Chance With Madewell

Sometime ago I have ordered this striped tee after Chance was featured on A Cup of Jo. I was quite disappointed with my purchase.  Partially because, as a sad case of a marketing victim, I was expecting the Holy Grail of striped t-shirts, only to receive, well, a striped t-shirt with a wonked side seam.

I should have sent the shirt back immediately and give Chance a chance to redeem themselves. Possibly, the tee was a one-off defective item, but I was too lazy to bother with it. OK, maybe I did not want to admit that I felt duped, so I convinced myself that I kept it because I liked the colors and the fabric (I do) and that a wonky seam was a part of its charm (hey, who is snorting here?). 

The color is perfect with my Madewell Academy blazer (reviewed HERE).

I said it repeatedly but I love, love, love this blazer (my nod goes to the lovely Rynetta).  I never liked the J.Crew Schoolboy fit and I thought it was because of its shrunken shape, but this one is even more shrunken and it does not bother me. 

I think it is the proportions and the way how Madewell blazer is nipped in the waist, while J.Crew Schoolboy is very boxy on me. I also like that the wool is thinner, shoulder padding is minimal and I have no problem wearing it under my coat or in the office.  

Also wearing a pair of (old) matchsticks in saddle and MacAlister suede wedges in navy (reviewed HERE). I wore this outfit to work on Friday and I liked how it felt casual but still polished due to the blazer.

After all, maybe that Chance tee was not such a disaster...

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That's all folks!

Do you have a favorite navy blazer?

Did you ever feel totally duped by clever online marketing?

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

MacAlister Boots Review

As you may know, I love blue and navy. So when I saw that the navy MacAlisters were available on sale with an additional 30% off I could not resist them. I have two other pairs of MacAlister type booties and I love them both. I have almost bougth the brown MacAlisters from J.Crew two years ago but then I found the pair from Coach that I liked better at the same price, so I returned them.

Cute navy shoes are always hard to find. These only come in half sizes and I am 8.5 so I originally sized up to 9. But the 9s were way too big even with socks and my feet were sliding. So I reordered them in size 8 and they are perfect with tights. If I wanted to wear them with thick socks I think they will still stretch.

The color is very pretty medium navy that definitely looks blue and not black.They are comfortable and I actually  think I could walk some distance with them. They are not as comfortable as my Coach wedges but they are blue!

They do stick out a little bit in the back of the heel. I like the contrast of the darker shoe with the lighter sole.

Overall, I really like them and I can tell that I will wear them a lot. I loved how they looked with my Gallerista skirt and Madewell Academy blazer.

Also, see another review by Shopwithm HERE.

Here are my brown coach wedges that are one of most comfortable shoes I own. I have spend a day walking in NYC wearing them and I can vouch for their comfort. I am wearing them with my 2007 Gramercy coat in Alpine Green. I have since sold the coat because green is just not for me.

Contrary to J.Crew MacAlisters, Coach wedges are lined and padded and that definitely makes the difference.

Another pair of MacAlisters that I own is the Shearling vesion that they also offer this year. I have bought mine last year but they seem to be identical. I also sized down in these. They felt a little tight at first but they have molded to my feet. They are also very comfortable and warm.

Below is the picture of my first outfit without the blazer. Many time I would take of the blazer at work so whatever I wear under it has to work on its own. I decided to go for a plain blue perfect crewneck and I like the almost monochromatic look.

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That's all Folks!

Do you own a pair of MacAlisters? How do you wear them?

How do you like the navy ones?

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

Gold Star Seeker

This summer, when I was on vacation, I picked up the 'Happiness Project'  by Gretchen Rubin in the local bookstore. The book, according to Amazon's book description "chronicles (author's) adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier". Have you read it?

I am not usually into self help genre and most of the time I find those books preachy and annoying but as I flipped through the pages, I came across some passages that got my attention. One was when Gretchen describes how her husband made seemingly innocent remark about her snoring at night and how that provoked the out of proportion reaction from her. You see, apparently I also snore (although I am in denial about it) and when my hubby joked about it, it annoyed me beyond belief. It just seems like such an unsexy trait. I could totally understand how Gretchen quickly blurted out something unpleasant in response.

But the section that made me purchase the book was when she realizes that she is a Gold Star Seeker. She describes how they were mailing out the greeting cards to friends and family and how her husband did not want to participate in sealing and stuffing of the envelopes. She had designed the cards and took pictures of the kids and put a lot of energy into it. But aside from help, she realized, that what she wanted the most, was her husband acknowledging what a wonderful job she did and how great the cards came out.

This is me, I thought. I am happy to do the work, as long as somebody notices and acknowledge it. I guess, in many ways it is only natural and maybe obvious but it was a aha moment for me. Gretchen then proceeds with trying to change her thought process to be more in the lines of  'I want to do it for me. I wanted the cards to look great and this should give me enough satisfaction'.

When I read that chapter I realized that even blogging is part of it. I always liked fashion and putting together outfits and many times I received compliments from coworkers and strangers alike, but posting an outfit definitely gives me a chance to get an instant reaction, especially that it is coming from people that also care about fashion and styling. But in fact, this may apply to blogging about anything, since it is a format that usually invites comments and feedback and provides you with statistics on pageviews.

Here is where I am trying to change my mindset, thinking that whether writing a post like this one, styling an OOTD or writing a review, it is just something I wanted to share and not to focus on how many pageviews it generates, how many followers I get and how much praise I get in comments. This is not to say that I don't value what my readers think, of course I do! I just try to focus on 'I am doing it because I like it' part.

I also try to keep that in mind in my relationships and domestic and professional life. When I cook a good dinner or throw a great party I should be happy because I wanted it to turn out well. Any praise from others is just the icing on the cake.

Although... I do like the icing.

1. 

Wearing Academy Blazer by Madewell (review here), Doily Lace skirt by Anthropologie (review here), Pia  top (review here) by Banana Republic, J.Crew Nottingham boots (old) and Kate Spade purse.


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That's all folks!

Have you read 'Happiness Project'?
Are you a 'gold star seeker'?
Do you think blogging feeds the beast?

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

Madewell Purchases - Advice Needed

I have decided to order two items from Madewell that I have already tried HERE
So this post is a little repetitive but I need some styling/sizing advice.

Rouge dot skirt

Skirt Size Medium

I previously tried it in Small but decided to size up to make it more comfortable since the waist band is elastic. Actually, the difference is not too pronounced and I think I actually preferred a Small, since Medium has more volume but I have bought it with 25% off sale price and 7% rebate from shop at home (so it came to about $57) and it is no longer available in Small, so I will keep the Medium.   

With BR Striped boatneck

I love the skirt but I actually had trouble styling it, as nothing seemed to work. You cannot really tuck anything in, unless your waist is very small and you have super flat abs or it creates unflattering tummy bump. If your top is too long, it squishes the pleats and bunches up around the hips. I did not like it with a belt because with the longer length and my short torso the proportions were off.  

Finally, I settled on a striped boatneck from BR, the length is fine and the shirttail hem looks good untucked. I also like it with my short jean shirt from GAP (as seen here). Color-wise, I only came up with wearing it with white and navy.

Do you have other ideas how to wear this skirt? Is it worth keeping when it does not seem very versatile?

Academy Blazer

Size 6

I love this blazer and I ordered it in two sizes for comparison (again with 25% +7% discount).  I originally tried it in size 6 and I liked the look, but I have been ordering those bigger sizes recently, I guess to prove to myself that I am not afraid of them.

Size 8

The blazer has a shrunken fit and the sleeves are short. I think they are supposed to be bracelet sleeves because I have short arms and they are borderline.

Do you think they just look too short?

With the skirt (size 6)

Size 6

Size 8

I also like it open, which is a key for me, with the blazers. It is lightweight wool and I think I can actually wear it under the coat in the winter, it seems comfortable when I tried it. I love the buttons in the front and the fact that it does not look so much like a suiting blazer, it has some cool vibe to it.

I still have both sizes and I need to decide which one to return, please advice!

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That's all folks!

Have you bought something recently from Madewell?

How would you style the rouge dot skirt? 

Do you think I should keep the 6 or the 8 in the Academy Blazer?

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

Banana Republic new arrivals

Last Wednesday I visited Banana Republic to buy Mini-striped weekend dress that I reviewed HERE. Thank you Gigi for sending me the 40% in store coupons!!! I also had $30 rewards cards so the dress came down to about $12. Yay!

Necklace also from BR

I already have worn it last week and it was perfect. Above I am wearing it with Madewell Academy blazer and last year's Talbots shoes.

Dress size Medium

Since I was there I took a bunch of items to the fitting room to try them on for you but when I got there I realized that I left my phone in the car :(

It was almost strange to be in the fitting room and did not take any pictures, how did I do it before I started a blog? You'd think I would have more fun, not having to take pictures and just having it all to myself but somehow it wasn't as exciting to only try it for myself.

They let me use the coupon for multiple items even if it says one item only, I did not even ask for it but the SA told me that they changed the rules that day.

Since I tried them on, I will review few items for you but I don't have the fitting room pictures, unfortunately.

Printed square-neck blouse

This was a nice blouse but the square neck is pretty wide. I tried size M and I think size S would be too clingy. Feels very soft and the print is flattering.

Chambray button-down shirt

This is a great shirt if you are an A or B cup. I really liked it but it was pulling at the chest even when I sized up one size. Size 6 fit me everywhere perfectly, shoulders, waist, hips, length but it was way too tight in the chest (I am 34D). Size 8 was not fitting as nice but still would be acceptable, but the chest was still borderline. I would need to wear a cami.  The fact that I still contemplated buying it tells you how much I liked this shirt. If you are small chested it may the THE perfect chambray shirt, the blue color is beautiful and the cut is very flattering.

Callie shirt dress

This is a perfect summer dress. Nice and easy and falls to the knee on me (5.6")
I tried size 6 and the fit was good but rather close, I would like to try size 8 to see how it fits.

Knit safari skirt

They only had size 4 in this skirt and it was definitely too tight and va-va-voom. I think 6 would have been fine. This skirt has a side zipper and the front buttons are only decorative. I actually thought this was a plus. I thought it was going to be a-line but it had pencil shape. Maybe it would look different in 6, because 4 was definitely too small.

Sunny days skirt

I bought this skirt. I love it. To me, it is a perfect, easy summer skirt, linen and cotton blend and on trend citrus hue. It has a hint of mustard in it but it still reads yellow. I love it with navy, striped tees, chambray, denim, white shirt, floral and polka dots. Super cute and under $50 with 40% off.

I love yellow with gray

Skirt Size 6

Sunny days combo

Size 6 fits me perfectly, so I would say, size up one size from your J.Crew pencil skirt size. The pictures were taken at the end of the day so you can assess the wrinkle factor. It does wrinkle. It doesn't bother me but it is something to consider.

Karlie top-handle leather bag

The shape and size of this bag are great if you are looking for a navy bag. the strap is adjustable and removable. I don't like how the handle looks when you use shoulder strap (but this always bothers me in other brands too) and the leather is rather stiff.  But if it goes on sale and with extra 30% off it will be quite attractive. Even with just 40% off on Wednesdays.

Claudia python-pattern clutch

I bought this clutch. I have returned the Marc by Marc Jacobs purse that I ordered HERE because it was too small and nothing special. With the 40% off this Claudia clutch was a steal. Not perfect because I would prefer a shoulder strap, but with this price I am not too concerned. 

Just the right size for me

This is small enough to take to coctail party but it will easily fit my essentials: phone, wallet, keys, lipstick and sunglasses.

Front pocket easily accessible

Zippered pocket inside

I tried some of the shoes as well but they were rather uncomfortable with the exception of these sandals:

Rhea color-block sandal

The Sandals fitted in size 8 and seemed comfortable. I was not thrilled with the way ankle strap looked, but then again I don't really like this shape of sandal. The black patent and color block effect was cool.

Trish wedge

I love those wedges on the website but they were disappointing irl.  I mean, they still looked great and fitted me in size 8 but were very uncomfortable. They are narrow and the toe strap was digging into my skin. I have medium wide feet and high instep, so they may work for you if you don't have those issues. For me they were a total pass, not even on deep sale, since they would be torture devices.

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That's all folks!

What do you think?

Have you visited Banana Republic recently?

Are you finding things you like their spring rollout?

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

Madewell

Last week, when I went to the mall, I decided to check out Madewell. I have seen many bloggers buying their skimmer flats and I was intrigued.  I was in the store previously, couple of times, and I perused some items on the website, but I have never bought or ordered anything. I always had an impression that I am not their target demographic and that they want to appeal to a younger, hippier crowd.

Well, that maybe so, and maybe I am just going through mid-life crisis or whatever, but I liked the clothes maybe even better than J.Crew. I have been complaining recently of everything at J.Crew being in the same colors and about certain cuts being repeated and multiplied. Combine that with declining quality and sometimes false website/catalog presentation, I was experiencing a J.Crew fatigue.

This should actually make me happy, or least make my wallet happy, but as you know, nothing can stay in vacuum for too long. I started looking at other retailers more, revisiting some old flames (BR), and exploring some new ones, one of them Madewell.

Trolley-Stripe Sweater

This is actually nice price for thicker 100% merino, on-trend sweater, I was quite impressed with quality.

Size Medium

It fits TTS, I took Medium, which is bigger of my two sweater sizes. It is boxy, but I like the look of it and I like the colors. Thumbs up for this one.

$72, 100% Merino

Merci stripe tee

I loved this tee! First of all, it is thicker cotton, not this tissue weight, prone-to-holes, see-through J.Crew variety. This one is almost sweatshirt weight, I like it for a change. I also like the colors, I love the olive tones but they don;t love me back and I have trouble wearing it next to my face. Here, they are separated with black and white stripes, so it totally works.
  

Size Medium, $49.50, 100% cotton

$49.50 is not cheap, but the quality seems so much better that J.Crew t-shirts, that sell at the same price.

If you've read my Friday's post you know that I bought it and this is how I already wore it:

Thursday's outfit

 Academy Blazer

Size 6, $168, 95% wool, 5%spandex

Again, this is less classic and a little more trendy, but I like the fit better than schoolboy, it is more nipped in the waist but it accommodates my chest and  the shoulders are not too wide. It is also more suitable for weekend wear, it does not have that office-only vibe. This is great for me, because my dress code is flexible, but I think it would be OK in more formal environment, if you wear a button down and/or pencil skirt with it. 

rouge dot skirt

Size Small, $84.99, 100% silk

I  also liked this skirt better than J.Crew Jardin or crinkle chiffon. It is longer and the dots are subtle, but add some interest. The price is actually good (now on sale), especially that it is 100% silk and similar skirts from more upscale retailers sell for much more, even in polyester. This is a true midi with longer length. As much as I like the concept, I've been having trouble styling it, but I really liked this skirt and I think I could work it!


Charade Blazer

Size 8, $138, Poly/rayon/spandex blend

Again, I liked this blazer too. It is a poly blend, but it felt soft and comfortable, more like a knit. It drapes nicely and I like the two button closure. It did not look too bad when open, which is always a challenge with double breasted jackets. The color is beautiful, somewhere between coral pink and orange, it looks soft and I think it would be flattering on most skin tones. They did not have a 6 but an 8 was a good fit, while a little oversized especially in the shoulders. I think I could get away with a bigger size, because it still has a waist definition and more room means more comfort. If this goes on sale (or promo), I would consider it, but at appears to be almost sold out on the website.

 Roseblossom Skirt

100% silk,  $84.99,  29.5" long

This skirt is similar to rouge dot skirt, but I liked the other one better. This one is a little shapeless, and sligthly bulky at the waist. If you have completely flat stomach it would look better I think. I liked the print but the shape was definitely reminding me of something I wore in the 90s. Pass.

Unidentified Polka Dot tee

Purple with red/orange dots

$45, 100% rayon

I cannot find this polka dot tee on the website, I don't know if it is new/sold out or store-only. Anyway it is pretty cute but narrow in the hips. I kind of liked how it drapes though. The colors were cheerful and flattering. It is 100% rayon, so I don't know about that, but it also isn't too expensive, so with some percentage off, it may be worth it.  


Unidentified Dress

Size 6

$118 100% cotton

It would be great vacation/weekend dress, very ligth and feels good on. It is definitely NOT see through which is great! I am actually wearing a black bra under it and it doesn't show, amazing!
The fit is TTS and you can cinch it in the waist with the drawstring.

It has long sleeves, but  they look better rolled up, I forgot to take a picture with unrolled sleeves.

Midnight drop pendant necklace

$48

Madewell also sells some cool jewelry at no exorbitant prices. This necklace is a good example. For $48 it is pretty distinct and it adds a lot to the outfit. I do love those type of necklaces a LOT, and I wear them all the time, so I am biased. Come to think of it I don't think I have something like that in blue... Guess what I am thinking?

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I walked out very impressed. The quality seemed better than J.Crew. The vibe seemed more trendy and more fashion forward but not too young. I could easily wear many of the pieces above. My favorites were the academy blazer, merci striped tee, rouge dot skirt and the midnight drop necklace.


What do you think? 
Do you like any of Madewell items? 
Would you wear them?