Madewell Reviews: Dresses, Mini Daisy, and Overalls

I was originally planning to publish this post next week, but a few of the items I reviewed below are now included in Madewell's weekend sale. From now through July 30, 2018, you can take an additional 40% off all sale items with SHORETHING. FYI Madewell just updated their website recently, so it's still a little glitchy at the moment. 

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It's been forever since my last fitting room review! Part of the reason is that I mostly shop online these days, and partially it's because J.Crew's offerings have been pretty lackluster lately. Since I've been shopping less at J.Crew, I started eyeing other retailers to fill the void and naturally turned to Madewell, J.Crew's cooler younger sister. I'm a latecomer to that bandwagon, but I like their feminine tomboy style, which fits well with the direction that my personal style is evolving in. I stopped by their store recently and tried on some pieces I saw online.

For reference, I am 5' 4" and approximately 125 lbs. My measurements are 32C-26-34. I typically wear regular tops but petite bottoms. I have broader-than-average shoulders, and my inseam is 30" long. My usual J.Crew size is 00 and XXS, although lately I've gained a little weight and have been sizing up to 0 and XS. At Madewell, I seem to mostly wear 00 and XXS. 

Striped Scoopneck Knit Dress (Neon Peony XXS)

So this dress doesn't look like much from my pictures, but I thought it looked pretty good in real life, and I could see myself wearing it all the time. The material is soft and light-to-medium weight, but because of the color, it isn't sheer in the least. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but the stripes are white, black, and terracotta. I love the scoop neck as well as the slight scoop back. It's on the longer end for a casual tank dress (just a little above my knee) and very comfortable with its shift-like silhouette. I tried on both my usual XXS as well as one size up in the XS. They fit similarly, but personally I would go with the XXS, because the underarms of the XS gaped a bit, and there was a little too much room overall. I could see wearing this dress with a denim jacket and cognac accessories. Anyway, this is a great example of one of those easy dresses that Madewell does so well.

Verdict: Like. True to size. Ordered.

District Dress in Stripe (Nightfall XXS)

I like this dress a lot and added it to my wishlist. The material is quite thick and thus completely opaque. Because of the swingy and very stretchy fit, it doesn't cling to your stomach or backside like many other casual dresses, so no need to worry about VPL! (You might be able to size down, but since XXS is already their smallest size, I couldn't confirm my suspicion). Normally I don't like ribbed material, because I think it looks too casual or sometimes even cheap, but it actually works on this dress. Also, I love the in-cut armholes (really flattering on my broad shoulders). However, it does mean you have to wear a strapless bra. Because of the fit and material, this dress could be either dressed up with sandals/heels or dressed down with sneakers. P.S. I love stripes!

Verdict: Love. Swingy fit. On my wishlist.

Ruffled Wrap Maxi Dress in Mini Daisy (Camille Brilliant Royal 00)

On a whim, I grabbed this maxi dress to try on, because I really like the mini daisy print. The dress isn't really my style, so imagine my surprise when I fell in love with it! It's so soft, pretty, and feminine. The material feels great too, kind of like a sueded silk even though it's apparently rayon/tencel. It's unlined but completely opaque. I found this dress true to size and the perfect length on my frame. I wonder if it might be slightly short on taller women though, since I'm only 5' 4". I think this would be the perfect dress to wear to a more casual wedding. The tassel wrap tie was easy to manage, and you can wrap it around your waist a couple times. The only odd thing about this dress is the side zipper, which doesn't completely unzip down the side, so you have to slip it on over your head. I kind of wish they had executed that part differently, but overall it's a beautiful dress!

Verdict: Surprise love. True to size.

Ruffle-Edge Skirt in Mini Daisy (Camille Brilliant Royal 00)

I love this print, so I tried on the skirt too. Unlike the dress, this skirt is lined. It fits true to size, and I like the mini length (not too short and not too long). I even like the ruffled edge, because it's fairly subtle when combined with the print. I'm just not sure how to style it, because the only thing I can think of to pair it with would be a plain white or striped tee. Not on my wishlist due to its lack of versatility.

Verdict: Like, but not on my wishlist. True to size.

Belle Tank Top in Mini Daisy (Camille Brilliant Royal 00)

I just really like the blue mini daisy print... The top is probably my least favorite out of the three pieces I tried on though. It just had too many design elements going on: the already busy print, the shoulder ties, the peplum, and the button-down front. I tried it on with both my own jeans and the matching skirt. The overall length seems a hair short. Also the v-neck is slightly too low, and the buttons actually gape a bit so it's a little risque. Similar to the dress, they added the same side zipper that doesn't zip all the way down, so you have to slip the top on over your head. Not a big fan overall of the top, but I still like the print and material.

Verdict: Meh. True to size.

Wrap-Front Romper in Mini Daisy (Retro Floral Cranberry 00)

I really wanted to like this romper, because I saw it online and thought it was really cute. However, in real life, it just didn't live up to its promise. The wrap front is too low and shows more cleavage than I am comfortable with. Also, the torso felt a little short, although admittedly I do have a longer torso. Plus the sleeves were too long in my opinion, which makes the whole ensemble look sort of matronly and dated. There is a back zipper which makes getting in and out of the romper alright, but the waist tie takes a lot of fiddling to get right. I also wish the floral pattern was red and white, instead of this faded tan color. Anyway, I think there's definitely a woman out there who can pull this off and make it look awesome, but that woman isn't me.

Verdict: Meh. True to size.

Adironrack Short Overalls in Dawkins Wash (Dawkins Wash XS)

Are you surprised that I tried on shortalls? Me too. I haven't worn overalls since I was a kid, and in general they're not really my style. However, I recently saw them on a blogger and thought they looked really cute, so I wanted to give these a try. Surprisingly they looked better than I expected. Definitely a feminine tomboy style. This particular pair runs small, so I had to size up to an XS. I still found them a little tight in the thighs, so I'd even consider going up another size. The torso seemed a bit long, but you can always adjust the shoulder straps. I just didn't bother at the time, because it had already taken me so much effort to get into them. You have to button/unbutton at the hip to put them on and take them off, which would be a hassle every time you go to the bathroom. 

Verdict: Like, but not sure they're for me. Runs small.

I also tried on a handful of sale items but didn't have time to take pictures:

- I liked this floral silk dress, which ran true to size. I thought the bottom half was very pretty and the knee length was nice, but personally I just don't like flutter sleeves, and I wasn't sure about the color.

- I also tried on this tank dress, which was true to size and had moderately thick material. It was completely opaque. The v-neck was too low though, and I didn't like the chest pocket.

- This striped tee dress was huge, so go down at least a size, although maybe it'll shrink in the wash since it is 100% cotton. I really didn't like the color combo, which looked old and faded.
- This cropped jumpsuit actually looks really great once you get it on, but it was incredibly difficult to put on in my opinion. True to size and would work well on petite frames.

Other sale picks: button-front dress, stripe wrap skirt, block-heel sandals

Do you shop at Madewell? Which pieces did you like and dislike?

Recent Style

Recently I've been trying to document my personal style more, especially when I put together an outfit that makes me feel really good about myself (or one that makes me feel very self-conscious). That way I can look at the pictures later and figure out exactly what worked and didn't work. Today I want to share a few looks that I wore out and about in the past month. They are all good examples of how I dress in my day-to-day life.

This first outfit is composed almost entirely of new pieces I bought in the last couple weeks. The top was an impulse purchase from J.Crew's sale section. I fell in love with the color scheme and thought it looked like something from Madewell. The nutmeg color of the tank pairs well with other earth tones as well as white and black denim, which fits right into my new wardrobe color scheme. The shorts are also new, and they are the only thing I kept from that crazy J.Crew sale a couple weeks ago. They're incredibly stretchy and soft, but they do run large. Also, the sandals are from Fitflop! This is my first pair ever. I feel like Fitflop mostly makes comfort shoes that look comfortable (similar to Birkenstocks, Clarks, etc.), so I was surprised to find this pair that (mostly) looked like regular cork wedge sandals. The platform (really flatform) isn't too high, and the soles are crazy cushy. Of course, I don't think they're for everyone. They still look a little clunky, they're better suited for wider feet, and they're about half a size too large. However, I'm willing to overlook all of these flaws, because they're unbelievably cushy. Imagine, a sandal with actual padding! *gasp* Anyway, I really liked this outfit even though it was very simple. I think the earth tones and gold highlights worked well together, and I was pleased by the matchy-matchiness of my shoes and bag.

Top: J.Crew
Shorts: J.Crew
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Shoes: Fitflop (also here)
Necklace: Madewell (old)
Sunglasses: Amazon
Wristband: J.Crew

This second outfit is a little more girly than how I usually dress (sometimes I just want to feel pretty and feminine), but I woke up that day and felt like wearing an all-white ensemble. Initially I paired my white jeans with a white linen button-down, but the look wasn't quite right. I think both pieces were too simple, and for a monotone look, you need different textures to add visual interest and break up the solid blocks of color. So I switched out the linen shirt for this lace top, which seemed to work! The look was pretty dramatic in person (I felt like I was literally glowing), so to keep the focus on my outfit, I wore simple gold/nude/blush accessories. Surprisingly I didn't stain anything all day! (By the way, this marks the official debut of my new bag on the blog! I've been loving it and wearing it everywhere. I like how it looks pretty small on the outside but is really spacious inside with great internal organization.)

Top: Lilly Pulitzer for Target (old)
Bottom: J.Crew
Bag: Sam Edelman (reviewed here)
Sandals: Sam Edelman
Necklace: Madewell (old)
Wristband: J.Crew

This third outfit is what I call my casual-cool look. Out of the four looks I'm sharing today, I think this one most embodies my personality. I just felt very me. The outfit was comfortable, neutral, not too girly, and laid-back. It's also a little less preppy, less feminine, and a little more urban than how I normally dress, which is a direction I'd like to continue moving in. Basically, I want to be that Madewell girl... You know, the one who looks super effortless and cool, while wearing a ton of denim, haha. Also, I'm loving my souvenir necklace from Charleston! I've been wearing it nonstop lately, because I'm really into silver jewelry at the moment and don't own much yet.

Jacket: J.Crew (old, similar)
Top: Treasure & Bond (reviewed here)
Jeans: J.Crew (old, similar)
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Bag: Longchamp
Sunglasses: J.Crew (old)

This last outfit is probably my least favorite out of the bunch, but I still liked it okay. It was just a hair too preppy and nautical with the navy, white, stripes, and gold. All I needed was a captain's hat to top off the look! J and I have been sailing on the weekends, and that probably inspired me to put together this outfit. I think it would have been better if I replaced any one of the elements with something more subtle, so the look wasn't so literal. Oh well, lesson learned. Also, this sweater-blazer has been a lifesaver indoors in terms of shielding me from the freezing cold air conditioning!

Sweater: J.Crew
Top: J.Crew Factory
Jeans: J.Crew
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Necklace: J.Crew

Well that's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed reading about how I put together these outfits and what I've been wearing/loving lately. (Also, isn't it funny how I basically have the same pose in every single picture?)

So which was your favorite outfit, and why?

Summer Wardrobe Planning, Part 2: My Wishlist

Here is Part 2 of my series on summer wardrobe planning. Check out Part 1 here. I am continuing to follow Un-Fancy's wardrobe planner to guide me in figuring out my style as well as what I should add to my closet this summer.

Step 9: Make a list of stores, brands, and designers you love that work for your style, body, and budget.

J.Crew - everything (but since the brand is going downhill, I'd like to find other brands that work for me)

J.Crew Factory - casual dresses, tees, pajamas

Nordstrom - everything

Amazon - everything

Madewell - denim, shoes, bags, accessories

Everlane - tops, tees, shoes

REI - activewear

Step 10: Create your color scheme. Include patterns and color from all aspects of your wardrobe, including shoes and accessories.

Major colors: white/ivory, denim, blue

Minor colors: stripes, heather grey

Accents: blush, black

Some outfits I love with those color schemes:

Step 11: Make a list of your go-to pieces. These could be pieces you already own or pieces you want to buy.

• stripe tee
• flowy scoopneck tanks (black, white, heather grey)
• linen button-down
• denim jacket
• destroyed denim shorts
• medium blue jeans
• white shorts
• maxi skirt
• casual skirt
• casual striped tee dress
• sleeveless casual dress
• flat sandals
• straw boater
• crossbody bag in either white, ivory, or blush

Step 12: Create 3-4 outfit formulas using your go-to pieces.

• casual dress + sandals or flats + hat
• tank or tee + jeans or shorts + sandals or flats
• button-down + tank or tee + skirt + sandals

Step 13: Make your shopping list. Include a list of pieces you want to add to your wardrobe, where you might buy it from, as well as your budget. 

I already ordered and even kept a few items (which I'll review in my monthly budget post) since I made my list in advance, so I'm going to break this part down into three categories:

A. What I am keeping (and how much I spent):

• scoopneck tank in heather grey ($25) - go with your normal size for a flowy fit, size down if you want a close fit
• destroyed denim shorts ($40) - true to size, do not size up as you might normally for denim shorts
• casual knit dress in heather navy ($34) - go with your normal size for a slightly bodycon fit, size up for a more casual fit, does not emphasize stomach UPDATE: I am returning this dress. Even though it's flattering in the front, it's actually somewhat sheer in the back. I didn't notice this until I wore it outside for the first time. I could see the color of my underwear, even though the dress is dark, as well as the dreaded visible panty line. Also, the hem has a tendency to ride up as you walk around or sit down, which is annoying when the dress is already plenty short. Anyway, the situation was so bad/embarrassing that I had to go home to change during lunch. So I cannot recommend this dress after all. What a shame when the front is so flattering.

B. What I ordered to try (and how much I spent):

• scoopneck tank in black and white ($25 x 2) - I love the heather grey one so much that I ordered the other colors too
• destroyed white denim shorts ($26) 
• leather crossbody bag in blush ($50)

C. What I'm still thinking about or looking for (and how much I've budgeted):

• linen button-down from J.Crew (~$35)
• straw boater hat (~$50)
• flat sandals from ??? (~$80) 
• casual shift dress from ??? (~$80)
• casual knit dress from ??? (~$50)
• stripe tee from ??? (~$25)
• maxi dress?

Do you have a color palette for your wardrobe, and if so, what is it? What are your go-to summer uniforms? And what's on your summer wishlist?

Summer Wardrobe Planning, Part 1

To tell you the truth, summer is my least favorite season for getting dressed, because it's always boiling hot outside and freezing cold inside, making it impossible to be comfortably dressed for both ends of the temperature spectrum. So far my solution has been to wear shorts and a t-shirt most days so that I don't melt the instant I go outside. I also always have a jacket or cardigan on hand in case I get too cold. This formula doesn't make for very interesting outfits though, and it doesn't help that I feel very uninspired by my current summer wardrobe. I would like to buy a few new pieces for summer to "refresh" my look and also better tie together the pieces I already own. I wasn't sure exactly where to start, but thanks to the power of Google, I found this wardrobe planning worksheet from Un-Fancy (does anyone else love her style too?). It's supposed to help you figure out your style and pinpoint missing pieces in your wardrobe. Since the planner is pretty long, I decided to break up this post into two parts. Part 1 covers what I like and don't like about clothes I already own, my lifestyle needs, and my personal style.

Step 1: Identify pieces I already own and love to wear. I tried to include a few pieces from each category: tops, bottoms, shoes, and dresses, along with reasons for why I like each item.

Favorites from left to right: a) black cotton tank; b) denim jacket and navy shorts; c) striped maxi skirt and sandals; d) striped tee, jacket, and sandals; e) linen shirt, jeans, and sandals

Tops:

• black flowy cotton tank (old, similar): love the scoopneck, longer length, doesn't emphasize stomach, super soft, wish I had more tank tops
• classic denim jacket (new version): classic wash, cropped fit
• skinny stripe tee: classic color combo, close fit is good for tucking into skirts
• white linen button-down: thicker linen, not too sheer for white, flowy fit, not tight in shoulders/chest (I also loved my blue striped version, pictured above, which sadly ripped earlier this week)

Bottoms:

• navy 3" chino short (similar): no muffin top, I especially like the way it looks now that the color is faded to be kind of navy/grey
• navy/grey striped maxi skirt (old): really comfortable, classic color scheme, warm enough for A/C, I always get complimented on it
• white skinny jeans: crisp clean look, no muffin top

Shoes:

• ivory thong sandals: minimalistic, goes with everything, reasonably comfortable

Dresses:

• navy/white striped dress (not pictured, similar): one of the few casual dresses I own, loose fit, simple

Step 2: Look for common themes from Step 1. What I like to wear during summer:

Fabrics:  cotton, linen, denim

Brands:  J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Everlane

Colors:  white, blue, navy, heather grey, stripes

Fit:  doesn't emphasize stomach, comfortable, flowy, not tight

Miscellaneous:  scoopneck, tank tops, neutrals, would like more casual dresses, simple/basic

Step 3: Identify pieces I own and never wear. There are very few pieces that I never wear, because I got rid of those when I moved, so instead I picked pieces I only wear sometimes and/or wear only when I run out of better options

Tops:

• silk ruffle blouse (old): afraid of stains, too shiny, too frou-frou/twee
• ivory scallop cami: double-layer polyester too hot, too tight in the stomach (maybe need size up?), need to wear strapless bra
• tie-back blouse: polyester too hot, itchy around the neck, need to wear strapless bra

Bottoms:

• black ripped jeans (old): love for fall, but looks too dark for summer
• short skirts in general: they look nice, but too cold to wear in A/C, self-conscious about sitting/bending over

Shoes:

• nude low heel sandal: love the look but rubs foot, can't walk for very long in even low heels
• black Vans: love for fall/winter but too dark for summer

Dresses:

• printed cami dress (old, similar): top fits well but waistband too tight
• wish I had more casual dresses, I mostly own semi-formal dresses for weddings

Step 4: Look for common themes from Step 3. What I don't like to wear during summer:

Fabrics:  polyester

Colors:  black

Fit:  too tight, too short, need to wear strapless bra

Miscellaneous:  semi-formal dresses, uncomfortable shoes, heels, frou-frou

Step 5: How do I usually spend my time?

50% working at school

20% being active (gym, climbing gym, outdoors)

15% lounging at home

5% daytime out and about (mostly lumped into active, also not really a morning person)

10% evening out and about

Step 6: Upcoming special events and travel

No confirmed travel plans yet, maybe just a few short weekend trips

Need more sunwear for outdoors: sun (UPF) shirt, sun (UPF) leggings, wide-brim hat

Step 7: Identify the weather where you live.

June: low 80s to low 90s (feels hotter due to humidity), mostly sunny, occasional rain, humid

July: high 80s to high 90s (feels hotter due to humidity), mostly sunny, occasional rain, very humid

August: high 80s to high 90s (feels hotter due to humidity), mostly sunny, occasional rain, very humid

Step 8: Write a list of words or phrases that you associate with your style. Identify your favorite 3-6 words.

My style now: classic, simple, neutrals, stripes, casual, comfortable

What I want my style to be (the worksheet doesn't ask this): effortless, feminine tomboy (like Alterations Needed or Un-Fancy), Parisian chic

Favorite words: neutrals, comfortable, feminine tomboy, Parisian chic

I will post Part 2 soon, which covers brands that fit my style, my summer color palette, some uniform ideas, and a wardrobe shopping list.

Have you ever tried wardrobe planning? How would you describe your personal style?

Hats Off to You

I love hats. Fedoras, panama hats, boaters, fascinators, I adore them all. I like wearing them, and I like seeing other people wear them. They instantly add drama and visual interest to outfits, don't you think? I wish we lived during one of those time periods where men and women wore hats every single day. Well, maybe not actually, because you know: social issues, lack of proper healthcare, etc. But you get my point. I wish more people would wear hats!

I used to own quite a few myself before I moved in with J, but I had to purge them all due to space limitations. Now that summer is almost here, I find myself daydreaming about hats again. Summer is the perfect time for wearing a hat. They're a welcome respite from the hot sun beating down on you during long summer days. They keep your face from getting sunburned and your hair from getting too hot. They even double as a fan when you need a quick cool-off.

Right now, I'm on the hunt for the perfect summer hat. I want it to be classic (no text or weird embellishments), made of straw, have a natural color, with a wide brim (at least 3 inches), not too floppy, and tied with a ribbon for under $50. I found some possible contenders that I wanted to share with you.

Bachelor #1: wide-brim straw fedora.  This hat is a darker natural shade but is classic in shape. I can't tell based on the picture how high the crown is. Sometimes fedoras with high crowns make my head look disproportionately tall. The price is quite reasonable.

Bachelor #2: classic packable straw hat. I like the light natural color and the classic style of this hat. Also, it's packable, making it perfect for trips to the beach (or pool) and summer vacations. It's middle of the road in price. The packability of it probably means it has less structure and is more suitable for casual wear.

Bachelor #3: structured straw hat with a wide grosgrain band. I like the wider grosgrain ribbon on this hat, and the brim is pretty wide at 3.5 inches. It looks like it has some structure and would work well with both casual and dressy outfits. This hat is at the higher end of my price range although it's still under $50.

Bachelor #4: classic panama hat. This hat is such a classic style, and it's a steal considering the price! Again it has that classic black grosgrain ribbon, and I believe it has the widest brim of them all. It looks like the straw is not as tightly woven as the other two, but that also means it's more breathable and lighter weight.

Bachelor #5: wide-brim boater hat.  Unlike the other hats which were all fedoras, this hat is a boater. See that flat top? The brim looks pretty wide (for a boater at least, probably less wide than the fedoras), and I like the slightly different colors in the straw weave. The band isn't a ribbon, but I think it's fine on this hat.

Honorable mention: black and ivory packable straw hat. This hat is also super classic, and the price is definitely right, even when it's not on sale. It actually looks pretty similar in shape to the first hat, which might be due to its packability. The only reason it didn't make my top 5 list is because of its color. I like the woven black and ivory pattern but worry that it's too dark for summer.

Are you a hat person? What kind of hats do you like, and where do you buy them? Which of these is your favorite?

Recent Style

I've been trying to dress more out of my comfort zone now that I've gotten back into blogging. I feel like I have been in a style rut for a while where I just wear jeans, a t-shirt, and a cardigan every single day. It's comfortable but boring and doesn't say anything about who I am as a person. I would like to start dressing in a way that better reflects my personality again.

(Please excuse my poor photography. I'm still working out how to best take outfit pictures of myself. I think I like the way the first two turned out, so I might stick with that style for a while. Still too shy to show my face on the blog, but hey at least I'm not headless anymore.)

This first look made me feel like I was about to go on a beach vacation. All I needed was a straw hat. It's my first time wearing white jeans, and I was paranoid all day about staining them. The weather was warm, so I paired the jeans with a striped linen shirt. I love linen for spring/summer. It keeps you so nice and cool! Some people probably don't like how it wrinkles, but I'm into that casual rumpled look. Also I bought these J.Crew hair ties recently, and I've taken to just wearing them as wristbands. Multi-purpose!

Shirt: J.Crew (old, similar)
Jeans: J.Crew
Sunglasses: J.Crew
Necklace: Charleston Gate Jewelry (from my recent trip to Charleston)
Wristband: J.Crew
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Sandals: Sam Edelman

This next ensemble was really out of my comfort zone for several reasons. The first is that I have zero experience with pattern mixing. As you've probably noticed by now, I usually wear neutrals and at most one pattern at a time, usually stripes. Here I'm wearing two different patterns, one of which is very bold. I think it works in this case though because of the different scales: the pineapples are very large, and the stripes are narrow. This just goes to show that stripes really do go with everything! I added a pair of jade earrings to highlight the green in the skirt and a pink wristband to match.

The second reason I felt out of my element is that I'm wearing a midi skirt, which breaks my (self-imposed) cardinal rule about skirt length. Since I have short legs (bordering on petite), I usually wear skirts that end at or above the knee. Midi skirts look best in my opinion on women who are very thin and/or tall. I also don't wear heels, so I can't even rely on that to create the optical illusion of longer legs. Overall, I liked this look though. I received several compliments that day, including one from J. He rarely notices what I wear, but he told me I looked really pretty in this skirt. :)

Top: J.Crew Factory
Skirt: J.Crew (old)
Jacket: J.Crew (old, similar)
Sunglasses: J.Crew
Earrings: gift from my mom
Wristband: J.Crew
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Sandals: Sam Edelman

Here I was on my way to a friend's PhD defense celebration, hence the wine. His party was in the afternoon (we were planning to grill by the pool), so I wore this light cotton sundress with an abstract floral pattern. I almost got rid of it during my last closet purge, but I'm glad I changed my mind at the last minute. You can never have too many floral dresses. As Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada says (sarcastically), "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking."

Dress: CeCe by Cynthia Steffe (old)
Wine: Trader Joe's (haha)
Necklace: eBay
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Sandals: Sam Edelman

Below is what I usually wear on days I go to work out. I like to pretend that I'm wearing athleisure. See? I even added a necklace to dress it up. Anyway, I hate the hassle of changing before heading to the gym. I'd rather just pick up and go anytime. On this particular day I headed to my local climbing gym after school.

Top: J.Crew (old)
Sports bra: Nike
Fleece: Patagonia
Leggings: Zella
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Shoes: Vans

So which was your favorite outfit? Did you think my first attempt at pattern mixing was successful? Do you have a personal rule about skirt length? When is an outfit athleisure, and when is it just wearing sweats?

Closet Inventory 2018

This week I'm lusting after this thin gold chain (I'm really into delicate jewelry at the moment) and this pretty blush crossbody bag for 50% off plus 15% off ebates (I ordered this to try, because I want a light-colored bag for summer). 

By the way, if you haven't signed up for ebates yet, I highly recommend it. You get $10 the first time you sign up, and you get cash back on purchases from partner stores. Right now ebates is 15% off at a number of places, including Madewell, Boden, and Michael Kors. This post isn't sponsored by them, although I do get a bonus if you sign up using my link. I've just been using the service for years and have gotten a bunch of cashback checks from them. Since it's stuff I would have bought anyway, I don't see any downside. It's nice to get a little money back, especially on items that rarely go on sale.

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The last time I did a closet inventory was over 2 years ago. My living situation back then was very different. I lived with my (now ex-)fiancé in a two-bedroom apartment, which had 5 large closets. I had plenty of space to indulge my acquisitiveness, and as a result I accumulated a ton of clothes. Now I live with my boyfriend in a tiny one-bedroom condo. It only has one regular closet (plus a linen closet, which doesn't count) and a dresser that we share. Before I moved in with him, I purged most of my belongings Konmari style, including a large fraction of my wardrobe. It was hard to let go of some pieces, but I felt lighter afterwards, freed from my material possessions. Because I didn't have the time or patience to sell things individually, I bagged up the nicer clothes and sent them to Thredup. I donated everything else to Goodwill. There are a few items I regret giving up, but honestly I never thought about most of it again.

I thought it'd be interesting to do another closet inventory to see how much I own now. I was actually a little surprised by the results. Some categories definitely shrank, but there are a few that grew too. Also, for consistency, I didn't count the activewear that I've since accumulated. In 2016, I was only just starting to think about personal fitness, so I didn't really own any activewear. Now I live a much more active lifestyle, which naturally means I have clothes that I wear for those specific activities. That includes workout tops, leggings, rain jacket, skiing stuff, cycling stuff, fleeces, etc. I own a decent number of items in those categories, and obviously they take up space in my closet too, but I'm okay with said purchases since they're enabling me to live a healthier lifestyle.

So here's the breakdown of what's in my closet today. The number in parentheses indicates how many I had in 2016 (after a similar Konmari purge).

Outerwear

Coats: 3 (6)

Jackets: 4 (7)

Blazers: 3 (5)

Vests: 1 (2)

Total: 11 (20)

Tops

Sweaters: 6 (7)

Sweatshirts: 0 (3)

Cardigans: 4 (8) 

Button-downs: 7 (13)

Blouses: 7 (11)

Tees: 19 (15)

Tanks: 8 (6)

Total: 51 (63)

Bottoms

Jeans: 7 (9)

Casual pants: 2 (3)

Dress pants: 1 (2)

Skirts: 7 (4)

Shorts: 3 (4)

Total: 20 (22)

One-piece

Dresses: 10 (10)

Suit: 1 (0)

Total: 11 (10)

Shoes

Boots: 3 (5)

Sneakers: 1 (3)

Flats: 5 (14)

Sandals: 3 (5)

Flip-flops: 0 (2)

Total: 12 (29)

Bags

Totes: 1 (3)

Crossbody/shoulder bags: 4 (8)

Clutches/wallets: 3 (6)

Total: 8 (17)

Accessories

Hats: 0 (3)

Belts: 1 (10)

Scarves: 3 (12)

Total: 4 (25)

GRAND TOTAL: 117 (186)

So now I own 62.9% of what I owned in 2016. The most purged categories were belts, scarves, and shoes. I rarely wear belts, and I only wear scarves during the winter, so it made sense for me to get rid of them. I also got rid of the uncomfortable shoes I never wore even though they were pretty. Lesson learned (hopefully). 

The hardest categories to purge were outerwear and bags. I love outerwear. Love love love. Nothing makes me feel more put-together than a beautiful jacket or coat. Unfortunately, they're also pretty bulky, so out they went. Same with bags. I have such a weak spot for both of them though. Need to be careful going forward.

The only categories that expanded were tanks/tees and skirts. I wear tanks or tees almost every day, because they're just so easy, and my grad student life allows me to dress super casually. Also that number is a bit misleading, because there are a few I am getting ready to retire. Skirts I have been intentionally buying. I feel pretty wearing them, and my boyfriend always compliments me when I wear one, so win-win.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed seeing the state of my closet! Have you ever Konmari-ed your wardrobe? What's your biggest clothing category? What are your weaknesses in terms of clothes you love to buy but just don't wear that often?

Jackpot

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you splurge on? Let's assume all of the responsible stuff was taken care of already: paying off debts/loans, putting aside money for retirement/kids, buying a new house, car, etc. I was thinking about this question the other day and realized that I have quite a few items that I really admire but can't afford. Even though they're out of my price range right now, they could eventually be within my reach if I put aside a portion of my clothing budget every year. In the long run, I'll probably be better off saving for these reach items instead of buying disposable fashion on a whim.

Most of the items on my wishlist are high value and high wear: shoes, coats (my major weakness), and bags. In order from least expensive to most expensive, here are my top 5 most lusted after pieces:

1. Ferragamo Vara Pump - Retail: $550

If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you know that I never wear heels. I like the way they look, but they're just too uncomfortable for my day-to-day life. That's why I really like the Ferragamo Vara pump. It has a small block heel, so it adds some height while still being comfortable. I have a vintage navy pair that I bought on eBay, but I would love to own a black pair (which I could also wear for interviews) and a nude pair (visually elongating). If anyone is interested, Target is currently selling a faux-leather dupe for only $30.

2. Canada Goose Trillium Parka - Retail: $900

I would buy this down coat in a heartbeat if I lived in a place with harsh winters. It really is the gold standard for cold-weather outerwear. I tried it on in-store last year, and it's one of the lightest/warmest coats out there. If the Trillium is out of your price range, the J.Crew Nordic parka is a good alternative (see my review from last year). I own it in navy, and it's held up well so far.

3. Valentino Rockstud Cage Flats - Retail: $995

These flats are not the most practical, but my, they are gorgeous. I'm sure they would need a significant break-in period since they have such pointed toes. I'm not sure what color I want. Black looks the coolest, but I also like the contrast of a softer color with the edginess of the studs.

4. Burberry Wool Duffle Coat - Retail: $1,195

Of course Burberry is famous for their trench coats, which are undeniably beautiful. However, I find that I almost never wear trench coats, so adding a designer one wouldn't be practical (even in dreamland). What I really admire is their wool coats, in particular the classic duffle. The tailoring of this one plus its attention to detail really differentiates it from other coats.

5. Chanel Boy Bag - Retail: ~$5,000

I'm not sure I could ever pull the trigger on a designer bag without guilt (they're just so expensive!), but if I did, it would be definitely be the Chanel boy. I love how structured it looks and the versatility of being able to wear the strap multiple ways. I think it's classic while still being a little edgy at the same time. Everyone knows Chanel prices are ridiculous (they seem to grow every year), so I'm not sure if I will ever be able to get one. In the meantime, a reasonable dupe is the Rebecca Minkoff Love bag, which I own/like and costs about 1/20th of the price.

What designer pieces would you buy if you won the lottery?

Everlane Reviews: The Cotton V, The Cotton Tank, and The Linen Tank

For someone who dresses pretty casually on a day-to-day basis, I own very few tees and tanks. I'm not exactly sure why, but it might have something to do with how boring they are to shop for. It's much more exciting to buy yet another jacket or another dress. However, tees and tanks are basic essentials for a reason. They are the foundation of any good wardrobe.

Of course, this realization has come to me a little late. Over the course of the past year, the already small collection of tees and tanks I owned dwindled away to a sad state as I threw away the ones that were no longer fit to wear in public. They either developed a series of tiny holes, shrank in the wash, pilled terribly, or got stained. When I turned to my staple brick-and-mortar stores to find replacements (J.Crew, Gap, Banana Republic), I was surprised by the lack of good options. What exactly do I mean by good? Natural machine-washable fabrics (cotton or linen), relatively opaque, neutral colors, simple silhouettes at reasonable prices. Everything I saw was either a blend of natural and synthetic materials or had some unnecessary trendy embellishment, like a chest pocket, high-low hem, etc. If it met my fabric and silhouette requirements, then it was too sheer or too expensive. At the height of my despair, I found Everlane, the minimalist darling of the blogosphere. Their cotton V has become my go-to tee (I wear them almost daily). Then earlier this month, I ordered their cotton tank and the linen tank and thought I would review all three for you. (By the way, if you find my review helpful and plan to purchase one of these tops, I would really appreciate it if you could use my referral link. Help support your local starving grad student!)

For fit reference, I am 5' 4" and weigh approximately 115 lbs. My measurements are 32C-26-34. I typically wear regular tops, because I have a longer torso and broader-than-average shoulders. My usual size at J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Ann Taylor, and Loft is 00 and XXS. My usual size at Banana Republic is XXS or 0P. Sometimes I size up to XS for tees if they're more fitted, thin, or clingy.

The Cotton V (Muted Black XS)

I'm not sure when this tee increased in price from $15 to $20, but when I purchased them back in December, they were still $15. That's a pretty significant price hike (33%!), but the price is still tolerable. If they get any more expensive though, I would probably look for other options. It's interesting to note that the cotton heather V is still $15. However, I would recommend against buying those, because they stretch out easily and feel thinner than the solid colors.

Anyway, I own this tee in both muted black and white. I prefer muted black over true black, because I think it looks less severe against my dark hair. That's just a personal preference though. Both solid colors are soft, and the cotton is smooth to the touch. The material is lightweight without being too lightweight (doesn't feel overly thin or like it will develop holes as quickly as the J.Crew vintage cotton tees. but I did already find one small hole in a tee I bought only a few months ago). The muted black color is completely opaque while the white is slightly sheer. In terms of sizing, I tried both the XXS and XS. Although they both fit, the XXS was too clingy in the stomach for my liking. I prefer the slightly slouchy appearance of the XS, which seems to be the intended fit judging from the model in the product image. My recommendation is to stick with your true size for a fitted look. If you want more of a slouchy look, then go with your larger size or size up.

Verdict: Like. White is slightly sheer, so stick with dark colors for a completely opaque look. Runs a little small. Not the most durable, but not the worst either. More expensive than before. Would buy again.

The Cotton Tank (Black XXS)

The price of this cotton tank is pretty reasonable at $14. It uses the same soft smooth cotton as the cotton V tee, and the black color seems virtually identical to the muted black shade I already own. However, it runs much larger than the cotton V. I would recommend sticking with the smaller of your normal sizes or even sizing down if you want a fitted look. I took an XXS, and the overall fit is still slouchy and long (which I like, but I can't imagine how it would look if I went with the XS). There's also the tiniest gap under my arms, but it's not noticeable. I like that the armholes aren't too big, and the straps are thick enough to cover any bra. The overall length is pretty long and covers most of my butt. I like the flowy tunic-ness, and it looks great with a messy half-tuck.

Verdict: Like. Runs a little large and long. Would buy again.

The Linen Tank (Black XS)

I love linen, especially in the summer, so I couldn't resist ordering this black linen tank. If you're familiar with linen though, then you know it's naturally a little sheer. Even worn with nude undergarments, I can still sort of make out the outline of my bra. That's actually why I opted for a dark color as opposed to white, which I suspect will be even more sheer. In terms of the sizing, I should have gone with an XXS, but it wasn't available in a dark color. The XS is workable, but the tank gaps under my arms, and the armholes are cut rather low. However, the beauty of linen is that it drapes incredibly well, so the rest of the tank flows nicely away from the body. The linen seems to be of good quality and isn't too thin. Usually I don't like high-low hems, but I feel like this one is flattering and fits nicely over pants/shorts. I wouldn't buy this tank at its full price of $30, but since Everlane had another choose-what-you-pay offer, I bought it for $21, which I think is reasonable.

Verdict: Like. More sheer, even in dark colors. True to size. Would buy again in a smaller size.

Have you tried Everlane tees? What other pieces do you recommend from there?