Gone Clubbing

Have you ever shop at Club Monaco? I have bought a few things there over the years and I like their offerings and quality but never got a chance to review anything. I haven't been buying much from them for a few reasons:

• I shop too much at J.Crew
• They don't have many B&Ms around
• Their prices are similar to J.Crew but they have less sales
• Their color palette is mostly neutrals

However, I have been disillusioned with J.Crew offerings and after years of buying color I find myself drawn to more neutrals. Club Monaco does have a location in my local mall, so I decided to visit and try on few items.

Alesia Silk Shirt

Size Medium

From website copy:

We've elevated a sleek basic with a silk construction that can pair with everything from work trousers to denim for a night out on the town.

• Scoopneck, long sleeves.
• Button detail at the cuffs, subtly pleated back.
• Easy fit.
• Silk. Dry clean. Imported.

$129.50, 100% silk

The color of this blouse is beautiful. I think it is perfect to wear with jeans or trousers. I don't think it will drape that well over skirts, but I didn't try.

It has the high-low shape that may not work for some, but personally, I like it. I am not so concerned with being timeless. I have bought many pieces that were supposed to be classics, only to be bored with them in one season. I am easily bored; what can I say? I am usually surprised which pieces lasted longer in my wardrobe, more often than not, they are not the ones I was counting on.

The silk on this blouse is very nice, rather substantial, not the slippery kind and definitely not see through. I liked the gathering in the back. The tag was pulling it down and I imagine it will flow a little differently (better) when you remove it.

It would be very easy to dress it up or down with accessories and cardigans/blazers.

Benny Plaid Coat

I saw this Benny coat on FFM blog and I was instantly intrigued by it. FFM has such a good eye and she is always finding interesting things all over the Internet, doesn't she?

Size Medium

Size Small

 From website copy:

Crafted out of Italian wool and elevated with leather accents, the Benny Plaid Coat is a timeless and heritage-inspired piece you'll cherish for years to come.

• Notched lapel, applied placket.
• Corresponding four-button detail at the cuffs. Patch pockets at the hips.
• Leather piping along the lapel and pockets. Fully lined.
• Lightly padded shoulders for a defined look. 33" length.
• Shell: wool, nylon. Piping: leather. Lining: polyester. Dry clean. Imported.

80% wool, 20% nylon

I liked the coat in person, it seems well made and flattering. It was bigger that it seemed on a hanger and I liked the fit of a Small better, although you cannot really see the difference in the pictures.
It is more of a top coat or oversized blazer than an outerwear, at least for me. I would not be able to wear it past November in our NJ winter. But if you live in a mild climate it may be perfect.

I liked the leather trim and although it adds to the dry cleaning bill it also protects the fabric edges.

Regan Solid Top

Size Medium

From website copy: 

The easy fit and edgy leather details of the Regan Top will never lead you astray.

• Boyfriend scoopneck.
• Easy fit.
• Leather-and-rib-knit sleeves. Vented hem.
• Cotton, leather. Dry clean. Imported.

I took this top to the fitting room only because an SA recommended it, saying that this is their bestseller and that the trim is real leather.

I have to say I really liked it once i put it on. It is a simple top but it drapes well and the leather sleeves add to the cool factor. This would be a perfect top to wear on a night out with jeans or black slacks. Add some chunky jewelry and you are set to go.

This is something that my wardrobe is a little lacking. I have plenty of 'office ready' outfits, enough of casual stuff for the weekends and adequate number of festive party wear. But I am always a little puzzled what to wear for going out, when I want to look cool and sexy, but not like I am trying too hard.

I like the high-low design and the length of the sleeves, not too short for wearing year round and not too long to make it too demure to be fun.

The only con is the price. At $119.50, I think this is expensive for a relatively simple t-shirt, even if trimmed with 'real leather'. And of course all this leather trimmed stuff has to be professionally dry cleaned, something I am trying to avoid. The body is made out of viscose so maybe it can be spot cleaned? What do you think? I am crazy to consider this at all?

Dawn Top

Size Medium

From website copy: 

Rocker-chic accents elevate an otherwise basic top for loads of sartorial appeal.

• Scoopneck, three-quarter-length sleeves.
• Trim along the neckline and center seam along the front and back.
• Even hem.
• Viscose, elastane. Hand wash. Imported.

Dawn top is the opposite of the Reagan top in a way that I liked it on a hanger but not so much after I tried it on. It was just OK and I did not care for the drape, the color or the shape. It had this bat wing effect I did not like.

All Club Monaco tops seem to fit TTS, I took Medium in all of them and they seem to fit me well with an easy, not too tight fit I personally prefer.
 

Brittany Sweatshirt

Size Medium

From website copy: 

A lightweight yet thickly woven knit makes the Brittany Sweatshirt a casual pullover with loads of contemporary style.

• Scoopneck, long sleeves.
• Ribbed neckline, cuffs and hem.
• Allover woven knit.
• Body: polyester, cotton. Trim: wool. Dry clean. Imported.

$89.50??

Brittany sweatshirt reminds me of some of J.Crew sweatshirts. It fits OK but a little boxy. It is too short for my taste and I am short waisted. The colors are actually very flattering but I think the shape is not.

And then of course, it is way overpriced, I am not sure if it worth half of the asking price. It is 80% poly, 20% cotton for crying out loud. But maybe it is just me.

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That's all folks!

Do you own any of Club Monaco pieces?

What do you think of their current offerings?

Would you consider any of the items I reviewed?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!