Friday, May 17, 2013

Review: J.Crew, Kate Spade neon pumps, Ann Taylor polkadots and Guess shoes


KateSpadeNeonPumps Top: J.Crew {old} - size XXS
Jeans: AG - size 24
I've been wanting a pair of neon yellow pumps but haven't had any luck with finding the right pair. I ordered these to try before the size 5's sold out. I don't own a pair of Kate Spade pumps and was curious about the sizing and quality. I love that Nordstrom has free shipping both ways so it's easy to order things to try out at home and return if you don't like them without wasting time and gas. I wanted to do a thorough review with clear and close-up pictures for you but I'm traveling and just don't have the time. I am still debating on these for two reasons - the front is very pointy and they feel like big boats on me plus the price is much higher than I wanted to spend on trendy pumps. I like the heel height and bold neon color but need to really think about it before deciding to keep it. I love that it's made in Italy and has leather soles. The size 5's fits okay but has a tiny gap in the back. The front seems to be a tad uncomfortable since it's much more narrower than almond toe pumps. They look much better in the photo than they do in real life (usually the other way around).
Verdict: Undecided
 
AnnTaylorPolkadotSkirts2 Top: Banana Republic - size 00P
Shoes: Christian Louboutin - size 34.5
Both of these skirts were really big on me (have the mint one pinned back. I forgot to measure but I believe the mint waist was 14" and the pink was 13" laying flat. The mint has pockets and is unlined. I was dissapointed in the quality. I like the pink one better but so frustrated with the inconsistent sizing.  I wouldn't reommend either one of these. They were both just "meh" and are not worth the price. Shocking isn't it? I can say no to polkadots! Ha!
Verdict: Return
JCrewMariSandals Top: Loft {old, review here and last seen here) - size XXSP (recent colors here)
FYI - I will be selling my Forever 21 pleated polkadot skirt in XS if anyone is interested.
J.Crew Mari Nude Sandals
Shoes: J.Crew Mari - size 5 (available in three colors)
Likes: The color is a perfect nude sandal and is very versatile. You can never have too many nude shoes! The leather is buttery soft and the heel height is perfect at 3 3/4". I love the chunky heel too. The sandals are made in Italy which is why I love most of their shoes. I am biased towards Italian made products.
Dislikes: I was very disappointed to find out that the soles are not leather like most of J.Crew shoes. It's very plastic-y like the new versions of AT perfect pumps. I wore them recently for an entire day (see here) and the inside of the buckle rubbed on my ankle really bad. Everywhere else was comfortable except for that area. The price is very steep for non-leather soles. I hope it gets better which each wear because it's too expensive not to be perfect.
Verdict: Would recommend but be careful with the buckle rubbing your ankle.
J.CrewFactoryPolkadotSkirt
Top: H&M {old}
Blazer: H&M - size 2 {recent}
Skirt: J.Crew factory - size 00
Shoes: Franco Sarto - size 5
Likes: Navy + polkdots + pockets - need I say more? I've been wishing for J.Crew to come out with this bell style skirt in polkadots and so when I saw this online, I didn't hesitate to purchase it in a 00. I was amazed at the quality - espeically being a factory item. Their clothes are usually made specifically for the factory store and is not as nice as the regular J.Crew stores. The 00 fits me nicely and is not too short.  The fabric is thicker and the lining is 100% cotton instead of polyester.
Dislikes: I love everything and have no complaints.  Maybe the price could be a bit cheaper?
Verdict: Recommend
J.CrewNavyFlaredDress
I tried this on for fun since it was navy and I liked the simple silhouette. There were no size 00's in stores so I threw on the 0. It's too big on me but the 00 (which I was able to locate) fits someone my size perfectly. The material is a nice and thick ponte that doesn't wrinkle - great for work. The length hits me in the middle of my knees. I adore the sleeves and flared bottom. The only downside is that it's unlined. It's currently on sale for $99 with 30% off = $69.99.
Verdict: Recommend
H&MTrendBlushDress Dress: H&M Trend - size 2 ($59.95)
I didn't buy this but wanted to share. Unfortuatnely I don't have the style # but it is part of the Trend collection.  It's a pretty blush/nude color but for some reason - I didn't love enough to buy it but want4ed to share in case anyone is interested.
GuessPolkadotCanvasPumps
I got this right before I went out of town so didn't have time to really assess and or try on for a lengthy period of time. They seem to fit when I put my foot in. I got them on sale for $75 but now I see they are back to full price online. I haven't bought something from Guess since I was a teenager so I was curious how these would work out. Yes more polkadots, don't judge. I know I have a serious polkadot problem but if it makes me happy, why not right? :)  I'll keep you posted once I have time to really look at them.
 
On another note, I decided that my Ann Taylor factory polka dot crop pants (see here and review here) were too short for me after washing so I ended up giving them to my sister. I bought the Banana Republic version  instead (can't find link - style #418324-00-1).  They fit me really nicely and I love the textured material. The length hits me where it should w/out alterations or shrinking.  I also like the navy Hampton fit dot crop here (on sale) but have too many navy with cream polkadots so I passed.
 
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Denim Jacket and Stripes

DenimandStripes
DenimandStripes-2-3
Dress: Banana Republic - size 00P (buy here)
Jacket: Gap girls - size large/10 (similar here or women's here)
Belt: Ferragamo [cut 4"]- size small (buy here)
Shoes: Ferragamo Vara - size 5 (buy here)
Necklace: c/o Stella Dot (similar here and here and here)
Purse: Chanel WOC
DenimandStripes-2
DenimandStripes-3
DenimandStripes-4
DenimandStripes-8
**This is a scheduled post. I won't be able to reply to questions/comments until after Sunday**

Monday, May 13, 2013

Summer Work Outfit: Affordable White Suit Separates for under $100

SummerWhiteSuit09
Top: Ann Taylor factory {old} - size XXSP (similar here and here)
Blazer: H&M {sleeves shortened and added buttons}- size 2 (similar here and here)
Skirt: Ann Taylor - size 00P (buy here)
Necklace: Pearls (similar here)
Purse: Prada Gardener Tote (buy here)
Sunglasses: Chanel
Shoes: Christian Louboutin - size 35 (buy here)
SummerWhiteSuit06
When I first ordered this white pencil skirt, it was only because I had to spend my rewards before it expired. I didn't see anything I really loved online so I threw this in my cart at the last minute.  It ended up fitting like a glove (love when this happens) and I like it much better than my linen one from a couple years ago.  (see here and read review here)
SummerWhiteSuit11-2
Even though they are two separate pieces and not the exact same shade of ivory, they are close enough.  They both have a bit of texture to the material so it flows nicely together.  
SummerWhiteSuit01
I love mixing and matching affordable pieces with designer accessories.  This crisp ivory blazer (see full review here) was a  steal at $34.95 and the skirt I got on sale during the 30% sale for around $60 with my rewards.  For those who follow me on Instagram or Pinterest, know that I have worn this little white blazer to death (almost too much).
SummerWhiteSuit16
It's been extremely hot (in the 100's) where I live so I've been trying to wear lighter colors to try and keep cool. This is a simple and classic skirt suit that is affordable and great for Summer.
What are your thoughts on an all white skirt suit?

Friday, May 10, 2013

Polkadots + Ruffles

Ann Taylor Polkadot Cropped Pants-5
Top: Loft {old} - size XXSP (similar here and here and here)
Blazer:: H&M - size 2 (similar here and here)
Pants: Ann Taylor factory - size 00P (similar here and here)
Shoes: Franco Sarto - size 5 (similar here and here)
Necklace: Ann Taylor {old}
Purse: J.Crew in vintage navy (buy here on sale)
Sunglasses: Chanel
Ann Taylor Polkadot Cropped Pants
Happy Friday! I wore this to work the other day and it was a big hit. Anytime I wear pants, it always comes as a shock to everyone at my office. It's always a nice change from my typical skirts and dresses.  After taking these photos, I think the length is okay right? I will have to be careful when drying them next time so they won't shrink any shorter.  You can see the full review here.
Ann Taylor Polkadot Cropped Pants-3
Ann Taylor Polkadot Cropped Pants-4
I have a lot of items to review and a great giveaway coming up so stay tuned!
Ann Taylor Polkadot Cropped Pants-2
Some reviews to look forward to are:
- The Little Bra Company (band sizes 28 and 30)
Ann Taylor Polkadot Cropped Pants-6
I wanted to wish all the Mother's out there a Happy Mother's Day this Sunday.  Have a great weekend! :)

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Fitting Room: Banana Republic New Arrivals

Banana Republic New Arrivals_
Textured Colorblock sheath dress in Paris green - size 00P (comes in black combo)
This dress didn't do much for me online or on the hanger but when I tried it on, I really liked it. The green and navy colors mesh really well together with these big and bold stripes. The fit is slightly wide (can't tell from my iPhone pics) and the armholes are a tad bit big.  The style and cut of this dress is a nice change from the typical sheath dress. It has pockets which is a huge plus.  The material is 100% cotton but one it's dry clean only:(  I can see this being a great casual dress with flats on the weekends or dressed up with a blazer/cardigan and pumps for work. 
Banana Republic New Arrivals_-5
Verdict: Loved and will be waiting for a sale.
Banana Republic New Arrivals_-4
Striped scoop-neck dress - size 00P
Jess from What Jess Wore recommended this dress so I thought I would try it on for size.  I adore the stripes and silhouette.  It fits me perfectly everywhere except the length. I can't remember if it was just the angle or it really was this long. The bust and waist area fit nicely. I adore the neckline - so cute.
Verdict: Passed for now.
Banana Republic New Arrivals_-3
Belted ponted sheath - size 00P 
Banana Republic New Arrivals_-2
(see previous fitting room post here and new outfit post here)
I know I just posted this dress but wanted to show you the fitting room pics.  It's cute but not that cute right? As you can see here, it looks much better styled. 
Banana Republic New Arrivals_-7
I tried these items on a couple weekends ago but didn't bother sharing because they didn't do it for me. This dress runs big and the shape just didn't fit me right. I love the black and white combo but unfortunately, this dress was a no go.  It's unlined, a bit see through and has an exposed zipper on the side.
Verdict: Passed
Banana Republic New Arrivals_-6
Colorblock pencil skirt - size 00P
This is the same material as the colorblock ponte dress and had high hopes for it when I saw it online. Unfortunately, it also runs big and is see through. The material is much thinner than I had anticipated and is unlined.  I didn't like it at all.  The fit was okay but the material seemed wrinkle prone.
Verdict: Passed
What item is your favorite?