Weekly Shopping Update

Some people have trouble getting excited about spring merchandise when the weather is grim outside, but not me (three weeks ago was a different story). As fun as it was to shop for sweaters, coats, jackets, and wool bottoms, I would be happy to never look at another wool coat again (until next fall, anyway).

Banana Republic was running an in-store, extra 40% off sale earlier this week which should still be current. Online, take 40% off your total purchase with code BRSHOP40 (ends 3/28). I tried on a few things while I was there and thought I’d share pictures with those of you who are similar to me in size. I reluctantly picked up the Banana Republic Belted Graphic Pencil Skirt that I found on the clearance rack and will consider the purchase more carefully over the weekend.

Here are my thoughts on the items that I tried on; I’ll keep them short since I didn’t have time to carefully examine them. The print on the Hampton Fit Bold Print Crop (on sale for $89.50 in-store before additional discounts) was interesting and the material did not feel particularly wrinkle-prone (I also think this pattern disguises wrinkles well). Since my size was not available, I tried the pants in a size up from what I normally wear so it was slightly big, as expected. I think it runs true to size. I can see this being appropriate for both work and play and will work well with bright colors.

Hampton Fit Bold Print Crop | 0P | Ranger Red

The Pastel Tweed Pencil Skirt (on sale for $69.99 in stores) is cute in concept but I thought the colors looked flat in person. The skirt runs big so size down. The details are typical – banded waist, invisible zipper, vented back hem, lined – and the material did not appeal to me so I left it behind.

Pastel Tweed Pencil Skirt | 00P | Pale Yellow

Banana Republic has some of the best affordable suiting dresses out there and of them I especially like the Sleek Suit Belted Dress. I think I gained a few pounds this winter because I now feel more comfortable in a 0P at Banana Republic than I am in a 00P. The V-neck may be a problem for busty women but I think it looks modest on my average-sized chest. This dress was still full price in stores a few days ago but is now on sale online for $109 plus 40% off. If I can I find it in me to donate two navy dresses from my closet I might just get this.

Sleek Suit Belted Dress | 0P | Navy

I don’t need another trench coat but am intrigued by colorful and printed trenches this season. I think I want to get a striped, polka-dotted, or hunter green trench this year but need to purge something from my closet before I take the plunge. This Orange Belted Trench (full price in-store) looked promising on the hanger but I did not like the length. The color is vibrant and the fabric lightweight so it’s great for spring if you have a need.

Orange Belted Trench | XSP

At the risk of sounding sacrilegious, I am kind of in love with Forever 21 right now. Yes, the quality is still lacking in most styles and the stores are poorly organized but I feel it has really stepped up its game in terms of offering more late-20’s appropriate attire in recent months.

I ended up returning the Essential Polka Dot Sheath Dress and Nautical Striped Shift Dress from the last shopping update. I liked both dresses but am betting that similar styles with better quality will come along later this season. I submitted another order the other day for the Essential Denim Jacket (I eventually want to order the Faded Denim Jacket to compare) and Striped Maxi Dress and will post pictures when I get them.

And how fun are these costume jewelry? I avoid buying Forever 21 jewelry online because it’s final sale but couldn’t help myself.

Anchor Charm Necklace | Beaded Cat Ears Headband | Cutout Bow Charm Necklace

I haven’t felt much excitement for J. Crew since the Jeweled Gilded Brocade Dress that I wanted sold out. I went into the store the other day to try on the Scalloped Dress that is so warmly received by J. Crew aficionados but didn’t find anything that I really wanted.

I remain a scallop fan through and through but can’t help but think “I can probably take an old sheath dress and make my own” with this J. Crew offering. The dress is better made than I had anticipated but I just can’t imagine shelling out $168 for it.

Scalloped Dress | 00

I already own a field jacket but tried on the Downtown Field Jacket that so many women love (for smaller ladies, the girls’ department has a similar style with hood) just to see what the hoopla’s about. The gold buttons and pockets are a nice touch but I suppose I wasn’t that excited about it because I already have something similar that I love.

The Downtown Field Jacket | XXS | Mossy Brown

The last item I tried on was the Lace-Stripe Dress which I grabbed on my way to the dressing room. It is very pretty (even though it does nothing for my rectangular shape) and fits true to size but I can’t think of an occasion for it (considering I have a dozen little white dresses in my closet already). This style isn’t available in petite but the length is above-the-knee on 5’2 me.

Lace-Stripe Dress | 00 | Ivory

Ann Taylor is running a 30% off sale on full-priced items with code SPRINGCHIC but I am more intrigued by the extra 40% off sale on already reduced styles (which is stackable with code PERFECT12 for $25 off purchases of $100+) .

The Windsor Tweed Skirt reminds me of the Tweed Exposed Zip Skirt that I got last year so for those of you who wanted to get it but missed your chance, this is an excellent alternative.

Lastly, select spring items are 20% off today at ASOS. I really like the Skater Skirt in Wide Stripe but the length gives me pause (as I age I am starting to gravitate toward longer skirts, like these spring-y floral skirts)