Madewell and how I (don't) worry about my size...

Did you see the post from J.Crew Aficionada about Madewell coming to Nordstrom and Net-a-Porter? I have a Madewell store in the nearby mall, so it doesn't make a huge difference to me, but I think this is great news to those who don't. I love Nordstrom!

Madewell has some great boots and bags. I was dying for Rag and Bone ankle booties last year but could not justify the price and Madewell had some good alternatives (Billie!). I ended up not buying them, but only because I was so wrapped up in the house decorating madness. But last summer I needed a few new t-shirts and Madewell had just the styles. I think they are a little edgier and trendier than J.Crew but still without logos and unnecessary embellishments.

In fact, their striped linen tee has been one of my favorite items recently.  Yes. To the point that when I look at my iPhone pictures, it sometimes seems like that's the only t-shirt I own! I also seem to be drinking a lot of champagne, but that's a good thing, right?

Here I am, rowing in the Central Park, dressed in almost all-Madewell outfit. The white vest was another one of my favs, It can instantly turn even your shorts-and-tee outfit into something chic. And I wore that necklace to death. Quite literally, as one day the chain came apart and it was all little pieces all over the floor. So OK, maybe it is not such a great quality, but I still loved it while it lasted (kind of like my ex, but nevermind). I saw this necklace on some TV personalities, including Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper. I love her style, don;t you?

They now have something quite similar, called Arrowstack necklace.

Here is that t-shirt again, this time with my Rag and Bone Fedora.  I also bought it in red and solid gray (the t-shirt, not the hat), but somehow I did not wear those that often. Contrary to the care label washing instructions, I just wash them on a regular cycle. Who has time to hand wash the t-shirts? They do shrink if you put them in the dryer but they will stretch again in the next wash.  I also like their viscose slouchy v-neck tees, they drape well and they are supersoft. That said, they do sometimes develop those annoying little holes in front. I gave up on it and just assume they will not last more than one season. Oh well.

For now, I realized that I need a couple of long sleeve t-shirts, as I seem to have  'outgrown' most of what I have in my closet. Sigh. I even suggested to my boyfriend that maybe if he dumped me, I started losing some weight, being brokenhearted and such, but buying couple of things in a bigger size may be a more pleasant solution. Don't worry, eventually I may skip some of  the DD breakfasts and may even get back to an exercise routine, lol.

Here is what I ordered:

She is wearing my necklace!

And this too:

I should have gone to the store to try it on, but I am too lazy. That's what happens when you start getting fat like Meghan Trainor too much.

Btw, why is everything cropped these days? I can't do cropped!

***

What do you think? Do you buy from Madewell? Do you own any of the t-shirts I ordered?
Please chime in, it would be no fun without you!

Tippi cardigan and Painters tee

I ordered Tippi cardigan and Painter Boatneck Tee as ride alongs to get free shipping on some sale items, plus I was curious how they fit.

Painter boatneck tee in stripe

Size Medium

I would say the Painter boatneck tee in stripe fits TTS. I am in between Small and Medium and this one is quite fitted in Medium, so I would not size down. I liked the weight of slub cotton, it was not see through and it felt very soft. I like this shirt much better than more pricey one that I ordered from Chance. The gold buttons are a nice touch. I agree with a copy that you can wear it alone and layered. I would love to get it on sale at one point but I think I have enough stripes. Still, I don't have any Red stripes....

Stripes Overload!!!

Also, see Cate's review of an orange version HERE.

***

Tippi cardigan

The Tippi cardigan has a basic shape and TTS fit. I ordered a Medium and this is the size I would get.  It is quite fitted when buttoned but it still has some room, which I like in sweaters. It does not suffer from the 'skinny arms' syndrome. I was surprised how soft the knit felt, almost like cashmere. I always thought most merino sweaters are too scratchy for my comfort but not this one. Of course I was trying it with a long sleeve shirt underneath, so maybe that's why?

Size Medium

The fit is nothing special, but if you need a basic navy cardigan and you are not afraid of 'uniform vibe', I highly recommend. It is on my list for the fall.  Strangely enough, I don't have a basic wool navy cardigan and I consider it nice alternative to cashmere, cheaper and less pill prone. The length seems versatile and it should go well with both trousers and dresses/skirts.

Very nice basic

***

That's all folks!

Do you like Tippi cardigan? How about painter tee?

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

J.crew Fitting Room Reviews - part 3

Today's post is a continuation of my fitting room reviews from my visit to the mall last weekend.

Vintage cotton cap-sleeve tee in stripe

Size Medium

I don't see this striped t-shirt on the website but it is vintage cotton type, slightly sheer, slouchy fit and short bat sleeves that are just continuation of body with no seam.  It is very basic and nothing special but I kind of liked its slouchy fit .

***

 

• Perfect shirt in stripe linen

J.Crew has it styled with orange pants

This linen perfect shirt fits TTS. I usually take a 6, but they did not have it in the store, so I tried an 8. It was slightly loose on me, but still have enough shape to keep it from being sloppy. I liked to have some extra room in the chest, but if you want something more fitted, go with your regular size.

Size 8

TTS

The linen/cotton blend would be perfect for the summer. Since it is definitely menswear inspired, I think it will work better on those of us who have some curves up top, or if you are just going for that tomboyish vibe.

long enough to stay tucked in

***

Nolita jacket in Great Lakes wash

I have heard many JCAs raving about the Nolita jacket but I never had a chance to try it. When I took it to the fitting room I realized why it is well liked. The denim is very soft and it feels great. The shape is feminine and would work with pants skirts and dresses alike. The wash is a nice medium dark.

Size Small

 

The jacket is nicely shaped but oversized, I think it would be size down for most people. My regular size Medium was too roomy on me and it did not look right. However, size Small was pulling a bit across the chest. I liked the slanted chest pockets, fitted waist and cropped design.

pulling a little across the chest in size Small  (I am 34D)

I am generally not a fan of J.Crew denim and I consider it very mediocre quality and seriously overpriced for what it is. But is think this little jacket is worth the money. Unfortunately, I am in between sizes.

***

Olympia suede wedges

These sandals were in sale section, priced at $59 and with additional 30% off. It seemed like a great deal and I need a pair of comfortable black sandals, so I thought I would give them a try

Size 8.5, TTS

I did not like all these straps. And that additional ankle strap added to Union Jack effect.

They were quite comfortable with a wedge that is not too high. The suede looks like nothing special in black, but it was soft and would mold to your feet. The lining is man made but it did not seem too slippery.

They looked sligthly better with jeans, maybe because you don;t see the ankle strap (see above in last picture with Nolita jacket) But what I really didn't like was how they looked from the back.

Nevertheless, I was tempted to buy them just because they were on deep sale, but I decided to leave them behind, especially since they would be final sale.  I decided that the price seems great only in J.Crew world, because in reality, other stores are filled with shoes that are also 'not quite there' , priced about the same. 

If I wouldn't buy them at Macy's or Lord & Taylor, why should I buy them at J.Crew? 

*** 

 Do you own or like any of the items I reviewed today?

Do you wear denim jackets?

Do you buy stuff just because it seems a great deal?

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

***

Stripes and Dots still going strong - J.Crew Fitting Room Reviews

I stopped at J.Crew over the weekend to return the Sabrina dress and colorblock cardigans I reviewed HERE. Since I was already there, I wanted to take few items to the fitting room for reviews.

The 30% final sale was still going on and they were some great deals there. I did buy couple of items that I will show you in another post.  I was uninspired by new items that day and nothing looked super exciting to me, but I did find a few items that I don't see online, so they are either coming in the next rollout or are in store only.

Awning Stripe Popover

Size Medium

This one is not online and I think it is part of the May rollout.  I first saw it styled with No2 Skirt in Porcelain Paisley and some of you expressed interest in it,  so I thought I will review it.

More May preview pictures HERE

Btw, I have pre-ordered the skirt and it should be shipping this week. I am awaiting it anxiously and I will review it promptly, as soon as I get it. Maybe I will be tempted to check out the popover again with the skirt.

TTS, like other popovers

The shirt is made of gauzy textured cotton. It should be light and breezy for the summer but it does feel a little scratchy.  Overall nice, regular popover fit, but nothing special imo.

$69.50, 100% cotton

***

Unidentified Striped Boatneck

Size Medium

This tee also comes in navy and gray but I was looking for the red stripes and on the hanger it looked like it had a potential.  However, the fit was strange. I took size Medium, which is bigger of my two knit sizes, but it was still tight across the shoulders and chest, even if it may not look like that in the pictures. The waist area on the other hand, was big, sloppy and not draping correctly. Maybe I needed to try a Large?  It was a major pass for me, not even on huge sale. 

Runs small across shoulders and chest.

$45, 100% cotton

***

Unidentified Big Dot Dress

Size 6

I saw this dress in store few weeks ago but I was never compelled enough to try it. I think this one may be store only. 

It looked big on a hanger so I took a size 6 with me to try.

Runs big

It was a right call, as the dress was still loose in size 6, but I suppose this is how it should fit. I think the idea is that if you thought the big shot dress was too hard to dress down or too puffy this dress is much easier to wear casually.  Of course, it is not really casual, since it requires dry cleaning.

Easy (aka sloppy) fit

I did not like the pockets sticking out and over all sloppiness. I would still be much more likely to wear this over the Big Shot dress and this one did not make me feel like a five year old.

$168, 100% silk, lining 100% poly

However, it is still just as pricey, and it seems even more so since it has a casual dress vibe. 

 

***

That's all folks!

Are you tempted by any of these? 

What did you spend your rewards cards on (if you got one)?

Do you think this rendition of big dots dress would be easier to wear? 

 I will have more reviews tomorrow, including Lucille dress in silk and Margate purse

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

Altuzarra for J.Crew Patricia Dress Review

I received the Altuzarra for J.Crew Patricia dress. It was one of those things I just had to try on.

Altuzarra for J.Crew Patricia dress

I asked CS for the measurements and decided it runs big, so I ordered a Small, which I usually wear in J.Crew knit dresses, but which I consider smaller of my non numerical sizes.

It was a right call and even in size Small it is still loose fitting which I like, but if you want a close fit, definitely size down full size. The length is good for this type of dress, slightly longer than on a model, but definitely not to the knee, like the description says, and I am not overly tall (5'6).

Size Small

The dress drapes nicely with slight waist definition. I like the fit. The sleeves are longer on me, but I have relatively short arms, so this is probably a good news for most. The colors are very flattering IMO and the red stitching of shoulder patches and sleeves adds some edge to otherwise very plain design. I don't know if this is clearly visible form the pictures but the dress is navy with ivory background but the shoulder patches and lower portion of sleeves is navy and white.  I like the varying width of stripes and they are positioned correctly with darker part around midsection, creating an illusion of a smaller waist. The dress has just enough room in the chest but the shoulders fit me nicely and the hops are not too big.

Good length but not 'to the knee'

The neckline is also nice, not too low and not too high, perfect for long sleeved dress, that would most likely be worn in the spring and fall, but not when it gets hot.
The fabric is slub cotton but the weight is perfect, soft and substantial, not so thin that it would be see through but not sweatshirt weight (like Maritime dress) that would make it too hot in a warmer weather.
The stripes are perfectly matched at the seams. The workmanship seems good to me with all the seams finished but the stitching is not perfect and many pieces of thread endings are left not trimmed. Nothing looks prone to unraveling or developing holes.

 

Overall, it is a basic shape dress but they did get the details right. For whatever it is worth, it is better than any cotton striped t-shirt dress I tried on recently.

There is of course a question of price.

It is expensive for a basic cotton dress. I was planning to try it on, return and wait for sale but I am tempted to keep it. I may be wrong, but I have a feeling that this dress will work for a lot of people and will not get that many returns. Since it is currently backordered until June, I may not get it for months if I decide to return. I hate paying full price and rarely ever do, but I may just suck it up on this one. At least I got it with 7% rebate from Shop at Home.

Cotton feels very nice against the skin

My concern is wearability. Our summers are hot and I would prefer if this dress had short, elbow of even three quarter sleeves, I think I will get more wear out of it. Since it has nautical vibe I am not sure I would want to wear it in the fall. I also have the Banana Republic dress has very similar function. Granted, I only paid $12 for BR dress, but how many navy striped dresses does one need?

If I keep it, I would wear it with a long necklace and yellow/red/navy/pink shoes, it should look good with both flats and heels. I could wear it to work with Madewell Academy blazer, but I can also see it on weekends with ballet flats or sandals. It looks great with red Repettos.

That's all folks!

***

What do you think?
Are you considering Patricia dress or have you already bought one?
Is it worth the price? Should I keep it?

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

Does all classic and no twist make J.Crew a dull girl?

What is red, white and blue, feels familiar and is  striped all over?

J.Crew Spring 2012 Collection!!!

This was not so evident when we saw the previews in the fall and I was expecting more greens, yellows, purples and pinks. Don't get me wrong, the red, white and blue are great and classic, but I am getting a little bored with it. Not mentioning stripes and polka dot overload. Plus, the Jules dress and Talitha blouse seem to be reproducing faster and faster with each rollout. I know we all have been asking for return the the 'good old days' and more classics, so thank you J.Crew for listening, but... where is 'The Twist'? 

I gave you everything you ever wanted
It wasn't what you wanted... "    (So Cruel by U2)

I am really sorry J.Crew, you know I still love you, it is just that I am falling asleep in the fitting rooms these days. You think we can try some 'experimenting', to spice things up a little bit?  It is probably not you, it's me...

***

Wait! I take it back. This is really cute!!! I knew you can do it!

Ultra eyelet shell

It looks promising. And I NEED the red top.  It is even on The List (my shopping list for this year).

It also comes in white, but I think this is a little too chaste for me, at my age ;)

Front

Back

I have labeled front and back, so I don't get confused ;) See what happened with Villa dress review yesterday.

$98 100% cotton, both eyelet and lining :)

In Chili (to spice things up):

I

Eyelet Hookup

Sorry, I cannot help myself and have to use the 'Hookup' term, every chance I get.

Boy meets girl?

Shell is size 8

I would say it runs small. I had to get an 8 and I am almost always a 6 in tops and shirts.
The neckline is very high and it was not very comfortable. Maybe I just have a thick neck? Sigh...
Overall, it is very cute and the red color is gorgeous and very flattering imo. I think it would work much better if your chest is smaller and your neck is long and slender. I think it would be great with jeans, the way they styled it on the website. I am very glad the lining is cotton and not, God forbid, polyester.

Back-zip long-sleeve pullover

If you are not completely striped out this is very nice. It is a thicker cotton than for example Spindrift sweatshirt which I reviewed HERE. It fits TTS but it seems relatively narrow in the hips, so you may want to size up to accommodate it. You can see below that this would give you more slouchy fit, probably better if you want to wear it with jeans. It feels comfortable and easy to wear.

size Small

size Medium

$68 100% Cotton

Hefty zipper but not exposed

I liked it a lot but I think I am striped out and cannot get excited about it. The color code is BLA so I think this is black and white. I can never tell in the fitting room light.

I don't see the tank below online, but it is very cute. It has scalloped edges and eyelet detail, very sweet.

skirt size 6

I sized up in the No. 2 pencil skirt in ultra eyelet. I always wear size 4 in pencil skirts but i thought it was too tight. Size 6 fits me nicely.  It is a very pretty skirt and the color is divine.

tank size Small

tank seems to be also in chili

What I didn't like, was the shadows that form where the eyelet is separated from the lining. I think it looked worse irl that in the pictures. Do you think this is totally OCD?

When I was about to leave I noticed couple of other items:

Polka dot (again) capri pants on the display. Seem to be the same print as Polka-dot pencil skirt. They were not in the store.

polka dot capris

White and navy Edie Attache bag
 
Oh, I really wish it had a top zipped or another closure because the open top is a deal breaker for me as I shown you HERE.  

Nautical Edie Attache

That's all folks

***

Do you think J.Crew is getting repetitive or am I being 'So Cruel'?
Are you OK with all classic or do we really need a twist?



Do you like any of the pieces from today's review?