Friday, October 2, 2009

J Crew New Arrivals - Tops to Treasure

So I headed down to J Crack today at Tysons Galleria to do a return and sniff out a little something for a future giveaway...that you'll all have to wait to hear about, but I'm pretty excited. And I lucked into seeing a few new things. And THEN the lovely and adorable SA who was helping me offered to go grab a couple of new tees they had *just* gotten in. So pardon the quality of the photos - from my BlackBerry, which I clearly am not great at using - but I wanted to get these up asap.

First up - some new ruffly goodness. Viscose Layers Cupcake Top (#20061, $49.50) Well shoot, if you had told me "cupcake" was in the name, I would have grabbed it without even trying it on. For starters, let's just get this out of the way - CLEARLY this garments needs some steaming, or some ironing, or at least some Downy Wrinkle Reducer. But try to get past that for now... I think this is a cousin to the rolling ruffles tank, but for me, it's way better. I like the way the ruffles hit the shoulder, giving a bit more coverage there. The neckline is fab - nice and open, but not too low at all.
The top actually nips in at the empire waist (covered by the bust ruffle), so that gives the garment some more shape. So it's not at all boxy. I find the ruffles to be balanced, even though they're not symmetrical and they don't all go all the way around - but it just works.

I took an M. I am so sorry, but I don't have the full list of colors and they were towards the back of the store - from what I remember - this color (HNI - heather night?? no idea), a darker gray, maybe black, maybe cream, not sure about "real" colors. (they were toward the back and I was trying on in the front and then I got distracted by the cool new tees....)

My biggest concern with this is how it will lay under cardis. I would easily wear this with any pair of jeans, my Minnies (which I have on in the pic), and just about any pair of pants, really. I would like the flexibility to layer it under cardis, if it will lay correctly, so I need to play with that. But it would definitely work under something thicker or under an actual jacket.

The SAs styled it with a blush cashmere cardigan and then we added my pearls to a new necklace. Remember that cute daisy necklace in stores this summer - the daisies were white/cream enamel with black centers? This is the same, except it the daisies have a raised black stone center and the petals are like blush colored crystals (not sure of item number, but price is $65). I liked the blush/gray combo, but quite frankly it's just not for me...and I finally figured out what my "thing" is with pink - I just don't wear warm pinks. I love orange - true orange, and orange-reds. But peach, tea rose, blush...all those warm and/or fleshy pinks...they may look fine or even good on me, but I just don't love them...and so I just don't wear them. Cool pinks on the other hand, love those. Light petunia is a fave (even though I missed out on the Jackie in that color). Now that I have resolved that in my brain, I'm good. Thanks.

And, by the way, it's machine washable and tumble dry low - music to my ears!

Back to top...New tees. Literally while I was trying these 2 tees on, people purchased 4 of each as the SAs were bringing them out. So here are the pics, and if you love them, go get them. I'm still trying to decide...what to keep out of what's hanging in the closet....

On the left, above - Slub Printed Sequin Snowflake tee (#20501, $42.50). I'm sorry, how do you get snowflake out of this? But I swear, that's what is printed on the receipt, which, by the way, is where I pulled all of these names. There are more sequins than what appears in the pic - clear, iridescent sequins interspersed with the design, as well as stitching across portions of the design. The tee itself is IVO - ivory, I presume - and the print color is a dusty rose-tan color. I took an M (in pic), but the S wasn't really that much smaller. The L was much longer and only bigger about the waist - didn't feel much more generous around the shoulders or hips. This is probably the one I will take back, but want to give it full trial with current options in my wardrobe. Plus, even though it's really the same fit as the tee below, I feel like you see the pulling at my shoulders. One other point - the fabric at the crewneck has a raw edge where it's sewn to the crewneck itself. (there's got to be a work or phrase that I'm missing to make sense here, but you know what I mean, right?)

On the right, above - Slub Allover Beaded T (#20487, $52). Color is SHA (shadow). The design is mostly bugle beads with some round beads stitched across the garment. I'm hoping you can use your imagination to imagine how stunning this looks in person. It screams night out with the girls with fab jeans & heels. I love that there is enough of the design that you would see it even with a jacket or cardi on. I also love the neckline on this - it's a wide scoop. Not too low, but not as severe as a crewneck, so I think that adds to the specialness of the tee. I'm just trying to decide if I another dark gray "special" top from J Crew...but maybe the fact that I am so drawn to them tells me yes.

Two other tops to share. This one is just not that exciting...but check out that color!! It's the merino wool turtleneck (#18607, $68), but in the beautiful not-(yet)-online LBE (light begonia?) Remember the note above on cool pinks? Yeah, totally loving this. Didn't get it though...yet. BTW, trying on an M here. A bit sheer. Would not wear with jeans or dark bottoms without a cami underneath.
And here's my new navy stripe top. Tissue Stripe Flora Crew (#20019, $32.50) Now *this* is a navy striped tee - not that awful version I was trying to talk myself into last June. Simple, classic, basic, but fab. Pics of it here on jmpb, who I would like to thank for first telling me about it. Just make sure you try it on! I tried one on last time at another B&M in the gray and white and the side seam twisted all the way around to the middle of my thigh - not a good look at all. Other than that 1 bad apple, I think it's a great tee. Similar (and similarly flattering) neckline as the slub allover beaded tee above. I can't wait to wear this with my navy Atelier jacket and a pile of necklaces.

Now that we are done with tops, let's move to a quick but important note on bottoms:

MINNIE NEWS UPDATE - Minnies are now available in store in NAVY! (I tried them on...but didn't get, since I just got my black pair bringing my Minnie total to 2.) Check them out.
I know the pics aren't the greatest and for some reason, you can't always click to enlarge on my posts. If you are interested in seeing the full pic of any of these items, just leave me a comment and I'm happy to share.

41 comments:

A Bigger Closet said...

Thanks for posting these new arrival pics Heidi! I see potential in the ruffled top even though I have too many similar ones already. BTW, you look great in it, especially love it under the cardigan. And that striped tee is a must-have! Hope it shows up online as well.

I'm not sure about investing in more sequin tees this season if the trim is attached like on the sparkling rose tees. I'm finding sequins here and there around home - I think they're coming off my grey tee. Did you happen to notice whether the sequins are attached more securely on the new tees?

HeidiG said...

A Bigger Closet - I looked at the inside of the tees. They look like the usual hand stitching. Not shoddy, but not super-tight. I would think the beads on the dark tee would do better than the sequins, since they are lighter and seem to pop off a bit more easily. But I don't have the sparkling rose tee for comparison.

Unknown said...

Oh the ruffled top is so very pretty on you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting the pics, I agree the stripe tee looks like it is made for you.

I am just wondering what size did you take in the Cashmere cardi? I keep on looking at the sweater on-line even though I have said I would not buy another JC cashmere this one keeps catching my eye.

HeidiG said...

Stylestance - TY!

casual-crew - M in the cashmere cardi. and oh, it was so so so soft. probably a very good thing that it wasn't a "me" color. :)

Megan said...

oh Fun! That Viscose Layers Cupcake Top is to die for! I love it, but not sure if I can justify getting it since I do have the Rolling Ruffles and too many other ruffley things...but we'll see! :)

On another note - you look great! You seem to be getting smaller and smaller (if possible) - are you doing anything special??

Pamela said...

The cupcake top is soooo cute! I can't wait to see it IRL. It looked cute on you. Thanks for the sneak preview!

MMM said...

I love every single item! :-P I am a J.Crew tee addict so of course I LOVE those!! I also really like the Viscose Layers Cupcake Top- it looks fab on you!

Thanks for sharing these!! I think other stores get there new items in before my local b&m's do (or maybe they just put them out quicker!?)! Anyhow, I can't wait to check these out IRL so thanks for pointing them out! ;)

I agree w/ Chasing Davies that you just keep looking smaller and smaller- you must share your *secret*!

ashley said...

i popped by my local store and saw that shadow beaded tee! it looks cute from afar but i know that one small snag with the beads and BOOM all of them will fall off! plus, i wasn't ready to spend $50 on A TEE SHIRT!!! thanks for the posts! you look great btw!

jmpb said...

Thanks for the reviews and pics! You look great in everything, of course I'm partial to the stripe tee ;) so happy you were able to get one without a crazy seam! I'm trying to hold out but it looks so darn cute on you I may cave...

Also love the color of the merino turtleneck and the shadow beaded tee looks pretty, although I too am having problems with the sequins on the sparkling rose tee, so that's one I'll have think about.

Kathy said...

Thanks Heidi! Nice to see some new arrivals. You look positively tiny in these photos! Love the cupcake tank and the striped tee.

prince snow farm said...

I think we're all in agreement...you look lovely in all of these...and you are just withering away!Thanks for the fashion show.

txmom said...

Thanks you so much for trying on these tops! I really like the stripe tee. I will check out the new arrivals next week....when my new orders arrive and I have some returms to make....

Summerilla said...

Love Love Love everything! I want them all for myself now. Right Now! Too bad the stores are closed or maybe I'd run out there. Maybe I'll get to a store this weekend if I have a chance..... I wish I was back in DC so I could just run over to Tysons myself!!

Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

OMG, I love the Viscose Layers Cupcake Top. I wonder if it comes in the xxsmall. That would be great. I love it.
Your minnies look so cute, I wish they would work for me.

Drewablank said...

Thanks for sharing the pics and the info, Heidi! I am in love with that cupcake top! Definitely one to look forward to next time I'm in the store. ;)

Unfortunately, my drawers are cursing me with the number of shirts I have; so...backing down from the tees. :(

Thanks again, Heidi, and I do hope to see you soon!

GingerSnap said...

...ok, not that I need one more thing, but I really love that new ruffle cami! It looks so pretty and feminine! Love it!

Patina said...

heidi, thanks for posting pics. it's always so exciting to see some of the new rollouts. I love the cupcake top on you. i know i sound like a parrot but,you look gorgeous in EVERY pic!!!!! I say this every time, but I really think I'm ruffled and sequined tee-ed out, so I really hope next week's rollout will be more diverse.

Kathryn said...

Thanks for posting the new arrivals! Can't wait to see them! The "cupcake" top is so cute!!

Unknown said...

Oh how I wish we could click to see the larger pics. Oh well. This is a nice teaser. Thanks for the photos!

Melissa@AllThingsSimplified said...

Thanks for the pics Heidi...you look great in all of them! Can you please email me the pics of the snowflake and sequin tees? I would love to see them larger. Thanks!

FabulousFloridaMommy@cfl.rr.com

Have a great weekend! :)

Melissa@AllThingsSimplified said...

Forgot to subscribe. :)

Anonymous said...

I like the top outfit! very sassy! :)

Jayna Wallace said...

Thanks so much for posting the new arrivals pics! I can't wait to see what J.Crew has in store for fall/winter. That first top is just adorable on you!

LRA said...

Thanks,for doing this!! I get so excited to see new items, with IRL pics:) Love the "cupcake tank" like you said,just the name sells it. Not sure if i need another ruffle tank, but it is cute. Can't really see the tees close enough, but the darker one looks more appealing to me. Like everyone else said, you look fabulous in these pics!!

shopalot said...

You look great in everything! I just got back from the Crew -- purchased two of the same tops you got. Bought the cupcake top in champagne and the gray sparkly tee. LOVE! Rosa, I don't think you will need an xxsmall. I have that size in the brulee tank and the slub ruffle top but the XS fit perfectly in the new cupcake top. It looks kind of raggy on the hanger but perfection on the body.

HeidiG said...

Chasing Davies - it is hard to justify additional ruffles after a while, isn't it? Not doing anything special weight-wise, in fact, it's been pretty much the same number for a good month or so - just keeping up with where I've been the last 6 months or so - mindful eating, walking Lucy, but also - and this is important - trying to wear better fitted clothes and less baggy shirts. But my top exercise tip is to get a Labradoodle - you will need to walk them...a lot. :)

Pamela - you're welcome. I think you'll really like the cupcake!

MMM - TY! and no idea about who gets what when - I feel like I just stumbled in on the right day.

ashley - TY - and you are right about that shadow tee - I am really weighing whether or not to keep it, esp since I just got the lighter gray tissue beaded necklace tee, which was on sale for $30, and may be more versatile.

jmpb - well thank you for pointing me in the direction of the stripe tees! Not to be too much of an enabler, but I have to say the fit/weight/silhouette on that tee is one of the best of all the JC tees I've tried lately.

HeidiG said...

Kathy & monogramgirl - TY!

txmom - checking out new arrivals is always better when you are making returns - easier to justify!

Summerilla - haha, bet you do! Wish you were here to shop, too.

Rosa - I wish the Minnies would work for you too! Such a bummer. No idea on the sizing of the top - I really should have explored them a bit more after trying on, but I was running into a time crunch.

Drewablank - my closet shelves are cursing at me about tees & sweaters, so I really need to do another clean-out and be more focused on the right purchases - which is why I definitely won't be keeping all of these tops.

GingerSnap - um, which of any of us need another pretty top? but they are so so pretty....

Patina - TY! I am not as ruffled out since I didn't get the rolling ruffles tank - but if I had that, I don't think I would be as excited about the cupcake. I am very curious to see the rest of the roll out, too.

Kathryn - you're welcome - enjoy!

gigiofca - I emailed you the collage pics so you can enlarge - let me know if you want to see any of the individual pics.

FFM - TY! and glad you got the email!

Lissa & RatsOnParade - TY!

mrsanketell - if you would like me to email the pics, I am happy to - just send me a message on PV with your email. and TY!

shopalot - excellent point about the cupcake on the hanger vs on the body - it really does look so much better on the body than on the hanger. TY & I'm glad you got your tops - enjoy!

Slastena said...

I loved all things you have tried. I would have bought them on the spot, he, he!Thank yous o much fro posting, I haven't been to the store since our last outing!

CECE said...

Heidi: Hello! I havent visited your blog in a while and I was pleasantly surprised to see the new haircut and physique=) Have you been working out and holding out on slimming secrets from me??? LOL You look great!!! Just wanted to say that dear =) Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

That cupcake top is just stunning on you! But you are stunning in most things :)

sarahendipity said...

I love your blog and your IRL pics are always so helpful. I really want to check out that cupcake top~ too bad my B&M is an hour away. You look fabulous in everything and I have to add that every time I see your IRL pics I always think that you resemble Jennifer Garner. :)

dinagideon said...

Can I just say you look TINY? I mean, girl, you are about to waste away...I need to get together with you and go get some yum-tastic VA BBQ!!!

I love all your picks. I look forward to seeing them for myself sometime in the near future (but seeing that the only time I can spare to make comments is when I am SUBBING probably speaks to my actual availability)...

:) See you soon...

ccbmum said...

thank you for posting these pics! you look fabulous in everything. :) i can't wait to check out the new stuff in person!

AppGal said...

Thanks so much for the pics! When I first heard the name of the "snowflake" tee I got so excited...I missed out on the beautiful snowflake tee from last year. But um...you're right. Nothing really snowflake-y about that tee. Too bad. You look great in your pictures!

Zoë Moët said...

Heidi, first of all, you look fabulous! Is that a dark plum/raisin lipstick you are wearing in the pics? Sorry I've been so negligent...but I'm back, I promise!

Second, that ruffle cupcake top looks gorgeous on you! You could totally put a blazer/jacket over it...or even a very thin tissue long-sleeved top underneath?? Maybe a tissue turtleneck in a contrasting color?? Am I crazy?!

MCC said...

I caved and bought the minnies in navy, bringing my total to 3. It's an addiction! Great pics, H!

HeidiG said...

Slastena - glad you enjoyed the pics!

CECE - TY! no secrets - just mindful eating and puppy walking.

goldenmeans - TY! so kind of you!

Bisou - TY and I love Jennifer Garner! and yeah, I think the cupcake is worth the drive. :)

dina - TY! See you in November? hehehe. This was not as much fun as my last trip with you, but it was productive. Speaking of which, new thought for Bro - crewlet tees - he can't object to the price and I think they are pretty good (got hubby 1 and plan to get more next time I'm there).

ccbmum - TY, hope you enjoy checking it out IRL!

AppGal - so glad someone else appreciates the misnomer!

Zoe Moet - so glad you are back! yes, lippie is BB Lip Sheer in Plum - which I just found out is discontinued, so I'm off to find a replacement this week (it was my fave for fall/winter). Love the layering ideas with the cupcake - will have to try them out.

MCC - TY. Enjoy those Minnies. Wonder when I'll give in, too...

post-fab princess said...

The cupcake top is adorable!! And a nifty price to boot. Methinks it shall me mine...

Meredith said...

i bought the cupcake top in the dark slate! very comfy and I'm glad I waited it out without getting any of the other ruffle layer tops. The collar reminds me of that jersey empire waist dress - love it! the colors I've seen if anyone hasn't visited the B&M:
-cream
-pewter
-heather grey
-slate

HeidiG said...

PFP - it should be yours...you deserve it!

jcbellemarie - thanks so much for posting the correct colors instead of my wild guess. wish all of them were online, but I think that's the new JC trend - select colors online only. Stinky for those who Polyvore.