Raising the bar

I just received an e-mail, and idly glanced at the Banana Republic website.  I have been keeping my eye out for their  Trench Coat, especially because it received such high marks from AJC.

Banana Republic Sale Trench

 I always appreciated the review section on their website and on the Brooks Brother's website.  Even though I have access to many B&M stores, I always find the fit comparisons to be very useful.  (Sometimes it is nice to see that I was not the only one who could not zipper a skirt in my usual size!)

Brooks Brother's Sale trench

 I was DELIGHTED to see that Banana Republic has  a new feature- a "Find it from a local store" window. That is such a considerate time saving device.  And- the item that I was looking for was on sale and had an additional 30% off, so it was not a feature reserved just for full price items.  Absolutely wonderful.  I checked the site, and the GAP now has the same feature but, Old Navy does not. It does say BETA on the form, so it may just be a trial.  I give it very high marks!

J CREW Collection Icon trench

 J Crew- Why is there such a shroud of secrecy surrounding your inventory?  User friendly websites will enhance your business.  You have some great things to offer.  Now show us what you have.  From the comfort of our homes.
As it happens, the coat is not available anywhere particularly close.  If I were so motivated, I am certain I could call and put it on hold and drive a little out of my way to look at the size.  I am not going to do that, but I am so happy about the website addition, I can promise that I will visit their site more often.  And, isn't that what internet shopping(or window shopping!) is all about?
( I wear my trench more in the Fall than in the Spring, and mine is on its way out...)

Have you seen the new BR site?
What do you think? I'd love to hear!

Spring 2013 J Crew

Lovely colors

 I know that this post is a couple of days late, but a recent visit to the store made me wonder how I could buy now with an eye to the future. I love when I can get multi season wear from my clothes and accessories. It is pretty difficult to think ahead to Spring 2013, but J Crew had their show in NYC and this is the STYLE.com link. 
Some of my picks are:

Awesome pants

I love the lace detail!

SO pretty

Presumably the retail version will not have quite as large a slit!.  Very Lilly.

Great shoes

I just  don't understand the appeal of a"Mullet" hem, although I love the color.

The silk prints were pretty, but will probably be priced on the same astral plane as the photo prints this season.  I am  somewhat surprised that there are so many shiny metallic pieces. 
What  do you think about the Spring 2013 collection?  Or, Like me, do you just want to look ahead to Fall/Winter, and not even give these clothes more than a passing glimpse? I would love to know...

US Tennis Open, and a Schoolboy Blazer sighting

Andy Murray wins the 2012 Men's US Open

I was  fortunate enough to be asked to accompany a family member to the Men's Final game of the  
US Tennis Open in NY tonight. She had  amazing tickets for box seats-not my usual milieu ! The tennis was fabulous.  The players, Andy Murray of Great Britain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia seemed so evenly matched that the sets went on forever- almost 5 hours!  ( Andy Murray won in the last set, becoming the first British player to win a Grand Slam Tournament since 1936.)

Villa Dress

Tory Burch Romy

I wore my trusty *Villa dress with a brown woven belt, and my go to old Tory Burch Romy flats- worn in anticipation of much walking.

Baby Cable Cardigan

 I also wore a cardigan from Talbots bought on super clearance. ( Mine is blue, although I love the pink!) Good thing too, as it became so cool and windy when the sun disappeared behind the stadium.

Classic Merino Long Cardigan

I popped an extra  Long Merino Cardigan in my handbag before I left the house, and wound up lending it to a member of our group.  I was actually surprised that it was that cool, as it has been extraordinarily warm around here lately, and I never wear wool this early. Merino is so multi seasonal, and takes up no room in a bag.

Kim Sears

I am not much of a people watcher, and I am hopeless at identifying anyone from afar.  I did see some famous people, but mostly when they had been pointed out to me first.  Our seats were wonderful, and we had remarkable views of both the court and the audience.  One pretty girl with gorgeous hair caught my eye, and she seemed so in tune with the action on court. I was certain she had to be related to one of the players, or a girlfriend.  I also admired her jacket.

Schoolboy blazer in Navy

 When I got home, I checked online- and sure enough, Kim Sears, Andy Murray's girlfriend was wearing what appears (to me) to be the J Crew Navy Schoolboy Blazer.
Are you a tennis fan? Do have have the Villa dress? I'd love to hear!
* Yes, I have to admit, I wore the same dress and shoes when I was lucky enough to meet up for Fashion's Night Out with AJC of the amazing blog- AJC Shopping Habit. Do you find you pull out the same things over and over again.  I definitely do that, especially when it is "in between" seasons...

Fashion's Night Out

As part of Fashion's Night Out-tonight's industry wide kick off for New York's Spring Runway Fashion week many retailers are having great promotions and festivities in store and online. 
Kate Spade is having a surprise sale today only. Although the copy reads that both full price and sale items have both been marked down, the sale page does look rather like summer sale to me.
Some cute things:

Grove Court

Wild one Camel Pendant

Fashion's Night Out Tee

Tory Burch Promotion

Tory Burch is having online and in store promotions and Brooks Brothers is serving light refreshments and showing a preview of their Fall collection. C Wonder is teaming with Daily Candy- lollipops and drawings! LK Bennett has a double decker bus in NYC, and giveaways with a $200 purchase.
J Crew is having light refreshments and small giveaway promotion at my local store with a $100 purchase.Will you be attending any stores for a Fashion's Night Out festivity? I 'd love to hear!