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: 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: Keyhole dress in Italian stretch by J.Crew

What: Keyhole Italian wool stretch dress J.Crew

Season: Spring 2015

Material: 100% wool; gorgeous pinkish purple 🙂

Quality: Good stretching wool but thin fabric despite the polyester lining. Should feel great in the summer heat 🙂

Fit: Runs small, I recommend you size up if you want room on your hip area.  Also, the front slit may be inappropriate as an office wear but you are able to reduce it as a simple DIY project (or you could bring to the tailor).

Sissi’s verdict: Wait for sale. Or if you want, take advantage of the 30% promo.

Do you agree? Please share!

A&F: Stella Jean revisited

Last March, I had posted on Stella Jean’s collection for Farfetch.com.  I have found more details on the designer after stumbling upon the Abina website, and was pleasantly surprised 🙂

The Brand: Stella Jean

The IT Factor: You have Italian crisp master tailoring with ankara, Dutch wax prints. I LOVE!

The Inspiration: Thanks to Google Translate, the website states that “the style of Stella Jean reflects and evokes his métissage and his Creole heritage that blend the cultures of the old, and the verve of the new continent” all coming together in a femininity conscious of her precious uniqueness” .  The moto is “Wax & Stripes Philosophy”.

The Designer Behind the Brand: Stella Jean.  What caught my attention is that Stella is of Haitian origins, so I could not understand her connection to African prints, really.  Well, she feels connected to West Africa (am guessing that is where Haitians are originally from per her website, but I will need to dig deeper on the subject, maybe on my next Afrique et Culture post 😉 ) To me, her clothes look African, but they feel Italian.  Very sharp design, and pricey to match it.

Country of origin: Italy – Haiti

Notable Awards: None that I could find…very surprising.

Website: Stella Jean

Where to buy: Farfetch.com, matchesfashion.com.  Some of my Favorites below.

link to purchase dress

link to purchase dress

link to purchase skirt

link to purchase skirt

link to purchase top

Sissi’s Notes: So sharp, please keep up the good work, Stella! And maybe a cheaper line for those of us who cannot spend $2,000 on a single clothing item.