J. Crew 20% Off & Free Ship +150 (Code OURTREAT)

Am afraid I took the plunge and purchased a few items with another final sale over at J. Crew.  I believe however it was a worthwhile investment given it was the wool gabardine suiting.  I purchased both the pant and two-button blazer which I have been wanting to purchase but somehow the sizing didn't match up for me on previous sales.  The suit didn't pop up as Final Sale either.  I also bought an open merino cardi in the lagoon green which I love!  I can't get enough of this color and they are a steal at $24.99!  So happy Fiday!  Was great to have this pop on a Friday...

Nordstrom Online...Cool, New Look!

I was struck by Nordstrom's cool updated website, fresh with modern graphics displayed in an eye-catching and flashy way (no pun-intended!).  The site is really clean with the focus on three key areas to tap into including 1) Departments 2) Brand and 3) Conversation.  I was particularly taken by the "Conversation" area with drop-down choices including their blog "The Thread" and other catchy items including including a section called "Career Mode" which highlights real people working within different careers talking about how fashion and style works into their lives.  I love this!  Take a look at Melissa for example, an interior designer talking about why different pieces are important to her.  I think this is really smart.  I can relate much better to this than the typical catalog or magazine ad typically 5 sizes smaller than me and who model for a living.

Under the same section, check out "Eye for Style" featuring their longstanding collaboration with Ruben Toledo..  This is wonderfully artistic!

I really love what they have done with this site.  It has gone from somewhat predictable to fun, cool and unexpected in one fell swoop.  I am thinking this will better attract younger generations as well.  While I adore Nordstroms for their old department store charm and service, this really sets them apart from other retail sites.  Very creative and so much to explore. Have you checked it out?

as seen IN...Talbot's Makes the List of Many Great Women's Magazines

Now that I am on a Talbot's kick, I should mention that they have been noted in many premier women's magazines including WWD highlighting their fashionable pieces.  I love how Talbots is making trend lists including the use of leopard prints while not leaving behind their anticipated classics such as pea coats amd pencil skirts.

I have found that I always pay a little more for these classics, but they continue to be staples in my wardrobe year after year.  I love that Talbots is making these lists with some of the more modern brands including the J. Crew's of the world.  It proves they are willing to try new styles with the trends, but I have never seen them completely abandon what they are known for.  Frankly, I also love that their ad campaigns reach many ages of women and not just one particular demographic.  That makes the brand far more appealing to me as well.  Yeah Talbots!  What are you most looking forward to this Fall from a trend standpoint?

Talbots 2010 Holiday Look Book...All That Glitters!

I am not quite there with thinking of Holiday, but absolutely loved looking through Talbots 2010 Holiday Look Book.  I am on a bit of a kick right now with all that glitters whether it is some of J. Crew's military chic items, Ann Taylor's gold sheen sleeveless shell or Talbot's...it all comes back to sparkle.  I am also loving the return of the fuller skirt such as the georgette skirt on page 15. of this book and the rose print dress on page 17.  I also love the mix of ultra-fem as with the lace dress on page 24. accompanied by the tweed sash.  The colors are fabulous - chocolate, pale pink, gold, olive.  I also love that Talbots is pushing the edge on modern-sexy as with the halter/open back matte jersey gown on page 42. paired with the rosette tote on the following page.  I only wish I had somewhere to wear some of these items!  I do love wearing a distressed pair of jeans with a unique and bold jacket...and there will be plenty of options. There are some absolutely stunning items in this book looking to be available mostly in November/December...aaahhh to wish now - have barely gotten my Fall groove on!  Any items on your Talbot's wish lists?

This Year's CFDA to be Sponsored by J. Crew

Reading over at fashionologie.com:
">> J.Crew To Sponsor This Year's CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Instead of Gap —J.Crew is reportedly taking the main sponsorship of the CFDA/VogueFashion Fund over from Gap starting this year. In the past, the Gap partnership has seen collaborations with Fashion Fund finalists likeAlexander Wang, Rodarte, and Sophie Theallet — housed under Gap Design Editions — grace Gap stores since as far back as 2007, but it looks like this year J.Crew — which recently tried out a designer collaboration with Fenton/Fallon's Dana Lorenz — may be the go-to retail point for this year's designer finalists. [Fashionista]

Fashion Shows, Designers, Models & Fashion News | Fashionologie

My Exhibitor Has Arrived!

I promised review of its arrival and it is finally here, the J. Crew exhibitor tote which by the way came in quite a box with massive stuffing.  The bag is substantial and not for gals who like a small to medium bag for sure.  This handbag is not messing around!  It seriously matches J. Crew's description for "keeping our carryall options open" with three amazing inside compartments and outside zip openings for even more stashing opportunities.  The bag is smooth all over and so no concerns with snagging or catching anywhere.  It was daunting at first because I couldn't conceive an amazing messenger and regular tote/purse both being great options in one bag, but the exhibitor aims to please and exceeded my expectations both ways.  I attached the messenger style shot with removable strap.  There are handles with gold-plated hardware if you want to carry as regular tote/handbag .  The inside fabric is a lovely green, not quite hunter, but is not the pink/blush liner that is shown online.  The tote is nice and deep, but like many large bags, things could get lost amidst all the space and compartments!  I am looking forward to traveling with this bag (next week as a matter of fact!).  It is very chic and I love it!

Going, going, gone...J. Crew Rewards Card!

I was lucky enough to get a J. Crew $50 rewards card, but did not keep it in my hands very long!  I splurged indeed, but somehow the rewards card and the free shipping code that I got from Alexis over at jcrewaficionada made it all worthwhile.  I went for the exhibitor tote in black.  I was lured part by the beautiful photos and part charmed by the copy that described it: "For those of us who love keeping our carryall options open, we're thrilled to introduce this cleverly tough-chic design chameleon in luscious leather with a glossy gold zipper and chain hardware. This ingeniously designed tote features a bottom that unzips to add even more capacity and a cross-body strap that can be attached to the middle of the bag, creating a much smaller fold-over style. Crafted in smooth, luxurious leather, it has antiqued-finish gold-plated hardware, a magnetic snap closure and oodles of pockets, including a roomy exterior zip pocket. At any size, this über-versatile three-in-one wonder is our hands-down must-have this season. Interior back-wall zip pocket, front-wall split-patch cell pocket. Cotton twill lining. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Import. Comes with dust bag. Removable, adjustable shoulder strap fully extends to 22". 7 3/4" handle drop. 17"H x 16"W x 6"D." I need "uber-versatile" right now in my life".  We shall wait and see.  I am practically standing at the door waiting for UPS to come.  Did you receive a rewards card and what are you thinking about?