j Crew New Arrivals Reviews + Pics of the dress I bought from the local designer

Hi everyone,

As soon as I finished my post on the transition to fall - my new arrival from J Crew arrived.

While I don't have quite as personal a relationship as Dani does with her UPS man, I think mine is becoming fond of me...

If you recall in this post, I ordered a few things to try from the new J Crew rollout. 

Before I start the reviews I have to say: these were all lovely items.  I didn't have one of my "WTF, J CREW!"  The workmanship was lovely on all of them, so thumbs up for that alone!

Where to begin?

Let's go with the shoes...

IRL these are less barn red than a pinot noir which you can't even really tell here, where they still have a decidedly brownish tinge.  They do not...

I sized up to a 7 at the recommendation of the VPS.  That was not a mistake from the toebox's perspective, but I kept walking out of the heels, even after putting on heavy socks.  I could exchange for a 6.5, but then I think the toe box would be tight.  A $350 shoe (even one on sale) does not qualify in my books for a heel insert.  I just don't love it enough for the price, so back it goes...

I am still thinking that these might be replaced by these below, but am reserving judgement as I am going to a bigger city on Friday with real shoe shops..

I know - they look like something Robin Thicke would wear with his black and white striped shirt.. but still...


Next on the list is the grey skirt.

Coming out of the box, this was a beauty:

The back of the skirt

So let's talk about it on:

 

 

sorry for the blur....

The issue is this - I don't think it makes me look any more fleshy than I already look... And I do like the fun aspect of the patch pockets on front (I know, I am quirky).  However, there is some debate about the sides as I am so straight up and down.  If I took it in along the sides the patch pockets would basically be right at the edge of the skirt as you can see below...

 

 I actually really liked this skirt.  I think it would look swell with boots and a sweater and jean jacket or dressed up with a blazer.  But the sides and the front - would love some opinions...

Resolution - sleeping on this one...

 The final item is the cashmere V-neck in pale pink, one of my fall colours.  It is the loveliest pale shade of pink.  The cashmere felt very nice, I must say, and I wasn't necessarily expecting it to feel that nice.

 I sized up one as I like my v's slouchy, whereas I like my cardigans to fit closer.

 

 I gotta say - I love this colour.... Love, love, love.  I have the pink floral scarf and the pink and grey botanical t on order as well.  This was definitely a keeper!

I thought you might be interested in the pale pink colour vis-à-vis other recent JC pinks - the light nectar on the left and the heather coral on the right.

Finally, a picture of the dress I bought at the little shop downtown.  This is a lot of dress, re: pattern, but is super soft jersey and will be perfect for wearing with leggings for around the house and when I am writing...And it was inexpensive and I wanted to support the young designer..

So there you go!  An honest-to-god review post.  Hope that helps some folks!  I do wish the shoes had worked, but I am staying true to my word about only keeping what I love and which is flattering.  I think the skirt will likely go back as well for that very reason and I will keep looking for an aline, which is what I probably need.

What do you think?  Hope you have a great day and stay safe out there!