J. Crew Review: Soft Henley Dress

I've been meaning to throw this review up ever since I tried this on so here it is!

Soft Henley Dress (size 0)

This is my kind of dress. I even like that cool shade of military green. I was afraid it would be some sort of weird material but it is a really nice cotton that feels good on the skin. The length: I am 5'4" and love short dresses but it felt a little short on me. The fit was good through the hips but a little tight across the bust which I think causes that little dip on my lower back (see lower left pic). I am not willing to pay $118 for this but I am interested in seeing if it ends up on sale eventually. Am also curious if a size 2 will add more length without adding too much volume.

I love little shirtdresses and am thinking of ordering this J Crew one in navy to see if I like it.

Also found this similar one by J Brand that is adorable!

I've never bought anything from White House Black Market but I thought this navy shirtdress would be perfect for work.

Highly recommend this dress, will post a review of the size 2 if I can get it!

Anthropologie Review: Painter's Palette Skirt

I have literally been looking for something to purchase at Anthro with a gift card I received. It has been burning a hole in my pocket. I don't know why but I just haven't been able to find anything that I love and that fits in nicely with my summer which is primarily spent hanging out with my 6 year old and almost 10 month old. But, I did see this beauty and knew I had to have it. Love the colors!

Painter's Palette Skirt (size 0) - Currently on sale for $39.95

More often than not I am a size 2 at Anthropologie (0 at J Crew). I wouldn't say this ran big per se - I just really wanted it to fit snugly at the waist. If it was shorter I'd be okay with it being at my hips. The pattern is so beautiful and unique and is similarly placed on each skirt but with slight variations. I found that this one had more color on it in the front which I really liked. It is a very subtle a-line shape. I wish I had purchased it when it was available in petite. The length is a little awkward. I really love the cotton which is thick enough to look crisp and has a slight give to it.

I love good cheerful colors in the summer so I also ordered this skirt to try on. Yellow just seems to go with summer. Wouldn't mind trying on this eyelet midi version as well - not a print but love the pop of color! This darker floral version would be great for transitioning into fall. This one over at Off 5th is a steal and very similar in color to the Artist's Palette Skirt. And I love this other option from Anthropologie. More feminine with the roses but I like the shorter length.

Banana Republic Drapey Pant Review

I've been finding a lot to like over at Banana Republic these days. They really are great for smart, basic workwear, I just wish they would do some more color. I've been into the whole drapey pant thing recently so I thought I would give these a try.

Leaf-Print Drapey Pant (size 2)

Sorry the pictures are so blurry. I would say size down in these puppies. They run pretty darn big. But, they are sooo comfortable and pretty cute. They drape quite nicely and felt good to move around in. I like that little tulip detail on the bottom. The print is not attention grabbing but rather elegant! It also come in a jumpsuit if that's your thing. If you like black and white, you may want to check out these collection pants from J Crew. I also found these cute little checkered ones over at Ann Taylor. Worth a try on. And of course, good ol' forever 21 has a cute pair in a palm leaf print.

What do you think of the leaf-print drapey pant?

J. Crew Review: New Dresses

The fall is looking good dress-wise at J Crew. I really liked everything I tried on and I can't remember the last time I felt that way! Exciting. Now I just need a fancier job so I can justify getting one of these lovelies...

Structured Knit Zip Dress (size 2) in Midnight

I don't know why but this dress is SO flattering. It's nothing that exciting to look at but the shape is good! I'm usually a size 2 in dresses at J Crew unless it's one of those shift types. The fabric is sort of a thick ponte almost scuba-like material. The color is a gorgeous navy and the dress feels lovely on. I felt like it made me look 5 lbs thinner. Definitely need some jewelry ad heels but it is good you guys.

 Italian Tweed Sheath Dress (size 2)

What? Another beautiful and flattering dress? It very lovely and figure flattering and my normal size 2 fit perfectly. Plenty of room even for my BF friends up top.The material is really lovely and the dress felt comfortable and flattering. I also saw this cute tweed sheath over at Barneys. And of course, a girl can dream about this gorgeous Derek Lam version.

 Soft Lame Shirtdress (size 2)

I might have preferred a size 0 on this one but there wasn't one to try on. It's very cute and I think they did a good update on the shift style by making it have some curves. The gold color just doesn't work on my skin tone but I think it will look great on a lot of you. I do love this shape though and recently tried on this dress instead. I think it's a keeper but have to try on the size 2 to see which size I prefer.

Pockets that don't add bulk - yahoo!

I also noticed this little henley dress over at Free People. Look nice and easy for summer. This one is also cute and casual.
I also love thie Nili Lotan henley dress. The print is simple and sweet and the look ethereal.
If you're looking for something a little more safari, this dress from Loft looks really cute.

Lots to love. Wish I had a fancier workplace (of course right now that workplace is at home while I have the summer off). Have you tried these dresses? What do you think?

Athleta Reviews: Dresses - Solstice, Topanga, Lively, Redondo, Tulip and Rib Henley

I haven't been to Athleta in a while. I think they're stuff is so cute and so comfy but I always feel like an imposter in it :) I do like to work out as much as possible but I'm not someone who feels comfortable in "athleisure" clothing all day. I always bring a change of clothes. But in my continued search for perfect little summer dresses I did find a few goodies to try. Plus there are some really low prices going on right now (which is rare as I find Athleta still a bit pricey even on sale)

Solstice Tee Dress in Frosted Mocha Heather (XS)

I've never done the fully ruched bottom thing but it's cute. Definitely hides some flaws in the front but definitely creates some in the back. I think I'd need a thong or something with this one. I tried on a bunch of this type of dress and this one seemed to run slightly bigger than the rest. The color was nice and neutral and the material super soft and comfortable.

 Topanga Tee Dress in Black (XS)

This is a similar style but crew neck, darker and short-sleeved. I think the darker color helps me feel not so exposed in the rear area. It did feel a little more bodycon than I was looking for but I still really liked it.

 Lively Dress (XS)

Love the back - an adorable detail! The fit was okay but not fabulous and the material was very thin. Definitely fits the bill for easy throw on and go dress but I wasn't sure it was doing me any favors.

 Redondo Dress (XS)

Loved the idea of this but the pockets created quite a bit of bulk and overall it felt a little too big. If the pockets weren't there I would have sought out an XXS. Again, soft material and I like the cap sleeves and nice neckline.

 Tulip Stripe Dress (XXS)

Woah. Tight. Too tight. I definitely need an XS or possibly even a S. The stripe are adorable and I like the little tulip hem. Overall a great little dress but felt tighter and more spandex-y than the others. Am trying it in some sizes up. Will review when package arrives!

 Topanga Tee Dress in Baja Blue (S)

This is the same dress as the black one above but in a size bigger. I think it looks fine but not it feels a bit sloppy and like the ruching adds weight. I think XS is my size I just wish it were slightly less "sexy time" and slightly more "mom on the go". I hate that I just used that phrase but what the hell.

 Rib Henley Maxi Dress (XS) in Caspian Blue

The lovely SA brought me this one. I knew it wouldn't work for me but it's cute and comfy. I like the subtle used of suching but I knew the ribbed material but show too many lumps and bumps.

 I also ordered the Salinas Sweatshirt Dress, Tulip Dress, Westwood Dress, Stripe Topanga Dress and Topanga V-Neck Dress. And I would have ordered this cute dress but it appears to be sold out!

Hoping something works out but we'll see. Sometimes I feel like the clothing is too obviously from Athleta but if I feel like I can dress up a piece then it will definitely work in my wardrobe.

Have you found anything great at Athleta recently?

J Crew Review: Bottoms

Made it into the store to try a few more new arrivals. Still not ready to buy anything for fall but it's fun to look!

Sunday Slim Chino (size 2) in Baked Terracotta

I previously tried these on in a size 0 (see review here) and wanted to see if I liked them a bit more slouchy. Hmm. Nope. The back view is too loose. I REALLY want to like these pants but the fit is just slightly off for me. I would go with my normal size 0 if I purchased them but I don't like the length and the wider ankle. They may grow on me. We'll see. I recently tried on these drapey pants over at Banana Republic (and they're on sale) and liked them for the most part. I would recommend sizing down (review to come).

 Cropped Pant in Vintage Scarf Print (size 2)

I love the background color of this print. These pants fit fine - I would stick with the size 2 since I wouldn't want them to be tight. I vascillate between a size 0 and 2 with pants at J Crew. Anyway - they are lined which is lovely but the lining really bothered me. Felt so synthetic and static-y. I couldn't get over that part. If I'm going to go printed J Crew pant, I might have to try these. The print is so lovely and perfect for fall.

 Easy Short in Marble (size XS)

I wish the pictures of these shorts did them justice. I tried them on for the hell of it but they are perfect. I love them so much. The cotton is just thick enough and really crisp and the little stripey tie at the waist is adorable. Inseam if perfect and they hang just right. I am praying that J Crew makes these in some other prints. I would say these run a bit small for XS. They fit perfectly instead of a little roomy. LOVE. I really want to buy these shorts too - the price is right - but they are 50% off final sale. Good price, bad idea. Anyone have any experience on sizing with these?

 Postage Stamp Mini in Polynesian Floral (size 2)

I mentioned in a previous post that I have been looking for casual but cute summer skirts and this one fits the bill. I decided to size up so it would be a little longer and casual looking and less sexy mama out on the town looking. It's super comfortable and fits perfectly. I also have my eye on this one but I have not been able to try it on and now it's final sale. Boo. There are no reviews on this one but it also looks adorable and who can resist stripes? Plus I like J Crew's minis when they are 17". Good length for 5'4" me. I've also been eyeing this one from Madewell because it's cute, stripy and very cool looking.

Gap Review (plus a little BR): Skinny Jeans and Summer Dresses

My quest for casual pieces that work for hitting the park with baby in tow continues. I love pencil skirts and silk blouses but they are just not practical at this moment. I was returning some pieces to the gap (my daughter, at age 6, has become VERY choosy about her mode of attire) and noticed some decent pieces on the sale rack.

Tropical Tank Shirtdress (XS)

I know the palm thing is super in right now but I also figure it will be out by next summer. I liked that this was light cotton but boy is it unflattering. There is a drop waist and but then a fabric belt at the waist. I couldn't figure out how to make that configuration work. I wore dresses just like this (without the confusing belt) in the 80's so I can pass on this shape. This little tropical shirtdress is way more to my liking - with a waist where it should be and an unbeatable price!

 Henley Drawstring Dress (XS)

This looks like nothing on the hanger and sort of looks like nothing in these pictures but... it is so dang flattering on. The waist is slightly dropped but it works on this one. The fabric is super duper softee and has just enough stretch without being clingy in the backside department.

I zhuged (I know that's not a word) up the waist a bit to show how it would look - pretty good. I think I paid about $14 for this one. I would probably prefer a petite but this is fine too. If I had lots of money I'd buy this henley shirtdress by Twefth Street by Cynthia Vincent. I love her stuff. It doesn't always work for me but it's quite unique.

1969 Legging Jeans (size 26R)

Ok. I know mid and high rise jeans are really in right now but boo for me! Even mid rise feels high for me since I have such a short torso. These are acceptable in their mid-riseness but I wish they were low rise. I've been looking for another pair of skinny ankle jeans to wear with longer shirts and sweaters and I like these. I always go for the dark wash because I think it's more slimming but I'm starting to feel like it looks a little dated. Also not sure I love the wide spacing on the pockets. But they are VERY comfortable and basically quite cute.

Medium Wash Skinny Ankle Jean (size 26)

 Here's me trying to mix it up with a slightly lighter wash. I really like the color and definitely think it looks a little more modern. I wish there was just a little less whiskering. These are also super comfortable and soft and ok in the rise department. Hmm... It does also come in a darker wash.

1969 Destructed Resolution True Skinny Jeans (26R)

Oof. 'Scuse the middle picture. These were also comfortable and look ok just crazy with that darn rise! And these aren't even the high rise version! I like the "destructed" nature of the denim but that light wash is only for the bold and the beautiful (and 6 feet tall).

What do you think of these skinny denim choices? Do you have a favorite pair to recommend?