Happy Friday, friends! I’ve got a new Try-On Haul for you today, with a bunch of budget-friendly denim, some transitional tops, a few dresses, and even a few pairs of shoes & boots!
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
Steve Madden Laken Faux Leather Shirtdress
at Nordstrom (M) // boots (8)
This dress was an #NSale purchase, but it was almost sold out when I got it so I never shared it. It’s still low inventory, but there are a few sizes left, and I like it more than I thought I would. It’s actually rather flattering, and not terribly uncomfortable either.
I don’t know why, but faux leather dresses and tops always look stiff and uncomfortable to me, so I’m always reticent to try them. This one, though, is very soft inside, and the faux leather is soft and supple.
It does wrinkle in a funny way in the back, but that’s typical of any fabric. It’s because I’m short-waisted and the waistline of the dress is placed a little lower than ideal for my body. Not totally a deal breaker, but it does give me pause. That, and I just don’t really know where I’d wear it. It’s a bit much for church, and I could wear it to dinner with friends, but I know myself, and I almost always reach for jeans.
FYI, size up, if in between. The medium is the perfect size for me.
VERDICT: Deciding. What do you think?
Donna Karan Floral Print Bracelet Sleeve Shirtdress
at Nordstrom (8) // boots (8) // earrings
I was influenced by my friend Deb at Fabulous After 40, and I ordered this dress and the boots when I saw them featured on her blog. I was drawn to the autumnal print, and I like structure through the waist and tailored lines. Plus, the split cuffs are really fun. Unfortunately, it’s not a great fit, and I feel like the print is overwhelming on me. I think I need to be taller for it to fit right.
VERDICT: Returning.
Dolce Vita Annika Pointed Toe Boot in Dark Brown Suede
at Nordstrom (8) // dress (M)
Details:
- Measurements: 2 1/4″ heel; 17″ shaft; 15″ regular calf circumference (15 3/4″ wide calf circumference)
- Material: Leather upper/textile and leather lining/synthetic sole
I love the sculptural stacked heel and snipped pointy toe on this Western-influenced knee-high boot, and the dark brown suede is so rich and elegant. Size-wise, they seem to run a bit small, but I’m having a hard time being objective because my injured ankle still swells throughout the day. It was tight mainly on that foot, but you may want to size up half anyway due to the pointy toe.
VERDICT: I got these during the last days of the #NSale, when they were on sale, so I may see if I can exchange in-store. I hate to lose the discount. It’s a pretty hefty price tag at full price for a pair of boots I don’t know that I’ll wear an awful lot, but I do think they’ll look nice with denim skirts.
KUT from the Kloth Meg High Rise Fab Ab Wide Leg in Exhibited Wash
at Nordstrom and Zappos (6) // top (S) // boots (8) // earrings
Details:
- Measurements: 29″ inseam; 23″ leg opening; 11″ front rise; 15″ back rise (size 8)
- Material: 85% cotton, 14% polyester, 1% spandex
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
I’ve had more iterations of this KUT from the Kloth Meg, I’m losing track, but it’s one of the most flattering pair of wide leg jeans I’ve tried, and I was drawn to this darker wash. It’s really nice in person too, better than online, I’d say. It has just enough sanding on the front of the thighs and whiskering at the hip to look worn in, in the best way possible.
I love how dark wash denim looks with burgundy, so I paired these jeans with this banded waist muscle tee. The 22″ length is perfect with the ankle-length jeans, to create that pleasing 1/3 to 2/3 ratio. More on that tee below.
VERDICT: I am keeping these or the pair from the #NSale with the front patch pockets. I’m trying to decide if I like the raw hem or finished hem better. I should have tried those on here to compare, but here’s a few pictures from last month.
Rails jacket (S) // AllSaints tee (M) // Blondo boots (8.5) // Treasure & Bond sweater (S) // Dolce Vita loafer mules (7.5)
Lara Twist Muscle Tee in Wine
at Evereve (S) // jeans (8) // boots (8) // earrings
Details:
- Length from Shoulder to Hem: 22″
- Material: 78% Polyester, 19% Lyocell, 5% Spandex Knit
- Care: Machine Wash, Wash Cold, Dry Flat
I found this tee when I was shopping at the Evereve store, and the sales associate actually brought it out from the back before it was on the floor, when I was looking at similar styles.
The fabric is a very soft and supple lightweight knit, and I love how the banded hem gathers in the front, to almost create the effect of an off-set front tuck. Plus, the rich burgundy color is so pretty for transition season. (It also comes in gray.)
VERDICT: Definitely keeping this one! I already wore it once with my MOTHER Rider straight ankle jeans in the inky blue wash. Here’s a picture of that pairing.
Lara Twist Muscle Tee (S) // MOTHER Rider (29) // similar espadrilles
Willa Lady Like Vest
at Evereve (S) // PAIGE Claudine (more sizes) (29) // Vince Pia (8)
Details:
- Length from Shoulder to Hem: 20 3/4″
- Material: 60% Cotton, 40% Modal Knit
- Care: Hand Wash, Wash Cold, Dry Flat
I was drawn to this elevated sweater vest online, but it looks more casual and drapey on the model than it does on me. I think this the right size, though. I wouldn’t size up, but it has a more polished appearance than I was expecting, which is fine. It pairs nicely with white jeans, but I’d like to try it with blue jeans the way they show it online.
VERDICT: Keeping, I already wore it once.
Zoey Sleeveless Hoodie
at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Weekender (29) // Birks (39)
Details:
- Length from Shoulder to Hem: 23 1/2″
- Material: Shell: 96% Rayon, 4% Spandex Knit Lining: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex
This top is really soft and has some nice details. I love how they designed the arms, and it has a banded waist and kangaroo pocket, which I didn’t notice online, but they’re done in a way that isn’t bulky. I like it.
I could probably size up, but I don’t mind the close fit. I just find the hood irritating, and I wish it had a slightly larger neck opening.
VERDICT: Since I have that other white sleeveless hoodie that I like so much, I think I’m going to send this one back. I like it but I don’t love it.
Mid Rise Boot Jeans in Authentic Dark Wash
at LOFT (8) // Caslon top (S) // Blondo boots (8.5)
Details:
- Measurements: 31″ inseam; 10 3/4″ rise
- Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
I’ve been trying to find some more budget-friendly denim to recommend, since premium denim prices are out of sight these days, right along with groceries and gasoline. But I digress…
LOFT denim has come a long way. These bootcut jeans have a nice fit and feel, and they’re made of a nice lightweight stretch denim. The wash is just kind of there, meaning it doesn’t look fabulous, but it doesn’t look bad either. It’s just kind of a basic mid-indigo wash.
The rear pockets are fine; the size and placement looks about right. I personally prefer more of a flare than a bootcut silhouette, but that’s a personal choice. I have thin limbs and wider hips, so I like more of a flare to balance it all out.
VERDICT: I don’t need them, as I have other bootcut jeans that I like better, like the PAIGE Laurel Canyon and my MOTHER Weekenders, but these are a solid pick if you’re looking for quality denim under $100. They’re actually 30% off this weekend, bringing them down to $55.96. (Shipping is free at LOFT for orders of $99 or more.) These jeans also come in petite sizes.
Collared V-Neck Shell
at LOFT (S) // jeans (8) // Blondo boots (8.5)
Details:
- Length from Shoulder to Hem: 24″
- Material: 100% Rayon
- Care: Machine Washable
I always like LOFT’s woven blouses, and the collared neckline on this one is a nice update. I’m also happy to see they’ve finally shortened their blouses. The 24″ length is perfect for leaving out or tucking, depending on the look you’re going for.
VERDICT: I’m keeping this one, it’s a nice way to level up a pair of jeans for date night. If you need work wear, it would be great for that too.
Mid Rise Wide Leg Jeans in Classic Mid Wash
at LOFT (8) // sweater (S) // Blondo boots (8.5)
Details:
- Measurements: 31″ inseam; 10 3/4″ rise
- Material: 52% Cotton, 35% Lyocell, 13% Recycled Cotton
These wide leg jeans are a really nice lightweight fabric that’s very comfortable, but I’m not loving the way they fit in the rear. It’s too bad because the wash looks pretty good for the price point. I could maybe try a size down.
They’re too long for me to wear with flats, but they look about right with these 3″ heels. I feel like the inseam is closer to 32″ than the 31″ they list online.
VERDICT: I returned these because I have a similar style that I love, but they’re worth a try if you like the look. They’re a great price, on sale for $62.96.
Dotted Sweater Tee
at LOFT (S) // LOFT jeans (8) // Blondo boots (8.5)
Details:
- Length from Shoulder to Hem: 23″
- Material: 60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic
- Care: Machine Washable
This soft knit sweater tee is really cute, with a classic fit. I like the way they did the white trim, but I’m just not quite feeling the polkadots. I don’t feel like they fit my personal style, but it’s a nice piece if you like the look.
VERDICT: I returned this one too.
MOTHER The Outsider Flood Raw Hem Ankle Bootcut Jeans in Are We There Yet
at Nordstrom and Bloomies and Evereve (30) // thermal top (S) // Birks (39)
Details:
- Measurements: 9 3/4″ rise; 28″ inseam; 16 1/2″ leg opening
- Material: 78% cotton, 16% modal, 4% polyester, 2% elastane
- Care: Machine wash, dry flat
- Made in the USA
Okay, I am so annoyed by these jeans. I love the look of the rigid cotton-blend denim and the faded blue wash for a lived-in look. They’re a great ankle-length bootcut style for wearing with casual flats this fall, and I like that they have a lower rise than The Hustler, which is a similar fit otherwise.
But the sizing is so off! I ordered my usual MOTHER denim size 29, and I couldn’t even zip and button them, so I re-ordered in the 30, which is what I’m wearing here. I could get these fastened, but they were cutting into my stomach, so I wore them around the house for an hour or so to see if they’d loosen up and break in. But nope.
So I swallowed my pride and ordered the 31. I mean, I know it’s not me, it’s the jeans, it’s still demoralizing to size up two sizes in your favorite denim brand. Still, if they had fit, I’d have been thrilled because I really want an alternative to my MOTHER Weekenders, which I’ve been wearing to death lately, and these are exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for, haha!
VERDICT: I wish this story had a happy ending, but if anything, the 31 was tighter than the 30. I gave up and sent them all back. Bah humbug! I’m so cranky about this whole event. #firstworldproblems
I did notice that the pair on the Evereve website, which is where I ordered the 29 and the 30, has a different fabric content listed than the pair on the Nordstrom website, which is where I got the size 31. So in one last ditch effort, I ordered a 31 and a 32 from Evereve. I’ll keep you posted!
Liverpool Stripe Crewneck Sweater
at Nordstrom (S) // HINT of Blue jeans (29) // Blondo boots (8.5)
Details:
- 24″ length
- 100% acrylic
- Machine wash, dry flat
I love the autumnal tones in this stripe sweater, but it’s 100% acrylic, so I don’t expect it to last more than a season or two. Still, it’s very pretty, and I like the subtle lantern sleeve.
VERDICT: I’m still deciding on this one.
HINT OF BLU High Waist Wide Leg Jeans in Lisbon Blue
at Nordstrom (29) // sweater (S) // Blondo boots (8.5)
Details:
- Measurements: 32″ inseam; 23″ leg opening; 10 1/4″ front rise
- Material: 71% cotton, 25% REPREVE® recycled polyester, 3% rayon, 1% spandex
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
These jeans have a nice fit and feel for the price point, and I like the look of the wash too. The trouser style hems are polished and the 32″ inseam is perfect with these 3″ heeled boots.
VERDICT: I don’t know that I need them, but I like them a lot. Highly recommend trying, if you’re looking for stylish denim under $100.
Sanctuary Stripe Sleeveless Cotton Sweater
at Nordstrom (S) // jeans (6) // flats (8)
Details:
- 21 1/2″ length (size Medium)
- Material: 100% cotton
- Care: Machine wash, dry flat
This is a great little transition piece, and I love that it’s 100% cotton. It’s a nice quality, which is typical for Sanctuary, and I like how it’s cut modestly around the arms and in the v-neckline.
VERDICT: Keeping!
KUT from the Kloth Meg High Waist Raw Hem Ankle Wide Leg Jeans in Formidable
at Nordstrom (6) // sweater vest (S) // flats (8)
Details:
- 29″ regular inseam; 23″ leg opening; 10 1/2″ front rise; 15″ back rise (size 8)
- Zip fly with button closure
- Five-pocket style
- 93% cotton, 6% polyester, 1% spandex
- Machine wash, tumble dry
VERDICT: This is the KUT from the Kloth Meg in a more medium blue wash. I like this pair a lot, but I don’t need both so I need to decide if I want to keep this color or the darker pair.
Sam Edelman Cohen Pointed Toe Slingback Flat in Scarlet
at Nordstrom and Macy’s (8) // jeans (6) // sweater vest (S)
These slingback flats with the pointy toe and subtle logo hardware are right on trend for fall, and I love this scarlet red color.
VERDICT: I love these, but I think I need to size up half. I ordered this red pair as well as the leopard (Granada Tan/ Black) in the 8.5.
Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump in Deep Scarlet
at Nordstrom and Zappos (8) // jeans (6) // sweater vest (S)
This pair is a little dressier, thanks to the 2 1/2″ heel, and they come in tons of colors. I was looking specifically for a red pointy toe shoe, but I don’t know that I need two red pairs, so I may end up getting these in a more subtle neutral, like the black or soft beige. The size on these seems to fit better, I’ll stick with the 8.
VERDICT: Definitely keeping a pair of these; I just have to decide on the color I want.
