Sunday, January 6, 2013

J Crew Reviews - The UPS Man Cometh and the last day of Christmas!

Okay - before we begin:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LR, she of the wonderful blogspot manificentoregregious!!!  Hope it is a good one!

Which also means:  Happy Half-Birthday Ema!

Blow out the candles and go get yourselves something special on me.... :-) 




Now that we have eaten some cake, we can down to the serious stuff!

Well jeepers creepers!  I got 4 J Crew boxes on Friday.  I think everything was from the 30% off sale which was over before Christmas and in some cases, well before Christmas.  And the Purolator Man has been replaced by the UPS man.  I am worried about my Purolator Man - carrying too many boxes to my house?  Has he fallen on the battle field, only to be replaced by a brown van?

But never mind.  For once, I think I am keeping it all, and that is not a bad thing since all of it was 30% off already very low prices to begin with!

As per my friend Dani, I am going to do this post in colour stories.  OH they won't be as nice as hers, but is an homage, not perfection!

The first will be called PERFECTLY PINK. 

I want you to know that I realize how goofy that is.  I really do.  I am doing it anyway!

So the thing is, I looked at the pink wool herringbone pants for many months.  I had admired them originally in the Fall 2012 lookbook:




This is one of those looks that you see in Septemmber and you think - how cute!  Pink in the winter!  The colour is described as "Romance Pink".  But I just kept thinking "I bet they are an ugly pink in person".  And you know why I thought that?  Because of all my colours misses this past year, that's why.  J Crew should have a sign that says "colours on your screen will look NOTHING like real life"!

So I resisted the romance and I ordered the black/ivory version, which fit well and I was happy with.  But they were always there in the background, waiting for me... Finally they went on sale for 30% off of the sale price of $70 CDN and I thought "Come one old girl, if they are that bad you can wear them when you are all alone.."  So I hit the "submit order" button and wondered.

At the same time, I went back to the Chiffon Blouse well (you didn't know that there was a chiffon blouse well?  Well there is, heehee!  It is located right near the neon well, which J Crew keeps returning to and with very mixed results if you ask me!) as I really liked the chiffon blouse in pewter which I had recently purchased (see Boxing Day if you want another gander at that one!).  The only colour left in my size was soft fuchsia so I threw that in with the pink trousers.

Full disclosure here:  I expected to go nuts for the chiffon blouse and be so-so for the trousers.  But my reaction was just the opposite!  I am not 100% positive about the blouse, although I will likely keep it and I love the trousers!  They are a romance to me:


I did not style these much - just threw on a pair of nude heels.  And I have NO idea why my picture is so fuzzy - there is some ghost in the machine in blogger and I am having to do things through the backdoor...Yes - my hair is straight in this photo - I do like to do that now and then!  It is a lot of work and it doesn't last, kind of like my attempts at sit-ups.  The pink is a sweet pink on the trousers, not at all bubblegum pink, which had been my concern.  The chiffon blouse was a little brighter than I had hoped, but I think i will keep it as it is a nice underpinning. If you want a pair of the trousers, grab them here

Now my conundrum!  I want the darn jacket!  So I will watch for popbacks!  If anyone sees that pink schoolboy in their store in a size 8, by all means, let me know!


Chiffon top

The pink blouse appears to be sold out but keep checking back here.

So that was pink.  Now, we go to the Land of VIOLENT VIOLET!

I really liked the shape and length of this skirt.  But it was the dreaded polyester.  So I left it alone.  And then a few weeks ago I had the chance to pick it up for $30, could think of a few ways to style it, still loved the colour and could not afford the fantastic suede one that the lovely blogger Will Work 4 Shoes has and which you can see here.


Pleated crepe skirt
If you want the poor cheap cousin, it can still can be found here. :-)

When  I was placing the order I decided to throw in the bling bling cardigan in deep violet as well as the little matching bracelet.  They were all so inexpensive that I felt they were worth a try!  I see that the cardigan is currently sold out in violet, but this is JCrew, so keep checking back here and for the bracelet as well.


Again - sorry about picture quality - once blogger has cleaned itself up, I will clean this up.  I would wear this skirt with black tights and pumps or boots.  I really like the colour.  It is NOT byzantine blue, it is a true blue violet.  I am going to try to do some things on polyvore with this re: other colour combinations!

I realized once I was wearing it that in fact it is the perfect match for the mirror tshirt.

Mirrored floral tee
You can see the pieces together below:


 This is the frustrating thing about J Crew.  The colour of this tshirt is simply "Ivory".  But wouldn't you think they might have also said "Ivory, plus that cool deep violet we used elsewhere?"  Would that be so hard???

And below, with the bracelet:


This is a lovely bracelet.  It is called the wild side and has a leather-like texture.  You can see a similar bracelet in leopard print here.  Again - this will likely pop back!  Unless you are desperate for it - I never did get a popback on the giverny pencil skirt in 2008!

My last purchase was a lucky popback of the wool houndstooth scarf in currant and grey.  You can see it on the lovely Gigi of the fabulous blog Gigi's Gone Shopping, who blogged about this scarf here.

I wanted it for the new winter coat I received for Christmas.  Actually, I have now only worn that coat once as it has been -20 for a week and frankly, at -20, I only wear my Lands End Down Coat,  It is not elegant, but it is warm!

Here it is with the coat:


And a closeup of the pattern:


It is currently (no pun on currant unless you want it to be a pun on currant and then help yourself!) sold out but will likely pop back.  I think it is lovely and I will wear this other items in my wardrobe - will put together a few pairings and post them back later.

So all in all, I am quite pleased with these purchases.  I do not mind the polyester skirt as it is heavy and lined and if it only looke great for one winter or two I will be happy given how little I paid for it!

But now I want that darn blazer.  sigh....

*****************************

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas WMM gave to me:


The Gift of Joy!


I was thinking long and hard about what picture I was going to put up for my final gift to you all today.  Over the last six months that I have been blogging, we have discussed clothes, houses, families, current events, whatever.  Over the last twelve days, I have really been focusing inwards as I make some decisions about what I want from the next 50 years of my life.

I came across this photograph and I knew it was the one to end with.  This was taken the first night I was in Paris.  We are sitting in the outdoor cafe immediately to the right of the Shakespeare and Co. bookshop.  I am drinking a glass of good wine.  In the back you can see an artist painting.  If we could pan out wider, you would see Notre Dame behind him.  I am feeling, and looking, completely joyful.  Every moment in life cannot be pure bliss.   You don't recognize the highs if you haven't seen the lows.  But still... If you are mostly seeing lows, it is time for a change.

In 2013, I am going to be seeing that face more often.  I hope you will all stick with me as I continue to stumble along.  And I hope to hear of, and see, your joys as well! 

As a good disciple of L.M. Montgomery, she of my beloved Anne of Green Gables series, when I think of the word joy I am always reminded of the verse from the 30th psalm:

weeping may endure for a night,
but joy cometh in the morning.

I wish you the most joyful of years and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for stopping by!  I said recently that you had made me brave.  You coming to visit me has reminded me of how much I love to write and has reminded me that I need to pursue my creativity.  I might never have come to that realization as quickly without you all.  I have decided to take a short sabbatical from work and finally rest and get rejuvenated.  I have worked so long and hard, even through my dad's death, that I am more than tired and haven't been feeling well at all.  This break will give me lots of time for reflection and i am grateful for that time.  I will still be here though - hope you will be too!  Much love, Wendy

47 comments:

  1. Lovely! Not only are you clearly having a joyful moment in that picture (and I know that exact cafe) we can also see how fun you are, that really comes through on your blog as well.
    You know I am wishing you the best on your sabbatical, rest my dear, it's all going to be wonderful.
    Speaking of joy, these are such happy colours! I love the pink of course but I also love the violet outfit!
    And don't you have some boots that will be beautiful with your scarf and coat?
    Have a great day dollface!

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    1. Thanks Dani - I do indeed have some boots that will looks divine with the coat and the scarf!! Oh I will be putting together all kinds of concoctions!

      Have a wonderful day!

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  2. No wonder why you are keeping these purchases, they are all lovely and the colors are happy :-) That picture of you in Paris is perfect for Joy. You have had a hard year and I am glad you are taking some time to step back and take care of yourself. Thanks for sharing your journey!

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    1. Thanks Cate! Some years are harder than others, and sometimes you need to step off the wheel for a little bit!

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  3. COLOUR YOUR WORLD Wishing you a wonderful, peaceful start to your sabbatical and lots of happy, easy new outfits.
    I too know that cafe - what a perfect moment become a memory.
    "I'm so thankful for friendship. It beautifies life so much."
    - Anne of Avonlea

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    1. AH - AN Anne girl after my own heart! Miss Buttons has got to get reading! I am pretty sure she is an Anne Girl. My girl was a Harry Potter girl and not such a romantic as I!

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  4. Oh yes, all absolute keepers, you look fab in all of them, what a lift that must have been!

    That's a lovely snapshot of a perfect moment.

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    1. Well it was sure about time, wasn;t it! And the funny thing is that all these things together came in around $200 CDN, with gift cards, sales, % off, etc! Too funny!

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  5. Thank you for the half-birthday wishes, it's only you and my parents who remember ;-). BTW, this isn't something that we celebrate in Italy, the half-birthdays, it is just that my half-birthday happens to be on the sixth of January which is a holiday per se (techically the bank holiday is the religious Epiphany but it is more the popular and paigan Befana that we celebrate, the old lady on the broom I told you about) so when I was little we instituted the half-birthday celebration (being an only child and the only granchild in the family I was a bit spoiled).

    I always loved the provence pink herringbone capri, the look lovely on you. But I really LOVE the blue outfit, what a great purchase. And the scarf is perfect with your new coat, so cozy.
    How long is going to be your sabbatical? In any case we are here to keep you company!

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    1. Ema spoiled? Never!!! Not our Ema!

      Yes, the blue is definitely me, for sure!

      I will be off at least 2 months! I have been ordered to rest, recreate, eat well and be good to myself! Am working on all! And I am so glad you will be here for company!

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  6. Sabbatical sounds wonderful, and you've certainly earned it. I hope you keep us posted on your joyful adventures.

    Ya know, I'm liking the straight hair for a change. Lets attention go right to the pretty face.

    And the JOY photo is perfect.

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    1. Thanks Fred! I would need you to come over every morning to help me straighten it, but I will do it a bit more often for you, just cause I loves ya!

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  7. You do colour so well. The blue outfit shows off your pins.
    Happy to here about the sabbatical as it's been quite the year for you. Do you have any spinning classes in town? I do it three times a week and find it so good for the mind. Feel great for the day. Have a great Sunday and thanks for the reviews.

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    1. Funny - I don't know about spinning classes, but I do have a recumbant bicycle which I was thinking of starting the day off with. If that doesn't go well, I will look at the spin classes!

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  8. Great outfits! I think the blue is my favourite on you. Perfect snapshot of a perfect moment of joy. So lovely.

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  9. Befana sounds like my kind of girl. Love the colors and joy message. I bought the shocking pink henley thermal because I needed a punch of color in my winter wardrobe. Every time I wear it I feel happy. I will be here reading while you rest and rejuvenate. Keep creating WMM because you have a gift... NJ
    (by the way I am anonymous because I am a tech dinosaur.)

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    1. NJ! You made me laugh out loud! I think our gal GF could give us some kind of online webinar. If she speaks really slowly to me, I am sure to keep up! Actually, I love having an anonymous commenter - I think every blogger should have one! Befana is my kind of gal, too! And I do like shocking pink!

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  10. Thank you for the reviews and the link love. I have the pencil skirt in romance pink and the color is quite lovely and of course the suede skirt is beautiful. I'll be in the U.S. over the next two weeks and I'm going to stop into J.Crew for the mirrored floral tee.

    A rest, like a change, can be so refreshing. I hope you find joy in 2013.

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    1. Thanks xoxo! You definitely need that tshirt - it will look amazing with your skirt! I have decided to live vicariously through you whenever you wear it! I think that is one of the nicest JC pieces ever - it would be in my top 5 "wants" of all time!

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  11. Enjoy your time away from work. You deserve it! I love reading your blog. You are making me think about life and my outlook on it in a different way - thank you! I look forward to reading more aboutt your thoughts and adventures! Enjoy my dear:)

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    1. Thanks A! It will surely be an adventure. I am not sure what I will do with myself! House - look out!

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  12. Oh my, you look so relaxed in that photo, it is lovely. I'm looking forward to seeing what you get up to during your sabbatical - I'm sure it will be lots of fun!

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    1. thanks Patricia! I made my little altar to Paris this afternoon after I cleaned up a lot of my Christmas stuff! I am looking forward to puttering and reading!

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  13. You are pretty in pink but the violet is striking on you. Congratulations on your well deserved break. Your Paris photo is great-so happy and relaxed. Enjoy your time "filling the tank" as I like to say. You can't run 100 miles an hour without some high quality fuel. Have fun!

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    1. Hey Julie! I agree - although I like to think that my fuel is strawberries and champagne!

      BTW - don't you think your new shoes are the perfect shoes for Paris? I am besotted with those new shoes of yours - they are divine!

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  14. I've never commented on your blog, but I thought I tell you that I read your blog regularly and think you are just delightful! You write beautifully and make me laugh - your joy is contagious! It is a gift... thank you for sharing it with us.

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    1. Oh thank you Debby - that is so kind of you to say that! Wow - you have made my day and night!

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  15. Thanks for the reviews,i was thinking about the skirt and the herringbone pants too.
    Everything looks lovely on you!
    In case you are interested i reviewed some new arrivals:)

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    1. ooh - I am heading right over to see right after supper! I love to see what you are up to!

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  16. You look great, as always!!! Thanks for these great reviews, and most of all, for sharing your gorgeous smile!!!!!

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    1. Aw thanks! I have looked at you in that pink jacket so many times in the last day! WHy oh why did I not order it???? Oh well - it is j crew surely it will pop back or I will spend some ungodly sum to get it! Have a great night Rynetta!

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  17. I've been admiring all the bright pants that have become so popular recently, and I haven't quite worked up the nerve to try them. Those pink pants look fantastic on you - so cheerful and happy and very chic.

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    1. Well I have had pink pants and then I have had PINK pants. These are much nicer!

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  18. We always seen to thInk alike. I recently ordered the herringbone capris in both the pink and camel since I already had the black/ivory version. I have been trying to come up with some outfits for them using things from my overflowing closet. The pink has been a bit of a challenge but it looks nice with a black cashmere crew neck. Like you I am thinking now I need the blazers but I have no idea what size since I rarely wear jackets. I'm more of a sweater or blouse wearer. I also recently purchased the houndstooth scarf in an attempt to recreate the style guide page with the current /green striped cashmere sweater which I also ordered recently. I guess I'll have to get the green silk tie capri next! Hardly need them though! Tomorrow reality sets in: kids back to school, and it's back to work following a week off for both me and hubs! I wish I could join you on the sabbatical!

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    1. Hi SC! That is so funny! I find them such a comforting pant. I haven't worn them again yet as I have been cleaning. Today is definitely a sweats day. Have got to get tree down and a few other things done! As soon as I get the green silk tie pants will post on them. I see Gigi tried them and was only so-so. Snce they are a complete unnecessary item in my life, they only get to stay if they look fantastic! But I do love green!

      Good luck back in the fray!

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  19. I have the same scarf and love it, it's so cozy and warm. I might just wear it tomorrow to brave going back to the office after my mini-sabbatical of 2.5 weeks. Though I had to do a few teleconferences, it's been too many years since I've been away from the office for that long.

    Here's something that may make you feel better about not missing the romance pink jacket ... you know how you need beautiful vivid colors around your pretty face.

    I love that picture of you, joy indeed! Do rest, recreate, eat well and be good to yourself!!! Wishing you much love and joy as well. I will be back here for sure.

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    1. I meant missing, not not missing. ;)

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    2. Hi Tiffany Rose - you are right, though I even had a plan of what to wear with it to justify getting it! Oh we can be so good at rationailizing, can't we?

      I am really glad you got the 2 1/2 weeks off - it is really important to recharge. I was not doing that enough it appears and am paying a price. But all well be well!

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  20. Hi WMM, I am glad to hear you are taking a much needed rest for yourself. That photo of you in Paris says it all - joy indeed! Best wishes for happiness and new adventures in 2013!

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    1. Thanks Louise! I hope 2013 gives you all you dream of!

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  21. Thanks for the reviews. I love that shade of violet. How was the sizing for the Mirror tee and was it sheer?
    I'm trying to decide if I should order my usual size or size up.

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    1. HI Maryeb - i took my regular size - it is probably the same weight as the vintage cotton tees and I would take whatever size you take in those. I don't find it too sheer and would be comfortable to just wear with a bra under, no problem.

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  22. I just love that photo of you in Paris, WMM! You do look filled with pure joy. I hope that 2013 will bring you many more days just as happy and joyous as that one! :)

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    1. Thanks FFM! I would love to be able to recreate that photo in that exact spot, ever 2 or 3 years!

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  23. Thank you so much WMM!! You are so sweet!

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    1. Oh you are so welcome! It sounds like it was a great one!

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Kindness is a virtue...