J.Crew reviews: sequins, ruffles, and antlers

I'm not sure what J.Crew is calling this tee, so I will just label it chiffon bouquet tee. It is a mix between the chiffon roses tee from earlier this year and the current printed bouquet tee. In the past, I have always sized up in the art tees but after a few wears they stretch out and look sloppy. So, this time I grabbed extra smalls in this and the antler tee. These definitely run larger than graphic tees of the past. Do not size up!
The chiffon bouquet tee in XS is actually too big for me and it is so long. I couldn't believe how long, almost past my butt. The material has a lot of stretch in it. It already fit very square on me. Hopefully the stretch bounces back but I have the feeling it may not...


Here I am trying out the size 0 Floral fan perfect shirt with the tee. It doesn't work because the tee is awful on me lol but I did like the floral shirt. The mandarin collar works really well with a tee and it had a nice waist fit. The sleeves though are way too long for me and it gaped in the chest, as usual. So, although I like it for layering I won't buy it unless it goes on sale


I am behind the times on this one but I've been wanting to try on the Ruffle front coat for awhile. Since I don't recall anyone saying it runs large, I thought I'd share my pics. This is the size 0 and it is definitely a full size too big. I love the length and pretty but casual style of the coat. The color shown here must be an in store only shade. It is a purple undertone beige grey. Not really loving this color, the camel is the best in my opinion.

You can see in this pic just how large in the chest this coat is on me. It's probably a good 3-4" too big in the waist as well.

Rather boring review but I like to try and keep a record of the basics,. This is the Cambridge cable vneck in a size XS. I'm not sure why it is listed as online only. My store had a ton. The sizing and fit are the same as last year's cables, maybe slightly larger. A bit big and boxy but it can be cute under a blazer. The material is sightly itchy. It's really not a $74.00 sweater in my opinion.

Now this one I really liked! I don't see it online, so I'll call it the Merino sequin cardigan. This is the XS in black. It fit very well I think. The length is almost cropped, it hits right above my jeans. It has a nice sleeve length with fitted arms. There is a wide placket of black sequins down the front of the sweater. The sequins do not have any shine added to them but they catch the light in an understated way. I don't normally go for sequins at all, so I was surprised by how much I liked this. I didn't bring it home but I keep thinking about it. Not sure what I would wear it with though...It can be dressed down with jeans easily but I'm not sure about a top. This was priced at $138 I believe. Maybe $148. There is no separate collar, the knit and sequins just curve up and rest against the neck. There is also no button or hook to close the cardigan that I saw.


Here we have the Tuxedo scout chino in size 0. They look completely different on me than on the model. They look like they have a short, snug waist in the online pics but I found them very full in the crotch and butt. The legs really are not skinny but the pants were pegged tightly. They have more of a boyfriend fit than I expected. I do like them though and I think they could be really cute, except....

I could fit another person in the waist gape. Wth?

Another currently in store only item, this is a Merino ruffle front cardigan. It has a shorter fit with what looks like 3/4 sleeves. The neckline is between a sweetheart and vneck with cascading ruffles. The ruffles are the same knit as the sweater. It came in several pretty colors but they all looked a little too sweet to me, so I grabbed the black.
This is the XS. I believe the price was $78 or $98. I need to start taking pics of the tag!



Last we have the beaded Antler tee. This is the XS, like I said earlier there is no need to size up. It is already relaxed in the waist. This is a different fabric than the roses tee. It is closer to what I think of as jersey although not stretchy. The roses tee has that variegated cotton and this one is smooth and silkier. The antlers are made up of gold colored clear seed beads. They catch the light and sparkle without being obnoxious. I did not originally have any interest in this top. Why would I want antlers on my chest? But when I tried it on, I really liked it. Maybe I have J.Crew withdrawals because I haven't bought anything in ages.
This tee won't be for everyone because the antler definitely cup the chest a bit lol. However, I think the casual fabric and slouchy fit keep it from looking tacky. This is a case where I actaully think the sloppy look JC is trying to sell us actually works to balance the tee. This is the light amethyst which is a purple undertone brown grey.
I did bring the Antler tee home. I'm wearing it today with my beat up jeans and a black cardigan. The embellishment does show across the waist under a cardi and peeks out around the chest. I will try and share an ootd with it later this week :)

One last thing I want to mention, what the hell did J.Crew do to the Jackie cardigan?? I tried on the XS and it was big and boxy and fug on me. I'm so sad because my navy jackie from 2 years ago is a size S and is perfection.

What do you think of these J.Crew items? Have you tried them on yourself?
Also, should I go back for that sequin merino cardigan??

Pretty Pairs, Anthropologie

Anthropologie's November catalog is heavenly. I only wish they put out such a large catalog each month! My wish list continues to grow exponentially. Here's a taste of it, in pretty pairs.

Graceful point cardigan & Rare Bloom tee
I love the contrast of the pale pink chiffon and heavier heather grey knit
I have a review of the Graceful point cardigan coming soon.

Either-or jacket & Laced dots sweater
High Street makes the cutest jackets. But, now I have to decide now between this one and the Immutable jacket! Either-or indeed.
Dear Anthro- please offer more unruffled pull over sweaters! I adore the polka dots of this one, I just hope the applique does not over power the sweater.

Dotted chiffon blouse & Cashmere squiggle scarf
More dots and applique! This blouse looks to have a really cute fit. I can't wait to try it on.
Cashmere + pink+ ruffles=yes please

Stork club jacket & Ice capped blouse
How will I ever be Betty Draper without the Stork club jacket??? Perfectly retro but not costumey.
The Ice capped blouse (aka new Wavelet) looks even better than the original. I never tried on the Wavelet because ruffled shoulders make me feel top heavy. These new sheer tulle shoulders are more to my liking.

Blushing Faille dress & Floating lace blouse & Black magic heels
Saving the best for last.. I LOVE everything about everything here. At first the lace blouse is... Huh? But then you see it over that pretty little strapless bow dress and it is... just so damn pretty I can't stand it. And I mean that in a good way.
Then the shoes. Sweet Jesus when Chie gets it right, they get it so right. The only thing more painful than my desire for these heels is the knowledge that Chie use the most butter soft leather you have ever felt in a shoe. And they are extremely comfortable. And they will never go on sale.

OOTD: Making use of those button gaping shirts

I'm a glutton for fashion punishment. Even though I know every J.Crew button up shirt I have bought in the past is sheer and gapes badly at the chest, I continue to buy them. Well at least I did last year. Recently JC ha been so stingy with extra % off sale items, I have not been suckered in. Yay me! But I still have at least 3 or 4 of these semi useless tops sitting in my closet. I thought when I bought them, that all could be solved with fashion tape. But in my experience that stuff loses it stick about mid day and I don't want to risk flashing some one.

Last night I decided I get some use out of these otherwise warm weather tops by layering up. For me, the wide belt is key in keeping a tank, shirt, and cardi from getting lumpy and bulky.
With the plum tie neck blouse, I decided to try an go for a messy skinny tie look. It turned out a little more cutesy sailor than menswear though lol.

Outfit of the Day:

Jcrew jackie cardigan, JC plum tie neck blouse, Anthropologie snakebite belt,
Paige jeans, Anthro Cuttle boots

After chatting makeup earlier this week, I had a weak moment and went to see what was new at the MAC site. Mistake! I found 2 beautiful palettes that I needed.

I went to check them out today and it turned out that the top one, Smoke and Mirrors, is made up with colors I already have. Mainly in my MAC Smoky eye set which I worn in most of my m/u pics here. Phew, one down. But the Devil may Dare palette (#2 above) is gorgeous and I brought it home :D
Why is it though, that every time I go to the MAC counter, although friendly, the sales woman acts like I've never bought a MAC product. In fact she thinks I've never even heard of MAC or this thing called makeup entirely because clearly I am Amish.

OT-Just realized I am very nearly at 300 google followers, woot! Big thanks to everyone for reading the blog and for following along :D

Anthropologie jacket reviews

I've gotten a little behind of my Anthro reviews, so I am going to do a combined post here with the jackets I have tried on recently. Help me decide if any of them are for me :)

Shapes Study jacket $98.00
I really should have tried this one on with a dress because it clearly doesn't work with what I went shopping in lol. I tried on the XS which fit well, although the cut is a little roomy in the chest. The jacket is quite cropped with a nipped in waist and full shoulders. This one wasn't my style but if you are in love with big Balmain shoulders but can't wear that look irl, you may like this jacket as a softer alternative. It does look very cute on the model styled with a extra large flower brooch.

Immutable jacket $88.00
I just read Anthro's description of this jacket where they say it looks great with jeans and tall boots. I have to agree with them, I love this look. The Immutable jacket is an easy throw on that brings an outfit up a notch. I tried on the XS and really like the fit. It hits high on the hip with a slim waist fit. The shoulder are gathered a bit but it doesn't make you look like a linebacker. The material is a soft and casual blend with no shine.

Ponte Beau blazer $98.00
I've always liked this blazer but put off trying it on because I assumed the Boyfriend cut would look awful on me. I was surprised by how much I liked it. Especially with skinny jeans and boots. This blazer is also a soft and casual blended fabric. It is not crisp or masculine at all, maybe that is why I like it more than other blazers of this cut. You can see it has a relaxed over sized shape hitting below the hip. The sleeves are 3/4 which keeps the jacket from looking like it truly was your boyfriends. I wasn't crazy about it the jacket buttoned since the buttons are so low on this piece. I prefer the blazer open embracing the slouchy oversized look.

What do you think of these Anthro jackets. Do I need to add any of them to my closet?

OOTD: Boots and tights + MU of the day

Hi everyone, I hope you had a fun Halloween. My dd was a Princess, as always, and she insisted I wear her dress up fairy wings. 5 minutes before we left I decided to do some fairy eye make up to complete the look. Finally some of those crazy MAC colors I bought came in handy lol.

Unfortunately, I don't have a Halloween ootd pic for you because we were running late. So I'll share my night before Halloween instead. I didn't plan it, but the striped top and purple tights turned out pretty holiday appropriate!

Target top, J.Crew felted wool mini, target plum tights, Sam Edelman boots.

Also on Friday, My F&F Sephora order turned up, yay! I was very good this time lol. I only ordered the Laura Mercier primer and tinted moisturizer that I was completely out of... and one fun goodie. I always have to get a little new something when I order from Sephora. It's such a bummer only getting staples lol. Anyway the new item was a Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil in Dolca Vita. I already have a pencil in Cruella that I adore. I think I finally found my perfect red in Cruella. Plus I love how you can apply it lightly to give a stained looked or layer and be bold. I don't wear a red lippie too often though, so I wanted something for every day. I'm very happy that I went with Dolce Vita. It is about two shades darker than my lips and just the right mix of not too purple, not too pink.

I tried to capture the color of Dolce Vita in a quick pic. The lippie is a little darker and more neutral than it appears here though. You really have to pile on the make up to get a good saturated photo!

How was your Halloween, did you dress up?
Also did you order anything from the Sephora sale??

Anthropologie review: A Thousand Tiers dress

I had walked by the A Thousand Tiers dress in Anthropologie a few times. I loved the ruffles and grey color but I figured all those layers would be a a complete disaster on my curvy figure. Last weekend just for kicks, I grabbed it off the rack and added it to my already substantial dressing room pile. Btw- I love when I spy another shopper in Anthro with a huge pile of clothes to try on. It's even better if they have a larger stack than I do. I don't know why but it makes me smile lol.

The thousand tiers dress is made with layer upon layer of soft, lightweight, and slightly stretchy jersey. Because the material is so thin and they only did a slight gather on the ruffles, this dress is actually quite flattering. I was surprised by how form fitting all those layers were. I tried on the XS and was happy with the fit.

Gathered chiffon drapes over each shoulder which gives a little more class to the casual jersey. I was not able to pull the straps down over the shoulders like the online image shows. I don't know if they changed the design of the dress after photos or if I just needed to pull a little more on them.

The Thousand tiers dress is $188 which is a bit excessive for jersey in my opinion. However, if I was looking for a holiday party dress I would be really tempted by this. It has a relaxed extremely comfortable feel but can be easily dressed up with some fancy tights, heels and a long necklace.

One thing I about the dress I am not crazy about though, is that first ruffle.. I feel like it falls at an awkward place on my chest. Also, Anthro lists the dress as dry clean only. I rarely dry clean anything but I would not want to iron out all those ruffles.




What do you think of the A Thousand Tiers dress?

Moving to Wordpress...at some point

I've grown a bit bored of the limitations here on Blogspot, so I am planning on moving the blog over to Wordpress. I'll be self hosting and designing the blog practically from scratch so I'll have complete control over every single element (hello, type A!) I'm not exactly sure how complicated this will be for me lol. I bought Wordpress for Dummies, shamefully I hate those dummy books. It doesn't look too complicated but it still may be awhile until the new site is done.

I am really looking forward to designing all new graphics for the blog and making those more personal. I'll also be updating the JCrew sizing guide and adding new guides for the various Anthro brands and other stores. On the new blog, the guides and favorite topics like ootds will be more organized and easier to reference.

The move should be fairly easy. The new blog will be simply: wardrobereview.com which I registered awhile ago. The domain is currently redirecting to this site but I will take that off once I start work on the Wordpress site. I hope you won't find it a pain to update you bookmark once I make the change.
I'm also hoping I can transfer my google followers directly over to the new blog without you all having to do anything but I'm not sure about that yet..

Anyway! I was wondering, are any of you ladies using Wordpress for your blog? What do you think of it? Was it easy for you to figure out?

Also! Are there any features or changes you would like to see on the new site?

OOTD: Cuttle boots & F21 sweater

Here is my outfit today with the Forever21 Rosette sweater I posted about below and the Anthropologie Cuttle Boots.
I actually ordered the boots from Revolve Clothing after a lovely blog reader emailed me a tip that Revolve had the Cuttle boots (aka Sam Edelman Leah) AND they were 30% off with the Revolve code tobiinstyle30. HUGE thanks to you reader!!
(PS very limited sizes are left in the black at Revolve)

I had to size down to a 6.5 because my usual size 7 was sold out. Luckily, the 6.5 has plenty of toe room. The boots are narrow though, so I will not be able to wear thick socks with them.
The leather upper is super soft and the shaft of the boot can be scrunched down, if you want to wear them lower. I was worried about the in between height of these looking awkward on me. But since I have slightly more calf above the boot than is covered, I don't think they make my legs look short and stubby.

F21 Rosette sweater
AE lace tank
M+O skinny jeans
Sam Edelman Leah boots

PS- It is surprisingly difficult to take good shoes pics. Especially when no one is here to help you and you have to be in the frame to focus before hitting the self timer lol.

Cheap Thrills: Forever21

It can be a real bummer not living near any good shopping. If I want to go to J.Crew, Anthro, or a decent department store, I have to drive an hour and a half to two hours into the city. Sometimes you just want a quick fix, so I headed to my lacking local mall yesterday.

I snapped a few pics in Forever21 for you. I was mainly looking for knits and little jackets. I didn't find a jacket but I was surprised with how not cheap looking the sweaters were. Even though I feel positively ancient in there, I'll have to make more of an effort to stop by F21.

I also hit up the Gap yesterday but it was nearly a complete disaster. They had a couple of cute jackets but they fit me awkwardly. All the sweaters were far too big and looked awful on me. It was so bad, I'm not sure if I want to share the pics lol. Let me know if you really have an interest in seeing them

Zipper sweater

This is a dark grey sweater with a zipper edged deep vneck. It was pretty cute and nicely fitted but the neckline was a bit low for me. If I see it again, I may pick it up for going out in the evening. I like to edginess of the zipper embellishment. This is the size small. Sorry, no link for this online.

Academy cardigan

I don't see this sweater online either, so I will just call it the Academy cardigan. I have a thing for that little band around the arm. I don't know why but I always love that on a cardigan. I tried this on in the small and although it fit, I really wanted to size down. I find that in these long cardis I have to have it as small and slim as possible otherwise I look short and dumpy. I was hoping to be able to order this online in the XS but no luck.

Rosette trimmed sweater

This sweater is the one thing I bought yesterday. Again with the cowl neck lol! I purchased this in the size small. It is nice and fitted but a bit short. I am wearing it today with a lace trimmed cami underneath to add length, M+O black skinny jeans, and my just arrived Anthro cuttle boots (yay!). I'll try to get a pic of my ootd later. This sweater is just slightly itchy around the neck but it's not really bothering me. The rosettes are knit into the sweater's collar nice and secure.

Military jacket

I took this cute little jacket in a size small. I like the fit and style but it is a little too short for me. A bit pricey for f21 at $37.80 (80?) but the fabric was nice enough, not shiny or cheap looking.

Ruffle cardigan

I apologize for the not great pic here and I don't know why I look like a linebacker camera angle I guess lol. The is a ruffle front cardigan that I cannot locate online. This is the size small. The ruffles are a bit too front and center and poofy for my taste. But if you are looking for an alternative to JC's past ruffle front style, you may like this.

The $12.50 skinny jeans

Here we have the much talked about $12.50 skinny jeans. Even though peeps are singing their praises I thought, no way can I squeeze my ass into F21 skinny jeans. Surprisingly they fit pretty true to size! I took my usual size 26. There is a little bit of room in the waist band but that is more from the rise than them running big I think. These are very fitted in the calves but not unflattering in the thigh. The rise was just a bit too short for my liking though. If I didn't already have my M+O skinnies in black, I probably would have brought these home.

What do you think of my Forever21 finds? Have you found anything there yourself lately?

Anthropologie Polaire vest

I fell in love with the Polaire vest the moment I saw it in the Anthroplogie catalog. It is such a unique piece. The problem with unique statement pieces like the Polaire vest though is they could be the most amazing thing ever or a complete disaster.

I've had my eye out for the vest but never saw it turn up in my local stores. Then, this last weekend what did I find hiding among a rack of ruffles, the vest! In an XS! You know I snatched it up and did a happy dance.

I have to say, I really wasn't sure if I wanted to Polaire to be amazing or secretly hoped it would be a mess. It is so expensive for a single piece. I normally draw the line at $100 for a top. At $118 plus tax, the cost is painful! Especially for a piece that is not versatile. When you wear the Polaire vest, it is the outfit and it's too memorable to wear often.

Well the xs fit perfectly. The vest snaps snugly across the waist and flares out below. The fabric is gathered to be fuller on one side and lay a little flatter on the other. Part of me loves it but I'm not sure if the vest is flattering on. It has a very pronounced peplum which makes your waist look tiny but it adds a lot of fullness to the hip.

The plaid wool fabric is substantial but not too heavy or itchy. Unfortunately, it looked like the vest I tried on was a return. The pleats looked a little out of place, like some one had left the vest laying around. Also two of the buttons were just hanging on by a thread. It appeared that the former buyer was trying to squeeze into it and finally just returned it lol.

I asked the sale woman about a discount but she said they only give 10% off for damaged buttons. Well there was no way I was going to pay over $100 for something damaged. It is still listed online, although it is back ordered in all sizes until Nov.
If the vest was $88 it would be mine. But it's not, and I don't know if I can justify the price..

Yet the vest lingers in my mind... When I tried to put my finger on what I love about it, I realized the plaid wool twisted corset reminds me of Alexander McQueen's tartan designs and then I think "Oh god, why did I have to think that!?" Now I am really tortured lol.

So what do you think of the Polaire vest? Amazing or mess?

I hope you can get a decent idea of fit from my pics. They are dark and the details were hard to capture. Why does Anthro have to make their dressing rooms like a cave?