Back to School Shopping

Burberry Brit Checked Shirt Dress; Burberry Brit Theola (the one I bought is Navy)

For the first time ever, or at least since I have been school-aged, there are no "students" living in my household. Chris and I are both post-doc and Emilia is just a toddler. So unless we decide to enroll Speck in clown college, I have no legitimate reason for back-to-school shopping. But old habits die hard and I am a professor confronting the start of yet another new term.

Tory Burch Blythe Shirt Dress (on sale!)

Septembers are hectic, stressful months for everyone involved in education and it really helps to have a carrot or two that motivates a gal out of summer (writing) mode and into on-campus teaching mode. Accordingly, I decided to take a few of my final vacation days to shop. Everyone wound up with some new duds as a result.

Marimekko pieces (inc. this dress) for Emilia that I wish existed in my size!

Most of our family finds came from the Sawgrass Mills outlet mall in Florida and the Tanger Outlets in Washington, PA. All of the selections for me were at least 80% off! And many of Emilia's items were gifts from her Grammy and Grandma. As much as I enjoy my existing closet staples, it is always fun to find new things to wear to work/school!

Some Kate Spade Dress Reviews

Although I don't live very far away from a Kate Spade retail store, I never get to try on all the dresses that tempt me. My store just doesn't carry a lot of clothing. And I don't frequent the fancy suburban mall that houses this store unless I have an explicit reason (for example, if I need to buy a registry gift before attending a friend's wedding). It's difficult to find good deals on this brand and with such sky high prices (even on sale), my budget doesn't leave a lot of room for ebay error.

I've come to rely on blogger fit reviews (from Anjali or Carol, for example) to inform my online sale purchases. And because I am grateful for the info they've shared (and because I've received a few emails with questions about fit for this brand), I decided it could be helpful to share my own. Recently I visited a KS outlet that had tons of clothing (discounted an additional 50% from the lowest price). I also snagged a few dresses for good prices on the Bloomingdales website.

This Candy Shop Jeanette dress was the centerpiece of the Spring 2011 advertising campaign.

Candy Shop Jeanette (sold out online)

See the Jeanette in other colorways here and here.

Although it was pretty bright, I thought the colors were fun and imagined wearing it to summery events or (because of the rainbow palette) during GLBT pride week. I ordered a 10 because that was the last size remaining (knowing that the two KS shirtdresses I own, named Calista and Violetta are both 8s). The Jeanette runs similarly to the Calista and the Violetta. An 8 would have been a good fit. The 10 was too large in the shoulders and torso. It was also a bit too long. I could have altered it but I didn't envision wearing something this bright frequently enough to make it worth the extra cash. The silk is of a very high quality. The buttons are shiny and gold. The dress is fully lined with pockets, a side zip, and a pink patent belt. It is currently available in the outlet stores for around what I paid on sale at Bloomingdales. I am not sure if the outlets will ship but the Rehoboth Tanger had every size except 8 as of last week. Oh well!

Kate Spade Jillian (lol at photo blurriness on the right but whatever)

Other Jillian styles: floral, black, and striped.

This Jillian dress is released regularly in different colors and prints. I ordered a 10 again (because that was what was available) and found it to be too large in the bodice, waist, and length. There were no Jillians in the outlet I visited. But the dress has a back zip, front pleating that is pocket-like, a full lining, and a pretty bow detail at the waist.

Kate Spade Calista and Violetta

Above are the Calista and the Violetta in size 8. The Calista has shorter sleeves, buttons all the way down the front (eliminating the need for a side zip), and includes carefully pleated ruffles that trim the button placket. It is unlined and made of a thicker silk jersey (almost like a DVF) that offers a bit of stretch. It comes with a matching fabric belt. The Violetta is a thinner but substantive silk fabric with a side zip, puffed sleeves, side pockets, a ruffled placket, and buttons to the waist. It should come with a patent belt.

 Kate Spade Nellie and Natalia

In my experience, the Nellie is very similar to the Violetta in terms of fit except the sleeve holes are a bit smaller/more snug. For both of these styles the button placket features a ruffle (slightly more exaggerated with the Nellie) and stops at the waist. They also both have pockets, side zips, and should come with belts. They are both unlined silk. The Natalia is another dress released regularly in various prints. My polka dot version is fully lined. I am wearing a size 8 but the hips are narrower than the shirt dress styles and narrower than the Jillian. The bust has plenty of room. There are pockets, a side zip, and a belt.

Overall, the sizing for this brand is generous and similar to many Anthro lines or Marc by Marc Jacobs. Like anthro or mbmj, a straighter cut skirt or dress requires me to size up due to my hips. I hope this helps you find good deals on a cute brand that can be annoyingly expensive!

Live Colorfully; Live Brasilian

Make up pouches by Kate Spade (thank you, outlet sales!)

Praia Ipanema Kanga from Brazil

During my time visiting the Delaware shore, I also managed to hit up some outlets, which are right along the coastal highway. When I returned home, I noticed that my new make up bag purchases comprise the colors of my favorite Brazilian kanga. This was not on purpose. It just sort of happened. But I love the colors. Live colorfully, indeed. :)

Maine-ly abstaining from shopping

I was in Maine for the last 10 days or so (if you count the time spent driving) and as much as I enjoyed it, I am really glad to be home. I will write about the trip later on but one of the things I got to do en route was stop by the renown Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets in New York. It made a logical halfway point for a break in the drive and I was eager to visit a place I had heard about for so long. Although the store selection was overwhelming, I had limited time and was traveling with Chris and Speck, the dog. For this reason I chose the stores I wanted to visit carefully and browsed swiftly. I was able to visit Chloé, Balenciaga, Barneys, Off Fifth, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Kate Spade. If I had unlimited time, I would have also gone into Prada, Burberry, and Tory Burch.

I was surprised by how dog friendly most of the stores were! Speck accompanied us into Barneys, Off Fifth, and Kate Spade. In Barneys they even gave her a bowl with fresh water! I didn't buy anything except for some road snacks from Off Fifth (thanks to the Mystery Money promo, they were basically free). I did see a dress I've coveted for a while in the Chloé outlet, but even the outlet discounts were too spendy for my budget.

Maine itself was kind of a clothes shopping desert, save for Portland in which cute stores abound but I didn't shop... even the outlets in Freeport where the L.L. Bean flagship store is located had nothing I wanted. I did buy plenty of food, though. Ice cream, lobster, farm fresh cheeses and produce, etc. I didn't succumb to vacation goggles OR outlet goggles. Both can skew tastes with the lure of the novel. I did buy some things at the New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlet. But libations are different. :)

Off Fifth Saks Outlet testing the waters for an online retail sale website?

Today I received an email request to take a survey from Off Fifth. As a communication scholar with interests in advertising strategies, consumer history, and quantitative research methods, I often accept these requests because they offer insight into marketing decisions and brand developments. From this specific survey it became clear that Saks was conducting research to determine the viability of an online component to their Off Fifth outlet stores. Because Nordstrom Rack and Neiman Marcus Last Call already have outlet retail websites, I'm surprised it took Saks this long!

Mystery Money OOTD and how I'm curbing my consumption

Nanette Lepore You'll Be Mine dress

Forever 21 belt

Coach sequined captoe flats

Michael Kors Calista hobo

Earlier this week I decided to venture to the Tanger Outlets in Washington, PA because Chris and I had Mystery Money coupons from Off Fifth. I figured that even in the worst case of us both only getting $10, $20 off any two purchases would make it worthwhile. We indeed got the smallest mystery amount but everything in the store that is not on clearance is an additional 25% off. And the clearance selection is pretty decent. I personally didn't like the fit of anything I tried. But I spotted some cute things.

For example, you can get a DVF wrap dress for around $60 after the clearance discount (plus mystery money can bring down the price further). I saw a few Nanette Lepore dresses, some Tibi tops, and some MBMJ dresses that would have been around $40 or less.

Normally this would have meant I walked out with major clothing haulage. But I am trying, after years of sale-goggle purchasing to only buy stuff that I love and that fills a gap in my wardrobe. This process of consumption curbing is partially inspired by what I've been reading on the fantastic blog, The Year of Nothing New. It is written by another Anthro and DVF lover who is managing her enthusiasm for shopping with a year of abstinence.

Although I am not personally abstaining, it is inspiring to read her blog along with all the participants in Kim from Anthroholic's Shopping Ban/Shop Your Closet Challenge. With my coupon I did end up buying a set of Nambe crystal bud vases for the house.

I have bad luck with glass vases and seem to break anything that isn't very sturdy. So I consider this purchase to be a good one since this crystal set was on major clearance. I also find it to be very pretty, like most Nambe pieces. Because I walked out of there without any new clothing or accessories I felt pretty victorious. Chris got two packs of cookies than ran him .50 after the coupon!

Soon after, Chris was driving in Squirrel Hill and the car overheated. Long story short, a week after I spent a small fortune on car repairs, the car is back in the shop. And I am glad I have been curbing my consumption because that means I have more emergency funds and more savings. But still. :(

So much for couches and cameras until we figure out what is wrong and how expensive the repair will be!

J. Crew Factory Store Opening!

Good news for Pittsburghers and Southwestern PA shoppers! The Washington PA Tanger Outlet will be opening a J. Crew Factory Store this month. It was the one last store that Grove City had that made me envious. But now we'll have our own! Granted, it is still about an hour from my Bloomfield home, but I head in that direction more often to visit family than I ever head north. If you go between opening day on May 17th and May 29th, you can print out this coupon for 20% off. Please let me know if the coupon doesn't work for some reason! I can forward the email I received to all interested parties. :)

Weekend Shopping Outfit

Alma Mater jacket from Anthro

J. Crew silk top (in cotton here)

Juicy Couture bow skirt (similar here and here)

Hue tights

Aquatalia suede boots (current season version here)

Balenciaga bag (similar here and here)

Recently, I got a postcard alerting me of a clearance sale at the Washington, PA Off Fifth. I realize that outlets essentially are perpetual clearance sales, but I was still interested in visiting. I knew that my friend Sarah purchased very cool Comme des Garcons clogs at her local store not long ago. I wanted to see if we got anything interesting. Thankfully Chris and few friends wanted to check out the Men's suit sale so we packed into the car and headed south. Although they found no suits, Chris scored a nice pair of James Perse pants and I found a silk DVF top for $17!

There were a lot of other clearance tops from MBMJ, Milly, and Theory, and a few clearance dresses by Tibi. They did have CdG clogs (not on clearance) in white and green but I couldn't figure out my size and none seemed to be the right fit. There were a few pairs of Miu Miu Jewel flats (also not on clearance) in larger sizes. I stopped short of buying anything that wasn't a perfect fit (sale goggles and what not). But it is definitely worth the trip if you are looking for an occasion dress. There were a number of gorgeous options (particularly if you are a smaller dress size) from Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, YSL, and Moschino. Prices were still kind of high but all were an additional 50% off.

A Weekend Road Trip

(photo from replacements.com)

Three states. One day. Many goals. Last weekend Chris and I were invited to accompany our friends Elaina and Adam to the Homer Laughlin China Company outlet in Newell, West Virginia, where the company factory is also located. Homer Laughlin China manufacturers the iconic and vibrantly colorful Fiesta dinnerware.

We decided to take the scenic route and stop at a number of SWPA's exurban treasures. En route, we stopped at Kretchmar's Bakery in Beaver County.

The strip on which the bakery is located has so many adorable little shops! We couldn't resist posing with this life sized playmobil buddy waiting to greet visitors to a cute little shop called Castle Toys and Games.

Along the Ohio River we passed a massive nuclear power plant.

Just as soon as crossed state lines to arrive in Ohio, we were crossing another bridge to wind up in West Virgina. Once we got there, it was hot but the view along the river was pretty beautiful.

We were greeted by a Fiestaware Garden:

And before we left, we snapped some photos of the incredible mountain of unusable Fiestaware across from the factory.

I am pretty sure they grind this stuff up and reuse it which is why it is so carefully organized by color. We noticed that a lot of the pieces seemed to be pretty in tact from the vantage point of the fence (which I imagine is there to prevent people from rummaging).

We all scored a few exciting pieces and didn't miss out on the chance to snag some mysterious grab bag items on our way out. You can read about Elaina's earlier trip to the outlet which includes photos of outlet finds and delicious donuts, here.

Moschino wasn't all I tried on: Fitting Room Reviews Off Fifth

Tahari Dress, size 6. Similar here. Pretty snug so I would say this runs tts. I should have grabbed an 8 and wouldn't purchase the 6 cause of snugness. I very much liked the skirt's pleating but I wasn't thrilled with the outlet price.

 Ali Ro printed silk dress. Size 10 (left) too big. Size 8 (right) too short. Feeling like goldilocks again... But I loved the print.

Strange flapper esque dress and printed top, both by Nanette Lepore. Size 10. Both it TTS and did my shape no favors.

Tibi cocktail dress in royal blue. Silk, size 10, fit on the small side of TTS. This dress was lovely in theory but the little sleeve was too noncommittal as a sleeve for me to like it. 

Cotton Marc by Marc Jacobs dress was way overpriced for what it was, but this is a size medium and ran a little big.

The only thing I bought. This recycled/organic cotton dress with rosette trim was $35 after a coupon. It has nice pockets and it ran true to size. This a medium. The brand is called Threads 4 Thought.

Moschino Cheap and Chic Ruffle Trench Coat

Way too small but the only one in the entire store. Size 4 and still too expensive but too beautiful not to try on just for fun.

Not to be Rachel Zoe but I DIE.

Here Chris and I are, pretending our last name is Rockefeller at the outlet. He is wearing some impossibly expensive suit jacket by a brand I never heard of cause I don't know a lot of men's designers.

BTW, there is a giveaway over at You, Me, and Anthropologie. Check it out here!

Off Fifth Review: What I Bought

We arrived a little late but my friend Erin was one of the first ones in and reported that at opening, there were Chanel bags and $70-some dollar pairs of Louboutins. By the time I got there, the store was bustling with people, even though the parking lot didn't make it seem busy. I went right to clothes and found the things I blogged below to try on. After that I looked at the shoes that were in a clearance type section (but weren't an additional 40% off, sadly). They had tons of bufalo cabachon miu miu flats in all colors but for more than double what I've seen them go for on ebay. They had a few pairs of chanel pumps with pointy toes in small sizes and for high prices. And no cheap Loubs to be found. I guess those were snatched up early.

I did find a few pairs of Ferragamo flats, including Varinas. These run small and narrow on my feet so I was unable to squeeze into the orange size 7s. But I did get them in blood red.

After coupons they ended up being about 75% off.

I noticed there was no women's intimates section. But the sunglasses selection was humongous. They also had an ample portion of the store dedicated to fine jewelry and watches. While I was in line to pay, I noticed a woman who hadn't passed over the large bag section. She was buying a Chloé Paraty in size medium for over 65% off retail after coupons. Although that was still too rich for my blood, she found a bargain on this very coveted bag.

The men's section was impressive and they carried contemporary and high end brands you would be unlikely to find in the downtown Saks store. Overall, I thought the store was a great addition to the shopping landscape in the tri-county area. The workers seemed only slightly overwhelmed for an opening day. The service I received was courteous and attentive. And when I got home I found a 30% off one item coupon in my mail, so I guess I will have an excuse to go back in a few weeks to see what is new. I just hope this Off Fifth doesn't become a carrot to soften the blow of the company deciding to close our downtown department store. At least for now it seems like the downtown store is safe.

Fitting Room Reviews from Off Fifth Pittsburgh

I'll be back later today or tomorrow with a full review of the store, but for now I wanted to share some of the things I tried on.  Although I wasn't in the market for dresses, I couldn't resist grabbing a few to try on, so I could check out the facilities and dressing room situation at the new store. Things were busy, especially for the middle of the afternoon on a weekday! But more on that later. I was put in the larger, disability-accessible room and felt guilty for how much I appreciated the extra space! I went back later and was put into a perfectly sized regular room so it is good to know all the rooms are well lit, with plenty of space to back up and take in what a piece of clothing looks like on you.

This adorable, springlike, ruffley tiered, Marc by Marc Jacobs cotton dress (available in two colorways) was priced at $160-something, so after coupons it would have been closer to $100 but still more than that. This is an 8 which was surprisingly narrow in the hips. It reminded me a little of the Akebia dress by Moulinette Souers from Anthropologie.

This blousey, drapey, printed silk dress by Rebecca Taylor (similar here) was so cool looking on the hanger but didn't translate to my body. I grabbed a size 8 but needed a 10 so the pockets would sit flat. They had no 10 which is fine because it was priced around $150, I think. 

Apologies for the blurry photo. This purple, beaded Catherine Malandrino shift (similar here and here) was a size 8 and gorgeous on the hanger. The proportions were not cut right for my own body but it would make a great party dress! It was the priciest thing I tried on but the beadwork was really something.

I loved this ruffled wrap dress with a graphic print by Ali Ro (similar here). I took a size 10 but the length, combined with the subtly scalloped petals of the wrap at the hemline, combined with the knowledge of my luck in windy conditions were enough to scare me out of buying it. I don't recall the price but think I worked out the math to have it be around $100 or below with coupons.

The store had a ton of Tibi, a decent amount of MBMJ, no Nanette Lepore, only the disappointing leftovers of recent DVF collections, and a great cocktail dress selection. I know we are past prom season but I would have gone here for a kicky knee length formal dress in a heartbeat, were I of age to need one. More about shoes, men's, bags, and accessories in a bit.