Thursday, May 19, 2011

J. Crew June...Early Summer and a Sprinkle of Pricey Collection

 With all that comes with Summer, nautical stripes, linen cool, pops of color and the crispness of a beautiful white shirt, J. Crew has hit it home.  However, there were a few things that took be aback, not only because of the pricey pieces, but that they were less than original and intermixed with conservatively priced summer clothing that the general population might seek from J. Crew.

As example, as much as I adore stripes and J. Crew continues to be my home-base, the Comme des Garcons Play striped heart tee made its way into the mix of cotton "tee" options at a cool $136.  Really, I feel the borders have been pushed a bit here in assuming J. Crew's core audience would find this appealing.   Never mind the fact that Rei Kawakubo (founder of the funky, cult label) offers a hip designer's edge in offerings, but my feeling was "why another stripe tee" of all the pieces to weave into the season.  Heart logo or not, I will not spend this much on a tee.

Another piece that was added to J. Crew's Collection included the silk georgette Secretary blouse.  Flowey with a removable sash, the $275 price tag pushes me back losing any attraction I may have had to this blouse.  This is one of those pieces that I would actually opt for a designer name rather than buying from J. Crew.  I find this to be a very confusing add, Collection or not.

Another piece from The Collection that made me scratch my head included the Aperitif dress.  J. Crew calls a "summery stunner" made of smooth cotton sateen.  At $395, it is definitely a "stunner"!

Oh J. Crew,  I love "9 Women Wear One Shirt" demonstrating the easy but dress-up-able linen blouses that are a staple most women can afford and will invest in.  I love the feature of Prabal Gurung where a limited Collection and collaboration makes sense.  Some of these expensive designer pieces seem their worth with label-seeking customers looking for something a little bit different.  And I love all the basics in linen and cotton across a rainbow of colors that appeal to just about everyone.

I just don't fancy some of these pieces that in my opinion get "stuck" in to an otherwise very affordable and wearable collection for Summer.  What are your favorite items for Summer and those not so much?

Cheers.



Saturday, May 7, 2011

Talbots Fall Look Book (just a sneak peek)!


A "sneak peek" at Talbots Fall Look Book.  And oh my, while I cannot even imagine a hint of Fall right now, the colors to come in their Look Book left me breathless. A "latte" verses "camel" and a "teal" over last Fall's cobalt, all make me want a refresher already!  The teal blue (what they are calling blue mirage on page 4-5) overcoat is on my list and will serve as a semi-replacement to the beautiful teal overcoat that my husband threw in a garage sale!  This was my grandmother's coat and so there is a little vintage feel that I have been endlessly searching for.  The accessories are divine, with a slight departure from the leopard animal prints to more of a modern tiger (love!).

Armed for Spring...

Friday, May 6, 2011

New Season, New Scent...Chloe Rosebud

My followers, I am afraid it has been awhile since my last post.  Have bum knees which I've recently had re-scoped & repaired, and am anxiously preparing for a serious lower lumbar surgery.  I have been less then inspired of late, lacking energy as you can imagine.  All of the things I love in Spring, still have a way of moving forward which carries my along.  I am hoping that the hands of gifted surgeons will revitalize me for the long-term.

My roses are also anxiously awaiting, warmth, rain (well, we've had a lot of that) and a loving touch.  In Spring, I love a change of scent and I have fallen in love with the most beautiful rose perfume which made it's debut from Chloe, called Rosebud.

Sephora says:


The Chloé vision is not about one singular woman, but rather about the rich and varied personalities of all Chloé women. This fresh, smooth, and floral fragrance evokes a sublime powdery-rose scent. The effect is chic, comfortable, and entirely addictive. 


Top notes of pink peony, freesia, and lychee embody freshness with subtlety. Floral heart notes of magnolia, lily of the valley, and rose rise to create a feeling of pure femininity. The scent comes to rest on an elegant base of cedarwood, amber, and honey. 

The Chloé Eau de Parfum fragrance remains unchanged. This fresh and charming limited-edition bottle features a ribbon in the color of a pink rose.
Notes:
Pink Peony, Freesia, Lychee, Magnolia Flower, Lilly of the Valley, Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, Honey.
Style:
Chic. Comfortable. Addictive.

How can you not be inspired by this one! If you love the rose scents as I do, you may want to give this a try.  It is definitely uplifting.  Cheers.