J. Crew: Whole Lot of IRL Fitting Room Reviews.

In a stroke of sheer luck, I was able to get to the Pentagon City store on both Saturday and Monday nights.  My hubby stayed at home with at two of the kids and I brought the other child to the store with me, along with my stepmom.

I had no real reason to go to the store other than I just really wanted to go.  My stepmom was very excited about the sale (extra 30% off sale items), and so it wasn't exactly difficult convincing her.  LOL.

I ended up not getting much, other than items I already had put in my "wishlist," but it was a ton of fun to try items on in the store.

Best of all was the appearance of Greg, my man, Greg, manager extraordinaire.  You can read about my why I adore Greg so much at this post here.  I had heard from my girl, Cleo26 that he moved, but I forgot he had moved to Pentagon City, so when he popped over to me on Saturday night, I yelped in excitement.  :)  It was great catching up with him, and to be completely honest, I anticipate visiting the Pentagon City store more to see him...

Okay onto the reviews:

Villa Dress in Stripe, Size small.  I had this one on my radar after seeing it in the catalog last month, so I made a beeline for it as soon as I entered the store on Saturday night.   I knew the small would fit, didn't even think of trying another size on, so I guess I would say this is true to size for your "maritime dress" size, if you know what yours is...

The material is super thick, and the shape is simple, with a fitted top and a slight a-line bottom. The way the stripes are placed don't over-emphasize any one area, which is nice, as I always worry about stripes on my hips making them look massive.

In fact, I would belt this dress with red belt or sash to give my waist a bit of a boost.  Normally dresses make my waist look smaller, this is an outlier, one of the first I have ever tried that makes my waist, hips, and bust look the same size, roughly.

I could see wearing this in many summer outings.  As my blog has proved summer after summer, I LIVE in dresses when the temps go above 75, so this sundress is right up my alley.

My stepmom grabbed this one of my little man making a really funny face.  He must like his stripes better than mine.  BTW, his striped terry cloth onesie is a gift from my fellow DC JCAS, the Nature Baby Terry One Piece.  He approves, so if you have a new little one in your life, this could be a great gift for them.  I like the idea of babies and children having a few pieces made from terry cloth, wonderful at keeping them warm, but great if they accidentally spill something on themselves, too.  :)

Ultra Eyelet Shell, Size 4.  This was also on my radar.  Sadly, this photo is terrible, the lighting atrocious, etc.  The top is quite lovely and I can see why it has been so popular with folks.  I had heard it ran small (AJC mentioned it in her review), but she specifically mentioned going up a size for the chest reasons, so I tried my normal size 4 and it fit fine.  My stepmom wanted me to get it because she likes the idea of me showing off my arms.  She also says that since I have a smaller chest and she doesn't, she will live vicariously through me when I wear this.  I told her that sounds fair because she can go into any store and pick a pair of pants off the rack in a size 2 and know that they will fit her (oh, to be small hipped with no thighs!).

I look forward to losing the last few inches off my high hip, once I do, this top will flow a fair bit better.

Much better view of the color and the eyelet.  I also liked that my stepmom took a picture with the March catalog cover on the wall, which happens to highlight this exact top.

Spindrift Sweatshirt in Stripe, Size extra small.  This is a popular top amongst the blog world, and I can see why.  It is really a nicely made, great feeling piece of loungewear.  I didn't quite care for this mid-brown color on me (kind of washed me out), so I left this one behind.  The sale price is great, though, something like 20 dollars?

That said, this one in blue is really really nice, and definitely worked much better with my skintone.  I anticipate using this one on those lazy Saturday mornings or when I get home from the preschool run.  This is a size small, but I honestly couldn't find a significant difference between the extra small above and this size small.

Last smart phone photo.  This dress is nowhere to be found on the website, must be from the next online rollout.  I liked the print (very subtle geometric print on a black background), and I sort of liked the shape, but I kind of think this will be a big ole hot mess on most women.  My issues concern the empire waistband.  Since it was made from two rows of elastic (one right below the bust and one an inch below that), the fabric bit in the middle kept bunching up, making my ittiest, bitties part look far bigger than it is (FAIL, J. Crew!  Most women are tiniest here...).  I also don't care for the spaghetti straps, even though I don't have "girls" that need support.  I feel like the dress would have looked better with a thicker strap. 

The skirt portion I did like, as a pear shape, it definitely skimmed over my curves nicely.  It also showed off my shoulders and arms, which I prefer to do whenever possible. 

This one was $88, so not over the top expensive, but in my opinion, not even worth that.  I can definitely see this one going on super sale quickly.  The size small fit great, so stay with your jersey dress/maritime dress size if interested.

Lucille Dress in Scalloped Eyelet, Size 6.  I had received the measurements from my online PS and like I anticipated, the 6 fit like a glove.  At this point, with my inches coming off (slowly), I know this is the right size if I choose to purchase it in the future (I left it at the store). 

I adore this shape, color, fabric, and femininity.  CW really liked it, too.  :)

The top has a slight scoopneck, and cap sleeves.  The waist falls a bit above my natural waistline, and the skirt has just enough room for my hips (even now!).  I like that the hemline is an inch above my knees, making this a great dress for dinner out with the in-laws or church. 

Even though I switched to an actual camera, the lighting was still pretty terrible.  You can kind of tell there are pockets, though, because of the lighting, you can see the shadow on the skirt about four inches down from my hand (the one on my hip).

Pretty detail of the top.  I love the white version the most and if I purchase this dress (a possibility in a few weeks when my budget allows), I will likely buy this color...however...

I tried on the violet version and promptly fell in love with that color.  Agh!  I normally shy away from purple as I don't like it with my "spring" colored complexion, but this purple must have just enough warmth to work.  CW preferred the purple on me to the white, but she is biased...after pink her favorite color is purple.

BTW, that clutch is AWESOME.  It is not on-line, but I kind of fell deep in love with it, and decided that I would use it enough to justify buying it. (I try to switch purses at least twice a week now...I will have my "main" purse full of my regular stuff, and then take a smaller purse and just put in the wallet, phone, camera, etc., when heading out for dinner or hanging out with friends.  My main purse, btw, I use for preschool runs, errands, and the like.)

Brompton clutch in leopard.  This clutch is $128 and is made from linen and has a leather edging where the clasp is.  The clasp is the typical "Brompton" clasp.  The linen fabric is the same as the one in the Seville Printed Wedges.   This clutch does not have a strap, so it is a true clutch.  I held it like above, fully loaded with wallet and phone and it felt very comfortable.  It also felt good under my arm.  I decided I didn't care for the one I was holding as the clasp wasn't perfect (I am a stickler for details like that), but the SA brought out another one which was perfect, and that sort of sealed the deal.  I do like the way the clutch looked with this dress and the way it is neutral enough to go with many items in my wardrobe.

I gather this will be online fairly soon, can't imagine this one being an in-store only item.  There was also a bigger Brompton in the same fabric, really lovely.  I have a Brompton hobo in carob (one of the original colors from 2010), so I don't need another, but this may be your speed if you don't own a Brompton and like this animal print.

Oh, I saved the best for last.  No, I didn't.  Guh, this is just terrible on me.  And it has nothing to do with being postpartum.  (I was able to grab the cafe capris in foulard print in a size 8 and they look SO much better on me than these cotton atrocities in a size 10.  Sadly I didn't grab a photo of the capris, but I expect I will wear them in an ootd post soon.)

Scoopneck Blouse in Anchors Away, Size 4.  This was just meh.  I liked the fit of the top in the top of the blouse, but the blouse is too long for my torso, and unfortunately the blouse is the same measurement from top to bottom, meaning it was far too tight around my hips.   I think I would size up to a 6 if I ever got it, but seeing as I am a meh, I doubt that will happen.  I do like the buttons on the shoulder, adorable white ones with navy anchors on them, but not worth it if I won't wear the darn blouse.

The pants are not on-line, but I fell in love with the color (oh, so pretty and summery!), but yikes on the fit.  The tens fit, but the pockets only emphasized my widest part (right there for God and everyone to see).  The length of the pants is nice for flats (if you have a longer inseam), and I think the wider leg opening is a good idea, but eee, only go for these if you have supreme confidence in your hips, butt, and thighs.  OR if you have SUPER SUPER STRONG shapewear.

Side view because I like making people laugh at my visible panty line.  Hawt.  Ugh.

Any questions?  Anyone try any of these on and have thoughts or links to reviews?

Okay, you all have a great night.  I am off to have some wine.  ('Cause I can.)  :)

J. Crew: Jaspé pullover and Mini Orbit Necklace Review plus OOTD.

Hey, all!  I have two posts today that specifically deal with reviewing J. Crew items!  :)  With tomorrow being an insane Boden review day (OMG, SO MANY REVIEWS for the roundup), I figured I will get these done, especially since the next review post is on an item that if it pops back up on the internet will be an extra 40% off (which would be awesome for whomever grabs the popback).

But right now I want to focus on two items that are "new" arrivals.  Technically the Jaspe pullover was in the last rollout and not the one on Thursday, but I know that a lot of you love this material, so I wanted to get this review out as soon as I could.

The necklace is in store only right now, but that doesn't mean it won't be rolled out on Thursday...I hope it will come on-line as it is a really wonderful necklace that is a decent price and a perfect "something something" for topping off a simpler outfit.

I wore all of these items today, which just shows how much I love them both.  I figure if I wear them quickly (bought them last night), then the items were definitely meant to be keepers in my closet.

Clearly I can't do that with everything I own right now.  LOL.  But for the things I can wear, I pull them out as quickly as possible.

I really really love this outfit.  I did a lot today, including a freaking run to Costco, and at no point did I feel uncomfortable or miserable.  Everything from the top all the way down to the shoes helped buoy my mood.  :)

Top: J. Crew Jaspe Pullover, Heather Indigo, Size Extra Small.  I picked this up last night at the store after having spied and fallen in love with it on-line.  I have no idea if this will sell out or end up in the clearance bin for $5, but I HAD to have it last night.  The unusual texture of this tee is soft and the fabric is pretty thick.  The three-quarter sleeves don't bother me at all since I normally scrunch my sleeves anyhow.  The scoop neck is really flattering, too.

The color is my favorite bit, sort of mid-blue with greenish undertones and a true white threading throughout.

Sizing is typical J. Crew, pretty large.  I find it utterly amusing that J. Crew's tops are stretchy and long enough that I can continue wearing my tts xs top size, even at 31 (!!!) weeks.  All this means is that the top will be looser and much longer when I am not pregnant.

Pants: Duo Maternity, wear them constantly...

Necklace: J. Crew Mini Orbit Necklace, Sage Green/Blue, $39.50.  Considering the regular Orbit necklace is a hundred dollars more than this necklace, I think this is a great option for those of you who love the look of the regular orbit but want to save some dough.  (I do plan on buying the regular orbit at some point, but will wait it out a fair bit, just in case it makes  it to sale.)

You can see the mini orbit closer up in the last photo.  Also, Rose modeled the red version last night over at this post.

Shoes: Boden Lounge Shoe, Size 40.  I will do a more in-depth review of these shoes tomorrow.  Quick thoughts, though...these run LONG and NARROW, just like my feet.  :)  I sized down in length to a 40 (should really wear a 41), and the width/length exactly fits my foot.  This never happens to me.  I am a happy girl.

From the side.  Gus was a happy boy.  He was moving A LOT today.  I think he agrees with the Jaspe.

CW is wearing a pair of crewcuts tights that are as darling as her, grey knit tights with hearts (Girls' Heart Tights).  They are size xxs-xs and are large enough they should work for a year or two longer.  Great deal at $7 on sale.  :)

Hands on hips, including CW.  She RUNS to the modelling sessions every AM.  Cracks us up.  I indulge her as I figure some of you really like my reviews and my ootds, but the vast majority of you stop by to see her and her brother.  ;)

I can totally tell I am gaining weight from this pregnancy.  Normally my face is not this full.  It doesn't bother me, but it is weird to realize that of the 20 pounds I have gained, some of it has been in my cheeks.  LOL.  Bit chipmunky.

This is a good view of the necklace and the texture of the tee.  I actually like both pieces enough I may consider seconds when (and if) they go on sale.  The tee also comes in a pretty light grey and the necklace come in many colors, including red, navy, and one other color (can't remember).

OOTD with Jaspe and Mini Orbit. by dinagideon featuring bright jewelry

Above is the polyvore of the outfit as I wore it today (including the coat, which I did not get photos of but wore in the last post).

Hope this helped some of you!

A BonBon and Some Pink Plaid...

Hey, everyone!  How are you all doing?  I am fab.  :)  Had a bit of a time last week between all the festivities, recovering, and that special "lady time," but all I needed was an overabundance of wine and some really understanding (REALLY understanding) family members and some sleep and I feel just a bit better this week.  Plus the presents...somehow I lucked out this year and received some truly unique and exactly right gifts this year.  That definitely helped with my mood.  LOL.

(Christmas post is later on...right now I want to get some review posts out of the way!)

First up is a delightful little coat called the Double Cloth BonBon Coat by J. Crew.  I own so many coats, it is true, but I believe that the weather here in Northern Virginia actually calls for many different types of coats as we see it all from around early November to late April.  I actually have a coat now for all sorts of occasions, rainy and cold, rainy and warm, snowy and cold, snowy and REALLY cold, just plain cold, mild, cold, windy and cold, must be dressy coat even though it is cold, etc., etc.  LOL.

Seriously, though.  I sold a few coats recently (including a pretty velvet Boden one and the Shipley coat from a few years back) to make room for this Bon Bon.  I had been eyeing the Bon Bon in torch orange as it so reminded me of the orange coat that Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's, but at its original price of $325, I definitely said, "No way, Jose."

Then came the amazing coat sale that J. Crew does every year.  They usually take 30% off and are done with it.  But...here's the awesomeness...if you have a J. Crew card, you could then use a specialized code given to you, along with your card and get an additional 30% off.  So, guess what?  I said "bonjour" to the bon bon.

And here it is...

Yes, the orange shoes and slightly worn cords are definitely not the look I would go for with this coat, but I kind of was only wearing the coat as a try-on (I have worn it out in public, though, and the color is very popular...there is definitely something uplifting about wearing an orange coat in the middle of winter that brings out the happy--same thing goes for my yellow coats--yes, I said coats--yellow coats are the BEST--haven't sold any of those and probably won't).

Fit and function: I took a size 6.  I say size to your largest part of your body, which for me is my hips.  If you are busty, go with your top size.  This is a shorter coat, and maybe a tall would have made this a smidge longer on me, but I don't want the waist to be anywhere but where it is, so the regular will work for me now.  I like it buttoned up all the way, adds to its retro look, but the collar can be played around with to create different looks.  This is a double cloth, and there are no thinsulate options, so I would say this is a coat for mild, or slightly cold weather. 

Here it is opened all the way.  Also retro-looking.  The opened look is crying out for some statement jewelry, though.  :)

From the side.  The collar isn't quite Bella pretty, but it does the job of being just different enough.  This color is "torch orange," btw, not "spicy russett," which was a similar color from the early fall.

That Orange Coat by dinagideon featuring feather hats

Above is the polyvore that I created when I purchased the coat.  I love how close this coat is to the Breakfast at Tiffany's one.  If I had one wish, it would be that the collar was a bit more fitted, a la the one in the movie.

This is a pink plaid gingham boy shirt that is available in stores only right now (maybe it will be part of the next on-line roll out?).  I was drawn to it when I went in last week to get some Christmas gifts...the pink color is very vibrant and very much a nice change from their "neutral" pinks they have had these past few years.  It is is hard to tell from this pic, but the white color is more of a creamy color and plays nicely with the very pretty pink (color code is ppi--probably Paris Pink, but I like pretty pink more).  This is a size 6 and it retails for $72, but with the 30% off everything sale they were having the day I went to the store, I ended up getting it for $50.  I wear a size 4 in perfect shirts, if that helps any of you out with sizing.  This fabric is uber-soft, almost flannel-like, although this isn't a flannel shirt.  (I want to add I have no makeup here, and if I were to wear this in public in the winter, I would for sure add some lip gloss, lol.)

Hand on hip.  :)  The item number is 35187.  I like that it is kind of a retro look, too.  I hope J. Crew continues with its retro twist.  Sometimes you just want a classic, you know?

Talk with you all soon.  :)

Some New J. Crew Items, IRL...

Hi, all! I was able to get to J. Crew yesterday to return a top, and while there I tried on a few items for you all. I ended up exchanging my top for one of these four items, so I left having only spent $12. Woohoo!

Hopefully this helps some of you...


I had heard about this skirt because Jean over at this weekend's post over at the mothership had mentioned it, so I immediately sought it out upon arrival. I picked it up both in a size 6 and 8. For now it appears this is an in-store only item (#30310) and only comes in this muted gold color. When I got home I compared it with the metallic sequined bell skirt and there are some major differences...

This skirt is the same shape and pull-on styling. However, this skirt is made from the same sort of sequins that were on the very popular stardust pencil skirt. Instead of being made from Spanish metal sequins like the sequined bell skirt, this in-store skirt is made from micro-sequins. My honest opinion? For $128 and not $275, micro-sequins suit me just fine. In fact, I prefer micro-sequins.

Here is one thing to watch for if you go to the store...be careful handling it...the micro-sequins can get stuck together and if you tug on the fabric, the fabric could rip and that would be terrible! They had just put these skirts out the night before so my skirt is in PERFECT condition, but I had to gently pull the 6 and 8 apart from each other.

This is the size 8. I tried on the 6 (next photo) and unless you see something I don't, I barely noticed a difference between the two sizes.


This is the outfit with the stardust bell skirt (my name, not theirs) and a beautiful beaded cardigan in a LUSCIOUS color.

The skirt is the size 6.

The cardigan is a size small and is $118. It is a cotton cardigan and the placket is where the embellishments are. This is an in-store item, reminded me of the peekaboo sequin cardigan, but it has a different look. I prefer this one. I did not buy this cardigan, as it is still too expensive for me, but if this puppy goes on sale, it is MINE. LOVE!


This is the Saint James naval II tee. I liked this better in the photo than in real life. It looks decent enough but, and this is a MAJOR BUT, the torso was very constricting and the arms were very VERY large. I have an extra-small on here. There was so much extra fabric in the arms I wondered if they had made a mistake. (Having said that I realize other bloggers have had the same issue as me!)

If you are a woman with an extremely small upper body and hips yet you find your arms are like Popeye's, you should be set with this top. That is most definitely not me. NO LOVE.


This is the silk and sequin scoopneck tee. I like it, but at $148, it is very expensive. I would also rather order this on-line as I fear stores and how they handle precious items like this. I will wait this one out for a while, see if it goes on sale (even an extra 20% would make a big difference to me). This is an extra small, and while I like the way it fits through the shoulder and bust, I would definitely order a small for extra room in the hips. I would not wear this alone...probably would layer it under a gorgeous brightly-colored v-neck cardigan and a pencil skirt or a sleek pair of pants.

I ended up getting the stardust bell skirt in a size 8. Although I could have gotten away with the 6, I liked how I could pull the 8 just a *stitch* further down on my hips making it a bit more of a versatile skirt. I will not be wearing this skirt to preschool, though. LOL.

You all have a great day!

Some In-Store Only Items in Real Life...

Good day, all!

Long time, no chat! :) Thank you for all your kind words about my jaunt to the Star Wars in Concert last weekend. I cannot believe it has taken me a week to get back to business over here at My Superfluities. (But there is a good reason! Check it out...your favorite Mid-Century Mom is back to doing chores in pencil skirts and pearls!)


Speaking of pencil skirts...I have for you a little lookie-loo at a skirt that is currently in stores only. Isn't this dark grey lace skirt divine? It is actually lace on top of a black stretch lining, which gives this J. Crew Collection piece some depth and visual interest. It is called the Palmilla Lace Pencil Skirt, item #28947, and retails for $178 (ouch, good thing I had a return, a gift card, and a discount). If you have bought this from one of the retail stores it has a different name, but this info I have given you will be the info for the skirt when it retails at jcrew.com in about a month (so says my darling on-line personal shopper--thank you, Ashley). BTW, I first found out about this skirt because of the super-cool blogger Cari, who runs a blog called "Financial Services is Not Fashion."

The top is on-line and it is called the Sparkle Waves Henley, but this color is IN STORES only. Isn't that odd how they do that? Turns out I really prefer this ivory version (AMI, anyone?) because it perfectly goes with my tie-dyed Wednesday skirt (I will have to get that polyvore together, gorg combo). This retails for $45, maybe wait for a sale unless you plan on wearing it right away (like I want to). Gigiofca has recently reviewed it, so check it out!


Palmilla Lace Pencil Skirt sizing advice: SIZE DOWN at least one size. Or two. This is a size 4. Yep. You read that right. The fit is spot on for me, waist, hips, even length (I don't mind it not being knee length). Very stretchy lace and lining, btw.


Sparkle Waves Henley Sizing Advice: Size down one or tts. I can't tell. Lately I have been buying a lot of x-smalls, which this one is. If I had gotten a small it would have been too big in the shoulders and too long. So I guess go with your gut, do you need length and more room in your shoulders, or are you short-torsoed and small-shouldered?


Now onto J. Crew outlet finds. I have been to the outlets a lot lately. I am very pleased with what I am finding. I am holding off on many jcrew.com and retail store purchases because I know that I can wait for a sale or even a year and find it for cheaper or in some other version I may prefer even more.

This dress is the outlet version of some drawstring cover-up or another at the retail stores. I got this for some insane price like 10 dollars. (It was on clearance with an additional discount on top of it.) I bought this in a small, and you could cinch the waist, but on me it looks better just loosely tied. I am actually wearing this today, perfect fun SAHM outfit when you want to stay cool and comfortable. It is also great for the pool or beach.


Oh, you all are gonna swoon for this one. The outlet took the much loved bella skirt design and combined it with the evening primrose print from last year (I have the cardigan in this print). Isn't the skirt so lady-like and special? It is a new arrival at the outlet, so it is at its full price of 55 or so, but really, at the retail stores this would be at least 40 dollars more. My fave SA at the Potomac Mills outlet was insistent that I buy this, he said it was his favorite piece on me that night. (He is so sweet--just adore him--if you are in NOVA, go to Potomac Mills stat, the staff is truly awesome!) I bought this in a 6, and it is meant to be worn at the waist.


Here are two of my outlet finds put together. The cami is the indigo floral frances cami and as much as I adored this print last summer (2009) at the retail stores, the prices all seemed a bit high for what they were, so I held off. I am glad I did as I adore the shape of the Frances cami a lot and find it works well with this print. I have worn it alone (and you will see that in another post), but I do like it layered with this awesome french terry henley sweatshirt. This could be a perfect top half for a fall SAHM outfit. Or paired with a pencil skirt and kitten heels for a dressy casual look.

The cami is a size 4, and currently on clearance. The french terry sweatshirt is a size small, and also on clearance.


The tank is a new arrival, and quite expensive (for the outlet) at 30. I do find that I wear layering tanks a lot, and all year round, and this animal print version will look heavenly with many of my colored cardigans that I have. So cost per wear? Definitely will be lower! :) This is a size x-small.

The cardigan in the back is on clearance and is a very fun and flattering color combo. I bought it in an x-small and it is on clearance. (Forgot to get a pic.)


I just adored the wallpaper print that the retail stores put out last year and actually own a mini in this print already. The difference? My version from last year has large graphic wallpaper, while this is in miniature. Either way, they are both fab, easy, comfortable skirts.

This is a size 6 or maybe an 8? I don't remember. LOL.

You all have a fab day. Visit Mid-Century Mom if you get a chance, enjoy your Monday, and next Monday look forward to another Mommy Style Monday (none today).

Some (J. Crew) In Store Only Items--IRL Photos and Info!!!

Let's jump right in, shall we? :)

Armed with a bunch of returns, and a 20% off new store opening coupon, I ventured to Fair Oaks mall (in Fairfax, VA) to check things out at the newest J. Crew. (Which, as an aside, is quite beautiful, bleached wood, wide-planked wooden floors, bright lighting, and clean white walls.)

Here is what I found (some of which I decided to keep)!

In Store Only??? by dinagideon featuring J Crew tops

Above is the polyvore of the four items I kept. When you see the IRL photos, plus the explanation, you will see why I kept them and not the other things I tried...


Ooh, JCA is all a-buzz (bzzz, bzzz) over this Jaipur Paisley Helena skirt. Yes, I totally bought into the crewlade on this one. :) The colors are perfect for spring and summer, and the pattern is like nothing I have owned before. The fabric is lightweight and linen, meaning that if it is 100+ degrees outside, I won't swelter if I wear this skirt.

I bought an 8. There was no 6, but I know the 6 would have fit. I liked the 8, though, because I can scooch it down on my hips, making the length longer (this is a short skirt if you wear it at your waist and you are 5'8").

This skirt reminds me a lot of the linen skirt I bought from J. Crew last summer (and wore all the freaking time).


Here it is with the tank layered over it (don't worry, I am not really planning on wearing this color top with this skirt). I did this so you could see that the waistband isn't too bulky, so if you like to untuck, you can.

This skirt retails for $88.00, and is in store only for now. Hopefully it makes it on-line at some point.


Next, the celosia cardigan in cool breeze (CBR?). I have the celosia in papaya AND honey. I love this cardigan. I think it is the collar. It is not overdone, yet gives enough drama to elevate it from being *just* a cardigan. I love to button up my celosias, especially with a printed pencil skirt. Supposedly this cardigan color is in store only, but my, it certainly looks an awful lot like the aqua one that was for sale (now sold out) on line.

It was on sale for $69.99. I believe this was the last one in the store, which is why I bought the medium. I would have preferred the small, but the difference between small and medium is very hard to see. (In fact, I bet it is only a wee bit bigger through the waist and I bet the medium is a bit longer...the smalls I own fit EXACTLY the same way through the bust, shoulders, and hips.)


All right, I did NOT buy this skirt. I thought it was SO pretty, and so that is why you see it on me. If you have the right body for this skirt, GO FOR IT. Basically, if you are 5'5" or shorter, have narrow hips and a bigger waist, this is your skirt.

I tried this J. Crew Collection skirt on in a size 8. It fit, but poorly. It was far too large in the waist and just a bit too tight in the hips (which is why you see the lines across the front). Plus the fabric is terribly unforgiving, so I would have had to size up and really take in the waist to make this skirt work for me. Such a shame. That said, it must not have worked for a lot of folks because it is on sale for $49.99, which if you do look good in it, would be an incredible deal!


Oh, this gorgeous strapless dress. So beautiful. You break my heart, my pretty. Yes, I know it looks good in the photo. Some of you will call me crazy for leaving it behind. My hubby even liked me in it.

I tried this strapless, body skimming sheath dress in a size 6. It definitely fit in all the right places...except in the ONE place where a strapless dress should fit...yep, the bust. If I kept my arms at my side while wearing this dress, I would be set...except who does that? I raised my arms in the fitting room, and well, gave myself a little show. SHOCK!

The only way I could conceive of paying for this dress is on a STEEP discount. I would then take the money I saved and purchase some grosgrain fabric ribbon in brown and have my tailor add straps (wouldn't that be pretty?).


Why, oh, why, J. Crew? Couldn't you have made this into a strappy dress? Sob.


Okay, ladies and gents...I listened. Now that I have a 20% coupon, I bought the purple checked blouse you all went nutso for when I wore it last. Turns out it does look good buttoned up...when I wear it with minnies, all classic and 1950s like. :)


Now, no one has talked about this coat. Why? This is the Beene coat, and is a very retro, pretty spring coat. Even though it is white (usually the nemesis color of any mom), it is a very durable fabric so it can withstand the toddlers.

It was originally $178.00, but must have been overlooked by everyone, so now it is down to $119.99. I bought this in a 6. The 4 fit fine, but the back blouses out, so it looked a bit too blousey in the 4, and more slimming in the 6. Does that last sentence even make sense? (I confess, I am drinking a glass of wine while penning this post--I am also outside amongst the pollen-friendly oak trees of our neighborhood--maybe I should have made a warning--"Do not mix pollen, wine, blogging and Dina." LOL.)


I didn't capture any pics of it closed...but I prefer it open. :)


And, yep, I wore an outfit to shop, so here it is.

Sizes:
Top: Size Small. This is the strewn leaves blouse in red by Anthropologie. Very pretty, even if I do have to fuss a bit with the collar. :)
Pants: Size 8. I have recently purchased the minnies in the tall size (the khaki color) in a size 6, and they fit well. Hmm.
Shoes: Size 10.

There is CW, mixing patterns again. ;)

Have a nice Sunday, all. I have three more days of Spring Into Style left. Wish us luck!