J. Crew Review: Boyfriend Shirt in Ridge Plaid, Skinny Stretch Cargo and Contrast Floral Lace Skirt

Boyfriend Shirt in Ridge Plaid (size 2)

Hmm, yeah. I LOVE this plaid but I am not loving the fit. Boxy boxy boxy. I'm tired of boxy. I want at least slightly shaped. Also pockets with buttons on my chest are a no-go for me. Straight up dealbreaker. I like the idea of this one, and even more so this one with the chambray lining. Or how about some feminine colors for a chance? I'm also liking this semi-similar plaid from Madewell - the Flannel Slim Boyshirt in Lawndale Plaid . But really I'd like to try the Wrap Overlay Shirt in Wyatt Plaid - at least it's a different take on a standard.

Skinny Stretch Cargo (size 27)

I loves me some good skinny cargos but these do not work for me. High flap pockets on a big booty... just no. This is a size bigger than I usually wear and I would definitely need my normal size 26. I loved the color and the fabric - very soft - but those pockets are not doing me any favors. I did pick up these cargo pants and really like them a lot. Very soft and no butt pockets, yahoo!

Contrast Floral Lace Skirt (size 2)

This actually looks worse in the pictures than it did in real life. I do like seeing all the lace at J Crew. It's fun and an easy way to feel a little more dressed up. I am not, however, a fan of all these elasticized waists. They look so frumpy! This one wasn't THAT bad because the front seems a bit flatter and the skirt doesn't pouf out too much from that point. This length is really hard for me to carry off - just cuts off my legs so. Perhaps a petite?

The holidays are almost upon us and I think I'm done shopping for now. Can't wait to use my gift cards for the after holiday sales!

J. Crew Review: Pull-On Pant in Floral Lace

Pull-On Pant in Floral Lace  (Size 2)

I have to admit, I am really drawn to lace when it is not too frilly. JC has been pumping out some really cute lace pieces. I like the color of these - between a forest green and a teal? The fit was fine and comfortable. I would prefer them a little slimmer since they are already a little relaxed looking with the elastic waist, so I would probably get a size 0 (size 2 was all they had at the time I ordered them). I was a bit disappointed that they didn't have the beautiful lace hem that I had seen on the other pairs. The pink and black ones both have a slightly frilly lace hem which is a lovely detail. These are perfectly straight across the bottom.
Ultimately a pass for me as they were not special enough but I would definitely reconsider on super sale because who doesn't like a pair of pants with elastic that look fancy? The lace reminds of the lace on the sleeveless lace shift dress. Durable and sturdy but femininte.
JC also has the Collection cropped pant in french lace and the Collection cropped pant in Leavers lace. And of course the straight up Collection lace pant with those lovely elastic bottoms. The collection floral lace skirt looks promising but is a bit out of my price range!
Ann Taylor has some bonded lace slim ankle pants which look super adorable.

I'd like to try on some of the other versions before I pass judgement on the lace pant trend. I do find with the elastic waist that it's skirting a delicate line between sophisticated and grandma. I guess it's all in the styling.

What do you think of lace pants?

Madewell Review: Lace Magnolia Dress, Norwood Jumpsuit, Button-Down Tunic Shirt with Pockets, Slim Boyshirt in Tulsa Plaid

Slim Boyshirt in Tulsa Plaid (XS)

This was clearly a lone return on the sale rack. I believe it was around $49.99 minus 30% but you can find it for $23.85 HERE. I like the plaid quite a bit and I definitely like the slimmer silhouette. The material is REALLY thick - but again I like that. Everything was a go except it was a little too slim in the hips - which is weird because that is almost never a problem for me. I couldn't really get the last button to be closed and look casual so I figured that would always bother me and passed.
Madewell has some other nice slim boyshirts that I would definitely check out. I especially love the neutral slater plaid and the beautiful tempe plaid.

Button-Down Tunic Shirt with Pockets (XS)

Ooo I debated over this one. I like the hidden placket and the nice shape. I do not love the sheerness and the length. I'm looking for more of a regular white buttondown, not so much a tunic. The pockets are an adorable touch and overall this is true to size for Madewell. I'm wearing it with the The Crop Jean Jacket  which I highly recommend - definitely size up.

 Norwood Jumpsuit (size 2)

I think if I'm going to go jumpsuit it's going to have to be a little more covered/classy. The Sheer panel on the top along with the sweetheart-esque neckline felt way too 80's to me. Fit is pretty TTS and I did like the slit in the back.

 Lace Magnolia Dress (size 0)

The size 0 was tiiiiight. Then again, I was not really a size 0 in this picture. I love lace and the overall shape but I would say go with your usual J Crew non-shift dress size.

I do love Madewell but have been finding less there recently. I am stalking this sweater in an XXS (review upcoming) and might decide to keep this flannel (review also upcoming ).

What have you loved at Madewell?

Anthropologie Review: Sugar Pine Sweater Coat, Montmartre Peasant Top, Perched Vegan Leather Mini and Colorblock Utility Skirt

When Anthropologie was having their 25% off everything sale the one thing I really want to try on was the Sugar Pine Sweater Coat. It looked so luxurious and unique! Also, a good chance to stock up on my favorite candles. I got both the full size and travel size and wish I had gotten some more. They smell soo good!

Sugar Pine Sweater Coat (XS)

Oh, it's so pretty! The colors are glorious and it is SOOO soft. I love that the back almost appears to have a waistband and I love that it is lined. It is truly like wearing your favorite blanket The only bummer is that it runs really big. I know it's a sweater coat but I felt like I was drowning in it. I think the petite would help but I would also want to size down. Of course those are already sold out but I bet a lot will pop back after the holidays.

Montmartre Peasant Top (size 2)

This is also a lovely little top. I felt like it ran a little big so I ordered the size 0 but that was definitely too snug. It is a bit of a swing shape so you don't want it to grab anywhere. I am obsessed with lace anything and this definitely scratches an itch. I may prefer the black version. I noticed another lace top at Anthro that I would also like to check out. And, if I was cooler and younger, I would check this one out by Free People.

Colorblock Utility Mini Skirt (size 2)

I liked the 70's vibe on this and the fact that it was a mini but not overly so. The fit was fine, the material was sturdy, I just couldn't imagine where I would wear it.

Perched Vegan Leather Mini Skirt (size 4)

I think this was on one of their "last one" racks. It's very cute. I think it was a size 4 but I can't remember. It was a bit big whatever size it was. I wouldn't really call it a mini as it was basically knee length on me but the length was perfect. The little birds perching in the tree are adorable and the cranberry color is so delicious. I think the pattern was on the front and back - I just have a thing about clothing that is only printed on one side. The vegan leather felt decent. I would definitely consider this on sale but still couldn't entire imagine what I would wear on top except a plain sweater.
I really like this other vegan leather mini they are selling now and would probably get more use out of it. I also ordered this Diamond Dot Vegan Leather Skirt in a petite so we'll see how that goes. I like that it's a nice neutral color and of course I'm a little obsessed with perforated items (hello J Crew Perforated Drapey Dress that I want to order in another color).

Anthropologie Review: Galena Midi Dress, Jantina Maxi Dress, Cara Cowl Dress and Marigot Pleated Skirt

Yay! I love it when Anthropologie has a percentage off sale. Of course, this usually means that the sale price is still higher than another cut would be... but it's a nice excuse to look around. I had to take a break from Anthropologie because I was finding that their pieces were attractive to me in the store but as soon as I got home I couldn't find a way to incorporate them into my wardrobe. I'm ready to try again though because winter is my favorite season at Anthro. Cozy sweaters, sleek sweater skirts, fun party wear.... Here are a few of my recent try-on's.

Galena Midi Dress in Wine (XS)

I'm surprised this is on sale for $49.95. It's quite cute and the wine color is very on trend. The material is a bit on the thin side but still didn't show every lump and bump. The overall shape is very flattering. My usual XS felt a bit tight in the bust area but I am still nursing so I think this would fit better when I'm back to normal. The ruched waist is perfect for creating an hourglass silhouette and hiding a few post-baby lumps.

Jantina Maxi Dress (XS)

Here's another lovely, thin jersey dress that is a bit snug up top. I love the overall shape of it and that it has regular straps that cover my bra. I wish the colors were a bit more vibrant - I think the overall pattern is a bit blah - but I'm glad it's on the more subtle side.

It is lined to the knee which is another bonus. And pockets! That don't add weight! Super cute and comfy. I would have to get it hemmed but I can see this being a no-brainer in the summer.

Jantina Maxi Dress (S)

The small fit better in the bust but the overall effect wasn't quite as sleek as the XS and the straps were a bit too long. I think I'm a bit in between sizes on this one.

Cara Cowl Dress by Maeve (S)

I would need the XS in this. I like the idea of it - I would probably wear it over skinny jeans instead of as a dress. There is a lot of bra showing on the side so I'd need to wear a black one. It felt sort of cool and easy though.

 Marigot Pleated Skirt (size 2)

OOF, this was tight in my waist. Then again, my waist isn't what it used to be since I had kid #2. The good news about the tight waist is that it makes for a nice contrast to the volume of the skirt. It is a well-made, fun party skirt and the pleats lay well - I just didn't like the colors - particularly that citron one.

 Galena Midi Dress in Wine (S)

The size small fit better maybe? Definitely more chest coverage but since that's the one area I know will change on my body it didn't concern me as much. I did order a petite online so we'll see how that fits. These midi lengths are very trendy right now but they do not always suit my 5'4" frame.

What did you buy during the recent sale promotion?