Style File Friday, Kate Spade and J Crew!

This is the final week of everything new from Christmas and my trip! My winter wardrobe is now firmly invigorated and I’m loving every single one of my new pieces. I am honing my style and slowly moving towards a more timeless wardrobe, and while it’s not a huge change, it feels right. Given an unlimited budget, I could probably outfit myself permanently with only J Crew and Kate Spade. Given that I don’t have an unlimited budget, I stick with pieces that I know that I will absolutely love!




Carlisle Street Serenade in Black and Cream, Kate Spade
This was my sole purchase from the Kate Spade outlet on my trip. I’ve somehow gotten to a point where I’m running out of Kate Spade items to buy… (There was a long sleeve red dress that I’ve been admiring for a year that was in every size but mine- cue slow tears.) I had been looking for a small coin purse or card holder for when I quickly run to get tea at work or put in my jacket pocket when I am getting gas. It was another 60% off deal at the outlet, so this was less than $34 USD with taxes! It has enough room for 6 cards, bills, and a handful of change. It’s the perfect size, and is fun without being over the top! (It’s not available on the Kate Spade website but I’ve linked it on Amazon in case you are interested.)

 Dainty Sparklers Pave Disc Pendant, Kate Spade
M had told his mom that I was on the lookout for more jewellery to wear to work, and she picked this out for my Christmas gift. It is the perfect length, and is elegant and eye catching! The chain is lovely and delicate, it doesn’t catch on my clothes like some statement pieces, and it is timeless. Kate Spade tends to do short chokers or longer statement necklaces- this is right in between and would be a suitable length for anyone. I wear it at least a couple days a week, and it usually results in a compliment or two! I am incredibly lucky to receive gifts like this necklace 🙂

Pleated Mini Skirt in Plaid, J Crew Factory
This was purchased a few weeks after I got home from my visit to see M. I started out looking for something on the Banana Republic site and after getting frustrated, I headed over to the J Crew Factory site instead. I looked through the clearance section of the website that was 50% off, and this was $40 USD. At first I thought that that included the 50% off- but it didn’t. That’s right, this skirt was only $20 USD! With taxes, shipping, and duties, it came out to $41 CAD. It is a thinner cotton with the plaid printed on; a lot of people took issue with it in the reviews but I’m loving it. With thicker tights I can wear it in our -40 winter but with pantyhose it would work in the spring and fall as well. Also, pockets- need I say more? I would certainly recommend checking the J Crew Factory website for sales, you never know when you will find a steal like this!
So dear readers, have you started dressing for spring yet or are you still stuck in winter like me? 
Until tomorrow,
The Historian!