.

Silk Ruffle Top in Beanstalk Stripe (size 2)

I love the combo of navy and green - so delightfully preppy and fresh! This is TTS for sure and the little chiffon details at the neck and sleeves are cute (notice the transparency in the 3rd photo). What I don't love is the combo of high neck and pleats over the breasts. Probably more flattering for the less well-endowed. Love the little keyhole back,

 Crepe Racer Tank (size 2) in Navy

The crepe was so thick and drapey - I loved it! The racer back is elegant and sort of sexy. A gorgeous staple - dressed up with skinny pants, heels and jewelry and yet totally work appropriate under a blazer. Was slightly snugged across the chest so you may want to size up if you are busty.

Silk Ruffle Top (size 2) in Neon Amethyst

Here's the other version of the Silk Ruffle Top. Somehow this felt more clownish and less elegant than the beanstalk one. I'm really not digging the high neck thing, I think it's flattering on only a few people. I'm looking forward to more bright colors like this one but I tend to like shades tending towards fuschia (which apparently are coming) instead of this sort of neon purple.

What do you think of these new blouse shapes?