Category: Shopping

Hits and Misses

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Usually I focus on shopping for two occasions: going to work, and working out. I recently realized that I don’t have much that fits in those rare in between times, when I’m not at work or the gym… My default has always been jeans and a tee shirt, and sometimes you need something a little cuter for brunch or a party. Here are some of the recent hits and misses I’ve had at the stores.

Hits

Well if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. I was on the fence about the whole off-the-shoulder trend, but guess what? It turns out my collar bone is fantastic! I ordered this top from the Gap and I think it’s fabulous. The sleeves are kind of full and the fabric is kind of stiff but I think that will soften up with a wash or two. I think this will be perfect for weekend events with shorts or white jeans. I’m definitely on the lookout for more cute casual tops.

I ordered this dress from Banana Republic because I thought it would work for work and weekend if needed. It is super comfortable to wear to work, so it was definitely a win.

I am obsessed with JCrew’s lookout high rise jeans. A bunch of my jeans are a little too big at the moment, but I know what size works for me in this style, so I thought I should expand my collection. I bought a couple lighter wash jeans last summer and a pair of rinse wash lookout high rise in the fall. But I realized that I needed something between rinse and light wash. Enter the Meyer wash. I now have four of this cut of jeans, and I think my denim wardrobe is complete.

Misses

I thought this top from the Gap looked really cute, and it would be a really versatile summer top. When I got in the mail, however, it was basically 100% see through. Not a good look. Plus it was pretty stiff and boxy. Side note- since off the shoulder is so big right now, they need to work on the strapless layering cami to put underneath. I’ve shopped around and haven’t seen much besides some really intense shape wear. Return.

Colored denim is kind of trendy right now, and I though pink jeans would be fun. I got these on sale at Ann Taylor, but I don’t love them. They fit poorly and the pink color had a brown undertone which made almost look like a terra cotta in person. Not the shade I was looking for. Return.

I thought this dress from the Gap would be perfect to throw on for a weekend lunch or party. The top was really cute and flattering, but the skirt stuck out in a weird way. It was a weird A-line silhouette instead of hanging straight down. Also, it was a teeny bit shorter than I wanted it to be.

Spring Shopping!

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So I’m not sure about where you live, but winter didn’t really happen in DC this year. I’m glad I didn’t go overboard on the sweater shopping…

I’m itching to start shopping for spring and first on my list a transitional shoe for the weekends that can go from spring through fall. I have my eye on a tan shoe with a decent chunky heel in the bootie/slide/wedge realm. I want something that can work with jeans but not too out of place with shorts.

Which ones should I get?

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

This is by 1.State and goes for $138. I like the perforated texture, the heel is perfect at 3 inches. I’m not sure if the color is too blush rather than tan. Would that limit it’s versatility?

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

This one by Steve Madden is another solid option at $109. The heel is 3.5 inches which is good but borderline high for a casual weekend heel. I’m also not sure how the peep toe and the open back will work for early spring and late fall. That said, I think it will work really will for summer styles.

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

I really like this shoe by Vince Camuto at $149. I think the style is really cool, and it’s a great color. The cons are that the heel is on the higher side at 4 inches, which, again, is do-able but high for a casual shoe. Also the price tag is one the higher end in comparison to the other options.

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

These Sam Edelman’s are really cute on sale at $77. I think they’re really cool, but I wonder if the mule style will be as transitional as some of the other styles, and I don’t know if the color is perfect.

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

This Dolce Vita slide goes for $129. I really like the style, but, again, I’m not sure if it’s three seasons. I like the color and the perforated texture though.

So the question is- which will be my Goldilocks option? What do you think?

Hits and Misses

SadieLeave a comment

Tis the season to refresh the wardrobe! As usual, some items have worked out better than others. I’m getting really good at this returning thing because I refuse to keep anything that doesn’t fit and flatter. This is the boring work edition, but I’m sure there will be a few Hits and Misses posts in our future with workout and weekend clothes as well.

Hits

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I looooove white blouses. I’m always looking for a new style to add to the repertoire. This one from Ann Taylor definitely fit the bill. It looks great buttoned to the top or with one or two buttons undone. It’s great with my slacks and pencil skirts for work.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I’ve been a little hot and cold with Banana lately, but I’ve learned that their tailored sheath dresses usually work for me. The seaming detail add a little interest to a standard sheath, and the color is neutral but not black or navy. It is rather fitted, but it works and it looks good with a cardigan or blazer.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

Another sheath success story. This one is from Ann Taylor. I don’t have a lot of olive so I was excited to broaden the color spectrum in my closet. It’s a great layering piece for fall and winter. I layered an ivory bow tie blouse under it last week and I got several compliments. I think the split neckline will also look great with a turtleneck, collared shirt, or by itself with a cardigan.

Misses

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

While the tailored sheaths work well for me at Banana, I always seem to be between sizes in the knit dresses. I got my usually size and there was too much fabric. It definitely added bulk. Return.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

This skirt is very trendy and it was on sale so I was excited to try it on. Unfortunately the stiffness of the faux leather combined with the midi length (it was a little longer on me than it was on the model), it just looked awkward and stiff. Oh well, next time.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I tried this blouse on in the store because I decided I need a variety of blouses that can tuck in to pants and skirts, and ones that are built not to tuck in. I thought it would be a little blousey, hide a multitude of sins, but still be flattering. This one just made me look pregnant. Not the look I’m going for.