OOTD- Branded

This outfit makes me feel like a brand ambassador for Madewell and you know what, I don't mind one bit! Each component of this outfit makes up a few of my wardrobe favorites (some old and some new purchased during the crazy sales of December). This beyond cozy sweater (that I would wear every day if it wouldn't be weird or potentially a little stinky, lol), these pants that feel like jammies and my cute new red shoes with a little something going on in the back were perfect to throw on and head out for a little me time at the nail salon. Tamed nails and some sparkle made the day complete!

Madewell is offering an extra 30% off sale items today with code LOVEIT

Outfit Details:

Sweater-Madewell (available here on sale)

Polka dot Pants- old Madewell (similar here, here and here)

Red shoes- Madewell (available here on sale)

Black studded handbag- Rebecca Minkoff (similar and smaller size here and here on sale, same size as mine in a different color here)

Jeweled beanie- J.Crew (similar here and here)

Chain necklace- old Target

Notes from the Dressing Room-Pattern Up at Madewell

After all of this holiday shopping it was time to pay the piper aka Nordstrom, so I had to take a little trip to the mall. It felt great not to walk around feeling crushed by the crowds and to not have to hunt for a parking space. While I was there, I peeked in a few other stores and Madewell made the cut. Lots of new arrivals in store and I tried on a few. Here are some reviews:

Starry Sweater in Heather Grey, $88.00, available here

This wasn't initially a piece that sparked my interest when I viewed it online, but given my recent propensity for patterns and especially patterns on sweaters, I thought why the heck not and try it on. My overall impressions are that it's cute, it felt comfortable and it was soft although not ultra soft as it is just a regular cotton sweater. I tried this on in my normal alpha size (L) and there was a bit of room towards the bottom. I don't think I would size down though as the arms might be tighter and it would leave less room in the bust area. This sweater has a low v-neck with a hint of cleavage showing, but not enough to be totally indecent. A simple cami or tank underneath would take care of that for more modesty. Overall, it is a really cute sweater, but when I just looked at the pics I uploaded, I noticed that the stars on the top front part are in a spot I'm not sure I want people's eye gravitating towards, lol. Like it, but not for $88.00.

Silk Rose Print Boyshirt, $118.00, available here

Button-down shirts aren't usually my friend, but this print was interesting. Plus, it reminded me of something I might have owned in high school. I can't say if that is necessarily a good thing because my style certainly has come a long way since then. Anyway, this silky top has some great things going for it. First, no button gaping!!! That's always an exciting thing for me because that's usually why I don't bother with button-downs. Although the fit is loose (it is a boyshirt after all), there is still some shape to it with the curved seam at the waistline. I feel like the print is borderline too overwhelming, but I could throw it on under a blazer and call it a day. There are hints of lavender and light green in this top, so I think it could work well with lots of different colored bottoms. Fit is tts to slightly big, if you are in between or have a smaller bust, you might be able to get away with sizing down should you want a more fitted look. Nice blouse and nice fit, but the pattern is something you either like or don't like.

Monochrome Shiftdress in Melodic Purple, $138.00, available here

That bit of purple peaking out from the flower blouse above is this pretty colored a-line dress. Purple is usually one of those colors I make a beeline for if I see it on a rack in the store; combined with the shape of this dress, I had to check it out at least. I love the color, I like that the shape isn't fitted but not totally shapeless, the non-sleeve makes this perfectly versatile for all seasons (throw a silky blouse over or underneath, a sweater, cardi or blazer to make it work for fall/winter). Oh, and it has a little slit pocket on the sides. Such a cute dress, although it is borderline on the too short side for me, plus I need to get on the Michelle Obama arm regimen before I bare mine in this dress. Thumbs up on this lady here. Fit is tts and it also comes in black.

Printed Linen Tee, $59.50, available here

I'm sure I've mentioned before that I love a Madewell tee. They never fail to entice me with a pretty color, comfy fit or interesting wash/pattern. I spotted this top and instantly thought it looked like confetti. Confetti equals party which equals fun, so I was totally on board. I didn't realize it at the time, but this is a linen tee which explains why it didn't feel very soft. It wasn't scratchy, but definitely not the feel of good ole' cotton. The fit is about tts, it isn't clingy in my regular tee size (L), but not baggy either. It has bracelet sleeves which are not my favorite, but it seems to work for this top. I'm not sure why they decided to make a linen tee during a winter roll out, but this would be great for layering now and wearing by itself when the weather is much warmer. I loved all of the colors in this top so much that I was prepared to take it to the register and buy it, but then I looked at the price tag. I had a price in mind that I would be willing to pay and $60 was not it. So sadly it went back on the rack, but I've got my eye on this one because I can see myself wearing it. Let's hope the fashion gods are good to me and bring the price down.

 Skinny Skinny Pants in Switchdot, $125.00, available here

These are definitely interesting. They look like jeans, but they are listed as pants, plus they don't feel like regular jeans and have a texture to them. I like the pattern on these pants, dots and lines that I are designed to make me look taller than I am, I'll take it! Most of the denim (or pants for that matter) with a pattern on it these days have the pattern printed onto it, but you can actually feel the dots in these pants. Now, these aren't super comfy and soft like denim, but they have the stretch of denim which makes them fit well. However, this cotton material reminded me of a dish towel. The cotton is thin and like a dish towel, you can feel the weave of the cotton. Like I said before, these are interesting, I don't know if I've ever tried on something like these. I decided to size up because I'm in between sixes on the bottom and I think that was a good call. The waistband fit without gaping or digging in and I didn't feel like the legs were too tight. The length came down to my ankle and didn't seem like high-waters, so that was a plus (because that is usually the case with anything ankle length at J.Crew). And it came right underneath my belly button, so the waist was in a great spot to hold everything in where it is supposed to be. I give these a thumbs up.

Have you been to the mall since all of the holiday madness? Any new arrivals that have caught your eye?

OOTD-We Were On A Break

Wow, I sure took a hiatus that was longer than expected. Between the holiday season, getting prepared for Christmas and honestly needing a surge of fashion inspiration, it's been a little slow going on the blogging front. But I miss all of you guys and this blog and I swear I have been getting dressed (not getting dressed because there's nothing to wear in my closet is just not an option in real life). Like this weekend when I braved the malls to tackle some of my Christmas shopping. I managed to last a few hours before I was reading to expire from hunger and annoyance at being in a crowded mall and I knocked a few names off my list (sigh, but still several more to go). Lots of walking and bag holding required comfort from head to toe, so I threw on some jeans and a tee. Of course I couldn't leave out style too, so I added some color and loaded up with jewelry including a few new pieces from BaubleBar that I'm totally loving. And all of this jewelry layering has me craving more cute and edgy pieces. Maybe Santa will be really nice this year since I've been a very good girl...most of the time. :)

Have you finished your holiday shopping?

Have you been partaking in the two for me, one for you gift strategy like I have?

Have all of these retail sales been driving your wallet mad?

Outfit Details:

Blue blazer- old Lilly Pulitzer (similar here, here and here)

Gray tee- stolen from my guy H&M

Boyfriend jeans- Madewell (available here, similar here)

Purple suede flats- Madewell (available here on sale)

Sunglasses- StyleMint

Magenta handbag-old Kale

Necklaces (from top to bottom)-initial, old Urban Outfitters (similar here), heart, old Forever 21 (cute alternative here; double bar necklace, BaubleBar (available here in silver, alternative here)

Bracelets- left arm from top to bottom-white studded cuff, old Forever 21(alternative here); double arrow bracelet, Baublebar; purple skull bracelet, BaubleBar (available here)

Bracelet- right arm from top to bottom- studded bracelet, old Forever 21; gold watch, old Nixon (similar here); fox bracelet, BCBG (alternative here on sale, alternative here in colors)

Notes from the Dressing Room-Madewell, Dress Edition

Madewell is currently offering 25% off dresses, so this post is right on time. I've mentioned before how I love a Madewell dress. They always offer an array of different shapes, colors and prints. I usually can't resist something in their new arrivals. Here are a few reviews from a recent store visit and an order with the holiday 25% off deal.

Colorblock Sequin Dress, original price $198.00 (on sale for $149.50), available here

I circled this dress in the store debating if I should even try it on, but I couldn't resist the call of the sequins. This dress is so festive and perfect for a fancy or even a not so fancy party or event this holiday season. It has a simple shape, but the light to dark (silver to navy to black) sequins give it lots of character. I sized up in this dress due to the zipper and the fitted waistband and that was definitely a good call. It still has a bit of shape, but there is room to feel comfortable dancing the night away or eating some yummy food without feeling constricted. The hemline isn't obscenely short, the sequins seemed well made and it has a lining. My only issue is the band around the waist. The ribbon on the website blended better into the dress, but this one just felt off to me. I think it might be the curve under the bustline. It would look better if they were both straight across or if the ribbon was moved a few inches higher. Despite that, I give this dress a big thumbs up and with the sale going on, a must buy.

Silk Multiprint Dress, on sale for $109.99, available here

I saw this dress online and instantly fell in love with the print and colors. I had to see what it was all about although I knew the shape would be iffy. When I pulled this dress out of the package, I still loved all of the colors in this dress, but I want to note that the blue sections down the front aren't as vibrant as they seem online. Then I tried on the dress and I just don't know what to think. Now this is a simple shift dress with very little to no shape. I threw on a simple belt with it to give it some kind of shape, but it didn't really work right because it created bunching and made the dress even shorter. It could definitely look better with a fitted cardi over it, but it would be a shame to cover up this dress. Sizing down might make the body fit nicer, but I have a feeling that it would be tight underneath the arms or across the shoulders. The length is about 2-2.5 inches above my knee, so it could definitely work for the shorter ladies (I'm 5'4). One thing I didn't like was the sleeve length. It isn't quite full-length and not really bracelet length. On the plus size, this dress is lined and it has pockets! The colors in this dress make it extremely versatile with a variety of colored tights for winter, but it would totally work alone in the warmer months. Truthfully, I would be inclined to keep this for the print/color alone, but I would love to hear your opinion. Keep or return?

Long-Sleeve Tunic Dress, original price $155.00 (on sale for $114.50), available here

I saw this dress in the last batch of new arrivals and instantly loved the color (also comes in black), how could I not with the name majesty purple? This particular dress doesn't have a defined shape like the dress I reviewed above, however the fact that it would work better with a belt and the button-up part at the top that allows some skin to show makes this number a bit more flattering. I tried this on in my normal alpha size (sames as above) and it fit well. If I sized down, there would be some serious button gaping going on, so I would stick to my regular size. The color is lovely, a rich grape purple shade (but like the crayon and not the juice, lol). The length works perfectly as a dress for me, but I suppose the taller ladies would find that this is more a tunic or mini-dress like it is on the model. I also want to note that the hemline is longer in the back, but it isn't as pronounced as it is shown on the website. I little disappointing for me, but not a big deal. This dress also has a neither here nor there kind of sleeve-length that I'm not crazy about, but this one works better at showing off the arm parties. Now this dress isn't lined and doesn't have pockets (serious sad face), but it has more potential. It would work so well with lots of other colors and it has a all-season quality. I'm certainly inclined to keep it, I can't resist the color, but I haven't made up my mind. I would still give it a thumbs up.

Any dresses at Madewell that you are eyeing? Are you going to take advantage of this latest promo?

Weigh in on the last two dress--should I keep or return?

OOTD- Mom, Let Me Borrow Your Jeans

Omg, I'm wearing my mom's jeans! Okay, that isn't true, but I snatched up these boyfriend jeans from Madewell last week partially because I've been dying to try this style and most definitely because they were about $15. When I was in the dressing room, I had the fleeting thought that I was probably wearing mom jeans, but that price seduced me and I thought what the heck, I'll rock them the best I can without looking like a style disaster. In my mind, this would look way cooler with a spiky pair of Christian Louboutin heels and a leather jacket, but a girl has to work with what's in her real closet. Even if it isn't filled with bad ass shoes. Oh well, maybe in my next lifetime, I'll be that girl who can manage in 4-5 inch stilettos. In the meantime, I'll be wearing shoes that don't have me dying to kick them off after a few hours. You guys, I'm totally turning into my mother! I'll blame it on the jeans.

Outfit Details:

Striped blouse- Old Navy (same top in different colorway and limited sizes here and different stripe top available here)

Cardigan- old J. Crew

Boyfriend jeans and ankle boots- Madewell (available here, similar jeans here on sale, darker wash available here) (cute boot alternative here, here and here)

Patent leopard belt- J. Crew Factory (alternative here)

Handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAC (cool alternative here and  here by same designer)

Get The Look:

OOTD- Jammie Pants

My mother extended an invitation to a brunch buffet yesterday morning and I immediately thought this calls for being comfortable and these pants were the first thing that came to mind. I bought them month's ago at the J. Crew clearance center and this was the first time I wore them and when my honey saw me in them he asked if I was wearing pajama pants. No baby, pajama pants do not have a zipper and button closure!! Now, I was never the girl to walk into class with my pajamas still on in college and the whole pajama outfit trend going on in the fashion world has me saying no thanks, but I must admit, there is one benefit to having loose clothing on.....seconds (okay, maybe thirds) at the buffet table.

How do you feel about the whole pajama trend? Do you ever go out in your pajamas or work-out gear?

Outfit Details:

Gray v-neck top- (old) Forever 21

Polka dot pants- Madewell (similar here and here in limited sizes, similar in a wider leg here, similar here in denim)

Striped canvas bag- Rebecca Minkoff sample (cute alternative here, similar colorful version here, designer version here that I love)

Black wedges- Chinese Laundry "Dantie" (available here in taupe, available here in black, similar here)

Neon pink necklace- Ann Taylor

Notes from the Dressing Room-Madewell...Yes, No, Maybe So?

I got an email from Madewell last week that featured a dress that had me instantly intrigued and itching to head out to the store to see it in person. I managed to sneak away to the mall this weekend and Madewell was my first stop. Here are a few reviews:

Lacy Waves Top in Light Nectar, $148, available here

The Boyjean in Saw Duster, $135, available here

This lace top was a thumbs up from me. The color is soft, it has a pretty design and the lace does not feel like it would give away at the first sign of a snag. There is a cotton lining underneath the body of the shirt that will keep you from worrying about what to wear underneath. The lining will have you feeling like you are wearing a tee, but the lacey part is perfect for feeling a bit dress-up while still being comfortable. Fit is tts, although ladies who are a bit smaller on top might be able to get away with sizing down for a more fitted look. Although I love this top, I just bought something that is too similar from J. Crew, so it was a pass for me.

I am several years too late on this trend, but I've been on the hunt for a pair of boyfriend jeans. I saw a denim pair on the website and thought these could possibly be it. Umm, no, they most certainly are not. On the plus size, the denim is soft and it has a comfortable fit. I tried it on one size down from what I normally would wear in jeans; there was a bit of room but not enough that I would go down another size since it doesn't have a lot of stretch. Now I have some lady humps in the back and these jeans gave me a serious case of flat-ass. Totally not cute whatsoever!! I also wasn't crazy about where the hem stopped. I feel like it was border-line high water territory, but if you are the type to roll up the hem, that might not be an issue. Sadly, these were a pass for me. It comes in a few other colors too, including an interesting orangey-taupe shade that I liked. Sigh, the search continues!

Silk Neonsun Shirtdress in Neon Orange, $150.00, available here

If there is anything that Madewell does well, it is dresses (and tees). The color of this dress definitely caught my eye. It's not quite a neon orange or pale orange, but a combination of the two that I can only think to describe as a bright cantaloupe. It has a nice v-neck, floaty sleeves, and some pleating in the back. The elastic waist gives it a bit of shape to keep it from being straight up and down like most shirtdresses. This would totally look cute with a thick belt. I tried this on in my regular size and it fit well with no major issues. This gets a thumbs up for color and feel, but didn't make the cut because I have a Madewell dress that fills the bright color spot already.

 

Striped Bookplate Dress, $95.00, available here

This is the dress that I saw in an email newsletter. Now I do like stripes, but for me they can be iffy because of my body type, but I thought this might work because of the directions of the stripes at the top. My thought was that the diagonal stripes will counteract the widening effect of the horizontal stripes and I think it did. I tried this on in a size down and it fit perfectly. It skimmed the body without being tight, the cotton was soft and perfect for the upcoming hotter weather, plus the stripes are a bit different from other offerings on the market. The only thing that might be a negative is the length. It falls a bit below my knee, so it isn't a short dress nor a maxi dress. Despite that one nitpick, this got a thumbs up and buy from me. Not only that, there was a lady at the register next to me buying it as well. I can't wait to wear it (with or without a belt). 

Do you have your eye on any new items at Madewell? Where does one go to find a good (bargain) pair of cute boyfriend jeans? Have you overdosed on stripes yet?

Notes from the Dressing Room- Good Times at Madewell

I spent some time at the mall and managed to make it to a few stores before I was done. Do you love a crowed mall or prefer a quieter atmosphere while shopping? 
Madewell was my last stop of the day and I found some lovelies. Take a look:

Silk Sandlight Top, $98, available here

I loved this top!! They claim it is a loose-fitting top on the website, but I tried it on in my regular size and it fits just so. It has a subtle zebra print, but the lighter part has a pinkish tint to it. It has a feminine quality with the bracelet length sleeves, the length is good at around hip level and it could work with something dressier or you could go casual like I saw a sales associate wearing it with jeans, a cardi and knee boots. If this top was silk, I would say the price is a little more understandable, but it is not; so my only qualm with this piece is the high price point. However, it is a really nice top and will definitely go on my wishlist.

Golden Grid Tee, $98, available here

Do you own a million and one tees like me? I definitely don't need another, but when something is a little bit different, I can make an exception. This is a simple black tee with some fun detailing. There are slightly raised gold dots throughout the top and it gets a thumbs up. The shape is simple (if slightly boxy), but the shimmery gold gives it some fabulous oomph that can make it extremely versatile for work and play. Fit is tts and again, my only issue is with the price, but I would say go for it (once it hits the sales rack, if it makes it there).

Woodhouse Cardigan in heather thistle, $79.50, available here

High Riser Colorpop Jeans in Patina Verte, $125, available here

In my opinion, Madewell is one place that does cardis well. They come in a great array of colors, they fit nicely and feel soft. I saw the pretty, soft purple color of this one and was instantly smitten. It looks like a thermal top, but is not fitted like one. It's soft and a little bit different from just a simple ole' cardigan. The fit is tts if just slightly big. Thumbs up on this one.

Thanks to J. Crew, I have it in my head that I need a pair of mint pants. A pair of cords would be my first choice, but these legging jeans make a nice casual option. The fit was snug in my regular size, but there is a good amount of stretch to it, so I'm sure that will lead to a different feel once they've been worn on the body.   The color is a pale, green-blue shade that reminds me of ocean water. I think this is an extremely versatile shade that would lend itself well to navy blue, yellow, purples, pinks, browns, pretty much anything really. The price is on par with other designer denim brands and I can't really comment on the quality of their denim (although I do like the fit whenever I try a pair on in the store), but they are running a special through December 31st. If you bring in a pair of old denim jeans, you can get 20% off your first Madewell jean purchase in the new year. I already have a pair of old jeans lined up for donation, so I hope these minty fresh jeans can be mine soon.

Looking Glass Dress, $168, available here

This dress had me instantly thinking New Year's party dress. It's a silverish-cream color with a hint of shimmer and check out that sexy back detail!! This wouldn't even have to be designated for special occasion, if worn the right way (covered up), it could totally work double-duty as just a plain dress. I tried a size up and as you can see, it was a bit snug for me. So to be on the safe side, I would say size up in this dress. Overall, it is very pretty and a great addition to any wardrobe. Plus, pockets!!!!

Happy Shopping!!

Notes from the Dressing Room- Off to Madewell

J. Crew rolled out some colorful, yummy goodness for fall today, so I'm only assuming Madewell is just around the corner. I headed to the store this past weekend and have a little round of dressing room pics and reviews.

Silk Spotlight Tee in Dusty Blossom, $88, available here

Although this top is silk, it is perfect for throwing on like a tee (just a tad dressier). I do think it is a bit boxy, but a belt could definitely help out in that area. I thought this very pale pink shade was very pretty and soft enough to go with pretty much any other color. I tried this on in my normal size and it was still a little bit loose, so you might want to size down depending on how you want it to look. This top gets a thumbs up from me.

 Anchors Away Dress, $95, available here

Sun-Kissed Canvas Belt in Ground Paprika, on sale $29.99, available here

I saw someone wearing this online and thought it really looked cute, so when I saw it on the racks I thought why not. I tried this on in my regular size and it was fitted, but not too baggy. The knit is a nice medium weight (not super thick and too much for the summer weather and not thin that it is borderline see-through). To keep it from being a shapeless block, I tried it on with a belt and thought that was a small item to add a big improvement. I should also note that the back is maybe an inch longer than the front.

 Silk Spotlight Tee in Latern Red, $88, available here

Plaid Pleated Silk Maxi, $145, not available online, check store (Style #51876)

This top is the same as the one in the first picture but in a bright orange shade and in a size smaller than I normally wear. Although this outfit does not show it properly, the fit is a lot slimmer than in my normal size and I really liked it being less flowy. Despite the color name containing red, it is most definitely more orange.

Out of all of the things that I tried on, this skirt was by far my absolute favorite. It had a shape that is perfect for twirling, the pleats are done in a way to make it just skim the body, and the colors were great. I could see this being worn now in the summer and later in the fall with maybe a nice orange or grey sweater/cardigan. Fit is tts and it barely skimmed the top of my shoes (I'm 5'4).

Same top as above

 High-Waist Widelegger Jeans in Downpour Wash, $125, available here

Holy high-waisted pants!!!! I thought I was just picking up a pair of flared jeans and didn't even see the high-waist part. I'm sure this would work on someone, but considering that I'm short-waisted, I'm not sure this is the right pair of jeans for me. I will say that they are incredibly soft and fit the body nicely. This is about tts, but you should know that there is maybe a good 4-5 inches of fabric pooling at my feet (tried on with flats). Great for tall ladies, not so much for the shorties.

I only walked out with the shoes I wore a few post back, but that skirt is haunting me. :)

What was your last fun purchase?