J. Crew Reviews - New Arrivals Part III - Polka Dot Popover, Perfect shirt in Blackwatch Plaid, Cowlneck Poncho

've been taking a bit of time off from the Crewlade but I am finding some of their new items irresistible. I grabbed this new shirt during the 25% off promo and probably won't keep it but definitely love it!

Perfect Shirt in Blackwatch Plaid (size 2)

There is something about a really dark plaid that seems so sophisticated. I'm pretty much a fan of anything plaid but I love that this shirt could probably be worn with a beautiful black ball gown and still look fabulous. The fit is spot on - maybe even a tiny bit snugger than some of my others shirts in this size. The plaid is QUITE dark. I think the photo is pretty accurate. I was a bit surprised when this shirt arrived tied in an intricate origami ball but I guess that is to showcase the "lightweight suckered cotton for a touch of textural interest". The material is very light for a winter shirt.

Polka Dot Popover (size 2) 

I put a lot of pictures of this one up because I know a lot of people are interested in this top. I'm not loving it. It's totally fine but I wish it were a nice navy color and the material is that silk/cotton blend that tears really easily. The shortness didn't bother me because a) I probably wouldn't wear it tucked in and b)  I have a really short torso.

Cowlneck Poncho (XXS) sold out

This is one of those items that I became bizarrely obsessed with after I had initially poo-pooed it. My PS tracked down the last XXS in the country (according to her) which was quite miraculous. It's so super cozy and the material is very "rich" looking. The only complaint I have is that it is weirdly tight across my hips - something I never noticed when I originally tried it on. Now I'm debating trying to locate an XS or just make it work. Or take it to the tailor to see if they can open the sides a bit.

Any thoughts?

J Crew Sale and 3 New Arrivals

Wanted to quickly post some sale reviews since tomorrow is the last day to snag some J Crew booty with the extra 30% off.  Without further adieu...

Maisie Dress (size 2) in Abstract Floral (still full price online)

Hmmm... Just not flattering at all on me. I would say this dress is definitely TTS. I could not size down on this one. The elastic waistband hits at an odd place on my body and I have the feeling I would be constantly tugging the dress down. Basically a well made dress but not working on me. Might be better on a less curvy body.

Sparkle Seamore Sweater (XS) and Elsie Skirt in NightFall Floral (Size 4)

I will say that the colors in this sweater are lovely. It is a true gold which I loooooves. There are also cute little buttons on the sleeves for that rolled look. Clearly this sweater runs fairly large. I would size down for sure. The skirt does not seem to be online yet. It is really poufy and $98 - not a good combo. I probably could have worn a 2 (pencil skirt size) since the waist is elastic but why bother? I actually don't love the print that much. BTW - the model on the website is definitely wearing a longer version of this skirt. No way is that 19".

Talia Top (size 2) in wreath

This was called the boat blouse previously and was reviewed by ShopwithM  here

TTS. I liked it but it was not the love that I thought it would be. The silk flows nicely and is not transparent, the color is lovely but I found it a bit too plain. Would prefer one of the other silk blouses methinks. 

Dream Dolman Sweater (XXS) $98

Loved the idea of this and it was actually a decent price at $98. Not so flattering on me but I think with the right styling could be super cozy and chic. Perhaps with skinny pants (my solution to making ANYTHING seem fashionable and cute). It is super cozy.

Cowlneck Poncho (size M and then size XXS) 

Thought I would do a side by side comparion of XXS and M. I realize this is several sizes difference but the M was the smallest size they had at my store (the XXS was from a try-on long ago). I have sort of warmed up to this item but of course it is currently sold out. Boo. Definitely would want the XXS. It is still oversized but the M looks rather ridiculous. Since I spend a lot of time in and out of the car I think this would be a great layer to throw on. I only put on my parka if I'm actually spending time outdoors. Hmm... hopefully one in an XXS will popback. If you've seen one - please put it on hold for me and let me know!!!

Dream Ribbed Yoga Cardigan (XXS) in Heather Fern

I blogged about this sweater before but I changed my mind in the smaller size. It is soooo cozy and I do love this color. It is still a little "batwingy" but I think I will get a lot of use out of it on those cold, blustery days.

Last day Extra 30 tomorrow - good luck on popbacks!

More J Crew Fall Reviews

I had a few returns at the mall and decided to hit J Crew to try on some of the most talked about fall pieces. I did manage to walk out of there empty-handed but I have definitely added a few things to my sale wish list. I don't know what it is about the fall collection but I just don't feel like there is anything I MUST have. The colors are definitely a welcome change from the drab taupe, provence pink and other washed out colors they have been offering as of late.

First up is the Tippi Sweater in Heather Dark Grape in size XS. I think it is a perfectly nice merino sweater in an absolutely divine color. I literally want to paint myself this color it is so gorgeous. But... I find the fit to be fine on me - nothing special. The skirt is the Origami Mini which I finally tried on in a  size 6 - that is 2 sizes up from my normal bottoms size at J Crew. LOVE it in a size 6. Definitely on my sale list.

No. 2 pencil skirt in Double Serge Wool - Vibrant Flame Size 2. This skirt has been talked about aplenty and it is lovely. The wool is soft and substantial and the fit is fantastic. I am actually not a fan of the Vibrant Flame color because it is too orange and not enough red for my skin tone. TTS as far as pencil skirts go. The tank is currently on sale for 19.99 - I thought it was the vintage cotton tank but now I can't remember. This is an XS which was huge. I also tried on an XXS and the fit was much better.

This blouse is a new item I have not seen on the website yet. There is a heavy duty exposed zipper on the back. This is my normal size 2 and although it fit fine in the shoulders it was too boxy at the waist and tight at the hips. It's a shame because I think it's adorable but I don't think it's a nice shape for me.

Cowlneck Poncho in size XXS. The pictures make this look better than it was IRL. It is super cozy but as I am trying to show in the second picture - it runs VERY large. I know that a Poncho is supposed to be relaxed and loose-fitting but I thought it was too much. Not worth the price tag in my opinion and the color was a bit blah/sweatshirt-y for me.

Okay - I still have reviews of the Silk Elodie blouse, Hacking Jacket, Schoolboy blazer and Dream Ribbed Yoga Cardigan but that will have to wait till later.

Stay safe in the storm!