http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/cecilia-cami

I was curious about this skirt because the pattern is similar to that of a Chanel scarf I saw in Lucky magazine last month or the month before. I thought the skirt was pretty online, but I was afraid that it was overpriced. I was pleasantly surprised by it when I saw it in the store. I tried it on, and I fell in love with it. The silk taffeta is so soft and smooth and light as air. The roses do look like a charcoal sketch, as they are a soft shaded graphite color, but they also have a hint of shimmer because of the silk taffeta fabric. I tried the skirt on and decided it was worth every penny; I took it home with me.

The shape of this Belle is a bit fuller than the cotton taffeta Belles. It almost looks as though it has some crinoline underneath it, even though it doesn’t have anything but the thin lining layer. The fuller shape gives the skirt a flattering, waist-cinching 50s silhouette when paired with a form-fitting top. I paired this skirt with a tucked-in black cashmere ¾ sleeve turtleneck, skinny black patent belt on the skirt’s waist, pearls, and simple black heels, and put my hair in a loose chignon. When I saw myself I was vaguely reminded of Grace Kelly in Rear Window, which is impressive because believe me I look nothing like Grace Kelly. I plan to wear this outfit to my rehearsal dinner this Friday Oct. 3.

I can see how the fullness of this skirt wouldn’t work for everyone, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It worked wonderfully for me, and I think that makes it at least worth a try I am so glad I paid attention to this skirt!

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals/skirts/PRDOVR~96173/99101508197/96173.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shirtstops/camisblouses/PRDOVR~97750/97750.jsp

But my current obsession is the Georgia Dress. I love the pockets and right now I love the price!

Having lost over 50 lbs, I was forced to overhaul my entire wardrobe. I got to my goal weight about the same time I found out about J Crew. As you can imagine, 95% of my wardrobe today is by J Crew. Many of my friends and collegues find this most interesting seeing that there’s no J Crew store in Canada and that I have to pay duties on every J Crew item I import into Canada. Nevertheless, my obsession with J Crew grows exponentially each day.

My all time favorite item from J Crew is the Wool Pique Gramercy Coat. It’s my all time favorite item because of the timeless yet ultra feminine design. It is a double breasted coat with 4 large fabric covered buttons, Peter-Pan collar and empire waist. The coat is reminicent of something Kristin Davis’ character Charlotte would wear on Sex and the City. It looks great with skirts and with pants. I get numerous compliments from total strangers whenever I wear the Gramercy.

I absolutely LOVE my Gramercy Coat – so much so that I own it in 3 different colors – the Fabulous Bright Flame, the Stunning Alpine Green and the Classic Black. Part of the allure of the Gramercy is truly the color and no one does color like J Crew.

It is unfortunate that J Crew did not reintroduce the Gramercy for the Fall 2008 collection. Had the coat come in my Fall 2008 Must Have color – Plum, I would have surely purchased one. Nonetheless, I’m thrilled to be wearing my Gramercy Coats for a second time this winter. To add further panache to my coats will be my recently purchased Dulken & Derrik Silk Flowers. These beautiful J Crew inspired flowers will add that 2008 look to my 2007 coats.

The Gramercy is my pick as my all-time favorite J Crew item. Here are the links to the coat:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/ladybabybug/88689_GR7553_d2_HOL07.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/ladybabybug/88689_GR7553_d3_HOL07.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/ladybabybug/88689_RD6042.jpg