Review: Madewell Lucien Boot.

A few weeks ago there was a really good Madewell sale that I featured in a Weekend Window Shopping post. I included the Lucien boot because it looked pretty perfect, especially with an extra 30% off that was offered at the time. I kept going back to look at them, which is not a good sign. I started to try to justify them. Also not a good sign. Then! I called the store where I consign clothes and they had a check waiting for me for almost the exact amount of the boots. THAT IS BLOG MATHS RIGHT THERE. So, I bought them and oh my God, do I love these boots:

The heel is 2" which is tall enough to give a little lift without being uncomfortable and the pale wood is just so chic. They look expensive and work with skinny jeans and with tights/dresses, so they're really versatile. 

Now, the fit. A few of the reviews suggest they run big, but I bought my usual size 8 and they fit fine. A 7.5 definitely would've been too small/narrow. They are a bit longer in the toe and fit slightly narrow but I've found them to be pretty comfortable and I don't have narrow feet. The only element that's requiring some breaking-in is the front edge where they hit my ankle. Not painful, just a little stiff to start. Since I've bought them I've worn them several times (for the entire day) with nary a blister. One other thing to note - the sole is leather which means I'll have to get them zipsoled next fall. 

I got a better price on them than they're listed for now, but Madewell Insiders get an extra 15% off (automatically applied) which brings them down to around $127, plus 1.5% back from eBates. If you're not signed up as a Madewell Insider, dooooo it. It's free to join and you get free shipping and a birthday gift (mine was a $25 gc!) 

The suede version of the Lucien is also WAY on sale but it's also final sale, so shop wisely! There are only a few left in the gorgeous red colorway but I also love the camel:

I'm not one to encourage final sale purchases, but they're $85 with the discount and that's just a really damn good deal. Also! The Billie boot and the Janice boot in suede are both on sale for under $100. There are options.

Totally Unrelated Shoppy News:

It's eBates Triple Cash Back week! Right now select stores are doing triple cash back - Boden is at 6%  and Net-A-Porter is at 9% which is very good. HOWEVER, Shopspring.com is at 24% cash back which is insane. I've not shopped Spring yet but Nina loves it - free shipping and returns and 10% off your first order with code SPRING10. You guys, they have the Clé de Peau Beauté concealer. And they have Giles & Brother jewelry and Marc Jacobs bags!  Shit, I am in big trouble. If you sign up for Spring through my referral link, you'll get $20 off your first purchase of $75 or more. (That's the only Spring link that's referral, FYI.) 

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): TJ Maxx Clearance Bargains!

There are some really good bargains on the TJ Maxx site right now but I can't take credit for finding all of them - Nina and her magical eye has alerted me to some of this good stuff.

First, this classic black Cole Haan textured leather tote?

It is $60. Sixty. Dollars. You guys. It also comes in a freaking gorgeous peacock green but that one hasn't been clearance priced yet (though still a good deal.)  Nina's really great find is this Jojo leather crossbody:

Originally $320 marked down to $52 in four cute colors. That turquoise would be a great little summer bag and I love the bright tangerine too. 

There are also sweaters bargains! A few in limited sizing by Theory (wool crewneck) and Vince (long cardi, wool crewneck) but my favorite for obvious reasons is this Theory cashmere cardigan: 

It's $49! It looks so cozy! Yay for gin sweaters!  It's too much like my Grana cardigan to tempt me but for freaking $49 someone should snap that up. I also like this Theory shawl collar cardigan:

It's less exciting being a wool blend and all, but $49 is still a fair price for Theory which I've always thought was a bit too big for it's britches anyway. Hmph. 

Finally, because we all need a bit of cheerful bling in the dead of winter, these Lulu Frost earrings, while not clearance priced as yet, are still a screamingly good deal:

Retail price: $195. TJ Maxx price: $24.99. Really, how can you beat that? 

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Lulu Frost Secret Sale!

I feel like I have to make up for the whole Johnny Depp thing so how about a cache of ridiculously marked-down Lulu Frost jewelry? My friend Nina, who always finds the best stuff, let me know about the Lulu Frost jewelry just hanging out on the TJ Maxx website. None of it is over $40! They don't allow you to search by designer so Nina and I did the work for you:

This statement necklace is amazing and retails for $275! Oh, but it's $34.99 for you:

There are matching earrings and a bracelet as well. This bracelet is fancy in a very Downton way:

And how beautiful are these earrings?

Weren't you just saying you needed a crystal-studded bird necklace? Maybe that was me. 

That necklace retailed for $324! I can't stand it. Also, these are SO FANCY I LOVE THEM: 

Finally, this lapis bracelet makes me crazy. Craaaaazeeee: 

Ugh, it's all so pretty and I'm trying not to buy it all up. Halp. 

Adrien: Outfit By Nina.

I realized when I was looking through the pictures that, as usual, two of the things I'm wearing are because of my friend Nina. Of course! My Calvin Klein dress (CK is so good for print dresses!) was a Ross purchase from a few years back, purchased because Nina told me I had to, that the colors were perfect. Yes ma'am.

My MBMJ cuff bracelet was a birthday gift from her from a few years back. I dig it and it's perfect with the dress. (She knows what she's doing.) The bracelet is long out of stock but this one by MBMJ is similar with the good leather and the cool clasp and this one by Panacea has the same center hinge action. This beauty you don't want to click on unless you like crying over things you can't have. Sorry, man.

Stuff! My bag is, of course, my MBMJ Too Hot To Handle Hobo and it's been a great purchase. Sleek, easy to carry and goes with almost everything. When I eventually replace my black Hillier hobo it'll probably be the THTH hobo in black instead. It's perfect.

My sandals are Chie Mihara and I keep linking to their adorable (on sale!) update because they have that same cute top buckle! I want them. And also these. So much. 

That's it for today! Daniel was busy bird watching and declined to be photographed. 

Outlet Shopping Magic with Nina.

Yesterday I took a half-day off and drove up to the fancy outlet mall in Northern VA with my friend Nina. If you've been reading this blog for a while you know what that means - Nina's magical finds. She's a terrible enabler but she has this shopping bargain eye. Basically, if she tells you to buy something you don't question it, you just do it.

So! What did I buy?

Laundry by Shelli Segall Notch Front Open Jacket - I'd been searching for something like it and even bought a similar Theory jacket Nina found at Marshalls, but I ended up returning it because the fit was weird. I can't find a good photo of the actual jacket I bought (which Nina pulled out of a clearance rack like a rabbit out of a hat), but I'll wear it in an outfit photo soon! This one is similar enough to give you an idea:

Not the jacket I bought

It came from the Bloomingdales outlet and I paid: $33 Original price: $228. 

RACHEL Rachel Roy Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Military Pea Coat - Nina told me about this one last week but I haaaaate BCF and will do anything to avoid going there. And, I don't really need another coat. Nope, sure don't. However, Nina asked if we could stop into the (much nicer) store at the outlet mall and I ended up buying it because the details are SO good:

Pointy bits! Pyramid-y buttons!

RACHEL Rachel Roy Pea Coat 

It came from Burlington Coat Factory and I paid: $39. Original price: $280. (I'll be honest that I wouldn't pay more than $80 for this jacket. It's really cute but the quality is NOT in the $200 range. RVA ladies - this is still available at the BCF on Broad St!)

Blown glass wonky-eyed octopus!! He was hanging out in the clearance section with a couple of blown glass walruses and I just couldn't leave him there.

He came from TJ Maxx and I paid $13. Original price: How can you put a price on joy? 

Adrien: Monday Slump.

Hello! It's Monday and, by God, all I wanted was to be relatively comfortable. That was my goal. This goal started with my newish and beloved 7FAMK brushed twill jeans (reviewed here) which are pretending to be work appropriate pants. 

I can't remember the brand of the top I'm wearing, but this one is vaguely similar and probably more flattering. I love a flappy, loose top. The sweater is Banana Republic which I remember liking in the store but I didn't actually buy it. Then Nina found it at a thrift store because she's Nina and only she can manage such things.  A beaded/embellished cardigan is a nice thing to have - comfortable and still fancy. Maybe check out this one. Oooh, or this one! (But not this one because wow.)

My shoes are Chie Mihara (no longer available but this pair has the same flair) and I am going to be so sad when they eventually die. I don't wear heels very often, but these are worth it. 

Just for the sake of style blog science (totally a thing) I snapped the cardigan all the way up so you could see the beaded detailing better:

Yep, nope. Bad idea. I immediately unsnapped it. Here is an obnoxious close-up:

The cool necklace I'm wearing was made by the talented Eliza Spell. Bag 'n shoe deets:

\

 Have a good week, everyone.

Buy This (So We Don't Have To): Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote.

You guys see this?

I am perfect. 

It is maybe the most beautiful black Marc by Marc Jacobs Natural Selection leather tote of all time and Nina just (un)kindly pointed out that it's 50% off right now. WHAT. It's full price everywhere else!


Do it because we cannot. Weeping.

Ross Find: Calvin Klein Modern Essential Blouse.

I just did a lunchtime trip to Ross with my friend Nina and even though I tried on a load of stuff, I only bought one thing. But you guys, it's a really good one thing. I remember reading Caphillstyle's review of the Calvin Klein Modern Essential Blouse a few months ago and wanted to buy it but I thought the retail price was high for a poly blouse. I'd completely forgotten all about it until I ran into one on the Ross shirt racks. Score! It wasn't my size though. I found another one. Not my size. And another one. Not my size. Dammit.

I'm not your size.

I enlisted Nina's help (like you do) and she promptly found on the clearance rack in my size, but in a tan color I'd never ordinarily consider. This blouse is beautifully made, feels expensive and fits perfectly, but this color? I wasn't sold:

Bleak Ross lighting.

Then Nina threw her orange statement necklace at me and hey! Not bad at all:

Unintentional pigeon toes. Sorry.

So I bought it for under $20 because, fuck yeah, Ross. Nina found one for herself in a great orange color and promised to check the other Ross store this weekend for more colors. There are a bunch available online in a lot of colors (and price points) and I think if you spent less than $50 you'd still be getting a deal. However, the Ross prices ($16-$27) still beats that by a mile. Go find it!

Adrien: Okay, FINE.

Okay, fine. Summer is over. I know I can't change the season so I might as well give into it, right? Try and find the silver lining and all that? And really, we know what the silver lining is - boots and coats, people. Boots and coats. While I don't love boot-and-coat weather, I do LOVE boots and coats. BOOTS AND COATS. YEAH.

Thanks to Nina, I already have a coat to be excited about. I was super in love with it last year when it was at Saks and would go visit it much like you would go to a museum to admire your favorite Rothko. So nice to look at but never going to be yours. Then! Nina found it deeply discounted at Saks Off 5th and was like, "YOU NEED THIS RIGHT?" And I agreed, I absolutely did. She bought it for me and it is just as great at I remember it being:

doesn't this model look dim?

DVF duffle coat in poppy, no longer available. (Similar)

I also found my short boots, y'all! Unfortunately I found them at Cole Haan, so still more than I want to spend:

Cole Haan Cassidy

Aren't they pretty? I should look for a code or three because damn. They also come in blue suede, but I would destroy those in a second.

Another thing I like about fall/winter is jeans. Unlike Marianne, I can't wear jeans to work, but Nina found me a pair of these (at the thrift store! $7!) and I am hoping I can wear them all trouser style to work with nice jacket and not get sent home:

Joe's Jeans Wide Leg Muse, no longer available. (Similar.)

I'm also looking to replace my sad, worn-out 7 for All Mankind bootcut jeans, and have my eye on this pair:

Kimmie Bootcut 

Any suggestions? 7 For All Mankind generally fits me pretty well but I'm not sure about a "curvy" cut, though my ass could probably use the room. See? I'm not all doom-and-gloom about fall but I'm sure as hell not going to run out for a pumpkin spice latte any time soon.

Adrien: Dang, Nina.

Nina has been thrift store shopping and you know what that means. While she hasn't (yet) found an Hermes Kelly bag for $5.00, she did find me this perfectly adorable Target dress for $1.25. One dollar. One Quarter. Perfect condition. Say it together:  "Dang, Nina." (And no, you can't have her.)

Always with the cardigan.

So, what's the best thing in your closet that cost less than $10? Do tell.

dress: Merona (similar) (Similar print dress by Merona)
sandals: Miz Mooz (this year's version) (Oooh, cute green sandals I want)
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo (similar)
bracelet: Loft (similar) (want want want!)

Adrien: Easily Swayed.

I totally didn't mean to buy this dress. I was at Ross with Nina and I liked the pattern and colors but it seemed a bit too low-cut and form fitting for work. But you guys know I love a pattern. And the colors!  Then I tried it on and it fit really well and Nina told me I should buy it, so I did. (When Nina tells you to buy something, you do it.)

I taped up the neckline a bit and wore it to work, though I think with the right accessories it could work well for evening too. Here you go:

Of course I assed it up with a cardigan to be more work-appropriate:

dress: Calvin Klein (in a different colorway) (another cute patterned Calvin Klein dress)
shoes: Chie Mihara (similar) (another pair of Chie Mihara sandals on sale!)
bag: Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini (cute peacock satchel by Piazza Lucca)

Adrien: Bright.

So, I got another one of those blouses from Old Navy and wow, it is BRIGHT. A little out of my comfort zone but I love what pink will do to a girl's complexion, so there you go. I realized right before photo time that it goes well with my my work tote, a fun Nanette Lepore bag that Nina gave me for my birthday. It's so springtime fresh, right? I think so too.

top: Old Navy Charmeuse Top
pants: Gap slim crop
shoes: Frye Lisa t-strap (Frye Lois is similar)
bag: Nanette Lepore ikat tote (kinda similar)
necklace: J.Crew locket (similar)
bracelet: Giles & Brothers railroad spike cuff (also here)

Adrien: Gateway Drug

The other day I fell on a brick pathway (um, don't try to check your email and walk, okay?) which scuffed up my black boots badly enough to need an emergency trip to my shoe guy. Being without them has forced me to wear my brown pair more which seems like it would be easy, but somehow isn't. I was saved, though, by leopard print: my gateway drug to black and brown together:

I also got to wear my new brown Cole Haan via Burlington Coat Factory coat  (a Nina find, of course):

skirt: Ann Taylor (similar)
cardigan: Banana Republic (similar)
necklace: J Crew locket
boots: Frye (similar)
coat: Cole Haan (similar in grey)
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo