Happy Friday!
Today's post is longer than my usual posts with several outfit photos (some previously shared) and two completely different fashion topics - a Mini Try-On Session from LOFT and Nordstrom and Some Favorite Pre-Loved Pieces.
A few weeks ago I placed an order with Loft for some summer clothes and I also found a couple of things from the Nordstrom Sales section, and thought it would be fun to review these on my blog.
I actually wanted to share this review next week but decided to do so today, as I know how fast things can sell out, in case some of you are interested in adding one or two of these pieces to your closets. Then in the coming weeks I plan on styling each one of these items in different ways and mix them up with things already in my closet.
Please note, this post does include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, as always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for your support.
Also wearing Riviera Crop Pants in Chambray.
Mixed Media Tie Neck Top // Riviera Crop Pants // Sandals by Soul Naturalizer (old, purchased at Kohls)
As I mentioned in a recent post, I love to wear these types of tops on warm and sunny days. I made the mistake and ordered Petite XS when I should have ordered Petite Small. While it does look like it fits, it 's pulling across the chest area and I am currently waiting on the exchange item.
Had I taken a look at the size chart I wouldn't have to exchange. Loft's size chart is found on the right side of each item's page. Be sure to measure your bust size (what I failed to do before ordering!)
- Available in Regular and Petite.
- Front of the top is a flowy woven material and the back is made of a soft knit material (same pattern).
- Runs True to Size (sizing chart can be found on the right side on product page)
Use Code SUNNY to get 50% off your purchase. This code ends 5/19- Use Code ALLIN to take 60% off your purchase and receive FREE SHIPPING (ends May 23rd)
Also wearing Mixed Media Shell in Tea Rose.
Riviera Crop Pants // Mixed Media Tie Neck Top // Sandals by Soul Naturalizer (old, purchased at Kohls)
These Chambray crop pants I first noticed last year at the end of the season when there were only a few sizes left - not mine. When I saw that they brought them back again this year, I decided to order them. I think they are a great alternative to jeans or shorts in the summer, especially for an event that calls for something other than jeans. These pants are made of a stretchy cotton material (97% cotton, 3% Spandex) and they run about 1 size too big. Here I am wearing Petite 0 but I am waiting to receive Petite 00. They do come with belt loops and I could have just used them with a belt, but according to other reviewers they do loosen up a bit with wear, so I wanted them to have a better fit to begin with. Plus exchanges and returns are currently free at LOFT. The sandals I'm wearing here are not ideal for these crop pants and I am currently looking for a neutral sandal with a (somewhat lower) block heel and thin straps. I do really like these sandals, but the heel is not really practical for my life style....
- Available in Regular, Petite, Plus, Modern and Curvy Fit
- Stretch Cotton
- Runs large and does losen up a bit with wear (I exchanged for a smaller size)
- Crop fit, perfect for Summer
- Also available in a few other colors HERE
- Use code WANT at checkout to bring the price down to $25 (this only works on the pants)
- Use Code ALLIN to take 60% off your purchase and receive FREE SHIPPING (ends May 23rd)
3. Henley Linen Tee in Rosy Bloom
Also wearing Old Navy Skinny Jeans - Similar (mine are from last year)
Henley Linen Tee // Skinny Jeans from Old Navy - Similar
This top is made of 100% linen so it will be the perfect top to wear on a hot summer day. As with most tops made of linen material it is slightly see through but not to the point where I would need to wear a cami underneath. I love the casual style of this top with the added button details and loose cap sleeves.
Although available in Petite, I decided to order it in Regular XS for a looser fit (and in case it shrinks in the wash it will still fit me :) Speaking of wash, Linen needs to be washed with cold water and laid flat to dry. I would say it runs true to size - follow size chart.
- Available in Regular, Petite and Plus
- 100% Linen
- Fits True to Size
- Laying Flat to Dry is recommended
- Currently marked down to $13.80 and Free Shipping with code ALLIN (ends May 23rd)
That was all I received from Loft, but I am still waiting on this blue dress and this blue cardigan. Due to the current situation, their shipping has been delayed and I did wait for about a month to receive the above items. The dress and cardigan were ordered a couple of weeks later and they have not yet shipped. Under normal circumstances Loft does ship quite quickly.
I also ordered two things from Nordstrom.
1. Cotton Knit Sweater by Madewell
Also wearing Old Navy Skinny Jeans - Similar (mine are from last year)
Cotton Knit Sweater by Madewell // Old Navy Skinny Jeans - Similar
This sweater is part of Nordstrom's current SALE. I think this dusty pink would be great not only for chilly spring days but also in fall with dark wash jeans. This sweater has an oversized fit and I'd say it runs one size too big. Based on the reviews I decided to order one size down, which is XXS and it still seems a little large because Petite sizing is not available. My daughter talked me into keeping it though....
- Casual Slouchy Fit
- I recommend going down one size
- 100% Cotton
- Great for early spring and fall
- Now 60% off (was $89.50, now $35.80)
2. Caslon Low Heel Pumps
I also found these suede pumps in the sales section. I've been looking for some nude pumps with a lower heel and these did seem perfect. (Not sure I'd wear them with these crop pants though .... I purchased them for when I want to wear a dress as nude shoes visually lengthen your legs.)
I usually wear 7.5 to 8 (more often 8) but for whatever stupid reason I ordered 7.5 thinking they would otherwise come off the back, however with my wide feet they were too tight at the front. I've reordered in a size 8 and have returned these. They are also available in a pretty camel suede color, which is another great neutral. These pumps are marked down 60% from $89.95 to $35.98. Sizes are limited.
- Suede Leather Upper
- Minimalist Look
- 1 1/4 Low Block Heel
- True to Size (if in between sizes go with the larger size esp. if you have wide feet)
(also wearing Riviera Crop Pants and Mixed Media Tie Neck Top from LOFT)
Personally I think these crop pants need a higher heel...
Shelbee's and Nancy's Goodbuy/Goodbye Series:
All Things Pre-Loved
While I love shopping for new things, I have also dipped my toes into second hand shopping. My husband and I have been visiting thrift and antique stores ever since I moved to the states in the late 90's.. He's been a comic book collector pretty much his whole life and as you can imagine the classic comic books can only be found on the second hand market. I used to only look through their books, then began noticing other items (see that pretty blue sofa chair in the photos above? It was a Goodwill find from a few years ago and it's one of my favorite piece of furniture in the house).
Then I started noticing their handbags and found some great deals! On eBay I found two pairs of premium denim jeans for a fraction of the original cost. In fact, in the recent years there has been a movement going on about buying second hand due to the waste caused by the clothing industry. It might not surprise you to read, that the Fashion industry is one of the most wasteful industries in the world. So when you shop at second hand stores, you are not only saving money but most importantly you are also doing a small part to save the environment.
On the 15th of every month, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge and Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style host a series on their blogs called Good Buy/Goobye. This month their theme is "All Things Pre-Loved". Readers are invited to submit photos and this time I decided to send a couple of them in, as I do love mixing old and new. You can read Nancy's post HERE and Shelbee's post HERE to find out which ones of their pre-loved pieces were Good Buys and which ones it's time to say Goodbye to.
I've only been "Fashion Blogging" for a few months, but found several photos I've shared that include pre-loved items, and here are a few favorites:
You can see the original post HERE.
The saddle bag was a thrifted item. It was purchased in "like new" condition and has become one of my favorite bags to carry. I love the casual style and I love this cognac color which will go with almost anything in my closet. And you just cannot beat the price of around $6. Definitely a Good Buy and possibly my most used pre-loved piece.
You can see the original post HERE.
In this outfit I'm wearing a hand-me-down sweater from my dear sister and the handbag I found at Goodwill.
Normally I can't stand wearing turtleneck sweaters. They have to be extremely comfortable (not too tight) and made of a soft, not scratchy material, otherwise it's just not happening! This turtleneck sweater is one that I can comfortably wear without feeling constricted. And I love the color!
This handbag was a Good Buy because the price was amazing and another color that will go with most pieces in my closet. While I normally carry a crossbody bag, I love having a structured handbag in my closet and I didn't have to pay a lot of money for it.
You can see the original post HERE.
The thrifted item are the AG skinny jeans. They were purchased pre-owned from eBay at a great prize and have become a favorite pair of jeans. If there was one thing I could change about them it would be the rise. I didn't pay attention to the rise when I purchased them and these are a low rise, while I'd prefer a mid-rise. But I LOVE the fit, style and comfort so it's not a big deal to me. So this was another Good Buy.
You can see the original post HERE.
The pre-loved item in this look are the burgundy pumps. Another item I found at Goodwill in "like new" condition. These pumps are by Clarks and knowing the brand as making comfortable shoes, they had to come home with me since they were less than $10. Although I haven't gotten much wear out of them yet, I would say they were a Good Buy as well.
You can see the original post HERE.
The trench coat was another hand me down from my sister. While it isn't my "go-to" coat I love having one in my closet. And although I didn't technically pay for it, it is definitely falling into the keeper category, so a Good Buy.
You can see the original post HERE.
This Eddie Bauer Down Jacket is another pre-loved piece, found at Goodwill. Normally this jacket would cost over $200 but I paid $25 for mine. I didn't really need another winter coat but it came home with me anyway.
The boots are another pre-loved item. They were my daughter's but she outgrew them quickly and since they are now my size I decided to keep them for myself.
You guessed it, they are both Good Buys.
Besides your local Goodwill and Consignment stores, you can find great deals at Poshmark and ThredUp, as well as eBay Fashion. I've only purchased pre loved items from Goodwill and eBay but with this stay at home order I recently browsed through Poshmark. It's definitely easier to look online especially when you know your favorite brands and sizes!
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