I am FINALLY getting around to publishing this review. I wanted to make sure I could edit these photos properly (teeny computer from heck didn't have adequate photo editing on it), so I had to wait to get the new computer.
I figured if you all are interested in this coat/dress, then you need good photos and not crummy, non-edited photos. Right now, this is SOLD OUT on-line, but we all know that J. Crew has popbacks. Maybe one of you will even be fortunate enough to grab it tomorrow before the extra 40% off sale ends (which would bring the price of the coat dress down a whole bunch, most likely to cost).
Lots of photos, so let's just begin.
UPDATE: Shopwithm has a wonderful review of this dress, so take a look over there for more info. :)
Okay, all, this was early December, so the belly is only 24 weeks along, so there is only a teeny bulge in these photos.
I cannot wear this dress now, but the fact that I COULD wear it at more than the halfway point of this pregnancy should tell you something about this dress...it runs large.
I asked my PS for the measurements and she sent them to me. I was sort of shocked by what I was reading...the bust/shoulders/waist AND hips were almost exactly my non-pregnancy measurements (up an inch or two overall, obviously, so it's not skin tight). I thought for sure I would have to buy a small...but nope, the extra-small (!!!) was the exact right fit.
I could write an essay on the vanity sizing of J. Crew, but it would be a dissertation, and that would bore you all, so let's just move on...
I chose to style this dress similar to the way it was styled on the model, with a turtleneck and darker bottom. I did not go for jeans, but anticipate doing that next winter when I am not pregnant.
Dress: J. Crew Collection Carriage Coat Dress, Size Extra-Small. FWIW, the hips are about 43", which may be why this worked so well on me. The shoulders and bust run smaller, though, so I expect that pear shapes will warm to this dress more than other shaped bodies.
Turtleneck: J. Crew Tissue Turtleneck, Size Medium. From a few years back and definitely a workhorse in my pregnancy wardrobe.
Tights: Assets.
Shoes: Clarks Artisan.
Bag: Boden Leopard Tote. Yummy. Love this bag. The other colors this came in are on super sale right now. The tan is all sold out.
Earrings: J. Crew Snow Sparkle Earrings. Also on clearance right now.
It has pockets! That are perfectly placed! :)
And lined!
The price was ABSURD for this coat dress. For one, it isn't really a coat. Come on now. It is a thick dress made from some very pretty material and made in a beautiful mid-century shape. This dress will make the long run in my closet as it is a classic in a great shade of red, but the original price? Feh.
I got it at 30% off, so a much more reasonable amount. I would have recommended it at the 30% off, but at this current super sale price? Yes, ma'am, especially if you are a pear shape.
I was headed out to dinner with other JCAs that night (dinner at Oyamel) and the kids and I were going to see the White House Christmas tree beforehand, so the kids wore their own "festive" look.
Close-up of collar and material. You can see that the linen (flax?)/wool blend is lovely, especially with the bits of creamy threading. The collar also has a hidden button or two, which if you look closely, you can see the loop of one of them near the bottom of the placket.
I am so glad to have Picnik back. Love having fun with photos!
This is the Highland Coat from a few years back, Fall 2006. I bought this from Molly (My Closet Travels) in a size 10, and boy am I glad I did. Turns out that the 10 is perfect. Normally I would buy a 6, but clearly this coat doesn't suffer from vanity sizing. I could go with an 8 during non-pregnant times, but the 10 will allow me to layer thicker sweaters.
It was a cold night, so I HAD to wear a real coat, not just a dress pretending to be a coat. LOL.
This shot makes me so happy. We captured three happy smiles, with a beautiful sunset framing the (now closed--boo, earthquake) Washington Monument.
Above is the polyvore, for you addicts out there. (Smile. I am one, too. I admit it.)
Okay, I hope that helps you all! :) Good luck, and fingers crossed the Carriage Coat Dress will pop back tomorrow!