Brooks Brothers: A skirt and some shirts

The Brooks Brothers love continues. As I mentioned, I enjoy trying to discover some new retailers every once in a while. I'm finding the fit pretty consistent and am really appreciating the qulaity difference. I've needed some new shirts for work since a lot of my old ones are not quite fitting and I've enjoyed checking these lovelies out. 50% off doesn't hurt either.

Multi Check Shirt (size 4)

Ordered this on a whim and I love it. the colors are gorgeous and I love that when you turn the cuffs up they are white! Also white inside the collar. There are roll tab sleeves and beautiful darting at the waist to actually show off your figure. This shirt is a win in every way. This is one size up from my usual J Crew size and this pretty typical for me at BB. Their shirts are so well tailored that I usually find that I have to size up.

Tailored Fit Cotton Shirt (size 4 and 6 respsectively)

This is a liberty print that they had at J Crew last year. Something Eve Floral - I can't remember exactly. It's a beautiful shirt although a bit sheerer and less vibrant than I was expecting. I would definitely need the 6 in this one because it is so fitted. If you love liberty, this is a good time to snag this one at around $60.

 Cotton Pleated Skirt (size 2) - $44

This is not my usual style of skirt but I think it's so lovely and classic. Nice little waistband, gentle pleating at the front and a plain back. Pockets that don't bulk - yahoo! I feel like this is a classic that will never go out of style. Some online reviews said it ran big but I'm finding it fairly true to size. That being said, it's not like my waist is exactly perfect post-baby :)

There are lots of items to love over at BB right now:

Cotton Cashmere Crewneck Sweater - how cute and simple is this little number?

Plaid Cape - I'm really looking for an excuse to buy this. Love a good cape and it's waterproof!

One-Button Black Watch Wool Blazer - J Crew did this blazer a few years back. Lovely!

Full Circle Skirt - how swishy, feminine and adorable is this?

Merino wool Skirt - tempted by this little adorable skirt. Fair isle? Yes please.

Hooded Tie Front Jacket - simple, understated, navy.

Black Watch Wool Pants with cuff - If you love black watch and missed out on these a few years ago at J C here's your chance.

Shawl Collar Cardigan - This looks so cozy and yet chic.

What do you think of Red Fleece?

Brooks Brothers Review: Flannel Shirts!

Every once in a while, I try to venture outside the arena of J Crew and Madewell. I recently discovered the Red Fleece line at Brooks Brothers and I am very impressed! The quality is really high and the fit is so flattering. They have so many great flannel shirts this season and the fabric is so delicious. Everything is still 50% off right now so if you can score a popback, it's a really good deal.

Cotton Flannel Shirt (size 6)

LOVE the plaid, do not love the peter pan collar. This would be adorable on so many but it's just not my style. It's a shame because I really love the plaid. So so so much. The fit is lovely. I generally am between a 2/4 at Brooks Brothers which means they run a tad small.

Cotton Flannel Shirt (size 6)

Adorable. Don't love the pockets on the chest or the little epaulets at the shoulders but overall this shirt is such a step above the crap they are peddling at J Crew right now.

The flannel is thick and soft. Love.

Cotton Flannel Shirt (size 6)

This one is more of a boy fit. I picture lounging around in this all weekend. The size 6 was a bit too oversized for me so I just caught a 4. We'll see how I like that. This is the most delicious soft fabric and I love the length.

Cotton Flannel Shirt (size 4)

This is probably my favorite. Really thick nice material and a beautiful shape - wow I have a waist! The 4 is a bit snug in the chest but will fit perfectly once I am done with breastfeeding. I cannot recommend this shirt enough. I guess the colors are a little "Christmas-y" but I still really like them.

I have some more reviews coming for BB Red Fleece. It's really fun to discover a new retailer! Have you shopped at Brooks Brothers before?

Anthropologie Reviews: Patterns Galore!

I love it when I discover things I never saw the first time they were available in store. That's what the tag sale is all about for me. Digging around online or in-store to discover some hidden hems. Here's what I found although I'm not sure they are all gems!

Silk Petals Tee (XS)

 I love the colors and print on this tee and I love a nice slouchy silk tee. Delish. The view from the front is nothing to write home about but I think a lot of that is due to my "breastfeeding chest". Once that goes down I think things will drape a lot better. Granted, I still have MANY more months before that happens but I may have to keep this in the hopes that it will look better once it does. It's a simple tee but the print is truly unique.

 Saffie Tee (XS)

Super cute. The orange is a bit more neon than it appears online. The little t-shirt material at the end of the sleeves is nice because it makes the sleeves drape nicely. It fits a bit swingy on me but I like the open neckline.

 Danica Dress (size 2)

 This dress makes me so sad. I LOVE it, as I do most things Tracy Reese, but there is one big problem. It is so short waisted! I think part of the problem is that my breasts are taking up all the room in the top but still... from the side I look like some sort of hippie milk maiden. I don't know if I need a bigger size or just less boob. Otherwise it is a lovely dress. Nice swingy skirt and the pockets are placed toward the front so they don't add bulk. So freakin' cute.

 Polipattern Cardigan (XS)

 I have been looking for a blanket cardigan type thing and I think I may have found it in this sweater. Like most of Anthro's online pics, this one varies greatly in person - much brighter and the metallic thread is much more prominent. I still like it though.

still hard to see the gold metallic thread but it is there. I feel like this cardigan makes me shoulders look a little wide but besides that it is pretty much what I was looking for. I'm not thrilled with the price, even on sale, because it is not particularly thick or made of a nice wool.

Andaz Maxi Dress (size 4)

 This was a little hidden treasure in the sale section. To be honest, the 4 is a bit too big but I don't think there's much hope of finding a 2. It's pretty out of my comfort zone and anything with a belt these days is tricky. Right below the belt my tummy sticks out because my muscles are still having trouble going back to normal after childbirth. Overall it's cute and different though and I think would look nice with black booties and a blazer. what do you think?

Overall some likes. what do you think and what are you getting from the tag sale?

J Crew and Madewell Review: Sweater Edition

I need a sweater like I need a hole in the head but that doesn't stop me from looking. I least I can slightly justify it by the fact that I live in a cold climate and wear sweaters a lot. Trying so hard to resist all the promos and on the whole succeeding. One of my new year's resolutions is to try not to be swayed by a low price point. If you love it, you love it and should get it but don't do it just because it's such a bargain! I'm doing pretty well so far but it is my pitfall.

Favorite Cardigan (XS)

 I love this color. Burgundy. Yum. Makes me want to sit by a fire with a snifter of brandy. Ok. I don't drink brandy but it seems appropriate. While this cardigan does not scream exciting or even necessarily 2014 I did like it. it's soft and cozy and the fit is just slouch enough. The covered placket for the buttons is a bit awkward but I like that they are trying to do something different. I feel certain this will pill so you have to ask youself how much that bothers you. Or just buy a sweater shaver.

 Easy Cable Pullover Sweater (M) in Ivory

 I had been contemplating this one online. It's cute and clearly this size is too big (it was the only one they had) but I was not digging on the dropped shoulders. I thought it would be passable on this style but nope. Dealbreaker for me. Otherwise liked the hi-lo hem and the cute patterns.

V-Neck Cardigan Sweater (XS)

This is from J Crew. I love the length - perfect! - but something about it felt super dorky. I think it's because the vee is so high. I feel like a vee should end mid-boob or under-boob. Not over. I've really been looking for another cardigan like the eden cardigan from years back but this is not it.

Overall a little blah. Maybe we're all just looking forward to spring already (ha ha ha, I wish)?

Madewell Review: Silk Lace-Inset Top, Silk Tee Dress in Ascot Grid, Silk Tailored Tee in Ascot Grid, Cozy Shirt in Ember Plaid

I do love me some Madewell. I bought a pair of their Rail Straight Jeans when I was pregnant, hoping that they would be great post-preg and I've worn them almost every day. They really do casual but fun and modern just right. This year the fits have been all over the place. I can usually depend on an XS being perfect but now I never know what size I am. Sure wish they would do away with final sale. I would definitely buy a lot more that way.

Silk Lace-Inset Top (XS)

the pictures don't do this justice at all. It is so sweet and simple and cute. Very comfortable on and the little peek of skin makes it interesting. Definitely runs SMALL. I would need to size up to at least a small if not a medium in this.

Silk Tee Dress in Ascot Grid (XXS)

Sort of folkloric looking. I loved this print from the moment it came out. I'm not sure why I grabbed the XXS - perhaps to torture myself? Sometimes with these flowy dresses I can size down but not on this one. Just fitted enough and I am just still post-preg enough that it does not work. I did something I almost never do which is order the XS on final sale. I must be cuckoo. I almost never make final sale mistakes anymore but this came back in stock and I couldn't resist. I am going to pray that it fits. And if it doesn't I am going to pray that it fits after I stop breastfeeding. I think the gift card made me do it ;)

Oversized Trapeze Shirt in Star Print (XS)

I forget what this is called. It's on sale and I love stars so I tried it on. I believe this was an XS. It runs pretty big and does have an almost a-line/swing shape. I just didn't feel like it looked very good on and it is really transparent. I don't like to HAVE to wear camis with everything. It's a shame because I love stars and they are cute on this shirt.

Silk Tailored Tee in Ascot Grid (XS)

Bad bad bad. High neck and sort of a-line shape = most unflattering ever for those of us with big chests. Again, I love the colors and print so I was bummed.

Cozy Shirt in Ember Plaid (S)

I actually went in to the store to try this one because I love flannel and Madewell does it well. The color is more of an orange than a red and it is cute cute. The contrast pattern at the hem and cuffs is a sweet detail. Nice weight flannel. I'm prety sure this is a small and it fit with plenty of room. Overall, I thought the shirt looked too short - the proportion felt off.

If you are looking for an awesome sale purchase, check out the Pinewood Pullover. It is lovely and the colors are great. I do find that Madewell sweaters tend to pill a lot but I don't care that much since they are so cute.