TJMax shopping spree (with YLF in mind) - K/R

I went to TJMAx to see if they have any bright spring trenches and walked out with these shopping finds instead. I intentionally bought all four items, even though I was on the fence about some of them, because I will be in the same shopping plaza tomorrow and can return anything that is not perfect. I also noticed that I was automatically thinking of YLFabbers who might have similar items or colors - as others have mentioned before, it was as if I was shopping with friends.

#1 - Willow and Clay knit jacket. I put this (or very similar) jacket http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/wi.....n=wishlist on my wish list at Nordstrom after seeing Claire's H and M navy jacket. The one from TJMax is black, not navy, and the price was $39.99. They only had smalls so I was worried it might be too tight but I think the fit looks OK. Not sure if I would want to keep the shiny buttons or change them.

#1 and 5 - polka dot sleeveless top by Vince Camuto. This blouse reminded me of Rita (modgirl). The gigantic ruffle in front is not quite my style but I like the fact that it is a woven blouse and longer in front so can be worn with skinnies. $34 (pricey for a top but I think it might be worth it). Does the long ruffle look weird?

#2 - Tignanello crossbody in yellow and orange (the color of this bag made me think of Rae). Could this work as a "neutral" summer bag? I also have a tomato red cross body that I wear in the summer. $59. Not 100% sure this is a "keep".

#3 - on the fence about this red Sanctuary jean jacket. Not sure about the fit and the color but thought this might be a fun casual topper. Right now my warm weather toppers consist of a dark wash jean jacket (pictured) and a flax-colored linen jacket with a jean jacket styling. The price was the same as the Willow and Clay jacket. I think this http://www.zappos.com/product/7929172/color/29514 is the same jacket (except almost 3X more expensive).

#4 - what I wore to go shopping. Old Navy rockstar skinnies, Esprit t-shirt, Loft cardigan, DV boots. I tried a lighter shoulder bag but decided I preferred the black Tignanello crossbody for comfort and looks, which is why I pounced when I saw the other Tignanello cross body.

#5 - added more styling options.

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14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, so much fun! I think you've come away with some great spring finds. And I can really see why you thought of some YLF friends! The blouse really does say modgrl; I think it looks lovely with the new jacket and the long ruffle doesn't bother me. However, having said that, I bought a ruffle collar blouse last summer and found that while I wore it a fair bit and it fit well with several of my outfits, I really wasn't feeling the ruffle. I'm not sure why; it was just too feminine or something for me.

I like the black jacket on you and it seems like a workhorse. Why not leave the gold buttons for now and change them up later? That way it will stay current even when the gold buttons are "so last year."

The bag looks great; it seems like a terrific size and shape. But I don't know if the colours work with your summer wardrobe. Maybe try it with a few outfits. I think it could work as neutral IF your clothes are in the right tones, but not if they are not. (BIg help, aren't I?)

I'm on the fence about the red jacket, too, but mainly because it's hard to tell from these pics. Do you have things you want to wear it with?

modgrl

Wow, it seems everybody had a great shopping weekend

I love what you wore shopping. Honestly it's the best of the bunch! I'm not sure about the double breasted jacket or the ruffle top. I want to love the dots but I see what you mean about the big ruffle in the front. The red jacket and bag are pretty and I like the bright colors for spring. I don't remember what you decided to do with the striped jacket but I hope you are keeping it. It seems like it would be right at home in your wardrobe.

Transcona Shannon

Yay for springs shopping! I love the striped jacket - looks great on you. I like the cross body bag for the cheery colours, as long as it will work with your wardrobe. The ruffled blouse is fab (i personally love ruffles) but it seems a little long? I too am on the fence about the red jacket so can't really comment further on that.

Makrame

Good points, Suz, Rita, and Shannon!

Suz, I was also wondering whether the bag works with my summer items - I "thought" I had some orange and yellow in my summer wardrobe but could hardly remember, it's been so long! I added another attempt at "styling" the bag and the red jacket (had to pull summer clothes out of the storage box).

Shannon, maybe the woven top is too long - I do have a black and white Target cowl neck that serves a similar purpose and is a bit shorter. Rita, I think I will keep the striped jacket but I haven't cut off the tags yet.

Oh, you HAVE to keep the striped jacket. It looks fantastic on you, really - the best of the whole lot. I know you have had worries that it will stand out too much in your environment, but it fits you so well and the standout is only GOOD in this case!

ETA, the bag looks great with the outfits posted! I say keep. Even if you don't wear it all the time, you will get longterm use out of it.

I am more on the fence about the top than before. It does look a bit odd with the ruffle hanging down. Can you tuck with this blouse?

Sarah A

i think keep on the bag and the striped jacket for sure. i think how the ruffle hangs below the hem of the shirt is difficult to work with... i would voe return esp if your other cowl neck serves a similar function. the red jacket looks promising as well!

I am pretty sure the polka dot top is going back; it is a bit awkward. I also just found the same red jacket on Zappos - much more expensive than TJMax. http://www.zappos.com/product/7929172/color/29514

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Pleased keep the striped jacket! It's k-word worthy on you.

LOVE the colour blocked bag! It would work as a neutral for me

I think the back jacket has potential but it does seem a little snug. The buttons are really far apart, and I bet a size up would have been just a little better.

The red denim jacket is divine too!

Great haul, Makrame!

catgirl

I love the W&C jacket, striped jacket and the bag! On the fence with the dotted top - can't tell if it's too fussy/girly for you. The red jacket doesn't look cropped enough to me, though the color is fantastic.

Great shopping outfit!

texstyle

Love #4 and the 3rd combo in #6. I also really like the handbag. I'm not crazy about the placement of the buttons on that Willow jacket. Hard to tell fit from the images. The striped jacket is okay but I prefer solid jackets so I'm not a great critique for that one. You could find a polka dot top without the ruffle - I'd keep looking. I have a few ruffled tops and rarely wear them. I think you have to be on Team ruffle to get enough wear out of them.

Meredith1953

Makrame,
I love all the pieces except the red cropped jacket. There is something about the fit. Maybe it is supposed to be boxy but I think the other two (the striped and the navy) are just so much more flattering to you. I do however LOVE the red color! Could you nip it in a little on the sides?

Good question about altering the denim jacket. I seem to have the same fit issue with all denim jackets - they seem to sort of widen towards the waistband. Not sure if it would be worth having this one altered but then again, since this is a common fit issue for me, perhaps I should just go for the custom alteration.

I think I am going to hold on to the red jacket for a while longer and try out some lightweight bright jackets I have on my wishlist. If they work out better, great, if not, in to the tailor it goes. The advantage of this jacket is it is much more lightweight than the others I have so it would work for warm summer days.

The polka dot and the W and C jacket are going back. I might try the W and C jacket in one size bigger, though, if it goes on sale at Nordstrom.

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