/ Reviews

I was sent a survey from Anthropologie last week and upon completion received a 15% off promo code. MamaBella wanted me to order a dress for her so I decided to check the store to see if there was anything I wanted as well. I grabbed random dresses to try on along with the one MamaBella wanted.

~ Left Coast Ribbed Flare Dress, by Dolan, Navy, Small ~

I really liked this dress. It’s a pullover fit-and-flare dress and of the other colors I saw online (white, red, mint) the navy is the prettiest with the heathered look. The Small was definitely the best fit. The length is a few inches above my knee but I see this as a casual summer dress for outdoor BBQs or food truck park visits.

~ Butterfly Garden Midi Dress by Pankaj & Nidhi, size 10P ~

My store had a Petite size returned so I grabbed that instead of a size 8. Though I didn’t try on the size 8 I liked the fit of the 10P really well. I’m a sucker for butterflies and I love the print. I wish it came in a top too. The neckline is beaded and the midi length is high-low. Because of that, the lining stops around the knee.

~ Semele Shirtdress by Tiny, Small ~

I’ve tried on various versions of this shirtdress by Tiny. I find that the chest and waist fit fine while the upper arms are a little tight. Still I would stay with the Small in this dress. I don’t buy much long-sleeve in Spring unless it’s linen. Had this been offered in Fall, I probably would have been more interested in it.

~ Soha Maxi Dress by Floreat, Small ~

This is the dress MamaBella wanted. I usually find Floreat to run small on me but the reviews were consistent in stating this dress ran big. The Small fit me TTS to a little loose but is pretty comfortable. The maxi length hits just above the floor on me, which I love. Normally maxi dresses are dragging the floor and I don’t even consider them due to the alterations I’ll need to have done. It is a bit of a sack but I don’t think it’s too voluminous. Pockets are an added bonus. I bought MamaBella the Medium.

~ Agueda Shirtdress by Varun Bahl, Pink, Small ~

The color of this dress caught my eye so I took it to the fitting room with me. It looked like it ran a little big so I tried on the Small. Though there are buttons in the front, the only way to put this on is over your head. There isn’t another side zip or back zip to make it a little more accessible to get on or off. I didn’t have an issue putting this on, but taking it off was a completely different matter. No amount of wiggling was getting me out. I finally tugged at the sleeves a little and was finally able to pull the dress off. For me, that’s the only con. I though this dress was really cute. I love the pink over the black and white I saw online. Some reviews don’t like that the shoulders have a little puff but I don’t mind that at all. It gives the dress just a little more subtle character. The sleeves are 3/4-length and the length is just above my knee. I think the Medium Petite would have helped a little in the upper arms but otherwise I liked the Small. Only one other issue I found, for this specific dress, was the neckline seemed really exposed. I then noticed it was missing a button. I guess it popped off when someone else tried it on. I just exchanged it on the floor with one that had all the buttons and brought it home with me. I have no idea if I’ll keep it but I can’t stop looking at it.


Check out a few other of my dress picks.


What did you get over the weekend with your survey code discount?

/ Reviews

H&M has been a surprising go-to for my upcoming vacation. I ordered quite a few things including sunglasses, bikinis and tees. I’ve bought and returned over the past couple of weeks trying to only keep what I think/know I’ll wear after I return.

~ Patterned Jumpsuit, Black (also in Red), size 8 ~

This jumpsuit/romper is part of the H&M Loves Coachella collaboration. Everything is festival friendly. I liked this romper, especially in the black. The halter neck is flattering and the size 8 fits really well. I found that most H&M fits me like J Crew sizing and not Forever 21 or Zara where my “normal” size is smaller in those stores. I bought the red as well but returned it. I know I’ll wear the black, even if only at home or during summer pool parties. It’s perfect for the beach and an alternative to a normal cover-up. It’s really easy to get in and out of with a tie at the back of the neck and a large opening down the back. If you prefer pants, these are in the same color and print.

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A few more H&M Loves Coachella picks…

~ Embroidered Shorts, size 8 ~

I loved these shorts on the hanger and took them to try on. The size 8 was, again, a great fit. I really liked that there were several colors in the embroidery to choose from for your top. In the end, I returned these as 1) I have way to many shorts, waaayyyy too many; and 2) I didn’t think I’d wear these after the trip ended. It has a matching jacket as well.

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~ Diamond Cover-up, Medium ~

I would have preferred this patterned sarong but this will go with most of the swimwear I’m taking. I was originally taking the J Crew Factory Eyelet Ruffle-Sleeve Beach Tunic but it’s a thicker material and I this H&M cover-up is really lightweight.

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~ Beaded Jacket ~

I am in love with this beaded jacket. I saw it online first but then my store got it in recently. It’s just as gorgeous as I knew it would be. The embroidery, beading, colors and pom-poms at the sleeve are stunning. Alas, I wouldn’t know what to do with a beautiful piece like this. But, if it makes it to the sale section I might just get it.

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I also bought this cardigan in case I am wearing a sleeveless shirt and need to cover my shoulders. I’ve already been wearing these sunglasses, in green, and won’t mind if they break or if I lose them. I have this Linen T-Shirt in Gray and Blue. It runs big so size down one. I am bringing this bikini top and bottom, in the Turquoise Blue, with me. I sized to a 10 in both the top and bottom.

I’d say H&M is one of my new favorite stores. What about you?

/ Reviews

Through Monday you can take 20% off your purchase of $100+ or 30% off $200+ at Madewell with code NOJOKE. I was in the store recently looking for the Alma Peasant Blouse or the Embroidered Peasant Dress. I found both and tried on the blouse.

~ Alma Peasant Blouse, White, Small~

This looked like it ran big on the hanger so I grabbed a Small. I like the drape in the sleeves and the fit through the body, below the chest but the chest is a mess. The pleats don’t allow the blouse to drape and flow over the chest but hug tightly instead. The Medium would have fit in the chest and been way too big every where else. The dress has the same pleating below the embroidery so it would have fit the same way. I really liked the look of the Dark Plum color online too.

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~ Central Shirt in Stripe, Small ~

The Central Shirt in Stripe looked really cool and stylish on the display in-store, which prompted me to try it on. Yeah, not so cool and stylish on me. I would tend to wear this un-tucked and this requires at least one of those cool partial tucks cool people can do. You can see the Small is pretty oversized but the XS probably wouldn’t do anything but make it look slightly less cool on me. I did like it thought and could make an effort to style it so it looked effortless. That’s what the goal would be anyway.

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~ Beachweight Cape Scarf ~

I recall Gigi trying on a cape scarf and making it look really cool but for me, it has that word ‘cape’ in it and those armholes make me uncomfortable. I did think it would make a great traveling scarf, especially for the plane, since it covers the arms. You would need a sweater or cardigan. This one is pretty lightweight as well.

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~ Maldives Cover-Up Pants, Black, Small ~
I briefly entertained the idea of taking some linen pants with me on my trip for the evenings/night but Thailand and Singapore will be pretty hot and humid. I am way more comfortable in shorts and dresses during the Summer heat. These pants are very lightweight and the Small was a great fit. Though “cover-up” is in the name, I didn’t find these to be very see-through so I think they would work a regular pants and not just cover-ups. I would have needed them hemmed but otherwise, for a different climate, these are perfect. They also come in a print and they are both on sale.

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~ Slim Boyjean in Hatfield Wash, size 29 ~

I wasn’t specifically looking for jeans but I did need something to try on with the tops so I grabbed two different styles. I’ve tried on the Slim Boyjean before and liked them then too. The 29 was a good fit but after trying on the next pair, passed on these.

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~ Cruiser Straight Crop Jeans, Preston Wash, size 30 ~

These are supposed to be cropped but they are perfect as regular length jeans for me. I really loved they were just a little more baggy than the Slim Boyjean. They are 100% cotton. NO stretch in them so the size 30 were the best fit. They are the best alternative I’ve found off-the-rack, no alterations needed, in a long time. The Preston Wash is more of a darker wash than the online image depicts. I think if I had seen the online image I would have passed as they look too light for me. I prefer a medium and dark wash. I’ve worn these several times already and just love them. I can roll the cuff a few times to make them cropped or just wear them normal. I would get another pair and have them hemmed to be cropped but my Wide-Leg Jeans are still holding up after all the wash-and-wear I’ve done.

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A few other things that caught my eye on the website. I did buy the Whisper Cotton Tee in Halden Stripe as well as solid White and Heather Indigo. They run big so I sized to a Small and they are super soft and comfortable. Don’t forget to use code NOJOKE for 20% off $100 or 30% off $200, both in-store and online.

/ Reviews

I finally ordered the Betty Sunglasses in Grey since I could never get them on promo and my store never brought them in. The come in a flexible leather and suede rectangular case. That won’t fit into my small cross-body so I’ll need to find another case for it.

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It comes with a cleaning cloth for you lenses. I don’t know if all are polka-dotted like the one with the Grey Betty but I would expect they are all in a fun print.

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These are oversized enough for me on my face. I chose the Grey color in the Betty Sunglasses because they were not the normal black or tortoise I see on everyone. I use sunglasses almost every single day, including those “bright” cloudy days. I have cheaper ones with lighter lenses for those days. It’s just so much easier on my eyes when they are protected.

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I also bought these sunglasses from H&M to take on my trip. I’ll probably take the Betty Sunglasses as well but leave them behind when we head to the beach. I would hate to lose them or scratch them up.

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I ordered the Lightweight Wool-Blend Scarf in Navy. I am glad J Crew changed the name of this. It was the Heathered Wool-Cashmere Blend Scarf but there’s only 10% Cashmere in this. It’s really lightweight and cozy. I’ve already been wearing it quite a bit and it will be a big accessory on my trip.

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During the SHOPMORE promo from almost two weeks ago, I ordered the Wide-Leg Ponte Pant in 8 Petite. They are perfect. The cropped length is exactly where I like it and the fit is just like the regular size 6. I don’t recall if the Black color came in Petite so I ordered the regular size 6. These are so comfortable and a nice break from jeans for me. This is exactly how I wore them yesterday, with my Loft Softened Tunic, Lightweight Scarf and Chambray Toms.

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Have a Great Day!

/ Reviews

Don’t you just love Spring? Birds are out. Weather is warming up. Flowers are blooming. And allergies are abundant. I was hit again with allergy issues when something blew in Monday evening. One minute I am perfectly fine. The next, I can’t stop sneezing. It’s windy today so all that does it swirl around all the pollen goodies to make everything worse. Yay Spring! But I’ll take it over cold and dreary any day.

~ Elsie Leopard Pumps, size 6 1/2 ~

I really love the Elsie and originally bought the size 7 in the Jeweled Feather Print. They fit me just fine. At least I thought they did until I tried on the Leopard in a 6 1/2. That half size down is a much better fit. This Leopard print is in Satin and the pair I tried on had the print almost matching on each shoe. The heel, though at almost 4 inches, is pretty comfortable to walk in. Unfortunately, the Jeweled Feather Print were final sale so I’ll need to make them work. I did get them at $150 and they are truly gorgeous.

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~ Elsie Fabric Knotted D’Orsay Pumps, 6 1/2 ~

Because I tried the 6 1/2 in the Leopard, I ordered the same size in the D’Orsay Pumps. I really loved this print and the knotted bow was a nice detail. I thought these would go well with dark jeans and my new LBD. But in the d’orsay, I need to size back up to my normal 7. They were really tight across the top. I knew no amount of stretching or walking in them to stretch them out would make them fit. It makes sense as there’s no toe cleavage on these, like there is on the Leopard Pump. I had to return them.

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~ Sloan Plaid D’Orsay Flats w/Bow, size 6 1/2 ~

I loved these Sloan flats. It’s actually the print as I want the Elsie Pump in the same print desperately. Surprisingly, the 6 1/2 fit really well. I think because my foot is not being forced to the front of the shoe by gravity. This wasn’t tight across the top at all. I’d stick with the 6 1/2.

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~ Plaid Espadrille, size 7 ~

I was really hoping these espadrilles would work in place of the Sloan Flats. And, I wanted to take them on my trip with me. But the size 7 were really tight across the top of the foot. I know the cotton wouldn’t stretch enough to make the Plaid Espadrille more comfortable. They don’t come in half sizes and the size 8 would be too long so I had to return them. The sole is not all rubber so if you step in water, the jute will swell for a bit until it dries out.

 

  

~ J Crew Factory Gingham Espadrille, 6 1/2 ~

I bought these with the Gilt City coupon and couldn’t be happier with them. They are just like the retail Seville Espadrilles and I ordered a 6 1/2. Perfect fit! I wear my Seville’s all Summer long. They are so comfortable to walk in and great for date night with a pair of bermuda shorts or fun skirt. The bottom on these is all rubber. This is probably the only thing I’ll get in the Gingham.
  

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