November 17, 2012

November Shopping














































I have been so frustrated with shopping lately! I spent three hours at the mall last weekend and tried on (almost) everything pictured... and left with absolutely nothing. No fun when that happens, but here's the full scoop on what I loved and didn't love:

1. Banana Republic sweater - I loved this sweater, it was on sale for $50 in the store and am a little sad I didn't buy it now that I look back on it. The pockets are adorable.
2. Banana Republic boots - These boots!! Are so good. They are perfection. I tried them on and considered buying them, but the calf was too big for me (I wear a size 9.5 and relatively small calves so I run into this issue a lot). I'm still drooling over these boots though.
3. Banana Republic blazer - I tracked down one of these in my size to try on, and after all the trouble, I didn't love it. The lapels cover up the top two buttons (unlike the picture), and I wish the blazer buttoned instead of using a hook closure. Will be looking for something similar.
4. Banana Republic top - This was on sale for $20 in the store. I almost bought it just because it was such a good deal, but I didn't love it and I try to only buy things that I really, really love.
5. Gap velvet pants - I tried on all of these pants at Gap and this pair was by far my favorite! The fit was amazeballs and they are so soft and comfy. The color is slightly darker than pictured though and I couldn't see many outfit options other than black or silver. If I think of another way to wear them I will go back.
6. Gap mint jeans - This mint color is slightly more green than the blueish hue I'm looking for, and the fit on me was an odd inch or two too short.
7. Gap ivory cords - I was so bummed to leave the mall without finding a pair of ivory corduroy pants because they are high on my wish list. The fit on these was perfect, but they were very see-through so I passed.
8. Gap cargo pants - These cargos fit well (size down one size) and were on clearance in the store, I just couldn't imagine a lot of shoes other than heels working with a cropped, loose pant leg.
9. Gap dress - I bought this while I was in North Dakota for a steal ($25 on sale in the store!). I absolutely love it; it's a loose fit that will be great for work and casual days alike.
10. LOFT sweater - I tried this on last weekend in the store and loved it. I don't buy many sweaters since I live in Florida but if I lived in a colder climate I would definitely buy it.
11. Express sweater - I haven't seen this in person yet, but it comes in five colors and I've been eyeballing it online. I wish I lived somewhere colder to justify buying it in every color!

My hunt for my November wish list continues - mint jeans, ivory cords, something camouflage, and a baseball tee, to name a few. What are your best finds this month? What's on your wish list?

61 comments:

  1. I could see you pairing some amazing colors and items with the velvet pants! Sequin top, lace top, chiffon blouse... Purple, red, mint, mustard yellow... Snd with all your shoes you already have... A darker blue than pictured has so many options! Go back and get those pants! :-)

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  2. Thanks for thinking out loud about making purchases! I can't tell you how many times I have gone ahead and purchased given some sort of issue and then it sits in my closet! I will make sure I don't continue making this mistake!

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  3. Found baseball t's at walmart in the sports section in a variety of colors!

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  4. I also tried those beautiful Gap mint jeans on and found the fit oddly short, so sad!

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  5. The boots are amazing, love the design and the colour! ♥
    xx

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  6. Dear J,

    I love your blog and find your comments witty and clever. But please don't ever say amazeballs again.Please.  xoxo

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  7. I enjoyed your insight on your reasons for not buying things ... I need to be better about that. I have a big booty, and not big legs, so it is hard to find any pants that work. I am a sucker for givin in when something fits well, and giving little thought to how I will actually wear it {or if I will} ... sucks the lapel covered up the top two buttons on that blazer. I hate false advertising! Little details matter ... after all, it was enough to make you not buy it. :/

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  8. You might already know this, but Loft has modern corduroy straight leg pants in an ivory-ish tone. They might be darker than what you want, not sure--the color is straw. These are the ones I got:

    http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A290601/LOFT-Petite-Marisa-View-All/Petite-Marisa-Straight-Leg-Corduroys/290601?colorExplode=false&skuId=12391745&catid=cat580058&productPageType=search&defaultColor=9718

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  9. Ooooo those velvet pants look so luxe!!


















    thriftthick.blogspot.com 

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  10. I wish I had your eye and your ability to walk away from things you don't love!  All too often I find myself buying things I like because the price is right.  I really need a more discriminating eye.  It is definitely a 'resolution' I'll be working on this year!  You inspire me!

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  11. Just bought the Gap velvet pants in the inky/navy color. (Ended up getting those and a black velvet pair from the girls section [I'm petite] for only $30 total for both!) They are fantastic, and a better neutral than the royal. And I also tried on the white cords and had to laugh at their sheerness.

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  12. So happy the post was helpful Kelly! This is also something I really struggled with a few years ago.

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  13. They were totally sold out of these at the LOFT I went to! I'm planning to check another location for them soon.

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  14. Haha thanks Jennifer! I say it often in real life but I agree - when I woke up this morning and re-read the post, it doesn't translate as well in writing. ;-) 

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  15. I spotted a baseball tee at forever 21 today. I am in Vienna, but I think they stock the same items everywhere.

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  16. Shopping list:
    1.) Need a black & white polka dot top & considering this one.
    http://www.bluefly.com/Gemma-black-and-white-polka-dot-silk-sleeveless-blouse/SEARCH/319708601/detail.fly
    2.) Just bought a pair of teal suede heels & LOVE them, so considering purple or another pop color heels
    3.) Need to be ready with options for holiday party dresses so I just joined Rent The Runway & picked out quite a few cute options in the $50-75 range

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  17. I just bought the following boots and am in love with them! I've been wearing them at least 3x/week since I got them. I have the same problem with the calf issue. Might be worth looking into. http://www.dsw.com/shoe/coconuts+blakely+riding+boot?prodId=254082&activeCats=dsw12cat1740002,dsw12cat1740052,dsw12cat1740074

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  18. ps. Rent the Runway gives you a $50 coupon when you join. So ladies, it you think you'll have any dressy holiday events coming up this season (and I know you will)....my advice is to join now.

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  19. If you are looking for a pair of ivory cords try the "FACTORY SKINNY ANKLE CORD" from JCrew Factory. I bought the mint color (which is amazing!) but they come in two ivory-like shades you might be interested in.  They are definitely short for ankle length (I'm 5' 6"), so I only wear them with boots.  I bought a pair of Gap cords the same day and the JCrew Factory cords are soooo much nicer when it comes to quality. They are thick, stretchy, and really soft. 
    http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/pants_shorts/corduroy/PRDOVR~51014/51014.jsp

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  20. That last sweater looks amazing. I think you need to just set your home temperature to 47 degrees to enjoy all the sweaters you have to miss out on. That makes sense, right? ;)

    P.S. Just remember us in February - You'll be sitting outside, with wonderful sunshine pouring over your tan face while we are huddled in thick blankets looking pale and glum ;) haha 

    http://fashionedible.blogspot.com

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  21. So I just tried on those velvet pants from GAP today. They didn't work for me, but I loved the idea of them. They have a royal and a darker blue. Not sure which one you tried on, but the darker blue was paired with a lime green sweater in our store and i loved that combo! Just an idea. :)

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  22. Express Sweater! I want it

    http://theworkette.blogspot.com/

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  23. I have faith in your ability to match the velvet pants with plenty of options other than black or silver! Orange or yellow or neutrals would be great. Add texture from a tweed blazer to contrast with the velvet. Consider it a challenge, one you're well capable of  :)

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  24. Free People has ivory corduroy skinnies on sale now! http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-denim-shop/fp-corduroy-skinnies/_/productOptionIDS/12B8C951-1A20-4EE1-BF90-10C3E51E5A64

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  25. I wrote a little series a few months ago looking for the perfect navy blazer. I tried on that BR blazer and while I liked certain aspects (the thickness of the fabric), I didn't like that it doesn't close very tight, and that it really limits you to the kind of outfit you want to wear with it (as it looks very nautical). I ended up buying the J. Crew schoolboy in a tall, and that's been working out very well so far!

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  26. Old Navy has some baseball tees (raglan) right now that actually fit really well. I got a tan/hot pink one and a purple/lavendar one in XS and S. I can't believe they fit as well as they do for the price. http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=77820&vid=1&pid=251849052

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  27. J, not sure if you are looking ONLY for ivory cords, but I just bought these in the off-white.  SO stinkin' cute.  The material has a texture to it, and they are not see through.  They don't feel thin either, but are still stretchy. Got 'em with a coupon on top of being on sale: http://www.thelimited.com/678-Colorful-Skinny-Jean/8518548,default,pd.html?dwvar_8518548_colorCode=416&start=1&ppid=c1&cgid=sale-denim

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  28.  I got one too! They're soft, cheap, and cute! Perfect.

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  29. I remember when "ivory"............ (i.e., "Winter white" back then; 
    and now also "ivory frost";  "off-white";  "straw";  and "ecru," among other
    names!!)............ was often worn head-to-toe in the Wintertime by
    wealthier older ladies, accessorized by their (very fine and
    expensive!!) gold jewelry;  and by their (always professionally-done!!)
    Pale Ash Blonde hair.    The "total look"
    was very soft and
    pretty............ but in a somewhat "white-out," monochromatic sort of
    way!!

    Now----thank goodness!!----you've done some wonderful,
    creative pairings of, say, *MARIGOLD* with pale neutrals............
    i.e., December 1, 2010:
    http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2010/12/todays-
    everyday-fashion-marigold-and.html#.UKfT0I57Kqw.email
    ............ or of, say, *LIME* (with pale, textured neutrals)............ i.e., September 19, 2012:
    http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2012/09/todays-
    everyday-fashion-textures.html#.UKfTWjBjI7w.email
    ............
    so I  s.i.n.c.e.r.e.l.y.  hope you'll be able to find a good,
    affordably-priced pair of ivory cords, J. ............ to (maybe!!) show us some *BRIGHT* Color Options............ to wear this Fall/Winter
    with ivory corduroy pants!!

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  30. I did get the ivory colored cords from the loft. I'm not sure if I'm keeping them yet because I bought a pair of cords from Nordstrom and the fit is amazing!( Plus they do free pant heming.) The other reason I'm not sure is because I'm afraid of getting them dirty. However they ended up being about 1/3 of the price of the Nordstrom ones. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kut-from-the-kloth-diana-skinny-corduroy-pants/3321180?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Ivory&resultback=1527

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  31. I bought two!  Love!

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  32. I can only imagine how frustrating it is to have specific items in mind but not being able to either get them or when you do, they don't work.  This has happened to me many times.  Some of my best find this month have been a Michael Kors black riding boot which I got on major sale, a couple of knee-length pleated skirts which I got from Forever 21 (a store I do not really shop at but they do have some gems every so often), and Dooney and Bourke bag which is perfect for carrying all my (and kids) day-to-day stuff that I got on sale.

    Right now, I am wish listing jewelry, silk blouses (from the J Crew sale rack), a rose gold watch.
    coverupchic.blogspot.ca

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  33. Sorry about the frustrating shopping trip! The boots and all the pants are my favorites.

    [nat in love]

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  34. I bought these Sam Edelman boots. They were a major splurge for me but totally worth it! http://m.piperlime.gap.com/product.html?dn=pp380268002&pdn=search

    Also, piperlime has Amazing customer service!

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  35. We both just purchased that red Gap shift dress, and love it!! Our local Gap had it for $37.99 w/ an additional 40% off that! It's such a classic style and color...and a great deal! 
    ~Lindsay &Whitney
    www.thedoubletakegirls.com

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  36. We just purchased those at The Limited as well, good suggestion! :) They've been the only good quality skinny jeans we can find in this color family. They do start to stretch out some after wearing...

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  37. I wish I had the too small calf problem, mine are too big! I love the knee high boot look, and I wish I could find some for bigger calves.....any suggestions?

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  38. Mint skinny jeans have been on my wishlist for a while, but I cant seem to find a pair that fit very well! I'll keep lookin though.
    kendrrat
    kendrrat.blogspot.com

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  39. I found my colored skinny jeans at LOFT last weekend when they had that big sale! I bought them in a wine color (think they call at Beet), forest green and black. So happy. I've worn the two colors twice each and the the black should come any day since they had to order them in my size. So happy!

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  40. First, I truly love your blog and the daily fashion inspiration you provide! My best find was a pair of skinny, ankle zippered, ivory cords from Anthropologie. They are amazing! Perfect fit and thickness.

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  41. I have the same problems with boots - large feet and thin legs are a difficult combo when finding boots!

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  42. I have the same problems with boots - large feet and thin legs are a difficult combo when finding boots!

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  43. I actually just bought a jacket very similar to the dark blue blazer from Charlotte Russe for $20 yesterday. It's a brighter blue, but they had navy and many other colors as well (buy one get one 1/2 off til the end of today). I'm still looking for a pair of white and red skinny jeans with a smoother material that actually fit in the waist the way I like. So far, best options are at Old Navy -- who knows, maybe I'll get a pair for my birthday.

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  44. I was thinking they would stretch out when was I trying them on, so I bought them a little tight, and it worked great!  I love these. : )

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  45. Try the Aerosoles Mariland at DSW for larger calves!

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  46. Thanks for the suggestion ladies! I am specifically wanting cords instead of jeans.

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  47. Thanks for this link! I'm looking for a navy and ivory color, with a high neck. I've heard H&M has one and F21 has one online!

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  48. I certainly think you *could* wear more than silver and black, but it wouldn't necessarily look very good. The pants I posted above might be the wrong color - the ones I had on were almost so dark blue they were almost black.

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  49. I have that exact same problem with boots.  I need a pair just like the one you tried on, but I've had the same problem with them ending up too wide in the calf . :(

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  50. I bought these Nine West boots via 6pm.com.  They are look similar to the ones you posted from Banana.

    http://www.6pm.com/nine-west-7kedan-brown-leather?zfcTest=mat%3A1

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  51. Try the J. Crew Toothpick Cord in sea salt. They are the perfect winter white and super comfy! 

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  52. They also have these at the factory store for much less $$. I was going to recommend them as well! :-)

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  53. I will second (or third or fourth) the Old Navy off white cords. I just ordered them online during the 35% off promo for card holders the stores were having, and they fit great.  They are also NOT see thru.  So far, so good.  Now for some tops to go with them.  As for my wish list, I have the Frye boots, Jane 14L in dark brown.  I cannot rave enough about them.  I really want some similar boots in an off gray or black. 

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  54. I have a similar calf issue. I wear a 9.5/10 and almost find it impossible to find boots that fit my calves.  But here's the kicker. My calves are too small for boots because of my shoe size but my calves are too large for skinny jeans based on my waist/hip size.  It is so annoying. I have skinny jeans that I bought 2 sizes too big and wear a belt and have them be annoying at the hips/waist and yet I basically have to pry them off my calves.  How do your calves fit into skinny jeans?   BTW I wear 0-4 (4 more recently since I gained 15 lbs) and I bought a size 27 at F21 (but have size 25 shorts from there)   Do your calves fit in skinny jeans? Have you found some brands are better than others? 

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  55. Colleen that sounds so frustrating! I don't have that problem too often with skinny jeans. Sometimes I feel like you can see my calves through the but that's often just the material being too thin so I don't buy them. My friend Meg has this problem though and she recently had good luck at American Eagle!

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  56. AE was going to be my next try. The dressing room line was too long last time so I put back the jeans and figured I'd do it another day.    So you must have an even harder time finding boots than I do that fit your calves.  Do you have any specific brands that have always been good?    I have liked Steve Madden and Mudd so far. 

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  57. I only own one pair of tall fitted boots right now and they are from Chinese Laundry - size 9, and the calf fits perfect. I also used to have a black pair from Aldo (heel snapped) and they fit well too. I honestly haven't tried on many other brands besides those and BR though!

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  58.  Those are pretty dresses and dress shoes will add more glory to it....

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  59. Can you tell us more about banana boots, what is the availability of boots for narrow calf in this category???????

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