My Mother

in her twenties

With Dad

 on the left with some friends

With Me

I Love You Mom!!!

***

Happy Mothers Day to Everybody!!!

Wardrobe Staples - Suiting and Icon Trench

I ordered some 1035 superfine cotton suiting with the last 30% secret promo. I thought it was a good opportunity to pick up navy blazer, trousers and skirt, all for about $200.

I like J.Crew superfine cotton, it feels smooth and it keeps its shape and it is good for year round, except maybe few super cold weeks in the winter.

Blazer size 6 and trousers size 4

It is perfect navy shade

I like this shade of navy. Not too dark to be confused with black and not too blue or faded. The blazer is basic cut, rather roomy, so do not size up. Notched lapels, flap pockets, inside pocket and pen holder, lined in navy polyester and striped lining for sleeves.

Looks good open and closed and from the back. Definitely can go to an interview, but I can easily wear it with jeans and t-shirt. Well worth the under $90 I paid.

Now, for the trousers, I posted this rant on Mothership and I will repeat it here. I have ordered two sizes and I noticed the first pair I tried looked a little different from my favorite 1035 superfine gray cotton trousers from last year.  I got out the other size and sure enough, they were exactly the same as my gray pair, wide waistband, double belt loops and vertical banded pockets that stay flat, as opposed to single loops, narrower waistband and slanted pockets, that stick out.

I checked the tag and no surprise, the pair I like is labeled SU11 and the other pair is labeled SP12. To me, this design is not just different, but shows decline in quality. These little details made me like this style.

But maybe I am wrong, and people prefer single loops, slanted pockets and thinner waistband?
Fortunately for me, there is almost no difference in dimensions (and both pairs fit me) even if they are 2 different sizes (4 & 6), so it looks like the sizing also changed. Of course I am keeping SU11 pair.
Btw, the picture on the website shows the trousers with double loops.

The skirt is also slightly different from last year's, that I also own. SP12 version has a thinner and less defined waistband. You can see the difference on the website when you compare the byzantine blue with navy. 

The skirt I received looks like byzantine blue, but I own the same skirt that looks like the navy picture. The fit is great on me, but skirt in the new design does look a little cheaper. Other than that, it is a nice basic skirt and fits TTS.

Skirt size 4

I would still recommend the superfine cotton suiting, it is great quality for the price. If I were wearing suits to work, I would even pick up more colors. The white version is also tempting me, as I could wear all pieces separately, but it is not on sale right now.

 

***

Last week, I almost lost my beloved BR trench coat. I was waiting for my shuttle and since the day was beautiful, I  took the coat off and put it across the back of the bench I was sitting on. I was looking at my phone and did not see the shuttle coming, until it pulled in front of the building, so I quickly grabbed my backpack and forgot about the coat. I did not remember about it until I got off the train in my town and I couldn't remember if I left the coat on the bench, in the shuttle or at the train station. I actually went back to look for it but it was nowhere to be found and I thought I lost it. I was really bummed about it, because it is one of my favorites and I have been wearing it non stop. I had no desire to shop for a new coat and spend money when I was very happy with this one.

But, since I was at J.Crew last weekend, I thought I would try this year's version of the Icon Trench. I first tried an 8, but it was way too big and shapeless so I asked for a 6. 

Size 6

6 was a correct size and the coat fitted me well so I would say it runs TTS to big. I did not like the color. I thought it was too yellow for my skin tone. I also did not like the fact that is is so short. I think it looks great with pants but it has an awkward length with a pencil skirt or anything knee length. I much preferred my BR coat that falls about an inch or two above the knee, almost the same length as most of my skirts and dresses.

Other than that, the shape, fit and fabric are great and feel luxurious and look chic. I have tried the current BR coat some time ago and I did not like it as much as the version I have ( I think from 2010 or 2009) First of all, it has epaulets, which I don't like, especially that most of my bags I wear over the shoulder and I don't like the look of the strap squishing the epaulets. The fabric also felt flimsier, the lining was plain and not striped like mine, the buttons and buckle details on belt and sleeves were also cheaper looking.

If I was to pick between this year's BR version and an Icon, I would pick an Icon, but if choosing between my old BR coat and Icon I would stay with BR. This is just my personal preference, mostly because of the length and color, not quality or design. 

I worked from home Monday to Wednesday (because I suffered from nasty stomach flu) but yesterday I was very happy to learn that I left my coat at the office park and that it was picked up by security!!!  We are now happily reunited, but I realized that it desperately needs a dry cleaning. 

***

That's all folks!

Do you own any superfine cotton suiting? How do you like it?

Do you thing the quality went down or is it just a difference in design?

Do you own an Icon Trench? 

Do you think it is better than similar trench coats from other brands?

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

J.Crew Fitting Room Reviews - Summer Frocks

This post was done as a collaboration with my budding 9yo fashionista.

Here are reviews of four dresses I took to the fitting room when I tried the Porcelain Paisley skirt:

 

Collection pleated blouson dress

Size 6

The color of this dress is beautiful. The length is good. Fits TTS, maybe a little large compare to other dresses this year, but I think it is mostly due to the blouson effect, I have to size up to an 8 this year, in many dresses, to accommodate my chest.

The shape is rather unflattering,  at least om me. It is made of 100% Polyester. It is $350. It has thousand little buttons, zippers and hooks to close/open. OK, not a thousand, but it closes in front, plus it has a side zipper and side snaps and hooks in front. Not a great dress for doing fitting room reviews ;)

Pretty color

I think this is seriously overpriced. If I saw this dress in Marshalls,  I don't think, I would stop to look. And if I checked the fabric content anything over $35 would seem like too much.

My 9yo daughter looked at the pictures and this is her verdict:

 "This dress is weird, Mom. Puffy everywhere and with that stupid elastic in the middle"

Listen to the youth, like Gigi said. Words of wisdom.

$350 for polyester???  I don't think so!

***

Puffection dress in stripe

Puffection dress in stripe

Size 8

This dress was pretty but I am not a fan of puffed sleeves, they make me feel ridiculous and fussy. It runs big.  I first tried on an 8, which was way too big and then a 6, which was better but still plenty of room in the hips. I thought it made me look wide. The sash is silly, but removable, so you can swap it for regular belt. The neckline is wide, but the sleeves come with bra snaps to keep the straps in place, a definite plus with this design.

I liked the fabric and the length is good. If you don't mind the puffed sleeves it may be a nice party frock.

Opinion of the youth: "Princess dresses should have a full skirt". She is convinced puff sleeves belong with princesses. "But we are all princesses inside" I tried to convince her. "That's nonsense, Mom"  kids will snap you back to reality very quickly.

For another take see  the dress on shopwithM, she looks great in it!

***

Unidentified striped silk dress

Size 8, TTS

This little number is 100%  silk and it fits TTS. Maybe it will for for Petite ladies, but on me it was too high waisted and too short. It did not feel right to be made of silk and lined in poly.  The shape and stripes suggests easy vacation frock, but the fabrics confuse me. Maybe if it was cotton jersey, a little longer and half the price? Of course that would be a different dress altogether, lol.

My 9yo fashion expert verdict: "Too simple and boring."

Too short!

$148, 100% silk, lining 100% poly

***

Back-bow dress

SIZE 6

Size 6 in this dress was definitely snag across the chest and I would need an 8 in this one. Other than that, the fit is good and if I did not have an Attache white dress I would definitely consider this one.

77%cotton, 23% linen, lining 100% poly :(

For those of you that like longer dresses this one is plenty long. The fabric looked wrinkly in the store, so definitely consider that, if wrinkles bother you.  I did not like the poly lining. The bow detail in the back is very pretty. Nice thing is that while showing some skin, you can still wear a regular bra.

My daughter decided this one is "too white, like a wedding dress". I wish they would make it in other colors, I think it would look great in black.

That's all folks!

***

Do you listen to your kids opinions about your clothes?

Are in a market for a summer frock?

Do you like any of these dresses?

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

Porcelain Paisley Skirt and Other Upcoming Items

I am super excited to report to you that I stopped at J.Crew store yesterday and guess what they have already received???

No2 Pencil Skirt in Porcelain Paisley!!!

Size 4, TTS

Fits TTS, like other J.Crew pencil skirts. The fabric does not disappoint, very soft with some almost jacquard texture, print and color is beautiful. Falls to the knee cap on me, I am 5'6. It is about half inch longer than Raj Paisley pencil skirt, but is sits a smidge lower on my waist so it looks about inch and a half longer.

Update: I measured it and it is 22.5" long in size 4, center front. 

with superfine cotton blazer

I just happened to be wearing the blazer and the white tee that day, but the skirt actually looked good with both.

Back view

Btw, I don't really like to try dresses or skirts barefoot, so I asked for shoes. The SA brought me black Monas in my regular heel size and they were very snug and uncomfortable.

side view

The print is not matched on the sides, but in J.Crew defense, I don't think that is possible with a print of such a large scale. Once you center it , the back will always be a  little wider than front and therefore the print with not match. It will also look different in different sizes, I imagine, since there is basically no repetition, other than front and back.  

You should be able to see the texture of the fabric in the shot below, if not, open the image separately and blow it up.

$158,  98% cotton, 2%spandex, lining 100% poly

I like the skirt a lot and I took it home (although I am not taking the tags off just yet).  The skirt will be shipping next week for pre-orders and I think it will be in stores/online next Thursday.

 
Saint James® Galathée tee

 

Size Small $90, Size down

 Those tees now come in few pretty shades, aqua blue, green, pink and more.

Nipped in the waist, high crewneck and wide sleeves

I know they are classic and 'real thing', the knit is soft and substantial, but I don't like the fit. It is not the unisex design and it is nicely nipped in the waist, but the neckline is too high and the sleeves are too wide.  I think it actually looks better in pictures than irl. If you have small chest it will probably look even worse. Size small was loose on me and it is smaller of my t-shirt sizes, so I would say size down.
 

Long Striped Cashmere Cardigan 

Long and lean, with deep v neck

This cardigan is expensive but I loved the feel of it. It was super soft and cozy. It felt like I could actually wear it in the summer and it would be perfect for places where the nights are cooler (sadly, not in NJ) or just for air-conditioned offices.

Super soft and comfy

I also loved how if fitted. It is long and lean and the top button sits slightly above my navel.

If money was no object, I would snatch it right away. Since it IS, I left it in store, sniff, sniff.

Size Medium $268

***

That's all Folks!

Is the Porcelain Paisley skirt living to your expectations? 

What do you think of the fit of Saint James® Galathée tee?

How do you like the striped cashmere cardigan?

Are you interested in purchasing any of the reviewed items?

I am working on posting more reviews, superfine cotton suiting and several new frocks, so please stop by!!!

Madewell reviews

Last week on my visit to the mall, I stopped at Madewell again and tried on a few things, mostly for this blog. I have had a pretty good luck with Madewell.  The few items I bought there became my favorites this spring, like the best mate belt or the Academy blazer, which I have been wearing non stop.

I was curious about this skirt ever since we saw it in the spring Lookbook several months ago. 

 

silk dotty passenger skirt

 

Size Medium

It is an interesting skirt, because although it has a pencil shape, it is a pull on, silk skirt with elastic waist and notched hem.  I took size Medium and it was very comfortable, although I could have probably sized down for less gathering at the waist.  I liked the easy fit for the summer, it is less formal and less restricting than say a No2 pencil skirt.

As you can see, it is shorter on me that it is on the model.  Don't let the CS tell you that it is because she has it pulled lower on the hips. If you count the number of dots going down, you will see that the number  of rows is 15 on the model and 13 on me. Yes, I am anal-retentive, I am first to admit, but it is a part of my job description.  I count number of stripes and rows of dots all the time. And I can tell you that a lot of sample items that the J.Crew models are wearing are longer that the retail versions, which annoys me a lot. I'd much rather account for the heigth of the models, I know they are taller than me and the clothes look different on them. Or, just hire the catalog models, which are shorter and closer to average woman height.  OK, end of rant.

Striped pocket t-shirt

Add caption

This t-shirt is pretty basic and nothing special, but I liked the colors and oversized, slouchy fit. The cotton is more substantial and less clingy than on most J.Crew tees. This is size Medium. I took a Small with me as well, but it must have benn mislabeled, because it was even bigger. I would probably get a Medium anyway, since I think it is not meant to be fitted. For now, I decided it was not worth the $29.99 sale price.  About $20 or less is what I am willing to pay for a basic t-shirt.  

Flower print square scarf

This is one thing Madewell does really well, their scarves are beutiful, interesting and worth the money, even at full price. I have too many scarves as it is,  but I was seriously tempted to get this one.

silk dotty sunshade top

I was intrigued by this cami and it is indeed pretty, similar in fit to Natasha top at J.Crew.  I actually like the front placket and neckline better, but I was never a fan of Natasha's fit.  I was not sure about this color on me, but the mint one seemed too girly. This was a Medium again, and a correct size for how I think it should fit.  Not worth the FP of $98 imo, but maybe on sale?

Gauzy boho tunic top

Size Medium

Again, I cannot find it on website and it is hard to see the detail in black but it is made of gauzy cotton, sort of boho peasant tunic style with the embroidery and tie at the neck. I liked it but all those boho tops have a tendency to sit in my closet, this is a fantasy self buying for me. 

shrunken dropdot shirt

This shirt was just really meh on me. I think for button downs I would stick to J.Crew. They offer better selection, better fit(at least on me) and more interesting fabrics.

Basic slub cotton tee

Size Medium

I actually walked out with the t-shirt above.  It was $9.99 and they had it in several other pretty colors. Red shirt was on my list and the price was right. I like the slouchy fit and the weigth of cotton.  I already have this t-shirt in blue/turquiose color and I like it a lot, great for wearing with jeans and comouflaging the muffin top.  I was tempted to get a few more but I reminded myself that I don't need more t-shirts and only red and yellow were on the list. Sigh.

Btw, it is definitely an orange red but it reads more red than orange irl.

  Charade blazer

Blazer Size 4

I have already tried on the Charade blazer, last time it was size 8.  The one above is size 4 and I really need a 6, which was not available, both times.  I actually almost caught it on the popback last Friday. I put the 6 in my cart but I didn't want to pay for the shipping and by the time I found something to add to my cart, it disappeared :(

I should have just grabbed whatever just to go over $100, but I wanted to find something interesting to do a review. I guessed it was not meant to be...

But I was quite bummed about it,  I really like this blazer.

***

That's all folks!

Have you bought anything from Madewell recently?

Is there any category of items you think they do well?

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