uncomplicate. Your Life with J.Jill this Spring

 For some women, it is difficult to imagine looking put together, feminine, and confident while being completely comfortable . . . both in her own skin and her clothes.  The truth is that how complicated her outfit is directly affects how complicated her day will be.  What woman needs to add worrying about having something out of place, taking a less-than-graceful step in her high heels, and being uncomfortable to her already busy day?  Not this one!

For Spring 2013, J.Jill has gone all out to help women uncomplicate. their lives in two ways.  The first is through a new collection of separates, dresses, shoes, accessories, and jewelry all done in neutral and soft tones.  These pieces are easy to coordinate and make it very simple to create worry-free ensembles for work, home, and play.


The second way J.Jill is kicking off the uncomplicate. campaign is by partnering with More, Martha Stewart Living, and Real Simple Magazines to offer three incredible prizes for their Give the Gift of uncomplicate. Sweepstakes on Facebook . . .

• Grand Prize #1 is a dinner party courtesy of Martha Stewart Living plus a $500 J.Jill shopping spree. (Must enter before April 1st, 2013)
• Grand Prize #2 is a closet makeover with a Real Simple organization specialist plus a $1000 J.Jill shopping spree.  (Must enter before April 8th, 2013)
• Grand Prize #3 is a head-to-toe style makeover by More magazine plus a $1000 J.Jill shopping spree.  (Must enter before April 25th, 2013)

Enter to uncomplicate. the life of  a special woman you know by submitting her photo and telling J.Jill why she deserves one of those fantastic Grand Prizes.  Entries will be judged on creativity and relevance.  Go here to read the official contest rules.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about J.Jill's new uncomplicate. campaign.  Please remember to enter to win a $100 J.Jill gift card below.


Thank you to J.Jill for providing the images, information, and gift card for our contest prize and for giving me a gift card as a thank you for taking the time to participate in this contest.  All opinions expressed are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck in the drawing!

Shop 'n' Share: Grabbed a Last Minute Holiday Gift (for Me) from Sears.com!

Since much of my Holiday gift shopping is done by Halloween and almost all of it is done by Thanksgiving, December is usually the time when I shop for my home and my closet.  I have tried to resist all the great deals offered by my favorite retailers, but it is always futile.

Since a lot of you are not compulsive about finishing your shopping early like me, I wanted to share how easy it was for me to purchase this last minute gift for myself.  I simply browsed Sears.com for any fashion items that caught my eye.  I noticed a brand called Live and Let Live that seemed to have a style that appealed to me, so I was able to just search for that brand.  After narrowing it down to a few choices, I finally decided on this Live and Let Live Women's Dolman Paisley Top in the Zinfandel color.  It was priced at $24.99 plus I had slightly over $5 in Shop Your Way Rewards to redeem!

I am having this top shipped to me, but if you are shopping for a last minute gift for someone on your Holiday list, like with many other Sears items, you can opt to purchase online and then pick up your item at your local Sears store.  Your item is usually ready to be picked up on the same day or the next day.  Best of all, there are no shipping fees for picking up your item in-store.  I do it all the time when I shop for tools and electronics.

I received a gift card to shop and share my experience with my readers.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Shop 'n' Share: Petal Edge Tank and Owl Ring from OASAP

I was offered an opportunity to checkout an online clothing and accessory site I had never heard of before. That site was an online boutique called OASAP.com.  The first thing I noticed about this site was that a lot of the clothing was one size fits all.  This usually means that the clothes are made for people with a thinner build, so I was curious about whether I would find something to fit my size XL (and sometimes XXL) body.  The other thing I noticed right away was that OASAP offers free shipping to everywhere in the world where they deliver.

The women's clothing, handbags, and jewelry on OASAP are just my style and it took me forever to spend the credit they had provided to me so that I could experience shopping on their site.  I finally settled on two items . . . this Petal Edge Cutout Loose Blouse and the Retro Cute Owl Ring.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

This loose-cut blouse looked so huge on the model, but this is how the size XL looks on me.  I do not have a large chest at all and it just fits me in the arm holes and across the back.  I love it though because it hides my not-so-flat belly very well.  This top also comes in Black and in Ivory, but I am very happy with the Watermelon Red I chose.  This color is perfect for my coloring.  I also think the top cutout layer over the sheer bottom layer is very pretty and feminine. This top sells for $51.00.  It is well worth it if you make sure that you choose the correct size.  I would recommend the XL for someone who takes either a size Large or goes between a size Large and X-Large.  I would not recommend this top for anyone who is larger in the chest area.  I am a 36A, if that helps you at all.

I rarely wear costume jewelry because I am often too busy to remember to take my jewelry off before I wash my hands or to hop in the shower, but I could not resist this owl ring for just $8.00.  I chose the silver colored metal, but it also comes in a coppery color.  This ring was a risk because it was One Size Fits All.  Now having tried it, I would say it is about a ring size of 6 or 6.5.  Owls are such a huge trend right now, so I am happy this owl ring fits on my ring finger.

If you have the time (because you will spend hours browsing) visit OASAP.com to see what other cute items they have.  You can even save items to your wishlist so you can come back to them later.  I had a pair of Wonder Women canvas sneakers saved on my wishlist, but they ended up selling out.  I'll know next time not to wait!


Thank you to OASAP for providing a store credit for me to shop and share my experience with my readers.

Fashion Review: Lee Women's Slender Secret Dixie Barely Bootcut Jean

One of my favorite things to wear is a comfortable flattering pair of jeans, especially during the autumn months.  In order for jeans to feel super-comfortable to me, they usually need to have a tiny bit of Spandex in them.  These Slender Secret Dixie Barely Bootcut jeans by Lee have 2% Spandex combined with ringspun cotton denim.  These jeans are actually so soft, they do not feel like jeans, but rather they felt like I was wearing a pair of khakis.

This style of denim was chosen for me because I prefer low-rise pants.  I do not have an hourglass figure, so pants with a longer rise that taper at the waist just do not fit well on me.  I am usually between a regular length and a short.  Depending on the brand, I could go either way.  For these jeans I had to go with the short length, which offers a 30" inseam.  They also seem to fit true to size.  I usually wear a size 10 and these jeans fit just about right.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

As you can see, these jeans have a lot of details.  The two back pockets have blue stitching and chrome studs.  On the front, each side has double pockets.  The inner pocket is a shallow one and is only about 3" deep.

There were two things that made these jeans less-than-perfect for me.  The first was that they wrinkled very easily, just like a pair of cotton khakis or dress pants would.  We tried Down Wrinkle Releaser on them, which seems to work great on all our other clothing, but they still looked rumpled.  The other thing I do not particularly care for is the wide topstitched hem.  Because the jeans were so soft already, not having a stiffer hem made these jeans feel even more like a pair of khakis or dress pants.  They did not seem to sit well on top of my shoes.  I also think this type of hem takes about an inch and a half off of your height.  I do not have particularly short legs, but these jeans seem to make my legs look shorter than they are, even while wearing heels.

I have to say, these jeans are very comfortable.  I wish they offered the sleek look I usually prefer in denim.  However, they would probably be more flattering on someone who is on the thinner side or someone who has longer legs.  These bootcut jeans are offered in 2 washes and 3 different lengths in petite, misses, and plus sizes.  Visit Lee.com to find out more about this and other styles of denim for both women and men.  This site is currently offering Free Shipping on all orders.


Thank you to Lee Jeans for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

Review: Fall 2011 Karen Kane Fashions

The signature "look" around here for busy moms is a zip-up hoodie paired with yoga pants.  It's difficult to say if that even qualifies as a look.  Karen Kane's Taming Topaz Collection for Fall 2011 allows busy women to be comfortable, but confident, by offering coordinates in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched to create a number of stylish outfits.

I received the grey Texture Stripe Sweater with Pockets, the medium wash Flare Leg Jean, and the Infinite Scarf in black to experience.  I chose the Texture Stripe Sweater because of its boxy hip-length cut.  I like to wear boxy tops because of my less than flat stomach and it is surprisingly difficult to find wider cut tops that are not a tunic length.  This shorter length eliminates the "frumpy factor".  I also love the longer sleeves, which always make me feel cozier, especially during the fall and winter months.  I actually rarely wear sweaters because I become overheated so easily.  This sweater is light and breathable.  I would recommend that you layer a tank or a tee underneath on colder days or if you happen to be sensitive to wool, which makes up 5% of the fiber content.

(Click image to enlarge)

I really have never worn scarves apart from warmwear.  After trying the Infinite Scarf by Karen Kane, I think I am going to start.  Not only do I love the look of it, but this scarf is perfect for a scarf-noobie like me.  It is one continuous piece, so I did not have to fuss with how the ends hung, tying the scarf, or securing it in place with a brooch.  Again, like with the longer sleeves on the sweater, this scarf adds to the coziness factor.

The Flare Leg Jeans were a perfect fit for me aside from the length.  I usually take a size 10 and these size 10 stretch jeans fit me perfectly.  They have a slightly low rise, which is what I prefer.  I am about 5'5" and these jeans were quite long on me even with heels on.  Depending on the brand, I normally take a short or a regular length.  I might just have to cut these and let them fray at the bottom.  These could easily be my new favorite pair of jeans because they look and fit so great!

To view the Karen Kane Fall 2011 line in its entirety, visit KarenKane.com.  You can look for Karen Kane fashions locally in fine department stores, such as Nordstrom, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, and Bloomingdale's.  Also, remember to visit Karen Kane on Facebook and on Twitter.


Thank you to Karen Kane for providing complimentary product samples for us to base this review upon.

Review: Kymaro Cardi Wrap . . . a Cardigan and Wrap in One

Offering the practicality of a cardigan, but also the elegance of a wrap or a pashmina, the Kymaro Cardi Wrap is the perfect fashion piece for most body types.  For someone like me, whose body never really recovered from carrying twins, I feel most confident when my mid-section is camouflaged.  With nearly 60 recommended ways to wear the Cardi Wrap, I chose the ones to try that would likely hide my tummy the best.  There were clearly some styles that I absolutely loved, but also a few that I did not care for.  It was certainly fun trying them all though . . . like making different dresses for my Barbie doll with a handkerchief when I was a child.

It was difficult choosing the color Cardi Wrap I wanted.  All seven available colors are actually colors I would wear.  Although red, black, and grey are my usual go-to colors, I decided on the purple and am extremely pleased with my decision.  I also opted for the Plus size verses the Misses because I figured having a little extra fabric to work with would be better than not having enough.

Accompanying the Cardi Wrap is an accessory kit, which includes 3 triangular bangles in silvertone, goldtone, and black,  plus two dyed to match woven pins . . . a bow and a flower.

Although I could definitely wear the Cardi Wrap as a simple duster cardigan, since I just love the cascading hemline and the way the fabric drapes, these are two more of my favorite ways to wear it . . .

The style shown on the left is not one of the ways shown in the Cardi Wrap booklet, but it was actually the first way I thought to wear the Cardi Wrap with a pin or a brooch.  The style shown on the right is style #18 in the booklet and perhaps my favorite style out of all the ones I tried.  It is comfortable, stylish, elegant, and hides my tummy well.  The styles that involved using the bangles plus tying the Cardi Wrap always turned out to be a little bulky for me.  Perhaps I would have had different results with the Misses size Cardi Wrap instead?

If you are in need of a gift idea for the woman who has everything, I would highly recommend the Cardi Wrap.  You can learn more about it and view all the colors available by visiting BuyCardiWrap.com.  Currently you can receive the Cardi Wrap in either size plus the accessory kit for $49.90.

Thank you to Kymaro for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.  This review has been written as part of a campaign for the Family Review Network.

Giveaway: Shabby Apple Boutique Bijou Dress (ARV $88) [CLOSED]

Last summer, I had the pleasure of wearing this black ruffle dress by Shabby Apple to BlogHer 2010.  If you are not familiar with this online boutique, it is best-known for its vintage-inspired dresses for women.  Shabby Apple also brings us jewelry, handbags, shoes, accessories, and adorable girl's boutique dresses.

Are you an hourglass, an apple, a pear, or something else?  This boutique is one of the few that allows you to shop by body type.  This is one of my favorite features about the Shabby Apple website.  It made choosing the right dress for me so much easier.

Aside from the gorgeous dresses, another reason why I love Shabby Apple is because this brand donates 5% of its net sales to aid women in India through a non-profit organization called Unitus.  Customers are also invited to further the cause by donating an extra $5, which can be added to their Shabby Apple order total.

I had the opportunity to choose one dress as the prize for this contest.  I chose the BIJOU dress because I love both the style and the color story of this dress.  It looks comfortable, but figure-flattering.  The ballet-like top and the flirty A-line skirt makes this dress so feminine.  It also has pockets, which makes this dress practical.  The BIJOU dress is available in sizes XXS thru XL and retails for $88.

Visit ShabbyApple.com to view their full line of vintage-inspired fashions.  For a limited time, you can save 10% off your Shabby Apple purchase by using Code: 3garnets2sapphires10off at checkout.  Also visit Shabby Apple on Facebook to stay up-to-date on their latest products, promotions, and contests.

Thank you to Shabby Apple for providing the prize for this contest.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive the BIJOU Dress from Shabby Apple in their choice of available sizes.

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the newest Shabby Apple dresses added to ShabbyApple.com. Then leave a comment telling me the name of the new dress you like the most. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3)  For 5 extra entries, sign up for the Shabby Apple mailing list. Then come back here and leave FIVE separate comments telling me you did.

4)  For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5)  For 3 extra entries each, follow Shabby Apple on Twitter and/or "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook. Then leave THREE separate comments for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.


6)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)  Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, April 11th, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Holiday 2010 Review: "The Girls" Women's Activewear

The days of sweats being the uniform of the stay-at-home mom are over. Many women are opting for the more flattering yoga pant either in a capri or bootcut style. Those topped with a tank, tee, tunic, or hoodie create a more tailored look than a sweatshirt and sweatpants without sacrificing comfort.

When I received a pair of Tummy Control Bootcut Pants to try out from The Girls, a brand I recognize from fine department stores, as well as T.J.Maxx, I was a little skeptical. I have tested various shapewear products in the past and the few that were effective against my post-twin belly were far too uncomfortable. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by these pants.

The Blu-Tec Control System can be found in all tummy control clothing offered by The Girls. This band of nylon spandex mesh hit at just the right spot to make my tummy look flatter. Aside from being effective, there are two things that I love about these pants . . . the Blu-Tech Control System is invisible from the outside and these pants are so very comfortable. In fact, I would say that these pants are one of the most comfortable pairs I currently own. My belly is about the size of someone who is 3 or 4 months pregnant, so I think that even women who are pregnant in their first and second trimesters would find these pants to be super-comfortable.

To view their full line of women's activewear, including tops, bottoms, and jackets, visit TheGirlsApparel.com . You can also find The Girls on Facebook.

Thank you to The Girls for sending us a complimentary product sample to base this review upon.

Holiday 2010 Review: Lands' End Women's Quilted Down Parka

When I was younger, I would forsake warmth for the latest trend. Yes, I was that stupid girl running around in an unlined leather jacket with no hat and no scarf. I would wear mittens, but only if they were cute. Luckily, I grew up and came to my senses. I still love cute mittens, but I have grown to appreciate classic styles, like that of this Quilted Down Parka from Lands' End. This warm hip-length winter coat comes in seven colors to fit every taste. Red is my favorite color, but how many red coats can a girl have? I decided to go with the Dark Chocolate instead.

This coat is available in Regular (XS-XL), Petite (XS-XL), and Plus Size (1X-3X). Because I have a tummy and a non-existent chest, I opted to order the 1X in the plus size. The main difference is the extra room in the body. I think I made the perfect choice. I definitely have enough room to wear a thick sweater underneath.

There are lots of features on this parka that help to keep me warm during the New England winters. In addition to being down-filled, as well as wind and water-resistant, there is a toggle drawstring to cinch the waist to help keep the cold air out. The hood is adjustable and detachable and also has a toggle drawstring to make it snug around your face. I tend to always leave the hood attached because it's easier than carrying a hat with me.

Another feature, which I just love, are the fleece-lined side pockets to warm my hands. It is much easier than taking the time to put on mittens or gloves sometimes.

This Lands' End down parka retails for $99.50 to $109.50, depending on the size you need. You can order it on LandsEnd.com or find it locally in the Lands' End shop inside your local Sears store. You can visit Lands' End on Facebook or sign up for email updates to keep track of the most current promotional offers. It is difficult to find a coat that is both warm and flattering. This parka is both and would make a great gift for any woman who lives in a cold climate.

Thank you to Lands' End for sending us a complimentary product sample to base this review upon.

Holiday 2010 Giveaway: Fresh Produce Women's Sportswear [CLOSED]

With store locations nationwide and an online store, Fresh Produce is the go-to retailer for those who cherish comfort in their daily lifestyle. This brand has transformed what once was seen as beachwear or vacation-wear into clothing that can be worn everyday.

I was sent an outfit consisting of the Fresh Produce Travel Tunic ($46) and the Travel Capri ($49). Both pieces are made from a 100% cotton jersey knit. To say this outfit is comfortable would be an understatement. The pants are not quite fitting for venturing out in the colder New England weather, but I love wearing this outfit at home, making it perfect for 3 out of the 4 seasons for me.

I had ordered the Travel Tunic in the XL/XXL size. The body is extremely wide and boxy, which is part of the comfort, but even when I only lift my arms halfway, the shirt does lift up to show my mid-section. When I wear this top out in public, I wear a tank top underneath. The other thing about the top is that the seam where the body is pieced together across the middle had a 1-inch split in it. Because the split was on the seam, it was extremely easy for me to repair.

I ordered the capri pants in a size medium. I usually take a 9/10 and they were a perfect fit. They sat right below the waist, which is the way I prefer my pants.

Both pieces washed wonderfully. There was no shrinking, pilling, fading, or misshaping. I find these pieces to be very versatile and can be worn with many of the other casual tops and bottoms in my existing wardrobe.

To view the entire collection of kid's and women's sportswear from Fresh Produce, visit FreshProduceClothes.com . Visit the Fresh Produce store locator to find store locations in the U.S., Canada, The Caribbean, and Mexico.

Thank you to Fresh Produce for sending us complimentary product samples to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a Fresh Produce Beach Batik Eastcoaster Tunic - a $58 value. (Winner may choose from sizes XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL and from 5 colors. Subject to availability.)

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the selection of Fresh Produce clothing. Then leave a comment telling me the name of one item you would love to own (aside from the 3 items featured in this article). You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3)

For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one post on the Fresh Produce Blog. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented.

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Fresh Produce on Twitter and/or "Like" Fresh Produce Sportswear on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.

6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, December 13th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Review: Lee Gold Label Jeans for Women

In the past, my experience with Lee Jeans for women has been that they are designed for women with curves . . . smaller waist with rounded hips and behind. I have never had curves. When I was a size 2, I had no waist and no behind. Now I am a size 10 with no waist and no behind. Because of this, I have to wear low-rise pants otherwise, when the rest of the pant fits, the waist is too small for me. I was very excited to hear that Lee's Gold Label Collection of jeans, twill pants, and trousers sat just below the waist.

The pair I tried on for size were the Gold Label Austen Vintage Slim jeans in the darker Rodeo wash. I love wearing distressed jeans because they are usually so comfortable. I was surprised that these jeans felt brand new. They have since been washed at least four times and I think they are starting to soften. They will be perfect after several more washings.

I love the way these jeans look from the front. From the back they are too roomy for me, not just in the seat, but also throughout the thighs. In my mind, slim jeans should be more fitted and less relaxed. Of course, not all size 10 bodies are the same, so these jeans might fit another woman perfectly.

To view the entire Gold Label Collection for women, visit Lee.com . Each style is regularly priced at $44.00 . For a limited time, you can receive Free Ground Shipping on any order of $30 or more plus a savings of 20% when you sign up for Lee email updates. You can also find Lee Jeans on Facebook.

Thank you to Lee Jeans for sending us a complimentary sample product to base this review upon.