Very, Very Quick Review of the Thicket Floral Perfect Shirt...

Ooh, you all, the new arrivals are up on jcrew.com. YAY!

Usually I am late to the game when it comes to doing reviews, but because I was in Vegas last weekend, I was able to take some time and go to the mall to check out some of the new items for myself (and grab some photos). Like gigiofca, I am going to be doing these reviews one at a time, although I normally like to put them all in one post. I have a lot on my plate right now, so I have to be brief. ;)

First up from this weekend's expedition is one of the three items I did buy (and the only one from the new arrivals). (I was feeling some of the others, and was definitely tempted, but I was returning the annalise tops--did anyone figure out how to style these and not look like a clown?--and only had a little bit of money to work with--did NOT want to spend over my return amount.)


Thicket Floral Perfect Shirt, Size 6 (so it fits looser than other perfect shirts I have worn in the past, OR I have lost more weight, who knows?). It is a Cotton/Silk blend and feels so soft. I am wearing the Perfect-fit swirling petals tank in cobblestone underneath, and the blouse wasn't so sheer that you could see the design or color of the tank through the fabric.

This pattern is so pretty in real life...ditsy florals with the prettiest blend of lilac, lime, rose, and pink. You know I love me some florals, and I just couldn't say no to this one. If it had been a predominantly green, yellow, or orange floral shirt I would have said no (I have a lot of florals in these color schemes already). Darn J. Crew, coming out with the one floral color scheme I don't already own. ;)

It also comes in a little girl top, which is darling, too.


I will often wear these perfect shirts in the summer as a cover-up from the sun, and this one seems like it would do the trick nicely. I love the tank, too, and went ahead and bought it in a small. :)

Hope that helped someone out there. More reviews to come later.

End of Summer Equals Shorts...

Sorry for the absence this past week...I have been struggling trying to keep up with the blog while shuttling Rex to and from preschool (and dealing with his "behavior" at preschool itself), plus CW had her year checkup (23 lbs., 29 inches, and a HUGE head). But I have a few moments, so I thought I would do this post plus the Kreativ Blogger Award post (AppGal, THANK YOU!).

These three outfits are just so simple, it may not even be worth your energy to scroll down...that said, I do have a few photos of the kids...so maybe that alone will be worth it!

I love shorts in the summer, and this summer was no exception...


First up: Khaki Bermuda Shorts (J. Crew, Spring 2009); Citron Eyelet Blouse (J. Crew Collection, Summer 2008); Brown Leather Sandals (Nine West, Spring 2008).

I love this blouse...it is so pretty...I really like that it now fits a bit looser (it is a size 10) because I like the tunic look...I could probably have gotten away with an 8, but in the throes of summer, I don't really want fabric sitting too close to my skin. These bermuda shorts are so comfy...I bought nearly every color J. Crew made I love them that much. The shoes are "eh," but I can wear them all day and not feel like my feet are killing me at the end of the day!

BTW, isn't CW darling? I love it when she sneaks into the photo!


Speaking of sneaking into the photo...she is crawling up behind me and...voila...


I picked her up and swung her, just to see her smile... :)

The outfit consists of: same shorts as in the first outfit; Lime-striped tank top (Old Navy, Summer 2009); and Lime fit-flops (Summer 2008). (Oh, and so you know, this was the first day of school here in VA, and I definitely didn't want to wear anything special...hence the super-casual look.)

1st Day of School for Everyone Else! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore of the outfit above. I do agree with one of the comments that the fit-flops match the top...and I believe I may have planned it that way that day (because I get bored like that)...


And finally, a very CASUAL outfit for just hanging with the kids. I may have gone outside to get the mail that day. Ooh, exciting. Anyhow, aren't the kids too cute? I love it! I wish they always were in this sort of mood. Rex is probably excited because he is holding onto his Transformers magnets...which speaking of Transformers, we had to take ALL his Transformers away and put them in a box (which he can still see) up on top of a shelf in order to discipline him for not being a good boy at preschool. Sigh. I am not sure my 2 1/2 year old is quite old enough to get it, but this is what his preschool teacher recommended (supposedly it worked for her son when he acted up). If that doesn't work, does anyone know of a preschool that "bad" boys can go to? I feel like with the way people portray Rex he is a budding criminal, not the sweet boy I know he can be! Is it just me or have any of you mommies out there had a time when your kids were painted as "awful," even when you knew what they were saying was an overreaction? Also, I feel like if you have never had a super-active, crazy 2-year old boy, Rex and the way he acts may be beyond you...I now have a lot of sympathy for any mom or dad with a little boy or girl having a fit in the grocery store (I even go out of my way to help if I can...I know what it feels like to feel like you are the only one who is going through this particular realm of hell...).

Okay, this outfit consists of: Linen (Sequined) Top (J. Crew "Vintage Closet," Spring 2008); Yellow shorts (J. Crew, Spring 2006); and Brown Strappy wedges (Aerosoles, Summer 2009).

You all have a great day and start to the weekend. I will be posting my blogger award very soon!

Happy Canada Day...Oh, and Happy Birthday ME!!!

So here is one of the greatest ironies of my life...(or just a darn coincidence)...I was born on Canada Day. I grew up to become one of the most jingoistic, overly-patriotic Americans who teaches (well, taught, yay for a leave of absence) U.S. History.

I personally think my mom (who is in LOVE with Canada) had me early so that I wouldn't be an Independence Day baby. It's okay, though, because, and as all good American History teachers could tell you, the Founding Fathers were DEBATING the finer points of the Declaration of Independence on July 1, 1776. So there. :)

That said, I LOVE Canada, too. And it turns out I share my birthday with some very fine Canadians like Dan Ackroyd and Pamela Anderson (Lee?).

Onto my favorite birthday gift--CLOTHING!!! ;)

Birthday Outfit from My Party on June 28, 2009! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the polyvore from my party which was held on Sunday, June 28, 2009. We had a few folks over for the celebration (a lot of people were out of town). We decided to make my party festive with Australian shrimp on the barbie and yummy Australian wine. Mmm...

Oh, and the Costco cake. My goodness...they make some fine cake at Costco. WOW!


This is the outfit on me. I had been eyeing this top for ages and kept seeing pop-backs on jcrew.com but only in size 2. HAHAHAHA. Yeah, right. So one late night (when I should have been in bed), I spied this on ebay as soon as it was listed. Size 8 and something like 50 bucks (it is a Collection top). Well, yay!!! So I bought it. It fits nicely, although if I had it perfect, I would have gotten a 6 and shortened the tank straps...I think I will be shortening the tank straps on this one, too.

The jeans are the 7 for all Mankind Dojo Flip-Flops that I ordered in a size 30 after reading the advice by Jordan in this post. Thank you, Jordan...the fit is perfect. Just like you said it would be!!!

The sandals are the Pietra sandals in gold and they are soooooo pretty. My hubby even said he thought they were "sexy." And this coming from a guy who never even notices shoes. Hmmm...


So how am I going to celebrate my bday today? Go to the pool with my dad and some friends, then get all dolled up for dinner (sushi?). Really, every birthday is special, even in its kind of normalcy. I just am so grateful to be living my life and having another year on this gorgeous planet with some awesome company!

This is the skirt I will wear tonight. I bought it at the Collection store. Isn't it simply divine? I think I will pair it with a teal top and a pair of sandals.

Please, everyone have a great day. Oh, and a very happy bday to my bday twins...Gigiofca and Betsy!

One Saturday...Two "Hot" Outfits...(5/23/09)!!!

Yes, folks, it is two-fer time again...I wore BOTH of these outfits on that sweltering hot Saturday we had here in the Mid-Atlantic on May 23, 2009. The first outfit I wore during the day when we went to my dad's house to go visit my Aunt and Uncle in from California. The second outfit is from when we went to my cousin-in-law's (Mr. Dina's first cousin on his dad's side) house to visit his Aunt and Uncle in from Florida. Two sunny states' residents visiting two separate neices/nephews in Northern Virginia on the same day. :) Good times. No, seriously...it really was good times. Love hanging with the fam. My family and his family are the best!!!

Fresco Cardigan with Summer Casual!!! by dinagideon featuring J Crew

Here is the Polyvore.


Here is the polyvore in full-length. Hair is wet. Yep. Feels good to let it AIR-DRY on a HOT day!

So why did I wear the cardi if it was SO hot? Because I am super-pale and SPF only does so much. So out came the lovely cotton cardi that I have been the proud owner of since February! It did actually get to be too warm to wear it (we had BBQ outside) but when that happened, I subtly encouraged everyone to hightail it into the house. It worked...

The top is different in the polyvore. The top you see here is a MATERNITY top from Pea in the Pod by Splendid. Yeah, whatever. Fits perfect on my non-pregnant body. I think the person they made it for is not really pregnant or pregnant in a way that I have NEVER seen. Wow.

The flip-flops are actually from J. Crew (last summer 2008) and I LOVE that color. You might need sunglasses to look at them (see two pics from now for more on that).


Here is more of that top. Please excuse my bit of cami showing through. oops...

To make the fireball necklace that short, I had to clip the clasp on the necklace itself (and I ended up with a fair bit of the necklace chain down my back...).


Oh, dear reader who wanted to see the Boden sunglasses in green and for the other reader who wanted to see the Boden sunglasses case, here you go!!! I (heart) them both. The green sunglasses are meant for sunnier days more than the light brown because of the darker tint...this is why these beauties came out to play instead of the light brown ones...I love having this option! The case is REALLY big but since I have to carry a mom-bag everywhere it doesn't matter to me! I now own two of these cases (they come with every sunglasses purchase). They also have a cloth inside to wipe the lenses. I also think the print is so much fun!


There is no polyvore for outfit #2, but 'tis okay. I get tired sometimes writing my blog and the less work--the better!!!

I wore this in the evening to visit Florida family and I LOVE this outfit SO much. I will definitely do this again. SO CUTE!

Can I tell you that Rugged Wearhouse (kind of like TJ Maxx or Ross) is awesome? The tank is old J. Crew and 10 dollars. The skirt is Ann Taylor Loft and was 9 dollars. Yes, I bought two. This skirt is a 12 and fits nicely now (I can wear it lower so it isn't too mini) and a 10 for when I get to the fighting weight (8 pounds as of today...probably 10 pounds away in this pic). The shoes are the same from outfit #1. The short-sleeve cardigan is J. Crew, cotton, in lime green (Spring 2009).


Here is the outfit with no cardi. YAY! I love this color. This was a great outfit for seeing the fam on a very warm and muggy night!

Oh, you know, this is for Polyvore. And yes, I see the cami. Whatever. I can just smush that right out when I create sets in the future. It's cool...

You all have a nice afternoon. :)

DC JCA Fun at Montgomery Mall...Plus a Good Time for the Littlest JCAs...

I want to start this post off by showing a pic of me, Drewablank, and CW. Drewablank came to my house, posed for a picture looking all gorgeous (seriously...that top looks so good on her), and drove me and my baby to the mall (I was feeling groggy from the medicine I took).

Once we got to the mall, and EVENTUALLY spotted a space (thank you, nice man from Pennsylvania), we went in and found HeidiG. (and her sweet as pie daughter E.) and Summerilla at the Nordstrom Cafe. The dinner there was so delicious. I highly recommend it. One thing, bring a little cash for the tip. You can't add the tip to the bill so you have to give it at the end. I ate a nicoise salad with salmon and a cup of tomato-basil soup (both yummy). I washed it all down with a cup of some delicious herbal tea by Mighty Leaf (Organic African Nectar). I loved this tea so much I bought a whole package later on my way out of the mall.

After dinner, we went to J. Crew and had lots of fun returning things, suggesting things to each other to try on, suggesting things that our little girls should wear (E. found the CUTEST top that CW can wear as a dress now and as a top later), and finally, last but not least, discovering naughty things in J. Crew tops (read HeidiG.'s post for more info on that).

I ended up getting some MINI-skirts! Whattup with that? Really, me? Not to worry, they are still long enough (lower than mid-thigh) and I will promise you all never to wear them with anything other than casual flats, or in the winter, with tights and boots. :)

I also went ahead and returned the hole-y sweater from this post and got a PERFECT replacement. No holes, and the pattern matches so well. YAY for J. Crew! I was so worried that my beautiful sweater would be lost to the gods of retail.

Two other tees made it into my bag (the naughty one and the one that has trumpeters and the New Orleans theme).

Hopefully these outings will continue...I love this new group of friends! So, thank you, Drewablank, HeidiG., Summerilla, and little E. for a great evening.

BTW, I am wearing in that photo at the top:

(Picture from ebay seller who is selling theirs...)
J. Crew Linen Embroidered Top from Spring 2007 (supposedly a fast-seller, but look--you can get it from ebay in a medium--thanks for the heads-up, summerilla!);
Target Merona Plaid Shorts from Summer 2009;
J. Crew Poppie Capri Sandals from Spring 2009.

Three Outfits Worn to School (Week of May 18-22, 2009)...

These three outfits are from TWO whole weeks ago. I guess that is what happens when you combine testing (almost done) with illness (almost over, thank goodness...still yucky, but at least I can sit up straight) with raising two kids (well that is ongoing but my absolute favorite). Suffice it to say I will not spend a ton of time on each outfit. If you have questions go ahead and ask in the comments (I will eventually answer them all...promise)!

Outfit #1:

Worn on Monday, May 18th, 2009. I like this outfit in concept more than reality. I think I needed to wear a different pair of pants. I think the top and shoes work really well together, but the pants...eh. The outfit consists of:
INC Petite Small Peasant Top,
J. Crew Colored Chambray Cocktail Capris (Faded Blue Color--in store only), size 8,
J. Crew Salina Patent Flats in Peacock.

Do you all have any recommendations for pants to wear with this top? What about these faded blue cocktail capris? What would you wear with them? I have a hard time matching this blue to things in my closet!!! (It has been a long time since I have worn this color pants--it actually kind of reminds me of the denim that was popular in the early 90s--faded and cowboyish.) Thanks for all your advice...you guys give great advice!

Outfit #2:

Boden Greens and Blues!!! by dinagideon featuring FOSSIL watches

I wore this outfit on May 20, 2009. I really liked this outfit. Definitely a winner.


Here it is in real life. I LOVE this outfit. The skirt is especially cute. I also have the fun skirt (Boden calls it this) in the white with the multi-colored flower/sun thing. BTW, the kids at school loved the skirt, too. I think teachers (especially those who teach the younger kids) should think of buying a fun skirt or two or three. Kids are suckers for these sort of embellishments. :)

Outfit #3:


Navy, Orange, and White for a Beautiful Day!!! by dinagideon featuring FOSSIL watches
I really enjoyed wearing this (to SCHOOL) on Friday, May 22, 2009. Yep, I was allowed to wear shorts (Fridays are normally jeans day but at our school tailored shorts are okay, too).


Here it is on me. I walked to school, by the way. I was running late...and yep, those lovely Born shoes caused me some awful blisters when I decided to run to make sure I was on-time. For me, on-time means getting there ten minutes before school starts. I prefer to get to school 30 minutes before school starts, but when I am walking, ten minutes is fine enough. That is how late I was...I had to sprint to make it to school ten minutes before school started. My blisters are fine now...but man, they hurt for a good week.

This Boden top is a size 12 (size 8 U.S.). It was a bit large on me so I went ahead and shrunk it in the dryer. It is now the perfect size. :)

You all have a good day. Hopefully I can get one more post up before the end of today (my goals are not lofty right now...)!

Part Four of my Florida Vacation...or Tuesday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 8, 2009!!!

First, I need to apologize for waiting so long to publish today's post. I had intended to post this on Sunday, along with my Easter outfit. But then I received the call...my beloved Uncle Jerry, who basically acted a lot like a grandpa, was on his way down. At 7:22 pm, he passed away in his sleep. We all knew his health was failing, but none of us knew when he would actually pass away. We are a very strong, faithful, Catholic family, so even though we have heavy hearts about losing him, we feel for Uncle Jerry to pass away on Easter is so fitting and special. He lost his own two children to polio when they were very small. I believe they were there waiting for him and welcoming him. And knowing how loved all of the children of our family were by him (it makes me incredibly sad that CW never got to meet him), I am sure when he saw his precious Donny and Margie, he had the biggest smile on his face ever.

I am heading out to California this Thursday morning. I am heading out with just CW. Sadly, Rex and Mr. Dina (thanks for the name idea, Gigiofca) cannot make it...too expensive. What is funny about all this? Mr. Dina rightly pointed out that CW and I are amongst a small handful of people who have gone to Disneyworld's Magic Kingdom one week and then to Disneyland the next. Walt would be proud. What is bittersweet? The last time we went to Disneyland was with Uncle Jerry for Rex's first visit ever (see above pic).

Okay...so back to the Florida outfits...these are the last two. Tuesday was really cold, but we had NO idea when we left. Lucky for us we brought a few jackets. We went to Universal Studios that day and saw a lot of folks wearing Universal Studios hoodies, coats, sweatshirts, etc. I think that is how these parks make money...they fool everyone into believing Florida is warm all the time and then getcha when it is cold. :) But we were prepared!

I had forgotten to put this outfit in my polyvore, but here it is...a lime green polo with crab critters all over it from summer 2008 (J. Crew), a pair of J. Crew stretch summerweight shorts (11" inseam) in dark honey (or something like that) from this season, and of course, the lovely critter flip-flops (I guess Tuesday was a critter day).

I don't really have a lot of time to write about Universal Studios, so I will have to post on the experience later. We did have fun...even though this happened (see next photo):

Yep...that's right, Dina got sun- and wind-burned. So did Rex and CW. Mr. Dina was fine...he wore a hat. So did you know that when it is cold but the sun is bright and closer to you that you can burn? Yeah, I know, all you ski-bunnies get that, but for a proud flat-lander like myself, it didn't even freaking occur to me.

I think I should have packed a green top for this outfit (would be a lot less jarring against my very pink skin), but how was I to know I would get burned? I had wanted to wear shorts or something other than this, but darnit, it was cold again. So out came my fly-home outfit early for our last day in Orlando (we went back to Downtown Disney...fun...review at same time as Universal, maybe...). The sweater is a cashmere short-sleeve top from Garnet Hill. Ladies, the cashmere in this sweater is probably a hundred times softer than the J. Crew cashmere. Admittedly it is a bit more expensive, but if you buy it on sale (like I did), it can be a reasonable price. Plus I love wearing cashmere on planes...it's cozy without being cumbersome. The pants are the chambray cocktail pants from the Pants, Pants, and More Pants post. They are definitely getting to be too loose. WOO! And, yep, the lovely critter flip-flops.

You all have a nice night and Wednesday morning. :) I will get back in my groove soon enough...it may just take awhile (darn grades...they take forever to do and have to be turned it at the absolute worst time for me)!

Citron on a Friday Strikes Again!!!

As you know last Friday I celebrated citron (to honor FFM's awesome post about the color). Well without really meaning to, here I am celebrating it again!!! (Although, truth be told...I love this color.)

I decided against creating a polyvore because I couldn't find the top and the sweater I wore is only in polyvore as a natural color, so I will just post pics of me...wooh!

The top is by a company called Miss Closet. I bought this at Need Supply down in Richmond, again on super sale. I bought a large, but it fits pretty well, almost feels like a tunic. From what I read, Miss Closet is a juniors' brand so that could explain why the large doesn't feel too large. The jeans are my beloved Seven for all mankind dojo's. I am a little worried that they are becoming too loose. (The one pitfall of weight-loss, pants that do look really nice become too loose...sigh.) The shoes are the joelle patent flats in spearmint, and the necklace is a green amber piece I got from the History Store (or something like that) back before I was married (2001).

My hair is wet. Honestly if I make it out of the house with everything I need and my hair is wet, I will live. Little accomplishments make me the most happy. Even though it was wet, it was completely dry by the time I got to school (yep, I walked again)!


Here is the outfit, but with the sweater/fancy sweatshirt. This is from J. Crew last winter (2007). I also own it in black, but the Miss Closet top does look very nice with this color!

By the way, I see a lot of J. Crew out in the world, but this sweater/sweatshirt is the one I most often see. I think it had a very broad appeal when they created it. And almost everyone I see in it looks really nice. Must be the universally flattering shawl-collar!

My next post is about my Seven Dojo jeans dilemma. Help me if you can!

New Hudson Fresco Print Shell Top...A Mini-Review...

It is true, I am on a vacation in wild and wonderful West Virginia, but that can't stop me from posting at least once. But it will be a quick post. I have been meaning to get around to this post, but since it isn't warm out, I haven't really had an opportunity to wear this outside. Plus, this top is a smidge small on the hip, so I have to lose about 5 more pounds to be able to wear it for any great length of time.

But since this top is on sale at J. Crew for 59.99, I thought this post may benefit a couple of you ladies who are interested in purchasing it.

This is the way it appears on the website. You can find it here to see more views: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shirtstops/camisblouses/PRDOVR~14594/14594.jsp

Here it is on me. I cut off my head because I am not wearing makeup and because I think it is important for you to see the fit and the colors. The fit is true to size. I purchased a 6 because I want a good fit in the bust area (sort of like the model on jcrew.com). I did not want it to be too loose. I am so close to this top fitting well in the hip that I can taste it, but until that happens, I will not wear this top...so those of you ladies who worry about things like that can chill out! :) The fit is immaculate in the bust area...it lies flat and nicely highlights my shoulders and neckline, which I believe are two of my nicest features.

If you choose to purchase this top, go with what you would normally wear in a J. Crew top. Bear in mind the hip measurement (important if you are a tad heavier on bottom). I actually discussed this with the Customer Service Rep. and she gave me the exact measurements, so I was more than prepared for the fit.

I want to mention that I personally love the slub silk...so pretty, with a beautiful and subtle texture. The fabric really makes this pattern sing. This top is very unique and I believe will be a piece I will receive many compliments on when I finally get around to wearing it!!!

Please, please, please, I beg of you to keep in mind I took this shot for the blog and was NOT planning on going out like this. (You must have more faith in me than that!) I have not one ounce of makeup on my face and my hair is pulled back. I have no flash, etc. to help light this shot. I wanted simply to show you the fit from a different view/angle. :)

I also want to mention that I will definitely be wearing this with the cardigan below, and probably well into summer because I know that the pink border is an almost exact match to my skin tone--and until I get my very faint tan by mid-July, I will not go out in this top without some sort of contrast piece. (I normally wouldn't explain in detail what I plan on wearing with this but I have to cover my bases for the commenters who stress out way too much about the littlest details of my outfits, makeup, hair, etc. I want the commenters to know I am not stupid--I really, truly get that the border of this shell is a match for my skin and I know that it needs a bit of something to make it truly wearable for me--especially before I get a little tan...) I still love you all, but really...not necessary to point out the obvious...I am really truly my own harshest critic!!! ;) (I say all of this with a smile on my face...)

Here is the cardigan (how divine and precious):

I love this shade of light yellow-green with my skin tone and I really think it will look superb with this shell. :) The cardigan can be found here: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/cotton/PRDOVR~13471/99101690155/13471.jsp

You all have a great weekend. I will come back with more tomorrow night...and I might even post some more pics of my kids having fun (from Cub Run Rec Center last weekend to the hilarity of West Virginia).

My Beautiful Pink, Green, and Brown Outfit...Friday the 13th Evening Out with the JCAs of DC!!!

So all of us fabulous JCAs of the DC area got together to watch Confessions of a Shopaholic on Friday night. One of the things we promised to do was get dolled up in our finest J. Crew duds. We looked so nice!!! I saw a Lexington jacket, the gorgeous orange/white houndstooth Greta coat, a yellow herringbone ecole jacket, and much more. I decided to wear my Maggie jacket in camel (not shown in these pics), my Fresco cardigan, my Teagan blouse in ivory (camisole definitely needed with this shirt), my lovely Dojos by 7FAM, my patent belt in root, and my patent Allesia heels in root. I think the outfit pulled together quite nicely. I love the overall feel I get from this outfit...I feel vaguely French and while casual, it has a dressy undertone.

The cardigan, for those of you who wondered how it fit, if it stretches, and how the color looks on me can see all three answers here...it fits well when it stretches out a bit, which it does (thank goodness), and I believe paired with the ivory top looks nice with my fairly light (not quite Casper the friendly ghost but almost that pale) complexion. I do have dark blonde hair so I couldn't answer how it looks with lighter hair until this summer when the sun has had its lightening effect on my coif!


Here is a close-up of the print next to my skin. I believe pairing this print with a solid is the only way I can wear this print properly. The print by itself would be to close to my complexion to work 100%. That's okay! I would never wear it by itself, anyway!

I did purchase this print in the silk tank, but again, I will pair that with other solids, like my cardigans and jackets...

Oh, and those of you who were concerned with the print not matching up when this is buttoned can see it doesn't really stand out at all!!!

Fresco cardigan...review...

The cardigan in full effect...it is soft, has beautiful shades of pink, green, and olive. It is very similar to other cardigans I have from J. Crew, except all my other ones are merino wool. I suspect this cardigan will stretch a bit from wearing it, unlike the merino ones. It is good that it will stretch because it is looking like it will be a bit form-fitting, otherwise. Not that matters to me because I never button cardigans, but some of you probably do, so this is your fair warning. I wear a medium in J. Crew sweaters and this is seeming smaller in general, shorter, tighter, etc. Again, it doesn't matter to me...but it might to some of you. Plus, I bet this is J. Crew's version of "shrunken."

The only thing that slightly bugs me about this sweater is that when it is buttoned up, the pattern does not match up. It does on the model at jcrew.com, see here: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/cotton/PRDOVR~14347/14347.jsp Again, not an issue because I am not buttoning up...but I am sure some of you are. Also, it is hand-printed (or so the little brown tag says). This may be why it is off a bit, but whatever.

Close-up of the fabric. It is obvious the print doesn't match up here. Look at the buttons. How pretty. They look like the buttons they used in the winter with their merino sweaters!

All in all, I am in love. I truly look forward to wearing it for real.

Fresco Cardigan...review coming!

Yay! It came. Considering how little sleep I got last night, this was definitely a nice pick-me-up. I had to run home to feed CW before conferences began so I got to pick the package up. It is very pretty (from the rushed look I got inside the bag). The colors are exactly like you see in this pic. I will probably take pics of it as soon as I can, but may not be able to wear it until the weekend at the earliest. (I am walking home tomorrow and would hate to sweat this up...)