Anthropologie: On a Wing

Okay, I get what Anthropologie was going for here, with the pins, and the wings and all, but no.  Just no.  And a very special no for the "butterfly" on the bottom left.

Pantone: Lucite Green

I have saved my favorite two colors in the Pantone spring color report for last.  The second to last color is Lucite Green, which Pantone describes as:

Reflective Lucite Green, a clean, clear subtle hue, adds a slight shimmer.

I love this color.  It is so pretty, and such a cool (as opposed to warm) shade of green.  I always gravitate towards greens from this family - with the nice, cool underhues.  I am so glad this is on the color report, and have been happy to see various shades of this color popping up this spring.  (And I also have to say that I love kelly green - always a classic!)

What do you think?  Do you like this color?  What shades of green are your favorite?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Bamboo Tassel Ballet Flats

The first of Jenna's Picks that is up for discussion are the Bamboo-Tassel Ballet Flats (item #15444), which retail for $158.  They are catalog and website only.

The perfect pair to add a little extra pep to your step in pretty new prints, just in time for summer. Silk (sweet papaya), cotton (papaya) or linen (navy) upper with grosgrain trim and a bamboo toggle bead. Twill lining. Leather footbed and sole. Made in Italy. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

This shoe comes in three different colors: sweet papaya, navy, and papaya (left to right), and each color is made out of a different fabric..  I have only ever ordered one pair of J.Crew ballet flats, and either I accidentally ordered the wrong size, or they sent me the wrong size (I think the former), and I'm on the fence about them.

It's really hard for me to make any kind of judgment on size, since mine are the wrong size, but my issue with the flats is that they are a little too unstructured for me.  My flats are a fabric flat, and I the footbed is a little narrower than I like.  That doesn't mean that the shoe itself is too narrow, but I don't feel like the footbed supports your entire foot (if that makes sense).  I'm not sure if having them in the right size would make a huge difference, but I prefer my flats to have a bit more support in them.

That said, I think the pattern is really cute, although I'm not the biggest fan of the papaya color.  I do like the other two colors, though.  My biggest issue with these flats is the price - I think $158 is a lot of money to spend on a pair of flats, especially because these seem almost too cute to wear.  I know that I would not get as much use out of these as I would like for a $158 pair of flats.

What do you think?  Do you like these flats?  What do you think of J.Crew's flats in general?  How much would you spend on a pair of flats?

Jenna's Picks: May 2009

Like Jenna's previous round of picks, I'll be going through her May picks one-by-one.  Interestingly, the e-mail J.Crew sent around about Jenna's picks is a little different from the picks shown online (there are more online).  I wonder why they sent around a modified version?  Either way, I'll be posting based on the longer list of picks, so keep an eye out for them, starting soon!

The Limited: Studio Picks

I'm not entirely sure what The Limited's "Studio" is, but they are promoting their studio picks in the crisp, summer (as opposed to winter) white.  Above is the e-mail blurb about it, and below is a selection of summer white studio picks from The Limited's website.

I actually purchased a summer white cotton suit from the limited last year, and I love it.  I think their pants and blazers fit really well (except for being too long, like always :)).  I also like the two tops featured, but I would like to see them in person, as I've had some issues with The Limited's online items not always appearing accurately in person.

Just as a fun aside: do you know where the rule about when to wear white comes from?  According to Ask Yahoo! (RIP), there is no clear answer.  If I had to pick one, I would say that there is definitely a romantic notion to the way the Old South used to dress, so that theory is probably the one I prefer.

Do you follow this rule?  I wear white as basic pieces (camis, tanks, tees, work shirts), but I never wear summer white pants, jackets, coats, or shoes in the winter.  I own some nice winter white pieces that I think work well.  (And I don't really care what Stacy and Clinton think - they aggravate me to no end!)

What do you think?  Do you like The Limited's summer white pieces?  What do you think of the rules about when to wear white?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Cotton Sateen Gateau Skirt & Merino Michelle V-Neck Cardigan

J.Crew's Cotton Sateen Gateau Skirt (item #13464) is another one of Jenna's Picks. This skirt originally retailed for $88, but select colors are on sale for $69.50. J.Crew describes the skirt as such:

A sweet confection in cotton sateen. This feminine skirt features pleated tiers and inverted pleats around the waist, creating a flirty bell shape. Sits at waist. Side zip. 20" long. Import. Dry clean.

This is another one of Jenna's Picks that mysteriously changed after they were originally posted. The picture now calls your attention to the Merino Michelle V-Neck Cardigan (item #11659), which also retailed for $88, with select colors on sale now for $69.50, and other colors on sale for $49.99. J.Crew describes the cardigan as such:

The perfect finishing touch to any outfit—layer it on. We love it ladylike and belted, or casual and comfortable over jeans and shorts. Merino wool in a 14-gauge knit. Enamel buttons. Fitted. V-neck. Rib trim at neck, cuffs and hem. Long sleeves. Hits at low hip. Import. Dry clean.

I can't really comment on the sweater, because I generally avoid wool clothes, and so this would probably never make it into my wardrobe. Plus, earlier this year I bought a ton of Gap's New V-Neck Cardigans, which, in my opinion, are pretty darn similar to this one.

As for the skirt, I totally love it. When it first debuted, it was one of the items I really wanted to get, but I held off, and I'm glad I did, because I ended up getting 3 of them, and all on various promotions. I love the shape of the skirt, and I think the tiers and the pleats add a nice, feminine touch. (Check back later today for my review of the skirt.)

What do you think? Do you like the skirt or sweater? Do you own either one?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Ringspun Scoopneck Painter Tee

Jenna's next pick is the Ringspun Scoopneck Painter Tee (item #12679), which was originally $34, with select colors on sale for $22.50. J.Crew describes the tee as such:

Soft, airy ringspun cotton with an addictive texture and a light, cool handfeel. Slouchy, long and lean fit. Scoopneck. Double-layer rib trim along neckline. Short dolman sleeves. Straight hem. Hits at hip. Import. Machine wash. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

I've tried on painter tees in the past, and I have to say that I really like them, and I love the ringspun cotton fabric.

This looks like a pretty basic tee, except for the cute sleeves. I don't really see the "dolman" in the sleeves, but I do love the cuffs.

This tee comes in a wide variety of colors, but not the super pretty misty lavender that J.Crew was all over this spring. The available colors are: navy, crisp celery, light chartreuse, sweet cantaloupe, tea rose, white, sweet lemon, aqua green, pewter, and shell.

If I hadn't already stocked up on tees for this spring, I might consider picking up a couple of these. My colors of choice would be crisp celery and aqua blue!

What about you? Have you picked up any of these tees? Do you like the colors it comes in?

Pantone: Dark Citron

The next Pantone color up for discussion is Dark Citron. Pantone describes the color as:

Dark Citron, a citrus-inspired green, is calmer and more serious than most, offering an element of sophistication to the mix.

I am not a super huge fan of this color. While I like yellow shades, I am not crazy about greenish-yellow colors. In fact, green-yellow and yellow-green were always some of my least favorite Crayola colors. I will give this color its "citrus" inspiration. Just sitting here writing this, I am totally craving some limeade.

I don't know that I own any clothes close to this color, as I usually tend to favor more blue-green or green-blue shades.

What do you think? Do you like this color? What items would you want it in?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Dulce Sequin Skirt

Jenna's next (and most expensive) pick is the Dulce Sequin Skirt (item #13323), which is currently sold out, but retailed for an incredible $450. Interestingly enough, this was J.Crew's original "Jenna's Pick", but shortly after the newest batch of picks was released, J.Crew changed the pick to the Slub Cotton Ripple-Ruffle Short-Sleeve Tee (item #13620), which I'll talk about in another post.

J.Crew describes the Dulce Sequin Skirt as such:

A very limited-edition silk organza skirt (only a handful were made). A stunner in a luscious shade of burnt caramel. Sequined entirely by hand, it has our favorite new detail of the moment: a contrasting black elastic waistband. Classic pencil-skirt shape. Sits at waist. Side zip. Fully lined. 23 1/2" long. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Import. Available in select stores.

The skirt is a little too shiny for me, and between this skirt and the infamous zebra tee, I might be a little sequin-ed out.

I'm not crazy about elastic waistbands, especially on pencil skirts and for especially not for $450, and even if they are in "contrasting black". Other than that, I think it is a fairly regular, very sequiny pencil skirt. At 23.5 inches, it's a bit longer than J.Crew's other pencil skirts they have produced this season.

For me, I just wouldn't have enough occasions to wear this, and even the occasions I can think of, I think I might be a tad overdressed. The combination of that and the price makes this a definite pass for me.

What do you think? Were you able to get a Dulce Sequin Skirt? Would you get this skirt if you could? What do you think of elastic waistbands and sequins?

Fashion: Pantone's Palace Blue

This week's Pantone color is Palace Blue. Pantone describes this color as:

Palace Blue, a favorite among designers this season, takes a steadfast, classic, spring navy-like tone and makes it sparkle. Paired with just about any color in the report, it offers many intriguing spring combinations.

I really like this shade of blue. I'm pretty sure that this cardigan is a pretty close match to Palace Blue. I agree with Pantone that this color can go with pretty much any color in the Spring Color Report, and would probably go with most colors in general. I am not a color expert by any means, but I don't really see anything "navy-like" in this color, unless they mean the Navy. I do think this color would brighten up any outfit, whether it's as a focus piece or an accessory.

What do you think? Do you like Palace Blue? Do you own any pieces in this color? What other colors would you pair it with?

Pantone: Fuchsia Red

The next Pantone color up for discussion is Fuchsia Red. Pantone describes the color as:

Think sensual and seductive Fuchsia Red for clothing, as well as lipstick and nail polish selections, this spring. With its blue undertones, this cool red is a real show-stopper, adding a sense of elegance to the palette.

I really like this color, and have seen it in some pieces this season. I also think this color is super versatile. I think it works with practically all skin tones, could be worn with a ton of different colors, and works in all seasons, not just spring and summer! I do like the "blue undertones" in this shade of fuchsia too - I think it keeps it from being too bright.

What do you think? Do you like this color? Do you own any items in this color?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Athena Wrap Sandals

J.Crew has tagged the Athena Wrap Sandals (item #12035) as another of Jenna's Picks. These seem to replace the Lemlem scarf that appeared in the original rollout of Jenna's Picks, and are available in dark fog and tawny brown. J.Crew describes the sandals as such:

Goddess-worthy, indeed. This lace-up sandal is styled in a supple stonewashed
leather—the stonewashing causes a shade variance in the leather to create a chic
worn-in feel. The leather ties are finished with a feminine flower tassel.
Leather footbed and sole with rubber inset for traction. Made in Italy. Half
sizes order up. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

Well, I hope you goddesses out there have been saving up, because these sandals are $128! I am not a fan of these sandals at all. The tassels on the end of the ties remind me of something Pocahontas would wear. I do think the loop that the ties create is pretty interesting.

The footbed looks the same as the Capri sandals, which cost less than half. So is it the leather loops, ties, and tassles that make the Athena so much more expensive?

What do you think? Do you like these sandals? Do you think they are worth $128?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Silk-Ribbon Chain-Link Necklace

The next Jenna's Pick up for discussion is J.Crew's Silk-Ribbon Chain-Link Necklace (item #14489). It retails for $98, and the Tropical Aqua color is on sale for $69.99. J.Crew describes the necklace as such:

It'll turn even the simplest ensemble into spectacular. 16 lightly distressed brass chains (tropical aqua chain is specially hand-dyed to match color of ribbon)—they're perfectly placed to create a most flattering drape—with an exquisite silk charmeuse ribbon that can be styled several different ways. Even our designer owns one. Silk charmeuse ribbon is delicate by nature and will fray over time creating a lovely vintage look that we love. Ribbon-tie closure (60"L x 4"W). Import. Length: 36".

I love this necklace. The Shell and aforementioned Tropical Aqua colors are on my wishlist. It also comes in Black.

This necklace is very delicate and feminine looking, and I love the touch of the floppy silk ribbon. The thing about the necklace that concerns me is that the ribbon is supposed to fray over time. If I were going to pay $98, or even $69.99 for a chain-link necklace, I wouldn't want it to purposely fray, but maybe that is just me!

The website also has a picture of the necklace on a mannequin, and while the many chains look delicate enough, it also looks a bit overwhelming - it seems like there are less chains in the individual color pictures.

What do you think? Do you like this necklace? Do you own it? Which colors do you like?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Neon Patent Capri Sandals

The next Jenna's pick up for discussion are the Neon Patent Capri Sandals (item #14181), which originally retailed for $49.50, with select colors on sale for $39.50. J.Crew describes the item as such:

Our famous leather capri, now in bold neon. Patent-leather upper. Leather footbed and sole. Made in Italy. Half sizes order up.

The sandal is available right now in neon orange, neon yellow, and neon punch.

I don't own any of J.Crew's Capri sandals, mostly because of the price, but I do love the Capri sandals. I have been checking my local outlet to see if they have any Capris or Capri lookalikes for a decent price, but I haven't found any yet.

Even if I did buy a pair of J.Crew's Capri sandals, I think I would pass on the neon colors. I know that neon is a hot trend for this spring and summer, but I prefer to spend $50 on sandals in a more neutral color so that I can pair them with almost anything. I'm sure there are those of you out there who could rock neon with anything, but I couldn't. And to be honest, I'm just not really a big fan of neon.

What do you think? Do you own J.Crew's Capri sandals? Would you buy them in neon? What do you think of the neon trend in general?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Lemlem Scarf

Jenna's next pick up for discussion is the Lemlem Scarf (item #16520). It is from Liya Kebede's new Lemlem line. J.Crew describes the scarf as such:

We fell in love with international goodwill ambassador Liya Kebede's line of handmade garments. Lemlem, meaning "to bloom" in Amharic, was started as a way to provide Ethiopian weavers with a means to escape poverty. The result? An amazing collection of delicately handcrafted pieces. Fashioned in pure striped cotton with a gorgeous gauzy feel, this dreamy scarf boasts hand embroidered at edges and fringed ends. The perfect accessory for breezy spring days and nights. Handmade in Ethiopia. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

I think they did a great job styling the scarf in the picture - I actually thought this was one, full colorful scarf, but it's actually the two different colored scarves together. The scarf is available in white pink stripe and white natural stripe.

I think the scarf is pretty, if not a little basic. It seems like a pretty versatile piece, but I can't see myself forking over $80 for a cotton scarf with a "gauzy" feel. I would like to see the embroidery up close though.

What do you think? Do you own this scarf? Is it on your wishlist? Would you pay $80 for it?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Linen-Cotton Banded Silk Tank

Today's Jenna's Pick is the Linen-Cotton Banded Silk Tank (item #13618), which retails for $58. J.Crew describes the tank as such:

The tank of the season in a light and airy linen/cotton jersey blend with sumptuous bands of silk habotai layered at the neck. We gave it a straight hem that falls to the lower hip and finished it with a silk banded bottom. Generous fit. Scoopneck. Import. Machine wash.

I'm not really sure about this tank. From the pictures on the model, it seems very loose-fitting and shapeless. I like the idea of the silk band, but it just kind of hangs there being shiny, and doesn't seem to add much, in my opinion.

I think the "sumptuous layers of silk habotai" at the neckline give it a bit of an unfinished look, which kind of contrasts with the nice banded silk bottom (and not in a good way). I believe I have seen this tank hanging up in-stores, and I was not impressed.

What do you think? Do you like this tank? Do you own it? Do you prefer less form-fitting tops in favor of looser ones like this one?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks - Jeweled Palm-Leaf Necklace

The first item I've picked from Jenna's Picks is the Jeweled Palm-Leaf Necklace (item #14385). J.Crew describes the necklace as such:

The perfect springtime statement piece with a fabulous floral design. Each shape was meticulously drawn out by our designer to drape perfectly over the neckline and every single color was customized to match the palette of our spring collection. Set on a soft 14K gold-plated brass chain (chosen specifically
because of the way it moves and sits on the neckline) with smooth and faceted
hand-set resin stones mixed with Czech crystals. 2 1/2" chain extender for
adjustable length. Signature spring clasp closure. Part of the J.Crew
Collection. Import. Length: 22".

This necklace retails for a whopping $175, and is available in metallic rose (above) and fresh mint (below).

This necklace is totally not for me. If I had to pick one, I'd say I prefer the fresh mint color, but I cannot see myself wearing it at all. It looks like it might be heavy, although J.Crew notes that it "moves" and "sits on the neckline" well. For my personal tastes, I can't even think of any time I would ever wear a necklace like this.

What about you? What do you think of this necklace? Do you like it? Do you think it is worth the price? Do you own it? And what would you pair this necklace with?

Fashion: Pantone's Salmon Rose

The next Pantone color up for discussion is Salmon Rose. Pantone describes the color as:

Taking a cue from its lemony neighbor, friendly and approachable Salmon Rose
also conveys an optimistic outlook. The subtlest of oranges, Salmon Rose is
flattering to most complexions and is beautiful with a summer glow.

I really like this color. It definitely reminds me of the Salmon color in the Crayola color box. It also calls to mind J.Crew's tea rose color from their spring palette, but that is a little bit darker, I think. I think shades of this color have also popped up at Gap.

Overall, I think this is a nice, fun spring and summer color!

What do you think? Have you spotted Salmon Rose anywhere else? Do you own any clothes in this shade, or close to it?

Fashion: Express Jumpsuits

Express is touting the jumpsuit as This Season's Hottest Look. I'm not sure I can behind this one. The 70s references aside, I just don't love it (I'm not even sure I like it). Plus, the one thing I can't stop thinking about is when you go to the bathroom, you have to basically take off your top, too, right?

I bet these would look great on the right people (I'm thinking long legs, especially), but I

would be afraid of looking even shorter in one of these.

What do you think? Do you like jumpsuits? Do you own one?

J.Crew: Jenna's Picks Update

J.Crew has updated Jenna's Picks on their website. Over the next couple days, I'll be featuring each individual item in a post, so please check back!