JCrew Reviews: IRL pics of New Straight Leg Jean and Julienne Leather Heels

Happy Friday Ladies!!!

So excited!!  I finally got my new camera up and running.....which means no more fuzzy craptastic iPhone shots. But any who!  Let's get on to the reviews shall we:

First up:  The Julienne Leather Heels  I purchased the bronzed avocado color and will be watching for the flannel when they go on sale:

These are super comfortable and very flattering....(I swear that my ankle is not nearly so fat as that picture above.....it is very challenging to get pictures of your own feet from the side.  But, I wanted you to get an idea of the side view, so you get this lovely photo, fat ankle and all:)  Your welcome!!)  I wore these for work a few days ago and hoofed around center city for about 2 hours and I did not get one blister.  They are a great neutral color....an avocado mustardish tone....it is a neutral/nude shoe that I know will translate very nicely into fall.  They look great with skirts and jeans.  I highly recommend these.  I received several compliments.  I wore them with a brown linen Banana Republic skirt suit and a rust colored tank.

Next up:  The Straight-Leg jean in Sidecar Wash

Front view

Slightly blurry awkward back shot

I was so excited when I saw these straight leg jeans on JCrew.com.  I love straight leg jeans and I find that they are the most flattering and versatile style for my particular body shape.  The denim on these is rather thin and it feels slightly stretchy...they are a turkish linen/denim blend.  I'm curious to see how they hold their shape with a few wearings.  They are pretty low rise...the top lands right at my hip bone....(low-rise by JCrew standards...they are not nearly as bad as some Diesel or True Religion jeans.)  Even thought they are low-rise, they did pass the sit/bend test without any plumbers crack exposure.  The length is 33 inches according to the website.  I measured the inseam on mine (I got a size 29) and the inseam is 34.25...go figure.  They work for me with a low heel or with flats....they also look good rolled in the boyfriend style.  (My body type does not look good in boyfriend jeans....I look too straight up and down/boxy to pull them off)....These are a great alternative to the baggy boyfriend style jean.  They also look really good with a thickish brown belt...I forgot to snap a pic of that.  Sorry!  Overall I like these.  The wash is also really nice, not too dark, not too light, and no holes!!!  I hate holes in my jeans.  I would say that these run TTS to slightly large.  If you are pear shaped/hour glass shaped just be aware that these jeans are not contoured/curved in any ways and I think the waist would probably gap....if you are kind of straight up and down like me, I suggest getting your regular size or sizing down.  I normally wear a 30 in JCrew matchstick jeans and I sized down in these since I knew they where a slightly fuller fit  (I also called JCrew customer service and asked for the front thigh and waist measurement to compare to my other JCrew jeans).    

Well lovelies, let me know if you have any questions.  Or if you have tried these, let me know what your thoughts are!

Also, I'm going to have a giveaway when I reach 75 subs.  I'm at 69 right now, so if you visit and don't sub please do:)

Have a lovely weekend!!!

xoxo,

J.

Future Final Sale Items.....JCrew Collection Birds and Toilet Paper

It's my favorite time of the month....the JCrew new arrivals roll out.  I always find numerous lovely items to add to my wish list.  And lately I've found an equal number of items to add to my future final sale posts.  

First up:  If you are wondering what to wear with last years hoodie and combats to update your look for this fall, JCrew has just the thing for you.

I present the Seine Vest.  This beauty can be yours for a mere $650.00:

Supposedly it is made out of chiffon...but it looks like feathers to me.  In fact, I think it just looks like a big pile of bird poo!

But, I am sort of convinced it would look kind of fabulous with this lovely confection.......please not the sarcasm.

Can you believe this hot mess cost $1800???  Combined with the above vest you can have the honor of looking like a half plucked toilet paper wrapped chicken for the bargain price of $2500.  

Ummmm......yeah....future final sale!!

(My hope is they only made like two of each of these pieces...in which case they will probably be at the next Sample sale:)

xoxo Lovelies!!

J.

Coach Coupon free to a good home.....

Hey Ladies:

I need another handbag like I need a hole in the head.  That being said, I received a coupon in the mail from Coach for 25% off any purchase in stores or online.  Since I'm not going to be using this coupon, I'm offering it up to a good home.  The first person who wants it just leave me a comment with your email address (You also have to be or become a follower:).  I can either mail the physical coupon to you or email you the code if you want to order online!!!

Terms:  Can only be used at Coach.com or in a Coach retail store.  Can not be used at Factory Outlet stores.  Only available in the continental United States.

I hope someone takes advantage of this.  They have many pretty things right now!

xoxo,

J.

Blog Sale....JCrew, Ann Taylor, Cole Haan clothes and shoes

The first in what will likely prove to be many posts caused by my closet clean out.  Here is the first batch.

Email me with questions or if you want an item at eighthourbrunch at yahoo dot com.

Put the item you are interested in the subject line.

Shipping is $5 per item domestically (will combine shipping) and international is whatever the USPS website tells me.

Prices as marked and all reasonable offers will be considered.

Payment is accepted via PayPal.

Disclaimer:  Clothes come from a pet-friendly, no smoking home.  (I have two cats and they don't go in any of the rooms where my clothing and shoes are stored.)  Also, I take extremely good care of all my clothing and shoes....I'm what you might call a collector.  Most items I'm selling will only have been worn once or twice if at all. 

JCrew Strapless Sundress, Spring 2006 I think.  Size 8.  Asking $40.

JCrew Wool Double Serge Pencil Skirt, Fall 2009.  NWT.  Size 8.  Never worn.  Paid $118.00 asking $80.

Ann Taylor Loft Skirt, Size 8.  Spring 2007.  Asking $15.

Cole Haan Black Wedges.  Summer 2008.  Asking $45.  Worn 2-3 times.

Ann Taylor Navy Blue Patent Leather Mules, Spring 2009.  Silver hardware.  Size 9.  Asking $45.  Worn once.

Ellen Tracy Snake Print Multicolor Wedge Peep Toes.  Size 9.  Worn 1-2 times for about an hour total.  Asking $50.

JCrew Grey Wool Cardigan, Fall 2009 (No idea what this is called, if you know please leave me a comment!).  Size M, worn once.  Asking $30.

Let me know if you have any questions.  Happy Shopping Ladies!!!

xoxo,

J.

Tracy Anderson Method: Fitness Update #1

Hey Ladies:

We have finally gotten a reprieve from the insufferable heat and humidity gripping the Northeast, and I am taking full advantage.  Right now I am sitting out on my deck with a big water and my laptop writing this blog post.  Sometimes I love the summer!  Now would be one of those times.

So, I thought I would write a quick update about my Tracy Anderson Method progress.  I have been doing the Mat DVD consistently for about 3 weeks now.  And I have to say, I think I am noticing a difference, especially in my upper body.  My arms and shoulders seem to be becoming leaner.  I'm also starting to get the v on my stomach....(if I flex!! LOL) There is still plenty of rollie-polliness to be lost there.  

I haven't really done the dance cardio dvd that many times.  I did try a few times and I found it challenging; but, to be honest I really started to miss my daily runs.  (For the record, Tracy is not an advocate of running...she suggests creating a 40 minute play list and doing a different activity, like skipping, plies, galloping, etc, for each of the songs.)  Because I miss it so much I started incorporating running back into my workout routines.  Today I did the mat routine dvd and then went to the gym for a quick 3 mile run on the treadmill.  If I am pressed for time and cannot leave the house, then I just do the mat dvd.  I figure that is better than doing nothing!

Food wise I have been doing much better too.  I started writing down absolutely EVERYTHING that I eat in a notebook about 3 weeks ago.  I never realized how much random crap I snacked on during the day.  Those 2 crackers, handful of popcorn, 10 chips, etc really add up.  Through writing everything down I have been able to eliminate most of this needless snacking, thankfully!  Also, I am happy to report that I have lost 3 pounds...yay!  Basically, I have lost 1 pound per week, which is a healthy amount to lose.  My fitness goal is not to really lose that much weight.  I'm mostly interested in really toning up and lowering my body fat percentage.  Ideally, I would like to get down to like 15-18%....right now I am at 23%.  I plan on doing through a combination of moderate weight loss and adding some muscle.  

I have also discovered this amazing "fitness guru" on youtube.  Her name is Sarah Dussault and she is a personal trainer, producer, and tv host in the Boston area.  Her channel offers a variety of videos including workout ideas, fitness product reviews, and diet advice.  I really like her!

Here is the link to her blog......sarahfit.com.  She is super cute and a really great source for information!  Her blog also has all of her youtube videos linked to it.

How do you stay in shape?  Do you have an tips for me?  Any and all advice is welcome!!

Have you tried Tracy Anderson.....what were your results?

xoxo,

J.

I'm not expecting but if you are.....

Hey Ladies:  (specifically pregnant ladies)

Here's a fun FYI, Forever 21's "all-grown up" line Love 21 has some maternity pieces now available.

Click here to check it out....They have some really cute pieces. 

Enjoy!

xoxo,

J.

8 Most Worn Items Tag........

Happy Saturday Ladies!!

It is pouring rain here and I got up very early and got all of my around the house stuff done early.  DH is out watching the 3rd round world cup game.  I found myself perusing some of the recent beauty gurus videos on youtube.  I like to watch these videos when I have some downtime and don't feel like watching tv.

I came across a "tag" that I wanted to do.  My favorite is the "What's in Purse" tag; but, the "8 most worn things" tag comes in a close second.  Mine will include some beauty items and of course some JCrew.  I tag anybody who reads this to do this on your own blog.....I'll also tag some of my favorite blogs at the end.

My number one item that I always wear is my wedding and engagement ring.  My engagement ring is an art deco estate piece and my wedding band has been in my family for three generations.  I absolutely love both of these pieces.  However, I'm trying to go beyond the obvious in this tag so I'm not including them in my 8 things....but, they are two most prized possessions.

Here goes:

1.  JCrew chain link bracelet, Spring/Summer 2009...don't know the real name.  This bracelet is just costume jewelry but it has special meaning to me.  I got this after winning a bet with my husband.....so whenever I wear it I am reminded of him. 

  2.  Coco Mademoiselle Perfume -- I just love it...It is my signature scent.  I pretty much get a bottle for my birthday and Christmas every year.  I really feel that it is a seasonless perfume.

3.  Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer -- I LOVE this stuff.  I hate foundation....and to be honest, I'm blessed with pretty good skin so I don't need any heavy coverage.  This is just enough to diminish any redness I may have.  I use this year round.  The spf 20 is a great perk.  You can get this at Sephora or your local Laura counter.  I also swear by her concealer -- Bobbi Brown also has a very similar concealer that is awesome.

4.  JCrew Merino Wool sweaters....I absolutely cannot live without Merino wool.  The way some people feel about cashmere is how I feel about these sweaters.  Although after some quality issues last year, I am branching out to other merino wool brands.  But still, I love merino for fall/winter.

5.  Moroccanoil or Argon Oil -- I absolutely cannot live without this after discovering it last September.  Whether wearing my hair curly or straight, this is my go to product.  You can use it on wet or dry hair.  And it is awesome for giving shine and renewed life to day old hair.  Be careful with putting too much near your roots though, concentrate on the ends of your hair.  You can get this at Sally's Beauty Supply or just google it online.

6.  Smith's Rosebud Salve -- This stuff is AMAZING.....I have one in my makeup bag, one by my bed, one in purse, and in the winter, one in my car (it will melt in the summer).  I use this as a lipgloss/treatment, a cuticle treatment, a dry skin treatment, or for any kind of minor scratch it is a great salve.  It comes in multiple flavors and will be the best $6 you ever spend.  You can get this at Sephora.

7.  Running Sneakers, specifically Saucony Hurricanes -- I love these sneakers and they are my best friends whether running on the treadmill or the road.  They come highly recommended (I'm on my 20th pair).....I've run a marathon in these awesome sneaks.

8.  Lastly, my Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 in Monogramed Canvas -- I've had this bag for like a 100 years.  The leather has aged to a beautiful golden patina.  I have numerous other designer bags I frequently use, but I always go back to this oldie but goody.  I love that it goes with everything and it is very classic.  I'm hoping to get a Speedy 30 in the Damier Canvas for my anniversary or Christmas this year.

That completed my 8 most worn things.....what are yours?  Leave them as a comment or leave the link to your blog post in the comments section.  I would love to know.

I tag EVERYBODY!!!  Especially all of my fabulous followers....I can't believe I have 61!!!  Thanks guys:)  (Once I get to 75 followers I'm going to do my first giveaway, so if you read but don't follow, please follow)

But specifically:

Alexis @ JCrew Aficionada

Dina @ My Superfluities

Fabulous Florida Mommy @ Fabulous Florida Mommy

Andi @ Saltwater Dreams

Gigi @ Gigi's Gone Shopping

Susannah @ The Edwards Edition

ABC @ A Bigger Closet

Enjoy your weekend, lovelies!!!

xoxo, J.

The Look for Less: JCrew Merino Cardigan vs. Halogen Merino Cardigan

Okay, up until last year I was obsessed with JCrew's Merino wool, I loved it so much I was even willing to pay (gasp) full price for a V-neck sweater.  I have VNecks and cardis from 5 years ago that still look awesome.....A merino wool vneck and cardi are an essential part of my "corporate America" wardrobe.....one of these with a pencil skirt or dress is basically my fall/winter work uniform.  So fast forward to fall 2009, I made my typical order of 5-6 merino wool vnecks and cardigans.....they looked great, colors were fab, and fit was awesome....However, some of the colors, specifically the brown, salmon, and grey, had horrible pilling and fuzziness after only 1 to 2 trips to the dry cleaners.  (And, no, it wasn't the dry cleaners, I've used the same one for 6 years and never had any problems).  So back to JCrew these sweaters went.  JCrew was very courteous, apologized and credited me back.  However, I was left with a rather sour taste in my mouth; and, consciously decided to look to other brands for alternatives to my JCrew merino vnecks and cardigans.

So....lately on this blog I've been blabbing on about my desire for fall clothes (just ignore the fact that the mercury rose to 100 degrees here today!!!).....yesterday I popped into Nordstrom rack and hit JCrew dup heaven.......Boyfriend Merino wool cardigans and vnecks.  They have last seasons Halogen cardigans and vnecks on sale marked down from $14 to 22 dollars!!!!!  And they are 100% Merino wool---no crappy blends.  I purchased the cardigan in black, grey, and rose pink; and the vneck in grey and navy.  AWESOME!!!  Here are links to the JCrew merino cardigan for this fall and the Halogen cardigan currently available on the Nordstrom website.  Normally the Halogen cardis are $69.00 (not much better priced than JCrew); like I stated, the ones at Nordstrom rack are last years.  

JCrew Long Merino Wool cardigan, fall 2010

Halogen Boyfriend Merino Wool Cardigan

I was so excited to find this deal...I was able to get all of the work sweaters I need for fall for under $100.  Great deal!! I'm also super excited because now I have clothing budget freed up so that I can pre-order that awesome jacket on page 8 of the fall JCrew look book.  If you live near a Nordstrom Rack and love Merino wool staples as much as me, I highly recommend checking this deal out...they had huge round racks of these sweaters at my Rack.

Just thought I would pass this along.....

xoxo,

J.

PS....If anybody is a fan of VINCE knitwear and tees.....(I Love, LOve, LOVe, LOVE these)....Nordstrom Rack has tons of their basic tees and sweaters marked down 60-70% off....They are still expensive (like 40-60 dollars) but well worth the price if you are a fan of the brand, as I am.  They also have a nice selection at your local TJMaxx if they have a Runway department.

JCrew: Fall Fashion Preview Video and Nars "Funny Face"

I'm ready for fall!!! I've been posting about this for the past two weeks.  There has been several posts on JCrew Aficionada about the JCrew Fall 2010 look book......

JCrew updated their website with a Fall preview video and slide show of looks.  Check it out here.

Above is one of my favorite looks...I really want that jacket.  The items are available for pre-order by calling a 1800 number.  No prices or details are listed on the website yet.  But, I really really want this jacket.

Jenna describes the collection as having lots of dark colors and nudes with "moments of bright color".  She goes on to discuss Nars Funny Face lipstick which was a featured on many of the models during the shoot.

What do you think of the color?  I think it is very pretty but not extremely wearable....it seems a bit too bright for my everyday life.  (The color is actually swatched below the Nars lipstick).  Check it out on Sephora's website by clicking here.

What do you think of the new collection?  Are you as excited for fall as I am?

xoxo,

J.

COHEN: A Day of Blog Silence for a Beautiful Angel....

Cohen:  

You touched so many lives in your short time on this earth.....

May God bless and keep you, your mother, and father....

until you can all meet again in His Kingdom.

Today, this blog and many others are recognizing a day of blog silence for this sweet boy who recently passed away.  Please keep Cohen, Megan and Brent in your prayers on this day!

You can read more about Baby Cohen's journey here.....