JCrew November New Arrivals: Fitting Room Pics (Part 2)

Good morning! Before I post more pics of the November rollout I just wanted to tell you that I am currently unable to leave comments from my computer and that's why I haven't commented back much, even if I want to. I can leave comments with my phone but my provider had slowed down my rate because I reached the maximum data allowed by my plan so I am basically in dial-up speed until the next cycle starts, which means that my phone is constantly out of battery. Please be patient with me!

Since some of you were interested in the Collection cafe capri in abstract diamond that the regular stores haven't received, I stopped by the Collection store yesterday to see if they had them and I could try them on for you, along with the Collection etched plaid pant. When I tried them on they felt different and now that I read the description I understand why: the etched plaid pant has a higher rise than the abstract diamond one and sits at the natural waist instead of "just above the hip" (it's an original fit versus a city fit).
Also, the abstract diamond fits much bigger than the etched paid, I had to size down to a 00 to have a decent fit and there was still room.
I tried the 0 first (they look like pajama pants in the 0):

This is the 00 (much better, I hope you can see the difference):

The pants are a very substantial blend of wool and silk and they are fully lined (in poly but it feels silky):

Construction here is what you would expect from expensive pants so it really comes down to if you like the crazy print and the color combo (I don't like the colors, personally. By the way the color is misrepresented online, where they look much more bright than what they are. The green is more olive in person).

I preferred the etched plaid ones. I wouldn't size down in these, because of the higher rise. On the other hand, the are a bit baggy in the hips, but I liked the fit, overall. This is a 0:

They have the same fabric composition and same construction than the abstract diamond ones, they are well-made pants, no doubt about it.

While we are at it, I will review the other Collection items in this post and I will continue with the regular items in the next post.
The Collection pink shimmer skirt caught my eye because of the very festive color. It is more buble pink than neon, IMO. I liked it a lot, it is a fun skirt. This is the 0 but since it sits at the natural waist you can size up (especially if you want to tuck a top in). It doesn't pouf out that much and it is knee-lenght on me (it covers my knees). I thought I had grabbed a top to go with it but when I looked for it it wasn't in the fitting room, so I had to try it with my sweater on, which doesn't do it justice. This is the 0:

Close up on the fabric. It is very rough at the touch but since the skirt is fully lined, it isn't an issue in terms of weareability. I like the subtle shimmer:

If this one goes on deep sale before the holidays, I might grab it.
They also had a new party dress that had some potential. I took it into the fitting room but then I realized that it wasn't my size and it was getting late, so I only took a pic of it on the hanger:

I am sorry to tease you like this but I can tell you that it is cotton silk and it is priced at $350. If you are interested I can try it the next time. I think it is a bit revealing and it isn't for busty girls because it is open all the way down to the chest where you tie the bow.

Next, the Wool-cashmere peplum coat. I am in no need for a new coat, let alone a camel one (I have my "looks like a million bucks" Zara one and also the Charlie from 2007) but I tried it on for a friend. The fabric is very thin but has a nice sheen and is soft to the touch (I forgot to look up the fabric content tag but it is better than I expected it to be).
However, the peplum style was a disaster on me. It could be that I tried the wrong size but in my regular 2 it wasn't fitted enough at the waist so it just looks silly (not to mention that it is unflattering because it creates expectations for a defined waist that isn't, so that in reality I look wide. A peplum should visually create waist definition, not the opposite):

Again, maybe I should have sized down, but the fact that the model is wearing it open makes me think that there is an issue with the fit when it is closed. It simply isn't fitted enough.

And now I need your help. While I was there I grabbed the hothouse floral blouse (that I bought the other day) and the Classic mini in felted wool in heritage green (which is on promo for $78) to try together. I showed the combo to the SA and he made a disgusted face, but I liked it:

Granted, the color of the skirt is darker/more saturated IRL. What do you think (please don't let yourself be distracted by the boots that I was wearing because obviously I am not going to wear those with the mini)? Too much green? I am thinking about ordering it (with the sole purpose of wearing it with this blouse) with the 30% off. BTW this is a size 0, it fits TTS.

And to wrap up this Collection post, I want to share a few pics of something that I tried all the way back in August and just went on sale, in case some of you are debating getting it.
It's the Collection lace-trim blouse that I tried n the ivory colorway (not sure if this colorway is soldout or nor on sale yet). I tried both the 0 and the 2 and I felt more comfortable in the 2. The 0 was a bit tight in the shoulders and at the cuffs (which have an elastic). I honestly don't remember which one is the 2 and which is the 0 (I think the first is a 0 and the second is a 2):

What do you think of these Collection pieces? Do you like the crazy pants? Do you think I should get the green mini? Please share!