I had such high hopes for the Island Paisley Bubble Skirt from J.Crew. I usually am not a fan of the bubble hem, but on this skirt it didn’t look like the usual poofy skirt. Rather it looked like an uniquely draped mini skirt.

This skirt has two important things going for it – 1) It also has an elastic waist so you know it’s comfortable, and 2) the print is so sweet and whimsical, almost giving off a Parisian vibe to me. But alas, when I put it on, I realized I’ve fallen again for J.Crew’s marketing/styling. This skirt does not really look like the skirt pictured above; it does not have any of the A-line shape of this catalog picture. That A-line shape is what makes the skirt look so flattering because the flare of the hem really accentuates the waist. Without it, the body looks straight up and down.

I’m wearing: Ann Taylor Loft Smocked Waist Button Down, J.Crew Equestrian Leather Belt, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

I was a bit disappointed. If I wanted a straight up and down skirt, a pencil skirt would have been the more flattering choice. This bubble skirt is super short and totally inappropriate for work, and there was really no shape to it. It kind of just sat there and looked like a wrinkled up mini skirt. Then I went shopping yesterday and *happened* to drop by J.Crew and got a few ideas for styling it that could be cute.

I’m wearing: (L) Ann Taylor Loft Smocked Waist Button Down, J.Crew Equestrian Leather Belt, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles, Gap Boyfriend Cardigan (similar here)

I’m wearing: (R) Gap Ribbed Tank, J.Crew Long Merino Cardigan, J.Crew Skinny Leather Belt, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

Yeah, it’s cuter when worn with a cardigan covering it up, but what does that say about this skirt? Anyway, sizing wise, I’m usually a size 6 in skirts at J.Crew and I got this in Medium hoping for some additional length. Even wearing it at the hip, it’s still too short for my taste. Overall, it’s simply way too short for me and not cute enough for me to keep.

If you find this totally adorable (I wouldn’t blame you), get it here from J.Crew for $79.50.

There is no denying that the Tissue Sequin Tank from J.Crew is beautiful. I don’t know how they’ve worked their magic with sequins, but the front of this shirt looks like a huge seamless sheet of shininess, rather than actual sequins put together on a shirt.

J.Crew’s had the lighter colors for a while, and I’ve been waiting patiently for the darker colors because in my mind, those are the most flattering and versatile because they can be dressed up for night and dressed down (per above) for day. Unfortunately, this top did not turn out exactly as I had hoped. There is some kind of lace lining inside that conforms to your body, but the outer shell of sequins is rather loose and stretchable. The weight of that outer shell also makes you feel like you’re pulling on a light suit of armor. Worst of all, because of its shininess, the sequins really draw the light to any bulges/rolls/bumps/movement on your body, which isn’t the most flattering. However, I will say that it is very comfortable and the cut of the top is very flattering.

I’m wearing: Banana Republic Pique Pencil Skirt, J.Crew Distressed Leather Denim Belt, Nine West Getby Wedges

I tried toning down the dressiness with the very casual Distressed Leather Denim Belt (also J.Crew), and I think that worked. I can picture this with cute shorts or jeans for casual summer wear as well. The final straw that made this a no-no for me was realizing this top is way too high maintenance for me. All these sequins of course have to be hand washed only, which means I will probably never want to wear it just as I’m now dreading wearing my Sequin Stripe Henley for the exact same reason. So this one is going back.

If you’re not as lazy as me, you can get this tank from J.Crew right now at 20% off here for $59.20 through Sunday.

The new Brushstroke Mini from J.Crew is now one of my favorites from the new collection for summer. I bought it not having read too much on it in the blogosphere mainly because (I assume) this skirt is catalog/web only, and not many people are willing to take the risk in purchasing blind.

Well, I did! And am I glad I did. I sized up for a bit of length, since this skirt is said to be only 16″. The material looks just like a painter’s canvas, sort of a light basketweave. Matches up perfectly with the huge brushstrokes. It feels light and very comfortable, but most importantly, I think it looks so chic even paired with a simple tee.

I’m wearing: J.Crew Vintage Cotton V-Neck Tee, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

I don’t think it’s too short – do you? At $79.50, this skirt is pretty pricey, but I don’t want to wait until middle or end of summer for it to go on sale because this is the perfect summer skirt! So…I say everyone go get this skirt here at J.Crew!