Love It or Leave It: Lightweight Leather Shorts

Lightweight Leather Short
Click here for product page
Item 45198
Regular: $495.00

In the past few months, I have been questioning some of J.Crew's leather goods (refer to the "Questionable Item of the Week: Leather Tee {you read it right!}" and "Love It or Leave It: Pleated Leather Trouser" posts). Now J.Crew is offering these leather shorts J.Crew describes this latest arrival as the following:

We love bringing a touch of glamour to day wear—and this exquisite short does exactly that. Beautifully styled from buttery soft lambskin and finished with a gathered waist designed to flatter. So addictively soft and surprisingly light, we're wearing ours year-round. Leather. Original fit—our highest rise. Sits at waist. Zip fly. Slant pockets. 3" inseam with cuffs.Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean.

My thoughts on these shorts is that I am not a fan, not at all. It's not so much the high waist, as it is the pleats and the leather material. Leather shorts (even lightweight) do not work during the hot days of Summer. And I don't see how I would work them in during Spring and Fall. Then those pleats... they don't look structured (just droopy).

However, it got me thinking... is this the latest Summer style? Are pleated leather shorts and trousers, with short sleeve leather tees the next big trend in fashion?

What are your thoughts on the Lightweight Leather Shorts? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have you seen them at a store? Do you like this leather style for Summer? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Love It or Leave It: Pleated Leather Trouser {goes with your leather tee!}

Pleated Leather Trouser
Click here for product page
Item 32681
Regular: $350.00

J.Crew's new arrivals included this piece, which is described as:

The ease of a classic cuffed trouser reimagined in the most exquisitely supple, wafer-fine Italian leather. The effect? An addictive and wearable iteration of a classic you'll wear for years to come. (Did we mention we're obsessed?) Belt loops. Zip fly. Front pleats. Slant pockets, back welt pockets. 1 1/4" cuffs. Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Available in select stores.

Much like the Leather Tee (refer to the "Questionable Item of the Week: Leather Tee {you read it right!}" post), I don't get these pants– a cuffed pleated leather trouser?

They just don't seem like J.Crew, let alone wearable. (Where does one wear these pants to? What would be paired with it?) Trouser + J.Crew = you know it! Leather pleated trouser + J.Crew = say what now?

What are your thoughts on the Pleated Leather Trouser ? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Do you plan on getting these pants? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Love It or Leave It: Madewell Chunky Cowl Collar

As many of us have noticed and commented before, Madewell items are now being sold on J.Crew's website (click here to shop Madewell online). One item in the recent roll-out caught my attention...

Madewell Chunky Cowl Collar
Click here for product page
Item 21488
Regular: $45.00

According to the item page:

Our creative director, Jenna, stopped by our sister store, Madewell, to bring you a few of her favorites for the season. Here's their newest take on the scarf: a supersoft knit collar with the look and feel of a favorite sweater. It's so cozy and warm, you'll want to wear it all season long. Wool/ acrylic/ poly with Lurex® metallic threads. Dry clean. 30"L x 15"W.

Okay, so it's not quite a scarf, not quite a sweater... but oh, man! Let's call it a circular collar scarf (CCF)? Whatever the name is, I am not a fan of Madewell's version. It's not to say I don't like the concept of the CCF. In fact, I have seen the CCF in fashion magazines the past few months and some of the versions look really cute (basically laying around the neck like a scarf, without the ends).

My main issue with Madewell's version is how it lays on the model from the back side. It looks like a sloppy sweater draping over her shoulders, instead of a cute scarf wrapped around her neck.

Madewell's version seems cumbersome to wear (maybe it's the dimensions?) I just know I would keep playing with Madewell's Chunky Cowl Collar to make it look "right". This item is a "leave it" for me.

What are your thoughts on the Madewell's Chunky Cowl Collar? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have you seen this accessory in-person? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Quick Poll: Do you like Madewell's Chunky Cowl Collar?

Love It or Leave It: Kelsey Ruffle Top

Kelsey Ruffle Top
Click here for product page
Item 19064
Regular: $88.00

"Thanks!" to lilaccupcake (in this post) who reminded us about one of J.Crew's latest arrivals... Among the ruffles of the latest collection, J.Crew slipped the Kelsey Ruffle Top.

J.Crew describes the top as: "An utterly fabulous top —we want one in every color. Luxe silk habotai with a bloom of cascading ruffles around the neckline. Perfect alone or underneath a sweater. Button front."

By now, I think its über clear that I love the ruffles! However, I am not loving this top. I know, I am surprised that I don't like it too!!! There is just something about this top that I am not going crazy for.

Dare I even say this, but... there may be too much ruffles goin' on. The way the ruffles frame the face looks like a lion's mane to me.

If I had to buy a ruffle top, I would prefer to get the Silk Frances Cami (Item 17428; $88.00), or even another Victoria Ruffle Cami (Item 99742; Regular: $88.00, now $29.99).

What are your thoughts on the Kelsey Ruffle Top? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have you seen this top in-person? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Quick Poll: Do you like the Kelsey Ruffle Top?

Love It or Leave It: Bell Flower Top

Bell Flower Top
Click here for product page
Item 17429
Regular: $118.00

Awhile back (in the March 25th post, "J.Crew's Newest Arrivals For Fall 2009 {part 2}"), the Bell Flower Top made its debut. The top is described as the following: "Carefully crafted by our design team, our incredibly flattering silk tank is finished with dangling bell flowers—an unforgettable addition to any wardrobe. Twisted collar. Sleeveless."

I thought the top looked super cute when it was styled with a blazer (as shown in the image to the right).

When I saw the item online (after the website updated with new arrivals), I became less excited about it. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Specifically, I am not sure how good the top looks by itself. I can't decide whether the dangling bell flowers are (a) over-the-top by themselves or (b) a unique touch to a simple silk tank?

This is definitely one of those items I need to see and try on in person. And of course, this top is "available in select stores"- so chances are my local store will not be carrying it.

What are your thoughts on the Bell Flower Top? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have you seen this top at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Quick Poll: Do you like the Bell Flower Top?

Love It or Leave It: Sienna Fringed Moccasin Booties

Sienna Fringed Moccasin Booties
Click here for product page
Item 17499
Regular: $88.00

In J.Crew's latest catalog (click here to view online), I noticed several shots of models wearing moccasins. Turns out, J.Crew is offering the moccasin booties.

J.Crew describes them as the following: "In the softest, most supple suede, this is a pair we're going to kick back in time and time again. Finished with flirty fringe detail and a lace-up back. Suede upper with suede laces. Unlined. Rubber sole with rubber forepart for better traction."

I am surprised to see J.Crew offering moccasins that are not meant to be slippers worn around the house. It doesn't seem to be one of their usual offerings- of super cute heels, flats, & boots.

Although the price seems reasonable, these booties do not seem that attractive to me- not even on the gorgeous models with perfectly styled clothes. I am not a fan of the fringe on the boots, let alone the the lace-up back (which seems like a lot of work to get them on). Turn them into driving mocs and you might get me on board with them. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Sienna Fringed Moccasin Booties? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have you seen them at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Quick Poll: Do you like the Sienna Fringed Moccasin Booties?

Love It or Leave It: Falling-Petals Jacket

Falling-Petals Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 14966
Regular: $240.00

There is definitely something pretty about the "falling rose petals" which are "styled in a beautiful silk shantung and boasts frayed silk chiffon trim carefully applied by a single tack to a picot-finished organza ribbon". The rose petals are just the right touch of feminine grace on the standard jacket.

This seems like a great jacket that can dress up anything- from a dress to a Summer wedding to a pair of khakis or jeans to a late night bite with friends.

With that said, I definitely have some reservations about the jacket itself. (1) With its straight shape fit that hits at hip, I am not sure how flattering it will look. Even the stylists at J.Crew decided to belt the jacket on the model for their catalog image above. (2) Although the "Buff" shade is beautiful, would this same shade wash some of us out? I would love to see this jacket being offered in some other colors as well. (3) Lastly, I am surprised that this J.Crew Collection jacket is unlined! For $240, is lining too much to expect? ;)

What are your thoughts on the Falling-Petals Jacket? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have seen it at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Quick Poll: Do you like the Falling-Petals Jacket?

Love It Or Leave It: Metallic Rose Jacket

Metallic Rose Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 12850
Regular: $700.00

This jacket is described as "a true stunner" and that it is! This jacket is a complete "leave it" for me.

There is just a lot going on, even though it is a simple jacket.

First, I am not a fan of the material: "a delicious shade of metallic pink, and lined with our exclusive medallion print in silk crepe de chine". I would feel very uncomfortable wearing this jacket on a sunny day because I would blind everyone around me. ;) I should add, that I think the material and color would look great on a shoe, but just not for a jacket. :)

Second, this jacket looks weird in the close up image-- especially the darts around the chest area. Is it just me, or does her chest look lopsided? (I have seen this model before and her body is perfection, so I know its not her but the jacket causing that "look".)

What are your thoughts on the Metallic Rose Jacket? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? How would you "rock" this look? Have you seen it at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Love It Or Leave It: Gwen Dress {hmmm...}

Gwen Dress
Click here for product page
Iitem 99367
Regular: $2,000.00

"Thanks!" to Heather:D (in this post) who suggested this dress for a "Love It or Leave It" post. After seeing the pictures, I can understand why! ;) This dress has some very lovely features, but several "say what?" features as well.

I will say that I love the ruffle front. That particular design is very much like the Teagan Ruffle Swiss-Dot Top (item 99679; was $98.00, now $29.99) that they offered last year. (I love that Teagan top by the way!) With that said, I am not a fan of the fabric, which looks... fuzzy? According to J.Crew, the fabric consists of "layers of chiffon, organza and soft French tulle".

Second, this dress looks super short on the model. The dress falls "above knee; 20" from natural waist", which means it would probably fall short on most customers as well. I guess sitting while wearing this dress would be out of the question for me. ;) Also, for $2,000, there should be more fabric. However, the dress does come with "a garment bag, shipped in a gift box with blue ribbon". ;)

Lastly, I don't know what to say about the bottom portion of the dress. There is waaay too much going on. Glass beads, sequins AND feathers? As Joey from the t.v. show Blossom would say, "whoa!"

Overlooking price, this dress is a complete "leave it" for me. There are so many other dresses J.Crew is offering, that I would prefer to wear. :)

What are your thoughts on the Gwen Dress? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Have seen it at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Love It Or Leave It: Silk Pleated Skirt

Silk Pleated Skirt
Click here for product page
Item 11653
Regular: $250.00

"Thanks!" to Em (in this post) who brought our attention to this skirt for a post.

To start off, I am not a fan of this skirt...

The website describes it as "A very special, limited-edition skirt in champagne silk georgette. This is a classic silhouette that never goes out of style. We love the mini-pleats and—the best part—the way it swings when you walk". From the additional views of the skirt, the silhouette does not seem like it will be flattering to anyone with curves, in particular those with curvy thighs.

Also, I wonder how those mini-pleats hold up when you continuously sit down. I have a sneaky suspicion those pleats will not maintain their shape and look a bit messy after awhile (which is an issue that most pleated skirts have).

Lastly, what is up with the waist on it? First, it looks like it sits very high on the model, despite being described as "sits at waist". Second, the double stitching around the waist seems to create an imaginary bulge around the tummy, while emphasizing the thighs- something that my pear shaped frame needs no help with. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Silk Pleated Skirt? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Do you already own this skirt or have seen it at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Love It or Leave It: Beaded Zebra Graphic Tee

Beaded Zebra Graphic Tee
Click here for product page
Item 13854
Regular: $68.00
Debuts in March

As many of you have noticed and mentioned throughout posts on this blog, J.Crew has come out with a *new* Zebra tee.

In a previous post (click here), J.Crew showed a tee shirt that was white with an orangy-pink stenciled Zebra face. An anonymous reader let us know that the Zebra Tee didn't actually make it into production and would not be available for purchase. Instead of a zebra, the design was going to be a fish.

However, J.Crew's latest LookBook (click here) shows a new Zebra Tee. The new tee looks to have the same design- with the Zebra's portrait positioned in the same location. The major differences are (1) that new tee comes in different colors ("fresh orange" and maybe gray, which is shown in the image to the right) as well as (2) some fancy bead work.

I have to say, I like the tee in the gray. However, I'm so *not* a fan of the shirt in the "fresh orange"- there is just way too much going on with the bright colors for me. With that said, I think the orange version would look absolutely cute on any one of those girls modeling J.Crew Crewcuts. (Ah... to be young, cute, and get away wearing almost anything with style!)

What are your thoughts on the Beaded Zebra Graphic Tee? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Did you already pre-order this Tee? Do you think it will come in the gray version?

Love It Or Leave It: Wool-Cashmere Carrie Coat

Wool-Cashmere Carrie Coat
Click here for product page
Item 99071
Regular: $325.00
Now: $99.99

I think the Carrie Coat is the "it coat" for this Winter. I swear, every where I went I saw Aficionadas wearing this coat, and ... it looked g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s on all of them!

J.Crew states that the coat has "a dramatic stand collar features vintage-inspired self-ties to keep brisk winds at bay". I actually think that this feature is what makes the coat a perfect "love it or leave it" candidate, because I have a sneaky suspicion that Aficionadas either love or hate that collar (with little in between). I personally fall into the love category- I actually think the standing collar looks great. And since I own last year's Bella winter coat (which also has a standing collar), I am use to the itchiness from a collar rubbing on my face.

This coat is now on sale for just $99.99 (plus an additional 30% off in stores, and an additional 20% off online). The price just makes this coat look more attractive to me! ;)

What are your thoughts on the Wool-Cashmere Carrie Coat? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Do you already own this coat? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Love It Or Leave It: Confetti Flapper Dress

Confetti Flapper Dress
Click here for product page
Item 99510
Regular: $895.00

"Thanks!" to Anon at 12:57 PM (in this post) who pointed out this latest dress offering from J.Crew. I think it makes for a great "love it or leave it" post. :)

Unfortunately, this dress is a "leave it" for me. One reason: price- I think this dress is a *tad* overpriced. ;)

Another reason: versatility. The website describes the dress as "party perfect—the softest grey silk covered in thousands of bright yellow paillettes". I am not sure how "party perfect" the dress really is. I mean if you wear it once everyone will remember, which limits the number of uses. It definitely is not as versatile as the little black dress, which J.Crew offers so many beautiful versions of (click here).

Lastly, the website describes the style as "Sleeveless silhouette. Blouson bodice, straight skirt. Skinny straps. Scoopneck. Back zip. Interior corset for added support". Unfortunatley, I don't think the style of the dress is that flattering, even on the {absolutely gorgeous} model. However, I could be wrong since I have not seen this dress in person.

Incidentally, I do love that J.Crew mentions in the description that the dress is "shipped in a gift box with blue ribbon". It is a nice touch, but definitely not enough to convince me to purchase this dress. ;)

What are your thoughts on the Confetti Flapper Dress? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Do you already own this dress? If so, please share with us your review. :)

Love It Or Leave It: Gstaad Shearling Jacket

Gstaad Shearling Jacket
Click here for product page
Item 10615
Regular: $3,000.00

"Thanks!" to Marta (in this post) for pointing out this latest jacket offered by J.Crew. I don't know how, but I completely missed seeing this when it originally came out.

I will start off by saying that the price tag makes this jacket completely unattainable for me. (Unfortunately, this is just way out of my budget.) If I ignored the price tag, I still don't think I would purchase this jacket. Although I think the model actually pulls off "the look" of the jacket quite nicely, I am not sure if I would fair as well. In fact, I am pretty sure I would end up looking like a wookie extra in a Star Wars film.

I also think that the "long and plush" shearling at the collar looks great, but maybe not so much for the rest of the jacket. It just seems like too much to have it all over the body of the coat. I would also feel uncomfortable wearing the jacket, fearing it could get dirty when I sit down anywhere.

What are your thoughts on the Gstaad Shearling Jacket? Do you think I am being overly critical? Would you buy this or leave it at the store? Have you see this jacket first hand, and if so, what are your impressions? :)

Love It Or Leave It: Babette Jeweled Feather Flats

Babette Jeweled Feather Peep Toe Flats
Click here for product page
Item 10825
Regular: $315.00

When I first saw these flats in the catalog, I just thought "pass". I thought they were "over the top" and just not for me. (And of course, the price tag scares my wallet.)

Initial thoughts: (1) The deep yellow is too loud. (2) The feathers are too showy. (3) Peep toes for Fall? (For this point, I guess it depends on which part of the country you live- because in Connecticut, it is cold already! ;) Yet, places like Florida, the weather is still nice enough to not need a jacket and to wear these flats comfortably.)

However, the more I look at these flats, the more I like them! After some time I thought: (1) With a pair of dark jean trousers and a white tee, the flats are a great source of color. (2) On close up, the feathers are quite beautiful and I love the jewel detail. :) (Although I am not sure how fragile those feathers are in person.)

A bit off topic... but J.Crew really likes their bright colors! Is it just me, or has there been a lot of bright yellows, oranges, orange-reds, fushias, and the like lately? ;)

What are your thoughts on the Babette jeweled feather peep toe flats? Do you love them or would you leave them? Have you tried these flats on (or seen them at the Collection store)? If so, what are your first hand impressions?

Love It Or Leave It: Bow Necklace Cardigan

Bow-necklace cardigan
Click here for product page
Item 10175
Regular: $110.00

When it comes to clothes, I am pretty "girly". I usually love it when the description of an item includes one or two of the following terms: ruffles, sparkles, sequins, glitter, bows, (and the like). ;)

However, this time... the bows on the Bow Necklace Cardigan are too much. From a distance, the cardigan looks okay. However, I can't say the same for the up-close image of this cardigan. I feel like someone at J.Crew got carried away applying bows on a normal cardigan. (The bows are all around the neckline- including the back-too!)

To be fair, I have not seen this cardigan in person. I also think this sweater would look adorable on a 6-year old girl. However, I just don't know if a professional woman can carry this look.

What are your thoughts on this cardigan? Do you love it or would you leave it? Do you think I am being overly critical on this cardigan? Do you own this cardigan (or have tried it on)? If so, what are your first-hand impressions (and would you recommend others to purchase it)?

Love It Or Leave It: Bouclé Mohair Lucille Jacket

Bouclé Mohair Lucille jacket
Click here for product page
Item 96407
Regular: $285.00

Namtaro actually suggested this particular jacket's for a "Questionable Item of the Week" post due to the colors this jacket is being offered in (which is orange and spicy mustard).

Namtaro mentioned: "the jacket is beautifully made – the construction and fabric are superb, and I love the collar, which is what attracted me to the jacket in the first place. However, the jacket is SO orange, it could be used to direct air traffic at Chicago O’Hare in thick fog! There is a mustard colour (which I don’t like and doesn’t like me back), which is unique and colourful but hard for many people to pull off."

I have to agree with Namtaro on both points: (1) that the jacket's cut, length, and fabric are quite beautiful- and I really love the foldover collar; and (2) the color choices are also very limiting. And because I really do love the style of the jacket so much, I just could not see it in a "Questionable Item of the Week" post. ;)

What I don't understand is why these beautiful coats are being restricted to some really selective colors. Why can it not also come in more neutral shades like black, white, tan, and navy? Even a dark red would be a beautiful choice for this coat. Although the orange and spicy mustard shades are lovely, they are also extremely difficult for many Aficionadas (including myself) to pull off. :)

What do you think of this coat? Do you love it or would you leave it? Do you like the jacket in either the orange or spicy mustard? Do you own this coat? If so, please let us know what you think?

Love It Or Leave It: Double-Serge Tuesday Trench

Double-serge Tuesday trench
Click here for product page
Item 95681
Regular: $275.00 Now: $199.99

So many Aficionadas have commented on this particular jacket and already purchased it (congrats to Weab, kitsmommy, and others!), that it definitely needed its own post! :)

I have to say that I do love it! I have seen the coat in stores and I really like the material (which is a "refined wool double-cloth from a 100-year-old Japanese mill"). I am always attracted to coats with belts as they are a great way to emphasize a slimmer waist. I also love the trench style with its large lapels. My only concern is I am not sure how well it would be at keeping me warm during the cold New England winters.

Although I have not personally tried on the jacket yet, some Aficionadas have mentioned that the coat may need to be sized down. Lindsey B. (in the "Darlings, is it time for a J.Crew coupon code?" post) mentioned the coat was "too big through the bust and under the arms" for her and "is really kind of baggy in the torso. In fact, in the Trench in size 0 the shoulders were too tight, yet the coat was just way too big still". Anonymous at 6:11 PM (in the same post) also agreed that one would need "to size down! Even the 0 seemed huge in the body, despite the waist-cinching tie".

What are your thoughts on the Double-Serge Tuesday Trench? Do you "love it" or would you "leave it"? Are you currently considering the coat now that it is on sale (with an additional 20% off)? If you already own this jacket, please let us know what you think (in terms of style, color, warmth, and sizing)?

Love It Or Leave It: Silvered-Tweed University Pant

Favorite-fit silvered-tweed university pant
Click here for product page
Item 97138
Regular: $298.00

The moment I saw these pants online at J.Crew's website, I just knew it was a "love it or leave it" kind of item. ;) As LeoGrl6787 mentioned in regards to these pants (in the "J.Crew Email: The Long Cardi" post), "Whoaaaa!"

First, I love love love the cut of the university pant. I just adore the style of the wide leg that really does give a "longer, leaner, taller silhouette". :)

So where do I think these pants went wrong? Mainly the "shimmering, fluid fabric" which is described as: "Made with extrafine metallic yarns, it moves like liquid silver and has an unusually soft, silky finish. Italian wool with a bit of giveand silvery Lurex metallic threads." Liquid silver? To be honest, I don't even know what that term means. ;) I feel like the materials of this pant would draw unnecessary attention to my bum (when viewed from behind). This is something I definitely would not want my pants to do.

Overall, I much prefer the Favorite-fit wool twill university pant (Item 96135; Regular $139.50). I guess I am just plain boring in that I like both the camel and heather charcoal version way more than the liquid silver one. ;)

What do you think of the Favorite-fit silvered-tweed university pant? Do you like them or would you leave them? Do you own these pants? If so, please let us know what you think! :)

Love It Or Leave It: Jersey-Knit Pant

Jersey-knit pant
Click here for product page
Item 97643
Regular: $98.00

Et tu, J.Crew? J.Crew has jumped on the super-tight pants bandwagon some more with this latest offering described has having "it all—a little stretch, a supersoft feel and a sleek silhouette". Let me start off by saying that I do think the material is fantastic ("midweight viscose/nylon with a hint of stretch") and like the "jodhpur yoke detail along inside knee".

However, I am not a fan of these pants. First, these pants are way too fitted for anyone who has some curves. And because I do have some curves, I would feel very uncomfortable wearing these pants without a super long shirt or a-line flowy dress (to cover my hips and bum). Also the exposed zipper in the back is not very attractive. I think that for the price of these pants, the zipper could be better concealed. :) Lastly, I am not a fan that these pants are "dry clean".

What do you think of these pants? Do you love them or would you leave them? How would you wear these pants? Do you own a pair of these pants? If so, please let us know what you think. :)