Preppy in J.Crew
Sunday, April 15, 2012
What drew me to the bag were the colors. All the regular-sized bags I own are solidly neutrals. White, gray, black, brown, I've got it all covered. I found the Tillary tote to contain the perfect mix of bold red that isn't overwhelming for someone who apparently is scared of an all-colored bag. The colors against the canvas texture makes it great for casual work environments and weekend use, both of which I plan on taking advantage of.
In the end, I decided the bag was worth risking at final sale. It's much too pretty to pass up at $70. To my surprise, the size and weight weren't issues at all when I received the bag (time to start setting my expectations low from now on?) To sum it up, I simply adore it. Using a crude method of measurement by holding a bag in each hand, I would say the Tillary is a tad lighter in weight than my RM. Personally I think the bag looks best hand-held at the sides, but it also fits ok over-the-shoulder and at the crook of my arm. I already know I'll be reaching for this bag often, without a care to matching my outfit.
I ordered these in my usual size but found them to run at least 1/2 size small. My past experiences with J.Crew flats have always been true to size, but I should have expected sizing differences due to the pointed toe.
The flats are made of canvas material, similar (if not the same) as the Tillary tote. I can see them requiring a lot of upkeep as the white canvas would dirty easily. Due to the material used, the flats are quite stiff when worn and would need time to be broken in. I love the look, but these flats are definitely for fair weather use only. I'll be returning this pair because they're too small for me, but will be reconsidering if they make it to sale season.
30 comments
I love that bag!
ReplyDeleteGlad that the bag worked out for you...and I adore those flats!
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I love those flats and can't wait to see you wear them! LOL about the Tillary - I couldn't believe how well-packed it was when it arrived. Plastic bag, then dust bag, then covered handles? That's service :)
ReplyDeleteNot to mention a gigantic box to store it all in! Absolutely <3 J.Crew :)
DeleteI love reading about your decision making process, Cee. I went through almost exactly the same thing. That's why it took me a couple of days to decide. The size was a main concern first, but the all leather version in tan will look bigger because of its material and color. So I gave it a pass. Also I didn't purpose this bag to be my everyday work purse. I bought it for vacation, family trip, weekend getaway type thing where I need to lug more things than I usually do. So I justified the size and weight. For $70 I thought I could totally make use of it since I love the look so much.
ReplyDeleteAbout the J.Crew shoes sizes, I recently bought my first pair of Mona pumps, and had to size down 1/2 size.
Enjoy your bag, Cee. Can't wait to get mine on Monday.
Good point about the leather. I hadn't thought of that but there's a definite "slouch" to the canvas version, especially when I'm not carrying much. I'd be curious to see leather vs. canvas side by side. Perhaps I'll ask Elle for some photos :)
DeleteThanks for sharing your experiences with J.Crew shoes. Now it seems like the only things to buy from final sale are accessories. Gah!
im jealous of everyone with that bag! i better see it a lot in upcoming pics :) as for the shoes, i've been sizing up 1/2 in most of their shoes recently. all of them, actually. the monas, valentinas, sandals... i always put padding in the bottom, which makes them a little snugger.
ReplyDeleteGirl, you'll be seeing this bag in so many future posts that you'll be begging me to stop carrying it around, hahaha.
DeleteI love the bag. It's gorgeous! :)
ReplyDeleteI just got the same bag too and am absolutely loving it. Like you, my bags are mostly of neutral colors. The combination of red/blue/cream just add a pop of color and I think it's perfect for spring/summer. I also ordered it in flax(the light brown and cream stripe). Anxious to get it probably next week.
ReplyDeleteNew follower of you. What an awesome blog you have!
http://mui28.blogspot.com
Hi bag twin! Personally I think you should keep the red/blue/cream version, but I'm biased of course :) Definitely share your opinions on the brown/cream version!
DeleteHi I think I will keep the 2. Will share a review once my brown/cream bag arrives.
DeleteI was thinking about getting the bag after seeing the tweets but decide not it. The bag is really pretty and the shoes are adorable.
ReplyDeleteWay to not give in to all the enabling going on around here. Care to share some of that with me? ;)
DeleteI did not notice those stripe flats on jcrew, glad you shared! they are so adorable!!! but agreed, I'm afraid those flats will get dirty easily. If I bought those, I'd only wear them indoors, haha.
ReplyDelete... but then nobody would see them ;) I do think that the material has me rethinking how much I'm willing to pay for them (if they go on sale). I mean, I knew it's canvas and white from seeing pics on J.Crew's site, but I didn't stop to really think about how maintenance they could be. I learned my lesson after wearing bright white running shoes out the day after it rained and accidentally stepped in a mud puddle. D'oh! Only wearing "nice" shoes on good days now. Never again!
DeleteOh I love both!
ReplyDeleteLove it! The bag reminds me of Celine!
ReplyDeleteIt does, right? To be honest, it took me a little while to jump on board with the bag's shape. Even now, I don't love it. What I do love are the colors and patterns, so I'm willing to overlook the "extra flaps" on the sides, haha.
DeleteI can totally see you rocking a nautical outfit like this: http://chicchefblog.com/2012/04/15/nautical/
ReplyDeleteRL, I'm not fashionable enough to rock red pants! LOVE her outfit though and will be using it as inspiration.
DeleteLOVE the bag, LOVE the flats. I really wanted that tote in brown/cognac (not sure what the color was called) but it's sold out :(
ReplyDeleteI'll keep my eyes out for you! Also, I know Elle bought one, but I don't know if she plans on keeping it. If not, maybe you can buy it from her?
DeleteI love both the bag and shoes...and they're sooo preppy!! I can't wait to see you style them ;)
ReplyDeleteHahaha, those were my bf's exact words too when I showed him the bag from J.Crew's site. "Uhh... that's SO PREPPY. I don't like it." He came around after seeing it in person -- I guess the bag looked more toned down? :)
Delete:)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you rock this bag...I think it'll go well with your existing wardrobe. :)
And the shoes are darling, definitely get them when they are further discounted!
Considering most of my wardrobe is composed of mostly neutrals, I hope the cheery red will be a nice addition of color :)
DeleteYes Ms. Enabler!
Oo this would be such a great and fun to dress this summer, especially around july 4th ;) love the bow on the shoes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link love. Awesome review. It was nice to see the other reviews as well. I got mine on a promo, but still paid double+ what it's going for now. That's never a great feeling, but hopefully I'll get the cost/wear down. Plus I really love it.
ReplyDeleteSo so cute Cee! I saw everyone's tweets and I purposely did not participate for fear I would ask one of you to grab it for me LOL!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear from you. Constructive criticisms welcome!