A J.Crew Summer

It's basically a law that I write about J.Crew every couple of months, and since I last mentioned the Crew in March, the time has come. Remember when I said I would make myself stop buying solid colored dresses? Well, that rule does not apply when J.Crew puts the sale on sale. I'm so good about sticking to my shopping embargo when it comes to full priced items, but when J.Crew throws an extra 30% off code in my face (plus free shipping!) I just can't resist. (And FYI, if you don't receive the J.Crew emails but still want to get some coupon codes, check J.Crew Aficionada before buying online. They always have codes for whatever special is running.)

So a few weeks ago, I discovered that J.Crew has some pretty great dresses hiding in the "beach cover-up" section. Sometimes the regular dress section can seem full of bridesmaid rejects, so I was deleted to find some simple, cheaper frocks. The downside: they aren't quite as thick as you'd like if you're wearing underwear and not a bikini.

Here's what I got and returned:
Saturday Twist Dress, $49.99, in Moroccan Twist (a sort of dark orange). The knot in front was too low for me, making any bra visible, and I also wasn't wild about the color.

Chambray Cara Dress, $49.99. I went back and forth on this one, because it's a really cute dress in a lovely color for summer. But it came out of the box very wrinkled, and it didn't smooth out at all after hanging in my closet for a week. While I own an iron, I never use it, and I knew that if I had to iron this dress before ever wear, I would never wear it. Also, when I untied the bow and tried to retie it, it didn't look right. Also, see-through.

Gabriella Dresss, $59.50, in Portland Grey. I can't resist a good cascading ruffle, plus, the fabric is super soft and the strapless top is very comfortable.

I also returned this belt:
Flowerette sash, $19.99. The blue was so dark that the entire thing looks black, and black flowers are not whimsical or cute.

When I was buying this all online, there was a free shipping code along with the extra 30% off, but you had to spend $150 after the discount. Of course I was about $5 short, so I just threw this t-shirt into my cart and figured I could return it easily.
Tissue mini-pocket tee, $14.99, in soft violet. Naturally, the one thing I didn't care about was the one I put on and thought, "I never want to take this off!" So soft, and yes it's see-through, but I'm willing to do some layering. I also realized recently that because I focus so much on dresses when shopping, I very rarely buy tops. So all my shirts are a few years old, and when I decide to wear jeans, I stand in front of my closet and think, "Ugh, I don't want to wear any of these raggedy old shirts." I'm due for some new t-shirts (that aren't the kind you run or sleep in, because I have plenty of those).

I went to a J.Crew store today to return the two dresses and belt, and promptly got sucked into the vortex that is the well-stocked sale section (at 18th and 5th Ave, for you New Yorkers). They didn't have a ton of dresses, but they did have a full table of $14.99 tees. I got this Flower Cluster Tee, which is $24.99 online but $10 less in store.

I also got a pair of poplin shorts in a blue that's sort of like peacock crossed with ocean (think "largo"), and this dress (which is sold-out online, but the 5th Ave store had another in a size 10):
The Chambray Wild Rose dress, $69.99, felt so perfectly flirty and casual that I immediately knew I had to get it, even though they only had it in one size up from my normal number. But the danger of this slipping down will only force me to stand up straight, right? I am very excited to wear it while lounging on a picnic blanket, because my shoulders are in desperate need of a tan.

Confessions of a Shopaholic, about 9 months late

So this post is pretty belated. Confessions of a Shopaholic came out when, last February? And I rented it last August, which is when I fell in love with the below outfit. And I've always believed that only foolish people think that wearing a past season's style is a sin--most things don't become dated in six months, and sometimes cute is cute forever. I'm not saying this outfit is timeless, but I am saying that I love it and want to recreate it.

I mean, right? Look at how adorable Isla Fisher is! As previously discussed, I have a mad-crazy girl crush on her, and I think she pulled off all the silly outfits in Shopaholic with admirable aplomb. Most weren't doable for real life, but I think this one is.

Start with an adorable plaid dress that's not too cowgirl--from Fred Flare, the Lois dress, $45, has a sexy eye-hook closure in front and an attached belt to tie in the back. Hide that with an oversized corset belt...
...from AMI, for $19.99. As a lover of belts, I have to recommend thick waist belts only in situations when you don't plan to sit down or eat. But if you're planning an evening in which you'll be standing around and looking cute, wear that belt and cinch it tight.
And then finish it with some black thigh-highs, to expose just a little bit of your legs. Those maroon platforms that Rebecca Bloomwood is rocking? Those, you're on your own. I would go with riding boots, since I go with the riding boots in about 80% of all situations.

Crazy Good Sale at Barneys New York

The one upside to this whole apocalyptic recession/economic crisis/we're all going to the poor house thing is that it seems like every major retailer is freaking out, too. They're doing everything short of giving their clothes away for free in order to convince customers to buy there clothes; every day, I get bombarded with emails that scream 30% off! Free shipping! $20 off your purchase! The clothing world's panic is the shopping world's gain, I say. Take, for instance, Barneys, a department store whose website I never even browse because I know it's all out of my league. But they are having an incredible sale right-- I'm talking slashing hundreds of dollars off the price. Here are a few (well, more than a few) of things that are suddenly a lot closer to my price range:

I know Velvet for their dresses at Anthropologie, which are always simple but impeccably designed, with super soft fabric. That same easy-to-wear yet classy vibe is evident in their Odelia Dress, $49 (formerly $152). The criss-cross fabric on the bodice is both flirty and flattering, and I'm currently obsessed with any color of green that is close to "peacock", even if Barneys is calling this teal.

$89 is a lot to pay for a belt, in my opinion, but this Eugenia Kim Skinny Tiger Belt, formerly $185, is way too fierce not to be included. I'm dying to wear this over a simple black cardigan to make a "Don't mess with me" statement. Then I'd want to wear the black patent version over a pretty light pink dress, and the hunter green version with jeans and a tucked-in, perfectly tailored button down. You just can't go wrong with a brass tiger belt buckle.

These next two Splendid dresses are very similar, and both marked down from $149 to $49. The Floral Tank Dress, left, is the sort of dress that you can throw on and it'll float you through an idyllic summer's day. The subtle floral print gives it a vintage vibe, and the shape is universally flattering. The Waterlily Dress, right, is a little bit dressed up with the darker color and cap sleeves. This one is more appropriate for fall or winter (with a lot of layering). I particularly love the bit of pleating at the empire waist and sleeves, as it adds sophistication to a fairly casual dress.



Also from Splendid, this purple and navy open cardigan is formerly $79, now $19--that's like Old Navy pricing! It also comes in cream/navy stripes and charcoal/navy, both of which are a bit prison uniform for me. This purple version is nicely grown up take on stripes, and the open front is very relaxed and bohemian. I'd want to take it to work and leave it in my desk for those mornings when the air conditioner is on full blast, right on top of my head.


Speaking of work attire, Theory's Bi-Color Dress, $89 (formerly $295) is as chic as office wear gets. The classic high-waisted skirt combined with a boldly colored top is a guaranteed head turner, but it's smartly demure enough to stay business casual appropriate. Plus, pockets!


If you're going out at night and you want to bring your A-game, you could do a lot worse than this light green Ella Moss Smocked Dress, $99 (formerly $319). The beautiful silk fabric means guaranteed sexiness, and the gathered waist and shoulders give it a distinct goddess vibe. Plus, smocking means there's a little give, so you can get dessert and not worry about your dress showing off your food baby.


I am desperately lusting after this Ella Moss Faux Wrap Dress, $49 (used to be $166), which also comes in blue with black/brown and black with orangeish red/brown. I'm digging the plum/marina/black combination for its unpretentious elegance and how totally comfortable its shape looks. I also like how it's a faux wrap dress, because when I wear real wrap dresses a breeze always comes along to expose way too much of my upper thighs to the world.


If you're not totally broke by now, there are a few more options over the $100 mark. For instance, I gasped when I saw Marc by Marc Jacobs paillete heels for $109, marked down from $445. The silver peep-toes and the gold pumps are both fabulous beyond words and perfect for the holidays. But, to be honest, the paillete-covered shoes I'm really going crazy for are these Miu Miu Mary-Janes, $349 (marked down from $865, but still). I could write sonnets to that scalloped heel cap and peek-a-boo layered toe covering--it's like synchronized swimmer meets Vegas showgirl, with a hint of sexy librarian. Marry me, Miu Miu!






Ok, fantasy over, back to more practical clothes. This Co-Op Barneys double-breasted coat, $239 (formerly $398) might be cute enough to make me stop praying for spring to arrive. The double-breasted cut and waist sash is reminiscent of a classic trench coat, but the turquoise color (almost peacock!), bracelet sleeves, and wool fabric makes it more Jackie O than Carmen Sandiego. It also comes in black, but c'mon: always go for the green.


I love pleats, even if I'm constantly scared of ruining them: there's something so pleasingly ordered and prim about pleats, plus it's super fun to spin around so they spread out. This Rag & Bone Pleated Dress, $299 (formerly $495) has that exact "I'm so together that even my dress doesn't dare get out of arrangement" look that I love with pleats. Plus, the slightly scooped neckline and black accents on the waist and shoulders are pleasingly grown-up, skillfully avoiding the possible "Catholic schoolgirl in a pleated skirt" connotations.

As I was contemplating pleats, I stumbled upon this Accordion Pleat Dress by Barneys New York. It isn't on sale, it is by no means a steal or a deal, but I was so taken with its mint green silk, pleated so precisely, and its gorgeous cream ribbon belt that I had to include it. I always wanted to ask the crowd what the heck is up with this mannequin's weird conehead. All I want to do is wear this dress to a spring wedding at the Plaza, and then drink too much champagane and disgrace the pleats by sloppily making out with a groomsmen in the coat check room. Is that too much to ask for? Oh yeah, and the price: $1,295. Ouch.


I want to finish with this Prada Royal Calf Rosette Clutch, marked down from $1,060 to $319. If I'm doing my math right, and I'm probably not because I haven't taken a math class since high school, that's 70% off! Sure, $319 is still a lot for an envelope sized piece of leather-- but it's calf leather, lined with satin, with perfectly formed rosettes, in a color they call "mirtillo," which I think is maybe Italian for blueberry. If I owned this, I would love it so much I'd sleep with it under my pillow at night.

More Mod Cloth

Let's jump right into the cuteness with the Moroccan Trench, $89.99. I'm in love with the orange piping and high collar on this coat-- I would feel so coy and mysterious wearing it, like I was an undercover spy who must work with her ex-lover in order to infiltrate a coterie of Parisian intelligence experts. But even if I was just running errands on a crisp October day, this coat would add an extra bit of excitement to my life.

The Parisian Trench, $94.99, is a little bit less dramatic, but it has a "Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby" feel that could work for the right girl. The Peter Pan collar is fun and playful, but I'm not a fan of the cropped sleeves--they're good for rainy spring days that hover between chilly and warm, but for fall you don't need frozen forearms.


This coat is unabashedly girly, all lace and empire waist. The Baroque Brocade Coat, $74.99, is what I would wear on a first date with Prince Harry, in order to prove that I would be worthy for inclusion in the House of Windsor. Brocade is such a classic, so the traditional fabric mixed with the flirty cut results in a beautiful, feminine coat.


My final coat, the Mod Evening Stroll Coat, $114.99, has a more refined shape, but the daisy-print buttons and sleeve buckle add youthfulness. You really can't go wrong with a navy dress coat, especially one that looks like it would have been just as stylish in 1960 as it does today.


Moving on from coats, check out the Royal buttoned skirt, $34.99. I don't need to mention my love for all things nautical, so naturally I love this because it fits right in with my sailor-girl aesthetic. It reminds me of something Blair would wear on Gossip Girl, as she executes her schemes with military precision and long, long legs.


I realized after doing the John Krasinski/man cardigans post that I was totally remiss in not giving due to Pam Beesley and her adorable receptionist cardigans. Expect me to correct that oversight very soon, but in the meantime, Mod Cloth has the wittily named Winking Violet Cardigan for $49.99. This is totally a season 4 Pam cardigan, when she was wearing her hair down and glowing with Jim love, and no longer wearing drab colors and flat fabrics. The greyish beige color of this sweater is unremarkable, but it makes the violet buttons and ribbon totally pop.


Mod Cloth also has some fabulous shoes. I've never been a big fan of the Oxford heels trend, but the Literary Love Heels, $129.99, are a great spin on it. By taking the penny loafer and adding a chunky heel, Mod Cloth created a shoe that's both sexy and smart. I'd love to wear these with some dark grey tights and a pencil skirt. I just wish there was a little spot to slip a penny.


These shoes make me wish it was Valentine's Day: by Chinese Laundry, the Be Mine Peep-Toes, $43, are way romantic. The suede heart on the toe and patch on the heel are nice counters to the tougher patent leather, and the pleating on the sides brings it all together nicely. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the kitten heel; I find it harder to balance on a one-inch peg than on a three inch heel, for some reason. But the kitten heel does have a certain demure appeal that can't be denied.


These Darjeeling Express flats, $34.99, are more funky option. The pointed toe, perforated top, and big ass buckle across the toe are all fun and surprising, plus the great blue color is very eye-catching. I'd love to have these kicking around the back of my closet for those days when I'm running late for class but want to do better than my beat-up black flats.


One of my roommates always teases me for wearing belts with no purpose (although I'd argue that defining my waist in a looser dress is an essential purpose), but this belt is so faux-practical that even Alex would approve. The Hipster Holster Belt, $24.99, has two little pockets on the side to put some cash or ID or something. So much classier than stuffing those things in your bra, right?




Nothing pulls together a Saturday night outfit like a pair of dangling gold earrings. These Cascading Earrings, $12.99, are perfect for any sort of occasion when you want to seem a bit come-hither.


The Mint Condition bag, $39.99, is as simple and refreshing as a scoop of mint ice cream. The embellishments are simple: studded rivets on the side, braided straps. The color is the real star here, although I'd be terrified of setting it on the floor and getting it smudged or dirty. It's the purse equivalent of the new Cadillac your dad bought with his bonus, but then won't let anyone bring food or soda near it. That's why the name "Mint Condition" is so perfect-- the beauty of this bag is how flawless it is.