Saturday, March 30, 2013

J Crew, the Outlet Version.

It was a sunny Friday, Good Friday, to be exact. I agreed to take my 15 year old cousin to the Niagara Factory Outlets in Niagara Falls, NY, to spend some of her birthday money. While walking through the sea of millions of people that were also at the mall, we passed by J Crew. I am constantly drawn to their crisp shirts, classic lines, and bright, preppy colors. So, I dragged my 15 year old cousin into the store so I could get my fix.

I was so thrilled when I found out that the entire store was 50% off. My eyes started wandering and my hands started grabbing hangers. I got everything in a size 12, which is the largest size the store carries, and went to the dressing room.

I first put on the soft, tailored button down chambray shirt with the eyelet bright pink pencil skirt, and, being busty, the shirt puckered. The skirt fit perfectly, though, but was not very forgiving if I were to eat lunch. The shirt is originally $62.50 and skirt $85.


I then put on the Kelly green "matchstick jeans", which were my size, actually slightly larger than I normally wear, and was not too thrilled. They didn't even go over my thighs. You need to be a matchstick to wear them. I also put on a yellow cotton  sundress which wouldn't even zip up my back, also a size 12. I then put on my last item, an elastic waisted shirtdress, with buttons on the top half. I loved the vibrant color and feel of the dress, especially if you put a blazer over it or long cardigan it can be office appropriate. I then noticed where my eyes went- to the pucker of the buttons in the chest area. I'm starting to see a trend here... The dress is on clearance for $44.97.

Overall, the items are adorable, but not made for girls with curves. J Crew should at least realize that as a girl that is a size 12 has different needs than a girl that is a size 2. Or the 00 that I saw so much of. I propose that slight changes should be made to the larger sizes so that they are more flattering. I realize that this is ready to wear, but eliminating buttons or putting more buttons on isn't too much to ask. J Crew is not made for girls with curves, which is disappointing being that the majority of the female population is made with curves. I am not plus size, but I am also not a size 2. I am a normal girl, and finding clothing in the stores I love is not easy. But I just have to repeat my mantra, it's not me, it's the clothes. 

I have been seeing a trend lately with button down shirts puckering and being ill fitting. I will be going on a shopping trip to a few stores to find button down shirts that work for girls with larger busts. I hope to be successful and cannot wait to share the results with you! Happy Easter!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Sophisticated.

Sophisticated.

H m
$23 - hm.com

Warehouse
$70 - warehouse.co.uk

Truth or dare shoes
piperlime.gap.com

Chanel handbag
my-wardrobe.com

Glacier Jewellery cocktail ring
$425 - wolfandbadger.com

Wedding belt
etsy.com

Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohl's

I love Vera Wang, I really do. She knows what looks good on women; she gets it. So, I was thrilled to take on reviewing her Simply Vera by Vera Wang collection at Kohl's. When I walked into Kohl's and saw the  bright watercolor patterns and crisp suits of Vera's spring line, I was excited. I began grabbing jackets, pants, skirts, shirts, and pretty much everything I could get my hands on, and brought my finds to the fitting room to try them on.


My first outfit is a nice weekend or casual Friday look, with a sheer shirt/sweater combo (which is all in one) retailing for $64 and denim skimmers for $48. Both items were true to size and were comfortable to wear. The only gripe I have about this is that the back pockets on the skimmers were mom jeans-esque, and weren't visible unless wearing a short shirt.

My second look needed a jacket or sweater to go with it to complete the look, but there were no real options that would match in the Simply Vera by Vera Wang line. The twill capris were a bit big, and the metallic lace top was comfortable. Both items are $44. 

I absolutely loved this look, it's very me. The jacquard jacket was actually part of a suit, with matching pants, but the pants didn't fit so well, so I just deconstructed the suit and used the denim skimmers from earlier. Jacquard jacket, $68, denim skimmers, $48, floral jersey top, $40. The matching jacquard pants (in background), $54.

I am obsessed with this jacket. I actually have something similar already in my closet, but it's red. I think I'll be making a return trip when it goes on sale! Cotton navy jacket, $78, black t-shirt, $30, and denim skimmers, $48.

I saw this suit when I first walked in, and although the fabric is very stiff, I love the pattern. It could probably use some fabric softener once you purchase the items, too. Jacket, $68, circle skirt, $48, and sheer shirt, underneath, $48.

I love dresses, I think they're easy and stylish, and make you look put together even if you're having a frump day. That was, until I put on the Simply Vera by Vera Wang dresses. I loved the way this dress looked on the hanger, but after putting it on, I slowly realized it would look better on a girl that lacks any kind of curves. The dress would need leggings and a slip underneath to make it appropriate, as there were pretty big gaps in between the buttons. It was a nice, heavy, crepe material, but just needed to leave more to the imagination! Dress, $98.

I loved the colors of this dress, and thought that the cut would look decent on a girl my size, but I was wrong and disappointed, yet again. Although I grabbed my size, it was a tad large (yay!), and the gathering on the side wasn't very flattering, which is why I was grabbing it in this picture! Dress, $68.

A shapeless mannequin was wearing this dress at the front of the collection, and I loved the way it looked. It was reminiscent of a ballerina's dress, with the watercolor pattern and where it hit below the knee. However, the size was skewed. I grabbed a large, and I was shocked when it was too large in my chest area (a problem I rarely ever have!) and needed a great deal of static guard. I wish it would have fit differently, but it is what it is. Dress, $68.

Overall, I enjoyed the look of the Simply Vera by Vera Wang collection, but was unimpressed by the fabric choices and cut of the dresses. The day that I went to Kohl's, the collection ranged from 20%-35% off, making many of the items a bit more affordable, and if you sign up for their savings card, you can save another 15% off your purchase!

To see the Simply Vera by Vera Wang collection at Kohl's, click Simply Vera by Vera Wang.



Thursday, March 21, 2013

Classic $20 LBD by Penny Chic at Walmart

Shauna Miller, blogger for Penny Chic, created an incredible line of little black dresses (or LBD's) retailing at $20 a piece for Walmart. I, intrigued, of course had to purchase one! There are five styles total, and I ended up with the "classic" LBD. I paired it here with my own skinny patent leather belt and "blue suede shoes", along with my dog photo bombing in the background. Although I was a fan of the overall style of the dress, I felt that the material was hugging in some of the wrong places and could have been a bit heavier, but for $20, and an investment of spanx, this staple of a dress can surely stay in your closet for seasons to come!






Sunday, March 17, 2013

Pearl by Georgina Chapman of Marchesa

I was pretty excited to hear that JC Penny (JCP) was featuring a new designer line by Georgina Chapman (of Marchesa). I was not quite sure what this line was going to look like.  Marchesa gowns are gorgeous and intricate and formal.  Marchesa definitely brings to mind red carpet visions, so I was not sure what I would find at JCP.  When I saw the display at JCP, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.  The dresses were definitely not what you would normally find at this department store.  As I started browsing and choosing the dresses I would try on, I heard several people passing the dresses making comments-things along the line of, "OMG, that's awful".  I said nothing, and I was the only person in the dress department trying on (about 15) of the "Pearl" line.  Only one toddler in passing thought the same thing as I did, "ooooh, mommy that is sooo pretty!" I really liked just about every piece I tried on.  I do have to say that overall the dresses seem to be geared toward teenagers and prom, but there are also some separates that are less prom-y.  There are also some little black dresses that would work for other occasions. 


This peplum dress was really cute. It did have some boning in the bodice, which helped it to fit nicely.  This was a size six, and really fit perfectly.  I really like this dress, but, like a lot of these dresses, it is really short.  I feel like this is more for the teen-twenties crowd, not for this old lady.  It retails for $70.












I love the pale pink color of the dress.  I'm usually not super crazy about one shoulder dresses, but this one with the oversized flowers is fun and cute and young.  Again, really short.  Retails for $70.







This was one of my favorites.  I love simple with a little something to make it unique.  See the picture below for the back of the dress, which is low cute, and has a bow (that is detachable).  This is one of the few dresses here that could be a bit more versatile, and is also pretty classic.  Yes, it is short, but at least it is not short, and tight.  I think I can pull it off for another couple of years.  Retails for $70.





The back of the dress----------->














This was a really cute romantic-look type of dress.  Lace and ruffles, and a bow all in one dress! I think it is cute-this probably would have been my favorite dress at the age of 15.  This is a short one too.  Retails for $70.













This beaded illusion dress was one that I actually liked better on the hanger.  There is no real waist definition on this 60s looking dress.  The beads on the front were a little to big for my taste.  The other weird thing about this dress was the way the bust darts were sewn-it was very reminiscent of Anne Hathaway's pink Prada dress (from 2013 Oscars).  Not a look that I would want to wear, but maybe it was just how it fit on me... or maybe this is a new trend (I hope not).  I don't hate this dress, I think it would actually probably look really cute on someone else, like Twiggy. $70.







A tea-length dress! I really wanted to love this dress, because I like the sillhouette and the tulle fabric.  I even appreciate the spaghetti straps.  The huge flower...maybe it will grow on me.
Retails for $110.












This definitely says "prom" to me.  I can't think of any other place where I would wear it.  It is a fun prom dress.  This picture doesn't do the dress justice, though.  It would likely fit better than this-a size 2 or 12 were my options, and I was optimistic! The size 2 was way too small, so I am holding it up in the back. $250 for this dress.











I love pretty much everything about this dress.  The 50s look of it, the illusion top, the full, fun organza skirt.  I also like that the top of the dress is not super tight right above the waistline, but rather a little blousy, making it look like it could be a skirt and blouse instead of a dress.  This also wasn't quite as short as some of the other short dresses, coming a couple inches above my knee.  $110.












I liked this simple strapless chiffon-like dress with beading.  It is a pretty classic dress, and I think could work for a range a ages for a formal event.  $110












I really like these separates, but not really together.  The shorts are really cute, and a good lenth.  The jacket I also like, but I would pair it with something less frilly.














Last is a jumpsuit.  I really like this.  I think I was most excited about this because I know I am going to find this on the clearance rack in a couple of months! I think it would be a fun alternative to a dress for a semi-formal event. I would play around with different belts with this, and maybe pair it with a jacket.  Retail price is $90.
Overall, I really liked this line, and would love to see another season of it! Click here for a link to view the entire collection: Pearl by Georgina Chapman

Friday, March 15, 2013

Trying out Prabal Gurung for Target


The Prabal Gurung for Target line has been out since early February, and though I have seen in displayed in the stores, I haven't had a chance to actually try anything on until this past week.  I clearly should not have waited quite so long.  I had to visit a couple of Target stores to find a good selection.  I tried on the bulk of the line at the Walden Ave Store near the Walden Galleria Mall.  Overall I liked the line more than I thought I would.  That is, I liked how the clothes looked better on than on the hanger.  The way the color blocking was done created flattering lines for the dresses.  Most of the garments also fit true to size.

Dress with full skirt-Apple red

This dress was my favorite for several reasons. The material of this dress was different from any other garment from this line. It was a thicker/heavier cotton/nylon blend, and it was fully lined-the fabric and lining made this dress look expensive. Also it had pockets! I love pockets in a dress! I also really liked the pleating and the blocks of black. The triangles of black in the front of dress are super slimming.  The last detail of this dress that I liked was was black at the shoulder-which actually creates the smallest little cap sleeve, which I thought was unique. My only critique of this dress was that it seemed to fit just a bit smaller than the other dresses.  I have a a size 6 in this dress, and it fit, but was snug.  The dress retails for $49.99, but in some stores it was already on clearance for 30% off. 
dress with full skirt-apple red




short sleeve dress in first date print





This dress was fun.  I like that it had color, but not too much color-the black gave it some balance.  It fit well, was comfortable and lightweight.  This dress was also lined, but  no pockets.  It retails for $39.99.
Short sleeve dress in first date print








short sleeve dress in calypso coral


This dress has the same lines as the above dress, with different fabric panels.  This dress also fit well and was lightweight.  The coral and green color is a nice summery look.  My only issue with this dress was the fabric.  It is 100% rayon, and has the crepe paper look and feel.  It's a cute dress, but the fabric makes it look less expensive. This one retails for $39.99, but was on the clearance rack for $27.99
short sleeve dress-calypso coral








color block dress-dresden blue



Again, a dress with flattering color blocking design.  This dress is 98% cotton, and would be a nice spring/summer dress.  I think it could easily be dressed up or down.  Overall, a cute and flattering dress.  I, personally am not crazy about the color combination, but I also don't hate it.  Retailing for $44.99, I don't think it is worth it, but it will most likely go on the clearance rack.
color block dress-dresden blue







ruffle dress-sulphur


I would never ever have tried this dress on if I was not doing this blog review.  The color is way too bright for my taste, it looks yellow on my computer screen, but it is a very bright yellow/green color. Not to mention the name of the color is called sulphur--I don't think "nice color" when I think of sulphur, I think "rotten eggs".  The ruffles and the super high neckline were also off-putting to me.  That being said, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I almost sort of liked this dress.  It is pretty and flowy, and if it was pink it would be too saccharine.  But, the sulfur color does kind of work.  On the Target website, this dress also is available in red. It retails for $39.99, but was on clearance for $29.99.
ruffle dress in sulphur




dress in meet the parents print


I liked this dress as soon as I put it on.  What can I say, I like neutrals, and I love black and white.  This is the same dress as the blue color block dress, with different fabric in the panels.  Simple, and would be a great layering dress.  I would wear a light cardigan and denim jacket over it, with a red shoe-very simple and classic.  This dress retails for $44.99.
dress in meet the parents print








lace front blouse and skirt in meet the parents print

I love this skirt! Circle skirts are just fun and an a-line is flattering on just about everyone.  And, you can't really go wrong with black and white.  This skirt could be paired with so many pieces.  And, then there is the lace front bouse.  I think it looks nice in the picture and online.  But, up close is another story.  The fabric looks and feels cheap-it is 100% polyester.  And the collar is faux leather, which I really cannot stand.  If the shirt was a silk blend with real leather collar, I would like it though.  I like the idea, but not the outcome.  The skirt retails for $29.99, and the blouse for $34.99.
skirt in meet the parents print
lace front blouse





drop waist dress in first date print


This is another dress I would not normally try on, mostly because it is so bright and loud. I don't like the print, but the drop waist dress style is cute.  I specifically like that the bottom ruffle is in a different fabric than the top of the dress-so the ruffle is a very light fabric, giving the dress more movement.  I would love this dress if I could tone down the color.  I should also add the only size left in this dress was an extra small, so this dress shouldn't fit quite as tight as it does on me in this picture.  The dress retails for $34.99, it was on clearace for $24.99.
drop waist dress in first date print







color block pencil skirt and sweater

These two pieces are very simple, so, of course I liked them both.  This skirt is a size 4, and is a size too small (no size 6 left).  The top is lightweight, and would be a good layering piece.  Both retail for @29.99
color block skirt in dresden blue
color block sweater-atlantis green














I really did not like this skirt at all.  I don't like the lace on the bottom, the fabric is yucky 100% polyester. The print is ok, I guess.  The sweater is bright, but I like it, it is just like the above sweater in a different color.  Both are $29.99
pleated skirt in nolita print
color block sweater in sulphur












I also tried on some of the shoes.  They were ok.  Very trendy, so I wouldn't pay full price for any of them.  Very cute though.  Especially the red sandal. They were all $39.99.