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.

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

REVIEW: J.Crew Cropped Matchstick Jeans in Thistle Print

I have been missing for awhile now, due to uninspired clothing combinations and just general laziness.

But I was in the vicinity of a J.Crew last week while traveling for work in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and with the lack of better things to do in the evenings, went to explore.

And tried on these pants because they looked cute and were on sale for $39.99 + additional 30% off.

(Retail price of $135, online sale price of $89.99 -- which leads me to the thought of NEVER buying anything from the online site unless it is from their staple collection - i.e. navy schoolboy blazer - which never goes on sale, or unless you are desperate and can't find it anywhere else)

Back to the pants -- I proceeded to be amazed at how flattering they are considering the fact that I have issues with pants that flatter in general (short, stumpy legs --- there's only so much one can do for them, short of cutting them off and replacing with more...leggy versions) and for them to be white AND flattering -- IT could only mean one thing - SOLD!

They are cheery, fits true to size, does not stretch out to give you a saggy bum at the end of the day and I felt like I have managed to fake the look of somewhat-skinny thighs without having to resort to a solid month of yoga. They are "cropped", which to "normal people" like me, meant that they are ankle length and therefore won't have to go through the hassle of hemming.



Plus the print also serves as a camouflage if your lunch happens to splatter all over you.

Disclaimer: Please don't expect my legs to look like Gisele's..or even like the model picture from J.Crew's website above (who I actually think needs to consume a bar of Green & Black's milk chocolate in one sitting...everyday...for a whole month) 

When I say flattering and skinny thighs as it relates to me, it means that I don't look like a squat troll who consumed a bar of Green & Black's milk chocolate in one sitting...

Every day...

For a whole month.

(Now I am feeling self-conscious and riddled with self-doubt, dammit)

 

Shirt - H&M

Pants - J.Crew cropped matchstick jeans in Thistle print

Wedges - Banana Republic

  

Mystery Box and Skylark

'

I succumbed to yet another beauty box subscription -- the Blush! Mystery box is a lot more expensive than Ipsy, but has substantially more products.

(picture missing one product that came in the box -- a deluxe sample of B.Kamins BB Cream)

So far, I absolutely love it

 

Pencil skirt again

 

With my blush! Mystery box goodie (Skylark nailpolish in Jelly Shot) and the very chic GCC pedometer (which has gone through quite a lot of adventures in the past week--- including being dunked into the toilet)

One of the full size products in the May Mystery box is the newly released Skylark Nailpolish set in Wild and Free -- the line is by YouTube beauty gurus, Elle and Blair Fowler (Elle being one of my Youtube beauty guru favorites - love her!)

About the product:

"Inspired by the hottest trends of 2013, Skylark by Elle and Blair Wild and Free Mini Nail Lacquer Set offers 4 fabulously chic shades perfect for spring and summer! From muted tangerine and lavender to mint green, pale grey and opaque nude-pink, these fashion-forward polishes will add the perfect touch of flair to any outfit. Even better, they promise a smooth finish that's resistant to streaks and chips"

I don't know about being resistant to streaks ---- I had to use about 5 coats (2 thin, 3 thick) to get to a finish that was smooth and opaque. However, the drying time is ri-dun-ku-lous! I lost track of how many manicures I've botched because I got impatient  -- these dry within a minute, even with multiple thick coats. So it was definitely not a painful experience at all. 

As for being resistant to chips -- it survived pretty well after a vigorous cleaning session in the kitchen last weekend, so I am pretty impressed with it.

The price point is slightly too high, though, in my opinion -- I would never have bought this on my own. But include it in my subscription box that cost less than the listed retail price for the nailpolish? I am there!

Shirt - J.Crew Perfect fit Tee

Skirt - J.Crew no.2 Pencil skirt in double-serge cotton (2012 color)

Shoes - Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps

Bracelet - Forever21 necklace

J.Crew Chambray Shirts - Review of Sorts

I've been on a low-buy so far this year for fashion related items. I have been limiting my purchases, and when I do buy something, I try to get items that will get a lot of wear. As much as I love a twirly, lacey party frock, I really don't go anywhere to wear it to....Getting all dolled up for my monthly Costco run seems a tad fancy...

I've been wanting to get my hands on a chambray shirt for awhile, and recently, I saw that J.Crew had a 30% off discount code for cardmembers via Gigi's blog. So yay!

I ordered two to compare and contrast

1) J.Crew Keeper Chambray Shirt (Size 0)

The pros:

- The fit is good and is true to size.

- The material is substantial, but not too thick, like some of the shirts I found in Forever21
(although, in their defense, those were denim shirts)

The not-so-pros:

- The color is slightly too blue for what I was looking for

- The button on the arm of the sleeve looks a tad funny to me when the sleeves are let down

- And it looks silly to me anyway when the sleeves are buttoned up -- I think the material is a tad too thick to be able to have it buttoned up like that, and look like it was nonchalantly done
 (which is how I like it to look -- I'm a female -- I want what I want, and exactly when and how I want =p)

  

Overall, not too terrible, but the buttons were a deal breaker for me. It is going back to the store

2) J.Crew Faded Chambray Popover (size XS)

Hahaha...nerd alert!

The pros:

- The fit is not bad, and it is true to size
 (was slightly worried that it would be too small as I like my shirt slightly looser, but it is fine -- I won't say no if there's an inch extra around the hips, but that's just me being lazy and not following up on my yoga)

- I like the color -- it is a pale...well...faded blue. Just like the name implies =)

- The material is substantial enough

 

The not-so-pros:

- The buttons are cheap. Feels cheap, looks cheap. May even be on the verge of popping off

- It is a popover. Not as versatile as a buttoned down shirt

I prefer this over the Keeper shirt, but I am not quite sure it is worth the $. (See? I am being conscientious with my money this year!Oh, how I am growing up!) 

I may pop over to Old Navy to see what they have to offer. Until then (or until I run out of clean clothes to wear), this is on the "maybe" pile. 

Back to Basics: Blazers and Turtlenecks

I'm afraid nothing particularly exciting nor vastly different from the last blazer post -- I tend to stick to key pieces when it is cold out (and my brain tends to work a lot slower when all it can think of is "It is %&#%$! COLD!")

And I do love this blazer (even though I've hardly worn it in the past year that I bought it...making up for lost time now, I suppose)

Plus, it hid my muffin top -- how is it that my jeans can fit perfectly fine one week and seem like it is one size too small the next??

Wearing the blazer in my usual size 00 for schoolboys, the cut, on me, is superior to the seasonal blazers that I have tried and/or purchased.

The seasonal ones are cut a wee bit too generous in the upper body area for me

 

A touch of red brightens up a classic but stodgy outfit (Covergirl Lip Perfection in Everlasting Immortal - review here) 

Originally started the day off in NYX Chic Red, but having bright red lips with dark clothing is a tad too.....obvious bright for my senses -- so I applied the darker toned red over it. 

Turtleneck - Forever21

Blazer - J.Crew Schoolboy in Navy

Jeans - Forever21

Boots - Target

Spring......(and warmer weather), please...do come.

 

Red Lipsticks

Most often, I would buy variations of items that I love.

For beauty, that would be brown/nude eyeshadows, black eyeliner, and red lipsticks.

I have a healthy amount of lipsticks. They are my go-to section when I am overcome with need to make an impulse beauty purchase. And because I usually gravitate towards the drugstore brands, it isn't so hard on the wallet.

 Majority of my current lipstick collection

The best red for me veers towards the brighter side. Simply because my skin tone is towards the darker end for being a Chinese/Asian (milky white skin that looks like porcelain is the ideal), putting on a darker lip color tends to make me look a bit too gothy for my taste.

But there are some exceptions, as I found out simply by trying it out once in a while...

 
My collection of deeper red lipsticks

Covergirl Lip Perfection in Everlasting Immortal - My latest impulse purchase that is currently 50% off at CVS. I had a coupon for $1.50 off, making it a grand total of $2.65. It is a brighter version of my favorite long-lasting deeper red, the CoverGirl Outlast in Timeless Ruby. Long wear, not budge-proof, however.

Covergirl Outlast in Timeless Ruby - Hands down one of my most favorite lipstick that I have. It is a gorgeous color that instantly makes me look more chic, it is long-wearing, fantastically budge-proof, it is easy to apply and control, and I got it also for 50% off.

Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet - I want to like this, but the shade is definitely teetering on the edge of being a flattering shade on me, to making me look like I am an undead. Especially if I wear black eyeliner as well. If my complexion was fairer, it would probably be beautiful. This is the darkest lip color I have.

MAC Viva Glam I - My very FIRST red lipstick ever. I remember going to the MAC counter a few years ago, a few months after the break of my marriage when I was still feeling woebegone and  vulnerable. I wanted to make a change to my appearance--do something I've always wanted to try but never dared before...typically, the kneejerk response for women is to get a haircut, but since I'm pretty much an old pro when faced with bad hair decisions (I do cut my own hair after all), it was to the makeup counter I went. Now that I have a whole host of other options to choose from, I haven't used this lipstick in awhile. I think that it is actually too dark for me anyway. But I believe that this is the one lipstick that I will always keep, as a reminder for when faced with adversity, and when feeling like your whole world has been rocked off its axis, that all one has to do is to be brave (and rational) enough to change with it. Live and adapt is pretty much my motto these days. 

 
My collection of bright reds

MAC Ruby Woo - A matte, true red lipstick. I like it, but for the fact that it is not budge-proof. It will color-transfer to anything that it touches. Not a good thing for someone who has a habit of resting her disposable coffee cup lid on her chin when thinking at work.And then sit through a meeting with her manager with a red stain on her chin. ALWAYS LOOK AT A MIRROR!

NYX Chic Red - My favorite true red. It is easy to apply, has a matte finish, long-wearing and is budge-proof.

Lancome Rouge in Love Sequence of Love (170N) - My favorite bright red, although I don't wear it often. The finish is shinier than the NYX. It is a long-wear lipstick which is good, as it annoys me to look in the mirror at the end of the day and see only a staining on my lips, like I've gone through a looong night and am walking the walk of shame. 

Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart - It's ok. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of these lip butters---not to the point where it is in my absolute must have list. It is moisturizing though, so that's a pro. 

Revlon Colorstay in Coral - The Colorstays were my original go-to lipsticks. The color is beautiful, a good dupe for the one used in J.Crew catalogs (they use NARS Heat Wave, I think). But I don't know..I just don't reach for it much anymore. Long-wear

Bombshell lip gloss in Hot Mess - This came in my December Glam Bag -- Love the color...although it does wear off relatively quickly, and reapplication is a must (to avoid said walk-of-shame image mentioned above) But it is easy to swipe on and go. Lipglosses always are more foolproof than lipsticks.

MAC lip pencil in Cherry - Originally purchased to wear with MAC Wicked Ways (the Cruella deVil lipstick from the Venomous Villains collection), it is my magic lip pencil that can be used with any one of the above mentioned lipsticks -- blending is required with some pairings, but for the most part, it does the job. So I don't have to purchase a dozen variations of red. Which makes it a little cheaper when I impulse shop.

Velvet

Shirt - MNG

Jacket - Anthropologie Maude Velvet Jacket

Jeans - Forever21

Boots - Target

Necklace - J.Crew outlet 

 

The jacket caught my eye when I was in Anthropologie a few months ago - It is a luscious, deep-blue velvety coat that reminds me of riding jackets that ladies would wear back in the days when the only proper way a lady would ride a horse is via a sidesaddle.

But I resisted, telling myself that perhaps it'll go on sale. 

After all, how many people have English equestrian style inclinations running in their minds anyway?

 And especially after seeing the God-awful styling that they've loaded up for the jacket in their online site, I knew that it is just a matter of time until it is listed in the sale section.

Lo and behold...with an additional 30% off too.

 (although current sale price online now is even lower than what I paid with the 30% off...but they are out of size 0s)

I got it in a size 0 -- It is slightly roomy, but as there doesn't seem to be a size 00 available, it will do. I may nip it in a little with my sewing machine if I'm feeling industrious, but more than likely, it will remain as is.  

 

Bailey 44 Dress - Review

I first came to notice Bailey 44's column dresses after seeing it on a sales associate at my local Anthropologie store. She looked so put together that I was almost green with envy. She was probably in her early 40s, but in better shape than I am, so I assumed that the dress would probably not look so flattering on me.

 After reading numerous reviews online regarding their dresses, it seems that it may be one of those miracle dresses that will look good on anyone, regardless of size.

 
The tinsel stripe column dress went in the sale section after Christmas, with an additional 30% off and it was at a price point that I was willing to buy it at.I am wearing a size small (mainly because the XS have already sold out by the time I was ready to checkout)...I am typically a size 0.

The dress is meant to cling to ones curves, but comfortably so.
Because this is a size larger on me, it skims rather than clings, so I probably won't feel obligated to workout for a week prior to wearing it out
(which may or may not be a good thing, depending on what viewpoint one is looking from)



(The photos are taken at a slight upward angle, so my hips are probably displayed at more prominently that it really is when looking straight on)

The material is soft and stretchy, the length is just where I like it (which means it may be a tad too long for other 5'4"ers - I do prefer pencil-shaped silhouette to reach just past my knees) and it probably could be dressed up or down, depending on the accessories.

Printed Pants

I've always been disappointed that J.Crew's Cafe Capri pants were never for me -- they have tons of colors and prints and a lot of them usually end up in the sale section with very encouraging prices. But...because they make me look like a squat dumpling, I stay away from them.

I do try them on from time to time, to see if my luck has turned. But as a palm reader once told me...."You don't have much luck...stay away from gambling". And apparently J.Crew Cafe Capris.

BUT...I did find a pair of ankle pants that (finally) suits me
(I've never been too sure about how flattering the Minnies are on me...but I keep wearing them anyway)



Sweater - Uniqlo
Pants - Mossimo Printed Ankle Pants from Target
Shoes - J.Crew Cap Toe Etta 
Jewelry - Forever21

They fill the need that I have for the printed Cafe Capri pants and the Minnie bi-stretch wool in Cabernet all in one go. And I think these actually give the perception that I have lean legs (which I don't -- stocky calves and all)

And they were only $25.

I'm wearing the smallest size available (size 2) and it is roomy around the waist/hips (if the waist was nipped in about a half inch, they would be perfect). And this is before my ambitious resolution to amp up my (non-existent) workout regime.

I'm going to toss them into the dryer and see if that manages to shrink it slightly...if not, I may bust out my sewing machine. Or...I may just continue to wear a belt with it.

Either way....

J.Crew Stadium-Cloth Duffle Coat - Review

There's lots of talk about how this winter is going to SUCK.

And being the born-and-raised-in-the-tropics kinda girl, I don't like the cold. 

 I like the coats, but I don't like the cold.

I've been eyeing several coats at J.Crew but have given myself a stern talking to about not buying any until they reach a certain price point. One of them was the Stadium-Cloth Duffle Coat in Navy

A few weeks ago, it was placed on sale and there was an additional 30% off on top of it. I bit the bullet. (good thing too, because it was reverted back to full price after that week and still is right now)

 

Touted to be one of their warmest wool coat:

"Crafted in our stadium-cloth—a compact, high-density wool that adds tremendous warmth without the bulk, inspired by old-school stadium blankets and made just for us by Italy's famed Nello Gori mill."

It has withstand quite well in the past few weeks, when I'd be outside wearing only a thin layer under the coat. (temps were not ridiculously cold though - no lower than the 30s) I'm unsure if it is warmer than a puffer, necessarily, but it definitely looks a lot sleeker. But it definitely feels warmer than my other wool coats (Factory Peacoat and Factory Lady Day Coat).

The pockets are fantastically huge, allowing me to put my wallet, cellphone and keys into it when I'm running out for a quick errand and am too lazy to lug around my bag.

Another plus is that I think it goes with both jeans AND skirts -- the Lady Day coat is too fussy/dressed up for me to like to wear with jeans. 

And I absolutely LOVE the burst of color that comes from the neon striped piping...It's like a dose of cheer in the middle of the gloom that are the winter months.

 

I took a size 0, which is my normal size

Will still be looking out for the Wintress Puffer to go on sale though, for those REALLY cold days.

Purple and Coral and Grey and Brown...Do These Even GO Together?

Apparently, having the flu does not just rob one of her sense of smell, but also her sense of color coordination...

Shirt - J.Crew Boy Shirt in Neon Lavender Gingham

Sweater - Uniqlo

Skirt - J.Crew Factory Wool No.2 Pencil Skirt

Tights - Gap

Boots - DV by Dolce Vita

Wrist candy - Club Monaco, Forever21, Timex

To be fair, I wanted to wear a burgundy pencil skirt, but here's something of interest to note for anyone considering their No.2 skirts --- J.Crew's No.2 Pencil Skirt in twill runs a tad smaller than their double-serge wool versions, and the twill version is awful for riding and bunching up when you pair it with tights. They both wrinkle after sitting in an office chair for the whole day.

Effort -- and J.Crew Valentina Review

Ever have one of those days (weeks?) where you just feel bleh and bloated and that you'll never fit into your form-fitting clothes, so lets not even try?
And you end up wearing your ratty, shapeless sweats and feel even worse than before.

I have to say, that it is ever more important to make an effort during those periods of time (hah...)

The lift in spirits I got just from knowing that I took the time and effort to take care of myself made the day seem a little brighter

And turns out that the unflattering body image that was plaguing me was (mostly) in my head anyway
(my clothes fitted)

 So here's to making an effort with appearances --- it may be deemed to be a superficial, useless activity, but the boost to one's confidence, mood and happiness is not.

Shirt - Gap
Sweater - Forever21
Pants - J.Crew Minnie in black twill, regular sizing
Shoes - J.Crew Valentina in Dusty Jade
Necklace - J.Crew outlet
Bag - Chanel Cambon Tote

On another note, bought these pumps (another one that I was eyeing from J.Crew's Fall collection) during one of their 30% off sale. There was something weird going on the website that day, but I noticed that the pumps were coming up in my search of sale shoes, but the price tag was showing as the regular retail price. Just for ha-has, I decided to just try putting it into my cart and applying the online code for additional 30% off sale items. It worked. So I paid a little more over $100 even though it was listed as $238. Effort pays off.

 

I love the color of these shoes. And the fact that it actually visually elongated my usually wide/flat-looking feet (which are typically amplified by this style of shoes).

I am wearing my normal J.Crew shoe size -- it actually feels a half size large, but I think that worked to my benefit when wearing them out. The pointed toe may be too constricting if was any smaller. The patent is pretty stiff, so not sure how much softer it'll get with wear. 

But overall, love the demure silhouette of the shoe and at just 2 3/4" high, it will definitely fit in good with my weekend outfits as well.