Love Letter To A Dress: J. Crew Blouson Dress In Stripe

Source: jcrew.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Source: jcrew.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Source: jcrew.com via Nicole on Pinterest

For a Valentine's Day present to myself, I picked up the J. Crew Blouson Dress in Stripe, and I have to say that I adore it -- and I can't wait for spring to come so I can wear it! The dress is a bit loose, as the "blouson" title implies...so size down if you want it more fitted, or buy it in your size if want to wear it a bit loose.  The dress is elasticized right at the smallest part of your waist, so if you pair it with a belt, it is super flattering, and covers up a tummy or thighs. The fabric is 100% silk, and it is quality silk -- it doesn't look cheap. I'm looking forward to styling it exactly like they have styled it in the first picture above, but you could literally style it any way you wish, and the stripes are right on trend.  I honestly would never have thought to style it with a leopard print belt as in the last picture, but I suppose it works. I think I'll go sans hat, though (a la picture number two).

And while I was at it, I should have picked up those bracelets...they are super-cute!

Fashion Face Off J. Crew Edition: Prints vs. Stripes

Decisions....decisions...let's call it a draw!

 

J. Crew Fanfare Dress
$188 - jcrew.com

J. Crew Striped Dress
$148 - jcrew.com

J. Crew Hot Mess: Nili Lotan® Striped Bias-fly Jean

Phoro Courtesy of J.Crew.com

Sometimes trends come along that just leave you utterly puzzled.  The "bias-fly" trend is one of those.  I just have to ask....what kind of body would make this trend look good?  No matter your shape, the baggy drop-crotch draws attention where you don't want or need attention, and makes a person look like either a baseball player from the 1930s, or a colonial person wearing knickers.  You might as well accessorize these pants with a baseball glove and a bag of chew, or a tri-corner hat and buckled shoes.  Yes, ladies, all this can be yours for $235.00.  Buy them here.

Apparently I am not the only one skeptical of the "drop-crotch" trend -- apparently they make the rest of us look like we are wearing adult diapers.

And if you want to look like you decided to wear adult diapers and wander through Sherwood Forest, feel free to wear them in green:

Striped Dresses Fit Lab - J. Crew Edition

Striped Dresses Fit Lab - J. Crew Edition by nycandparis featuring sporty dresses

J Crew sporty dress
$198 - jcrew.com

J Crew sporty dress
$88 - jcrew.com

J Crew striped cotton dress
$88 - net-a-porter.com

What's Up With J. Crew? Santa's Elves called and they want their clothes back...

Photo Source: J.Crew Catalog, page 005

I have to admit...I'm not really sure what is up with J. Crew. J.Crew absolutely used to be my go to for basics and cute but chic workwear. And then something happened last spring, and hemlines rose so high, the skirts barely covered my bum, and the clothes just got so out there, I never would have pictured myself wearing anything. Then, after losing a whole bunch of money, I was reading that beginning with the Fall of 2011, J. Crew was going back to its roots.  Well, if this is J. Crew's roots, maybe they should aim somewhere else. I am starting to see the preppiness J. Crew was so known for, but the color combos and prints are just off so far. 

As far as the picture above, I can't even tell you how much I wish they used the navy striped sweater instead of the red one...the red and green just seems too Christmas-y, and the tight green jeans scream "Santa's Elf."  Even the weird t-straps on her flats scream "overly fussy" rather than the laid-back chic J. Crew was once known for.

I guess some of us are still waiting for the old J. Crew to come back...in the meantime, I'm happy to save the money I used to spend on J. Crew clothes.

The Dos and Don'ts of Maxi Skirts: J. Crew Edition

Okay, I really actually do adore the J. Crew Summer Stock Maxi Skirt pictured above .  But first, let's talk proportion. The poor chick frankly looks like a bag lady that happend upon a quality sweater in the trash bin.  If you go long and drapey on the bottom, then you need a more form-fitting top to show your shape.  If you pair baggy with baggy, you just look like a bag lady, and nobody wants that.  Now, this doesn't mean that you need something super-tight a la skank city.  Take the J. Crew Floral Chiffon Maxiskirt  pictued below.  The top is a bit more form fitting, allowing you to actually see more of the model's shape.  I probably would have gone even a tad bit more form fitting, but you get the point.  Now, don't even get me started on the color combo....

Seriously? J. Crew Denim Jumpsuit

Photo Source: J. Crew.com

I am pretty much speechless on this one. This J. Crew denim jumpsuit isn't even flattering on the model. I have no idea how on what planet J. Crew thinks this jumpsuit looks chic...and at $298 bucks, I have no idea who is lining up to fork out so much cash for one of these.  Granted, it's only $300 for an entire outfit...if you are trying to look like a clown or a prison inmate.  Yes, there is such a thing as too much denim...and this is an example.

Another J. Crew Hot Mess: The Disco Tartan Top

Photo Source: J. Crew.com

What my friend at work said about this top was absolutely hilarious, so I am just going to quote her verbatim -- this post goes out to her:

This is god awful and there is a reason why preppy and disco DO NOT MIX . . . I wouldn't buy this for $0.65 let alone $650! Even Lady Gaga wouldn't touch this and the woman wears meat! I don't know who is buying this, but apparently someone is . . . because they only have a size 4 and a size 6 left?! Who are these crazy people and let me show them better ways to spend their money!

But seriously, if you are looking for a cute sequin top, maybe try the the Sequin Slub Tee from Ann Taylor Loft (pictured below) instead -- at $36.50 (without a coupon) it is a major bargain!

 

Black and Gold Re-Imagined: Affordable Holiday Look

Black and Gold Re-Imagined: Affordable Holiday Look by nycandparis

Nothing over $275!

	Women's dresses - evening & dinner - Silk organza starburst dress - J.Crew $275 - jcrew.com J crew dresses »
	Metal Shell Gold Clutch Bag $52 - monsoon.co.uk Metal handbag »
	Kendra Scott - Gartha Earrings (Midnight) - Jewelry $69 - zappos.com Kendra Scott earrings »
	Giles & Brother 10-karat gold-plated multi-chain bracelet $175 - net-a-porter.com Gold plated bangles »
	Kendra Scott - Bryce Ring (Black) - Jewelry $64 - zappos.com Black jewelry »
	Chiffon ruffle high heel | Banana Republic $150 - bananarepublic.gap.com

Another J. Crew Hot Mess: J. Crew Ombré Mohair Coat

Photo Source: JCrew.com

Late last week J. Crew rolled out their new holiday arrivals, and the coat above caught my eye, but not in a good way.  Priced at $495, you too can look like your lumberjack coat sprouted fur!  J. Crew touts it as "A showstopper poised to become your next wardrobe star."  Its a showstopper alright...it looks like something that might have been given to you by an elderly relative, and that you begrudgingly pull out on holidays to keep up the ruse that you actually wear said article of clothing.

I'm not saying that all non-solid coats are horrendous, but there are reasons why certain coats are classics.  If you are looking for a pop of color in a more casual coat, try the J. Crew Ever Peacoat instead. At $225, less than half of the Ombré Mohair Coat, you'll actually wear this coat season after season, rather than wake up next fall and wonder what the heck you were thinking:

Photo Source: J.Crew.com

J. Crew Hot Messes: Crystal Bloom Necklace and Feather Duster Necklace

J. Crew Crystal Bloom Necklace

Every season there are items that J. Crew puts in its line up that just make you wonder what the heck their designers were thinking.  This season, I would like to nominate the J. Crew Crystal Bloom Necklace.  It frankly looks like an arts and crafts class gone horribly wrong. The necklace might have been saved if they hadn't added the chiffon petals to the crystal flowers.  And the funniest part about it is that J. Crew touts it as a "designer favorite"!!!

While we are at it, I just have to nominate the Feather Duster Necklace as well:

J. Crew Feather Duster Necklace

I think the name speaks for itself....it isn't as though I woke up today and said, "hmmmmmmm...I would like to wear a feather duster around my neck!!" Unless your significant other has some sort of french maid fetish, I think this is another piece I'll skip.

A piece I like?  The Apogee Necklace:

 J. Crew Apogee Necklace

Simple, architectural beauty defined -- and it would pretty much go with anything. It would dress up a day outfit, or make an evening outfit elegant.

 

Winter Tights Solution: Assets vs. Spanx

Photo Source: Her Room.com

If you are like me, you love wearing tights in the winter, but finding the perfect pair at the right price can be a bit cumbersome.  I have gone through many brands that I didn't love: J. Crew and Banana Republic tights, while fashionable, are always too thin and lack support (and unless they are purchased with a coupon, can be a bit on the pricey side too).  And while I love Wolford tights (who doesn't!) I just can't bring myself to drop $50 on a piece of clothing that will be destroyed by the slightest snag. I have always loved Spanx too (specifically, Spanx Tight End Tights), and I thought there was nothing out there that really compared.  But at more than $30 per pair, again, I just couldn't see investing that kind of money in something that I couldn't count on to last forever. (**Update -- I was able to score several pairs of Spanx Tight End Tights at Filene's Basement today for $16/pair...at that price, I say stock up while you can!)

But then, a couple of winters ago, I was perusing the tights aisle at Target and I stumbled upon Assets by Sarah Blakely.  Admittedly, Assets is the lower-end line of Spanx, but at about half the price of Spanx, I think your dollar goes a bit further with Assets.  Tights only last so long, no matter how well you take care of them and avoid sharp objects.  Assets tights are just the right price point and quality that they last through wearings and washings, while keeping their shape and keeping you warm.  But at around $15 per pair, your heart doesn't fall out of your chest at the sign of a snag.

The Assets Terrific Tights are my absolute favorites.  Like normal tights, however, the solid tights last longer than those with texture or a pattern (like those pictured above).  I don't think any of my textured or patterned tights survived the winter, but at least they survived through several wearings.  Here are some of my faves:

1) Terrific Textured Tuxedo Stripe Tights (pictured above) - $16 - Buy Them Here

2) Solid Terrific Tights - $14 - My absolute faves!!! They last forever, hold you in, and come in a range of sizes.  For a super-secret tip, size up one size for added opacity and comfort. Buy Them Here

3) Pucker Terrific Textured Tights - For a bit of vertical texture to lengthen your legs - $18 - Buy Them Here

Saturday Style - Skinny Jeans Tucked Into Boots Solved

A co-worker came to me this week, and let me know that she finally wanted to embrace the skinny jean tucked into knee high boots trend, and asked if we could help.  My co-worker "M" is petite (about 5'3''), a size 0 or 2 and a wee bit "hippy" (her words, not ours -- meaning she has some hips, not that she is donning bell bottoms and getting in touch with the earth).  She asked if she could still embrace the trend -- especially if she chose flat boots.  Our response?  Of course she can!!! She also indicated that because this is a "trend" she didn't want to spend more than $200 on boots, and less than $100 on skinny jeans.

First, the jeans.  We put her in Banana Republic Ultimate Skinny Dark Wash Jeans because for people with hips, these jeans are cut perfectly -- they fit perfecftly in the waist (no gaping), they hug the hips (not too tight -- I think these jeans are a bit more relaxed in the thigh, allowing for people with hips to get into them) and the length is absolutely perfect for tucking into boots (they hit literally right at the ankle, no bunching).  At $89.50, they fell below budget (and they are even cheaper if you can score a coupon).

Onto the boots.  We found Steve by Steve Madden Intyce Boots in a perfect cognac, whisky color, that is right on-trend for fall.  $129.00 they fell wayyy below budget.  And at The color is also a fabulous neutral that goes with blacks, browns, and literally everything in-between.  Plus, cognac looks especially rich against black.  Just pair these boots and the jeans with a black turtleneck and you have instant, easy, effortless chic.

Which brings us to topping the look off with the J. Crew Marled Amadé Sweater. Because M was shooting for a casual day look, we chose the marled look of the sweater for a nice, cozy-chic autumn feel.  She also wasn't ready to try skinny jeans without a bit more coverage up top, but we assured her that for evening, she could switch this sweater for a sleek, basic black turtleneck (pictured below) and the look would be that much richer looking.

Finally, for extra credit, we accessorized the look with the Mulberry Oversized Alexa Bag. A bag so great, it can't be wrong.

We love this look, because with just te jeans and the boots, you literally have infinite possibilities.  Just open your closet, and you have plenty of outfits.  Throw on a white blouse and a cardigan, or a v-neck sweater with a ruffly blouse underneath.

Double Happiness -- Which J. Crew Coat To Pick?

Photo Source: J. Crew Catalog

Today, when I woke up, I was pleasantly surprised that J. Crew is having a 20% off all outerwear sale (good now, through Sunday).  I was even more pleasantly surprised when I figured out that the secret 20% off sale for J. Crew cardholders (enter JCCSALE - expires tonight) could be layered with the 20% off outerwear promotion.  I had been coveting one of the two above coats for awhile...my lust was enhanced when I saw a girl at Starbucks the other afternoon wearing the Colletta Coat above in Dark Plum (the coat pictured at right, but in the color pictured on the coat on the left).  She looked great, the coat looked great, and the color looked like a great neutral that could be worn with black and/or gray outfits for a punch of color.  But confusing the choice is the classic Lady Day Coat (the coat pictured above at left) with its classic lines, and classic grey color (the color pictured on the coat above at right is Cobblestone).  With so many great choices, which coat to choose?