J. Crew Review: Some New Fall Arrivals

Now that it is finally sweater season here (or beginning to be), I couldn't resist trying on some of J Crew's snuggliest. There is a lot to like although even with the 25% off, there is not much I have to have right now. I like some of the items with leather touches and I hope to try them on next time I'm in store.

Merino Scarf Sweater (XS)

  I get why this sold out so quickly. It's a lovely shade of grey and the pattern is fun without being overpowering. I really liked the knit - sort of felt denser and softer then your average merino knit. It's a pretty slim fit so if you're looking for some slouchiness you MAY want to size up.

 Collection Cashmere Dolman Sweater (XXS) in Heather Acorn

 I'm always tempted by these dolman sleeve sweaters but I don't know why. Good in theory, not awesome in practice. When a shape is this oversized I think something's gotta give somewhere else... like maybe the neckline. Too high. And I don't love the seam running down the center. Do love the color. Screams fall to me.

 Collection Cashmere Diamond Sweater (XS) in Black Snow Grey

 I picked this up because it was one of the softest sweaters I've ever touched in J. Crew. My hand is blocking it, but there is a little split hem on the sides - adorable! The length and fit are perfect - not sure I love the bracelet sleeves. Makes me look like I accidentally shrunk it. Wish this came in another pattern or a stripe or plain color. Really snuggly.

 Woven Panel Sweater in Black (XS)

This reminds me of the Leather Panel V-Neck Sweater that J Crew is also currently selling. I won't lie, I did not have high hopes but this is super cute! The XS fit perfectly and has to because the grey fabric has no stretch. Word of warning - I felt like the bottom grey part fit perfectly over my hips but there was not a TON of wiggle room so if you are pear-shaped this sweater may not be for you. I think this looks very modern - it may be one of the few purchases I make this fall :)

Merino Pocket Tunic in Navy (XXS)

 Thought this would be a hot mess but it's quite cute. The XXS was perfect - not too huggy over the hips but not too oversized either. I think it's a bit boring but would be cute over leggings or skinny jeans.

 Perfect-Fit Mixed-Tape Cardigan (size S) in Light Sky

I wear the Mixed-Tape Cardigans all summer and got this one on 40% off but I'm not sure about the color. Something about it does not feel current (which is laughable because it's not like I dress SOOO in style :) Any thoughts? This color is back to full price on line but I'm still not sure if it looks goofy. My other mixed-tape is a grey one and I have my eye on the navy... hmmm....

I mostly shopped for my daughter during this 25% off sale. Okay, I did also spring for the grey Andies but I still don't know if I'll keep them for that price.
What did you buy?

Madewell's Silk Twist-Back Tankdress in Rosie - Review

I have some other Madewell reviews coming but wanted to throw this up there since this dress seems to be lingering in the sale section (after disappearing for many weeks... sneaky madewell).

Silk Twist-Back Tankdress in Rosie

Okay. So the one on the left and middle is the size 4, the one on the right is the size 2. The way is posted, the top 2 are the size 4 dress, the bottom one is the size 2.
It's easier to tell the difference when it's unbelted - the size 4 is ever so slightly baggy in the top and skirt.

 Again, not a huge difference. The waist lies slightly higher on the size 2 (why, oh why, does Madewell make their dresses to high-waisted? It's so strange - and I am a really short-waisted person!) and the bm looks slightly baggier on the size 4 (but perhaps that's just the angle)

Again, only slight differences. The straps lay a little straighter and tighter on the 2 and the bum looks slightly better but it's minor.

I think IRL the size 2 looks better but I do feel like it rides up a bit - is that going to drive me nuts or will I not even notice if I belt it (with a different belt)? I'm wondering if that's going to bother me. Then again, a slightly overly blousy look is not exactly what I'm going for here. I don't think that works when you have the back open - everything needs to lay pretty closely to the body for the shape to work. 

I think this dress is quite charming. The fabric is a beautiful silk chiffon and the color is a lovely shade of blue without being too bright or too dull. The print is adorable. Little tiny roses.

I wish the pictures showed the differences between the sizes better. I can't even tell the difference but I can definitely feel it! Not sure which way to go on this one so as usual, would love any feedback!

Did you pick up anything if you got the $25 coupon? I bought a little Mollusk Surf Tee that I've had my eye on for a while. So fun to get if for practically nothing!

Garnet Hill Review: Sale items: Modern Cashmere Sweater and Calais Knit Dress

I'm always drawn in my Garnet Hill's catalogues but almost never order. Everything looks so darn cute on their charming models but doesn't quite translate in real life (at least on my body). I took a risk a few weeks ago with their 40% off sale since they always allow returns and prices were too good to pass up. I think their quality is great and for the price, I was impressed. I still think the fit is slightly "mumsy" but then again, I'm not exactly 25 anymore. Here's what I found. Please let me know what you think!

Modern Cashmere Boatneck Sweater (XS) in Seashell Heathered Mushroom

 I think this may be the best item I ordered. The cashmere is not that SUPER soft cashmere like J Crew does in its featherweight sweaters but it is nice. I'm hoping that means it will not pill as badly either (ahem, J Crew). I like the colors. The pink is sort of a peachy pink, a color I imagine will look good on everyone. I like the colorblocking and think the sleeves sort of look like you have arm warmers on. It is quite a bit longer than your average sweater meaning you can pull it down over your bum (see left image) or scrunch it a bit. Nice slimming sweater.

Retro Cap-Sleeve Tee (XS)

 In this case, the longer length looks not so bueno. I like a loose drapey tee but not in this style. I think with the cap sleeves and french sailor thing, you gotta go a bit more fitted.

Calais Knit Dress (size 2) Various Colors

 Ok. Here's the hard one. I just don't know on this dress. I like the cotton, the pockets, the neckline, but I don't know if it looks sort of frumpy dumpy.

 I think this green striped one (same size) looks a little better. Perhaps a round in the dryer? The skirt is definitely sort of a-line and I think I wish it was more of a shift silhouette.

 Unbelted I really don't like so much. I would have to shorten it a bit so it didn't look like a nightgown.

Here it is in solid coral. Can't tell if this is more nightgownish or the same. 

This dress was so inexpensive on clearance and is so soft and comfortable but I can't tell if I look dumpy in it (I think I'm having the shopping version of beer goggles because it was so affordable). 

Would you weigh in on my Garnet Hill finds? Would love to get some objective opinions!

Anthropologie Reviews: At Dusk Dress, Gathered Sonata Dress, Elsa Peplum Dress, Taryn Crepe Shift, Sundrop Cargo Pants

Just a few quick ones from my most recent visit:

Elsa Peplum Dress (Small Petite) in Wine

Whenever I see a nice dress like this sized in S,M,L instead of numeric sizes, I know there is going to be a problem. I don't understand why you would make a beautiful lace (expensive) dress in alpha sizes. I'm pretty sure this was a Petite Small but it may have been an extra small. While I am short waisted, I think I would have preferred a regular XS. The color is lovely and I the sleeves are done just right. Unfortunately, I hate the peplum. It looks like some took the fabric and just sort of threw it on there. Way too much volume and totally disrupts the sleek line or an otherwise lovely dress.

Gathered Sonata Dress (XS) 

This was on the sale rack so I thought I would give it a go. It's fine but does nothing particularly interesting. I didn't really understand the two ties that went behind the back. Just felt off to me design-wise.

 Taryn Crepe Shift in Red Motif (size 0 or 2)

I tried this on before in the solid color. I like the print on the whoel but it is quite busy. It's a great throw and go work then cocktails dress. Pockets and 3/4 sleeves make it wearable most seasons. I wish the print were a bit more subtle.

 At Dusk Dress (size 2) in Pink

This dress fit like a glove and is quite charming. I'm not sure how I feel about this color - it's so sweet and pink ballerina that I think it may be a bit too young for me. The lace is beautiful to look at but didn't feel of particularly high quality to me - thus I couldn't believe the high price tag on this one. The fit is amazing - it felt like it was tailored for me. I also appreciate the modest length .

Sundrop Cargo Pants (size 6)

These are two sizes too big but I just wanted to try them on for fun. The print is fun and would work great with a nice solid colored tank on top. They are lightweight and floral without being in your face. Cute.

I haven't seen anything I have to have right now on Anthro's website but maybe I'm just shopped out. What have you been loving?

J. Crew Review: An Andie and an Eaton Crop

Temperatures have been sweltering here but I can't help but be drawn some cooler weather styles. Fall is simply the best season fashion wise and I was excited to check out some of the latest pant styles at J Crew.

Eaton Boy Trouser in Glen Plaid Wool (size 0)

Please erase that middle picture from you memory, forever. These are definitely true to size but the rump was not flattering at all on me. I think it would look better on a slightly flatter, "boyish" bum. The rest of the pant fit quite beautifully - perfect at the waist and legs.

These are slightly higher rise than a lot of JCrew's offerings which many of you may like. I am very short-waisted so I really prefer a low rise. They are unlined and wool and while it was quite soft for wool I feel certain that after a while they would start to bother me. I am extremely sensitive to wool pants though. I like the cropped but wider-legged silhouette, it's just not as flattering on me as it might be on other figures.

Andie Chino in Steely Grey (size 0)

 Andie Chino in Steely Grey (size 2)

I've tried these on before but wanted to compare my usual size and one size up. While my usual size feels snug I think it looks better than the size up. Either way, I adore these pants and I particularly adore this color. Such a nice, deep, dark shade of cool gray. The thick waistband is incredibly flattering nice for holding a little tums in. I found the length to be perfect without being as cropped as a Cafe Capri or Minnie and I liked that the leg did not fit snugly all the way down to the ankle.

These pants might be a must have in my fall purchase list in my usual size and in this color.

What do you think of the Andie and Eaton?