Mai Tai

Sorry for not posting or commenting too often on other blogs but I have been very busy my focus has not been on fashion.  I have been attending all the school year end activities and looking for a new job.  I have tried to follow up on what everybody has been up to but there is only a limited number of hours in the day...  

I was again underwhelmed with J.Crew newest offerings, most of the newest rollout is something I already have.  I think I am really off the crewlade because I ceased to see the difference between them and the other retailers.  It used to be that I would complain but for a long time I was convinced that their offerings are unique and somehow better.  Well, not any more.  Part of the reason for it is being away from the shopping frenzy,  part is the disappointment in quality but I think big part is also their recent styling, that somehow manages to be predictable and random at the some time.

Mai Tai coctail (source)

 
Mai Tai print did not get a lot of love or attention in the blogosphere but I was curious about it.  I often tend to fall for floral prints if they have a lot of blue in it. I decided to order a silk tee and a pencil skirt. There is also a dress but it reads juvenile to me with the pleats, high neckline and high waist.  My 10yo judged the shape as too young (for her!) and the print as too old (but I could wear it since I am old).  I also knew the capris would be too much for me. But I thought both the tee and the skirt could be doable, although I wished the skirt would be a-line knee length.  Don't know why because a-line almost never works for me but somehow I think it would be better.

 

Collection Mai Tai floral skirt

The skirt is currently showing as sold out but I would think it will pop back soon. 

I ordered size 4 which is my regular pencil skirt size.  The skirt fits me well but I have lost some weight recently so I would think that it runs slightly smaller in the waist and slightly bigger in the hips.  When I measured it comparing to my other size 4 pencils it seems to be about inch difference in both measurements.  The skirt is 67% silk and 33% cotton (with poly lining) so there is no give. It will also tend to wrinkle a little bit but it is not noticable because of the print.  The fabric feels a little stiff, i think it is the silk content.  
 

I like the piping on the sides, it adds some interest. the back is very slightly longer than the front and instead of the back vent this skirt has small slits on the sides.  The lining ends at the beginning of the slit.

The print is pretty but not as bright and saturated as I hoped.  it somehow looks 'older' irl than in the pictures.

I don't think I love the skirt enough to keep it. What do you think?

Silk Tee in Mai Tai floral

When I placed my order I actually had more hopes for the t-shirt. It is cheaper and I thought it will be easier to wear. I thought it is one of the items that you can easily dress up and down and will provide nice splash of color when worn with solids. 

This tee is cut like other 'silk pocket tees' J.Crew released in the last two years. It is boxy and short with a high neckline.  I know many of you don't like the shape, I personally don't mind it, although it is not the most flattering one. I guess the idea is that it is dressy fabric combined with casual shape.  I still think it would be better if it was slightly longer, slightly nipped in the waist and have a slightly lower neckline. Well, of course that would be probably more expensive to produce.  But here is an idea.  How about losing the pocket to save some pennies? I totally don't see the point of the pocket, it is not functional (what would you put there?) and it is hardly visible.   

 

I ordered the tee in my regular size 6 and I think it fits TTS, a bit loose and short, as intended.  If you are small chested I think you can size down. 

Again, I like it but I am not sure if I want to keep it. I think I may just wait for the price drop on this one.  

 

Since I ordered both pieces, I wanted to try the 'hook-up' look. The colors are the same so the pieces match but it is definitely a bold statement. At the same time it needs some toughening up to avoid and 'old lady' vibe. I tried it with black accessories and I think it looks ok, but I am not sure if I would venture out like this (and where??). 

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That's all folks!

What do you think of Mai Tai pieces?

Should I keep any of them?

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

Pattern Mixing with J.Crew Stretch Denim Jacket

I am not big on pattern mixing but sometimes I like to have some fun with it. An easy way to do it, is to choose simple color palette like blue, black and white and put together simple geometric print (stripes or polka dots) with big floral.

In this outfit dashes of ochre in the skirt and green necklace keeps it from being too predictable.

This outfit consists of some favorite pieces in my wardrobe. The skirt is in one of my all time favorite J.Crew prints. I was examining the details and sadly, it may be one of the last instances where the lining is in acetate and the hem is over 2 inches wide in case you want to let it down. I remember when most J.Crew skirts and dresses were made this way, but it seems a distant memory now.

 

The jacket is J.Crew Stretch denim jacket. It is very similar cut as Nolita denim jacket but it has more stretch in it (90% cotton, 8% Polyamide and 2% Elastane). It has a clean medium blue wash, very classic. It fits well and it is very soft. It is nicely defined in the chest and nipped in the waist. I am wearing size Medium and I would say it runs rather small. Last time I tried Nolita jacket I was in between sizes, but this one I don;t think I could button in Small.

I didn't wear a denim jacket for quite a long time, but I love this one. I always thought that any time I would like to wear a denim jacket, I would already be in jeans and I was not totally sold on denim-on-denim look, even with fancy heels. But I realized that with its cropped shape, this jacket will be fun with colorful skirts or over dresses. Plus, it is soooo comfortable.

Wearing J.Crew Gallerista skirt,  Stretch denim jacket and Valentina pumps, Banana Republic t-shirt and messenger bag and necklace by Lucky Jeans.

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That's all folks!

Do you like to mix patterns?

 Do you own a denim jacket or Gallerista skirt? How do you wear it?

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

Camels and Elephants Remixed

My 'color story' for this week could be called 'Safari'. I love all the sandy shades of cream/ivory/beige mixed with brown and black. And I still did not get bored with my Elephant necklace!

Anthro skirt with J.Crew cami  (both older pieces)

This outfit got the most compliments. It was a gift from my husband, from couple of years ago. I am proud of his good taste. I don't like wearing a strapless bra but there is no way around it with this top and I make an exception.  I did bring a cardi to cover up but it it was hot that day and my office is casual.

J.Crew perfect tee and No2 pencil skirt

I never thought I would wear animal prints until last year, but I do like this skirt. I usually tone it down with simple t-shirt and soften it up with pink shoes. Miraculously, this skirt does not wrinkle, even if it is all unlined cotton. I usually don't like unlined skirts but this one holds its shape and feels cool.

J.Crew cami and linen trousers (older)

This Grand Ruffle cami was one of my favorite purchases from J.Crew despite having big ass ruffle, mixed fabrics and unfinished edges. I wore it a lot, machine washed it on regular cycle and it held its shape and did not unravel. It is also not a see through, rarity at J.Crew and I love the color.  

J.Crew Jenny dress with Jack Rogers sandals

I wore this Jenny dress on my work from home day, it is super comfy. I think I paid under $20 for it last year. It has a big exposed zipper in the back and it came in numerical sizes (I am wearing a 4). It even has bra strap snaps! I like that it is finished in the woven fabric, it dresses it up a bit. Still there is something off about the fit, so I like it but do not love it. 



Ann Taylor Shift with old sandals

You have seen the review of this Ann Taylor dress HERE. This was my husband's favorite from this bunch. I love this dress and it does not need any styling imo. I just wanted to wear a black strappy sandals with it. It did wrinkle but not horribly; this picture is from the afternoon. This is the only piece in this post that was purchased this year.

J.Crew perfect fit tee with Hutton pants

This is one of my basics outfits, so I like to add a little punch with my red Repettos.

J.Crew Rowboat dress

The Rowboat dress did not get much love in the blogosphere but I love it. I am wearing a size Small. I reach for it a lot, when I want to look casual but still polished.

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That's all folks!

Do you like 'safari' theme for summer?

Do you own any of the pieces? How do you wear them?

Which look is your favorite, if any?