While there is fresh snow on the ground, today is still the first day of Spring (woot, hopefully it’s all smooth sailing from here). With Spring and Summer on my mind, the Forever 21 Nautical Striped Shift Dress climbed to the top of my “keep” list. Though the shape is baggy, I think it works for the style and there are even side pockets (which make this an instant winner). I am keeping this dress and will be adding my own flair to it (front pockets, bows allover, the possibilities are endless).
The dress is unlined and 100% cotton (will probably shrink to fit a 3-year-old toddler if you machine wash it in hot water). It measures 30.5″ long, 17″ across the bust (probably the slimmest part of the dress), and 15″ across the shoulder.
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| Size S / Dark Navy |
For those of you who don’t like the bagginess of shift dresses, the Striped Fit & Flare Dress looks like a more shapely alternative.
I need another polka dot dress like I need a hole in the head but really liked the scoop neckline and shoulder-covering sleeves on the Forever 21 Essential Polka Dot Sheath Dress that Jean had recommended (I agree with some of the reviewers in that it runs smaller than usual). The XS fits me well in the torso but has a looser-fitting bottom which doesn’t bother me. I ordered this item as a filler for free shipping but may keep it because I have a soft spot for polka dots (and it’s been a while since I last found something I liked this much from Forever 21).
The dress in XS measures 35″ in length, 16″ across the bust, 13″ across the waist, and 17.5″ across the hips. The shell is 70% cotton and 30% polyester and the lining is 100% polyester (dry clean only).
Polka dot dresses are not in short supply at Forever 21; there are currently several styles online: Polka Dot & Crochet Dress, Essential Polka Dot Georgette Dress, Belted Polka Dot Shirtdress, Polka Dot Peplum Dress, High-Low Polka Dot Dress, Sleeveless Polka Dot Dress, Smocked Polka Dot Dress, Polka Dot Chiffon Dress, Cutout Polka Dot Dress, and Essential Polka Dot Shirtdress.
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| Size XS / Navy |
The Essential Striped Ponte Top is from an older order but I forgot to blog about it. The top is 68% polyester, 30% rayon, and 2% spandex and is very good quality for Forever 21. I thought the fit was odd on me so I returned it.
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| size XS / Blue |
J. Crew rolled out an exclusion-free sale today; enter code LOVEJCREW at checkout and get 25% off your entire purchase.
I am a fan of J. Crew’s spring collection, especially the more expensive collection pieces which I don’t have the budget for. J. Crew does prints and textures well which is why it’s always a treat seeing what they have to offer on the brocade, lace, tweed, and floral fronts.
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| Medallion Paisley Shirtdress | Appliqued Guipure Lace Dress | Lace Stripe Dress | Neon Tweed Dress | Shadow Floral Dress |
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| Coral Tweed Blazer | Schoolboy Blazer in Shadow Floral | Gilded Brocade Bomber Jacket |
My last Ann Taylor order trickled in this week. Does anyone else think it’s odd that many retailers are now shipping orders in parts instead of waiting to ship the order in full? Never mind the waste in redundant packaging (I try to recycle mine but am running out of room), my UPS person must think I have a shopping problem.
My favorite item from Ann Taylor’s Spring 2013 collection is the Textured Petal Pencil Skirt. I am a big fan of the daisy lace embroidery and the fun color. The skirt is not available in petite but the length is passable on 5’2 me. The skirt in 00 measures 13.5″ across the waist, 21″ in length, and 15″ across the hip.
This item is dry-clean only, which is to be expected from a cotton lace skirt with polyester lining (I learned my mistake the hard way).
I am on the fence about the three items photographed below. They don’t excite me as much as my purchases should.
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| Leather Mid Belt / size XS |
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| Embellished Merino Wool Blend Sweater / size Petite XS |
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| Striped Crepe Button Down Blouse / size Petite XS |
Club Monaco is running a 20% off any purchase sale, just use code 20JUST4U at checkout. Most sweaters are on sale for about $60 before additional discounts and shipping is free on all orders. I ordered Heavy Opaque Tights and Opaque Heathered Tights in preparation for next winter.
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| Natalia Sweater | Riley Solid Merino Crew | Riley Dot Crewneck Sweater | Riley Tipped Merino Crew |
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| Genevieve Sweater Dress | Arizona Sweater Dress |
J. Crew’s sister company, Madewell, is also running a store-wide sale. Get free shipping and 25% off orders of $125+ with code 4SPRING.
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| Mapview Dress | Meadowlace Dress | Painted Lacebloom Dress | Bistro Dress in Ridgestripe | Silk Cami Dress in Sungarden |
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who provided feedback on my giveaway dilemma yesterday. Based on the dozen or so responses that I got, I will be posting the Yellow Long Bib Bubble Necklace Set giveaway tomorrow afternoon, followed by the Skull Print Scarf, and lastly the Skeleton Bracelet. I hope to close the books on all three giveaways by the end of the month.
Happy shopping!
