Thursday, December 13, 2012

2 reviews: J.Crew jewel-neck top and Ann Taylor lace pencil skirt

Hello ladies!  At this time of the year, I am suddenly dazzled by all of the sparkley, lacy, and fancy party clothes.  I want to buy them all, and it is difficult to restrain.  So here are a couple pieces I recently picked up.  One I am definitely keeping, the other I am on the fence about so I need your honest feedback!  Please comment and let me know what you think!  Ok, the first up is the keeper:  This gorgeous, sumptious lace pencil skirt from Ann Taylor:

Lace Pencil Skirt:  Ann Taylor, here
Size 6
I mentioned yesterday how I popped into Ann Taylor and I was impressed by many items.  This lace pencil skirt caught my eye immediately.  It reminds me of an Anthro skirt from last summer, but even better quality.  Going through my holiday options in my closet, I've noticed I don't have many "fun" skirts.  Sure, I have many nice wool pencil skirts, but since I wear those everyday to work, I want something different for evening.  This pencil skirt is perfect for a night out.  It's sexy and fitted yet still totally classy, classic and ladylike.  It is $98, but click here for a coupon that will take 25% off any one full-price item!  That helped, so I paid $75 for this skirt.  A little on the pricey side, but worth it because I think it's such a classic piece.  It will be in my closet for a long time.  Here are a few more shots:




The lining is gray, which is a nice touch and it makes the black lace really pop. A note about fit: It definitely runs on the small side.  While I usually wear a size 6 with extra room, this is a 6 and the fit is exact...there is no way I could have sized down.  So if you carry your weight in your hips, consider sizing up. 

Ok, the next item is the one I am on the fence about, mainly because of the fit.  The jewel-neck top by J.Crew (item number 95649) is sold out online, but I snagged it on pop back so you may too:


Jewel-neck top by J.Crew
Size 4
I read a couple reviews online (LOVE blogger reviews, so helpful!) that said to size down in this top.  Sizing down is always risky for those of us with a larger chest, but normally I do size down in these boxier shapes from J.Crew, so I did go with the size 4.  I am so surprised by how big this is!  I can pull several inches of fabric away from the body of the top, there is ample extra room in the chest, even the arms are a bit loose.  On a positive note, it's a lovely wool crepe material and the jewel details are very nicely done:


I think this would actually look nice for work with a pencil skirt.  It is very conservative for a night out though.  So what is your honest opinion on this top?  It was $75.00 so I don't want to keep it if I don't love it!  But I want to love it...ahhh don't you hate that?  Please give me your honest opinion!

One more photo I want to share:  I may end up wearing this combo to one of the holiday parties we have coming up, with different heels of course: 


Sequin polka dot top, J.Crew, sold out online but check stores
Size small

How fun is this outfit? 

Thanks for visiting!

16 comments:

  1. i think the skirt is a keeper for sure! the tops though... do you already have something similar to them?

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    1. Thanks Laura! I probably do have similar tops.. :)

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  2. First of all, love your blog! I find your reviews very helpful!

    As for the jewel neck top, it is nice but doesn't "wow" me. It looks a bit boxy on you. Unless you are in need of a basic black top for work, I would return it and get something you love! The lace pencil skirt, however, is gorgeous on you!

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    1. Anon, thanks for the feedback. I agree, the top doesn't give the wow factor, at least not on me!! I do love the lace skirt, thank you!

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  3. I bought the sequin polka dot in cream/white recently, but it was HARD to leave that black one behind! I just couldn't justify two sequin polka dot tops! Looks great on you!

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    1. TC, the cream one with black dots is so lovely! It washed me out, so I had to do with the black, but I really, really love the cream one!

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  4. Love the skirt, and it looks great with the mint top. The jeweled neck top is OK, nothing amazing. And I have to be honest, I'm not digging the polka top....at least not with the skirt. I think it distracts you/others from seeing the beautiful skirt.

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    1. I appreciate your honest feedback! I will definitely take that into consideration! Thanks!

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  5. Love the skirt! I do like the jewel-necked top, but you should size down. I think it would be a great basic piece. I even think it would look cute with faded boyfriend jeans and black pumps! Anyway, i love the skirt and i love the polka dot sequin top, but not together!

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    1. Thanks for the honest opinion! Hmmm I should rethink the polka dots and lace, I really liked it but maybe it's as good together as I thought! The problem for me with sizing down to a 2 is then usually tops are too tight in the shoulders! I think the top is going back unfortunately, although I do love your outfit idea! Thanks!

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  6. Oh me! Oh my! The lace skirt is so lovely - I'm really liking the detail at the bottom, very nice <3

    Tasia

    p.s. SO jealous you got the polka dot sequin top! I really want it but just haven't splurged yet on it!

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    1. Thanks T! You need to go get the polka dot top, it is so you!

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  7. The lace skirt is gorgeous and so is the polka dot sequin top, of course. I'm not too big of a fan of the jewel neck top though. I agree with the first anon. that it just doesn't "wow", but the lace skirt sure does!

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    1. Agree 100% And for $75, a top should wow. It's going back. Thanks for the feedback! :)

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  8. The lace skirt is gorgeous and just perfect on you. Love it! To be honest I do not care for the jewel neck top, it is pretty but looks short and rather boxy in fit. Love the polka dot sequin top but not paired with the lace skirt. For me, there is a bit "too much going on" when paired together and it distracts from the uniqueness of each piece. Love your blog and sense of style! -Kristen

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  9. I'm throwing in my two cents. I unlike the some of the others love the jewel neck top with the lace skirt. It is very classy looking and would be great for a party with work associates when you don't want to be too vavavoom. It could also be paired with one of your pretty blazers for a work look. Love the polkadot top but not a fan of the combo with the to die for lace skirt. Maybe it is just the photo but the color combo looks off to me. I think one of your solid bright color skirts and a bubble necklace would make a cute outfit with those polkadots.

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