J.Crew Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt

Happy July 4th! Today is definitely one of those lazy Sundays where I just want to lounge around my apartment in something as comfy as the Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt from J.Crew.

J.Crew Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt

But I love this “sweatshirt” sweater also because it’s the perfect casual sweater to pair with pencil skirts to tone down an otherwise dressy outfit without looking like an actual “sweatshirt.”

J.Crew Merino Boyfriend SweaterJ.Crew Merino Boyfriend Sweater

I’m wearing: J.Crew Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt, J.Crew Canterbury Bells Pencil Skirt, J.Crew Studded Bar-Car Belt, Nine West Getby Wedges

I usually get all my J.Crew cardigans in a Medium because I like them to fit relatively loosely, and since this sweater is supposed to be of a boyfriend fit, I figured I’d be safe with a Small. It fits relatively loosely but not as slouchy as I’d like. Now it just looks like a plain sweater and not the slouchy boyfriend sweater I’d like to pair with such a fitted pencil skirt. I am definitely going back for a size up!

Get this sweater here from J.Crew for $69.50.

Ann Taylor Loft Shimmering Jacquard Skirt

The Shimmering Jacquard Skirt from Ann Taylor Loft looks much more expensive than it really is.

Ann Taylor Loft Shimmering Jacquard Skirt

It measures 17″ which means it’s technically a Mini skirt, but since it has an elastic waist, you can pull it down a bit more to your lower waist and it will be only slightly shorter than J.Crew’s “shorter length for summer” pencil skirts. Length is not the only thing I love about this skirt. The shiny jacquard material looks so expensive but is surprisingly versatile; I initially thought of pairing it with the silk ruffle camis I’ve gotten recently from J.Crew (Palmera, Victoria, etc.) – which did look amazing – but it also worked perfectly with a casual tee (as above), sweaters, basic tanks, or…even a gingham button down!

Ann Taylor Loft Shimmering Jacquard SkirtAnn Taylor Loft Shimmering Jacquard Skirt

I’m wearing: J.Crew Giant Gingham Shirt, J.Crew Distressed Leather Denim Belt, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

And then I realized why I thought it was so versatile. From a distance it looks just like a black mini skirt (but not too short), which obviously matches everything, but when you take a closer look or when the skirt catches light, you see the detailing of the jacquard fabric. It also doesn’t hurt when the skirt is comfortable and you can decide how high or low to wear it.

I never paid attention to Loft before but their skirts are really catching my eye. Their pencil skirts are all around the shorter 20-21″ length which I love. I’m finding myself checking back there almost as often as I check J.Crew. Eeeeeeeeep. Doesn’t help when they constantly have these amazing promotions that are unimaginable at the Crew!!!

Get this skirt from Loft here for $41.70 (with current 40% off promotion from regular price of $69.50).

Ann Taylor Loft Smocked Waist Button Down

In honor of Ann Taylor Loft’s unbelievable 40% off everything promotion, I wanted to be sure I gave appropriate props to a few items I recently picked up so that people would have the chance to pick them up at a great price if they liked them as much as I do. The Smocked Waist Button Down is one of my favorite items from Loft right now, mainly because I’m SO in love with this Willow Green color.

Ann Taylor Loft Smocked Waist Button DownAnn Taylor Loft Smocked Waist Button Down

I’m wearing: Loft Smocked Waist Button Down, J.Crew Ink Blossom Pencil Skirt (on sale at J.Crew!), Nine West Getby Wedges

It is a color that is just so saturated. How great for this jewel color to be paired with this slightly shiny silky material? It is surprisingly neutral and versatile – I think it matches perfectly with navy skirts, white skirts, minis/pencil skirts, printed skirts, and definitely amazing with dark denim jeans. It also is very billowy with a smocked bottom hem, so it’s incredibly comfortable and breezy for summer. For the longest time it was only available online in the really large sizes. I think I must have checked every day. Then miraculously one day the wearable size of Medium popped back up and I snagged it. Unfortunately I know Loft already does a bit of vanity sizing, so I should have seen that the Medium would be too big, but it doesn’t matter because I LOVE IT! I’ll pretend like I intended for the huge billowly ballon-y look. Or maybe try belting it?

Ann Taylor Loft Smocked Waist Button DownI’m wearing: Loft Smocked Waist Button Down, J.Crew Ink Blossom Pencil Skirt (on sale at J.Crew!), Nine West Getby Wedges, J.Crew Distressed Leather Denim Belt

Does that work? I’m not sure. Either way, I love this top, and I highly recommend it, perhaps in your normal size or even a size down. I’m definitely going back and picking up the pink and the toffee colors in a smaller size, especially at 40% off!

Get it here from Ann Taylor Loft for only $26.70! It looks like Wilow Green is sold out but the other colors are great too!