J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tuxedo Henley

The new Vintage Cotton Tuxedo Henley from J.Crew is now one of my favorite items in my closet. First of all, I love J.Crew’s slub cotton. It’s always so breezy, the fit is always slightly slouchy but not enough that it looks sloppy and unfitted, and it’s super soft and comfortable. Everything I own in their slub cotton looks flattering on me and become my go-to staples. This Tuxedo Henley takes a go-to basic staple and kicks it up a notch – it adds the henley style, which I’ve always found subtly sexy, plus feminine ruffles.

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tuxedo Henley - Orchid Shadow

I couldn’t resist. Especially in the gorgeous new Orchid Shadow color. This will look great with everything.

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tuxedo Henley - Orchid ShadowJ.Crew Vintage Cotton Tuxedo Henley - Orchid Shadow

I’m wearing: Banana Republic Pique Pencil Skirt, Nine West Getby Wedges

I got my usual size and it fits perfectly. I was hesitant to unbutton more than the first button as the 2nd button right by the top of my bra. Maybe if I was feeling a little frisky and I was wearing these sky wedges so I know not many people can see down my shirt…Anyway, I’m genuinely contemplating living in the tee + pencil skirt + comfy wedges outfit every day this summer. So comfortable yet still looks put together. I highly recommend the Vintage Cotton Tuxedo Henley, though the price definitely holds me back from stocking up in every color. Get it here from J.Crew for $39.50.

P.S. Anyone have any recommendations for a kick-ass camera to replace my clearly deteriorating one?

J.Crew Perfect Pencil Skirt

Don’t ask me why I keep buying pencil skirts. Somehow I’ve convinced myself that when the right one comes along, it’ll look just as fantastic on me as it does on other people. I’ve read so many rave reviews of the Perfect Pencil Skirt from J.Crew that when the gorgeous Cinnamon Stick color popped back on sale, I had to snag it.

J.Crew Perfect Pencil Skirt - Cinnamon Stick

It’s more of a fall color skirt, especially considering its heavy wool material, but who cares? Unless it gets unbearably hot this summer, I’ll whipping this beauty out. Now, yes, same weird poof issues with the waist as I have with all pencil skirts, but I just love the combination with a crisp white and long cardigan. It’s such a beautiful, saturated color.

J.Crew Perfect Pencil Skirt - Cinnamon StickJ.Crew Perfect Pencil Skirt - Cinnamon Stick

I’m wearing: J.Crew Slub Cotton Tee, Christian Louboutin Nude New Simple Pumps (Similar here)

When I first felt this skirt, I thought, now this is the kind of quality ALL skirts should be. Pencil skirts are really where J.Crew shines. They’re really leg lengthening and waist defining, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a relatively larger waist-to-hip ratio, but above all, the quality is really top notch. I have not really seen or felt any other pencil skirts from any other brand that feels this expensive and intricately made. Here’s a side shot.

J.Crew Perfect Pencil Skirt - Cinnamon Stick

It actually makes me look like I have a butt. I’m pretty amazed at that. I sized up one size in order to get it in Petite. This is my first time using the widely known trick amidst the blogosphere; because many J.Crew pencil skirts are way too long, like this skirt, which is at 24″ long, getting a Petite shortens the length by 2″ but you have to size up one size. I was worried that length would not be the only difference and that these skirts would be designed to fit the shape of someone who is very petite, but that’s not the case. Going up a size in Petite actually fit me perfectly and as you can see, it hits me right above the knee, which is exactly where I wanted it. Now I don’t have to go to the tailor to shorten the skirt! Best of all, Petite sizes are often much more available on J.Crew’s site during sales than regular sizes. Get it here for $79.99 on sale right now from J.Crew.

Banana Republic Pique Pencil Skirt

I know I’ve been wearing this Pique Pencil Skirt from Banana Republic in practically every post I’ve made recently. Apologies. But doesn’t it just look amazing with everything? Only during spring/summer do we girls have the luxury of wearing white skirts and pants, so I say take advantage of the sunny weather and wear them with everything. Just wearing white makes me happier…is that weird? Anyway, this pencil skirt is pretty awesome. I haven’t had the best luck with them from J.Crew, as they’re all super long and just don’t look flattering on me (for the most part). This Banana Republic skirt, however, hits me right above the knees, and is a thick, almost denim-like fabric, so it looks versatile enough to be dressed up as a pencil skirt or worn as a white denim skirt. I think.

Banana Republic Pique Pencil SkirtBanana Republic Pique Pencil Skirt

I’m wearing: Anthropologie Coil Flower Tank, J.Crew Equestrian Belt, Gucci Grease Platform Sandals

Unlike most pencil skirts that feel constricting, particularly as you walk, this skirt has a perfectly located back vent that makes it very comfortable.  The denim-like fabric also does wonders for your, ahem, backside if you wanted any lift in that area (which I do, because I have nothing going on there). Paired with heels, this skirt makes any outfit look polished yet effortless. Is there still a weird pooch like problem if I tuck the shirt in (as all pencil skirts seem to have)?

Banana Republic Pique Pencil SkirtBanana Republic Pique Pencil Skirt

I’m wearing: Anthropologie Coil Flower Tank, J.Crew Equestrian Belt, Gucci Grease Platform Sandals

Yes, but I think I figured out a solution though it’s still unproven. Spanx is the way to go. I found this thing called “Higher Power” which I think is the perfect solution to this problem I’m sure many ladies have with pencil skirts. Because it extends all the way up to the rib cage rather than middle of your stomach, it’s less likely to roll down when you move. It also covers down to your mid-thigh so you can wear with shorter skirts. Also perfect since it’s quite windy in NYC and now I will no longer be paranoid with every wind blow that the whole street will see my underwear. Not bad for $36. I have a couple of tights from Spanx that I wear in the winter and I loved the tummy-flattening aspect of the top part. I have a feeling no matter how flat my abs are, there will always be that weird pooch with pencil skirts. Anyway, buying this as a solution is a thought that just hit me a few days ago and I ordered it online, so it’ll be a few days before I can come on here and verify for you all whether I was right.

But I digress. I highly recommend this pencil skirt and you can get it here from Banana Republic for only$ 69.50. If you wait until one of their 25% promo days and combine it with Bing 25% cashback, you’re looking at a very affordable and timeless investment.