Monday, June 17, 2013

Reviews: H&M Blush Suede Skirt + Leather Pumps, Charlotte Russe Crochet Trim A-line Dress, Petite Friendly Maxi Dresses

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H&M "Trend" Blush Box Pleat Suede Leather skirt - size 2 
{style #037173, $79.95}
Shoes: Ferragamo Tina Bow pumps - size 5
I've always wanted a cute leather/suede skirt but haven't found any that don't require alterations or in any neutral colors (besides black).  I was happy to see that the waist was small (12" laying flat) and the length (16") is perfect for someone my height (5" tall).  I'm debating if I want to deal with the expensive upkeep of  leather.  I do love the blush color and box pleats. 
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H&M blush leather pumps - size 5 {style # 097771, $69.95}
I've never seen size 5's before so you can imagine how excited I was when I saw these in store.  The shoes seem to be high quality with leather soles and completely lined inside with all leather. I love the blush color and chunky heel.  The only reservation I have is the heel height (4") is a bit too high for me. 
H&MCharlotteRusse,Petite Maxi5-2
Belted Crochet Trim A-Line Dress - size XS
Shoes: Christian Louboutin simple 85 - size 35
Remember my post looking for a cream/ivory a-line dress? This Modcloth Naturally Enchanting dress was one of the options I posted and Charlotte Russe has an exact dupe for cheaper.  I typically don't shop at Charlotte Russe but was browsing one night and came across a few cute items.  I had some reservations about the dress being too thin/see through and not fitting but decided to place my order anyway. You can get 10% off by signing up for their email and don't forget to use Mr. Rebates for an additional 7% off (invite link here).  Right now, you get $10 off of $50 or more (no code needed) and free shipping over $65.
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Likes: The dress is 100% cotton and fully lined. It's not see-through and the XS fits someone my size perfectly.  The price is decent and quality was pretty good given the retailer.  I was unsure of the crochet trim detail but it turned out to be pretty cute.
Dislikes: The bow belt (included with dress) is a bigger than I expected but is detachable if I want to switch it out.  
Verdict: Keeping
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Bow Back Stripe Crop Top - size small
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Pigalle - size 35 (platform version)
I love the bows on the back. The top is cotton and very comfortable. This would also look cute with a maxi skirt and flats. 
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There weren't any XXSP's for me to try on so I wanted to see what this would look like. There is a lot of excess material I have scrunched and hidden in the back. The length was perfect but did not care for the top portion which made me look broader. I like the navy and cream stripes but it was a no go for me.
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I'm not a fan of the print but the fit was really nice. The spaghetti straps are detachable so you can wear it as a strapless. I was wearing flats and the length still fit me. Will have to keep my eyes out for something similar but in a more neutral color/print.

This belted stripe maxi has potential too in case anyone is interested.  I'm very curious about this one and will try to find it in store to try on.  I ordered this chevron maxi dress and hope it works out. I'm usually not a fan of maxi dresses only because I think I look weird in them and hubby hates them. Maybe I haven't found one that looks flattering on me.
Which item is your favorite from this post?

Friday, June 14, 2013

Reviews: LOFT + Forever 21 + Madewell + Marshalls kids sandals

LOFT
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Measurements: Armpit to armpit 15", Waist: 13" Length: 32"
Likes: I really wanted to like this and was hoping it would fit similar to my yellow/white striped strapless (see here) but it runs larger. This should fit someone one size up from me.  If you plan on getting this, size down for your normal size. See the pink/white version on WhatJessWore here.
Dislikes: The material is linen so it'll require a lot of maintenance to get out the wrinkles. The straps a bit too skinny and doesn't hide your bra strap completely.  It's very loose in the bust area and you can see straight down the dress.  I wish it navy/cream vs. black/white.  
Verdict: Return
LOFTF21Madewell Review4-2
Measurements: Shoulder to shoulder 12.5", Armpit to armpit 15",Waist: 13", Length 34"
Likes:  I love the buttercup yellow color  and dot print.  The boatneck and full skirt style won me over.  The dress is fully lined so it's not see through which I was a bit concerned about with the light color. 
Dislikes:  The dots were much bigger than I thought. This dress runs big and long. The 00P would fit someone one size up from me. It had lots of potential but it didn't do it for me.
Verdict: Return
FOREVER 21
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Crocheted Chiffon Blouse - size small
Jeans: AG - size 24 (buy here)
Shoes: Nine West Callen Pump - size 5 (buy here)
Measurements: Shoulder to shoulder 14", Armpit to armpit 17.5 ", Sleeve 17", Length 21"
Likes: I adore the pale peachy color and crocheted detail. It's very feminine and very pretty in person. The length is perfect for someone my height but may be too short if you are taller.
Dislikes: It's very wide and boxy and will require some slimming. The back is sheer and if you don't like your bra showing, I would suggest a cami. It's partially lined but only in the front.  The sleeves are wide and will need to be taken in as well. 
Verdict: Requires too much work, return.
LOFTF21Madewell Review1-2
Likes: I love blouses with tie fronts and this one seemed cuter than the one from H&M (see here). It's a silky polyester material and tucks in much better than the H&M version. 
Dislikes: The armholes are big and runs wide. I'll have to slim this but should be an easy fix.
Verdict: Still debating
LOFTF21Madewell Review6-2
A-Line polka dot skirt - size XS (see fitting room post here)
Measurements: Waist 12.5", Length 15.5"
Likes: Another polka dot skirt? Yup. After trying it on in size small which was huge (28" waist), I saw that they carried XS online.  The XS is a bit loose but doable.  The material doesn't wrinkle and the pleats drape and lay nicely. 
Dislikes: The exposed zipper gets stuck and may snag your shirt. One of the reviews mentioned this and sure enough, it happened to me too! My dad suggested taking a skinny candle and rubbing it on the zipper to help so we shall see if that works. 
Verdict: Keeping
MADEWELL
LOFTF21Madewell Review2-2
Silhouette skirt - size XS
Measurements: Waist 11 3/4", Length 15"
Likes: This skirt was recommended to me by WhatJessWore. I love yellow and have been looking for another yellow skirt to replace the one my sister gave me (linen and wrinkly). The waist is tiny and the skirt fits me perfectly.  I love the details and the material doesn't wrinkle.  This was my first purchase from Madewell and I'm pleasantly surprised at the sizing and quality. It seems to run smaller than J.Crew. 
Dislikes: I didn't care too much for the hefty price tag. The skirt is 1" shorter than what the online description stated.  
Verdict: Deciding
LOFTF21Madewell Review8-2
My sister just sent me these adorable sandals from Marshalls.  She knew how much I loved my gold ones (see here) from the same brand. They are kids sandals but do not look kiddish at all. They are hand made in Italy and the insoles are cushioned. They are so comfortable! My feet are very picky when it comes to flats and these get a thumbs up from me.  It's perfect for Summer. Please note that these run smaller than my gold ones (I originally got a 4 but realized they were too big - thanks Shira for finding a size 3 for me).  The 4's in the ones my sister gave me (above) fit like the 3 in the other gold ones.  Hope that makes sense.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Neutrals + Polka Dot Belt

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Sweater: Loft {old} - size XXSP (similar here and here and here)
Belt: Loft - size XS (cute here and here)
Skirt: Ann Taylor - size 00P (on sale here)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin - size 35 (similar here and here)
Purse: Chanel PST (similar in Coach here and affordable here)
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I love bright colors for Summer but sometimes neutrals are just as good. I didn't know how much use I was going to get out of this polka dot stretch belt but it's proven to be quite versatile. It was an impulse by a few weeks ago but I have no regrets.
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I made my first Madewell purchase recently and got this silhouette yellow skirt (recommended by WhatJessWore). I've been on a yellow skirt kick ever since my sister gave me this Forever 21 linen one. It's very wrinkle prone so I've been on the search for a better option.  
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Remember when I was searching for a white dress awhile back? I still haven't found the perfect one yet but ran across this Modcloth dupe (comes with the bow belt and on sale) and thought I would try it out. 
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Do you love neutrals for Summer?

Monday, June 10, 2013

Sunny Stripes + Floppy Hat

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Dress: LOFT - size 00P (buy here)
Shoes: J.Crew - size 5 (on sale here)
Bangles: C/O Stella & Dot
Necklace: C/O Stella & Dot
Hat: Forever 21 {old} (cute here and similar here)
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I fell in love with this LOFT striped flare dress when I tried it on here (see review here).  I was surprised that it fit so well especially given that it's a strapless.  LOFT sizes usually run larger than Ann Taylor and it's rare to find a dress that fits off the rack.
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Even though it's linen and wrinkle prone, it's so darn cute that I will put up with having to steam it. It'll be a perfect dress for my upcoming vacations too! I love it to pieces and would recommend it. 
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I love floppy hats for the Summer (especially on vacation and in California).  Not only do they protect your face but they are so darn cute! I've been looking for a white/cream/beige and a solid navy one. If you are looking for a floppy hat, here are some options:
WhiteFloppyHat
- White floppy hat with trim (ordering)
Navy with bow detail (want)
- Pattern blue 
- Kate Spade Stripe sun hat (pricey but cute)
- Calvin Klein striped
- Nine West
- Anthropologie Cream
If you aren't a fan of strapless dresses, you can always throw a denim jacket or a shirt over it.
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Shirt: Ann Taylor {old} - size 00P (similar here and here)
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Do you have a floppy hat?

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sale Alert: LOFT BOGO - Buy one, Get one 50% off plus stackable with $25 savings card

**UPDATE with better code**
LOFT Yellow Striped Flare DressLOFT Striped B/W Flare Dress
Striped Strapless Flare DressStriped Sleeveless Flare Dress
LOFT is having a buy one full priced item, get one 50% and it's stackable with the $25 savings card - use CODE: SUMMER and free shipping on orders $125 or more.

Update: here's a better code that is also stackable - get 20% off your full price purchase of $100 ore more OR get 25% off if you use your AT/LOFT credit card with code BESTFRIEND. I tested it and it works! You can only use one code per order so this one will save you more money!

Here is an example of my shopping cart using the $25 savings card code: SUMMER. You will need to add a filler item to get free shipping.
LOFTCheckoutExample
Here is the updated shopping card using code: BESTFRIEND (20% off w/out a AT/LOFT credit card)
LOFTBOGOSale
Below is with an AT/LOFT credit card (25%) - please
note I had to log in to my account so my tax is included in this cart:
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Here are my picks:
Striped Strapless Flare Dress (see on me here)
Striped Sleeveless Flare Dress (ordered)
- Dot print sleeveless flare dress (ordered)
- Spot print pleated skort romper
- Bustier dress (love the color)
- Shirred linen blend skirt (white and blush)
- Striped tee (3 colors)
- Layered cap sleeve henley (2 colors)