Look at Talbots!

I ordered some belts from Talbots last year and they are still sending me emails. I rarely visit them on a b&m shopping trip and I rarely go to their website, but I like getting their info. Once in awhile they have a piece or two I like. My eyes certainly were delighted by these 2 emails I recently received. I love the blazer in the 1st pic. Their revamped twinset is also beautiful. Silk shell with a wool or cashmere cardigan? I love it. Of course when you go to the website it's not as beautiful and visually appealing as J Crew. I won't be surprised, though, if they start having younger models, going on location and changing some of the fabrication on the clothing. I have definitely seen a shift in the quality of emails as of late. I'm no Donny Deutsch & I'm certainly not psychic but, watch out J. Crew...Talbots may slowly be going after a younger demographic.

Someone went shopping for me ;-)

Last nite my husband told me to close my eyes. So I did. And when I opened them I saw this perfume in my lap.

Since I do so much shopping, he doesn't usually go out and buy stuff for me. I was really surprised and am still talking about it to encourage more surprises in the future. Awhile ago in a magazine I read about women who drop hints for their significant others. One woman had a drawer she put magazine tears in and her husband would know exactly what she wanted. I immediately created a similar drawer. DH doesn't like to be poked or prodded so it took a year, but he finally pulled this one out. I usually only put perfumes in there since he wasn't inspired by the drawer. Now I am going to put more current tears and keep up with the drawer. Just in case...



I read a great description of the perfume by Robin on Now Smell This (blog).

"The Beat is described as a sparkling floral woody fragrance; the notes feature bergamot, mandarin, Ceylon tea, cardamom, pink pepper, bluebell, iris, white musk, vetiver and cedarwood. It starts very bright, with tart fruit and juicy citrus. There is lots of pink pepper ... and a teensy little pinch of cardamom. The heart is sheer bluebell-ish florals, still very bright; the base is cool and pale and summery, and smoothed over with a smidgen of iris ... It smells young and cheerful and clean..."



Smells like a match for my daytime J Crew outfits. I'm loving it.

Name this blazer

Anyone know the name of this J Crew blazer?

Banana Republic Necklaces

This 1st piece from Banana Republic is a classic. The Three Strand Necklace (606266) is $59. I already own a similar one with the same colors, but these stones are more defined. Definitely a must-see in person.







Now this is a real beaut. I will definitely look for the Bauble Bib Necklace (600851)to try on in a b&m. It's $69 and a bit easier on the budget than the following showpiece from J Crew...



This is the Beaded Waterfall Necklace (98302) from J Crew, $150.00. Simply mahvelous.

Old Navy High Waist Skirt

The Old Navy High Waist Skirt (top photo) from Summer 2008 - The item number is 483973. The original price is $29.50, but it has been on sale. The RN# is 54023 and it comes in Gray and Black. UPDATE: As of 9/19/08 it is $6.99 and will be an additional 20% if you use the code BFF at the register. You have to scour the thousands of pairs of shorts they have on sale, but it's easy to spot the skirt.

This skirt is very similar to the J Crew Belle (2nd photo), item#97636.

Old Navy Does Ruffled Leather

Ruffle freaks...here are two very cute leather jackets from Old Navy. I saw them in b&m on 8/13/08. They retail $149 and I'm pretty sure you can get 20% with an Old Navy, Banana Republic or GAP card on their STUFFANDSAVE promo. The promo ends on 8/21. I didn't see these on line so if you're interested, you'll have to check a local store. I tried the brown one on. The leather could be better, of course. However, the black one might look different on, esp mixed in a hi/lo fashion or with really nice jeans. Pretty cute.

J Crew - Patent Leather Tote

The style # 98552 is 100% leather and it comes in black, gold, blue and green. The blue is similar to brilliant blue and the green is in the kelly green family. Only $150. As of 8/12/08 it was in stores only and not online.

J Crew - The Mysterious Berry Jacket

I took a couple of snapshots of the myserious berry jacket that is in stores and also available on pre-order over the phone. It's called the Astrid. I don't believe it is in the catalog or online. Next time I will get style numbers on the item! I didn't purchase this as it's not for me, but it is quite striking in person.