J. Crew: If It Came Back Today, Would You Wear It? (August 2006 Edition.)

Let's take a break from the Elaine Benis looks of the '90s and focus on what may surprise some of you as an entrant in my "If It Came Back Today" series of posts. 

I definitely believe that the vast majority of the posts will be of the vein of "what in the heck were we thinking..." when I write these, but some will be passable looks and some will even verge on great looks.

Tonight is not verging on great, but the two looks you will see tonight are not completely heinous, either.

In fact, this may be the post where real divisions show up...and with that I ask you..."would you wear it if it came back today?"

You all know I adore Edda, and think she looks beyond adorable here.  HOWEVER, OMG, those pants.  Yikes.  Sometime in the mid-00s, some stylist somewhere decided that full leg capri pants were a good idea.  Even on tall, willowy models like Edda, it is a bit of a stretch to wear them.

Making it worse is the fact that something is off about the whole set of proportions with this outfit, like had they chosen a different top, maybe less structured, to offset the tailoring of the wool (shudder) full leg capri pants, then maybe it would look okay? 

The shoes are the best part here.  You definitely should wear some kind of heel with these kind of pants and these kitten heels are wonderful. 

However, note I say you should wear some kind of heel with these pants...but I never said wearing these kind of pants was a good idea.  LOL.  :)

Oh, yeah.  Girlfriend model probably weighs 120 pounds wet and she is likely 6 feet tall and somehow this outfit makes her legs look short and her torso insanely long.  Imagine what this silhouette would do for the non-super thin world that the rest of us live in?

Okay...now it's confession time.  I TOTALLY bought into this look.  I loved the idea of these menswear separates being used as daily wear, and I figured the extra bonus was that everyone. could. see. my. shoes. better. that. way.  Yeah.  I know.  ;)

Full leg capris look BAD on me.  Like really bad.  I have no actual photos of me wearing these atrocities because all those photos did not turn out, like the camera knew something that I didn't. 

Finally...I love the separate pieces (barring the pants--but I would love them if they were longer, like regular pants) in these looks.  I just think these two styling options are best left in 2006.  Ya know what I'm saying?

Finally, the cover image of an otherwise stellar catalog.  Seriously, everything else in this catalog is amazing and will show up eventually as "this is a darn great look, and you had better believe I would wear it again."

Night, night, all! 

J. Crew: Fall 2011 Fitting Room Reviews.

Hi!  Only one day later than the JCA blog has review day, but I still have a feeling most of you be willing to take a look.  :)

I had an exchange to make at the Tysons Corner store last week and while there I figured I should try on all the new arrivals I was most interested in, and it was wonderful to do so.  As you know, I am not a fan of going to the stores, especially in this area, I always feel like I am a bother to the sales associates and not a "real" customer (ha, if only they knew, lol), but this time the one SA that I have always adored, Jackie, was there, and she welcomed me and my kids with open arms and big smile.  I knew that this visit would be so different.

And so here I pledge, on my blog, ONLY to go to the store if Jackie is working.  She makes it so much better.  :)  Go, Jackie!

Okay, blah, blah, blah...

Here we go:

Puff-Sleeve Popover, Size 4, Vibrant Flame Color.  This is on sale in stores for $49.99.  What an amazing color in real life.  And can I just say thank you to Jackie again for putting me in a HUGE fitting room with really good lighting?  Made taking photos and amusing the kids super easy. 

This popover fits tts, I wear a 4 in perfect fit shirts and this one was exactly the right size.  If you have bigger upper arms, though, you may want to size up.  These sleeves fit fine, but were just right, if my upper arms were any bigger, the body would have fit but not the sleeves.  Bear that in mind.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Leopard, Size 6. This is backordered on jcrew.com, but there seemed to be plenty in stores.  I love the length on the skirt, I love the fit, I love the fabric (super-soft and fairly thick cotton).  This is one size smaller than what I wear in the wool version of this skirt, so I think this one must have a slightly different pattern.  If I didn't know they were supposed to be the same skirt, I would have never suspected it.

Yes, all, I bought this entire outfit.  I hope to find a reason to wear it soon, even if it is just for a preschool run.  The shoes are the Downtown Heels from Boden and are currently on clearance for $74.

Same top as above, but I wanted to give the Meander pants a try on, as well.  I left these at the store because I have a feeling these will make it to sale.  I have on the 6 here, and the waistband which is elastic, was fairly loose.  It wasn't like the pants were falling off, but I definitely think these pants run 1-2 sizes large.  I like them for those days when you kind of want to look polished but need comfort too.  These were lined, which is a plus as they are constructed from a wool fabric.

A bit clearer shot and from the side.

Whisper Linen Stripe Tank, Size Small, Dusty Sage (reads grey to me).  I brought this tank with me to the fitting room because I needed a top for try-ons with bottoms but ended up swooning over it.  It is textured, soft, and the striped tank means it can work for all seasons (bare in summer and with a cardi and jacket in fall and winter).  I didn't have an extra-small to compare it with, but I kind of liked it slouchy and long and unlike other tanks from J. Crew, this ones straps weren't too long on my short torso.  This tank was also on sale in the stores.

Cafe Capri in Houndstooth Wool, Size 8.  I wanted to give these a try even though I knew I was going to buy them in the tall version.  The 8 fit fine, exactly tts, so go with your normal pants size in J. Crew.  I love the wool, looks a lot like the Prince of Wales blazer wool.  The copy says that the wool is from the Robert Noble mill in Scotland, and it definitely feels that way to me.  Fully lined, it is a pant that is well-made and should last a long time in the closet.  I did receive the 8 tall I ordered yesterday, and like I wanted, they come to just above my ankle, which I think is a more attractive place for a pant to end on my leg than at mid-calf (although the above photo makes the pant look like it ends lower, it doesn't).  Also a longer pant can be worn when colder with an ankle bootie.

Same top as above, but I wanted to try on the No. 2 pencil skirt in double serge wool to see what size I would need.  I need an 8, even though the sizing starting at 00 usually means to go one size smaller.  I just felt like the 6 had too much va va voom for me.  (Although I did wear a size 6 in last year's perfect pencil skirt, that skirt must have a different pattern, hmm.)  This is the size 8 from the size, and although the vibrant flame color is LUSCIOUS, I have the Teddie Dress in this color and the popover, so I think that's enough.  I *am* planning on purchasing the viridian green in size 8 when I have saved a few more pennies, though.  ;)

Even the 8 can look va va voom when photographed with the hip jutting out.  I don't get it, maybe I expect to much from my skirts.  I see people modeling this skirt and they have the same lines appearing, and I think I am the only one bothered by it.  LOL.  I have even seen this kind of skirt on TV and in magazines and all I can think is did the photo/video editor take the day off when they let those wrinkles slip through?  :)  I guess the only way to really get rid of the lines is to go up to a size 12 and the wear it super-loose so no wrinkling appears but I suspect the waist would then (definitely) fall at the wrong place.  I do know that the darker colors don't show the lines like the lighter colors though.

BTW, my kids are adorable here.  I really want to know what CW was doing.

Cowlneck Poncho, Size Extra Small.  This is very cozy and very warm.  The extra small fit exactly like it should in the shoulders, neckline, and waist.  This is not va va voom, but man, would this ever be lovely in November when the winds pick up and it gets c-o-l-d.  Yum.  Definitely like the idea of wearing it with a long-sleeved top, but looked fine with just a tank under it...  I would say size down or stay tts if you are a bit busty.  Do not size up.  I tried on the small and it gave me *maybe* an inch in the hips (which I didn't need, the extra-small was fine there), but omg, it was really oversized on the top part, I felt very frumpy.  I know it is a poncho and no one is gonna go "ooh, look at you in that poncho," but I also don't want people's eyes to bleed upon my walking into a room.  ;)  I think this one will make it to sale, but if you need it now, I could see it becoming a grab and go kind of item. 

Saturday Pant, Size Small, Moss color (I think).  I already own these in the midnight color, so when I saw the olive green (may be an in store only color, the moss on line looks far lighter), I knew I had to bite.  They were also on super sale, so yay, bonus.  These are, again, just made for days of coziness, and not really style, but if you ever have "those" days, seek these out.  They run large, so size down.

Weatherby Rain Boots, Size 9, Black.  I knew I needed these.  I like the zipper as it allows me to tuck in jeans, leggings, and other pants in without having the annoying riding up of the pants hem as I pull on the boots.  By adding a zipper, I can tuck in, zip up, and go, no riding up necessary.  I do plan to wear them to cross the stream near our house which ANNOYINGLY still has no bridge across to this really wonderful walking trail (btw, the bridge was SUPPOSED to be built THREE years ago).  I do anticipate that if the stream is running high (more than four inches deep), then there is a possibility the boots will leak as the zippers are NOT covered on the inside to prevent leakage (I know, it doesn't make sense), but since I am the crazy one CROSSING A FREAKING STREAM, I think I should just accept that I could get wet.  :)  For regular running around when it is raining (or monsooning, like it is here in VA today--2nd day in a row, peeps), your feet will be fine as the bottom bit of the zipper is cover by plastic (hard to describe, but the on-line photo of the back shows what I am talking about).  Could have gone with a size 10, but I wear thin wool socks when traversing wet things, so I don't need the extra room for thicker socks.  I say go up 1/2 size, though, for others.

Cowlneck Poncho has pockets that are also lined in the same material as the body.  The pockets are very warm.

Here is my "let's cross the stream" outfit in its full glory.  I would not bring my Frankie bag with me on the expedition 'cause I am not crazy.

Anyone else tried these pieces on?  Did you have any thoughts on fit, etc.?

Yummy New J. Crew Outlet Items!!!

I heart you, J. Crew, for opening an outlet only 20 miles away from me and Drewablank at Potomac Mills Mall. I already go to Potomac Mills at least once a month, so when you all CALLED me to tell me you were opening a store there and I should check it out, umm, you better believe I was there in a New York (or Dale City) minute.

And then, when you called me for a second time (after I had already visited you the once) to tell me that you were having a new arrivals "10% off your purchase of $125 or more" party, yep, I was there again. And I even had a $34 J. Crew gift card. YAY!

One question, though, how did I get on your list? Drewablank and I are confused. She actually lives closer and her J. Crew obsession is as intense as mine yet she received no phone call. (Don't worry, she is firmly on the list now! Phew!)

Here is something else I heart about you, dear outlet...you take lovely patterns and shapes from years prior and make them into something just as delectable as when they first appeared in the J. Crew catalog! And often for much, much cheaper.

And though you are still 15 miles farther away than my closest store...you are still almost 35 miles closer than the outlet in Leesburg, and for that, I thank you!

And now for the goodies:

Large Ikat Cap-Sleeved Sheath Dress. I fell in love with this print in the blue colorway after seeing the ever beautiful Summerilla wearing it in the Maxi Halter Dress. I was tempted last year, but knew in my heart it was not really practical for my life, so I passed. And now I am glad I did...this dress is so lovely and is perfect for hot days. Cotton, lined, and in a size 4 (it runs large), I couldn't ask for a better SAHM fun dress.

I bought this one last night at the new arrivals party.


Floral Paisley Cap-Sleeved Sheath Dress. I love you, darling print! I decided you were worth it in a button down and in a dress for CW, and I have decided that I need you in this design, too. :) Cotton, lined, in a size 6 (runs a bit narrower, but I didn't even think to try the 4) you are another shining example of a perfect SAHM dress.

I bought this the first time I visited the outlet.


Cotton Gingham Checked Drawstring Dress. Ema had something like this over at her blog last night, and I am surprised that the outlet has a version of this dress. Maybe the outlet does similar items the same year? I always thought of it as a "let's re-visit the past" kind of a place. This is cotton, unlined, and I bought it in a small. Very cozy and perfect for playing outside with the kids.

I bought this the first time I visited the outlet.


Regal Paisley Print Cafe Capris. I LOVE this print, and had bought it when it came in a twist bandeau swimsuit. I think the swimwear was all that J. Crew made in this print, so when I saw it last night at the party, I picked it up in multiple items. I would never wear the items together, but these pants paired with a olive green top or a white tank and a blazer could be fun, preppy, and summery, all at the same time. This is a cotton sateen material, and I bought in a size 8. (I have found the outlet bottoms run fairly true to size, but the tops and dresses typically run large. Do be warned that the waist is a wee bit big, but nothing terrible.)

I bought this last night.


Regal Paisley Print Cap Sleeve Top. I own this type of top in other prints, including the Fresco print, and the Trastevere Print. The cap sleeve works well on my frame as I have narrow shoulders. This cotton they use is also really nice for the insane heat and humidity we get here in the summer. I bought this in a small, but I think the extra-small was only a smidge smaller, so if you are tee-tiny on top, this top may be too large for you even in the extra-small.

I bought this last night.


Jakarta Print Mini. They had this in the retail stores last summer, right? I have this print in the brown colorway in the halter dress, but I don't remember what came in the blue colorway? Regardless, I tried this on in a 6 and a 10, and the 6, while it fit, was very "hot momma," not necessarily the look I want in the grocery store. The 10 was loose enough to fit low, low on my hips, but that is fine because it turned the mini into a less "mini." I would have likely bought an 8 if they had it in the store. This was in a cotton.

I purchased this one last night.


Gladiola Print Pencil Skirt. I know for a fact they had this as a retail only item, because I can remember Slastena taking the dress from on-line and manipulating Polyvore to make it a skirt. :) I love this gladiola print, but I had issues with the dress, and WOULD NOT pay 88 dollars for a thin cotton cardi, so I pretty much said no to this print (I did buy the garland cami for 20 dollars or so on sale, though). I am glad I waited, I really like this skirt. It is a cotton sateen and the yellow is very vibrant. I bought this in a 6.

Purchased at the first visit.


Crawfish Embellished Tee. I know this was popular last spring, and I was glad to see they had a few left last night at the new arrivals night. All of the sizes were gone except small. The small fits, but it is long. I believe if I ever get pregnant again, the crawfish will be able to be worn well into the last trimester. Definitely size down unless you have any thoughts of being pregnant again, or you have an especially long torso.

Bought last night.

You want to know the best part of all of this? Even spread out over two trips, and with 8 items, the tally was well lower than even one J. Crew Collection piece. YAY! It makes me feel fairly frugal. (Now I just have to figure out what I am going to sell to make way for these in my closet!)

Have a great Friday!

Marvelous Minnies, Richmond Style!!! (Said with Jazz Hands!)

Over at JCA today, there is a really good discussion about the marvelous minnie pants, which was spurred by an e-mail sent by J. Crew to all of us JCAs this morning. Somehow, and with some serendipity, I wore my charcoal grey minnie pants on both days of my trip to Richmond (for the Inauguration festivities surrounding Bob McDonnell, our current governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia). I was forced to keep my wardrobe as simple as possible this weekend. When you have to pack a ball gown (floor-length and flowing), plus a tux, a trench coat (Icon trench review will be later this week), a double stroller, diapers, wipes, etc., etc., you can't really go "crazy" and bring everything with you.

Untitled by dinagideon featuring J Crew

So I went with two simple, easy, packable, non-wrinkable choices that centered around my Minnie pants and my Aerosoles boots. This polyvore is accurate, but the boots are Aerosoles from a few years ago...pretty similar though.

The left side shows my Saturday look, also known as "dinagideon only looks like she rides horses" (you'll read why later on in this post) and the right side shows my Sunday look.


Mr. Dina apparently likes for me to look like I am in a catalog...glowing hair and all.
Sizes:
Jacket: Size Petite 8.
Shirt: Size Small. This is the outlet version of the Annette blouse in the snow leopard print. I see ZERO difference between this and the "real" version from last year. I tell you, I wonder if I should always wait a year to buy stuff at the outlet?
Pants: Size 8. I may need to re-buy one pair (in a different color) in a size 6, these puppies stretch, and buy the time I get around to dry-cleaning them (5 wears...dry cleaning is expensive), they fit pretty darn loose, especially in the knees and upper thighs. (You can see that clearly in the next photo.)

Not pictured in polyvore:
Sunglasses: Boden from last summer, Summer 2009.
Gloves: Ann Taylor ruffled cashmere lined leather gloves, Holiday 2009.
Purse: J. Crew Quilted purse, with leather handle, Spring 2005 (maybe?). This sucker is well-made. I brought it out of retirement just last week and find it is a good purse when I don't need one of my bigger purses, like the Campo.

So can you tell yet why Mr. Dina quipped to me, "Hey, you look like those ladies in the parade on the horses...you know the ones wearing the froofy jackets, the fluffy blouses, the tight pants, and the boots?" Yep, I (unintentionally) ended up choosing an "equestrian" look (a very VIRGINIA horse country look--I know this is true--I may not know "Upper East Side NYC" look--but VIRGINIA horse people--yeah, I know their wardrobe, and apparently wear it without even thinking about it) for the Inauguration. Well, at least I made Virginia proud (I hope).

Here is something funny and definitely ironic...I was in an awful horseback riding accident in the fall of 2002. The summer had been really dry and I took a bunch of girl scouts riding in Hume, Virgina, and the bees were out (one of the weird curiosities of dry summers). The bees started to attack the horses we were on, about halfway through our ride. The horse I was on got stung, and in its anger, started to buck violently. Rather than wait for her to throw me, I chose to fall off (which I am told was smart), but the horse was not done with me and with all of her girth sat on my left leg, and then ran off, leaving me injured. Turns out that I sustained a very deep hematoma (incredibly bad bruise) and did not break anything, but from that day forward, I SWORE off horses forever. I will never ever have a reason to wear a riding habit for real.

I just like the look. ;)


Another view of Miss Horsey and her little Horsey child (CW loves horses...went crazy when she saw them in the parade). In the background are all the people who didn't have kids to worry about and could actually watch Bob McDonnell not on a Jumbo-Tron. It's okay...we had fun, anyhow. :)

You see what I am saying about the Minnies? That is the second time I have worn them since the last cleaning and they are pretty loose at the knees and thighs (running around and crawling on the grass isn't going to help, but still).


On Sunday, I wore this.

Sizes:
Cardigan: Size Medium. I bought the Stained Glass Cardigan, yes, I did. I have an upcoming post with me wearing it with the Ravine dress and belted. This cardigan looks great with the charcoal Ravine.
Top: Size Petite 10. Really wish I had bought this in a Petite 8. I love the length, the color, the fabric, but it is pretty loose overall now. I bought it when I was ten weeks postpartum, so I guess it is okay that I chose the wrong size. If I have kids ever again, remind me (LOUDLY) not to buy anything (except the basics) when postpartum...


One last photo (mainly for relatives and friends and anyone from Richmond that knows this fella). This really neat older man was at the Inauguration and he came by where we all were (families with kids--smart man) with his baby carriage (look at it...awesome) and inside were his chihuahuas...and OMG, they were SO CUTE. Baby CW started salivating as soon as she saw them. She ALMOST jumped out of my arms to go follow this guy. I waited a bit just to make sure this man was okay with my darling coming over and looking. Turns out this guy loves showing his dogs off to the public, and when he saw how intently Baby CW was studying them, he was all "look at her focus--amazing!" :) SMILE.

In the background is Rex with his best friends and their grandpa. It was a great moment. Thank you, Chihuahua Man of Richmond. (I like that name.)

Have a nice night, all. About to go put on my Tutu top for Ms. Janiece. :)

Nice Casual for a Warm Early Spring Day!

Sorry I didn't post at all yesterday (March 7, 2009). I spent the ENTIRE day outside with the kids and Jim. We spent the morning at Rex's classes at Lee District Rec Center (he takes a play class--weird, I know...and he takes an art class, in which Jim and I basically do everything). The afternoon was spent in Bethesda where Jim got his comics, we ate lunch at the fantastic Louisiana Kitchen (yummy Cajun), got our hair cut, and I got to visit a Japanese shop (I love cold Japanese green tea).

This outfit got me through it all...and stayed crisp and pretty the entire day. I actually received a compliment from the waitress (so sweet). All of the pieces I wore are J. Crew. The blouse is the Lydia blouse in peacock, size medium. The cardigan is the snow-leopard Tartine cardigan. The pants are my favorites, the colored-chambray cocktail capris in blush. The necklace is actually the seychelles necklace from last summer 2008 (scored on ebay). The sandals are actually from 2006...the sequin capri sandals in gold.

You can view this polyvore here: http://www.polyvore.com/nice_casual_for_warm_early/set?id=7052723


Here it is, full length. The blouse is quite blousy, but this really doesn't bother me too much...the halter means that it will fit my shoulders no matter what, and the loose bottom means that I can treat it like a tunic top, which is why I paired it with the capris. The cocktail capris started out the perfect fit, but by the end of the day had stretched a bit...but in that way that is comfortable versus annoying (like they were about to fall off). The capri sandals are pretty but not very practical. Just in case I was going to walk long distances, I brought a pair of plastic flip-flops. I didn't end up changing footwear, but I would have if I had needed it!


This is a close-up of the cardigan's print...so pretty! I wore the cardigan about half of the day. The other half of the day, it became too warm, so I went ahead and took it off and showed the Lydia off in all its glory!

I love this necklace and missed out on it in its original run. Guess it was a good thing, because I ended up paying less than 1/2 of its original price. SCORE! :) The beads are NOT glass, but plastic (which is really great if you have a teething baby--she loves it). The clasp is a precious seashell in gold with sea-colored gems. Very pretty and looked so nice with the Lydia. I thought all those ruffles on the blouse would mean I couldn't wear a cardigan or a necklace, but I was wrong, wrong, wrong. This may be one of my favorite outfits I have created yet!

Today is supposed to be pretty, too. I look forward to wearing the slub-cotton cottage dress, so I should have that review/outfit up on the blog either later today or tomorrow!

Pants, Pants, and More Pants!

Okay, you ladies of the 8...10...12 bottoms, CELEBRATE. Mrs. Dina is here to save your day! I have recently purchased FOUR pairs of fantastic J. Crew pants that I swear you all can make work with your...cough, cough...assets. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN! ;)


#1--MY CURRENT FAVE--The gorgeous chambray colored cocktail pants. I bought them in rose. So pretty, so soft, so good at fitting my lower-half. Thank you, J. Crew for having the right mindset to have pants fit at the waist and hip, and then graze the body, and not make me feel like I am placing my legs into sausage casings! Find here at J. Crew: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Special_Sizes/size16/pants/PRDOVR~12305/12305.jsp


People, I am NOT going to style the pants like this...so I don't want to even hear it. I put on one shirt and then put the pairs of pants with it. I had like 30 minutes before CW needed to be fed. Sue me if you don't like it! :)

Here is the proof that they fit...and they don't look bad. They look...decent! I do NOT and would never expect to look like the model wearing this. We have way different body shapes, so I can't worry my head off if my hips seem wider in these pants than the model. Golly, I have to have a life, right? I can tell this is a good fit because there is no pulling at the front (those funny horizontal lines that come when the fit is too small).


I think these form well to my lower-half. Not giving the milk away (I am not going to explain this if you don't get it), but not hiding in sweatpants, either. So you know, these are a 10. I have mentioned that I plan on purchasing an 8 in grey for next year when I should (knock on wood) have lost all the baby weight!

#2--ALL WOMEN OF OUR SIZE SHOULD BUY THESE PANTS. The Saturday Pants from J. Crew are beautiful specimens...they fit nicely at the hip and rear, but then gently skim the leg. Awesome. Find them here: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Special_Sizes/size16/pants/PRDOVR~10697/10697.jsp

Here they are front view. They actually look really nice with the shirt. Perfect look for a...wait for it...Saturday. Heehee. :)

Again, nice and smooth and just the right mix of tight and loose. I bought these in a 10, as well. No plans right now to buy them in an 8. I think even a little loose these could work on me.

#3--For the braver ones, you may want to consider the mahali dot capri. It is made of a super-stretchy material, so it sucks you right in. However, these leave a lot less to the imagination. You can find them here: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals/pants/PRDOVR~11970/11970.jsp

Here they are on me. They fit because there is very little horizontal striping across the hip. Plus, the little there is may be a product of the pants themselves. Supposedly there was even this striping on the model in the pants e-mail that went out on Friday. Big discussion over at J. Crew Aficionada about the way the pants are made and the fact that even the thinnest women are suffering from this pants ailment. (Like some kind of horrible, freak fashion disease...)

I don't mind how much rump is on display. I am proud of my lower-half because I know it is a product of lots of exercise like walking, swimming, yoga, and pilates. However, all that exercise has meant that I will never have a flat posterior. And I will have to continue to try all of my pants on before I purchase them. I also love the way they sort of flare out at the bottom. I think that looks cute with the shoes.

I will not be styling these pants this way, so please no heart attacks over it! I purchased these in a 10 and will not be buying an 8. No need. Even a little loose they should look fine.

#4--This will take confident ladies to pull this off, but bright red (excuse me, cerise) can work with a larger lower half. Trust me! These are the premium stretch bistro pants. They are here at J. Crew (no longer on-line in this color, but your local store should still have some): http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Special_Sizes/size16/pants/PRDOVR~99809/99101640234/99809.jsp

I think they look fantastic from the side. I am wearing heels here (maybe 2 inches) and they hit perfectly across the shoe. I won't style it exactly this way, but it looks okay for a semi-casual day. These are BRIGHT pants. Since I have already told you I am proud of my bottom, I don't worry that they will highlight that area, but if it concerns you, you may want to choose a more muted color!

Here they are from the front. I purchased them in a 10. There is a small possibility I will get them in an 8 in a different color. I am not sure yet.

Here is the top in all four outfits. It is a slub-cotton puff-sleeve tee. I like the fact that the sleeves are silk and the rest is cotton. It is fun and soft. I purchased this in a small (it runs large). You can buy them here: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/knitstees/texturedknits/PRDOVR~12668/12668.jsp

So you worry-warts can stop worrying, I purchased all of these at a discount and on-sale. So run to your nearest store or computer and purchase away! They won't break the bank and may make your lower-half be thankful in return!

Review of the AWESOME Chambray Cocktail Capri Pants...

Here is what the colored chambray cocktail capris (ooh, how alliterative) looks like on the J. Crew website. Here is a link for them: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Special_Sizes/size16/pants/PRDOVR~12305/12305.jsp


Here they are in real life, in that light rose color. I do not think I can express my love enough for these pants. I wear a ten and these pants fit like a gorgeous leather (cashmere-lined) glove. They also made me look thin, which 5 months postpartum is a real gift. I don't have pics of me wearing them yet, but don't worry, once it gets warmer, these will be my go-to pants. They are so loved by me I WILL purchase them in a size 8 in grey because I want another pair for the inevitable (or so I hope) time that I lose enough weight that the size 10s don't fit anymore. They hit me at my lower calf (I am 5'8"), but that is fine. I know a 26" inseam is not meant to be super-long. The rise hits about four inches below my belly-button (but I am high-waisted), right above my hip-bones. It actually fits my bottom well, with no tugging or pulling.


Here is a close-up of the waistband and pockets. It is nice to have a flat waistband and slanted pockets, as those help prevent the bulging look you can get when wearing other types of pants with buttoned waistbands and other types of pockets.

The fabric is SOOOOOOOO SOFT! I love the feel. It is like the most washed tee-shirt you own, but with the bonus of not looking all worn out. The color is very muted and I would probably not wear this color near my face, but on a pair of capris, it is perfect. It is so soft of a color, I bet I could wear it as a neutral!

I would recommend everyone buy a pair. If you would prefer darker colors they have the cocktail capri in other fabrics, (but I can't vouch for their awesomeness): http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Special_Sizes/size16/pants/PRDOVR~12428/12428.jsp