As the blogosphere lights up with another post and prolific comments on shopping and spending today, I'm perusing the fall preview at Brooks Brothers.
The preview is hinting at lots of color in classic and preppy styles. Here are my first few picks.
Cotton and Wool Stripe Turtleneck Dress. This is short but totally wearable with tights and boots. I'm very sensitive to wool though, I'd likely have to wear some kind of tee underneath and that might not work. I'll have to try this one on in store to see how it feels. It would look great with my Black Fleece Flat Boots.
This Cotton Rugby Dress is a good transitional piece that can be worn late summer and into fall and the long sleeves would also work for spring, at least here in Canada. It also comes in lilac and I like the white collar and cuffs, nice touch.
The Black Watch Shirt Dress has potential to be a fall staple for years to come. I love a shirtdress with a straighter skirt. A shirtdress is a simple way to dress comfortably and still look pulled together thanks to the tailored details. The fabric content is not listed but a couple of people have asked for the details so that should be available through the tab on the product page shortly.
I like a knit shirt and this Cotton Oxford Knit shirt incorporates a white collar, placket and cuffs in a menswear oxford cloth on a cotton jersey knit body. The signature metal buttons are a nice touch, they won't break apart like plastic or shell buttons sometimes do.
It also comes in purple but I really like the look of the navy and white. I've been slowly donating my J.Crew cotton/silk perfect shirts and I'll replace one with one of these, most likely the navy, which would be a perfect topper for a colorful pencil skirt.
If you'd like a change from the pencil skirt silhouette, this Corduroy Skirt has a front pleat that will give it a slight A-line shape. It comes in pink (shown), orange, heather grey and blue and has trouser styling with a front-zip closure, zip pockets and contrast stitching. I really like this one and will definitely try it on in-store. I find corduroy pencil skirts to always catch on my tights, the A-line silhouette shouldn't have that problem.
I usually cannot wear full skirts but I wanted to put this Silk Pleated Print Skirt up because it is very pretty and quite timeless. The colors are perfect for fall but could really work in any season with the right pieces. It would be easily dressed up for a party or paired with a blazer for work. Classic and feminine.
Now on to the accessories. I love the look of these Burnished Wingtip Platform Oxfords. The varied colors and textures add interest and the platform should offset the high heel. They are also available in Black with Lizard Embossed Leather. These are a bit too similar to the Black Fleece Pony Oxfords that I have already so I don't expect to pick these up but you can bet I will be fondling them in the store.
How about these Knee-High Platform Boots in light brown suede? I bet the suede feels like silk and your legs look a mile long in these boots. They are also available in Grey. Probably not so practical for the long, cold Canadian winter so I will admire from afar.
The bag has a metal frame that opens wide to an interior lined in faille with leather reinforced patch pockets and a zipper pocket to complement the large main compartment.
It also comes in this Navy colorway. This suede bag has leather reinforcements and trim, as well as a leather handle/strap that is so important on suede handbags. If the handle is suede and not leather it will quickly show wear and look dirty because suede will absorb oils from your hands whether natural or added from lotions and creams.
Those are all my picks from the first fall rollout for women. There is a fall preview for men as well, click HERE to view the men's new arrivals online.
Overall I think the preview is very well done and fall looks promising. It feels like classic Brooks Brothers with a fresh and youthful look.
Did you see anything you like in the Brooks Brothers preview?
Do you have your shopping list for fall?
I think I am done my shopping list for fall, I shopped the Brora sale for a couple of sweaters, check. Liberty print skirt from Brora, check. Crazy print dress from ebay, check that one too. I bought some cords and some basic tee's as well as some stomping boots for long walks. I bought the elephant bracelet, magpie purchase. I do have a Brora tweed skirt suit on my list, but if they don't have the dark brown tones I want then I'll wait until next year. Each fall they put out one or two of these, but I have a very particular color in mind.
ReplyDeleteI have some J Crew waiting in Atlanta but I will likely return it all. It will be great to just bring it to the store to return!
I always like your picks and this time is no exception. You should show off your legs in those short dresses!
I am just getting started on fall and part of my list-making is looking at the previews to see how I want to dress this year, whether I update my look or go with the tried and true. I am working from home more often now so the casual dresses receive additional wear. The knit shirt is definitely on my list, I think that will be a real winner for me.
DeleteMagpie purchase is too funny, I love that!
Why don't you just buy it all and show us how "affluent" you are.
ReplyDeleteI never buy everything that looks good but it is always fun to look, share and discuss.
DeleteAnonymous, why don't you keep leaving comments like this to show us what a DICK you are.
DeleteHonestly.
I love the first dress but I think it would be too short fore but I think you will rock it . And I hear you on the full skirts but the one I bough from them recently worked very nicely for me, they have a good drape.
ReplyDeleteAnd Anon, this is so unnecessary, I think xoxo was very graceful in her response on Gigi's post. There is no shame in having modest means but there is no reason to deny the affluence if one comes from it, she was just stating a fact because she was called on something. Many people would just get defensive and aggressive.
what matters:
Deleteif your family encouraged you to take pride in yourself
if your family valued your contributions
if you were raised to be kind
if you were raised to know gratitude and to value others
the rest is just stuff you deal with or you don't.
well said, fred!
Deleteajc, I have to get to the store and try the striped dress so I'll try the silk skirt if they have it too. It's possible it could work and I think it is so pretty.
DeleteThanks for your comment.
Fred, good point, it's important to take a moment and remember what really matters.
DeleteHmmm, to me all of those dresses look way too short. Too bad, because they are cute! The navy with white button down is really sharp; I bought a similar one in silk from Talbots sale this year. It is so much better looking than a plain button down, which I abhor. I am in the process of donating or selling off all of mine!
ReplyDeleteI really love the navy handbag; I saw several gorgeous ones in navy leather at TJ Maxx yesterday. Looks like navy is going to be big this year. I have always loved navy and hated those periods where it was "out" and it was so hard to find anything navy!
Sometimes the BB dresses look short because the models are tall but it is difficult to really know without trying on. They usually give the length and I see that the rugby dress is 34" while the black watch dress is 37.5" long. By my eyes they don't look like there is 3" difference between them but they are worn by different models. A try-on session is in order. At least I can do that with Brooks Brothers, there is no J.Crew here.
DeleteI like the navy bag too, frame handbags are neat. Navy has always been one of my staples. I guess we should stock up while we can!
I totally need to work on a list for this fall and winter. A short list. I'd love read some of your planning tips, XOXO.
ReplyDeleteI can't say i care much for Brooks Brothers. While I like the quality, the style just doesn't resonate with me. I wish I were inclined to classic, timeless pieces, but simple lines just don't inspire me.
I am enthralled by high quality and beautiful fabrics, unique design, often bordering on the ornate. I find this combination hard to find. Then, there is the person in me that likes the totally ostentatious. I'd like to reign her in. Your outfit posts and clothing picks help me to view the latter fashion choices with a more discerning eye.
Hi Cleo, I do have a wardrobe planning post coming soon, I'm not ready for fall yet but I know it's coming.
DeleteBB is not for everyone, that's for sure. The quality is usually very good but the style follows a classic formula that is very consistent, something their customers rely on but it isn't the most exciting for people with an eye for high fashion.
I'd love to see some of the items that get your pulse racing. I get excited over quality and unique design but I can't wear anything ornate. My office is conservative and my husband's family scrutinizes everything I wear so I like to keep it very low-key. When we are going out in the city I can turn it up a notch.
Looking forward to your post. I would love to discuss those pulse-racing items with you. Probably better over email. If inclined, my email address is cleo26p at gmail.
DeleteTo echo J.Crew JD, all those dresses look really short to me--a shame because the black watch in particular looks interesting. Mr. Hex buys 90% of his clothes at BB, but I've never purchased anything for myself there.
ReplyDeleteHexicon, it's true that the dresses look short but sometimes it is because of the height of the model. The black watch dress is listed as 37.5" long. I'm going to try it if it is available in the store and I'll report back.
DeleteI love the striped sweaterdress, it is so cute. Is it me or does Brooks look like they are catering to a younger clientele? Those tall boots look like something else and in a good way! I agree that it looks promising for fall. I just hope that the cuts are flattering and the quality has been maintained, especially given the price points. That said, I know that Brooks does use good fabrics and linings and that is the foundation. I will definitely be checking out their fall line, thanks for sharing xoxo.
ReplyDeleteI find the fall preview is almost always geared toward the college-bound demographic so it looks a bit more youthful than the usual offering. It's a practical measure I'm sure, college students are buying fall clothes now whereas most professionals are probably waiting a bit.
DeleteI kept thinking about those tall boots last night but I absolutely need to review my fall shoe wardrobe before buying another pair. Planning is key, impulse buys are not my friend, lovely as they are.
Lots to like here. The skirts are fabulous. Do you think the corduroy skirt is a mini or above-knee length? The striped sweater dress also looks interesting but I would have to try that on.
ReplyDeleteThe corduroy skirt is 19" long so it's not quite a mini. Definitely above-knee unless you're very petite.
DeleteCrushing on the knee boots, oh wow. I always thought brooks brothers was the staid older uncle of jcrew but this stuff does not look staid and older, except for that shirtdress maybe. I can't wait to see what you get!
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking to find staid at BB, you can definitely find it but there are some rather current pieces too. I'll definitely share details on the items I pick up.
DeleteSuch pretty things at Brooks Brothers...I used to pass by a B&M all the time when I worked in DC, but I never went inside. I really need to go to the one in ATL so that I can try on their button-downs since I hear they have a really nice fit.
ReplyDeleteSome of the smaller stores don't have as much women's stock so some things are online only but it's always good to stop by a store and try to get your sizing info. The quality is good and you can't beat the ability to return at any time, for any reason.
DeleteI have to admit, I've always been biased against Brooks Brothers and always just considered it a place where my BF buys his polos and button-downs, but there's nothing for me. However, I've been seeing some pieces that have me doing double takes recently, and I am impressed by their wide size spread. Those oxford heels are gorgeous - I may need to sneak into a store and check those out.
ReplyDeleteI used to think of BB as a place where my grandparent's shopped so I know what you mean. As a teen I got the odd piece or two and now I buy several pieces each year, if not each season. The shoes are really well-made and those oxford heels look amazing. I have to see them in-store too, just to have a look. ;^)
DeleteYou've got me keeping a watch on BB, and thanks to the posts by you and Dani, I recently experienced Chie Mihara shoes for myself. Come on over ... very excited about a source to share with my bloggie friends! ;)
ReplyDeleteI've been a fan of Chie Mihara for so many years now, I typically compare all other brands to them. Great quality shoes and always fun to wear.
DeleteLately I have found so much more to like at BB than before. But, I think the quality of their shoes wavers. Almost all are made in China now, and few of them have leather linings. They always have lovely Italian cashmere, and wonderful pima cotton sweaters. I have a beautiful pebbled leather dome handbag from BB that I have had for a few years that still looks like new. I love your blog, and have been a longtime reader, but am now a follower!
ReplyDeleteI think it's been a couple of years since I bought a pair of shoes at Brooks Brothers that weren't Black Fleece and they are still made in Italy with all-leather construction. The boots featured above list a leather lining but the shoes do not. I'll have to check them out a bit closer in the future, thanks for the heads up.
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