A little holiday wishing...

Christmas wish lists. So fun, so impractical. I really do most of my shopping at J Crew, Madewell and TJ Maxx "the runway" (oh how I love that section). But around the holidays, a girl can really dream. My eyes start to wander to other retailers! I feel like an unfaithful Madew-ife. Anyhoo, these are a few beauties that caught my eye recently that I thought I would share. The holidays are a time for dreaming, no?

Here are some items that I want now:

Isabel Marant Bracelets · Brooks Brothers Cardigans · Brooks Brothers Crewnecks & Scoopnecks

From top Left:
Clu Color-block wool Sweater - Colorblocking done right in the most gorgeous colors. Looks like the perfect slightly slouchy shape as well.

Brooks Brothers Long-Sleeve Fair Isle Crewneck Sweater - I really like some of BB clothes. Especially the ones from the Red Fleece collection that are geared to the younger set. Their sweaters really seem to last. I prefer this fair isle pattern to some of the others one I have seen around lately.

Middle:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Aimee Plaid Sweater - holy cuteness! What a fun take on plaid! Love the red trim at the bottom.

Brooks Brothers Long-Sleeve Shawl Collar Cardigan - Reminds me of Madewell's Log Cabin Cardigan but I'm sure it's thicker and better made.

Bottom:
Milly Karina Degrade Satin Skirt - I've only owned 2 Milly dresses and they were a lucky find at a NYC sample sale. This skirt reminds me of a taffeta fuschia-colored one that I had as a little girl. Made me feel like a princess for sure. Such a great party skirt!

Isabel Marant Enameled Bracelet - Ok. Way too expensive for what it is but I love the design! Sort of Egyptian looking. Nefertiti would be jealous.

My wish list could go on and on.... what items are on your dream list this holiday season?

Madewell Tuxpleat Top - a review

Madewell, I can't quit you and your crazy promos! At this point in the year, I am trying to be patient by waiting for things to get marked down and waiting for my holiday presents (i.e. a Madewell giftcard please). Every time I go into my store, I discover another little unexpected treat though!

Madewell Tuxpleat Top (size XS)

Ok. I know what you're thinking. Big deal, a white cotton blouse. And you're right except I find it so hard to find a nice crisp white cotton blouse that isn't a) transparent b) too tight and c) shortsleeved.
I love throwing on a top like this with shorts in the summer and under a blazer when it gets colder. There is just something so nice about white, crisp cotton.
Usually, the blouses of this shape are a bit snug across the bustline but this one definitely felt a bit looser - in a good way. I think it hits at the perfect point at my hip and the shape of the sleeves are adorable.
I didn't end up taking this home because I was sick and doubting my judgement (ooo... is this cute or not, I can't tell through my Dayquil haze...) but I may have to go back.

Do you have a perfect white shirt? Where did you get yours? What do you think of the Tuxpleat Top?

Anthropologie Review: Fractured Maze Midi Skirt

Two years ago, during the extra 50% off sale madness at Anthro, I bought a long sleeved cotton stretchy maxidress. It was so not my style but I wanted an excuse to wear a glorified nightgown to work and call it fashionable. Well, I have gotten so many compliments on that dress. And it's so darn comfortable. Ever since, I've been on the hunt for another winter maxi dress or skirt. I don't always think they're the most flattering on 5'4" me but I love the idea of wearing a skirt without having to do tights when it's cold. Lo and behold on a quickie return trip to Anthro the other day I found this:

Fractured Maze Midi Skirt (XS)

 The print is a bit bolder than what I am used to doing on my bottom half but I think it's really fun. The skirt is super comfy and all lined so warm enough for some winter wear if you throw on some boots and a nice chunky sweater. What I love most is there is no silly fold over waistband (which somehow never works) just a nice thick band of material. Plus, the overall shape is quite simple and straight - not too much a-line. Somehow the placement of the pattern and the seams is overall flattering as well. The length is perfect for winter (don't want to be dragging around my skirt in the snow) and the pattern could almost be considered sort of "snowflake-y"

Need to try it on with some tops and sweaters but I think this might be a cozy winner.

Do any of you own this skirt? What do you think?

Madewell Reviews: Sweaters, blouses and new dresses

November. For some reason it is synonymous with illness for me. The beginning of the year seems to just toot along and then November arrives and I am stopped in my tracks. Ugh. Everyone around here is coughing and snorting. So lovely. Ah... New England.

On another slightly crabby note, what is up with Christmas coming a thousand weeks early? I had a return to make at TJ Maxx today and all they were playing was holiday music. THAT'S ALL. Nothing else. Not even a oh we're just throwing in a little Jingle Bells for fun while the rest of the soundtrack is today's light listening hits. Oh my lord. I think this will be the ultimate shopping killer for me (which is not exactly a bad thing). I love holiday music but if I have to listen to it for 2 months...

On to the reviews. Every time I go to Madewell there is new stuff to look at and lots of new stuff on the sale racks and always a major percent off! I have never seen this before so it's been fun to search for treasures. Here's what I found:

Plaid Market Popover Top (XS and S)

So the link is to the Mini-Plaid Market Popover which I think is the same thing but I'm not sure. I have trouble with Madewell popovers since they tend to run a bit snug in the chest. I liked the way the XS fit better but I think I would always be tugging at the chest. The color is beautiful and the fabric is light and slightly puckering - definitely more summer in my opinion. If you have a normal sized chest you can take your normal size!

Gallerist Ponte Top in Stripe (XS)

I own the dress in this same striped material and it is adorable. The top is also quite cute and slightly snug across the chest but I don't think enough to size up. I think the lighter colorway would be a bit more fun. Arms were quite tight - you can see this in the LH picture.

 Silk Tux Shirt (XS)

 I love a good tuxedo blouse but this one is pretty blousey! See-thru except for the bib portion but the silk is light and luxurious and the french cuffs are a lovely touch. Length is nice and fit is body skimming to slightly loose. Something about this just screams choir or pilgrim to me so I passed. This was on sale in the store but is full price online.

 Silk Poet Blouse in Beetle Green (XS)

 Here's a blouse that is on sale online but full price in store. Madewell's pricing games are often even worse than J. Crew's. Lovely color and I adore the little peasant/poet shape. Again, there is a slight pulling in the chest while the body is pretty loose. I have a blouse similar to this from last year and I just leave it unbuttoned and wear a cami underneath so I don't have to worry about the tight chest. Most will find this top fits true to size.
 Windowpane Plaid Skirt (size 0)

 Yowsers. Yes this skirt is that unflattering. It's so weird. The waist fit perfectly and was really comfortable because of the stretchiness of the fabric (read: good for going out and eating big meals in) but the overall line of the skirt was terrible. I kept on thinking I put it on wrong or the pockets were sewn wrong or something but no. It's just a lumpy, bumpy frumpy pleated mess. Boo because it's super cute in theory.

 Leather-Pocket Minidress (XS)

 Good way to do the leather trend so you don't end up crying over the full leather chaps with coated leather denim and matching cap and vest that you bought next year. I loved this when I tried it on in store but I think the pictures look ok. True little a-line shape, very comfortable, interesting fabric. Not sure how to describe it. Not too itchy but definitely on the more textured side of things.

 Etude Dress (XS)

What? Winona Ryder getting married in Beetlejuice anyone? Ok so her dress didn't actually look like this but I feel like she would wear this in one of her 90's movies. Good heavens. For the younger I suppose. I definitely had a dress like this in my youth and it's just as unflattering now as it was then. On the upside, it is very comfortable and would be great to wear if I was pregnant. You never know.

 Paintdot Shirtdress (XS)

 Love a good shirtdress but I didn't like this one. BIG. The fabric is a nice heavy rayon so it draped wel but the top was way too blousey for me. The shirttail hem is a really nice touch.

 Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress (Size S)

 Wanted to try this again in a size up from my normal size. Definitely better but it still doesn't work on my body type. The pleats in the front still don't lay flat (and weirdly the model shot makes the skirt look a-line) creating a tulip shape. The top is still a bit snug and yet there is all this extra material under the armpits and too long sleeves. Bummer because I love the idea but I think maybe a straighter figure would help this one out.

 Merino Sweatshirt in Colorblock (XS)

 Love the regular Merino Sweatshirt and this one is cute too. Not in love with that mustardy/gold colored stripe so I passed. Patiently waiting for the all grey one to go on sale.

 Penfield Lucedale Puffy Vest (size SMALL)

 CUTE. SO CUTE. Love the plaid lining. I usually try on puffer vests and feel just plain puffy or too preppy. This one I loved. The little hood is so cute and the length and pockets are perfect. Definitely size up on this one. Even the size small was a bit snug through the chest but I'd rather err on the side of snug so I don't look like a marshmallow.

 Log Cabin Cardigan (XS)

Cute and cozy. The buttons are fun and add a nice touch. I can't help but wishing some of Madewell's cardigans were just the littlest bit longer. J Crew's tend to be too long for me but I like a little length to cover my bum. The camel color at Madewell is spot on. Love it.

whew. So much to like right now. what are you loving?

Madewell Reviews: some new (ish) arrivals

I am having trouble keeping up with all the "new" arrivals in store. Madewell seems to get some more stuff about every 2 weeks at this point and unfortunately I like most of it! They are really onto something there - laid back and slightly young/slouchy but not overly so. Anyway, I've been holding onto these pictures for a while but I've been so busy/tired I haven't motivated to put them up.
Tonight was a big concert for my school and I had some pretty challenging stuff to play so I've been concentrating on that (which is probably a good thing :). When you get nervous, do you forget to breathe? I've noticed I do that when I play piano so every concert I play I've been focussing more and more on just breathing. In and out. Ahhh... Then I try to remember to enjoy it! For heaven's sake, I'm playing piano and getting paid! Isn't it so hard to remember why we got into our work lives in the first place? Anyhoo, amidst the fall craziness and daily affirmations, here are some clothes:

Ridgestripe Skirt (size S)

It's just a stretchy little skirt with stripes but the paneling seems to do some favors. It's a little "grabby" from the side but that seems to loosen up once I sat down and moved in it a bit. I don't find it obscenely short but I'd probably wear it with some tights and boots just to make sure.

Ivy Embroidered Tee (XS)

Madewell describes this as having a "close to the body" cut but I don't find that to be true. It's your standard little boxy top but the material is fairly heavy and has a pretty nice drape to it. I think it's too thick to tuck in and I'm not sure what I would pair it with. Jeans?

Merino Sweatshirt (XS)

Please, Madewell, read my review and make this sweater in every color. Perfect! It has that adorable sweatshirt styling with the little triangle at the neck but the knit it just thick enough to make it hold its shape beautifully. Plus, adorable little elbow patches on the sleeves! I die. Need, want, whatever. Must have.

Silk Director Shiftdress in Brushstroke Floral (XS)

This dress really caught my eye on the most recent rollout but it looks even better in real life. Just a great, easy little shiftdress and the print is more vibrant than it looks on the website. Cute little pockets on the side and this nice little button that can be undone (see last picture) if you wanted to wear some sort of cute little cami underneath. I'd be curious to try on the XXS to see if I liked it better but I think it would probably be a bit snug at the bustline.

Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress (XS)

I would like to try on a size up from my usual XS. Somehow the dress just didn't lay properly. The pleating sort of pulled a bit and the top was quite snug. Yet, there was this weird extra material under the arms. The knit is quite stretchy and thick - not like the sweatshirt dress from last year that was most of a terry cloth. It's cute I think I just need a little more room for my curves.

Gamine Sweater (XS) in Heather Camel
Bistro Mini (size 2) in Black

Another adorable sweater! What a great basic - a little on the thinner side and pretty soft. Has some extra length to it which I liked. The color is the perfect shade of camel. The skirt is also really cute. This is my normal size 2 but I think you could go regular or down on this one as the material is super stretchy. I appreciated that the pleats laid correctly and the drape was flattering instead of widening.

Coffeeshop Cardigan in heather sage (XS)

 Another cute basic wool cardigan. I like this better than the Journal Cardigan because it's a bit longer and more form-fitting.

Cargo Tunic Dress (XS)

 Tried this on before but thought I'd try again. It's basically cute but just doesn't light my fire in any way.

???

 Darn it I forget what this is called. Some sort of football tee or something. This is size XS and it was HUGE. It is was just a little less oversized it could be cute weekend wear.

Lacepleat Top (XS)

I love the crispness of the cotton and the little peekaboo panel down the front. My normal size XS was slightly snug across the chest which made the pleat lines sort of bow in and out there. There's something about this shirt that I really like - the different textures and play with opaque/transparent really works. Would work better on me if I had a smaller chest.

All in all, Madewell continues to please. I've gotten spoiled with their 40% off sale. May have to wait until after the holidays to shop there :)

What did you pick up during the latest sale?