J.Crew Clea - Review of sorts

It has been snowing all morning (and all night too, I suppose, judging from the amount of snow on the ground when I woke up) and while it was amusing to see the number of cars that eventually reversed away from going up the hill near my house, I figured I'd rather curl my hair and play dress-up.

I ordered the J.Crew Clea dress in heather charcoal awhile back and finally received it this week.

It is gor.ge.ous. The cutting and fit was perfect for me. I've always had issues with fitted dresses because the small of my back is quite...defined? Most fitted dresses I've tried on typically end up having a bunch of extra fabric sticking out around that area. Not a good look.

I didn't have this issue with the Clea.

Sizewise, it is pretty much true to size - perhaps it could do to be a tad smaller around the mid-area (again, my lack of meat in the small of my back contributes to this), but it's comfortable as it is. I wear a size 0 in Jcrew pencil skirts and I got a size 0 for this dress.

However, it is wool. Even though it is completely lined, a slip would be a very good idea. And lets just say that this dress is definitely not the choice if you're intending to have cuddling time. As my 3 year-old daughter said, "Momma -- you're prickly!"

Trying to get different variations of looks for this dress is slightly challenging, because it is, afterall, meant to be a sophisticated, professional dress. And I always love me a good, covered, severe dress. Must be the (high-school) librarian in me. If I lived back in the days where women will wear the same dress over and over again because they only have 5 dresses to choose from, this would be the perfect pick for my winter attire. Just replace the pencil skirt with a long, poofy skirt. Very Jane Eyre-ish. ;)

An outfit pairing to satisfy the inner librarian in me:

Shirt - Forever 21

Glasses - Prada

Pumps - Ann Taylor

Something a little more chic and trendy:

Scarf - Hermes "Le Pégase d'Hermès"

Bag - Jcrew Edie

Booties - Sam Edelman

I will probably end up getting the dress in the blue/green too.

The snow has finally stopped -- I suppose it's time for me to bundle up and start shovelling...

J.Crew Liquid Silk Skirt

Hands down, one of my favorite skirts that I've bought (and one of the greatest bargains) is J.Crew's Liquid Silk Skirt in Dark Navy. I first saw it through a review from Elements of Style and my interest was piqued. But at $148, I was a little on the "meh" side, so I decided to wait.

Lo and behold -- it went on sale 2 months or so later at $79.99 online. A little of investigation later, I found it at a store for $49.99 with additional 30% off. (drives me crazy that prices varies between online and B&Ms!)

Made out of 100% silk, it hits about calf length, so I suppose that may throw some people off, but I love it. It reminds me of what women of yesteryears would wear. It's true to size, I suppose -- I've wear a size 0 in their skirts typically, and I do for this one as well.

To demonstrate how versatile it is, here's 3 different outfits that will cater to 3 different purposes:

A casual outfit utilizing brown tones, perfect for a day out shopping, or hanging out with girlfriends at a local coffee shop:

(It might drive some nuts that the browns are not the same, but it doesn't bother me)

Sweater - Old Navy

Tank - H&M

Boots - Dolce Vita

Bag - Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini in Almond

A slightly more pulled together outfit that would work for...well...work. 

Cashmere turtleneck - Ann Taylor

Scarf - H&M

Boots - from DSW

Bag - Chanel Grand Shopping Tote in black caviar/SHW

And for a candlelight dinner, a simple black and navy outfit spiced up by fab shoes. Add some red lipstick and voila!

Wrap blouse - Laundry by Shelli Segal (bought from Marshalls)

Necklace - J.Crew

Bag - Hollywould for Target

Shoes - Badgley Mischka

I like it so much that when I found the version in Bright Dahlia (bright purple) on sale in store for $29.99 with an additional 20% off, I pounced.

It's currently on sale online for $69.99, with additional 25% off with code SHOPNOW (ends today) but if you live near a store, I'd recommend you go there first.

(excuse the wrinkles on the skirt...it's due for a visit to the drycleaners)