For today only, take 40% off already reduced prices with code HURRY at J. Crew Factory. If you prefer J. Crew’s current retail styles, take 30% off sale styles with code SUMMERTIME.
It’s likely that J. Crew’s ramped up sale campaigns as of late are efforts to regain market share lost to lower-priced competition. As a consumer, this discount-driven economy is certainly not something to complain about but I do worry that slimmer profit margins will lead retailers to cut corners.
It has been a while since I last shopped J. Crew’s factory store. The selection is usually valued engineered pieces from the retail collection and prices generally reflect quality.
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| Cameo Chandelier Necklace (White | Navy) | Wave Cluster Necklace | Crystal Petal Necklace (Orange | Blue) | Crystal Fan Necklace (Blue | Lime) | Flower Fringe Necklace |
Fun prints and vibrant colors are what make J. Crew great. Here are some styles to consider: Medallion Tankdress, Printed Mini, Ikat Beach Dress, Printed Pleated Shift Dress, Printed Voile Popover, and Pencil Skirt in Double-serge Cotton.
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| Printed Pencil Skirt |
And some casual pieces that look promising: Classic Chambray Shirt, Chambray Popover, and Denim Jacket.
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| Ripstop Utility Jacket |
If you have a wee one to shop for, I love the Crewcuts Printed Dress and Polka Dot Party Dress (kids’ version of this polka dot dress that I bought last year).
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Happy National Donut Day (I already got my free one from Dunkin Donuts – with the purchase of a beverage)! My neck of the woods really needs a Krispy Kreme (but I don’t have 2 million bucks lying around).
Retailer: Zara
I’ve done a lot of damage at Zara this year since my work wardrobe is not in dire need of replacements and that frees up my fun account for more spontaneous casual purchases.
I had high hopes for the Nautical Stripe Sweatshirt with Diamante but didn’t realize it had semi-raglan/drop shoulder sleeves. Because my shoulders are broad, this cut only serves to make me look more hulk-like. I passed on it but think the price and the quality measure up at $25.90.
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| Size 13-14 |
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| Size 11-12 |
I also tried the Striped T-Shirt which is really affordable at $14.90. The “red” stripes look more orange to me and the shirt is thin which works for the summer. While I would like to add a red and navy stripe shirt to my regular rotation, I didn’t think this was the one.
I really like this Tommy Hilfiger one and hope it gets restocked in size XS.
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| Size 11/12 | Red |
And, one more striped shirt, also affordable at $16.90, was flattering enough but
was thinner than what I was looking for. The buttons on the shoulder were a nice touch but weren’t enough to sway my decision.
Retailer: Forward Forward
Discount: Twice-yearly Designer Sale; free two-day shipping and returns.
This sale was terrific at the beginning – there were several Valentino Rockstud classic shoes on sale for 30-50% off but they quickly sold out. There are still some gems to be had but the selection is relatively lackluster now.
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| Proenza Schouler Leather Pump |
Retailer: Forever 21
My order: Essential Boat Neck Top, Draped Georgette Top, Faux Leather Bow Belt, Relaxed Fit Racerback Tank, and Essential 3/4 Sleeve Striped Top.
I am still digesting my merchandise credit (but I am getting to the end…!) and can’t say I’ll miss shopping at Forever 21. Among my latest order are these Faux Leather Bow Belts which I am oddly optimistic about.
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| Faux Leather Bow Belt |
Also eying this crochet dress that is very summer appropriate and and has a “Free People” aesthetic to it (at a fraction of the cost).
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| Crochet Lace Mini Dress |
A few weeks ago I tried on the Essential Polka Dot Sheath Dress (reviewed in this post), was impressed by the material but didn’t end up keeping the dress. Imagine my glee when I saw that it became available in Capris format. Sadly, these pants are cut VERY generously (wearing size 2 below) and I didn’t think I could justify the cost of alterations. Banana Republic has a nearly identical version that I think should fit those outsized by Forever 21 well.
I also want to try the Essential Polka Dot Pencil Skirt but my size is currently sold out.
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| Forever 21 Essential Polka Dot Capris |
Forever 21’s “essential” collection tends to be better made than most of its other offerings. If you have unused credit at Forever 21, your best bet are basics.
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| Essential 3/4 Sleeve Striped Top |
Retailer: LOFT
Discount: Extra 50% off sale styles
Retailer: J. Crew
Discount: Get 25% off code SUMMER or 30% off with code CARDMEMBER (for J. Crew cardholders only).
I really wanted to like the Multistripe Mini Skirt but the fit was really unflattering on me. The length is too short and the waist too large. This print is also available as a rash guard, cropped chinos, and a sweater.
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| 00 | Nautical Waist: 14.75″ | Hip: 17.5″ | Length: 14.25″ |
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| Scalloped Linen Jacket | Linen Skirt |
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| Kiki Cap Toe Ballet Flats |
Retailer: Nordstrom
Discount: Summer Final Clearance Sale: shoes, clothing, and accessories.
Retailer: American Eagle
I bought two denim jackets from AE during the 40% off sale and think I’ve found a winner.
I will discuss them in more detail in a future outfit post. Size XXS has a cropped and fitted silhouette which is precisely the cut I was looking for. The sleeves are long for my arms (average length for 5’2) but can be rolled up easily.
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| XXS | Dark Wash |
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| XXS | Medium Rinse |
Retailer: Banana Republic
Discount: 30% off your entire purchase with code BRSHOP30.
I really like the Milly for Banana Republic collection but don’t love individual pieces enough to make a purchase at this time. See the Patio Dress on Extra Petite.
Retailer: The Limited
Discount: Mostly everything is Buy 1 Get One 50% off. Plus, get $10 off every $50 spent with code TAKE10.
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| Draped Back Sheer Stripe Layering Top | Lace Applique Layering Top | Floral Lace Henley Layering Shirt |
Retailer: Bloomingdale’s
Discount: Take 20% off with code STYLE20.
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| Silverscreen Dress | Brent Dress | Landry Dress | Terri Dress | Blanche Dress |
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| Trophy Ballet Flats | Edina Flats | Trophy Ballet Flats | Edina Flats |
Retailer: Amazon
Picks: I bought the Pour La Victoire Chantel Pump in Black Suede earlier this month and all colors are currently on sale (discounts vary). They are available in flats form here (in three colors). A few Kate Spade styles are more than 70% off but sizes are limited (Udele Loafer, Lollipop Pump, Leslie Pump and Krysta Pumps) And there are some rainboots at steep discounts as well: Le Chameau Lwo Rubber Boot and Chooka Solid Rain Boot.
The Pour La Victoire Collins Loafer are quite pretty to look at in their rich jewel tones (and 82% off on Amazon…sizes are very sparse though) but the size closest to mine (6.5M) were at least half a size too small. Even though I didn’t get the right size, I would hazard a guess that they run small to begin with, so size up if you have wider feet.
I got the Wanted Gyp Loaferfor about 80% off but find the quality severely lacking. The sole is incredibly thin, the shoes offer no support, and the material is plastic-y. I am not entirely sure to whom to recommend these loafers. I think they’d be okay for indoor wear but I don’t have use for exclusively indoor shoes. They fit TTS.
Retailer: Lord & Taylor
Discount: 25% almost everything with code FRIENDS. Shipping is free on orders of $99+
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| Small Sloan Leather Satchel Bag | Straw Sloan Charlotte Street Satchel |
An item on my wishlist is a white blazer that drapes well and is fitted. I’ve tried a few styles in the last few months but none has made the cut. I really like the Abree Relxed Jacket but its price, even at 25% off, still feels steep.
Happy shopping! And have a terrific weekend!
