Where I Got That

I’ve noticed that I tend to go to the same stores for the same items. Do you do that too? There are always exceptions, but often when I need a blouse I go here, when I want a new jacket I go there. You know what I mean?

Gap: I think I’m a little old for the Gap but I love it for tees, tanks, shorts, and sometimes jeans. Basically weekend wear. They usually have some cute but comfortable casual shirts, and they’re always on sale.

Ann Taylor: I buy a lot of blouses for work from Ann Taylor. I like them because they’re work appropriate but usually machine washable. It doesn’t hurt that they often have sales. I also buy an assortment of pencil skirts and the occasional sheath dress or dress pant.

Loft: I’ll buy inexpensive, washable sweaters and tops from Loft. Sometimes I’ll get a pair of pants, but their shorts don’t fit me. The sweaters aren’t the best quality but if I get them on sale I’m ok if they only last a season or two. They have solid good looking long cardigans this season! I also like their Lou and Grey line for comfy attire.

Banana Republic: Banana is my spot for dress pants. I also get a bunch of dresses and the occasional blazer or blouse there as well. It’s mainly work attire for me. I’m not really into their jeans, and their sweaters are often too pricey or too fussy.

JCrew: I have four pairs of the same jeans in different washes from JCrew. I also love a JCrew suit and the occasional work dress. I try to wait for the 30% off sales.

JCrew Factory: This is my go to for shorts and washable summer sweaters and cardigans. I’m buying less and less from Factory these days because I don’t think the quality is that great, but sometimes you don’t need the fanciest version.

Anthropologie: I’ll get the occasional statement piece from Anthro, but I often only get earrings and scarves there. I think it’s more my style to wear a really classic neutral outfit with interesting accessories.

Nordstrom: Coats are my favorite thing. I usually buy them from Nordstrom along with shoes and a special occasion dress from time to time.

Lands End: Lands End is great option for sweaters and sporty outerwear. As chic as the new athleisure brands are, Lands End athletic outerwear options are a lot more affordable and functional. An oldie, but a goodie.

So those are the heavy hitters, but you know I’m always keeping my eyes open on all the department stores, some newer places like South Moon Under, shoes spots like DSW and Nine West, and all of the athletic apparel spots!

What are your standby brands/ stores?

Hits and Misses

August is my birthday month, so I was a little impulsive with the shopping. On the plus side, I’ve been trying a lot of things on prior to purchase to make sure they actually fit, and returning things that I don’t absolutely love. As you can tell from the selections below, I seem to be working on a grey scale right now. I think I’ve been focusing on season-less items as the summer stuff goes on sale, but I can’t wait to get into sweater season!

Hits

This sweatshirt from Nike is everything. I bought it during the Nordstrom half yearly sale. I love the different logo placement, and the slight crop makes it super trendy. It works really well with high rise jeans and leggings.

I love these shoes. I needed new black booties with a chunky heel. I love these because they have a heel but they aren’t sky high so I can walk in them all day. They also are a little more interesting than the typical basic bootie. I will be wearing these all fall and winter.

This skirt from Ann Taylor surprised me. I usually only buy pencil skirts, but I tried it on in the store and it looked really cute. It reminded me of Cher’s plaid suit in Clueless. And I thought it would be kind of short, but it’s definitely long enough for work.

This sweater is the best. I think I can wear it with or without an undershirt, depending how I’m feeling. Gray is my favorite color to wear. I know what you’re thinking- I live dangerously.

Everyone should probably get this jumpsuit from Anthro. I think this is actually my first jumpsuit. I plan on wearing it to every semi-formal occasion for at least the next six months. Now I just need some cover-up options. I want a kimono or blazer that isn’t too bohemian or too boxy.

Misses

I really wanted to like these brand new crepe pants from JCrew. They are a great drapey fabric that’s machine washable! They seem like they would be really comfy and work appropriate (the back of the waist is elastic). When I tried them on, however, they were very high rise, the leg was an awkward width, and the hem was awkwardly high. Nope.

I want to get into the bodysuit trend, and I really wanted to like this one. My problem was the bottom. It felt like I was wearing a one piece bathing suit, and you could see the lines through my jeans. Maybe I should have sized up, but they didn’t have that size on the rack.

I thought this Gap shirt would be an easy to pair with jeans. I’m sure I got it on sale too. Turns out this color does absolutely nothing for me. It really brings out the pink undertones in my skin. Not optimal. Return.

Try ruching, they say. Ruching is always flattering, they say. While it can be flattering for some, for me it seems to magnify the problem areas. This one was just pulling in all the wrong places. No thanks.

Next on my list are wraps, kimonos, or blazers to go with the jumpsuit, and I’m starting to keep an eye out for sweaters!

Memorial Day Weekend Sales Roundup

Here are the deals I’ve seen so far:

  1. Banana Republic is 40% off everything- no exclusions- code BRSUMMER. I tried this on a couple weeks ago and I think I need it.
  2. Gap is up to 50% off prices as marked with an extra 20% off with the code MORE, how cute is this?
  3. Ann Taylor is 40% off everything and 50% off sale with the code SUMMER. I live for a unique white blouse.
  4. Loft is 40% off with the code VACAY. I can never have too many shorts.
  5. Anthropologie is extra 40% off sale. I need this.
  6. JCrew is 30% off with the code SWEET. I tried this blouse on and I need two.
  7. JCrew Factory is 40% off new arrivals, prices as marked. So trendy and cute.
  8. Athleta is 20% off solid swim suits with the code DIVEIN. Who doesn’t need an extra black bikini bottom?
  9. Boden is 30% off with the code 3Z9V. How have a lived without this.
  10. The Nordstrom half yearly sale is on! I need this trench.

I  cannot live without this.