J Crew and Anthropologie Fitting Room Reviews-New Arrivals (mid-April 2013)

Hi all!

On Tuesday I was finally able to make it down to the mall to make some returns at Anthropologie.  While I was there I was hoping to try a few things on, especially the Bottlegreen dress that I was thinking might be a great option to wear to my little brother's wedding next month.  Luckily they had it in stock so I grabbed it, along with a few other items and headed back to the fitting room.  Here's a few reviews for you:

Katrine Peplum Top-red motif

I tried this on in a size small and it fit ok, but the back, near the zipper was a little roomy.  The arm holes on this top were also very big.   REALLY big.   I'd like to try it on in an XS just to compare.  I would always have to wear something underneath or a cardi over it to keep covered up in that area with a small.  I did like the length of the size small a lot though...it felt perfect.  The lace is really pretty but super delicate which I worry about.  My store only had the top in this red color...I'd love to see the other options in person to see what they look like.  I'm wish listing this one for now and will think it over after trying on an XS.

Twisted & Pleated Tee

(I spy my little shopping buddy in the background waiting patiently to leave...lol)

I've always wanted a great white t-shirt...one that doesn't have the normal crew neck or v-neck, but that also didn't have too big of a round scoop neck.  Is that really asking too much?  It was until now!  I tried this cute top on in a size XS and it worked great.  It is by no means fitted, but the back has a detail to pull in the fabric, keeping it from looking like a tent and giving it shape.  I love that it has a high-low bottom, giving it great dimension.  It looks cute both alone and layered with a cardigan...see below:

The one down side to this tee is that it is slightly see-through so I plan to wear a cami underneath it for extra coverage.   Honestly though, I have yet to find a white tee that's not a bit see-through.  I really don't know if they exist!  So I'm willing to look past that slight issue and make it work.  This cute tee came home with me and I'd love to add a few more colors to my closet once they hit sale.  Wish listed!

Bottlegreen Dress and Aquascope Cardigan

I tried this dress on in a size 2 and it fit like a glove.  It's a beautiful minty-turquoise color, perfect for spring and summer.  I was hoping this dress would be knee-length on me and it was!  Score!  I did fill out the top of the dress completely (and I don't have much going on up top) so if you're quite blessed up there you may need to size up.  There isn't a ton of give in the fabric of this dress and it's pretty form fitted through the top.   Overall I loved everything about this dress and I decided it was perfect for the wedding next month.  When I tried the dress on I just threw on this cardigan over it to cover up, but when I walked out to look in the mirror the SA in the dressing room commented how much she liked the combination of the dress and cardigan together.  Lucky for me, these are the exact colors my sis-in-law to-be chose as her wedding colors (turquoise/mint/navy) so it must have been fate.  I tried the cardigan on in an X-Small and the fit was right on.  I take X-Small's in all Tabitha cardigans so it runs true to size for the brand.  The colors are bold and striking and the print is unique.  Definitely a fun cardigan to add to my collection.  Both the cardi and dress came home with me and I have tentative plans to style them like this for the wedding next month:

Bottlegreen Dress/ Aquascope Cardi/ Candy Cluster Pendant Necklace by jennifoundinmycloset featuring high heel wedge sandals

And just for fun, here's what my three boys will be wearing...sticking to the same color palette (the tie is navy):

Now to find something for my husband...

After my stop at Anthropologie I had a little time to kill before I had to head home so I headed over to J Crew.  I knew some new arrivals were due to arrive in-store this week and was so excited to see my store had already received some of them!  I only grabbed a few things to take in the dressing room due to time constraints...the items that grabbed my attention the most were these:

Merino Tippi Sweater in Graphic Floral

I tried this on in both an X-Small and a Small and found the X-Small to be the best fit (pictured above).  I absolutely fell in love with this sweater the minute I put it on!  The background color is like a heathered light blue and that paired with the coral and mint flowers is perfection.  Such a pretty color combination!  I also happened to love it with the necklace I was wearing that day so that helped talk me into it.  =)   The sweater is lightweight but not see through at all--perfect for Spring.  I plan to wear this with jeans and skirts...it's perfect to dress up or down.  I highly recommend this one!!

Swoop Top in Punk Floral

The print of this top is one of the key prints in the newest release...it came in this short-sleeve blouse, a button down shirt, a skirt, pants, swimwear, a collection sweater, dress and a scarf.  I LOVE the print so naturally I gravitated to the blouse.  I tried it on in a size 0 and a size 2 and found the size 2 to be the better fit.  The size 0 was WAY too short on my long torso.  The size 2 is pictured above.  I have mixed feelings about this top as it didn't fit me fabulously.  The neckline is really high, and the back (which I forgot to snap a picture of) has an opening at the top and a deep criss-cross seam which makes it difficult to feel covered up.  I would wear a cami with this top if purchased.  Overall I loved the print, and the idea of it, but I'm just not sure it was executed the best it could have been.  For now I'll pass but may keep an eye on it for a killer sale in the future.  I do however love the scarf in the same print and wouldn't mind adding that to my closet at some point! =)

I also loved the No 2 Pencil Skirt in Navy-White Stripe but didn't get the chance to try it. I grabbed it online yesterday with the sale and free shipping promo so crossing my fingers it works!

Have you popped into an Anthropologie or J Crew lately?  Have you picked up any of the newest releases from either store?  What do you have your eye on?  I'd love to hear!

Have a great day!