Spring 2015: Sale Update

Designer sale season is winding down, and apart from one pair of Jimmy Choos which seem to be taking the long scenic route across the country to arrive to me, I’ve pretty much received everything I ordered.

This spring I vowed to try to sit out most sales, since I really can’t tell how anything would fit on my body right now. However, a few items proved too tempting, and once I placed my first order, I thought – what the heck? – and continued along my merry way.

Unlike my Spring 2014 sale update, this time I didn’t wear any of the items myself to share with all of you. I am in the last month of my pregnancy, and a few days ago I saw myself gliding past in a store window and decided I really would like to avoid full length mirrors and photos below my neck for a while. Instead, I’m using my dress form to help out.

Now, on to my recap – starting with clothes!

Item #1: Chanel Spring 2015 Pre-Collection jacket, 40% off. I first tried on a version of this jacket – same material but in a different cut, in the boutique. I loved the fabric since it was both soft and seemed very sturdy for a Chanel “tweed” – winner all around! However, the cut of the first jacket I tried just didn’t work for me. When the salesperson brought this version out, I was sold! It’s one of the most practical jackets I’ve seen in a while – no flashy buttons, easy to wear color and silhouette, and there’s even a zipper. Wow!

This jacket came with a matching pencil skirt and I think the full outfit would be perfect for a workplace with a business dress code. Since that doesn’t describe my workplace, I just ordered the jacket.

Status: Keeping, fits me well without alterations (the arms are a wee bit long so I’ll think on those), and a nice spring jacket addition to the wardrobe. 

Item #2: Loro Piana Freetime Trench, 40% off. I have eyed various pieces of Loro Piana outerwear for years, but they’ve always eluded me (well on sale, that is). Either the items are never in my size, or I pick them up and they end up being lined in sable and still a gazillion dollars after discount. So imagine my surprise when browsing the Neiman Marcus website one day, I came across this trench…really classic style, cashmere lined (which is what I’ve been holding out for), and in my size…and on sale to boot! I clicked “purchase” immediately.

My trench shipped from a store, so I thought perhaps it wouldn’t get fulfilled (I speak from past experience, sadly). Happily it did, and when it arrived it was exactly what I was expecting. I think it fits me pretty well too…but of course I can’t zip it up or fully tell with my big belly!

Status: Keeping. Very practical and casual for what I’m being advised will be a hectic and messy newborn period with baby!

Item #3: Chanel black “Fantasy” tweed jacket from 2015 Paris-Dubai Cruise collection, 40% off. When I first saw this jacket I thought that it might be a little too cropped for me. But then I tried it on, and it actually seemed to work…probably because I have a longer torso (sigh). The cropped length made it the perfect jacket to layer over longer white shirts…or over dresses. I think the neckline and cut are quite classic.

And of course, the details. I love the classic Lesage tweed, the buttons, the lining and construction. This jacket ran quite small, even by Chanel standards by the way, for anyone considering it. I took my “normal” Chanel size, but could have definitely gone up as well.

Status: On the fence. If I had unlimited funds I would definitely keep, but this is a bit more formal and I suspect I’ll be in hoodies for the next few months. And it was expensive! But…it’s….so….beautiful. And my mother liked it!

Moving on from clothes now…onto shoes and accessories!

Item #4: Longchamp Neo small crossbody tote, in “Poppy”, 40% off. I’m a Longchamp loyalist and have had my tote bags from the brand for years. They’ve all survived heavy abuse and barely look used. So when I saw that this little crossbody on sale – I snatched up the red right away. I’ve been waiting for a great crossbody from Longchamp for years!

The bag arrived and it was the perfect length for cross body wear on me, which is how I’d always wear it anyhow. I loved all the details, like the matching color zipper, sturdier construction, and and bright color. I love reds. But for some reason, I didn’t really fall in love with this red as much as I thought I would. Maybe a darker burgundy color would have been better?

Status: On the fence. The price was fantastic, but I wonder if I should just bite the bullet and pay full price for the navy version, which I know I like more than the red. 

Item #5: Manolo Blahnik “Essa” sandal, 60% off. Oh, I loved these so hard when I saw them. They’re a lower, chunkier heel than any of the other Blahniks I have, which I knew would make them more walkable. The leather was incredibly supple and soft. The cork footbed was comfortable. Such a great mix between flattering and easy to wear. And more than half off!

Unfortunately…these just didn’t fit me. The footbed on the toes were too narrow for me – surprising as I’ve never had this issue with Manolos before. My feet were spilling over the edge – a look I never like.

Status: Not keeping. I weep because I love them…but they just don’t fit on my feet. 

Item #6: Jimmy Choo “Chiara” wedge sandal, 60% off. Another low sandal…can you tell I tried to be more practical this sale season? I generally have great luck with Jimmy Choos and usually add a pair or two each season. I thought these snakeskin sandals would for sure be winners…a neutral palette with some interest, super comfortable heel height…what’s not to love? I was so confident that I ordered two pairs, the ones above and a patent black version (still available in select sizes).

Unfortunately, these seemed to cut off my leg at a weird angle. That being said, I’m also entering my 10th month of pregnancy soon (yes…there are 10 months, not nine…a fact I am not all too aware of). So maybe my legs and feet just are off in general…but unfortunately, I can’t be assured that they’ll go back to olden days.

Status: Not keeping. My hunt for excellent low wedges continues.

And there we have it…a recap of my Spring 2015 sale season! I realized writing this post that I seemed to have awful luck with accessories this year, which is funny as I thought those would be easiest to find keepers in, seeing as how I can’t even physically try on most clothes this year. But I guess this season was one for adding pieces of outerwear instead…ironic as we’re just entering our California summer season, and I don’t see “tweed jackets” on the list of any kind of recommended new mommy wardrobe. But I guess when Chanel speaks to you…

What were some of your favorite sale season items? Are you mostly done? Please share!