2 Shorts and a Tee: A Review of 3 Summer Staples

So this year, I elected to go all out and flaunt my not-particularly tanned legs. In previous years, I was afraid I would blind someone with my paleness. But following my late January trip to Florida, where at least the backs of my legs got slightly sunned, I figured, what the heck, let's just do it. Let's finally give all those cute J.Crew minis and shorts a whirl, since most of the adorable patterns were reserved (for some reason) for high hemlines. And while I've never felt comfortable in too-teeny minis and shorts (or shirtdresses that barely graze my backside), I have finally warmed up to certain varieties of short bottoms. Most of these fall into the category of hip-slung rather than waist-hugging, and the material has to be sturdy. It also helps (for once) to be a petite, as many of the "minis" actually fall almost to my knees.

So far, I have been satisfied with my decision. I've already displayed my deep adoration for the Limoncello Mini and its predecessor, the Deco Dots Mini. Moreover, I dared to bare my thighs in the Shocking Pink Crisp Cotton Shorts. But shorts were still a fearful area for me. Previous years of collecting had resulted in mostly 5-inch inseams and a couple of Bermuda shorts. No bold, bright patterns, unfortunately, made it into my collection. This was due largely to the fact that J.Crew is hell bent on churning out dozens of patterns in only one hemline: the dreaded 3-inch inseam. If only they could branch out a little, even into a 4-inch inseam. But no, it's 3 inches or nothing if you want a cute print.

Resigning myself to this unfortunate fact - and somewhat emboldened by my recent successes with the minis and the pink cotton 3-inch shorts - I decided, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. So I dove headfirst into the world of short shorts and minis, wondering how long short hemlines would stay in style this time around.

My first acquisition of June was the Stretch Chino Frankie Short in British Khaki. I had been looking for a pair of khaki shorts that didn't look too muddy, crunchy, or matronly. At first I thought these were absolutely out of the question. But after I tried them on in the store, they were surprisingly comfy, thanks in part to the stretch cotton. While they definitely felt short, the very sturdy material made them far less breezy than I had expected. Now, the aforementioned Crisp Cotton Shorts are a much breezier alternative. They don't have any stretch, but the cotton is so lightweight, you can definitely wear them on the hottest summer days. The Frankie shorts, on the other hand, feel much more substantial. Another thing that surprised me was the fit. While they are somewhat hip-sitting, they tend to stay in place pretty well rather than sliding up and down. The surprising aspect of the fit was that I actually fit into a size 0. I almost always get shorts in a size 2. I think the stretchy fabric made them adapt well to my shape.

They are the perfect workhorse in a casual summer wardrobe as they can run all around town with tennies and sandals, but they can also be dressed up slightly with a bold top. I initially thought I'd wear them only with tees, polos, and other sporty pieces. But when, in a pinch, I needed to match a bottom to my Cherry Blossom Frances Blouse and realized my go-to metallic beige shorts were dirty, I substituted the Frankies instead. I then added heels and some sparkle and went on my way. Instead of feeling underdressed that day, I actually felt very put-together. The British Khaki color also picked up the light brown shades in the Cherry Blossom print rather nicely. And, unlike the metallic cool-beige shorts or white bottoms I normally wear with the Frances, the British Khaki Frankies allowed me to wear gold-accented accessories instead of the usual silver-accented ones.

I also found the British Khaki Frankies to go swimmingly with my Bistro Orange Georgia Silk Linen Cardigan and a brown tank (no photo yet). The khaki shade isn't too far from that of the Icon trench and the Frenchie slicker. So if you like a warmer, deeper beige, these are for you. While I didn't try the other Frankie colors, I had considered the Natural color. Unfortunately, it looks like the online inventory is currently out. Maybe they'll return as popbacks soon? I believe there are still some Frankies in stores. For shorts that came out fairly recently, I am quite surprised that they sold out this quickly. But alas, it is a testament to their fit and comfort. It also makes me feel better about shelling out the full price of $49.50.

Here is my sample ensemble with the Cherry Blossom Frances Blouse, the recently acquired Cherry Blossom Necklace in Deep Rose, a Target flower-clasp bracelet, and an old pair of magenta Franco Sarto wedge heels:

My next shorts acquisition was completely unexpected. I was returning a bunch of online unwanteds in the store one day and stumbled upon the lovely printed Seville Paisley Shorts in Azalea. To be fair, I had initially noticed the Paisley button-down shirt online and in stores a few weeks back. But since I already owned a couple of items in last year's Cherry Blossom print, I didn't want to add unnecessary competition to my wardrobe. So I had held off. But when I saw the shorts sitting out on the display table, for some reason I felt compelled to try them. Even though I had just bought a pair of shocking pink shorts plus the Frankie shorts a week later.

It was love at first sight! The print is just gorgeous. It's a fuchsia shade with a broad floral and paisley-esqe design. Now, I know what you're thinking: Elle Woods in Legally Blonde 2 stated in no uncertain terms that paisley never looked good on anyone. But honestly, if the name didn't give it away, I would never have called this design "paisley." In fact, I renamed them "hothouse flower shorts" right away, which I thought was a more fitting description of the pattern. The nice thing about this print is the infusion of warm caramel, orange/yellow, and olive tones. Normally, I'm inclined to wear hot pink with cool, crisp shades like navy and white. But this particular fuchsia hue - especially embellished with mediterannean-colored accents - made me want to wear it with browns, warm beiges, and gold. At first, I couldn't really justify buying another pair of short pink shorts. But after I realized the profound differences in shades between these shorts and the Shocking Pink Crisp Cotton Shorts, I knew that they would go well with a lot of my wardrobe. So I ponied up the full price of $58 and rushed them home.

The material is very sturdy and slightly textured, similar to the Limoncello and Deco Dots skirts. The fit is more in line with most J.Crew shorts I've tried on. Since they sit on the hips and don't have much stretch, I opted for a size 2, which fit quite well. Like most printed shorts, they come with a size zipper. They look a little dressier than some of the other lighter-colored prints and far less sporty, so I thought I could pull off some summer evening outfits with them.

I've worn the shorts twice since getting them. The first time, I paired them with a Gap Silk-Blend Ruffle Cami (which incidentally I also fell head-over-heels for). I added golden-bronze wedge sandals and a bronzy metallic belt. I found rather unexpectedly that my fuchsia Jackie cardigan from last year matched perfectly. Normally, I try not to do tone-on-tone clothing in an outfit, but with the print having enough eye-catching interest on its own, and the addition of the ruffle cami with a slight sheen, I didn't think the fuchsia Jackie weighed down the set with too much fuchsia. (Incidentally, they also match almost perfectly with winter's Perfect Fit Ruffle Tank in the pink shade whose name I can't remember.) And I think they will even go with last spring's Cashmere Shrunken Shawl Collar Cardigan in Azalea. Anyway, the cardi is just a topper that can be tied around the shoulders if needed. Finally, I donned the ubiquitous Cherry Blossom Necklace in Deep Rose - fast becoming my most useful summer accessory - and my Target flower-clasp bracelet. Here's how it turned out:

This past weekend I tried a different variation with the Seville Paisley shorts. I opted for the Georgia Silk Linen Cardigan in Warm Shell and a matching v-neck tee underneath. This time, I chose a pale gold belt to compliment last year's platinum gold Amelia Espadrilles (which, by the way, are the most comfortable and versatile summer shoes ever). I finished with - you guessed it - the Cherry Blossom Necklace in Deep Rose and a simple pale gold bamboo bangle. I felt really comfortable and summery, but elegant at the same time. This was the result:

For evening, I swapped out the espadrilles for my brand new Kate Spade pale gold high-heeled sandals, a stellar catch at TJ Maxx for just $39 (marked down from $99 just 2 weeks prior). I think I was inspired by the fuchsia insole, which lent a sassy twist to the sandals and picked up the shorts. For some inexplicable reason, I felt compelled to put my hair up too. Here is the evening version:

I am thrilled with these shorts, and I definitely see them getting a lot of use in my summer wardrobe. I think they will pull out some pieces that aren't getting enough wear as I experiment further with them. Interestingly, I don't remember seeing them online - were they ever? I only saw the shirt in this print online. Either the shorts came out earlier and already disappeared, or they were an in-store only item. The good news is, there are plenty left at Pentagon City.

The final item I couldn't resist was a tee. Granted, I didn't need any more tees, but it seemed to call my name, so I answered. I had ventured out on Saturday to return two more online items that had hung for a few weeks but never worked out. I was immediately accosted with the new rollout, which I admit I had wanted to check out earlier in the week. However, after touring the store and investigating every corner, nothing really jumped out at me. Not because there weren't some cute pieces, but because I had already gone way overboard in April and May, and many of the new items were only slightly different versions of pieces I already had. Or more of the categories I already had more than enough of.

One item, however, justified yet another full-price purchase: the Baby Rib Stripe Boatneck Tee in white with navy stripes (not online yet). This is strikingly similar to the old Regatta Boatneck Tee in white with navy horizontal stripes, except the new tee has thin baby navy stripes (hence the name). Sometimes though, wider stripes look overwhelming on my small top half, so I tend to be weary of them. But the fine stripes in this incarnation seemed just right. I liked too that it was a long but slim fit, so it wouldn't hang or be blousy like so many tops this year. Also, I had missed too many boatneck tees in the past and had been unable to find my size, so I decided not to risk it gain. So, once again, I paid full-price and considered myself lucky that it was only $29.50.

The fit, like so many tees, is, well, fitted. The boatneck is particularly "huggy" and even clingy in places. If you have a curvier top and/or feel self conscious in too-tight knits, this is accentuated further by the horizontal stripes. For this reason, I almost always size up in J.Crew tees, and I recommend this to anyone who feels similarly. The sleeves are three-quarter, which I found perfect for stacking on some chunky bracelets. And while boatneck necklines can sometimes feel constricting at the neck, this cotton weave is so soft and stretchy that it didn't present a problem. The material is the perfect summer weight - not too heavy for wearing with shorts outside, but not too sheer that you can see right through it (especially important since the tee is white). The options in the store were either white with navy stripes or white with pewter stripes. I'm not sure if this is coming online soon and what color choices will be offered.

My first thought was to wear the tee with my pink Crisp Cotton Shorts, since I thought the long fitted tee would work with short shorts. I'm also obsessed with pairing navy/white with pink, so this was a natural inclination. This combo turned out fine, and I wore the set for a few hours.

Navy Stripe Boatneck Tee with Pink Shorts by 3-Penny Princess featuring Coach bags

But then I started experimenting with some different ways to wear the tee. At my personal shopper's suggestion, I thought I'd try the tee with a white bottom. If you have white jeans, they would go perfectly with this tee. I wanted to get this look but found it a bit too warm for pants, so I opted for a white a-line skirt instead. I also tested plain white medium-length straight shorts, which looked quite attractive.

In the end, the breezy white skirt won, so I donned it with the Baby Rib Stripe Boatneck Tee. Also on the advice of my personal shopper, I selected simple gold accessories for a clean, summery feel. I topped the tee with a gold boule long necklace from Target and simple gold ball earrings. I did go a little bolder on the wrist and wore a gold cuff with turquoise cabochon beads in a flower design (from TJ Maxx). I added more bling with my Amelia gold espadrilles and a small platinum gold-trimmed linen bag from Ann Taylor Loft. My husband said, "You look very French." He rarely says things like that, and he rarely means them in a nice way. But in this case, he actually liked the ensemble. Here it is up close:

I'm still experimenting with how to wear this tee, and I'm not opposed to wearing it with a colored bottom. But I'm also going to see how I can glam it up with my white shorts and hopefully keep the French Riviera vibe. I think the tee would pair well with short shorts and even (gasp) a white micro-mini (sized for regular heights so it comes out as a mini on me), so maybe I'll give that a shot as well.

All in all, some great summer staples that I think will get a lot of wear. And though I squirm at the thought of not having used any sort of discount, in all fairness, some of this stuff couldn't be ordered online (or was out in my size). Besides, I got so many steals online in April and May, I can hardly complain. At least these items weren't priced exorbitantly to begin with.

Happy summer shopping!

A Visit from the 3-Penny Queen

If there was anyone who could ever one-up the 3-Penny Princess in the quest to find a good bargain, it could only be the queen mother (whom we'll call the 3-Penny Queen). From my earliest days growing up, I can remember vivid memories of standing in line on Black Friday to catch the best deals, or sifting through the clearance racks at TJ Maxx in search of a rare marked-down designer shoe that no one else had.

To be fair, our tastes didn't exactly converge for many years. She had a penchant for the artsy, liberated, and off-the-beaten-path -- "Contemporary European" she called it -- while I was firmly planted in wholesome, American, girl-next-door classics. This was the source of endless teenage angst followed by adult loathing on my part for her complete refusal to fit into the Donna Reed housewife mold. And she was always into her career -- which wasn't a traditional female career, either. Watching her now as she manages important projects and helps get our country onto a better energy track is exciting. But as a child, I just wanted a mom who would bake cookies, make dinner for my friends, and pack lunchboxes with peanut butter sandwiches on Wonderbread with chips and applesauce. Hence, I spent more time in my dad's care than my mom's as his profession offered more flexibility (which was fortunate, as his cooking skills were always more amenable to my palate).

"Can't you be like all the other moms who wear smart sweater sets with pearls and neat polo shorts with cuffed shorts to kids' outings?" I would beg incessantly as an only child growing up in the Carolinas who just wanted to fit in.

"Why should I be like everybody else?" she would demand. "I get tons of compliments from friends and coworkers on my innovative sense of style."

"But why do you have to make me wear these weird clothes?" I would plead. "I don't want to stand out. I want to be just like the other girls in school who wear fun, casual sporty clothes and Keds. I don't want to be different."

"My dear," she would console me, "One day, you're going to realize that you're unique, and that being unique is a good thing. People try their whole lives to be different, to find that singular personality that makes them special. You're lucky -- you've already got that uniqueness. It's just waiting to come out."

"Aaargh!" I would march off into my room, hating everything that was "unique" and "special" and wanting to just be "normal" and "boring".

Which led naturally to a late high school and college wardrobe monopolized by clean-cut American classics, preppy basics from J.Crew and Gap, lots of khaki, and of course the requisite pearls that any Southern girl carries over, no matter where she moves. This took me pretty far in the Jackie-O inspired ambiance of the nation's capital and the nostalgically traditional Georgetown University, where some dorms were still single-sex and where priests still taught many classes (albeit Jesuit ones, thank God).

In the years after college, my ideal work ensembles came straight off the racks of the elegant Ann Taylor, then the epitome of grace in my limited world view. I also liked the clean lines and modern professionalism of The Limited and some timeless career classics from Banana Republic and Gap (when Gap still produced a line of refined work wear). This was supplemented by a sassy, cool evening vibe from such stores as Urban Outfitters, Express, Bebe, and Benetton -- all of which were easily accessible in the District without a car. For countless summer weekends spent largely on the Delaware beaches, I scoured the J.Crew and Banana Republic outlets (on the way to the beach) and the sale rack at Abercrombie & Fitch (before their pre-teen transformation).

Then I met my husband, which, among other changes, led to a ban of those countless summer weekends in the group beach houses. I also left my post-college stints on Capitol Hill to try my luck in the corporate world. This paid off financially, but it also changed my workwear needs. While the Hill was known for being a bastion of beige suits with medium heels and Kate Spade bags, along with knee-length dresses and pearls (no matter which party you worked for), the business sector had a little more variety. My husband also liked it when I wore girly pleated skirts, shades of (gasp) pink, and short dresses with heels.

During this period, I developed an insatiable appetite for shoes. Now, I should point out that this was not something I was born with. In fact, I never really understood my mother's overflowing shoe collection containing a most unsettling assortment of crazy platforms, killer stilettos, and a fetish-worthy stockpile of knee-high boots -- none of which were in style during the greater part of my youth. When would she ever wear those, and why on earth does one need a pair of fuchsia heels anyway? My shoe anthology, on the other hand, had been primarily composed of various specimens of brown, black, and the occasional tan sandal. For work I had usually subsisted on low pumps, slingbacks, and loafer heels. For play I chose beachy wedge flip-flops or ballet flats.

Thus it was with a fair amount of shock that I discovered that I was starting to enjoy shoe and handbag shopping more than I wanted to admit. It was even more disconcerting that I was beginning to appreciate styles that were not particularly practical. Worse, I had developed an unexplained tendency to buy shoes and bags in colors other than the aforementioned black, brown, or tan. All of a sudden I liked red, white, and silver shoes. I bought orange and pink bags. I even started to dabble in metalllics. It was disturbing that I was buying green shoes when I barely owned any green clothing. For some reason though, this trend continued, and I ended up with not only interesting shoes but higher and higher heels. All of which made me feel more like a woman than ever.

As shoes became a priority in my closet, accessories hit it big all over the retail spectrum. Over the years, pearls had remained the mainstay of my jewelry. I could experiment with big pearls, little pearls, single strands, and multiple rows, but pearls were always present. Gold was vehemently off limits for me, as I had long preferred silver and platinum as my more subdued metals of choice. But there was no denying that fine, delicate jewelry was becoming a bit passe and big costume jewels were hitting the scene with a force unseen in decades. Gold too made a huge comeback, as did beads and stones of all colors and sizes. Seeing the J.Crew models wrapped in rows of bright baubles undoubtedly ignited a need to re-decorate my wardrobe.

While this didn't exactly happen without some resistance on my husband's part -- he strongly objected to the sudden disappearance of his beloved pearls -- I continued to experiment with new looks. Don't get me wrong, I still loved my pearls -- but I felt that I needed to break out of the mold that I had been trapped in for so long and try something different, something bolder and more dramatic. I now wanted to wear colorful statement jewelry and unexpected combinations of accessories. Turquoise, coral, and quartzes that my mother had given to me years back now saw the light for the first time in ages. The pearls that did stay out on my dresser got an overhaul, being suddenly paired in never-before-seen ways, as necklaces became bracelets and single strand chokers were melded with longer, differently shaped beads. I even discovered that pearls came in all different colors, which led to a revelation that beigey, gray, and pinkish shades looked smashing on me.

Looking back at what my mom used to wear, I realize that she was years ahead of her time (or was it years behind?). Flipping through the old photographs and seeing her in the belted suit jackets, shirtdresses, chunky necklaces, tall boots, platform shoes, bug-sized glasses and turtlenecks with wide-leg trousers that are all the rage now, I find myself wondering if maybe she wasn't onto something. Even crazier, I am astonished to discover that I actually wear many of those things now -- with alarmingly similar results. Will my kids look back on my photographs one day and wonder why mommy dressed so weird? Probably. What goes around always comes around.

Fast forward to the present. When my mother came to visit last weekend, I actually looked forward to showing off my newfound style. While rooted in classics and wrapped with a colorful, feminine flair, my look was undeniably different than before. I wanted to show her how I had infused the flavors of the exotic, hints of the artsy, and essences of Parisian chic into my American, J.Crew-dominated wardrobe.

My efforts did not go unappreciated, as mom not only took notice but even complimented my style and my new accessories. And for her part, the recent years of sunbathing (bad!) and enthusiastic enjoyment of the easygoing Florida lifestyle had imparted her with a decidedly more laid-back, tanned, and carefree vibe. This in turn took some of the edge off her take-charge persona and gave her wardrobe an airier, less accessorized, and more feminine aura -- which both my father and I found pleasing.

For the first time, I felt like we could walk down the street together in harmony instead of me dreading her attention-grabbing ways and her complaining about my dreadfully boring ways. She even let me accessorize her for a change, and I actually took note of some of her ideas for some upcoming outfits I wanted to try. And she is warming up to J.Crew better than I expected....

Here she is in a J.Crew navy Corinne sweater jacket, white jeans, yellow tank, and pewter Cole Haan wedge sandals (left).

I took the opportunity to debut my Crisp Cotton Shorts in Shocking Pink with a navy Jackie cardigan and older navy polka-dot top. I accessorized with the Cherry Blossom Necklace in Deep Rose, worn here as a bracelet, and pink multi-colored sandals from Target bought last year (below).

I foresee a beautiful future for us, one where we can finally shop together in the same stores and find common ground. And shopping there will be, because one thing hasn't changed: this women still loves to shop! After 3 days of touring the area and visiting just about everyone she knew, she dragged my tired feet all over the discount stores in search of those must-have bargains. Some of her scores included Cole Haan sandals, Vera Wang Lavender Label jackets, and a new Italian-made handbag.

I took home a gossamer-thin (yet surprisingly warm) Theory ivory cashmere henley for pennies and a fetching Tory Burch shift in a most bewitching pattern that was on clearance. They will go nicely with my J.Crew pieces and fun new accessories.

Today, on this chilly and rainy day, I decided to bring out my Theory cashmere henley to road-test it. I paired it with a tea rose tank, dark bootcut Calvin Klein jeans, and my Frenchie trench in khaki (not shown). I accessorized with the Cherry Blossom Necklace in Deep Rose, a pink-orange multicolored cuff bangle from the Talbot's outlet that I picked up for $8, and a pair of Delman peep-toe slingback heels in tea rose that I plucked from the clearance rack at Marshall's for a mere $15 while shopping with my mom in Florida this winter (left).

While we no doubt still have our disagreements about style (and which hair color looks best on me), it makes me happy that we are finally learning to appreciate various elements that make up our own unique styles. Especially now that I no longer shudder at the very thought of being "unique". I am also grateful to her for conveying to me at least part of the artistic whimsy that she embraces. I hope that she is finally able to see some of my more classic ensembles as timeless rather than boring.

I have always dreamed about having little girls one day so I can dress them up and go shopping with them. I hope that they will like to play in my closet and borrow my clothes and shoes in ways that I never really wanted to in my mother's. Although, if they're anything like me, they'll be just as obstinate as I was and hate everything that I like. Oh well, at least they can play in my mother's closet.

The "You Made My Day" Award Goes to...

The daily allotment of one's household mail can be grouped largely into 3 categories: that which is tossed immediately (the interminable avalanche of junk mail), that which you'd like to toss but can't (those damned bills), and that which is opened immediately but in retrospect was better off tossed (ie. a coupon from a certain store).

It is with ever-diminishing frequency that the mail brings some form of good tidings from someone you actually want to hear from, with thoughts or contents directed solely to you, and that was personally penned by a human being. When this rare confluence of events occurs, the angels are heard singing in heaven.

It was with such beneficence that the gods looked down on me recently. A certain Ms. Amy, a lovely Aficionada from New York, made my day not once but twice -- the first time about 7 weeks ago and the second time on this very day. For what should emerge from my drab mailbox but a present picked out just for me, completely free of charge.

This thoughtful, generous, and may I say elegant Aficionada found me through Slastena's blog, and a dialogue developed between us about items on our respective wish lists. Both being 0-2 petites and thus in the same boat when it comes to tracking down J.Crew finds in our sizes, we quickly began to look out for each other on the sale racks and the Great Weekly Exchange. This, of course, is a spirit embodied by many a kind Aficionada, as evidenced by numerous helpful tips about where to find various pieces and even going so far as to place merchandise on hold for each other.

This particular Aficionada took the helpful spirit a step further. She read my blog posts, remembered which colors I love, and contacted me when she had items to spare in my favorite colors. But wait, there's more. She went out of her way to mail me a sweet little package with a brand new, never worn item, completely gratis! She wouldn't even let me pay for shipping, bless her heart. Not once, but twice, mind you. And with the cutest little floral-embossed notecard, handwritten by none other than her.

The first present she sent me was a sunny pair of Favorite Fit Vintage Bootcut Cords in Golden Yellow, perfectly sized for me. This was such a nice surprise, as I had always wanted to try a bright colored pant but never really went for it. When the time came to allocate my sparse dollars on fall clothing, I had never been able to justify Golden Yellow when I always need chocolate, vanilla, or charcoal. But boy, am I glad to have those yellow cords now! They added such zest to my wardrobe.

Here are some Polyvore sets I created and successfully tested with the cords:

Golden Yellow Cords with Gray Turtleneck and Pewter/Metallics by 3-Penny Princess featuring Coach bags

Golden Yellow Cords with Navy and Gray + Metallics by 3-Penny Princess featuring J Crew

Then, today, on a truly dismal, cold, and rainy day - when I am once again left alone in the house after a long holiday weekend - what better pick me up could have arrived than a sparkling confection of a Joie de Vivre Rose Balm "Candy" Tee in the most luscious shade of Cerise? Incredibly, though I purchased several of these as Christmas gifts, I never once saw this color in the stores. Had I, it's entirely possible that I may have sprung for one. But I abstained, instead doling them out to contented friends and family like, well, candy. So imagine how overcome with awe I was to unwrap a mouthwatering little treat in today's mail and behold the sparkles that adorned it? I couldn't wait to put it on immediately, and it instantly lifted my mood for the second half of the day.

You cannot fully appreciate how amazing this tee looks on me, especially when paired with my beloved Cerise cardi from fall. The color alone makes me glow, and the size could not have been better planned. I've already set to work creating Polyvore sets with it:

Cerise Candy Tee with Cerise Lili Cardi + Deco Dots Skirt by 3-Penny Princess featuring Cole Haan shoes

Cerise Candy Tee with Pumpkin/Bella Jackets & Animal Prints by 3-Penny Princess featuring J Crew

Therefore, I'd like to bestow upon Ms. Amy a "You Made My Day" Award. Thank you for making my day not once but twice!

Celebrating of the (Unofficial) Start of Summer: A Review of 3 J.Crew Strappy Heeled Sandals

I had been stalking the Cinema T-strap Chunky Heel Sandals since they came out. My mission: to find a pair of summery, light-colored sandals that could pick up a lot of the pinks, fuchsias, yellows, aquas, and blues that I tend to wear in the warmer months. I also wanted shoes that would look good with gray and silver pieces in my wardrobe. Plus, they had to be comfortable and city-proof, so no sharp stiletto heels or light-colored satin confections. The heel I sought had to be higher than 2.5 inches but no more than 3 so I wouldn’t be teetering around painfully during the outdoorsy summer months. The Cinema T-strap Chunky Heel Sandals in Metallic Stone fit the bill perfectly, with one small problem: the almost $200 price tag. Out of principle, I balked at paying anything more than $100 for a pair of sandals. However, visiting them daily on the website was starting to wear down my willpower (imagine that), so I made a mental decision to just bite the bullet and stop torturing myself already.

Armed with the justification that they would likely work with half of my wardrobe and embodied everything that I was looking for in a summer shoe made me feel slightly less guilty. I prepared myself mentally to take the plunge and plunk down the $200, knowing that waiting for them to go on sale would probably mean kissing them goodbye. I knew better than to wait too long – it’s darned near impossible to find my size as it is, let alone to risk waiting for the rare shoe that is made in my size (usually 5 in peep toe pumps or sandals, and 5.5 in closed-toed heels). I had learned this the hard way by missing one after another gorgeous heels in past seasons, most of which I could never find again on eBay in my size. So, I took a deep breath and approached my online cart, which had been ready and waiting for a couple of weeks.

Then, a sign came from above: the 20% Private Sale email arrived. I rejoiced vastly, for this was truly an auspicious omen. Regrettably, it took me no more than 5 minutes to decide that this was also a good opportunity to test out a couple of other sandals that I had been eyeing.

I had taken a liking as well to the Kendra Patent T-strap sandals, which looked so delicate and graceful, yet stood on a sturdy 3-inch heel. Magazines and J.Crew associates had been urging me in recent months to try a nude shoe on the premise that it could elongate my leg. Not one to pass up any feature that might make my 5-foot frame look taller and my legs look longer, I finally heeded their advice. I picked out the Kendra in a nice nude Champagne, which not only came in a 5.5 but also instructed shoppers to “order a half-size up.” This made my chances of fitting into them even more likely. Besides, I rationalized, Champagne was the ultimate neutral. Furthermore, the price of $168 wasn’t as hard to swallow with an additional 20% discount.

As an afterthought (and not wanting to waste a precious opportunity to not only get my size but try on a bunch of shoes before the dread Final Sale hit), I decided to take a chance on one more shoe: the Carina Metallic T-strap heels in Metallic Gold, the Kendra’s more glittery sisters. In addition to a shoe that worked with all of the aforementioned shades, I had also been searching for a new pair of gold heels for quite some time. My sandals from previous years, though lovely, were starting to wear out, and in addition, they were purchased more for special occasions than for everyday use. Thus, the heels were not suited for frequent walks along the broken bricks and the cobblestone streets that I call home. In the past, it didn’t matter much, because I didn’t wear as much metal in the way of accessories. But now, thanks to copious baubles and metallic accessories that flooded in over the past several seasons, I now was no longer afraid to be a gilded lady.

Snow Leopard Cardi with Saffron, Ivory and Gold by 3-Penny Princess featuring J Crew

The other issue with my older metallics was, well, with the metal. You see, platinum had been my bling of choice for as long as I can remember. This had aligned perfectly with previous incarnations of metallic heels such as the Lucie, Twyla, and Savoy. Then, somewhere between the deluge of golden yellows and an outpouring of gold jewelry into every store, platinum was simply not sunny enough anymore. I needed warm, glowing, and unapologetically yellow gold.

Armed with my discount, I placed an order for all 3 pairs of sandals. The days that followed were filled with restless anticipation. To channel my energy into something productive, I once again performed a clean-out of my closet, this time reaching deep beneath the guest bed to pull out several old pairs of shoes that I had been reluctant to part with. They had, after all, served me faithfully all these years, but now they had all lost their allure for one reason or another.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait long before the giant box of goodies arrived (the benefit of living 3 hours from Lynchburg). After tearing it open and unleashing the plastic box straps without cutting my fingers (always a potential hazard in my haste), I unearthed the pricey specimens.

I pounced on the Cinema T-strap Chunky Heel Sandals in Metallic Stone right away. Let me sum up these shoes in 3 words: Work of Art. The design, while understated, is unique and striking. The skilled interplay of cream and silver patent leather with light pewter suede is nothing short of exquisite. They exude sophistication and refinement but still manage to channel a light and summery mood. The mix of colors also makes them highly versatile, which is a huge boon for when you're traveling and can only take one pair of shoes. They’ll be perfect with my ivory skirts, lemony summer sweaters, and all the aqua I plan to acquire this season. I am also looking forward to wearing them on a slightly overcast day when I’m feeling a little cooler-toned but the temperature is warm. I think they will look fabulous with my Nicky Skirt in Dark Fog paired with a Fuschia sweater, or my Cherry Blossom Frances Blouse (from last spring) over metallic linen shorts. They also add a touch of ingénue to jeans and navy suit pants.

Although they are called “chunky-heel sandals,” I definitely didn’t feel that the heel was too chunky. Instead, the heel is reassuringly sturdy and just wide enough to walk in the city, as I had hoped. But it’s still plenty polished and graceful to wear as a dress sandal. As soon as I slid my food in and tightened the ankle strap, I felt a wonderful comfort and support in the footbed. The toe straps, though numerous, were exceptionally smooth and didn’t cut one bit into my feet (unlike many prior strappy and cutout varieties). They weren’t too tight, either, but just right. I felt that my foot was securely in place but could still breathe without problems. I wanted to walk right out of the house at once and stroll through town. But alas, I had more shoes to try on, so that would have to wait.

Rain or Shine in Dark Fog Nicky and Light Turquoise Cardi by 3-Penny Princess featuring Coach bags

Next, I tested the Kendra Patent T-strap sandals in Champagne. First, let me point out what these shoes are not: clodhopping, in-your-face gladiator sandals with lots of strappage and wide chunky heels like so many varieties of this season. Instead these are beautifully rendered, elegant sandals that can be worn with a summer suit, party frock, or your favorite lived-in shorts. The thin patent strips are designed to highlight less shoe, more foot – great if the point is to elongate your leg with a nice neutral. The Champagne color is truly a wear forever-and-with-everything shade. It doesn’t have any really tinge of brown, yet, it’s not cream either. It’s sort of the color of a café au lait if you like it how I like it – with lots of milk and a splash of coffee. The champagne patent leather in the Kendra sandals is basically the same shade and sheen as the Belle Clutch in Pebble (which looked a whole lot more white online than in person). The heel is classic wood, and not really that wide, either (I think my photo makes it look wider). It’s just ample enough to avoid getting caught in cracks and grates – not to mention moist perpetually rain-soaked grass – but still refined enough to wear with your fluttery skirts and gauzy dress. It won’t compete with your gold, but it won’t look dull with your silver, either. If you wear a lot of deep, vibrant colors, this could be just the thing to balance your ensembles. I put them aside for serious consideration.

Finally, I opened the Carina Metallic T-strap heels in Metallic Gold. As soon as I unwrapped them and beheld their beauty, it was love at first sight. If I liked the Kendra sandals in Champagne, I was instantly enamored by the Carina sandals in Metallic Gold. The are such a stunning, radiant shade of gold that they actually warmed up my skin, especially my very pale feet, which never adequately receive the rays of the sun. The slightly crackly finish on the leather – which on earlier, more substantial shoes seemed a bit too much – looked unique and eye-catching on the delicately-strapped Carinas. The color and the finish sets them apart for the hundreds of metallic shoes available now. The heel is exactly the same as in the Kendra, and with the super-gold body of the Carina, the wooden heel works to de-evening (just made up that word) them a bit.

The one fatal flaw in both the Kendra and Carina, however, is the single front strap that holds your toes in. Let me back up by saying that I have slightly wide feet, so a lot of shoes are a little tight on me. Unfortunately, the front strap in the Kendra was connected so low to the footbed that it left barely any space to slide my foot under it. While this is theoretically practical to keep your foot from sliding around given the barely-there nature of these sandals, it proved to be much too tight for me. When I managed to slide my foot completely in, my toes felt like they were being strangled. I couldn’t even walk around to test them out.

On a positive note, I loved how, unlike similar sandals I had tried, these have an adjustable ankle strap as well as main long center strap that linked the ankle strap to your toe strap. These are looped through and can be rotated in case you want to slide the buckle way off to the side or even wear it in the back, in addition to a buckle that you can tighten around your ankle. You can also slide the main long center strap to the right or to the left of both your toe strap and ankle strap. This did help a little as I found that sliding the long center strap slightly in the direction of my smaller toes (see close-up photo and please pardon my overdue pedicure) helped the toe strap to give a little. As far as the size, I felt that these two models definitely run a bit small, maybe about 1/2 a size.

Against my better judgment, I simply couldn’t resist the siren call of the gorgeously gilded Carina, so I put them immediately and decided to take them for a spin. I paired them with the Limoncello Mini, Corinne Sweater Jacket in Deep Yellow (from last summer)over a Natural Perfect-fit Tank, plus a few gold-toned accents including the Scattered Boule Necklace and the Sunburst Medallion Cuff.

As predicted, the heel itself was very comfortable to walk in, and the footbed itself was quite supportive. But my poor toes cried out in pain for much of the time. They bore deep grooves (not quite welts) after wearing them for half the day. But what sweet agony it was, as I was showered with compliments.

The Carinas held their own amidst the bright Corinne and attention-grabbing Limoncello print. I didn’t even have to announce that I got new shoes; people just noticed instantly (but in a good way). I knew that I would reach for these often. But what to do about the pain? My only hope was something I read today on Patina Cabachon’s blog about some kind of shoe stretcher from QVC that she used for her Paige metallic heels (hmmm, is this a trend with J.Crew sandals?). Is this thing real, and how does it work? Anyway, I will not give up on my dazzling Carina heels.

All 3 sandals displayed signs of excellent craftsmanship and high-quality materials. They also seemed to have some kind of cushioned insole in the footbed, which is always a bonus. The Cinema T-strap sandals were more true to size in my opinion, while the Kendra and Carina T-strap sandals were a little smaller and tigher.

Let’s put it this way: if I were only going to buy only one pair of shoes to wear for the summer (and also in spring and fall), the Kendra Patent T-strap sandals in Champagne are hands down the most multi-functional. Between the ideal design, utterly perfect neutral-but-not-blah shade, and reasonable (for J.Crew) price, they could probably pull together every item in your wardrobe and work with every gleam of metal in your accessory collection. I did not, however, feel that the Kendra sandals were needed, as I had already embraced the Cinema heels in Metallic Stone for cooler shades and pastels, and the Carina heels in Metallic Gold for warmer and richer hues. It’s not that the Kendras in Champagne weren’t lovely and endlessly practical, it’s just that my heart would always lean toward one of the others. And since I couldn’t possibly justify keeping all 3 pairs (even after the 20% discount), I boxed up the Kendra sandals and took them back to the store.

Post Script:
As I finish writing this, I noticed that the Cinema T-strap Chunky Heel Sandals are completely gone in Metallic Stone online. I also saw the Carina Metallic T-strap heels are no longer available in a size 5.5 in any color. Sorry for those who are inspired by this review! If you still want them, I hope J.Crew can do a “we will find it” for you. As for me, I have certainly learned my lesson when it comes to J.Crew shoes in my size: you snooze, you lose.

Enjoy the holiday weekend, and happy (almost) summer!

Update:
Today I took the Cinema T-Strap Heel Sandals out for a few hours after my hubby came home from work. I tell you, if ever there was a pair of shoes to plan an outfit around, these were them. I deliberated for a while before trying them with an old ivory Wendy-like a-line skirt, magenta ruffled halter top, and the Georgia cardigan in Weathered Stone. After testing several accessories, I finally settled on the Skinny Mirror Metallic Belt and, surprisingly, the Sunburst Medallion Cuff again. When I first put on the shoes, I felt a slight twinge of concern as my toes rubbed little and my foot got stuck too low down. But then, after walking around a little, they seemed to mold to my feet fine and felt fine.

As soon as I put on the sandals, all of a sudden I was transported back to the 1940s and felt tragically chic. I started humming some Sarah Vaughan tune. My husband was perplexed and asked what I was singing, but I didn't want to give away my secret (or point out that I had bought new shoes).

We hit a few stores to run errands and to pick up food to cook over the weekend. While driving and walking in and out of the parking lot with bags in my hands, I almost felt like I was wearing wedges because the stacked heels were so comfortable. It was actually quite refreshing to not wear stilettos for a change. The insole also felt cushioned and provided good support. Although my toes stayed snug inside the front straps, they didn't hurt or chafe.

I had initially worried that the cream colored front strap and heel cover would scratch and get dirty easily. While it's much too early to tell, I will say that, during our trip to the grocery store, I sustained 2 separate mini foot injuries while walking. Once I stumbled into a metal stand that was partially hidden on the bottom when I went to gather fresh corn and stubbed my toe. I felt the impact on my shoe and looked to see if it scuffed, but it was fine. Then, after walking out of the store, my dear husband ran over my toe with the full shopping cart. I jumped and cried out some clean version of a profanity while I hopped on one foot. A nice gentleman actually came over and asked if I was okay, and I assured him that I was fine. He insisted that my hubby didn't mean to do it, to which my DH responded (jokingly of course), "No, I meant to run over her ankle but I missed." When the pain subsided and I was able to examine both my toe and the shoe, I was pleasantly surprised that neither had suffered any visible damage. I had expected there to be a big crinkle in the patent leather strap and at least a black mark on the white part, but no such thing was to be found. I silently applauded the excellent craftsmanship and quality of materials.

After we made it home (with no further delays), I set to work right away preparing dinner. Too rushed to change, I kept the Cinema sandals on and donned an apron to cover my clothes. Amazingly, I continued to walk and stand in comfort as I hurried about slicing, dicing, and cooking up various dishes.

The best part? When we had visited our favorite bakery, the woman who works there -- who naturally knows us as we're regulars -- complimented my outfit and told me that I always looked like Sarah Jessica Parker. Assuming she was referring to the famous Carrie outfits from S.I.T.C. (I didn't have the heart to tell her I had only watched about 2 episodes, both times while at friends' houses), I thanked her graciously.

I'm so glad I got these - they are not only smashing but also highly practical and comfy. I can't wait to try more ensembles with them!

Update #2:

A huge thank you to Slastena who pointed out that she saw the Cinema T-strap Chunky Heel Sandals on sale today for $99.99. Curious, I went back to the website and, guess what, they were not sold out in Metallic Stone at all! They were, in fact, in the sale section. Even crazier, my size was still available. I immediately got on the phone with customer service to get a price adjustment. They did not only that (as I was within my 7 day timeline), but they let me take an additional 20% off the shoes! How cool is that? So I got these amazing sandals for just $80! It looks like sizes 5.5 through 10 are still available, so if you want 'em, now's the time to get 'em. I of course highly recommend these darlings.

On that note, have an awesome and restful Memorial Day weekend, and try not to shop too much!

Recap & Photos of Aficionada Spring Tea and Jewelry in the Garden

Breezy sunshine and fragrant flora of all varieties finally delighted Washingtonians following a determined spell of heavy rains that plagued the region for what seemed like weeks. Fortunately, the showers and ominous clouds gave way just long enough today to enjoy a gorgeous afternoon outisde enjoying tea, sweets, and the company of friends in the garden. The brilliant blossoms came alive everywhere when embraced by the sun's welcome rays.

But the real flowers to behold were the J.Crew Aficionadas, who gathered on this gem of a sunny spring day to partake in the elegant tradition of Afternoon Tea. We swapped adventures about shopping, tales at home, and of course scintillating gossip about goings on around town -- all the while savoring champagne and canapes followed by finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries with assorted teas.

The 14 ladies were bedecked in bright spring motifs and floaty dresses, and adorned with sparkling baubles. Heidi G. allured in her refined Bouquet Cardigan topping the quintessentially chic little black shift dress. Slastena fluttered in debuting the ethereal Tiered Linen Playa dress in papaya. Not to be outdone, Drewablank stunned everyone in the new Watercolor Floral Pencil Skirt paired with a Lydia Blouse and Cate Slingbacks in matching seashell. Rosa channeled Audrey Hepburn in a delicate eyelet dress topped with a smart navy Jackie cardigan, while Summer looked ravishing in the new cotton poplin Ruffle-Top Tie Dress in a sultry dark olive (in stores now). It was Mediterranean-meets-Virginia prep for Dinagideon as she continued the Fresco fabulosity in an olive Bria Cami and pink Chinos finished with matching Printed Ballet Flats. Nancy breezed in with an invigorating Silk-Linen V-Neck Sweater in fresh mint paired with Cocktail Capris and striking Magdalene Heels. Kelly picked up the nautical theme in a classic navy knit dress topped with a crisp white jacket, while Diana P. continued the beachy vibe in the navy Printed Coastal Tunic. Finally, Cloggsy and Stephanie opted for cool, billowy white, with Cloggsy flaunting a cheery full skirt in rhubarb.

Equally dazzling was the exquisite jewelry created by the talented Diana P. as she unveiled her Spring-Summer collection. Floral details were abloom in several pieces, as were tropical shades of yellow, orange, aqua, and lime. Devotees and new fans alike took advantage of the swell discount as they scooped up freshest must-wear pieces, no doubt anticipating the receipt of many compliments on their unique finds.

The icing on the teacakes were the surprise favors for all the guests, courtesy of Richmond Aficionada Cloggsy. The artistic Ms. Cloggsy, who owns the deliciously addictive English Tea Paperie, thoughtfully made each guest a set of their very of personalized notecards, complete with their names and teacup embellishments. Thank you, Cloggsy! What a lovely gift to take home, and what a gracious gesture.

Thanks to all the Aficionadas who made this the loveliest of afternoons. I hope you enjoyed this (rare) sunny day in May, and I can't wait to see you next month! Also, check out Slastena's, Cloggsy's, Summerilla's, Heidi's and Dinagideon's posts for more tidbits and photos. Here are the rest of my pictures: