blog-backup

Great Tops For Spring That You’re Going To Want: Ruffled Knits and Cold Shoulder

J Crew Ruffle Neck Crew, Club Monaco Cynder Top

by Cristina March 19, 2018

written by Cristina

In this edition of Fitting Room Selfies: I‘m shopping for great tops for Spring. I found several that came home with me today.

Even better, two of the tops are on sale! That’s why I’m sharing these with you. I was on top of it this time. I remembered to take selfies in the fitting room!

Here is the first top I’m trying on for you. This gorgeous pink J Crew Ruffle Neck Pullover Sweater. I brought this one home today because it’s on sale here at J Crew.

The J Crew Sale is going on now and it’s 40% off on 4 new styles. Or you can use 30% off if you are purchasing 3 items, or 2 items.

I love that this top has got a chevron knit to it as well as the subtle ruffle detailing.

The pink top is to die for. It also comes in navy and a soft oatmeal grey. The heathered charcoal is tempting me already as it’s on sale without the code.

The Great Tops For Spring I Found Today

J Crew Ruffle Neck Pullover Sweater

I wish the J Crew Ruffle Neck Pullover Sweater was longer. As you can see in my photo, when I raise my arms you can see a bit of my midsection. It’s not enough that its uncomfortable. I don’t feel exposed, and I can even tuck in a bit of the front for a different style.

I pretty much have to raise my arms high for it to go above my waist. This is a size L for me and it’s loose in the chest and arms. This is such a great transitional layer for spring. I made a terrible mistake with this sweater. I purchased it at Nordstrom before realizing it was on sale at J Crew. I returned the sweater thinking I’d order the J Crew one and now it’s sold out.

Club Monaco Cynder Top

I LOVE this top. Future Cristina here from 2022 – I wear these tops all-the-time!

I love the look of cold shoulder tops, but my big beef with them is what bra do you wear? Strapless bras don’t agree with my bust shape, and they are so uncomfortable. Did you know that Nordstrom does bra fittings?

The bow detail completely covers my comfiest granny bra. That is a major bonus.

Another thing I love is the nice knit fabric. It’s soft, and thicker than a tshirt. Yet it’s not as thick as a sweatshirt. This is a warm top which is nice, but it’s not too warm. It floats away from the body and drapes well which creates ventilation.

It’s pretty much the perfect temperature top for me for Spring. Both the size M and the size L work well for me. I purchased it in a size L for extra length. I love the relaxed swingy fit of this top. It’s so casual feeling, yet so put together and cute. I love that it’s more than half off right now.

Find these cute spring tops on sale here!
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March 19, 2018 4 comments

The Perfect Backless Loafers For Spring

by Cristina March 15, 2018

written by Cristina

I finally found my perfect backless loafers for Spring and they didn’t break the bank! Have you noticed the huge Gucci loafer trend has exploded in every fashion magazine, blog and on Instagram? I’ve been loving the look so much and really wanting to incorporate it. It’s such a cool, fresh spin on the ballet flat look, and really easy to wear. I have had such a hard time finding a good high street version that is worth the price and has the right look. Last year there where several options at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that were really popular amongst bloggers, but when I tried them on I didn’t love them. They either looked too masculine, my foot slid around too much or they where synthetic material. I’m pretty picky about how the toe box area looks as well since some designs make your feet look super long, and I’m also picky about the shoes being leather. Nothing cuts your feet up more than synthetic faux leather. Because I’m going to this blogger conference in Dallas next month I need a pair of flat, comfortable ‘dressy’ shoes that I can pair with skirts, dresses, slacks or pants so I decided I needed to hunt for backless loafers.

The Perfect Backless Loafers For Spring

These caught my eye because I could see from far away that they were super soft leather (both inside and outside). They are less of a Gucci dupe though since it doesn’t have the horse bit, and they have the more feminine crossover strap that takes away from the menswear look, and the less structured leather. I didn’t think I’d like them on my feet though. I was after these Steve Madden Kera Flats which had more of a stiff structured look and closer to the Gucci loafer but when I saw them up close I was disappointed to see that the inside material is synthetic. Synthetic lining make my feet sweat something fierce, and that makes my foot slide around and blister. That sliding makes backless shoes pretty much impossible to walk in since you have to scrunch up your toes to keep them on your feet. I was also looking for these Coal Haan Poper Loafers which are leather upper and lining, and more of a pointy toe feminine look, but unfortunately, my store doesn’t carry this shoe. I think they may have been a close contender.Tory Burch has this pair, but I didn’t want to spend that much. I grabbed all the backless loafers I could to try on and as soon as my foot slipped into these I was sold.

Louise Et Cie Florie Mule

These are TTS for me which is a size 9. For reference, the Steve Madden shoes where a full size down on me. They are lightly padded, and the leather is so incredibly soft that they mold to your feet. These are the only mules I’ve tried on where my foot doesn’t need to grip to keep them from sliding off as I walk. I loved how they looked with my jeans, and when I tried them on at home with a variety of pants and skirts I loved each look. I also really love that they are their own take on the backless loafer shoe without being a complete Gucci knockoff. I went in looking for ‘Gucci Dupes’ but what I liked best was the least obvious dupe. I’m really impressed with these and while I wouldn’t call $149 (the high end of the high street) ‘cheap’, the price point is quite low considering the quality. They aren’t designer shoes, but they definitely feel like designer shoes. They also come in a pretty metalic color that I may consider later on. Those are what’s linked below for you.

What do you guys think of the backless loafer trend? Have you found your Perfect Backless Loafer? Is this a trend you are trying out?

My New Backless Loafers:

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Other Backless Loafer Mule Options For You To Try:

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March 15, 2018 19 comments

The Lululemon Upload

by Cristina March 13, 2018

written by Cristina

The Lululemon Upload is live!
Lots of posts this week! Cute Dresses For Spring, Shop My Instagram, Great Markdown Finds, Guest Fit Review, New At Lululemon, Lululemon X Central Saint Martins

Lots of pretty items from Lululemon today! I was surprised to see the Central Saint Martins items uploaded this week. I figured they’d lag a few weeks behind the UK. I purchased the Memoir Print Time To Sweat Crops and if you follow me on Instagram @the_sweat_edit you will see my try-ons of it and that they fade to white quite a bit on my knees and butt. I have several pictures up so you can scroll through. I think I would have been really tempted by the Pearl Pink Swiftly SS or LS, and the Dagonfly SS which only the US got. The Dragonfly Swiftly has been released before but I missed out on it and later decided I liked it a lot.

Did you order anything today?

Lululemon Central Saint Martins Wunder Under Tight Hi-Rise X CSM kascade wunder under multi

Time To Sweat Crop Memoir Multi Purple

Align Pant II

Swiftly Tech Hooded 1:2 Zip

Pearl Pink Run Times Short II

Goal Crusher Jacket

Swiftly Tech LS Swiftly Tech LS Pearl Pink

Swiftly Tech SS Crew Swiftly Tech SS Crew Dragonfly

Mix & Mesh Long Sleeve

Back Into It Long Sleeve

Stress Less Jogger

Stash N’ Run Bra
Stash N' Run Bra

Free To Be Moved Bra

Hotty Hot Short II Memoir Multi Purple:Black

Speed Wunder Tight

Time To Sweat Bra

Wunder Under Hi Rise Tight Shibori – Vert Shibori Pop Persian Red

Shop Ebay for old colorways of returning favourites:
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March 13, 2018 57 comments

Uncategorized

New At Lululemon

by Cristina March 13, 2018

written by Cristina

Thanks to reader Ms. K for sharing What’s New At Lululemon. I’m really loving this new print in the Time To Sweat Crop but Lululemon is out of budget for me this month thanks to my need for dresses.

New At Lululemon

March 13, 2018 4 comments

Uncategorized

Lululemon X Central Saint Martins

by Cristina March 12, 2018

written by Cristina

Lululemon has come out with another Lululemon X Central Saint Martins colab for 2018. They last did a collab with the school in January of last year. This collab was a project of Lee Holman’s, the former creative director of Lululemon and alumni of Central Saint Martins (a leading art and design school in London) along with concept director Anoosha Foroughi. It’s really interesting to me that this collaboration has continued even after Lee Holeman left the company (or rather, abandoned his job and ghosted Lululemon altogether according to this racked article).

I believe the last Lululemon X Central Saint Martins was a success and sold out very quickly so it’s great to see more prints this year. Hopefully, we will see this line come to North America. I’m especially loving this first print.

Find Last Years Lululemon X Central Saint Martins on Ebay!
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March 12, 2018 22 comments

guest fit review Uncategorized

Guest Fit Review: Water Bound Hoodie, Move With Ease Jacket, Mix And Mesh Tank, City Trek Trouser II

by Cristina March 11, 2018

written by Cristina

Thanks to Mrs. O for her guest fit review of the Water Bound Hoodie, Move With Ease Jacket, Mix And Mesh Tank, and City Trek Trouser II. I’m especially glad I ordered the Water Bound Hoodie with the Women’s Day discount because it looks adorable on her.

Mix & Mesh Crop, Mix And Mesh Tank

On the off chance Lululemon was offering the same 21% off promotion for International Women’s Day this year, I stopped by the store. I was happy to learn that they did have the promotion. I showed a lot of self restraint and only bought two things! One of those purchases was the Mix & Mesh Crop. I was drawn to these because of the color combo and the different mesh pattern. I just wish some of the mesh came to the front so it didn’t look so plain. (It would have been nice if we got the same color combo as Australia did because I think green is more neutral than navy). This tight had several pockets along the waistband. It was a comfortable fit and TTS. The waistband was comfortable, just the right width and didn’t pinch in. Although I didn’t move around much, the waistband stayed in place. The length of the crop is mid calf on me so for you ladies with long legs, it’ll probably hit your calf at just the right place.

I was pleasantly surprised by the fit of this tank. It was very flattering and feminine. From the front, the straps cut in like a halter (which works for most women) and the color blocking draws in the waist. It’s fitted on the top to the waist and then there’s some room near the bottom. So it would be forgiving for not so flat abs. The back criss-crossing straps hit the right spot. This is TTS for me in tanks with a built in bra. So, get your usual bra size. But for the price, I would have purchased it. Now that I’m looking at these pictures, I probably should have gotten it with the discount. I’ll just wait until it goes on markdown and I’ll get whatever color is left in my size.

*On a side note, I noticed today that the Train Times Crops are longer than previous versions. Probably about 3 inches longer. So, for those of you that thought the crops were too short, the new ones might work for you. Now, the crops come mid calf on me like these crops. I actually prefer the shorter length like the half WUPs.

Move With Ease Jacket

I really liked the detailing of this jacket when it was uploaded and the colors offered. The length wasn’t too short and I have a long torso. (I don’t mind cropped jackets). My big issue is how slim fitting it is. It’s made from Nulu which wasn’t constricting. It felt comfortable zipped and unzipped. The Nulu was buttery soft. But I don’t know when I would wear such a tight fitting, lightweight jacket. Also, I’m only wearing a bra underneath. If you were to wear a looser tank or shirt, it would definitely bunch up underneath. This is definitely a size up jacket. You could probably size up twice but I’m not sure how the seams would look and the length of the sleeves would probably be too long.

Water Bound Hoodie

This was another item I was interested in from this week’s upload. I thought the length might be too short but it wasn’t. I really liked the length of this hoodie. It was a very lightweight fabric, which provides UV protection. On warm days, it will probably still feel cool enough to wear long sleeves. It was very comfortable and not constricting. I was really drawn to this hoodie because of the color. My pictures doesn’t do the color justice. The website photos are an accurate depiction of the true color. I thought I saw the hoodie in a different color (lavendar-ish) that’s not online. But I can’t be sure. This hoodie is meant to be slim fitting and is TTS. Personally, I have so many Lululemon items and don’t really have a need for this type of item. If I got it, I’m almost certain I wouldn’t grab for it very often. It’s something I will mull over if it goes on markdown. For those of you that have the older version, how and when do you wear it?

Mix And Mesh Tank

Please excuse the bad bra I’m wearing for this tank. I was too lazy to go find a bra that would work. The Ed told me someone tried it on with a Free to Be Zen Bra and it looked good. This tank is made from a lightweight fabric — probably swift — which is not delicate (like the Taryn Toomey collection). I wouldn’t worry about snagging this tank. I think this tank is a re-do of the Anew Tank but better because it doesn’t have the side slits and billow out in the front. I really liked the delicate and feminine shape and feel of this tank. It is TTS. This is a tank I will consider on markdown.

City Trek Trouser II

I know the City Trek Pant has been around for awhile. I’ve always been interested in a dress pant from Lululemon along the same lines as the men’s ABC Pant. I prefer a more structured, flat front pant with a button and zipper for business casual. I don’t know why they don’t offer more business casual items for women like they do for men. (Hey, many of us work in offices in order to afford Lululemon! LOL). I finally got to try them on because my store got so many returns that they almost had a full run of sizes in black and gray. (I didn’t feel like ordering multiple sizes online then returning what didn’t work).

Please excuse my top; I wouldn’t pair it with a swiftly tank in real life. I tried on my TTS and size up. The picture with gray pant is TTS. The picture with the black pant is a size 6. I think my TTS fit better overall but I could also wear the size up. I prefered the waistband in my size up because my TTS felt a bit snug. I’m not sure how it will feel with a dress shirt tucked in. (I had to order the black in my TTS at the store to get the discount so I won’t know if it will work with a dress shirt tucked in). I think the size up had a little too much fabric around the knees; especially from the back. It was also a little too baggy in the seat and did nothing for my little bum. (I need all the help I can get! LOL). I can’t wait to get them to try the pant on with a dress shirt/blouse and heels/booties.

Shop older color options on Ebay:

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March 11, 2018 13 comments

fashion & style Uncategorized

Great Markdown Finds At Nordstrom: Free People Rainbow Thermal Tee, Chantelle Babylone Push-Up Bra

by Cristina March 10, 2018

written by Cristina

My kids had a dance competition downtown today and so afterward they indulged me a few minutes at Nordstrom to try on some things for my upcoming trip. You saw yesterday my finds from Club Monaco and Aritzia and I’ve since decided I’m returning the Aritzia dress although I think the print is super cute. I tried on several more pieces at Club Monaco and some tops and dresses at Nordstrom but those items I’m going to save for another post. These two items are time sensitive since they are on sale and I really wanted to share them with you in case you wanted to snatch them up too. I’m especially pleased with the Chantelle Babylone Push-Up Bra.

By the way, the skinny cargos I’m wearing here I got on sale at Nordstrom Rack a few months ago. They are still on s ale here but some are listed as Houlihan’s and some are listed as just cargos. The cargos are cheaper at 70% off and come in a beautiful army green. I posted the image link below if you want them.

Free People Rainbow Thermal Tee

Free People Thermal Rainbow Long Sleeve

This top caught my eye when I first saw it in November but it was full price so I didn’t bother trying it on. I loved the rainbow stitching on this white one but figured it would be too form fitting and the color wouldn’t suit me. I then saw it on sale at Nordstrom Rack and was so tempted to order, but I really didn’t want to deal with shipping + duties for something I hadn’t tried on and they only had the red and grey ones available. Today I finally saw it on sale at my local store and so I grabbed it to try it on. For some reason, I thought this off-white would look terrible on me but I think because it’s framed in this bright rainbow stitching it looked really nice. I don’t think I would have ever paid full price for it but the markdown price is just right.

I got this in an L and as you can see it’s oversized. You can safely size down in this if you don’t want it too oversized or scooped in the neckline but I liked it. In my experience, thermal knits usually shrink on me anyways so I’d rather err on the size of oversized.

Chantelle Intimates Babylone Underwire Pushup Bra

I think I’ve mentioned before on here that my favorite brand of bras is Chantelle. I have a few other go-to favorites so I’ll probably share them with you in a post soon. Chantelle is my #1 though because they just fit me perfectly and are extremely comfortable, and I love the design details on them. The cup shape especially is exactly the right proportion for me so it looks the best under tee shirts. They are a bit pricey so I like to snag them on sale, which is usually only the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale or NWT on eBay (resellers from outlets). A few months ago I saw this Chantelle Babylone Push-Up Bra and just fell in love with the ribbon detailing at the bottom. No way was I going to splurge on it full price though so today when I saw it marked down I snatched it up immediately. This particular one is a push-up style which I don’t already own so this makes a good addition to my bra collection. I was pleasantly surprised at the ‘lift’ this gave without feeling squished.

Find these items here:
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March 10, 2018 5 comments

fashion & style Uncategorized

Cute Dresses For Spring (one is on markdown, one is just really cute!).

by Cristina March 8, 2018

written by Cristina

Yesterday I had to go fancy outfit shopping for some upcoming special events and I found these really Cute Dresses For Spring. First up I have a conference coming in April that I get to travel to, and I needed several proper fashiony ‘outfits’. This conference is a really huge deal for me so I really want to get the outfits just right and feel my most confident. I’ll be telling you much more about this trip soon.

The second event is a wedding we are traveling to in Muskoka in the summer. I’m not in a huge rush to find this outfit but since I was already out shopping I was also looking for summer wedding appropriate wedding attire.

Loalla Ponte Knit Dress

I really wanted to share this first dress with you especially because it’s currently on steep markdown with an additional 25% off, and the quality of this dress is amazing. It’s so structured because of the ponte material (think the winter City Trek Trousers material from Lululemon) but it’s incredibly soft and comfortable to wear. I love how sculptural the sleeves are. I also really love that I can wear a regular bra in this and not feel really exposed or restricted so this first dress was a no-brainer. I’m actually going to go back to the store tomorrow because there were a few more items I liked that have since gone on sale online and they are sold out in my size. I’ll post them below.

Speaking of this brand, I’m having major nostalgia over this tee which I wore in high school. If you were in high school in the 90’s like I was, was this tee or hoodie with the crest huge at your school? The hoodie was the ‘IT’ thing to wear at my school but my family couldn’t afford it so I stole my sister’s tee shirt which she purchased herself with her own money.

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Aritzia Sunday Best Raleigh Dress in Irish Hills/Peony

This dress from Aritzia is just so cute. I gravitated to the contrasting pink and green print and I had to bring it home. I’m not entirely sure I love it for this wedding since it’s a very casual dress, but I love how comfortable it is, that I can wear a regular bra (my theme with dresses) and that the length is safely modest. I think I could probably dress this up more depending on the shoes and accessories, but If I can’t, I think I’ll keep it anyways for a fun BBQ party or dinner out. It is a ‘cottage’ wedding though so it’s probably fine. I’ll just wear these LK Bennet Sledge Heels with it.

Shop These Cute Dresses For Spring Here:[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3056079″]

March 8, 2018 27 comments

The Lululemon Upload Uncategorized

The Lululemon Upload

by Cristina March 6, 2018

written by Cristina

The Lululemon upload is live!
Last weeks posts: Shopbop Sale Finds, My Beauty Superfoods

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Nothing for me today, how bout you guys? I am tempted by the Cool Breeze Water Bound Hoodie but it’s not something I really need so I’m holding off for now. If it comes out in any version of pink though, practical or not I will be buying it. Canada didn’t get that pretty petal pink Love Tee V that the US got for the upload, though if you saw my post from earlier today from Ms. K they are in some Canadian stores. I want to try on the Low Key Long Sleeve. I really like the drape and length in the back, but I am really dubious about lululemon burnout material. That material snags like a MOFO in Lululemon items. The Round Trip Jacket is another item I’m liking. I’ve tried it on before here ( Round Trip Jacket ) but I’m liking it way better in this new Merlot color.

Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew Reflective

Long Breath 2 – in 1 Tank Long Breath 2-In-1 Tank Black:White

Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight Shibori

Train Times Fast Pace Pant

Cool Raceback II Lined Up
Cool Racerback II Lined Up

March 6, 2018 33 comments

Uncategorized

What’s New In Store At Lululemon

by Cristina March 6, 2018

written by Cristina

Thanks to Ms. K for sharing New In Store At Lululemon. Lots of great photos of all the new colors, prints, and styles that should upload with tonights Lululemon upload.

Previous Ms. K’s “new at Lululemon” Posts,

Round Trip Jacket