..with this jacket from J.Crew’s Spring 09 line. The Keegan coat is a shortish double-breasted trench with removable ruffle collar. According to my local store associate, the Keegan will not be out until March. However, many readers report seeing the jacket in stores this week.
I am very eager to see it in real life and find out whether the fit is for me. I’m a little worried about boxiness.
What do you think of the Keegan jacket? Have any other J.Crew spring items pique your interest yet?
As noted earlier, I can’t wait to get Spring shopping. However, it is still bloody cold out! So, to help justify a couple new goodies, I’ve put together Polyvore sets for items that will pull double duty.
I won’t be indulging in any real warm weather items like shorts and sandals until I’m sure it is done snowing lol. I hope that what I want will still be in stock by then!
Will you be looking for transition pieces or do you plan to hold off shopping until the weather turns?
Do you think the Spring items you want will still be available or will we see major inventory cut backs from J.Crew?
Now & Later -Cotton v-neck by shannee
I ordered the Henley v-neck sweater in Putty. The color is pretty accurately depicted online as a yellowed pale brown. It is a shade darker than the Champagne ringspun tees. I do not dislike the Putty but it doesn’t do me any favors. I think I am better off with more depth of color or a pink base.
The sweater is 100% cotton in a 14 gauge knit. The material is thin and in the Putty, semi-sheer. The cotton is soft, not itchy, and does not look like a knit that will pill. It is definitely a Spring or layering weight.
In my opinion, the Henley v-neck runs a size big. I ordered my usual extra small. I liked the fit in the arms and shoulders but the chest and waist had a relaxed fit. It verges on baggy in the waist. What bothers me more than the slouchy fit is the length. This sweater is very long on me. When pulled down all the way, it hits below my butt. I think I am a little short in the waist though. If you are tall and/or long waisted, you may like the additional length. My only hesitation in recommending sizing down on this sweater is, if you have a large chest the buttons may pull and gape in a smaller size.
Speaking of buttons, the top two buttons on this sweater are basically for looks. I was thinking, one could be fastened for more coverage but when I tried it the neckline pulled in a weird way and it did not lay flat.
Overall not a bad sweater, I do like the buttons and I think the neckline is flattering. However, since it is roomy in the waist and very long, there is just too much fabric around the hips and waist for me. I think I am going to exchange it for the cotton v-neck sweater in Jasmine.
Retail Description:An incredibly soft, light, four-season layering piece. Our henley has a flatteringly deep V-neck. Cotton in a 14-gauge knit. Fitted. Rib trim at neck, cuffs and hem. Long sleeves. Hits at hip. Import. Machine wash. Catalog/jcrew.com only. $68.00
Sizing: TTS- slouchy, long; SD-fitted
Overall: **
The material is 100% black silk with velvet polka dots. This skirt is fully lined and zips at the back. Because of the material and snug fit it does tend to move around a bit, sometimes bunching at the hips. It’s so pretty though, I don’t mind adjusting every once awhile.
The Duchess was a gift from my dh, so I never really read the description closely. I’ll admit, I tend to just look at the pictures when shopping lol. I was surprised when it arrived to see it had pockets, each accented with a ruffle. I love ruffles, so this girly touch does not go unappreciated. However, if you don’t want to draw extra attention to your hips, pockets and ruffles may not be for you.
On me, I found this skirt looks best with a simple tee or sweater tucked in tightly. I do not have a long enough waist or a short enough cardigan to pull off the look shown on the model. It’s a shame because I have that very cardigan. But the argyle cardi hits me below the natural waist which covers up the nice curve definition the Duchess-dots skirt gives.
Retail Description:A perfectly pretty polka-dot pattern makes this skirt a sight to behold. We kept things understated yet elegant, with a flattering pencil shape in pure silk and adorned it with velvet black dots. Sits higher on waist. Slant pockets in front with ruffle details. Back zip. Back vent. Fully lined. 24 1/2″ long. Import. Dry clean. Available in select stores. $168.00
Sizing: TTS
Overall: ****
