Sunday, December 16, 2012

Review: Collection Beaded Mockneck Sweater

Hello everyone,

I don't typically do one-off reviews, but given that today is the last day of the 30% off everything sale, I felt a bit of a compulsion to do so as this sweater has been so popular (it shows thar it is sold out this a.m., but I know at least one sweater in size medium that will be available in the next couple of weeks!

As you can see below, the wed site has featured the sweater in the lookbook:

Collection beaded mockneck sweater

It is described thusly:

Jet-black beads punctuated by faceted stones—each one applied by hand in an ornate lace-like pattern—adorn the yoke and sleeves of this mockneck merino wool pullover for an homage to the dainty detailing of vintage evening sweaters (though we're wearing it day and night).
  • Merino wool.
  • Bracelet sleeves.
  • Hits at hip.
  • Dry clean.
  • Import.
I got this sweater on the 30% off promo, stacked with my rewards card.

First things first - the beading.  It is stunny and does not disappoint!






It is delicate and it actually feels like a collection piece.  As you know, I have sent back some collection pieces that are simply not the quality I would want for the price i am paying.  This sweater is of very hugh quality.

A view of the back of the neck.  You can, I think, see that the neck closes with two black hooks and eyes.  The neck opening is quite narrow and if you have a big pumpkin as big as mine, you may find it a squeeze!

 

The sweater, laying on my bed:




The colour is definitely a pale apricot, with more yellow than pink undertones (I was hoping for the latter actually).  The wool is very heavy, which makes sense since it needs to support all of the beadwork.  This is a sweater that will keep you warm!  It almost borders on chunky in terms of how it feels.  This would be the perfect sweater if you are going on a ski trip and want an apres ski look - it would be perfection!  I do not see this as the perfect evening sweater at an event where you might get warm - it is very heavy.

Finally, the picture of the sweater on me:



okay - this is a truly terrible picture of me - my hair is wet, I am half-asleep and in a rush as I need to pack it up to send it back pronto..  DH told me it looked  like a good picture.  He is a very bad man.   Since it was the only one I had showing how it fit me, I am forced to share.  We will never discuss this photo again!  I asked him if this was the only photo he had and he said "It's an ugly sweater,"  I said: 'It's not an ugly sweater!"  He replied, smugly "Well it took an ugly picture!"  Folks that is what I deal with on a daily basis!

But it is too chunky and unflattering for my frame.  The colour does nothing for me.  I see this as the ideal sweater for a smaller, less busty individual - think Ema for example..  Do not blame the sweater, as  it quite lovely!

What are your sunday plams?  I have some work-work to do and then I plan to relax and perhaps go to the local nursery later to choose a nice centerpiece for my Christmas table!

I start christmas vacation at the end of day Thursday and I cannot wait!  Have a safe and wonderful day out there! 




24 comments:

  1. I like the sweater but it does look heavy, I agree. The beading is very nice however, it does look like a vintage piece.
    Your conversation with hubs was hilarious!
    We are having a quiet day around here, it's quite gloomy and everyone is tired.
    I am happy you start vacation on Thursday, that's the day my son comes home and I can't wait to see him.

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    1. Oh Dani, once you have original rascal in the car and back under your roof the holidays can really begin.

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    2. That is grand news Dani - will be so great to have him! We are taking our son to get a tatoo on Saturday - his main Christmas gift. sigh...

      It is freezing here, but very sunny. I am done my job-work for the day so that i can relax and enjoy the day. Quail for supper! I meet even make cucpcakes!

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  2. So funny that you posted about this sweater today and thought of me because I tried it yesterday and I am on a mission to find one! My store only had a XSS (that almost fit but because of beads around the neck opening as you said it was uncomfortable to put on and take off). It is stunning and I don't find it too bulky. Too bad it doesn't fit you well, I think it would go well with your style!

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    1. Ema, I think we should officially give this sweater your name - sparkly, black and ivory, hope one pops up for your soon.

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    2. I KNOW - it SHOULD be the EMa sweater! As soon as I saw it I thought of her! I could see her sporting it around NYC and then in the Italian mountains! You will look glorious! My Medium will be of no assistance to you whatsoever! I hope you find it! And you are right - it would have gone with lots in the wardrobe!

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    3. Ladies, I found one (or I should say "they" found one)! Well, I cross fingers that a wedding gown is not going to show up at my door instead of it but I have high hopes. Apparently it was hiding in California (no wonder, they are going to boil in this sweater in California). Very excited!

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    4. Oh Ema! So happy for you! I bet you will look like a million bucks! Let us know as soon as you get it!

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  3. BETTER SWEATER WMM, I think an "evening sweater" that produces a potential dinner party heat wave is a not great idea. And good on you again for returning what doesn't truly love you back. Un-Martha hopes you share photo of centrepiece. And think, only 4 more sleeps until vacay.

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    1. If I find a good one, I will definitely take a picture for you!

      We had a nice evening last night - good friends came over and we had some nice cheese and grapes and one of my favourites - the Jost maple ice wine! So yummy with the cheese and grapes! Had a faklempt moment yesterday when I wrapped the kate spade clutch from my dad to me (of course he never got to see it, though I am sure he has seen it now!) but all is good!

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  4. You are the coolest mom to get your son a tattoo for Christmas! Well that sweater isn't for you, I agree. The shape isn't good, and I think part of the problem may be the color. I think the blouse you just sent back was a similar color. The heavy weight would also be a problem for me, you just never know what the temperature will be like when you go somewhere indoors, and more often than not I am hot and want to take off a layer. With this sweater, we'd just have to sweat, and no one wants to sweat in a J. Crew Collection sweater. You can do better. Thank goodness you have your DH to help you make these decisions :-)

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    1. Oh Cate! I was so mortified about that damn picture, but I am committed to showing people who are curious themselves about buying but not happy at all! and of course, I had already mailed it back, so there was no going back. Sigh...

      As for the tattoo! I am not a fan, but am keeping my mouth shut! (for once!)

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  5. Your husband's comment made me LOL. I get similar from Mr. ABC, except his term is 'it's hideous'. As much as I don't always appreciate THAT point of view, it does keep me from buying every J.Crew item.

    I can see why you wanted to try the sweater - it's exquisite. Unfortunately, the tight neck would have ended the love for me because my breathing problems originate at exactly the same level as that neckline. Can't stand anything tight there!

    It's nice to hear the sweater was a quality even though it didn't work out for you.

    A quiet day for us here. Mainly just plan to relax and enjoy the Christmas mood at home. I hope you share your centerpiece find with us! :)

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    1. I will! And ABC - go around the tree on that train at least once today!

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  6. I think that's utterly stunning, I hadn't noticed it. I waaaaaaaaaant it!
    I have been racing around like a loon today and I still have to take dinner over to mum and try to squeeze in two more errands, cocktail hour can't come quick enough.

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    1. Well, if you were a M, I would have checked with you! I think it would have worked with you!

      BTW - there is a little surprise headed your way. Likely won't be there before Christmas, but will be curious what you think! And I won't break when asked questions!

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  7. Did you really send it back ? Love it but think you might need a size small. Thanks for the review.

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  8. More than anything it is the color that doesn't work in my view. If this sweater was emerald green, purple, teal or turquoise it would be so much prettier on you. Imagine this in periwinkle to match those beautiful jeweled t-strap maryjanes. Thanks for the photo However heinous it may seem, it was a public service.

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    1. Ha, thanks shopping celle! I agree - the colour was not for me!

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  9. The high round neckline does not work for my small face, so it's not just the large heads that should avoid this sweater.

    We had about 32 people here last night, fire, food , wine and light snow over the ocean. I saved some of my famous truffles for you.

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  10. Oh yay! I love famous truffles!!!! It sounds just like the most idyllic christmas get-together!

    I am pretty sure only Ema can pull this off. If it looks wretched on her, that is the sign that there is no goodness left in the old JC collection!

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  11. Your husband is hilarious. And so are you! The sweater is so pretty, but I can't do black against my face at all, I have the high ruddy colouring. Like you I think pinky undertones are most flattering in a creamy colour.

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    1. Hi! I finally got a new post up tonight - was horrified with the picture! I may burn that one!!!

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Kindness is a virtue...