How J.Crew gets into my wallet

I am really excited about the upcoming CNBC special this week about J.Crew/merchandising.  There is a different "feeling" to two of the B&M stores here in the metro.  Store #2 is the largest and brightest; store #1 often has the best selection of merchandise, but is smaller and darker.  I went to return a catalog purchase yesterday at #1 and checked out the new merchandise while I was there.  Not impressed.  Later in the day, I went to #2 and I ended up purchasing five items.  It was the Lucille dress that ignited my shopping spree.  I remember seeing this dress hanging on a side wall in #1.  Thought, "Nice yellow," and passed it by. It may have been on a mannequin, but if it was, I didn't see/notice it.  #2 had the dress, fully accessorized, on a prominently placed mannequin.  Then I saw a customer walking around the store with the dress on.  I thought, "How cute!  I should try that on!" Some things are just better when you can see them on a body vs. on a hanger.  And when you've made the commitment to try on/buy one thing, it is easier to try on/buy more.  I bet they know that.

So what did I buy?  Total splurge!  I used my rewards card and my teacher discount, but it was still a hefty total.  I got:

1.  The Lucille dress in lace in bright sun.
This dress is quite a charmer; I highly recommend trying it on!  Unlike the previous basket weave yellow shift dress, this one has a darling look and detail to the sleeves--I was not self-conscious about my arms with this style.  The fabric is more durable and wearable (won't snag), the skirt length is longer, and the fit is wonderful--true to size.  A cheerful, bright dress easily dressed up or down, imo.

Side note on merchandising strategy:   (I was tempted to purchase the skinny leather belt in English saddle and the double strand resin link frog necklace in light citron, just because they were displayed with the dress and looked so darling! But I was strong! I figured I should shop my closet for a comparable belt before buying another and wasn't sure about the frog.  This morning, the frog is still haunting my thoughts; I may have to go back and get him...)

2.  The #2 pencil skirt in raj paisley.
I have been eyeballing the raj paisley pencil skirt for some time.  I love paisley prints, but I had already purchased the sovereign paisley, so I kept passing it by.  Does a girl really need two paisley print pencil skirts?  But, while in the fitting room, someone was trying this skirt on, and, as usual, it looked so cute on them that I had to give it a try.  I was already in there.  Adorable (of course).  Comments?  Are these two paisley skirts too similar to justify having both in a wardrobe?  Or are the colorways different enough to justify having them both? 

3.  The stripe linen open-stitch sweater in indigo/white.
Love.  The sweater runs generously.  I recommend going down a size, as the fabric has quite a bit of give and could easily become too long just from the weight/drape of the fabric.  I love the feel and drape of linen sweaters!

4.  The sailor boat neck tee in maraschino cherry.
This tee needs no comments other than that it runs quite small; I recommend going up one size as there is not the same "give" to the heavier fabric of this tee as in other thinner tees.  I've been patiently waiting for something in red stripes to show up.  : )  There are quite a few other color options, too.

5.  Raindrop lace top in apricot mist.
On sale.  Nothing more need be said.

Comments on the Collection silk crepe printed popover:
This is the one item I spotted online and instantly fell in lust with.  I asked about it, and the SA went to the back room and brought one out!  It was a size small, (I usually take a M or L in tops), but I was able see it in person, and since the cut was so generous, I decided to try it on.  Sadly, there are some details that I would definitely NOT shell out the $225 for.  First, the print is on the front and back and is to die for, but there is something about the shirt in person that falls short of the picture online.  I think it had to do with the print.  I could be wrong, but it looked dyed/painted/printed vs. part of the actual fabric design.  Maybe that's the only way to do it?  And there is something about the trim of the orange/red around the hounds tooth that I wish were a bit more detailed/expensive looking--maybe a separately sewn in fabric strip or ribbon to warrant the price? I know nothing about clothing construction, but the blouse just didn't look $225 expensive.  Secondly, the fit/style is a risk.  The sleeves are fitted/normal, but the bodice is very generous.  Probably easy for someone who is smaller on top to pull off than someone, like me, who is larger on top.  I will keep an eye on this shirt online and hope it makes it to a sale price.  Even with these concerns, I sure would love to have it in my wardrobe!

Things I tried and passed on:
Scoop neck blouse in color block stripe; just didn't like the color combination--the peach did me in.
Scoop neck blouse in anchors aweigh; it's a pass for me on anchors as a print; do love the buttons with anchors on them, though.
Silk bow cami in stripe; bow seemed limp and the fabric button holes loops were tight to pull buttons through--questionable longevity.  And, I would need to buy a bra to wear with it.

No pictures to share this time, but you can look forward to seeing the items I purchased sometime soon!

As always, thanks for reading!