Hi All!
It has been a busy week, but wanted to pop in and talk about Miss Marissa.
I got an email from Banana Republic this week that directed me to their new arrivals. Since, I was desperately in need of some procrastination, I clicked on the email, only to see a message from Marissa.
I always liked Marissa when she was at J Crew. She had a cool girl vibe that seemed a little more accessible to the likes of me than Jenna's.
The love affair I once had with the Crew is long over, not simply because of Tom replacing Marissa and the dreadful styling of Gayle that makes it hard for mere mortals like myself to figure out how the hell I would wear something, but because I don't go out enough into the world to justify purchasing that much clothing and I am now incredibly picky about what I do buy, mostly due to my lifestyle. I just can't do as much trendy any more.
So it was with much trepidation that i clicked on the new arrivals at BR. Lately BR has been bedeviled by way too much polyester, so I was curious if this was going to start to change under the eagle-eye of Ms. Webb.
And I actually found some things I liked and that would go with my new life:
A boiled wool moto jacket:
colourblock soft blazer:
Multi-striped drape top:
But there is still WAY too much poly for my taste. While I can live with some poly, I prefer a poly blend or rayon or something else. I will be curious what direction Marissa will take them in terms of fabrics and materials, because in many cases, their silhouettes are more wearable than J Crew's, especially for women in the workforce, but I do love a natural fabric.
I admit to being completely off statement necklaces. I think I would prefer something fun in a pearl-ish way:
I haven't been thinking much about fall clothing, as frankly I don't need much. I have actually made one major purchase, something that I vowed to get in March and which I bought on a 30+ celcius day in July because it was a good price:
The Ugg Tall Adirondacks:
My feet are always cold in the winter and while I have a short pair of these that I bought 5 years ago and which are wonderful, I wanted a tall pair as well. I have lots of fancy boots and coats that I bought whilst working, but now I just want to be warm!
I am also going to try the Barbour Beadnell jacket.
Neither of these purchases would be fashion-forward by any stretch of the imagination. What I really want is warmth in the late fall into the winter. I am a bit on the fence on the barbour, but will see.
Other than that, I need no dresses, no skirts, no jeans or trousers, no nothing actually. I wouldn't mind a white + warren navy cashmere cardigan, but I can wait. I would have waited on the two things above if they hadn't been on sale.
Having said that, I am leaving room to fall in love with something desperately!
How about you - what are you thinking about Marissa at BR? Are you hopeful or "whatever"? Have you started fall shopping yet? am I the only person who buys winter boots in the dead of summer?
Have a great weekend!
xoxo wendy
Love the boots. I'm all for warmth in the winter. I've been picking up pieces here and there to fill in some wardrobe holes. I find everything is sold out in October when I want it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that - I wanted those tall uggs last winter but they were sold out in my size!
DeleteYou had me at "desperately in need of some procrastination"!
ReplyDeleteWere it not for weight fluctuations, I wouldn't be shopping at all. I'm curious to see what Marissa can do about de-poly-ing BR. I'm liking what I've seen so far, but not buying.
Fred, I should come visit and we cam commiserate over a hot fudge Sundae.... I am working at losing, so that also helps the no shopping, but truly, I don't go enough places to justify spending...
DeleteIt's poly poly everywhere!
ReplyDeleteI bought a pre-owned dress for fall on ebay, it's Dolce and Gabbana, a 100% wool corset dress with silk lining, absolutely magic and less than $100. It seems the nice fabrics are few and far between these days.
Honestly I think you'll be dashing stomping around in those boots with that Barbour!
I love Dolce and Gabbanna but corset dresses do me no favours!! I am concerned about the Barbour, but will see what I think - wasn't positive about sizing or the whole boxy shape thing, but it is free returns and I got it for 30% off the regular price and free shipping.
DeleteHi Wendy, I remember admiring your short boots - the tall ones are nice too, they look much more streamlined than the snow boots that I wear.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the polyester at Banana Republic - let's hope that changes. At the moment I'm on the lookout for a raincoat/parka with a hood for our trip to Europe in October - I just know we are going to be rained on!
Patricia - you are very wise! I think I would hit more of the sporty stores - so many others lack hoods, I find! For me, the boots are amazing because of the shearling. I thought about dressier boots, but frankly, I have three pairs of winter dress boots (albeit not warm ones) the last thing I want in life now is more dressy fare!
DeleteHi Wendy, I looked on the website and could not tell which ones, if any were Marissa's? I like your picks though. I'm a boiled wool fan and that moto jacket you posted looks promising. I have a light grey boiled wool jacket that I purchased years ago from J Crew and it is indestructible. I also have the LL Bean version of those shearling lined Ugg Boots and those few days every year when it is beyond freezing outside I am so happy to own them!
ReplyDeleteMy recent purchase was a denim duster by Isabel Marant @75% off and the quality and details are wonderful. I'm keeping my eye on her wool poncho. If it makes it to the big January sales I'll grab it. I don't "need" anything so I can wait until prices match my budget. I look at new designers but always fall back on J Crew and Madewell. I'm trying to go for good fit and proportions these days and the tall sizes and cuts still fit me better than most off the rack designers. I cherry pick through and still find great clothes (no poly) on super sale.
I think she just started there a few months ago - so not sure how her designing will go or if she be simply yeahing or naying what the in-house designers make?
DeleteFor some reason, always forget madewell, probably because it used to seem decidedly "junior" in aesthetic, although that has seemed different as of late and J Crew has seemed more that way than in the past! The Isabel Marant sounds amazing! I think once you don't "need" something, it is quite freeing, isn't it? My life and style are changing so much these days that it is a bit head-spinning! Today, I am quite boho, yesterday was very preppy, the day was minimalist. I think I just need to resign myself to not having one style!
You have a great sense of style and if it changes daily enjoy it. There is no rule that says you have to have "one style".
DeleteThe marketing and styling for Madewell is very "junior" but the fit happens to works for my very straight shape. I love their Rail Straight jeans and recently the High Riser. Their tops however are cut narrower, something to consider. I have the Perfect Leather Motorcycle jacket which is cut more generously in the chest but my dresses and sweaters are not.
Oh good to know! I am straight up and down, so bottoms may be perfect and will note need to size up on tops! Actually, the Barbour jacket just arrived and fits a dream. Now Barry wants one!
DeleteYou'll love the Barbour jacket. I bought a vest last fall from Barbour and wore it way more than I thought I would. Warmth is a priority for me too.
ReplyDeletePolyester yikes! I am a natural fabric fan...cotton, linen wool and cashmere.
I do approve of a bit of spandex in my denim skinny jeans though.
I wish you success in your quest to shed some weight...it is a challenge but so worth it from a health perspective. I am working on a post as a response to readers emails and should have it up on my blog in a few days....sorry to be so wordy today but your post spoke to me!
Thanks! I suspect a vest is in my future! I know you have done fabulous in losing weight! I am now back to walking 60 minutes and no snacks, so happy to be comfortable again in clothing! It doesn't fall off at 51 like it used to!
Deletemy favorite Marshall Field vintage riding boots were bought in the dead of summer on ebay! i have not looked at or been in a BR store in so long i kinda forgot they existed, so i will pop over and see what's going on. have a good weekend wendy. :)
ReplyDeleteI hardly look at Ebay any more, but then, I don't really look much at clothing and I know there are good deals to be had! I might have gotten my Barbour coat even cheaper! I sort of forgot about BR, too, until the email, which even that surprised me as i didnt think I subscribed to them! Have a great weekend Janet!
DeleteWendy, I think you've found a few treasures here if BR's quality is back up to snuff (my sources would be skeptical) then that boiled wool moto jacket looks far more stylish than the too prevalent leather versions.
ReplyDeleteAlso, you now hold the distinction of discovering the first pair of Uggs that are visually appealing with those Tall Adirondacks...I never thought this day would come.
The Barbour Beadnell is also quite nice.
I hear you on the uggs! I will wait for your source to advise on BR - somehow I imagine you buying some dame a hot toddy and saying "I wonder at the fabric choices at Banana Republic and then coaxing it all out of her...
DeleteI have my eye on the Barbour Beadnell too! Great minds think alike! My husband has the Bedale and I like the way it looks. It's hip and traditional at the same time. Originally, I was going to buy the Downtown Field Jacket which is similar to the Barbour, but my husband suggests to save up for a Barbour instead. I want quality vs. a cheap knock off.
ReplyDeleteWendy, that's why I bit. I had a code and a reward card and no fall jacket that is good for this countrified living I am engaged in! I have seen and touched the downtown and there is just no comparison!
DeleteJust when did 'need' come in to clothes buying, Wendy?!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think the Barbour and boots ARE a fashion forward statement. My Barbour is about 30 years old and looks it. It needs to be sent back to the shop to be rejuvenated but I think that would probably cost as much as a new purchase.