Ugly duckling

I am generally happy with my size, my body and my clothes. I used to have many more insecurities, but sometime around the time I turned forty, I thought I have finally arrived.

My closet was purged and restocked with things I love and I do not have so many of those 'I have nothing to wear' or 'everything looks hideous on me'  moments any more. I own well fitting clothes for work and play, casual, formal and everything in between.  I know what I like and I don't do too much of fantasy buying. I like to think I own my style and wear my clothes with confidence and no regrets. 

So far, so good...

Only, sometimes, I have those moments of feeling that I got it all wrong. Wrong style, wrong look, just WRONG ME, going straight back to my clumsy, uncool,  makeover needing self.

I had one of those moments last Sunday, in church, of all places. I don't remember what I was wearing, but there was this couple right in front of us. The woman was wearing flared chambray trousers, some kind of short but flowy gray cardigan, and kind of athletic footwear that somehow looked cool and just right with her outfit and an oversized canvas/leather bag. She is probably at least ten years younger than me, naturally beautiful, 15 pounds thinner and with layered, thick, brown hair cascading half way down her back. Her husband put his arm around her shoulder and gently pushed a strand of hair from her face, with this glazed over, 'I can't believe she is standing next to me', look.


I suddenly realized I got it all wrong. I am too fat, too old, my hair will never cooperate, my husband thinks I am OK, but nowhere near  'I can't believe she is standing next to me'  adorable. My style is uncool. Who the heck wants to wear all those colorful pencil skirts, like I am stuck in the 60's or some kind of Glee addict. Nobody even remotely cool would be caught dead in my clothes, that's for sure.

is this how my J.Crew clothes look to the outside world?

I do know the couple in front of us, because their daughter is in the CCD class with my daughter. The kid is absolutely adorable, well behaved and looks exactly like her mother. Why is it that none of my daughters look like me? Probably nature telling me I should not be reproducing...

And then my husband innocently asked me: 'Does it take a lot of work to have a hair like this?' . Okay, so all this time, when I could at least hope this was just in my head, he has been admiring her hair too??? No doubt he also noticed that her butt looked great in those chambray trousers. And I couldn't  even console myself with thinking that she is some kind of stuck up, shallow,  Kardashion loving, bimbo.  I have talked to her and she is low key and friendly. They just moved to town, struggling a little, trying to adjust and make new friends. There was no way I could hate her.

When we got home I stared at the content of my closet. No, she would never wear any of it, I decided.  What was I thinking??? Should I throw it all out and start from scratch?

But, of course, I will never be her age again (in fact, I don't remember EVER being that age, I was always of already-too-old-age), my butt will never look half as good in ANY trousers, nothing would make my hair CASCADE and the new clothes will certainly not come with an adoring husband..

Life is just not fair, I pouted.

But since there was nobody around to even notice that, I stuffed my hair in the scrunchie and headed for the kitchen to make lunch for my not-so-adoring husband and daughter.

"Mom, you look beautiful" my daughter exclaimed as I was coming down the stairs. "Yeah baby, those pants look hot on you" my husband winked at me. "How about a glass of wine for my beautiful wife?"

OK, I am lying. Cross out the last paragraph. The timing does not work quite as well in my family. But I am sure this is just what they think, at least sometimes, right?

I did pour myself a glass of wine. And since I will never be willowy slim anyway, I sliced some cheese, too.
Oh, well...

***

Have you ever had one of those days?

What triggers your self doubt and what makes you feel better?

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!!!

***

Going Rouge

I decided to keep my Madewell Rouge dot skirt. After going through my closet I found quite a few pieces that I can wear it with. Nothing groundbreaking, as far as styling goes, but good enough for me.

With navy t-shirt

I told you I have been wearing the best mate belt with everything... It helps camouflaging the tummy area bumpiness.

This t-shirt is from J.Crew from couple of years ago and I really like it, it goes with everything. I also have it in ivory and it is also nice but rather sheer, so not as versatile.

The striped linen top, as well as the white linen cami I bought on my trip to Poland 9 years ago. Poland is famous for its linen and I bought several pieces that have been wearing as iron. My necklace and bracelet are real coral, also bought on that trip, so you can say I have a little ethnic vibe going, lol.

I do love the shape of this little cami below, it is perfect with skirts for the summer. I also have it in natural with a lace detail at thehem.

li

And of course my trusty Gap denim top, it goes with everything. This piece must be close to 20 years old, can you believe it?

When in doubt, wear white, especially when we are talking tops, in the summer. I love white shirts and live in them in the summer.

This is a lace panel J.Crew tank from last year.

Last but not least, my favorite perfect fit, snap button t-shirt, I have it in many colors and I love the shape.

That's all folks!

***

 

How do you wear full longer skirts?

I am still working on owning this look. It proves more difficult than I thought...

Do you like anything I came up with?

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

Styling Hilary

Here is what I bought with the recent 30% off and using my rewards card:

I have tried the Hilary dress some time ago (see HERE) and I loved the fit of it, but I thought it was way too expensive for a rayon dress. However, I kept coming back to it, and the simplicity and easiness of it was calling my name, so after it went on sale and with additional percent off, I decided  that the price was finally right.

Clothes like this can be deceptively simple. Many dresses will look the same on the hanger, but when you try them on, they end up not looking that great for one reason or another. It may be just the body type issue, of course.

size 8

I am wearing it with Giraffe charm necklace, floppy suede belt and patent leopard Valentinas, all from J.Crew. 

I like the idea of full skirt and longer length but it has to drape right, I can't stand anything puffy. I also hate when the waist is too high, armholes too low or  scoop neck is too deep (or too high). Hilary dress passes all of those requirements.  Plus, blue is my favorite color and  I like the back zipper and the pockets. I would prefer that this dress was made in cotton jersey knit, but they do sometimes stretch and fade quickly.

with Paintbox Cardi and cobalt Repettos

I like that I can wear this dress on its own, or just with the belt or necklace, but it also looks good with the cardigan. Actually, my paintbox cardigan turned out to be a perfect match for it and I imagine wearing it to the office and then taking it out, to go out on a lunch break.

 Madewell belt and Talbots shoes

This Madewell belt and Talbots stingray slingbacks have became my favorite accessories this spring, they go with everything I wear this season.

best mate belt

***

My other 30% off/rewards card purchase was the cafe capri in Foulard print. Again, I tried them some time ago and really liked them but the price was too high.

With Spindrift Sweatshirt

I took size 4, which is my regular size in city fit pants and pencil skirts. They fit me very well in hips and tights. Sometimes I wish the calves were a little roomier, but I guess they would not look so streamlined then. They are pretty long, so if you are petite, definitely order a petite size. I have once tried ordering the tall size (in another color) to see if they will work as full length, but although the length was good, they did not look right, imo.

With pink Valentinas

Pink Valentinas give me an idea that they would probably also work with a pink top and navy shoes, what do you think?

With Chambray top

with white eyelet shirt

I love to wear white tops with everything. You don't always see it, because they are so difficult to photograph.

with Madewell Academy blazer

I am sure some JCAs will come up with some more creative styling ideas and I will happily emulate them. But contrary to many 'should I buy it' rules,  I usually don't worry about having thousands of options. This would be important if I had very pared down wardrobe, where every piece has to work overtime with everything in your closet. Since I never wear anything as often as I would like to believe, the important thing for me is not that I have so many options but that the options are good.

 OOTD

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That's all folks!

What do you think of my choices?

Do you own Hilary dress or Foulard capris? How do you wear them?

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

Lucille Dress, Marci Wedges And Margate Purse

This is a continuation of my J.Crew fitting room reviews from last weekend.

I tried this dress thinking of my friend DaniBP, because I remember her posting about liking this dress when it debuted on the J.Crew website.  I have previously tried on the Lucille dress in eyelet HERE, but the solid silk one is refreshing in its simplicity and pretty colors. I think they had some other color in store (maybe green), but I decided to try on the black one, to see if it can work as an LBD.     

Lucille dress in cotton-silk faille

Lucille dress in cotton-silk faille

I took the same size as in eyelet Lucille and the size I have been wearing in J.Crew dresses this year.

Size 8, fits TTS. Pockets!

It is a pretty dress and the fit is nice.  It has very simple shape, so it can be dressed up or down with accessories.  It has a back zipper, back vent, pockets and it is regular bra friendly.  It is slightly high waisted on me, but I think that if you are A or B cup it will hit you at your natural waist.

Shoes reviewed below

This kind of dress can benefit from a belt. I have bought this anchor belt from Madewell, couple of weeks ago and I have been trying it with everything.  I wanted to link to it, but I don't see it on the website. It is navy and I am wearing size small.

With Madewell anchor belt

I liked the dress with a belt, it is also my trick for visually lowering the waistline.

*** 

• Marci patent wedges

I bought so much navy this spring,  I am looking for a pair of nice navy sandals. I thought Marci wedges have some potential to fulfill this need.

Size 8.5 TTS

They fit TTS and the wedge is very walkable. the patent is quite stiff and feels plasticky, which is often the case with J.Crew patent, I am not a fan. They also run slightly narrow and the straps were digging into my skin a bit.

Please ignore the ugly sock line indentation marks

Slightly narrow

They are OK but they do have a grandma vibe to me, I could not help feeling uncool in them :(
So no, they will not be my navy sandals. Plus I think they are seriously overpriced, like most J.Crew shoes, btw.

To get to J.Crew store at the mall I usually enter through the Lord & Taylor shoe department, which I would consider your average department store selection. Every time I walk by, I see many better priced, nicer looking, better made shoes there at lower price points.  And yes, I do buy there, they also have excellent sales always going on.  I try J.Crew shoes, but with exception of Valentinas, they just don't cut it for me. Jmho.

  

Comfortable height wedge

***

Margate purse

The Margate purse was an item that got my attention in recent rollout, I even posted about it here.
Many of you prefer the Margate satchel, but I do have a cobalt blue Coach bag (love it) that fulfills the bigger bag function, but I don't have a smaller navy blue purse.  Not that everybody needs to have a smaller navy blue purse, but since navy is my new black...

Soft leather

It did not dissappoint me irl. It is beautiful. The leather is soft and it feels luxurious nad the size is just right. It would fit all my essentials, and would be roomy enough to wear everyday,  but that's also because I always carry a backpack to work.

Just the right size

The strap is adjustable, so you could carry it over the shoulder or cross body or stuff the strap inside and use it as a clutch, I like to have all those options. There is just one compartment inside and zippered pocket, personally that is just enough for me, I never know what to do with all the compartment and pockets.

 

Zippered pocket inside

I would happily buy this purse if money was no object. But it is currently too much for me and not in my budget. If it ever goes to sale I may jump on it.

If a smaller bag is in your plans and budget I would recommend it, especially if we get 20% off full price (fingers crossed).

***

That's all folks!

Are you tempted by any of these? 

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

What do you think of J.Crew shoes in general? 

 I am working on more reviews, including linen striped shirt, Nolita jean jacket and more, so please stop by.

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