J.Crew Whisper Chambray Tiered Skirt

The Whisper Chambray Tiered Skirt is on sale right now at J.Crew, with an extra 20% off, dropping the price from $138 to $72. I’ve always eyed this skirt but couldn’t pull the trigger due to the price. Unfortunately, I purchased it right before the extra 20% off.

Well, when I first pulled it on tonight, I regretted purchasing it at all. The exact thought going through my head was, “What the…how can J.Crew put out a monstrosity like this??” I threw it off and immediately packed it back into the box, almost not being able to bear the disappointment. Then hours later, it hit me I should at least take a picture for the blog since I haven’t seen any pictures of this skirt in real life anywhere. I pulled it out and threw it on and it was seriously a “hallelujah” moment. The skirt looked ADORABLE. I don’t know what happened. Maybe the ruffles fluffed out a bit.

J.Crew Whisper Chambray Tiered SkirtJ.Crew Whisper Chambray Tiered Skirt

I’m wearing: J.Crew Slub Cotton Tee, J.Crew Equestrian Belt, Christian Louboutin Very Prives

But now I’m second guessing myself. The horrendous memory of my first impression of this skirt is perhaps forever carved into my brain. Monstrosity, monstrosity, monstrosity. Is it indeed actually cute? Or am I inhaling the crewlade a bit too much and seeing what I want to see? I don’t know. It also doesn’t help that I sized up a size for some length but the skirt runs small and can only sit at my waist (which is probably where it’s meant to be), making this skirt ultra short. I would not ever bend over when wearing this. The ruffles also add a lot of volume to the hips, so it may not be a good choice for those with wider hips. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for me, I have very small waist-to-hip ratio so the voluminous hips actually helps me a bit. I think. What do you think?

Get the Whisper Chambray Tiered Skirt from J.Crew here for $89.99 (extra 20% off through April 30th).

J.Crew Forever Cardigan

Ugh, I need a new camera. Apologies on the blurriness and graininess of these pictures. Anyway – I don’t know why I never paid much attention to the Forever cardigan from J.Crew. I realize my cardigan collection consists of either short and fitted cardigans or long, oversized ones. No fitted long cardigans. Shame really because I think they look super cute when worn over shorter skirts or belted. The burgundy color I purchased is no longer available but there are a bunch of other great colors available online right now that I’m seriously considering. This sweater is merino wool so it’s super light, comfortable, and drapes beautifully. Get it from J.Crew here for $89.50.

J.Crew Forever CardiganJ.Crew Forever Cardigan

I’m wearing: J.Crew Favorite Tank, J.Crew Poplin Wednesday Skirt, Banana Republic Dahlia Wedges, Banana Republic Belt

Banana Republic Smocked Skirt

The new Smocked Skirt from Banana Republic was slightly disappointing. I have the version from a couple seasons ago and it looks adorable and summery because it’s a full A-line skirt, which looks amazing with a tucked-in shirt or belted under a longer tank. I was hoping the ones from this season would be similar, only shorter and even cuter since they’re only 19 1/2 inches.

Black – It is really lacking the A-line shape. It kind of just drapes over your hips. It is also so wrinkly that the pleats have been overpowered by the wrinkles. Even after I ironed the skirt, it still looked a bit sloppy. Still, you can’t really tell with the black, and since it’s so comfortable due to the smocked waist, it’s a keeper. Plus I don’t have any casual black skirts. Love belting this – will really make the color of the belt pop.

Banana Republic Smocked Skirt - BlackBanana Republic Smocked Skirt - Black

I’m wearing: J.Crew Max and Molly TeeJ.Crew Equestrian belt, Gucci Grease Platform Sandals

Taupe Pearl – This one is not a keeper. All the flaws I’ve identified with the black version are impossible to hide with this color. I spent 10 minutes ironing this and it was still wrinkly. I don’t even want to sit down because I don’t want to get up with wrinkles up the wazoo. The shapelessness of the skirt also is impossible to hide here; that combined with the color makes the skirt look dreary. Could be considered okay I guess? But if I had $60 to spare, I’d put it towards all the J.Crew new arrivals I’ve been eyeing.

Banana Republic Smocked Skirt - Taupe PearlBanana Republic Smocked Skirt - Taupe Pearl

I’m wearing: J.Crew Slub Cotton Tee, Banana Republic Belt, Gucci Logo Wedges

Sizing wise, I got them in Small. I’m about a size 6 right now and since these are smocked, I figured Small was the way to go. I would probably not purchase these at full price, in black or taupe. Luckily, I scored these when there was a 25% promotion – which, along with Bing 25% cashback – made these quite appealing price-wise. Since Banana Republic is doing these promotions almost on a daily basis, I’d say wait until then and score this in the black. If you can’t wait, get this Smocked Skirt from Banana Republic now for $59.50 here.