Jeweled collar sweater and pink capris

Many of you expressed interest in the Jeweled collar sweater from J.Crew Collection 

After Jcrewfanatic alerted me that the sweater is in fact available in the GSP store, I decided to visit them again and try it on.

Size Medium

I took a Medium in this sweater. I tried on Small as well, but the sleeves were too short. Even in a Medium the sleeves are just right on me, which may mean they will be too short for some of you, since I have proportionally short arms. Maybe they are supposed to be bracelet length?

 

The fit is nice and I like that the sweater is not very long. This makes it more versatile for wearing with skirts and pants. The workmanship seems fine and the crystals are securely attached. The neckline buttons in the back with cute little button. 

The wool is slightly scratchy. I am mildly sensitive to wool and I would be OK with it, but if you are very sensitive it is not for you. Of course you can always wear a t-shirt underneath but on a bare skin it is definitely not as soft as cashmere or even fine merino so keep that in mind

Love the colors

I love the colors on this sweater. It will work perfectly with my fall color story. It can be worn with almost anything: camel, brown, black, gray, red, purple and pink. It would be very versatile. You could dress it down with jeans and it could go to a party as well. It is a special piece, so if you like it, I think it is worth a splurge. I examined the collar and I think that if one day you get really bored with the crystal collar you could remove it. It is not detachable but it is sewn on as a separate piece, so I think it could be done. 

$178 style 94058

50% alpaca 50% wool

I like this sweater and I am definitely considering it. In fact, I brought it home to try it with some of the clothes already in my closet and think about it. I quickly checked it with my camel and gray trousers, pencil skirts in black, bright dahlia and camel and it seems perfect. It may be a keeper but I am known to change my mind so we shall see.

***

I grabbed those pink capris to try on with the sweater. I did not even look at the price or took pictures of the tags because I was convinced they are already on the website and I will check it later, but now I cannot find them. I think the color might be the same as Romance Pink in the No. 2 pencil in herringbone There is also a matching blazer that I saw on the display. I think they are cafe capris and they fit TTS, like other versions of cafe capris. They are fully lined and rather substantial. I am not sure I could get much use out if them with the capri length and thick wool combination but I liked the color a lot. It is a very pretty shade of light pink herringbone.

Capris size 4

***

That's all folks!

Do you like the sweater? 

Do you think it is worth the price?

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

I will have reviews of Liberty shirts and other new items tomorrow. 

***

I am on vacation this week. I am not sure if I have access to the Internet but I will eagerly anticipate your comments and I will try to respond to you but my replies can be delayed

***

Gone Camping!

I am packing for my vacation. No, I am not really a planner when it comes to vacations. This time it was a good thing, because my vacation plans got delayed. It was supposed to start last week but it turned out that my husband needed to take care of some things before we go and we had to stay home. It was because of some very good news for him, so I was not upset, but we had to reorganize.  In the last minute we decided to go camping for a week. Then we are coming back for one week and then going again, in another direction, that (can you believe it?) it is not yet clear at this point but it will not involve camping.

Going camping is a  a break from my usual routine, not to mention a challenge to live without pencil skirts for a week.

It is one of the instances when I figured out that if you cannot beat them you join them. So I am not one of those people that would bring the hair straightener and bunch of skirts to wear, despite the circumstances. I am taking a few pairs of shorts and tee shirts, longer pants, chambray and madras shirts, couple sweatshirts, rain coat and just in case two knit dresses for going out. The campground is located by the shore, so I will also have swimsuits and cover up, long brimmed hat, flip flops and Sperrys. That's about it.

I did not go camping for some time so we shall see how I will survive. But last year we did hat-to-hat hiking in the NH Presidential range, sleeping in triple bunk beds and eating food served family style with all the other hikers. Every morning at 6AM the Ivy League students that maintain the huts will wake us up with their singing. No shower for 5 days! Let me tell you, I had a blast!

I will be away, but guess what? I am sneaky and I scheduled several fitting room reviews posts for the next week. So you will see all the JCrew Fall 2012 items I tried on this week. I think my husband will divorce me soon, as it took all my free time. Thankfully we are going camping, so no Internet for me. But I will try to check your comments if I have a reception on my phone and reply to you if I can!

Mondays post will include a review of Jeweled collar sweater! I love it!

I see you next week and hopefully have some pictures from my vacations to show that I survived. Wish me luck!

Tweed, lace and pink

More J.Crew Fall 2012 reviews!

I wear a lot of white and cream and I liked this blouse on a hanger. It looked intricate and a little Victorian, but not costumey and it seemed easy to incorporate into everyday wear.

Size Medium

Actually, it works quite nicely with the Madewell skirt I was wearing that day. It is beautiful and 100% cotton, so it feels great on. I think Medium is a correct size but it is a little boxy. I wish it was slightly longer and more defined. The way it is cut works nicely for skirts but I think it seems slightly too short with pants.

That said I loved it!. I think it will elevate any simple outfit. I love beautiful lace. Or is this embroidery?  It went on my list. While I don;t necessarily NEED it, I can certainly use it with many items in my closet.

It was $98 and 100% cotton. Of course, I wish it was less, but at least it is under $100. I hope it is not like with Madewell  striped dress I liked. When I tried it it was $98, I said 'love' and next thing I know it was $118. Huh?

Pricing people at J.Crew, listen to this: It is an awful, awful shirt. The price should only move one direction. Down. Thank you.

Fingers crossed.

***

Are you ready for a hook up?

Tweeded up

Maybe not. But with a white button front peeking out from under the top? It may work. But of course it is easier to wear the pieces separately.

Capris size 4

Capris were fitting TTS, I took a 4, which is my usual size in J.Crew bottoms. They fit like other cafe capris. I think they do add some bulk in the hips/legs. Still, they are very pretty. I am not sure if they were lined. They could be interesting in adding a texture and because they are not wool they would be easier to wear when it is not freezing cold (and when you would switch to long pants anyway).

I don;t have any non-summer capris but I used to not like capris at all.  Recently, I started to like them more, so maybe I can add those? They were $148. The tweed is 62% silk, 25% cotton, 11% viscose and 2% other fibers. I like the sound of this blend. However, if I was to order, I would order them online, because I think tweed is prone to be shop worn and possibly snagged.

***

I am not sure what to call this top but it is pretty cool. Is it a jacket? A shirt?

$128, size 6, TTS

I took size 6 and it was a good fit. Maybe J.Crew is getting more consistent?  The colors in it are navy, violet, white and thin gold thread, very pretty. It is not lined but it did not feel scratchy. I was surprised but then I thought it was wool. Since it is mostly silk and cotton, that explains it. Gold thread did not bother me, both in the look (it is very subtle and I did not even noticed it at first) or in fabric feel (metallic can be very scratchy but I don;t remember it bothering me).

I see a lot of possibilities with this top.  It can go on its own or as a jacket with long sleeve tee or with a (white) button front. It looked good with trousers and skirts.

Skirt size 6

It has a bow in the back and it can be belted to give it more shape. The price is not too too bad.

The skirt is a very pretty color, isn't it?. I though initially that it was poly but is is a wool crepe. Much better.
I took size 6 to have it sit a little lower on the waist but it is not too loose and it still sites pretty high. It falls above the knee but not too short and will look nice with some winter tights. I like how the pleats are fully sewn and I like the swingy shape. It would work very well with navy and I have enough in my closet to pair it with.

Skirt $128

Of course, I already have the wool double serge pencil skirt in bright dahlia which is very similar. Butt I don't have many wool full skirts... Maybe this is something to consider after all?

***

That's all folks!

Do you like any of the reviewed pieces? 

Do you think I should consider any?

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

Peter Pan, Polka Dots and Snakeskin - J.Crew Fall 2012

Yesterday I posted pictures of J.Crew fall new arrivals and hopefully many of them will be available online by the time you read this post.  I forgot to tell you that when I was in store, there was a group of cool looking young men setting up the displays. It turned out it was a bunch of J.Crew designers. Apparently, some clients schedule their appointments when the designers are there, so they can get styling advice. I did not have time but I have to do it next time. How cool is that?

Also, when I was trying everything on, my PS was asking me about the feedback and was writing everything down and asking about specifics. She said Mickey (Drexler, CEO of J.Crew) was going to visit the store on Friday morning (at 7AM!) and they were going to give him customer feedback. I was trying to objective in what I was saying and think about everything that is often said here and on Mothership. If you want me to add anything about the items below, please let me know and I will email my PS before Friday.

***

First up, most asked about, No2 pencil skirt in snakeskin print:

Size 4, fits TTS

This skirt fits like most J.Crew pencil skirts. This summer I needed a 6 in Raj Paisley and Big eyelet skirt but generally, I was always a 4, and this skirts fits me like usual, following my curves without being tight. The fabric of this skirt is mostly wool  (82%) with some silk (18%) and the surface is slightly rough to touch.

I like this skirt more than I expected. I don;t own any clothes with snakeskin print and I was never attracted to it. Shoes are leather goods are another story.  But somehow, this skirt reads edgy and sophisticated to me, instead of in-your-face/creepy/trashy etc. In the catalog, they styled it with a ballet pink painter boatneck tee and I like the idea of it.

The price is $158. Will I buy this skirt? Not anytime soon and not at full price but mostly because I already have enough pencil skirts and I am still not 100% sure about the print. I mean, I really don;t like snakes...

***

Many of you have asked about the sweater with jeweled peter pan collar. I did not get to try it, but jcrewfanatic reported that it is $198 and beautiful. You can see her comments in my yesterday's post. I did try something slightly similar, that I thought many of you may like. I was thinking of my pal Ema from My closet, my baby and I and how not so long ago she was looking for a similar sweater from Sandro and even thought about making a detachable collar. Maybe J.Crew was reading her blog and got inspired?



This to has a cotton sweatshirt body and silk collar and cuffs. It also comes in navy with black collar but I did not like it as much. Or maybe it was black with navy collar? 

Size Medium

I took bigger of my non numerical sizes in this top. It is quite roomy in this size but I think it should be swingy and I think that a Small would be too short. It is $75, 100% cotton with 100% silk trim.

I think it is very cute and will probably sell well. I have some doubts whether it looks too young but I think it would be fine with right accessories, and other elements of the outfit.

***

OK, at this point I am totally polka dotted out, but J.Crew is not, apparently.

Size 6

This looks like another version of Blythe blouse, this time in polka dots. Actually it is a very pretty blouse and if you don't have enough polka dots (where have you been?) it is an excellent choice. It will work with everything, jeans, trousers, skirts, blazers and cardigans, slouchy and tucked in.

It fits TTS to slightly big. I had to get an 8 in some of the J.Crew summer tops but here I am back to my usual size 6 with room to spare. That said, I think it is supposed to be slouchy and I think it fits me similarly to the model in the catalog so I think this is the correct size.

Slightly see through. I think it is OK for casual wear but I would wear a cami to the office. I like the look better with a white cami underneath anyway.

100% silk and $128.  Pricey, but I am pretty confident it will go on sale eventually.

Drapes well

***

Did I say enough with the polka dots already? Well, I take it back because this next blouse is very pretty. Of course I already own a blouse in identical print. Remember the one from last year with exposed zipper?  Too bad for me because I like this one better but there is no way I can justify it.

Size 6

This 100% silk blouse is very flattering imo. The fit is nice, not wide in the shoulders and not too boxy and not too long so you can easily wear it untucked. Yay! I like me an elegant blouse that does not have to be tucked in. It is more refined and more tailored that the last year version.

Fits TTS, again this is size 6 and great fit with enough room in the chest. The bow is also very pretty and I like that there is no zipper. I actually did not mind the exposed zipper but it is pretty heavy and it is pulling the shirt back a little bit. Anybody wants to buy my last year's incarnation??? You know what I am thinking...

The blouse is pull on, I dont think there was a zipper. there is a small opening at the neck wher you tie the bow with a little hook to secure it.

No billowy bulk around the hips

It is $110. it is a lot for this little top but I remember the one I have was also around $100 and I eventually bought it for under $50.

***

That's all folks!!!

More reviews coming up so please stop by again.

Do you like the new arrivals?

What would you say to Mickey Drexler?

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





J.Crew Fall 2012 Preview

As I have mentioned on J.Crew Afficionada, today my (concept) store received their first shipment of Fall 2012 collection. Of course I rushed there like a madwoman. 

Well, I wasn't disappointed. I think there is a lot to love for everyone. It is a beautiful collection with many interesting items. I grabbed about 20 things to try on, including pencil skirts, dresses, pants, cashmere sweater, various tops and a tweed blazer. I will be posting reviews for a few days. Today I only have time and energy for a store display pictures.

The chicken sweater was not in the store, but I tried the capris.

 

The first pencil skirt and gold bow capris not in store, I tried the first cashmere sweater, black and camel cami and the dress on the last mannequin.

 

I did not see the top in store but I tried something slightly similar that I think many of you may like.

This dress was also not in store, but they have other version of Jules, in black and white print, that I tried on and also in black white striped (with some thin red edges) and solid green one, I think in wool. The blouse was in store but I didn't try it. Also showing navy version of Downtown field jacket, very pretty. 

Now, the accessories section was also interesting.

Love those blue and green envelope clutches!
 

Blue Brompton and cute polka dot clutches.

Another view of blue Brompton.

Yellow Edie collection and more colorblocking, this time in pink and orange and black and tan.

There was also plenty of new scarves. It is nice to look because they are often indicative of colors and prints to come.

And shoes!!!

LOVE!

Here is about half of the stuff I took to the fitting room. I forgot to take a photo of the other batch.

***

That's all folks!

I liked quite a lot of it. I think I am in trouble. 

 Why oh why did I spent so much on the summer stuff???

How about you?

Please share, 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!!!