Pleated Paulette top, $168.00, Item 19834

An absolutely unforgettable top styled in silk taffeta. Rows of accordion pleated ruffles, placed asymmetrically, give this piece a stylish slant, while a removable grosgrain ribbon sash cinches and defines the waist. It’s perfect for any dressy occasion and just as fun with jeans. Sleeveless. Hidden button-front closure. Part of the J.Crew Collection.

I recently spotted the Pleated Paulette Top in stores and loved the detailing on it. The pleats are very feminine and fun.

I immediately grabbed one and jetted toward the fitting rooms. When I tried it on, I found that it ran rather large and the black ribbon was awkward.

I love how the top looks on the model in the photo above. But I don’t really like the styling as shown on the mannequin pictured below. I don’t think this top works as a jacket. The catalog image has the top styled the same way.

What are your thoughts on this top?

Shadow shearling jacket, $2,500.00, Item 20889

The shade of winter sky in luxuriously soft suede paired with the finest Italian shearling. The silhouette—slim and tailored with a flattering belted waist—fits like a dream. Only a dozen others like it exist. Lambskin. Shawl collar. Hook-and-eye closure. Long sleeves. On-seam pockets. Hits at hip. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean.

As the holiday season approaches, many retailers including J.Crew will be adding one-of-a-kind pieces to their brand assortment. With the November new arrivals, J.Crew introduced the Shadow shearling jacket that retails at $2,500. This piece is available online and select stores.

What are your thoughts on this jacket?

What are your thoughts on these pieces? Are they on your J.Crew wish list? Or are you over the sequin trend?

Sequined deco top, $495.00, Item 17209

Sequined georgette tank, $395.00, Item 96217

Dulce sequin skirt, $450.00, Item 13323

French serge opera coat, $800.00, Item 17509

I’ve had several readers email me about how much they love the French serge opera coat. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind statement piece which is now sold out. I especially love how it is styled in the catalog as shown below.

Are you surprised that the opera coat is sold out? Or are you coveting another piece from the outerwear collection?

Icon trench, $298.00, Item 11210

Just in time for fall, J.Crew introduces the Icon Trench in black! This coat was reviewed in the post, “The Icon Trench From J.Crew”

Do you already have the Icon Trench? If not, are you considering it now that it is available in black?

Icon trench, $298.00, Item 11210

J.Crew sent out an email today introducing the Ikat halter dress ($225.00, Item 15197 & Item 15481).

I really love the print and length of the dress. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it also comes in petite sizes. The Ikat halter dress is available in warm maize and navy.

Have you had a chance to try on this dress? If not, will you be ordering it?

Last Wednesday (April 8th), J.Crew hosted a party at the J.Crew Collection store located at 1035 Madison Avenue to celebrate Liya Kebede and the Lemlem/J.Crew collaboration.

Lemlem is a line of children’s clothing founded by designer and supermodel, Liya Kebede.  She is also the face of the entire April J.Crew catalog. 

To read more about the Lemlem Collection, click the post, “J.Crew Loves Liya Kebede and Lemlem.”  

The photos below are from the party and are courtesy of Guest of a Guest blog.  Thanks so much for letting me repost them here!

Did you attend this party? If so, what did you think?

J.Crew sent out an email today introducing Jenna Lyons’ March Picks. This is a monthly feature that rounds up all of the Creative Director’s favorite items in the new roll out.

See the description and items below. What do you think of the picks this month?

1. Primrose garden necklace
2. Coralie patterned heels
3. Coralie suede heels
4. Luxe solid tortoise-ring halter top
5. Luxe solid tortoise-ring hipster
6. Butterfly bauble bracelet
7. Merino flutter-trim tunic
8. Python clutch
9. Metallic flower belt
10. Wide patent-leather jeans belt
11. Skinny leather belt
12. Cashmere villa cardigan
13. Boyfriend military jacket
14. Slub cotton ripple-ruffle short-sleeve tee

Painted dream dress, $250.00, Item 11929

I recently ordered the Painted Dream dress from because I thought it looked great in the Spring look book.  The dress is part of the J.Crew Collection and is a catalog/online only item so I purchased it using a free shipping code from J.Crew. 

I have a wedding to attend next month and I thought this dress would be perfect!   See the post, “My Favorite J.Crew Spring Looks“ where I highlighted this dress as one of my favorites from the Spring Collection.  

J.Crew dresses tend to run very big on me and this was definitely the case with this dress. I ordered my regular sizing and it fit me like a nightgown.  I expected the dress to be a little roomy due its shift style, but it was very roomy. I suggest sizing down.

I really wanted this dress to work because I love the detailing at the neckline. It really is colorful and stunning in person. The on-seam pockets are an added bonus on this dress.

Havona Tank, $128.00, Item 12966

In the post, “My Favorite J.Crew Spring Looks,” I wrote about how I was excited to order the Havona Tank. When the tank became available for purchase, I ordered the size 0 and 2 with the free shipping code. I usually order both sizes in J.Crew because the sizing is not always consistent.

When the UPS box arrived last Friday, I was so excited to open it. The tanks were each wrapped in plastic. I opened the size 0, removed the tissue paper and was immediately disappointed. 

The “extra-light whisper organza” fabric of the Havona Tank as it is described on the J.Crew website is completely sheer and see through. For this price point, I definitely expected it to be lined. 

The picture below depicts the sheerness of the fabric. Here, I placed the plastic packaging under the tank. You can see right through the tank and read the text on the packaging!

The flower on the neck of this tank is also very heavy and just flops around. I would have liked it for it to be removable. 

I am sorry to say that as much as I love the concept of this tank, it will be returned.

Have you purchased the Havona Tank? Are you considering it? Does the sheerness of the fabric change things for you?