Category: Fashion

Hits and Misses

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After a flurry of fall shopping (my wallet is currently on lockdown), I need to be honest about what pieces worked and what didn’t. I’m trying my best to get pieces that a. fit correctly (which means going into the dreaded fitting room), and b. the price per wear makes it worth it (i.e. I will wear it a lot, especially if it’s pricier).

Keepers

This dress from J.Crew is everything! I do not buy a ton of clothing from J.Crew, especially since they’ve recently been getting flack for poor quality. I saw this dress online and in stores, tried it on, and knew I needed it. This will be a workhorse for me because: it’s 3/4 sleeves (cardigan/blazer optional!), machine washable, substantial enough for fall and winter, and a flattering sheath silhouette. I got the blue, but I’m thinking I might keep an eye out for a sale and get the black as well.

jcrewdress1

My coat game is going to be very strong this year. I did in fact get this Trina Turk jacket from Nordstrom on sale. I love it! It is very flattering, comfortable, and so chic!

Nordstromcoat2

Returns

I thought this blazer from Ann Taylor would be a go-to, but I was wrong. It was billed as a tweed blazer, but when I got it in the mail, I realized it was more of a flimsy, chunky sweater texture. Plus, it was unlined which made it look rumpled. The fit was also too big and thus unflattering, so it was a no. Sometimes Ann Taylor’s quality leaves something to be desired. No wonder everything is always on sale!

tweed jacket

I love, love, love a white blouse, and I really need a couple fresh white blouses right now. I tried this on in Banana thinking that I was just going through the motions and I would definitely buy it. Not so. It was too long for me, which seems to be a theme for me in Banana lately. I understand wanting some shirts to be long enough to cover your behind, but I would be wearing it primarily tucked into a skirt or pants at work, so the extra length was too much for me. Also, it was pretty sheer and dry clean only. Too many cons to overcome the sale price!

bananablouse1

I also returned this white button down from J.Crew. I generally say no to traditional button down shirts, but I have found that a white button down is kind of an essential. I have a couple “perfect shirts” from Ann Taylor, and those seem to fit me well, but I wanted to try another brand to see if there were other options. This one from J.Crew is a really thin fabric that was pretty sheer and just seemed flimsy. The fit was ok, but it was not good enough to overcome the mediocre fabric. The search for white blouses and button downs continues…

jcrewshirt

Five Things

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I am loving right now!

1.Synergy Organic Kombucha: Cosmic Cranberry. This is my grocery store treat. When I go to the grocery store, I get a fancy juice! I used to prefer the green or strawberry flavors, but right now I can’t get enough of the cranberry. Exhibit A:

Kombucha

2. Athleta Crux Capris. I got these a couple weeks ago, and nothing beats fresh workout clothes! These are the perfect mix of a basic black capri that go with anything, with some edgier mesh details. Plus they provide that mid thigh ventilation which is key!

athletacrux3. Late Summer/ Early Fall Weather! I definitely like every season, and I love living somewhere that gets a relatively full range of seasons. But after a couple solid months of 90+ degree heat and humidity this summer, I could not be happier for cooler evenings and highs in the low 80’s and even 70’s. Plus, you know my coat game is on point!

4. Wheat germ. I know, my palate is random. I add some to my smoothie in the morning, in no-bake energy balls, or on top of cereal. It adds a really good, nutty flavor. Pro Tip: un-toasted wheat germ is not for the faint of heart!Wheat Germ

5. Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser from Target. I’ve been using a few different face washes by St. Ives over the years. They did an ok job, and the price is right. This summer, however, I’ve had more acne than usual, I think because I’m using more sunscreen (if you can believe it). I heard good things about this face wash from Target, and the whole charcoal thing intrigued me. The verdict is that I like it a lot. It smells really good, and I think it’s doing the trick!

face wash

What are you loving right now?

Shoe MVPs

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I’ve had some good luck with shoes lately, so I thought I would share some of my MVPs.

Best Basic:

Nordstrom Black Heels

I recently really needed a basic pair of pointy toed black heels, and I saw these Vince Camuto heels on sale at Nordstrom. I get compliments every time I’ve worn them so far, and they are surprisingly comfortable. They are slightly lower than my higher heels at 3 1/4 inches, and I think that seems to make a big difference. I also like that they have a little more interest than the basic black heel. They also come in a flat version which I am strongly considering.

Best Crowdpleaser and Workhorse:

IvankTrumpNudePump

I’ve had these for over a year and I still get compliments when I wear them. They just make you look good. This color and style goes with everything, and they instantly make you looked polished and put together. They are a little on the high side at almost 4 inches high, but they are actually pretty comfortable as heels go. They have an “almond” shaped toe so they aren’t as tight as a pointed toe, but they are much sleeker than a rounded toe. Ivanka Trump for the win!

Best New Favorite:

NineWestFlats

I got these Nine Wests in nude, and in the flat and heel version. I had nude heels (see above) but I needed a flat for days when I just couldn’t handle a heel. I love that these have the cool metal detail in front, and they are of course very manageable.

The Best Next Thing?

SteveMaddenBooties

I need a brown weekend bootie with a chunky heel that I can wear with jeans when the weather gets colder. Sometimes my Uggs just don’t fit the bill. I think these Steve Madden’s look comfortable and cool. They are in strong consideration.