J. Crew Fitting Room Review: Stripes

This post is about a week old, but I believe J. Crew stores still have a 30% off sale promotion so the prices should be the same or lower.  I read on JCA that J. Crew is banning fitting room pics, but I'm wondering how they will enforce that.  Or more specifically, how strictly they'll be trying to enforce that.  Hmm, guess we'll see on my next visit.

I didn't even realize that I had an armful of stripes until the SA laid it out for me like this - stripeaholic indeed

Tortoise Button Sweatshirt in Stripe, XXS, $30, (sold out online)
Despite purchasing the red-white-blue sweater here and dress here (man alive, I've got a problem), I've still been keeping my eye out for a blue & red only striped combo.  This one fit the bill!  The word "sweatshirt" brings gray workout clothes to mind, but this one seems more like a sweater in a non-obvious sweatshirt-type material.  The result is a pretty and comfortable hybrid.  Love the colors!  The arms / shoulders / chest fit well without being too snug and the torso is loose for those big lunch / dinner days.
Verdict: This one is a keeper!

J. Crew City Mini, Sz 0, $15 in stores (buy here)
I LOVE the color of this skirt!  It matches my sweatshirt perfectly and the price is amazing, but I can't do the length.  I would prefer the length shown in the L photo (pulled way down my hips), but it wiggles back up to my waist as shown in the R photo.  I know the L length looks a bit frumpier, but it suits me and my lifestyle so much more.  The R length would just make me ultra self-conscious the whole time.  Aside from length, the skirt fits well since it has an elastic waistband.
Verdict: No, cute option, but too short for my taste

Rugby Stripe Boatneck Top, XXS, $14 (buy here)

I already have a black / white wide-striped sweater, but I was curious about the fit of this one and the price was awfully alluring.  This had semi-snug arms and an odd sleeve length - kind of in between 3/4 and full length.  I'm guessing it's just awkward because I have short arms.  Torso, as with other J. Crew garments, is a little loose.  Ultimately, I felt like the stripes were a bit too wide on this top.

Verdict: No, stripes are too wide for me

Diagonal Long Sleeve Sailor Top, XXS, $20 (?), sold out online

This looked gorgeous on the hanger, but I didn't like it as much when I put it on.  The way the mixed stripe panels fell made me think of a straitjacket (perhaps I've watch too much American Horror Story Asylum) and the torso was a bit too boxy for me.

Verdict: No

Stripe Hoodie, XXS, $20 (?), sold out online

This was comfortable and fit pretty well - slim, but not snug sleeves and a slight looseness in the torso.  I was drawn to the stripes on this, but came to my senses when I thought about how many similarly colored striped garments I had.  I also have a tendency to buy things that are wearable to work and this looked a little too casual.
Verdict: No

Weather was in the high 70s on this day!  Wearing my eShakti giveaway win from Vicky (thank you!!!) and "pretzeling" my belt the way Kileen taught us.

Warm weather dwellers - how do you dress?  Do you dress by season or by weather?  For example, is it a faux pas to wear spring / summer prints and sandals in the fall even if the weather is warm?

LOFT Inspired Bow & Rhinestone Sweater DIY Tutorial

I originally tried this on a few weeks ago and have still been thinking about it.  A clue to either buy it or DIY it.  I chose the cheaper route ;)

Inspiration and DIY'ed Version

LOFT Striped Bow Necklace 3/4 Sleeve Sweater (link)

I know I made the bow a little too big, but I'm hoping to also use this as a neck tie like this:

Asos top

Want to make one too?  See the full tutorial after the jump.