Weekly Shopping Update

I was just complaining to a friend the other day about how nothing (fashion-wise) seems that exciting to me at the moment (I know, a first world problem, but humor me) but these shopping updates keep me honest because there are more than enough sales to keep me occupied.

My favorite purchase from last weekend is this Striped Flared-Skirt Dress from the Limited. It was on promotion for 50% off and is an extremely affordable dupe for the Kate Spade Carolyn Dress. If you are handy with sewing machines, you can make your own like SewPetiteGal did.

Striped Flared-Skirt Dress | Size 0 | Black & White

While I was at the Limited, I also tried on a few things. I am really impressed with the Limited’s spring collection, everything was on trend and well made for the price. Unfortunately, the smallest size sold in stores is size 0/xs (size 00 is available in limited styles online) and won’t fit someone on the shortest/slimmest side of the size spectrum.

For those who find the smallest sizes at the Limited only marginally small, try the styles meant to sit at your high waist and ones made in stretchy materials. Those styles tend to run half a size smaller than the classic cut.

Stitched Pleat Flare Skirt | XS

Ponte Shirred Sleeve Striped Jacket | XS

Drew Classic Ankle Pants | 0 | Cream Floral Print

Saks has a few Burberry styles on sale for 30-40% off. Sizes are incomplete at this point but you can always ask online chat to do a store search for you.

Wool-Blend Coat | Wool Fenstead Jacket | Quilted-Warmer Jacket | Wool Coat | Buckingham Poplin Trenchcoat

It has been several months since I last visited a J.C. Penney but their latest collaborations with Joe Fresh, Marchesa, Liz Clairborne, Mango, and Nicole Miller pulled me back in. I also tried on two items from the Duro Olowu for JCP collection at the request of a reader. I kept my expectations low because of JCP’s alphabetical sizing which doesn’t normally fit petite and plus-sized women properly. The Duro Olowu collaboration is a lot more interesting than the standard fare at JCP but still falls short of greatness in that the fit was unflattering and the fabric used left a lot to be desired.

Duro Olowu for JCP Belted Leaf Print Trench Coat | XS

I really wanted to love the Brocade Trench Coat but the fabric was drapery-like and uncomfortable to wear.

Duro Olowu for JCP Metallic Brocade Trench Coat | XS

In contrast to JCP, the remarkable thing about Forever 21 is that it doesn’t try to be more than an outlet for cheap fashion. On the whole, it stays away from difficult-to-work-with material and complex designs.

While my last order was not very successful (Striped Maxi Dress was an ok length on 5’2 me but I didn’t like how it draped; I am still on the fence about the Essential Denim Jacket), I still placed a new order (there’s nothing like unused merchandise credit to propel you). I ordered the ~~Essential Box Pleated Skirt (highly recommended, size XS measures 12.5″ across the waist; please note that this is a final sale item)~~, Faux Leather & Knit Moto Jacket, and Bow Metal Cuff.

Striped Maxi Dress | size S | Black/Cream

There are a few items that I am interested in trying but I am waiting for reviews before I place an order.

Chevron Print Chiffon Dress

Faux Leather Satchel

I picked up two Quilted Lambskin Medium Flap Bags from Brooks Brothers during its customer appreciation sale (one for me and one for my mom) but I think we’ll end up sharing one. I am undecided about the color so will probably end up keeping the color that she likes.

Quilted Lambskin Medium Flap Bag

Tory Burch added hundreds of new styles to its sale section this week and I am so intrigued by some of the designs. If you’ve tried any of the following styles, please share your thoughts with me!