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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!

Chanel Beige 15P Jacket Full

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!

Chanel Beige 15P Jacket Details

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. 

Loro Piana Trench Full

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.

Loro Piana Trench Details

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!

Chanel Black Tweed Jacket 15C Full

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.

Chanel Black Tweed Jacket 15C Details

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!

Longchamp Neo Tote Full

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!

Longchamp Neo Detail

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. 

Manolo Blahnik Cord Sandals

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. 

Jimmy Choo Wedges

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!

22 Comments

  • Reply
    Belen
    June 30, 2015 at 10:15 am

    Love that trench! And you bought a Neo! Too bad you don’t like the color as much 🙁
    I’ve been obsessed with the Neo line since I got my black one. I was too late to get another small tote for the sale price, but I did get two Neo clutches in navy and clementine. They are even more useful than I thought they’d be!
    And pretty 🙂
    Can’t believe you’re already in the last month of your pregnancy! Congrats!!!

  • Reply
    Vivian
    June 30, 2015 at 11:20 am

    Knowing you always travel to Europe and I’m thinking you could get longchamp in very good price. I got my leather pliage for 250e last time in Paris, it’s a steal. You will be very likely to stumble Neo in subtle tones on sale .. My 2 cents

  • Reply
    Julia
    June 30, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    Well, I got the same Longchamp and I love it, so thanks for the tip! I was a Longchamp skeptic but I am really impressed with the high quality of finishes and as a fellow short person, it does work great as a crossbody. I actually love the red, too. Maybe it’s not too surprising because I generally do NOT love red but this is a perfect color for me and my stuff. Only thing I don’t like is the obnoxiously tiny pocket but I can make it work for my Metro card so I’ll live.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 30, 2015 at 2:43 pm

      Yes it’s an amazing bag!! I love the color too, for some reason it just didn’t work on me though…maybe it’s my skintone? Enjoy it, I’m sure it looks amazing on you!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    June 30, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    When Chanel calls – one must answer! I don’t wear mine as much as I’d like but would not give them up. You will get lots of opportunities to wear them.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 1, 2015 at 10:32 am

      I know that you always make great use out of your Chanel Sarah, so I feel better being a bad girl this season 🙂

  • Reply
    Sybil
    June 30, 2015 at 5:03 pm

    I love my poppy small neo and navy medium neo!! You can’t go wrong with either so I got both! That zippered Chanel jacket is amazing.

  • Reply
    Anna
    June 30, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    I spent the entire sale season in the Yucatecan jungle (a good way to cull shopping impulses), so unfortunately I had to miss out this summer. Glad to see you’ve been busy! The Loro Piana coat is simply perfect. I’ve always liked your taste, but this coat has to be one of your best purchases to date.

    I wish you’d post photos of you wearing the shoes (I totally get not wanting the interwebs to see your last month of pregnancy though); sometimes another’s opinion can make you see things in a new way. I’m so sad that those Manolos didn’t work out… 🙁

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 1, 2015 at 11:15 am

      I think the Yucetecan jungle sounds WAY more exciting than my sad sale season!! The Blahniks were sooo cute but the tops were so narrow, my feet would have been touching the ground (gross). Very sad!

      • Reply
        Anna
        July 1, 2015 at 8:52 pm

        Jeez, who are these thin-footed people for whom Manolo’s minions manufacture? So so sad they didn’t work out 🙁

        The jungle was more awe inspiring than I could ever have imagined. I’m so very glad that I decided on an authentic experience of the place instead of following the touristy routes.

        Best part though? Detour to Texas for some BBQ before heading home to our nation’s capital. Where my stomach leads I follow!

  • Reply
    Lisa
    July 1, 2015 at 7:16 am

    That’s it, I need a Chanel SA bestie! 🙂 Beautiful jackets. I’ve been on a search for a nice low heel wedge too and I think I found them but I need to stretch it out a bit due to a widening feet…ugh. I bought these in black on sale but these are nude and not on sale but still decent price. Can’t believe you are in last month of pregnancy!

    http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Loeffler-Randall-Anya-Embossed-Snake-Wedge-Sandal-Nude/prod179240247/p.prod?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%2FbrSearch.jsp%3Ffrom%3DbrSearch%26request_type%3Dsearch%26search_type%3Dkeyword%26q%3Dloeffler%20randall%20sandals&eItemId=prod179240247&cmCat=search

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 1, 2015 at 11:11 am

      Those are fabulous!! I love low wedges and am always looking for the perfect pair!

  • Reply
    ella
    July 2, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    You are going to LOVE that Loro Piana coat. I bought a similar one this past March (full price, alas); after I bought the Mr. the men’s version for his birthday I couldn’t resist buying one for myself. I wore it nonstop from March through May in NYC and I suspect it will take me from September through Thanksgiving. It weighs nothing, is surprisingly warm, and can withstand being rolled into a ball and thrown in the overhead compartment with no consequences whatsoever. Wear it well!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 4, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      Thank you!!! I’m so glad to hear your glowing review and it sounds like it has served you well! 🙂

  • Reply
    Deedee
    July 3, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    I got the same bag in the sale! 🙂

  • Reply
    Sonita
    July 3, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    Kat, beautiful cream Chanel jacket! May I know the name/style if you don’t mind? Thanks much and Happy 4th!

  • Reply
    lindsay
    July 5, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    Love the LP trench!!! How did the sizing run? Im eyeing a jacket and normally take a U.S. 4 (sometimes a 6) and I’m not sure if the 40 will worK. Thanks!!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    July 7, 2015 at 9:00 am

    I’m disappointed that I paid full price for the black lesage tweed jacket because the sales associate said it would never go on sale. Specifically, she said that “classic black jackets like that never go on sale”. I’ve bought many jackets from her in the past and this is quite shocking to me. I’m going to take a break from Chanel.

    Happy that you got it on sale and you are working with a great sales associate!

    • Reply
      Anonymous
      July 7, 2015 at 9:01 am

      Btw, I shop at the SF boutique.

      • Reply
        Katherine
        July 8, 2015 at 8:48 pm

        Hi, that is my “local” boutique too and I wonder if we have the same SA. I’ve paid full price many times in the past for items that have gone on sale so I know your pain. I will say that this particular jacket to my knowledge didn’t go on sale at Chanel boutiques, NM or Saks – only a few “smaller” retailers that happen to carry Chanel. So your SA was largely right. I just got lucky I think and stumbled on it via one of my SAs at Nordstrom.

        There was a jacket in 2013 that I wanted, also classic black, and I think Chanel has YET to put it on sale! And it took NM like 2 years to put it on sale and of course I missed it.

        • Reply
          Anonymous
          July 9, 2015 at 3:48 am

          Thanks for the response. I should have called my Nordstrom SA in Portland. She’s found me some great deals before. I guess the lesson here for me is that I should not rely entirely on the boutique.

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