J.Crew Stadium-Cloth Duffle Coat -- How to Clean

I can literally go mad at how cruddy dark coats look when they are covered in fuzz, hair and everyday crap it picks up

For my J.Crew Stadium-Cloth Duffle coat in Navy, I've tried every trick under the sun --- lint rollers, old fashion lint brushes, duct tape, clear tape, the sweater stone thingamajig...

They either just plain didn't work, or it takes an extraordinary amount of effort to remove an extraordinarily minimal amount of lint.  

Until, I tried....the Evercare MAGIK Lint Brush.

Ha..such a gimmicky name!

 

 

 Quick, easy, effective. 

Now I can direct my OCD on something else.

J.Crew Everly Cap Toe Pumps - Review of Sorts

I needed a filler for my order of hats for an upcoming (TROPICAL!) trip, so I included J.Crew's Everly cap toe pumps with patent bow (goodness, that is a mouthful) into the cart.

  

Ordered in a size 8, it was a perfect fit.

Made out of suede with a patent cap, I expected the cap-toe to be more brilliant/reflective as shown on the site. In real life, it is more subdued -- I would say it is more brass/bronze than gold.

They are comfortable enough, and are definitely lady-like chic

 

I still wasn't completely bowled over -- there was just something that I wasn't satistifed with. I had my Manolo Blahnik BB's out at the time and made the mistake had the insight to compare the two.

The Everly is about a 1/2 inch shorter than the BB's...and my, what a difference that 1/2 inch makes.
(Side by side, it is apparent that the suede on the Manolos is superior to the JCrews)

Additionally, the cut in the front is different - lower on the Everly than the BB's.

J.Crew Everly:

Manolo Blahnik BB's:

 

I don't know about you, but when I wear heels, especially those that can be categorized as special-function shoes, I expect the shoes to provide me with the illusion that my legs are better than what they are (tone, length, etc - although granted, they have a LOT to work on, seeing as my legs are essentially tree stumps)

The Everlys simply do not check the boxes on those criteria. But to be fair, they are a TON more comfortable than the BB's (and not to mention a ton more comfortable on the purse strings).

Sadly, I do believe in the saying "no pain, no gain".

So....for those who are not as masochistic as I am, the Everlys are beautiful shoes that are comfy, well made and definitely chic. For those who prefer to have a sleeker looking silhouette, and don't mind the toe-pinching, foot-numbing pain, then by all means, the BB's it is.

Tart

Every once in a blue moon, I like to dress a little tarty girly just to see if there would be a difference in the way people interacted with me

 

And nothing like a (very) close fitting skirt that makes one's hips even more thunderous va-va-voom than normal (peplum is the enemy sometimes) that does the job

  

T-Shirt - Forever 21

Skirt - Club Monaco

Shoes - J.Crew Cap Toe Etta pumps

On a slightly review-ish note, I took the Etta pumps in my usual 8.5 and now that I've actually worn them quite a bit, I do feel that they may be a little big for a truly comfortable fit. Perhaps they stretched, being leather and not patent. I think I will stick to 8.5 for patent shoes, but consider a size 8 on the softer leather.

 

Disheveled Prep

I love my shirts 

 Shirt - Old Navy Printed-Poplin Shirt in Pink Dot

Jeans - Forever 21

Shoes - Chanel

Bag - Cambridge Satchel Company 11" Classic in Navy
Necklace - H&M

Cambridge Satchel Company 11" Classic Satchel - Review of Sorts

It has been awhile (to me at least) since I last purchased a bag.

This year, I succumbed to the Cambridge Satchel Company's 11" Classic Satchel in Navy.

It didn't do terrible things to my credit card and I have been lusting after it for awhile ever since J.Crew started offering it in their Crewcuts collection.

(Yes, I do pour over the Crewcuts catalog because sometimes - a lot of times - those kids dress a lot better than I do)

My bag collection lacks a small sling-on bag that I can use for quick trips around town, or for occasions where I need both hands free so I can ride on amusement park rides without hindrance.

The Chanel mini was suppose to fill that void, but let's be honest...my heart will break if it got scratched, stained or squished out of shape while we hurtle down the track on a roller coaster. 

It arrived from England less than a week after ordering, which I thought was impressive.

It is made out of somewhat stiff leather to give it its structure, with buckles to hold the bag close, and an adjustable leather strap. The Navy is a beautiful dark blue that looks black, depending on the lighting.

The exterior measures roughly-roughly about 11"x7.5"x2.25"

The satchel vs the Chanel Square Mini:

The satchel vs the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

The interior main pocket measures roughly-roughly around 9.5" in length and 1.25" in width (at the seams. It is about 2.75" at the widest point in the middle of the bag)

Here is what I can fit in the bag -- not a good idea to use a long wallet in this bag, as it took up 90% of the available space ...I guess I just have to shop around for a small wallet =D

And because I found it amusing to try and see what can fit in the main interior, here are some normal everyday items that you may have lying around the house:

Two 16.9 fl oz water bottles

(laying on its side, on top of each other)

The paperback version of Eclipse from the Twilight series

(This was a rather tight fit. New Moon would work better as a perfect fit)

And if you have kids, three beanie babies...

On me:

For reference, I am 5' 3.5", roughly about 115 lbs

Pros:
- It is structured, giving a more put-together appearance to outfits
- Handmade in England, it is beautifully put together
- The leather is smooth and of good quality
- Adjustable strap that allows for cross-body positioning, or as a shoulder bag -- I suppose the straps could be tucked in so that it can be carried as a clutch, especially for non-petites.

Challenges:
- The bag is held closed with buckles so it can be time-consuming to open and close the bag
- The stiff leather that gives the bag its structure also makes for a very constraint opening. One has to be very precise in putting things in the interior for it to fit, therefore making it challenging to get things out in a hurry. I am hoping that with use, the leather would soften slightly and make this easier.
- Because I am vertically challenged, I would like it if there were more holes available to shorten the straps (at its shortest, it is way too long for my 4 year old -- I wonder if the Crewcuts version is adapted for kids)

Just as I am writing this post, I see that they have introduced a Mini version, at a mere 8.5" across. I did mutter an oath under my breath, but upon further reflection, I realize that while aesthetically, it would be perfect; functionally - it would be lacking, in an extreme sense

The main Cambridge Satchel site is also having a 10% off sale on certain items to celebrate back to school (the 11" classic included...grrr....), with free worldwide delivery. Use code "STUDENT2013" at checkout

Hope this is helpful to anyone who stumbles upon this post, looking for information

J.Crew on the Cheap: Denim on Denim

Save on the clothes, splurge on the shoes

Shirt - Old Navy Classic Chambray Shirt in Dark Chambray

Jeans - Forever21

Necklace - H&M

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper patent

Back to Basics: Invest in Classic Bags and Shoes

Collecting handbags is an expensive hobby
(And one that I don't dabble with much anymore)

Which is why I tend to buy only the classics. 

Sure, Chanel has lots of fun way-out-there bags, from bubblegum pink to crystal studded goodness...but seriously, if it is to "last me a lifetime and then some", said bag has look appropriate on me when I am shuffling around with the aid of a cane

Nothing more ridiculous than trying to look like a chick when one is almost to chicken heaven. 

Dress: H&M

Shoes: Chanel Ballerinas

Bag: Chanel Cerf 

I am very proud of finally getting around to potting some plants...which is why I am outside