+J Relaunch at Uniqlo! 10/10

Who else is excited for the re-release of Uniqlo's Jill Sander collaboration? Uniqlo's released the entire men's and women's lookbook teasing the sleek, classic, and chic designs of their original Spring 2011 collaboration over this past month. Although Jill Sander is not involved in Uniqlo's decision to bring back the "greatest hits" of her collection, Uniqlo's decided to pick the "creme de la creme" of what sold well during the original release. The collection is slanted a bit more towards the mens' selection, where they have 27 pieces. The women's collection has 15. The whole lookbook is chock full of streamlined basics that will fill a hole in any closet.

The +J collection dropped at the grand opening of the Chestnut Street store on the 3rd of October, but the collection will be available online and in select stores on Oct 10, tomorrow! I've chosen my top five pieces to show you from the collection.

Down Short Parka

This coat retails for $169.90 and comes in two additional colorways: a dusty maroon and a navy. I love the stiff architectural collar of this coat. Although it's short, I can tell that this coat would be a perfect topper to any outfit.

Wool Blended Short Down Coat

The Wool Blended Short Down Coat will retail for $229.90 and only comes in one additional colorway: navy. Similar to the coat above, only with a more subdued collar, I think this coat would come in handy on those biting winter days where you would want the majority of your body covered

Wool Wrap Coat

This coat also comes in brown and navy colorways. Like the coat above, the wool wrap coat also retails for $229.90. If you don't feel like wearing a puffer coat during the wall or winter months, I think a thick wool peacoat or trench is the best alternative. I personally prefer a more fitted coat silhouette and simple details. Luckily this +J coat has both with its tapered waist, collar, and pocket detailing.

Stretch Cashmere V-Neck Long Sleeve Sweater

This cashmere sweater retails for $149.90 and comes in four additional colors: dark grey, black, brown, and navy. I have a weakness for sweaters, and an even greater weakness for cashmere, so when +J made a sleek V-neck cashmere sweater....gimme.

Extra Fine Cotton Slim Fit Long Sleeve Shirt 

This simple button up retails for $49.90 and comes in black and navy as well. I've always liked the image of a collared shirt and sweater combo. For $50, and for Uniqlo quality I think this shirt is actually a very good deal. I love the classic spread collar, tapered waist and the concealed buttons.

Those are my picks! Which are essentially a third of the whole women's collection, but I encourage you to check it out yourselves!

Also, you should participate in the Uniqlo Lucky Line while you can! It's a cutely designed online "raffle contest" where you can enter through your facebook or twitter accounts. Depending on your place in line you can win: $10 dollars off your next online purchase, a limited edition Micky tote, a $200 Uniqlo shopping spree, and a grand prize of a Disney Expo prize pack! I entered through my facebook and twitter and got the tote and the $10 dollars off.

Let me know what you guys get! =) Good luck!

Bkr Water Bottle "Review"

It was just a coincidence when my sister and I simultaneously asked each other if we were interested in the same glass water bottles. Although I was easily mind melded by the proliferation of bottles in my workplace, my sister was motivated by her research on the harmful effects of bpa in plastics and the controversial health risk of bpa free plastics.

These water bottles have hit stores like Neiman Marcus, Whole Foods, and even Amazon.com. You might also see them popping up in carefully curated instagram posts showing chic exercise wear. So, what are they?

They're 100% soda lime glass water bottles with a pretty food-grade silicone sleeve and touted as the best fashion accessory and tool in your beauty arsenal. 

The bottles come in 500ml ($30) and 1L ($42) sizes, but my sister and I found the 1L size to be unwieldy. They're practical, durable, and easy to take around. According to doctors and nutritionists, an average person needs to drink at least two liters of water a day. If I drink four of these little bottles, I know I'm set. 

They are pretty expensive for simple water bottles, but their aesthetic is pleasing. Despite being glass they're also surprisingly durable. bkr has a limited warranty where they will replace your water bottle if it was broken within 90 days, but in order to get your elusive replacement you need to take a photo of the broken bkr, write a 250 word essay on why you love it, pay for shipping, and have a copy of the original receipt. Honestly, to me that sounds like a pain in the butt. I'd just be very careful not to break it...I've seen a bkr dropped from waist height onto a marble floor and come out unscathed so I feel confident in it's ability to withstand moderate damage. That being said, I don't think I'll be rough with it. The brand and design are definitely for the more aesthetically concerned and I think are meant for gym jaunts, office hydration, and city slicking.

If you're past the 90 day mark and happen to lose your cap or break your bottle, they sell replacement caps for $5 and glass bottles, 500 mL for $10 and 1L for $14 on their website.

bkr also releases a fall and spring collection, so if you're coveting a particular silicone sleeve or design you need to purchase it before it's gone. bkr generally releases limited edition bottle information through it's instagram and facebook, so follow them for the latest updates and trends.

Given the price of the bottle and it's limited warranty, I was curious to see what bkr does with the rest of the proceeds on their page. They have a Social Responsibility section in their FAQ, where they say:

What happens to one of us affects all of us. When you buy a bkr, we invest a portion of the proceeds in initiatives that combat the global water crisis, help in the fight against cancer and that create the change we would like to see in the world. We have supported many philanthropic organizations and foundations including: the Obakki Foundation, a non-profit organization that uses fashion and creative arts as a fundraising vehicle to bring water and education to people in Africa; the Canary Foundation, which is dedicated solely to the funding, discovery, and development of tests for early cancer detection; and the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps injured men and women who are returning home from current global conflicts and provides assistance and support to their families.

I'm curious to know what percent of their proceeds go to charity. Not to be bitchy or nosey, but just for transparency's sake.

Altogether, I really like my bkr. I have to admit I got them on a deal so I didn't pay the full $30 for my 500mL water bottle in the color Boy. I've put more use into it than any other water bottle that I've bought before...and like shoes...you can't have just one. If I'm crazy enough I might even buy more colors or purchase the 1L for picnics and beach days!

Pros:
- Holds water
- No metallic taste
- Very cute and easy to carry around
- Top rack dishwasher safe

Cons:
-Expensive
-Pass 90 days and you break it, you are effed
-Extensive replacement process
-Questionable % donated to charity?

Purchase links:
bkr Official Site

Grids and Scallops

Skirt: Devlin, Shirt: Wilfred (Old), Shoes: Vera Wang, Purse: Chanel

I am a fan of monochromatic outfits. Black on black on black. To keep outfits from being too boring I usually adhere to three rules:

1.) Variation in shade
2.) Variation in texture
3.) If possible, break up with a subtle pattern

Like this! This skirt and shirt combo is turning out to be one of my favorites. The texture and architecture of the skirt coupled with the subtle grid pattern on the silk shirt make it a casual yet dressy outfit. With this I even go minimal on the accessories. 

The skirt is made up of layers of a stretchy scuba material. Although the brand is devlin, I've seen this skirt recreated by multiple brands in a multitude of colors and shades. I'm thinking of investing in more myself...I was surprised at how much I liked the fit! 

Similar Skirts:

Bright Blue
White and Black