Review: J. Crew Matinee Trench

I bought the matinee trench last year and have never worn it.  I'm just not a big coat person.  Today I finally decided to break it out as it is supposed to rain all day and I have an appointment downtown which will require some walking from a parking garage to an office.  You would think that living in Florida I would wear a raincoat on a regular basis, but never have. 

J. Crew currently has the matinee trench on promo HERE for $138 in the modern red color.  The navy is still $178.  The khaki color does not seem to be available any longer.  I usually wear a 4 in J.Crew blazers but purchased the trench in a size 6 so I could wear it over a blazer or suit jacket and it fits great.

It worked out great today.  It is really lovely with the leather detail on the belt and sleeves and the gold snaps and zipper.  I LOVE the hood as no umbrella is required.  I think I will end up wearing it alot.

Ebay Score

I love, love, love the J.Crew rugby skirts from the good ole days.  I have the pink & orange stripe and the Factory gray & orange stripe and get tons of compliments everytime I wear them.  After much stalking, I finally scored the Collection black & navy one on Ebay last week.  Yippee!  I couldn't wait to wear it today.

Do you purchase things on Ebay?  What J.Crew items do you wish you'd purchased?

J.Crew Polka Dot Popover
J.Crew Collection Midnight Rugby Skirt
Guess black patent leather pumps
Kate Spade Bow Ring

UPS DELIVERY ALERT - J.CREW REVIEWS

Just received order 1 of 2 from J. Crew of purchases from the 30% off promo sale. 

First up - the Tessa top in Safari Cat - $55.65 after 30% discount.  I really like this top.  I like that it is flowy with the pleats in both the front and the back.  It fits true to size IMO.  This is a size 4.  The linen is a heavier weight but not scratchy.  I like that it can be worn to work with a pencil skirt or with shorts. 

 Next are the 5 inch chino shorts in bright green - $24.15 after 30% off.  I love these shorts and have every color.  These are a size 4 and fit true to size.  Disregard the weird photo - it looks like I'm sticking my tummy out :).

 The Gondola Stripe Top - $41.99 after 30% off.  I never had much interest in this top until I started seeing everywhere in the Blogiverse.  I really like the washed silk feel.  Always love a stripe.  And again this one can be worn to work and on week-ends.  This is a 4.  I also ordered a 2 coming in my 2nd J.Crew order because I had fears the 4 would be too big.  It's not - I'm going with the size 4 which is my regular J.Crew size in tops.  This one is a keeper.

 Finally, the Cafe Capri in Safari Cat - $68.60 after the 30% off.  I really wanted to love these, but I don't find them flattering.  The linen seems thicker and stiffer than the Tessa top. Also, the color is different.  These are more a chocolate brown and the Tessa is more of a rusty brown.  I think I like the color in the pants better, but probably wouldn't know the difference, if I hadn't seen them both together.  I will try the pants on a few more times before I return them.  Also, these are the same size as all of my cafe capris - size 2.

What do you think of my purchases?  Do you have any of these items?  What do you think of the cafe capris - keep or return?

Closet Cleaning Sale

I found this shirtdress in the back of my closet today.  I bought it at The Limited last year (I think) and it still had the tags on it.  So sad.  I decided to wear it today, and I also decided it was time to clean out my closet so I can actually find and wear the stuff I own.  I have WAY too much stuff so my loss is your gain.  I have started a new sale blog HERE.     Happy Shopping!

The Limited Shirtdress
J.Crew Necklace
Target Sandals

J. Crew Outlet Shopping Trip Reviews

I headed out to the Outlet Mall today.  I was just at the J.Crew Outlet last week and placed an online order this week.  I had no plans to buy anything - yeah, right!  See some reviews below.

Also, I must apologize in advance as I wore paisley AGAIN today!!  I think I am as Paisley Crazy as Gigi is Stripe Sick :).  I also purchased an anchor polo today at the outlet mall.  Apparently, I'm also Anchor Addicted :)!

J. Crew Outlet paisley shorts - $24.99
J.Crew Perfect Fit Tee in Sunwashed Pink - $9.99
Orange Belt - Target - $12.99
J.Crew frog necklace - old
Steve Madden gold sandals - old

Maybe I should invest in some sunglasses :)!

 REVIEWS:

J.Crew Factory Thandie - $49.50 - paid $25
J.Crew Factory Madras Plaid Shorts - $49.50 - paid $19.99
I love the Thandie sweaters.  They are just like the retail Tippi, but made of cotton, not merino or linen.  I have several of these sweaters and they are lightweight enough to layer but okay on their own too.  I have washed and dried them and they turn out great.

Nautica Outlet - embroidered anchor polo - $21.99

What patterns are you addicted to?  Which ones are just over? 

In the Navy

It has rained here all day long so my nautical themed outfit was appropriate.

I'm looking forward to the long week-end and plan to make another trip out to the J.Crew outlet over the holiday week-end.  I have also placed not 1 but 2 orders online with the 30% off.  So I will keep you posted on what I find at the outlet and what I ordered online.

I'm also planning to hit the Kate Spade Outlet while I'm at the mall.  I received this 40% off coupon via email.

Any shopping trips in your plans for the holiday week-end?

J Crew Anchors Aweigh top via Ebay - $70
Talbots navy leather belt - old
Gap ivory crop pants - old
Navy leather pumps - old
J.Crew lobster necklace - $24.99

Paisley again.....

I must admit that I am a sucker for a paisley - raj, royal, feather, peacock - I love them all.

I ordered the Gondola top today (among other things) with the 30% I have been waiting so patiently for.  Thank you J. Crew!!  I think that top will look cute with this paisley skirt.  What do you think?

What did you scoop up from the sale?  Don't you just love that it's not the dreaded final sale?!

Ann Taylor orange & white striped tee - old
J.Crew navy jackie cardigan - old
J.Crew paisley skirt - Summer 2011
Navy leather pumps - Off Broadway Shoes - old
Kate Spade orange ring & earrings - old

Feather Paisley & the Cheapest Pants Ever

When I received my Feather Paisley Talitha from J.Crew I knew immediately I wanted a pair of orange pants to wear it with.  You know how that goes........ anytime I go shopping for a very specific item, I never find it.  So off I go to the mall on an unlikely quest for orange pants.  I ran across these on the sale rack at Ann Taylor Loft.  My size & marked $19.99 with an additional 40% off... WOOHOO my lucky day.  I get to the counter to pay and they are actually final sale at $4.88 -  $4.88! 

They have to be the cutest and cheapest pants ever!!

J.Crew Feather Paisley Talitha - $48
Ann Taylor Loft pants - $4.88
Kate Spade Outlet Patent Leather Leopard Handbag - $110
Franco Sarto shoes via TJ Maxx - $34.99

I do love a bargain :)!!!  What's the best bargain you ever got?

Dream vs. Reality

 

DREAM:  Kate Spade Kimmy $298



REALITY:  Franco Sarto via TJ Maxx $34.99

Denim & Paisley

As you've probably figured out, it is all shorts all the time on the week-ends for me.  These old J. Crew shorts are one of my favorites since they have pretty much every color in them.  This shirt is new.  I have had a fantasy of a t-shirt made of denim for awhile now and ran across this one at Madewell.  It is super soft and comfy and I have worn it not only on the week-ends, but to work with cafe capris and pencil skirts.  This was my first and only purchase from Madewell and I am pleased.

Do you shop Madewell?

What are your favorite recent purchases?

Madewell chambray pocket tee - $65
J Crew necklace via Ebay - $10
Express coral bow belt - $17
J Crew paisley shorts - old
Sandals - old

Lots of Sales........

There seem to be alot of sales going on this week-end.  I thought I would share some that I know about and some of the items I like..............


Old Navy - TODAY ONLY - Friday, May 18th - 25% off most everything - use code ONBEACH.  I'm loving: 



Espadrille Pop Kicks - $18.50 - Denim Stripe





Old Navy Chiffon Maxi Skirt - $19.99 - Caspian Sea Blue
see it here



  

The Limited - Friday, May 18th through Sunday, May 20th - 40% off everything in-store and online.  I'm loving: 

Canvas Peeptoe Pumps $79

Ann Taylor Loft - Saturday, May 19th - 30% off everything in-store and online.  I'm loving:




Marisa Wide Leg Pants in Oversized Ikat Print Linen $69.50



Textured Pique Pencil Skirt $59.50



Steve Madden - Friends & Family Sale - 25% off plus free shipping - Code is FFSPRING - Sale runs Friday, May 18th thru Monday, May 21st.  I'm loving:



CroquetL $79.95 - I have these & love them.



BLeopard $68



J. Crew Factory Store Reviews

I visited the J. Crew Factory Store yesterday.  They had alot of new items and some great sales.  I also noted that some new items were recently added to the Factory online that were not in the store.  Most in-store items had an additional percent off plus I was able to use my 20% off $125 coupon (thanks JCA!).  I am noticing, however, that some of the online pricing is better than in-store, even with the coupon.

One of the best in-store deals were the 5 inch chino shorts.  They were $24.50 plus the 20% off made them 19.99!  They had lots of colors plus a madras plaid and a critter short with dragonflies.

I bought the garment-dyed popover perfect shirt in the store.  It came in neon azalea, lemon twist, and african violet.  Love this shirt.  They are super bright!  In-store I paid $46.01 after the discounts and currently online they are $44.50.  I think I need the lemon twist one too :).



Factory garment-dyed popover perfect shirt - neon azalea - size small - fits true to size

 They also had TONS of pencil skirts.  In-store the were priced at $75 plus 40% off plus 20% coupon so $36!!  Online they are $50.

I had ordered the #2 pencil skirts from retail online during the last 30% off promo in the neon pink and natural.  They were on promo for $89.50 plus 30% off made them $62.65.  I hadn't worn them since I was on the fence.  Now they are definitely going back.  I purchased both colors at the outlet and paid $72 total!

Left one is from the factory $36
Right one is from retail $62.65
I kinda like the pockets on the factory one.  Fabric on the retail one is heavier and stiffer.  I'm going with the factory one.

Left one is from the factory $36
Right one is from retail $62.65
Okay, these two are EXACTLY the same!  Even the tags inside are the same - no factory tag.

How cute are these?!?  Online price is $49.50.  I didn't see them in-store and they are back-ordered online until June 8th.


Will you be visiting the Factory Store this week-end?  What new online items caught your eye?



Meeeooowww

Today was a rare yucky day in South Florida.  Overcast and rainy all day so I went for a fast, easy outfit.  I always feel like Audrey Hepburn when I wear ankle pants and smoking slippers :).

What is your go-to outfit?

I stopped by the J Crew Factory Store this afternoon.  That 20% off coupon from JCA was burning a hole in my wallet.  They had alot of new stuff and great prices.  Alot of stuff was 40% off including pencil skirts and the Thandie sweaters.  I'll post some pics of what I bought in the next couple of days.

Have you been to a Factory Store?  What did you like?

J Crew Factory Store Thandie Sweater - $35
Gap black slim cropped pants - $35
Express black patent adjustable bow belt - $17
Steve Madden via Piperlime black patent slippers - $50

Golden Roses

Happy Monday!

FYI - Target is currently having Buy One get One Half Off on their shoes and handbags until 5/26.  Free shipping on $50.  AND don't forget to go through Ebates for 3% cash back.   Check out their Esma and Poeske sandals.  I've ordered the Esma in cobalt and cognac and the Poeski in mint and ivory.  I will review upon receipt.  Don't forget that I reviewed the Emeline last Saturday - LOVE them.

Today's outfit consists mostly of J Crew oldies, but goodies.  I saw this skirt on Lara Spencer on Good Morning America this morning and was inspired to wear it today.  Don't you love when you invest in pieces that end up being classics and you love them enough to reach for them again and again?

J Crew Golden Roses Cardigan - old
J Crew Yellow Silk Parlour Skirt - old
J Crew Dark Gray Tank - old
Guess Dark Gray Platform Pumps via TJ Maxx - old

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!   It is a beautiful day in south Florida.  We are getting ready to head to Miami for the Miami Heat game this afternoon.  It's the first game of the semi-finals.  WOOHOO!  GO HEAT!!

The Man and I went to Pei Wei for dinner last night.  We received an email with a coupon for a free Select Diner meal good for mothers on Saturday and Sunday.  That means dinner cost us $8.34 last night!  With our $1.27 movie from Redbox, that was a $10 date!!  You can get coupons for free meals just by signing up for a Pei Wei passport at http://www.peiweimarket.com/.

Have a great day!

REVIEWS: Target, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works

**DON'T FORGET TO START ALL YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING THROUGH EBATES TO EARN CASH BACK!**

 TARGET

Target Emeline Sandals - $14.99 - I just received these sandals via an online order from Target.  How cute are they?  AND you can't beat the price.  This is a 7.5 and fits true to size.  If you order $50, shipping is free.  And, if you use your Target credit card, you save .5%.  I wore these all day running errands and they are super comfortable.  I plan to order the Esma ($12) and the Poeski ($14.99).  I'll let you know how those work out.


OLD NAVY

I ordered the following tops from Old Navy online during a 30% off promo.  It was my first order from Old Navy in quite awhile and I was pleasantly surprised and pleased.  Old Navy has free shipping with a $50 order.





Sailboat Print Top - Natural Colorway - Size Small (X-Small would have been better) - 100% Polyester - $19.99
Not a fan of the poly, but loved the pattern and the price too much to pass it up.




Old Navy Lightweight Campshirt - Red Check (don't be fooled - this is orange) - 100% cotton - Size Medium - $24.94
Although lightweight (as the name applies), I really like this shirt.  It is not too sheer.  It matches very closely to J Crew's cerise and vibrant flame colors.

 



Old Navy Lightweight Campshirt - Yellow Check - 100% cotton - Size Medium - $24.94
The shirt is slightly more sheer in the yellow colorway, but not bad with a nude bra.  I would probably mostly wear it as a layering piece so the sheerness wasn't a deal breaker for me.

 



Old Navy Striped Crew Neck Sweater - cotton blend - Size Medium - $9.99
This sweater is a nice weight and I think I can wear it year round.  A small would have been a better fit, but I wanted to be able to wear shirts under it.

And you might remember the black & white striped one I wore here.

 BATH & BODY WORKS:

I had a $10 off $30 coupon so I stopped into BBW today.  They were running a 2 for $20 special on their large 3 wick candles, which is basically buy one get one free.  They had some great new beachy ones so I had to indulge.  If you aren't familiar with their candles, they are AWESOME.  Smell great and last a long time.