Review: Ruffles and paisley

What: Ruffle front chiffon top in vibrant paisley by J.Crew

When: Winter 2016

How (Material): Silk upper with poly lining

Why (Pros):

1. Look: Cute paisley, pink and girly.
2. Comfort: OK though you need to size up for arm motion, especially if you’re tall.
3. Quality: Good silk chiffon.  I like the vibrant paisley.
   
4. Sizing: If you’re tall, size up. I went 2 sizes up to have a decent fit.

Why Not (Cons): The sizing issue.

Sissi’s Verdict: Keeper if you size up. What do you say?

Review: Snakeskin and elsie

What: Elsie pave in snakeskin by J.Crew

When: Winter 2016

How (Material): Leather upper and lining, man-made sole

Why (Pros):

1. Look: OK… It’s the same shape as the other Elsie’s but with a cutout strap in the front and embellished button.  However, something about the overall look just did not work for me…not sure if it’s the print paired with the shape.  It may be different for you though.  The same style comes in a black watch print as well.
2. Comfort: Comfortable, heel is not too high and the pointed toes are well executed.
   
3. Quality: Good snakeskin print but am no fan of artificial sole at high prices.
4. Sizing: True to size, to slightly running large.

Why Not (Cons): I just did not feel it, but it may be a different experience for you. Another negative: the man-made sole for a $278 pair….No, thank you.

Sissi’s Verdict: Return. What do you say?

Review: Leopard and laces…reloaded

What: Lace-up flats in leopard calf hair by J.Crew

When: Winter 2016

How (Material): Calf hair upper, leather lining and sole

Why (Pros):

1. Look: Very pretty flats. Unlike the previous lace-up leopard flats, the laces here are made of suede or velvet-like material instead of leather.  Both work though I prefer the leather laces 🙂 
2. Comfort: Very comfortable.
3. Quality: Great quality leather and calf hair.  The calf pattern here is pretty unique, the laces are well made as well.  My only complaint is the heel…too close to the ground in my opinion so I foresee early wear and tear if you plan to walk with these a lot.
   
4. Sizing: True to size.

Why Not (Cons): The price…

Sissi’s Verdict: Keeper! What do you say?

Review: Avery and tartan

What: Collection avery embellished heels in tartan by J.Crew

When: Winter 2016

How (Material): Wool upper, leather lining and sole

Why (Pros):

1. Look: Cute pointed toes with a square heel. Clean tartan pattern.
2. Comfort: Very comfortable.
   
3. Quality: Great quality leather.  The J.Crew description says in man-made sole but the item I received had genuine leather sole…
   
4. Sizing: True to size.

Why Not (Cons): The  cheap looking buckle. Once removed, I think the shoe looks much better.

Sissi’s Verdict: Keeper if you like tartan patterns. What do you say?

Review: Pinot in grey

What: Pinot embellished dress by Byron Lars for Anthropologie

When: Winter 2016

How (Material): Polyester everywhere! This is usually a big no in my book, but the dress is simply gorgeous.

Why (Pros):

1. Look: The look is simple, a fitted dress with modest sleeves. But with Byron Lars, the secret is all in the details and oh my did they deliver on this one! Just take a look at my pictures below and judge for yourself. Looking forward to wearing this to a party!
   
2. Comfort: Comfortable but very fitted. It reached right at my knees so I would say it falls right below knees on regular frames, as shown per the Anthropologie picture below.

   

   Pinot embellished dress by Anthropologie

3. Quality: Great quality. Detailing work is outstanding!
   
4. Sizing: True to size but you may want to size up for looser fit.  However, I have sized up for another dress (that I shall review next) and I’d recommend you stick with your regular size.

Why Not (Cons): The steep price tag, oh my! However, with the 30% promotion going on you may save $300 on the full price.

Sissi’s Verdict: Keeper, if you can afford it! What do you say?