For the last 6 days, we’ve had all hands on deck shooting a new line of something we are launching this spring (I’m writing this the day after we wrapped and celebrated so my brain is sooooo wiped I can barely think). We produced this in-house (a huge shout out to Gretch who killed it!!!! It went so well!!) which meant it was a huge financial investment on my part so the goal was to get as many photos, videos, reels, etc as possible in the six days – which meant that I had to change outfits like 6 times a day to take versions with and without me, lying down, being cozy, standing up, fancy portraits, etc. I’ve been doing this for 15 years so I’m pretty comfortable getting my photo taken, but it’s still crucial that I feel good in what I’m wearing. If I don’t feel good, I bring insecure energy, which makes the entire crew suffer because it takes so much longer to get the “right shot”. I’m SOOO grateful that Kaitlin can shoot so fast and makes me feel really comfortable:) Anyway, here are some of the outfits – admittedly that are on the more casual side. But I also think that if you are looking for some good winter-to-spring recs, you’ll find some great pieces in here. The fancier outfits were designer that I rented for the portraits so you’ll see them later :) The jean shacket was a big investment and while I love it I’m hoping to exchange it for a smaller size but it’s really, really cute. The mini skirt is Madewell (via Nordstroms) and I’m wearing a small (Madewell sizing always runs big and I could have sized down but you know how they have like four xxxxxxs sizes which honestly make it confusing to know what size you are). Right now I’m solidly in between a 4 and 6 (so I guess a 5, LOL) if that helps – but I do wish I had bought an XS. It’s tweed and structured and pretty dang cute. The clogs are so comfy (for heels), I wear them all the time and even replaced them already because Buttercup ate one last year. And yes that bear shirt is rad. I knew that this sweater with the big black stripe would be really cute on camera in a snuggled-up shot and it was. The stripe was really graphic and popped really well on camera. I wore it with my Old Navy boyfriend jeans that are still just so cute (and I think like $24 right now). Another cozy look – An oversized cardigan (LOVE) with fisherman vibes, over the bear shirt (from The Great, which you know I love because they do everything casual just perfectly, but are such investments) with the same Old Navy jeans. Don’t hate on my drop crotch R13 jeans – I however, do hate that they are so expensive, but I’ve worn them probably 80 times since I bought them last year for my big Rugs shoot (extremely drop crotch and def not everyone’s cup of tea but I find that they make every outfit look cool and are so comfortable!!). The dark burgundy snakeskin boots make any outfit look more professional, even beat up drop crotch jeans :) Another oversized sweater with a great graphic sleeve punch. This sweater is a bit long and wide (I bought both a medium and a small to see which would fit better and they are both really really oversized. The jeans are Madewell’s barrel jeans that I think are excellent because they aren’t crazy high-waisted like a lot of barrel jeans (with big boobs and a short torso I can’t do both high-waisted and wide-legged). Big fan of these. And those kitten-heel boots are still in the mix – I wear them all the time when I want to dress something up without wearing high heels. The Levi’s are vintage – sorry – that I’ve had forever. I really like this sweater from Rails – cable knit with pretty white stitching. Oh, and I ended up wearing those flats a ton (both in blue and nude) last week mostly because they were easy to pop on and off for our casual snuggling shots that I had to do. Big fan. I was HIGHLY influenced by Kaitlin to get leopard pants and boy am I glad I did. These are SO CUTE and I didn’t realize how easy they are to make a basic outfit look stylish. I think the key is not dressing this up too much or it looks RHONJ, but these pants are dope and I love them with a casual top a lot (I wore it with wooden clogs, too which gave me nice height so that the cropped length was highlighted). Oh and yes, I’m wearing hair extensions in some of these shots :) I bought this new sweatshirt from The Great and god, the slouchy cut is just so perfect but I wish that size 0 was in stock because it’s so oversized (but I know I’ll still wear it so much!!). The pants are old but still available from Free People and pretty awesome. I bought two new denim jumpsuits because my dog ate the crotch out of my old one that I loved soooo much. This one (on the left) with long sleeves is from Amo and I bought both the small and medium, unsure of what size would work, but I’m returning the small because while it technically fit the waist is too snatched and therefore uncomfortable. I really think that brands need to get the memo that these jumpsuits shouldn’t be fitted or body-conscious – the whole point is to rock a utilitarian vibe and be comfortable – we don’t need our waist to look small, we want pockets and a good drape. Pistola does this really well (the camo) and I bought this denim one and LOVED it even more than the camo since it’s just a bit thicker. So while I love the darker wash of the Amo a lot (and I’m keeping the medium size – which I’m wearing above), I think that this Pistola jumpsuit has a better, more casual shape that will be easier to throw on – it just hangs in a nicer way. But if you want to wear a jumpsuit to the office, perhaps the Amo one looks more professional and can be dressed up better, for sure (my goodness that was a lot of talk about jumpsuits – but I wear them a ton, and have for years, because they look good on camera and are so easy to work/style in as well so I feel like I’m a jumpsuit expert). I promise the reveal of the shoot will be worth it (!) and hopefully, some of these outfits have given you some solid winter-to-spring outfit ideas.
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Istruggle with “cocktail attire,” as I don’t love the pressure to look “nighttime” in a tiny little dress. But I do NOT struggle with “festive clothes,” especially during the holidays. I went shopping, hoping to find 1-2 new things, and whoops, found a few more. I hope if nothing else it gives you some ideas on what you might wear to work events, neighborhood parties, or potlucks (outside of the “ugly sweater” which I also love and mostly buy vintage). The Velvet Jacket This jacket says “I want to be holiday-friendly” but with just one piece. Of course, you could dress it up over a dress or a mini skirt, but I think on its own over jeans it still feels festive and totally comfortable (and the green color definitely has a lot of longevity, versus a brighter red). The white tank is from Free People via Shopbop, the jeans are new Madewell barrel jeans, the shoes are old, the silver bag is from Anthro, necklaces are from Anthro and J.Crew. Big fan of these barrel jeans from Madewell – I know that barrel jeans are everywhere but these have the best cut and are on the more affordable side. They aren’t toooo wide or tooooo high-waisted (more mid-rise). The cut is GREAT and I like where it hits (ankle length). SURPRISE! We are trying out a fun new feature where instead of uploading graphics with links underneath, the graphics themselves will be clickable. So here are a few more very cute velvet blazers to check out! (They might take a second to upload, FYI). My First (And Maybe Last) Faux Leopard Fur Jacket I’m not going to say that every woman needs to have at least one leopard faux fur coat in their closet, but I’m sure someone fancier than I would say that. It does seem like a pretty good staple for special occasions (and so warm). This one is SO SOFT and I think really well priced. It has pockets, has a great color combo, and can easily be dressed down with jeans and some pointy heels or dressed up over a dress or skirt. The Holiday Blouse I Bought In Two Colors As Kaitlin put it when she first saw me in this shirt, “NOW THAT’S A ‘BLOUSE'”. I know this top isn’t for everyone (it’s not particularly sexy), but it’s absolutely giving 1990 Martha Stewart in the best of ways for me. It’s blue and green plaid TAFFETA!!!…. with pretty covered buttons and massive puff sleeves. It’s so fun to wear, feels very me, but in a bit of a Trad Wife costume. Of course, I dressed it down here with distressed drop crotch jeans (it’s voluminous so I like putting something more streamlined on the bottom) but I wish I had worn it with a tighter waist (it’s a really thin fabric that is easy to tuck). The patent leather Mary Jane’s heels come in many colors and are so cute. I also bought this top in black velvet which is really drapey and soft, FYI (it comes in a lot of colors). I found A LOT of great “party blouses” so here are more that I loved (just click the photo to see more): A Festive Powersuit:) I’m obsessed with this floral set, but TBH the legs came in so long that I didn’t have time to hem them and they are ridiculous. I put the top on the gift guide but hadn’t tried on the pants so I was happy that the quality and colors are awesome. I would absolutely wear this to a holiday function where I needed to look fun, but more sophisticated (i.e. a work party?). But I would also wear it to a cocktail party in lieu of a little dress or for a speaking engagement. It’s just powerful but still feminine. Maybe not the most festive holiday outfit, but I wanted to show it off anyway. A Bold Mini Ok, this is very, very “me” if I had to do “cocktail attire”. A tiny silver sequin skirt (this one is from Reformation, but I’ve seen this Target one on social that looks really good) and a vintage-inspired sweatshirt (Anine Bing via Shopbop). Throw on some over-the-knee boots (that come in a lot of different leather colors) and some jewelry and I am totally ready to go out and feel cute, but still with that casual vibe. I think a sequin skirt is such a good party attire investment. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and New Year’s. Below are some more great options with some additional lengths:) A Sequin Sweater?? I LOVE this sweater – the color is so pretty and the inside is knit so it’s really cozy for being covered in sequins. I dressed it up a bit with black (waxed) trousers, but I would more likely wear this with jeans to a holiday event. It feels festive and fun, but since the color is more understated (a really rich coppery aubergine) it isn’t as bold. The top is a wide mock turtleneck and it’s a boxier cut (I’m wearing a small) with skinny arms. Just so easy to wear and so comfortable for “sequins”. So while I love the sweater I’m wearing, there are a ton of great sequin tops on the market. These are some of my top pics: The Sequin Long Blazer Along the same lines as the velvet blazer, a really festive jacket like this dressed up any outfit. This sequin jacket is more of a long blazer, duster even. It has really great firm shoulders that create a nice drape that is really flattering (not trying to be flattering, instead just a straight drop in a good way. Shoes are from Madewell (I liked the simplicity and the sharper toe with the fancier long jacket). Same barrel pants and a Clare V. purse I’ve had forever. Hope this post gave you some ideas and made you feel even more excited about celebrating the holidays.
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It bears repeating that cozy season is the best season. There are wonderful things about all four of them but getting to slide on the first soft sweater of the season is pretty intoxicating. I know that for me, I am in need of a really great one but have no desire to spend over $100. So today is a little round-up of my findings. They are all under $75 (most of them around half of that) but maybe the most exciting news is that a fan favorite of one of Emily’s is back in stock and on a very good sale!! Ok, let’s jump right on in:) Cozy Knit Button-Down Cardigan – $28 While the model is very cute in this sweater, personally I think Emily really sells it in her photo. She wanted it oversized so got an XL which I really love the look of! I could easily cozy up in it on my couch or throw it on with a fun pair of jeans. Either way, I’m going to be warm and very comfortable. Oh, and it also comes in 5 other colors! My Only Sunshine Sweater – $54 It’s BACK IN STOCK BABY!! Every time we post a photo of Emily in this sweater we get asked for the link. Unfortunately, it’s been very hard to track down until now. Macy’s to the rescue! They have it in stock in all 4 colors plus they are 50% off. Insane and I’m actually going to add to cart as soon as I’m done writing this post. It’s slightly cropped which I love and those cuff and neck proportions are so good. Also, Emily’s stamp of approval holds a lot of weight to me and she loves hers. Oversized Split-Hem Mockneck Sweater – $39 Currently, this cutie is on sale for $39 (normally $80 so another 50% saving). I think this just looks so chic. That turtleneck is very sleek but the rest of the body looks like it hangs so beautifully with a wonderful amount of roominess. A perfect “oversized but cool” vibe. Now, I’m partial to the brown but it also comes in 5 other colors (some stripe, some solid). V-Neck Cotton Cardigan – $30 This one gave me Alex Mill vibes, an EHD favorite brand, but at a much lower price point. I would likey size up in this too because as I said I love that look. But also, how good is this denim-y blue? It also comes in an olive green that’s equally as awesome. SoSoft Crop Cable-Knit Sweater – $30 You’re never going to not love a cable knit sweater. It’s such a classic! This one is $30 on sale (normally $50) so a great price BUT the “so soft” name is apparently very true based on the reviews I read. They all say how amazingly soft it is which means it’s super cozy…and ideal for the colder seasons. Count me in! I might size up for a more slouchy look on this one too but it’s up to preference:) It also comes in 3 other colors and sizes up to 4x! Polo Sweater – $30 As a gal who lives in LA, we don’t often need super heavy sweaters (despite us dreaming of snowy mornings by the fire). So what I love about this one is that open collar. SO CUTE. This is a cool, casual style that could easily take you through late spring. The reviews also say it’s incredibly soft. Do with that information what you will:) There are 4 other colors, sizes up to 4x, and is also $30 on sale (normally $50). 100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater – $50 Another very classic-looking sweater that not only comes in 10 other colors and is $50 but there are 3,665 5-star reviews! It’s 100% cotton and I would LOVE this a little oversized too:) Mock-Neck Crop Sweater – $30 The neck and the color are what really drew me to this one. It’s just so pretty! But if this blue isn’t what you like on you then you have 4 other color options (and sizing up to 4x). So for $30 on sale (normally $50), I think this is such a great buy. CashSoft Oversized V-Neck Sweater – $70 Clearly, I’m a sucker for a good neckline! The v-shape is pretty perfect and you know I love that it’s meant to be a little oversized. It’s a little pricier at $70 than most on this list but man does it look so cozy. This one also comes in 7 other colors! Stripe Colorblock Mock Neck Sweater – $40 I was really drawn to the fun color blocking of this one! It’s nice that it’s not your average sweater pattern but it’s not so bold or colorful that it’s overwhelming. It’s just cool and comes in two other colors:) AE Whoa So Soft V-Neck Sweater – $30 I love oversized sweaters but I also love a slight off-the-shoulder moment. Who says a cozy sweater can’t be a little sexy?? And while a soft pink isn’t a traditional fall/winter color I think it should be! But there are 5 other color options however, the sizing is a bit limited. I just had to add this one because I love the look of the fit, it’s $30, and the reviewers confirm it’s a “whoa” in the softness department. Cozy Cardigan Sweater – $27 How pretty is this color?! It’s the perfect green/gray. Festive but not in your face. It’s the main reason why I had to include it…aside from the fact that it also looks very cozy. Oh, and it’s currently $27 on sale ($45 normally), sizes up to 4x, and comes in 3 other colors/patterns. Cozy Crew-Neck Sweater – $24 Here is the crewneck version! This warm camel color is stunning and the look is totally classic. You could easily dress this a little up for work, for a casual hang with friends, or pair it with your favorite sweats on the sofa. It’s $24 on sale ($40 normally), sizes up to 4x, and comes in 3 other awesome neutral colors. Cozy Knit Mock Turtleneck Pullover Sweater – $32 Another great stripe and another great neck! I think this one is just so cute. The black and cream make it feel a little extra cool and the price is so good at $32. There are 4 other colors and the sizing goes up to 4x! Women’s Sailor-Collar Zip-Front Sweater – $50 I had to include one zip up and this one might be perfect. The oversized collar is so awesome. It also comes in a dark moss green that’s so pretty. So for those not interested in buttons or pullovers, this one could be your match! That’s it for my research and whether you found something new or simply enjoyed the window shopping I hope you have a great rest of your Saturday (or whatever day you happen to read this on:)) See you tomorrow. Love you, mean it.
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I’m clearly no stranger to the joys of Target but after hearing all of the internet chatter about how good their fall boots currently were, naturally, I had to go see myself. A little field research to help give any of you looking the real lowdown:) I have to say before we get any further, Target is doing something pretty special in the comfort department. It’s good, y’all! Oftentimes with affordable shoes, comfort isn’t always the top priority for the maker, just style. Not the situation here. Whether it’s memory foam or just a well-cushioned insole, your feet are going to be happy, thus making you happy. But they’ve really got some awesome styles too (duh) so let me take you throw my thoughts, feelings, and recommendations. Kenzi Tall Western Dress Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $45 Ok, these really took me by surprise. I was very impressed by all of the detailed stitching and how lengthening for the leg they are. Truly so good. There are plenty of more affordable knockoff cowboy boots that are cheesy but these aren’t. They are actually really good and are really comfortable. I’m a big fan of a memory foam insert as previously stated! Will they last as long as a traditional real leather boot? Probably not. But if you take care of them they will definitely last you a good amount of time. Final Verdict: I really do love these and recommend them. I would easily pay more than $45. This is the perfect way to enter into the cowboy boot trend (which is also a classic…win-win) if you’ve been wanting to! Livia Stovepipe Tall Boots – $45 Here’s what I’ll say – These have a really nice shape, are streamlined, but boxy up top. Because of the heel, they feel more like city shoes to me but if you are a heel wearer then you might love that about them! The only real downside is that without care, I’m a little worried they’re a “one-season boot” based on the leather. Jess loved them when she saw the pictures and I do like the shape of the toe. For me they weren’t a “hell yes” but I think it’s mostly based on my lifestyle. Hope Tall Boots – $45 But these guys are a different story! Look at them, SO CUTE. You might know by now that I love an equestrian vibe. Plus, I love the structured front and think it would be so cute on everyone. Oh, and they are so so comfortable. I didn’t buy them but do I need to go back and change that?? So easy to grab and go for the colder seasons and still look so cute (which at times is a challenge when you are all bundled). Rebel Tall Moto Buckle Boots – $50 These are the knockoff motorcycle boots that people are really talking about. I do have to say VERY comfortable. I have wider feet and these are perfect if you also need a little extra width. Plus, (like most of these boots) I was not expecting the cushion that’s provided in these very rough and tough-looking boots. It’s easy to assume that a heavy, affordable boot is going to be well, not that comfortable. Y’all these are really comfortable. Totally recommend. Want a little more edge to your wardrobe? These are a pretty cool and easy way to do that:) Oakley Harness Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $45 These are the Frye knockoffs which I have to say are pretty great. My beef with my vintage Frye boots (that I can’t seem to quit – I never wear them but I’ve had them for 20 years) is how heavy they are – making them pretty uncomfortable. These from Target are lighter-weight and very comfy. Will they last as long as the real deal ones? Nope, but if you want the Frye boot look for FAR less and a lot more comfortable, I can say that I was shocked and impressed by these. Logan Lug Combat Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $40 Speaking of really heavy shoes, that’s one of my problems with traditional Doc Martin’s. Just so heavy. But overall they aren’t really my personal style but are so great on other people whose style they are perfect for. The great thing about these knockoffs is that they are so much lighter than real Doc Martin’s which I love. And you bet the memory foam makes them also very comfortable. Lonnie Kitten Heel Stretch Ankle Boots – $35 If you remember from last fall, I got a VERY cute pair of Madewell tan kitten heel boots that I wore all of the time. Those ones ran about $200. So when I saw these for only $35 I was very interested. They are really cute, have that class dainty kitten heel look, really lengthen the leg with that pointed toe, are comfortable, and simply just great. Nothing negative! Oh, but one important thing to note is that they tuck really nicely into jeans. The jean/boot combo dream:) Mona Rain Boots – $30 Oh man, if they had had my size I would’ve probably snagged these! So great for the rainy weather that’s coming and perfect for the farm. They didn’t feel too heavy and the quality was great for a rainboot. Ugh, I might need to order them online as I’m pretty sure I just talked myself into them. Cute but very practical. Ok! Eight great, affordable boots (some I preferred more than others) that could help you get through fall and winter a little more stylish (if you are in the market). Happy boot shopping!
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Last week, we talked about the new fall jackets we are really eyeing for this fall…and a lot of them are variations of the very trendy (but also extremely classic) barn jacket. Our numbers show that y’all were big fans too! Due to the fall outerwear excitement, today we thought we’d get a little more casual and a lot cozier:) I’d like to think that “coziness” is a part of our EHD ethos. We want to help you create a cozy home and show you comfortable/cozy options to potentially wear on your body (if that’s your preference, of course). So think of these jackets as elevated “throw-on-and-go” soft pieces. Perfect for random errands, school pickup, a fun friend lunch, or any other outing you want to feel comfortable but a little extra cool. Let’s start with my muse! As I was searching all over the internet for fall jackets, I immediately LOVED this one when I saw it. But it really didn’t fit in the more traditional fall jacket category of last week’s post. I decided to pin for potentially a future roundup. Well, that opportunity came much fast than I thought since the other post was so popular. YAY. So for this one, I just love the ease of dressing it up or down. The way it’s styled with the vintage tee and jeans is so fun and fresh! But switch the jeans for wide leg slacks and the vintage tee for a silky top… it’s perfect for your business casual job. Done and done. Personally, I have been pretty obsessed with the bomber jacket look for a couple of years now so when I saw this sherpa blush pink version I shrieked! I adore that color, the look of collar and cuffs, plus that amazing nubby fabric is so cozy. Another great option that will work with a ton of looks. This gal is the “fanciest” on this list but it’s also easy breezy to dress down. I mean look how it’s styled in this photo. I want to be this cool girl! The lack of collar give it edge and how chic are those buttons? When I showed Gretchen this jacket she had the same reaction I did, “OMG I love this one so much!” The pattern of the sherpa fabric is such a fun and cool detail. Then you add that bold pop of blue and baby, we’ve got a cozy jacket star! It’s another one that just looks so cool and you wouldn’t need to do much else with your outfit. Instant statement piece. I also found this one early on in my search and thought about sending the link to Emily! It’s got her name written all over it. But since she likely has something similar, the next people I wanted to share it with was all of you:) The piping really elevated the whole look, I think that blue is perfect, and you can’t tell me that doesn’t look so freaking comfortable to wear. But if you want something a little more understated (and more affordable) this nubby quarter zip is perfect. This incredible, rich merlot color is so pretty and I love that little pop of bright red on the zipper pull for a fun contrast! If you want a little more length then this guy could be a great match for you. Think how warm you’ll be! This was one was Gretchen’s favs and she is highly considering buying it which always makes me feel good when I show the team my finds:) Plus, since it’s from Old Navy it’s currently on sale for under $50. But maybe you want something that feels a little more modern but still is in the cozy fleece world. Well, enter the neoWARM liner. The piping is amazing, love that there’s no collar, and that waist tie brings the whole look home. I can think of so many things to easily wear this too! It’s a no brainer. Last but not least is this Varley fleece (the same company of the quarter zip Em is wearing in the opening photo). Their quality is great but also look at all the details! That oversized collar is amazing (apparently I’m into a big collar or no collar), those double pockets are so good, and who doesn’t love longer fabric to keep that bum warm and dry. It just looks very “effortless” in the best way. Ok, that’s my little roundup that I literally couldn’t wait to show you but I hope this was helpful and that now everyone is fully ready for fall. Love you, mean it.
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We all love summer, obviously. But as a team with birthdays exclusively in September and October, we are also big into the fall:) And let’s be honest, a massive perk of feeling that first intoxicating fall breeze is getting to comfortably wear your fall jackets. It’s a part of the fall joy. What’s not to love about them? They’re cozy and warm without needing to be heavy and bulky like in the snowy months. Naturally, I wanted to see what was on the market and once I saw the offering I told the team I needed to do a roundup post with my/our favorites. This isn’t to say you need a new jacket! But if you do I hope this is helpful and fun. So based on my research (Instagram, TikTok, and online window shopping), there are two major trends that are ruling this fall – The Barn Jacket and brown suede. I’m not mad about it one bit. But don’t worry, there’s something for everyone in this post. Let’s get started. The first barn jacket on this list! These jackets are very “chore jacket” adjacent. They are meant to have a slightly oversized fit (so able to wear a bulky sweater under it), are casual but cool, have large pockets, and usually button up. Where I believe they separate from the chore is that a barn jacket has a contrasting collar color (usually darker and sometimes in a different fabric). I love the color of this one and the warmer collar tone. If you flip up the cuff they’re also that warmer camel color! It’s just a solid jacket that you could easily start wearing now and would be perfect for spring too. But if this tan color isn’t your vibe it also comes in two other neutral options. Here are two more versions that I loved. The jacket on the left is from an EHD favorite, Alex Mill. That means it isn’t cheap but Em can attest to the quality. I really like the color and the waxed cotton makes it look like you’ve had it for years even if it’s brand new. I also really adore the rich brown corduroy collar and cuffs. So chic. And while it looks like it only buttons there’s also a secret and very pretty gold zipper. Oh, and it also comes in a burgundy color. Then for the denim option, the pockets are my favorite! I love that they look layered. It’s the added details of this guy that made me swoon. So yes, the pockets but also the cuff strap and the back of it also has a cool structure. I’m in:) Quilted jackets have also become very popular over the past handful of years (outside the barn I mean). So this jacket feels both classic (the green and brown combo) and on-trend. So cute. Ok, we are leaving the barn jacket portion of this post but we’re not down with quilting just yet! I love the look of this soft and slightly modernized take they took. It looks like you could happily take a nap in it if you wanted. And while I’m partial to this “Chai” color, it also comes in a “Burnt Sage” green. What’s not to love about a denim sherpa jacket?? I have this jacket (with a different collar but still with sherpa lining) and LOVE IT. I might have told the story already that it was my best friend’s roommate’s and every time I visited I admired/borrowed it (with her permission!). Turns out she had wished she had gotten a bigger size (she’s much taller than 5’4″ me) so I proposed I buy her the size she wanted and I could swap for hers. I’m so grateful and was genuinely sad when it became too warm to wear it. All that to say, it’s a great jacket that’s a total classic you’ll have probably forever. I have a medium if that’s helpful to anyone and it’s perfectly oversized. This is the denim trench Emily is wearing in the opening photo! Here’s what she said about it: “I bought this denim trench the SECOND I saw it (not part of my Madewell partnership). It’s excellent – drapes really well, layers really well, and is so much more me than a classic trench. I can dress it up like I did here or down (Soccer games? Sure!).” This one might need to come home with me. Yes, suede is currently trending more than usual but it’s another classic material that never really goes out of style. And this trench version is impossibly cool. Plus with it being made out of a faux-suede it’s at a much more reasonable price point ($178) as opposed to this also very beautiful Alexa Chung x Madewell version that’s going for $850. This cutie is under $100 and looks so pretty and classic. If you can’t tell I really love an oversized jacket or coat and this one has just the right amount of room. And you can’t tell from this photo but it also has a belt! Since it’s from Old Navy, it’s available in up to 4x and comes in a very stunning red. Sorry! One more barn jacket but this one is long so it felt a little different:) This whole outfit is so effortless. I love that this coat, as opposed to the jackets at the beginning, has a fun but classic pattern and a solid-colored collar. The zipper also makes bundling up a little easier. 10/10! Sticking with a great pattern that’s also wonderfully neutral, this is SUCH a great throw-on-and-go coat that will make any outfit feel more intentional and styled. Pair it with a workout look, jeans and a t-shirt, you name it. This will go with almost anything and look awesome. Get a trench but make it slightly street style! First off, I think this gray-blue is so great. Just enough color to make it feel a little exciting but not so bold that you can’t wear it with any outfit. The hooded dickey is removable but I really love it for everyday! It makes this whole look slightly more casual but in a very cool way. Another little trench twist is this cropped trench! If you are someone who doesn’t prefer a long coat but does love the style and “flappiness” of a trench this could be for you. It’s as if they literally just chopped off the bottom of the most classic trench. I think it’s so cute and fun and perfect for fall. This one on the other hand had more of a modern utility vibe that I REALLY love. The oversized pockets and shoulder straps are so good. It would be hard to not feel extremely cool in this jacket. I would happily wear this! It also comes in a beige color if that’s more your general color palette. These last two jackets are staples that are great to have in everyone’s closet if you ask me (no pressure though:)). A black blazer like this one can be thrown with so many different outfits and will make you feel powerful. At least that’s how I feel. I love that this one is oversized (duh) because it looks more architectural which is one of my style words I try to shop by. Yes, the other is a black leather jacket. I realized that I’m still in the market (this past very hot summer made wearing leather feel like a distant reality) and this one is the perfect moto style. Simple, classic, always on trend:) And since it’s not real leather it’s priced at $120 which doesn’t feel too bad! Anyone else getting very excited to bundle up a bit more?? Hope this was fun and/or helpful! See you tomorrow for the link up. Love you, mean it.
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This review was a long time coming. I’ve known the power of Anthropologie’s Colette Wide Leg pants for over three years, Caitlin has been in the know for the last year, and the women in Emily’s family have been RAVING about them. So ya, how could we not give them a proper EHD blog review with all 5 of us? Here’s the thing, of course, these aren’t technically “magical pants” despite their most popular version being in a fabric they use called “magic fabric”, and they may not work for every single person. But let me tell you that they do work for sooooooo many. The “magic fabric” classic version alone has a 4.5-star rating with over 2,400 reviews! They almost have what feels like a cult following and this post might help you see why. All 5 of us EHD ladies each tried on 1 to 3 different pairs (there are many versions, FYI) to hopefully show you to the best of our ability what they look like on nonphotoshopped bodies. What’s also great about these pants is that a couple of their most popular versions not only come in standard, tall, petite, and plus sizing, but they also come in adaptive: seated and adaptive: non-seated. We really hope Anthro and the fashion industry in general continue to invest in their inclusive sizing and styles. Everyone should be included and get to dress exactly how they want. IT’S IMPORTANT! With that said, ready to see some pretty freaking cute pants and how we actually feel about them??? Emily I’m on a text chain with my sister-in-law and cousin (shout out to Crystal and Valerie) and during a recent chat about fashion they both said that their favorite pant was the Colette from Anthropologie and that they BOTH owned it in multiple colorways/lengths. I was obviously interested so I bought one pair and liked it a lot, but found that I didn’t wear them that often. They are high-waisted and wide-legged which I tend to want to wear heels with and rarely do I need to go anywhere where heels are appropriate (except out on dates and I likely wouldn’t wear high-waisted pants out on a date). You see, I have a short torso and big boobs so if the pants go too high it’s a LOT happening at the same place. But then I found these dark pink patterned Colette pants that are “linen” and I thought that they would be stiff or too thin, but y’all they are INCREDIBLE. The fabrics have the perfect amount of stretch and thickness, and the pattern is so distracting and busy in the best of ways. My butt looks very good in them, TBH, and I don’t say that about many pants. I love the longer version because I have short legs and don’t need another cropped wide leg to cut them off and make them visually any shorter. And with heels, my legs look so long and I feel really, really good. So while these are very “sisterhood of the traveling pants,” for me the long wide, and patterned version is definitely my fave. Jess If you can’t tell I bought my first pair of Colette pants a while ago…August 2021 to be exact. Before I had my long nails! I couldn’t believe how cute AND comfortable they were. Thin, just enough stretch, and the perfect pocket placement. Normally, I’m not a bold patterned pant gal but these were too perfect to pass up. Sadly, this pattern is no longer available but Ryann (EHD alum for anyone new here) bought them too and felt the same way. Now at the time, I don’t think Anthro had fully expanded that range to what it is today which is VAST. Otherwise, I’m sure I would have bought another pair. Fast forward to this week… Look at the corduroy version!! I LOVED these. The blue color is so pretty (the website looks different and desaturated so don’t be fooled) and my god were they soft. They also aren’t super thick which I really appreciate too. The pajama vibe is still very much there. I sized up to a 30 in these (I’m wearing 29 in the two below if that helps anyone) since the fabric at a little bit of sheen. I didn’t love the way the shininess of the fabric enhanced how it was pulled in the front with the 29s. Oh, and I am 5’4″ so these standard-length ones don’t have much of a crop but honestly, I prefer that. They do come in petite for my short gals who want a cropped look. I didn’t want to purchase impulsively but I seriously might be ordering these puppies. SO GOOD. I also wanted to try on the classic “magic fabric” version (like the patterned ones I have). It’s Anthro’s exclusive fabric that claims to sculpt, stretch, and recover. It does. Let’s just say it was also hard to not buy these too! They made me feel so good, looked so classic, and I don’t have a pair of good black pants. I might be considering these too! I don’t feel like these photos are doing them justice. This version comes in sooooo many colors so highly recommend taking a peek. Lastly, I wanted to try on the denim version too because I was at the store and clearly I’m a fan of the style:) As the others, they had the ideal amount of stretch and were just so comfortable. I currently have far too many jeans to justify another but if you are in the market I HIGHLY recommend these. Caitlin I scored these Colette pants in my first-ever Nuuly haul last year (ICYMI!) and it feels corny to say, but they really renewed my love of getting dressed! I’ve struggled to find pants that maintain their intended shape once pulled onto my body (super hippy, big behind – lots of pants cling and end up looking like skinny jeans!) and I can attest that they’ve held up beautifully to a solid year of HEAVY use. These are the linen type, so they’re a little lightweight, but they don’t wrinkle in the way you’d expect and they feel LIKE BUTTER on my body. They genuinely fall straight from my hip (a miracle!), they’re supremely comfortable for sitting/standing all day, and there’s no gapping in the back (plumber’s crack, the bane of my youth, is not an issue here!) – they’re genuinely like magic. Added bonus: I’ve dropped about 20 pounds since procuring this size 32 pair, but they’re one of the few bottoms I own that somehow continue to fit my changing shape. (LIKE MAGIC, I’M TELLIN’ YA!) You need some wear-everyday pants? HERE THEY ARE! The near-unanimous 5-star reviews are ALL CORRECT – these pants are comfortable, supportive, and so easy to dress up or down (how fab is this woman, serving the more formal version of my casual look?). This material is a little bit thicker – I bought them last winter, after the chill crept in through my linen pair – but I just love everything about them. The little hit of ankle? The higher waist? (I’m sorry – maybe it’s because I have a long toroso, but a high waist just feels SO GOOD. If the button isn’t encroaching on my belly button, I’m not interested.) The 15 available colors? The perfect amount of volume to balance out any body type? THEY ARE JUST SO GOOD. I’m still kicking myself for waiting so long to try these on – Ryann, forgive me!!! – but after a year of near-daily use, I’m about 99% sure that the pants in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants were just a pair of Colettes. (PS. Not what we’re here to talk about, but this belt bag is an INCREDIBLE dupe for the Clare V. Grande Fanny – same materials, same size, half the price!) Mallory If there’s one thing I love…it’s high contrast. I’m VERY happy about all of the contrast piping on furniture and ALSO in clothes happening right now – and these pants totally fall under that category. Initially, I was questioning if a dark mulberry pant was for me but once I saw them with the cream stitching it was a hell yes. These pants have such a nice fit. High-waisted, stretchy, and wide on the calves so they’re very flattering and made me feel like a very cool lady. I really liked this plaid pant but I liked the lil mulberry with the light stitching a hair more. In my opinion, I think this fabric looks really nice in a trouser style and I preferred this cut in the other colors but that’s just me. They were very soft and stretchy also so no worries on comfort! The black Colette pant is very classic and would go with so much. Again, I really liked the first ones for the statement of them, but if you’re looking for a classic everyday pant this colorway was great! Gretchen I popped into Anthro to try on these Colette pants that everyone is raving about. Well, add me to that list because these are AWESOME. I absolutely love the front, square pockets, and the ’70s vibe they give off. Usually, I find with front pocket pants like these, they tend to skip on the back pockets altogether, which is not the look I go for. But thankfully these have cute pockets on all sides and I love them all the more for it! They hold me just right (I’m wearing a size 32) and sit at the perfect height on my waist. I wasn’t sure about the cropped look but I became a fan once I tried them on. These will be so cute in the fall with little boots peeking through and I dig that larger hem on the bottom. I am curious what the full-length pants would look like on, but they seem to be online only, so I ordered them to give it a go! If they look and feel anything like this pair, I’m sold! Needless to say, these might be the closest thing to a real “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” pant as it was said many times in this post. It’s also a sale weekend so it’s probably not the worst time to see if they might be a great addition to your closet if you need a new pair of truly great pants. Hope this was fun and helpful, and if you have any thoughts of your own let the people know in the comments! Love you, mean it.
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While most of us in the States are still waiting for that first intoxicating fall breeze, it’s coming sooner than we think. So it’s that awkward time when we no longer want to invest in “summer clothes” but also don’t want to buy something and wait a month or two to wear our cute new picks. We all know the answer though don’t we?? IT’S A DRESS. But not just any dress. This dress needs to be versatile and take us from now through the fall (and ideally beyond). Extra points if you can easily layer with tights and a coat. And that’s what we have for you today, 29 dresses that still feel fun enough for the end of summer but will easily transition into the cooler months. Oh, and all but two are under $150 and many are under $100. It’s a party! Denim I wanted to start with a classic and a style that is synonymous with Emily Henderson and EHD as a whole…The short denim dress! She’s been wearing them for years for a reason. They are maybe the most versatile type of dress because look casual but like you still tried. For the summer, they are great with a cute flat but come the fall, they look SO cute with leggings and tall boots. Heck, you can even throw a long-sleeved top under if you want. You really can’t lose here. Now for these picks above. On the left, I chose this very fun and sweet $45 cutie with a slight puff sleeve that I love. Since it’s from Old Navy the sizing goes up to 4x and has three different length options. THANK YOU OLD NAVY! For the dress on the right, I really love the wash of that denim but it’s Madewell so no surprise there. The stitching on this one is also just so good and I love the shape of the pocket flaps (?) Very classic. This one also comes in a light wash but this one feels more “year-round” to me. If a full-on button-down dress isn’t your vibe then this adorable and very cool quarter button-down may be perfect! It’s only $50 (I KNOW!) and also from Old Navy with all of their sizing options. And let’s not forget to mention those great pockets and the fact that the sleeves are long for extra warmth in colder months. But an added striped long-sleeved turtle neck would look pretty cute and make it even cozier. Then the dress on the right is from Abercrombie and if you saw our try-on post you know that Caitlin and Mal loved their sleeveless version. But this very chic version comes in two other colors and three different lengths. So don’t stress if you love it but think it might be too short! Striped Loose Shirtdress For a similar vibe to the dresses above, but in lighter/slightly more warm weather-friendly fabrics, are these cotton shirt dresses. As a team of stripe lovers, I thought these two could use their own special category:) But both of them also come in other solid colors that might be better for fall if you prefer. I just loved how cool and simple the cuts/details of these were. And as the hot summer sun cools down these would look great with a jean or a leather jacket paired with some booties. Elevated Shirtdress While almost all of the dresses in this post have a throw-on-and-go aesthetic, this section in particular really embodies it. Look at the blue dress on the left. It’s got a cool sleeve length, a nice little V-neckline, and is beautifully tiered. It’s just easy to wear in so many different situations. Another perfect one for flats in the summer and cute boots for colder weather. You will look great for under $60! But I also love the effortless coolness of the olive green dress. This is a great dress for right now (end of summer) but once it cools down a little, layering a patterned long-sleeve shirt or just rolling down the dress’s sleeves will be perfect. I also think that loose waistline is a great way to call attention to your waist without any constriction. THE DREAM. But also let’s not forget to have fun with pattern! We are so used to busting out the fun florals, etc for spring and summer but they deserve to be out all year long. This patterned shirtdress is still loose but has great details to not make it feel too unstructured. We are newish to Boden but boy are we fans. This dress is not only under $100 the sizing is way more inclusive than most. Structured Shirt Dress For a more structured look, these two are ELEGANT. The shapes are playful but the fabrics are super relaxed. These are also great for the office (you’d just have to make sure the eyelet dress was a good length for your job). Otherwise, these are great options for places and events where you don’t want to be dressy but you do want to look nice. Oversized Chic I know these two won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I LOVE them. They feel so cool and more oversized/architectural than most. The dress on the left has less shape (but does have pockets!) and the dress on the right is a bit more fitted if that’s more your style. They are styled for warm weather in these shots but I’m telling you, black tights and over-the-knee boots topped off with an oversized coat, no one is going to look chicer than you. Not Your Average Shirtdress There seems to be a pretty wide definition for what a shirtdress is but if that green corduroy is one then SIGN ME UP! It’s another beauty from Boden and that color is maybe perfect. I also happen to love corduroy. It’s fall time gold that could also be worn at the tail end of summer as long as it’s not too hot:) As for the black dress on the right, I like how it feels both casual and kinda edgy? I mean that zipper is very cool and makes it feel unique. Plus it’s from J. Crew so you know the quality to great! Structured Maxi Sleeveless Wow, I love this silhouette! The lines are stunning and that high-neck + sleeveless look just screams “I don’t care about trends, I just know what looks good.” The tan number on the left is one of the picks that is a little over $150. But at $168, it’s 100& linen, has a pocket, is fully lined, and has that great belt. Add heeled boots and a trench coat an it’s a perfect outfit. The black one is actually denim which I think makes it even cooler! The cut definitely looks formal but the denim really makes it more casual. Oh, plus the denim has a stretch and it’s under $100. Win-win! Cool Lines Would this be an EHD fashion post if we didn’t have a lot of stripe options? I didn’t think so:) Stripes are timeless, are great year-round, and these two dresses are both of those things. Now, if you know me you know my love of my shoulder-padded t-shirts is almost too deep to talk about. I wear all three of them every week (and have for at least three years). This is all to say that while this black and white dress’s shoulders aren’t padded, I love the slightly exaggerated muscle tee look! This is just a cool gal-vibe dress that truly could be accessorized with nearly any style. The other dress on the right really caught my eye because of that color combo! Who doesn’t love ochre and navy together?? We sure do. Plus, the silhouette is so pretty and it comes in four other colors. Gobsmocked! It’s now time to get a little whimsical. A smock dress is another classic we all love too. This deep wine color on the left dress is to die for. Definitely more “fall” than “summer” but also who cares! It’s beautiful, has so many pretty details, and is a good price at $88. Then for our long-sleeved beauty, you get a bit more coverage, if that’s your preference, and pockets! And that one is under $55. While nearly all of the dresses I’m about to talk about fall into this category, these two are great options for Thanksgiving dresses if you are into thinking that far ahead:) Whimsically Earthy I truly fell in love with these colors as much as I did with the shapes. The dress on the left is still in the smocked category with that great waist definier but those sleeves are also a showstopper. If I’m honest this dress definitely reminds me of Ulla Johnson but for a fraction of the price at $50. Old Navy is coming through with the style, sizing, and prices. But if you prefer something a little less detailed and fitted this dress on the right is perfect for you. The rich color, the awesome puff sleeves, and the tiered look have me absolutely sold. And see? Great Thanksgiving dress options. Neutral AND Fun You may or may not have guessed that the dress on the left is the other dress that is slightly above the $150 mark (but only by $8!). But look at it. How could I have not included it?! The shape of it might be my other favorite and I love that it’s a print that isn’t a floral (not shade to florals, just nice to have other options). No notes and I think it’s a perfect option for all year long. Then the dress on the right is an awesome floral dress that’s still in the neutral-toned world but a little moodier. I think that’s a perfect vibe for the last part of the year and/or if you aren’t a bold color person. Also, great sleeves and a sweet little detail between each tier. Pattern Play Speaking of patterns, look these these stunners! Small-scale patterns with modest necklines, and fitted bodices. I’m in. Plus, you don’t even have to ask yourself “What bra am I going to wear with this??” because you can wear whichever one you want! Since these are both long-sleeved, they aren’t going to be as versatile with those lingering hot days of summer. But hey, maybe you work in a really cold office so some sleeves are welcome:) Last but not least is this fun and elegant beauty. This one is going to show a little more cleavage (unless you add a tank top of some kind under). But I love that it’s long, there’s a pretty detail at the shoulders, and it has a very fun bold print. The colors are so pretty too! Oh, and it goes up to a size 20/22 and comes in three different lengths. It’s a slam dunk which is how I like to end every post:) What do you think? Any favorites? Any reviews if you own one of these dresses? Let’s chat! Love you, mean it.
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After 12 years of wearing nothing but Madewell jeans, I’ve jumped ship – I’m an Abercrombie & Fitch denim gal now. Before you roll your eyes, let me be clear: this is not the Abercrombie of yore, folks. Gone are the models with abs of steel; gone are the migraine-inducing fragrances; gone are the implications and hints that Abercrombie is a certain type of shopper. Instead, Abercrombie in 2024 is an affordable, size-inclusive destination for easy-to-wear adult basics that won’t break the bank. But not everyone on the EHD team was convinced – those early aughts mall memories are hard to shake! – so earlier this week, I dragged two of my coworkers to the mall (as one does) where we put Abercrombie’s denim to the test on our 3 normal, non-model bodies. We are each a different shape and different size, but we all found styles that made us feel great! The best part? Everything we tried on is on sale this weekend, through the 12th. (This isn’t even sponsored – I just love these jeans so much and wish someone had told me about them earlier.) Scroll to see our first-hand reviews and try-ons featuring 5 best-selling denim styles, one cute dress, and a perfect-for-fall trench. It’s a real “choose your adventure” kind of post – take a peek at the writer who most closely resembles your shape (our size details are below, obvi!) and HAVE AT IT. (Spoiler: a few pieces we found were too good to leave behind – I’m excited to hear which ones you would have grabbed if you’d been shopping with us!) The Gals And Their Sizing Stats Jess Size: 29/30 (28 in high-waisted Madewell if that helps!) Height: 5’4″ (I was recently measured with a laser (?) and am having an identity crisis with my 1/4 growth spurt). Caitlin Size: 12-16, depending on the fit (usually a 31 or 32 in Madewell!). I have a big ol’ butt and VERY wide hips. Height: 5’8″ Mal Size: 26/27 or 2-4 Height: 5’7 The Rating Scale Before we fully get into the cute clothes. Each piece starts with a group photo with a thumbs up, thumbs “meh”, and thumbs down. We also have a 0 to 5 rating in our individual reviews but just wanted to give you all the info! The 90s Straight Ultra High Rise (Curve Love) Jess Size: 29/8R (I could have size up probably) Fit: They fit really great! Sure, I should have tried on a “short” style because they were waaayy too long and would have needed to be hemmed which is always annoying. I just cuffed them for these photos. Overall I liked the cut and that they were high-waisted but not too high-waisted. And as the resident flat-butted gal of the group, I didn’t have any real issues in that area. Sure, it didn’t enhance it really but that didn’t bother at all. A great everyday jean. Had I needed a pair of jeans I would have bought these. Rating: 4/5 Caitlin Size: 32/14R Fit: My fellow wide-hipped women will understand my struggle – it’s HARD to find a true straight jean! My eyes just kept going straight to that curve around my thighs – I felt really jealous of how the jeans fell on Jess and Mal. (I still maintain that these are STUNNING on Jess’ shape and that she should have brought them home!) That said, I am super thankful for the Curve Love line – lord knows this booty would not be fittin’ into regular jeans without that extra 2″ of give – but despite their comfort, these felt like a pass for me. BIG MEH. Rating: 3/5 Mal Size: 26 Fit: These jeans fit well in the front and I REALLY loved the wash but ultimately it fit a lil weird on the booty area. I just felt like it didn’t quite do the things it needed to back there (shape, lift, etc) and instead, it just felt a lil tight (the seam kind of buckled in a weird way around the mid-butt lol). So basically if you’ve got a booty I’d recommend snagging a different pair :) Rating: 2/5 The ’90s Relaxed (Curve Love) Jess Size: 30/10R Fit: Not terrible but also not good. They weren’t baggy enough to feel cool and not fitted enough to show off the goods. This style has really never worked more. I need more shape! Rating: 2.5/5 Caitlin Size: 32/14R Fit: Seeing these now, I can’t totally recall why I gave them a full thumbs down! They are…fine. Again, it just feels like my legs are filling these out a little too much to consider them “relaxed.” They do get points for being ultra comfortable, but they’re not really giving me a confidence boost, you know? Rating: 2/5 Mal Size: 26 Fit: If you couldn’t tell from the last rating, one of my biggest things when it comes to the fit of a jean is how it looks on the bootay. I’m looking for a pair that makes that thing POP in the best of ways and doesn’t leave weird lines/make it look like you’re wearing a diaper. For this reason, I’m not THAT into baggy/relaxed fitting jeans – I’d rather go for a straight leg or wide leg that’s still tailored up top and then flows toward the bottom. So the reason I gave these a side thumbs up is because for baggy jeans I REALLY liked them and thought they didn’t look horrible in the back, but I don’t wear baggy jeans all that much so that is why I’m knocking them 2 points. Rating: 3/5 Denim Dress Jess Size: Large Fit: I only tried on this little number because Caitlin wanted me to. Not only is it a cut that really isn’t my style or preference, but it was also a size too big. It’s comically terrible on me lol. I loved how it looked on Caitlin and Mal though and the fabric quality was great! I think that it was also too long for my 5’4″ height. I don’t think wearing a medium would have made it short enough. Rating: 0/5 (just on me!) Caitlin Size: Large Fit: OKAY, I LOVE! (And I bought.) If anyone has ever called you “hot” or “sexy,” this cut will probably not be up your alley. But as a lifelong “cute” gal, this is a slam dunk. I can’t wait to wear it solo for the rest of the summer, and I’m really looking forward to layering it with turtlenecks or Peter Pan collars and a cozy pair tights in the fall. But be warned that it does run LARGE – I’m getting a few inches taken in on the waist! Overall: great length, not clingy, and the perfect throw-and-go dress. Rating: Mal Size: Small Fit: This dress was VERY comfy and super cute. I thought it looked very flattering on everyone, but in my opinion, it just needed some accessorizing (a gold necklace? a lil sweater like the one I tied around the waist??) and then it looked super polished. Rating: 4/5 The Baggy (Curve Love) Jess Size: 30/10R Fit: After looking back at these photos, I actually like these jeans more! I think these were the cutest on all three of us. The wash is that perfect medium tone, the hem is fun and I like where the waist sits. Again, as a short gal, I would go for the short size but these are a great cool and causal pair! Trendy without trying too hard. Rating: 4/5 Caitlin Size: 31/12R Fit: I actually really liked these! Under normal circumstances – you know, before I realized that pants that fit my body existed – I would have brought them home, thrilled to have found an on-trend style that doesn’t cling. They’re baggy without being TOO baggy and they still give you some shape on the bum. The only downside was that mine gapped a bit in the back, which I didn’t love (I think they might have a slightly lower rise than I normally opt for). Rating: 4/5 Mal Size: 25/0S Fit: Remember when I said I don’t love baggy jeans? Well I sized down, they became not baggy and I LOVE THEM (AND BOUGHT THEM!!!) I’ve been looking for some more mid-rise jeans since all of my jeans are VERY high-waisted and these guys are literally perfect. Plus the hem at the bottom is just so cute and cool!! They’re also very stretchy so they’re super comfortable, not like that tough Levi’s kinda denim. Praise be! Buy these! Rating: 5/5 The Loose High Rise Jean Jess Size: 30/10R Fit: They are a really nice mix of fitted and slightly loose (I guess I could have sized up more looseness)! I also liked that they were high rise but on me not too high rise if you know what I mean. They didn’t do much for enhancing my behind but given the style and my lack of more rounded bum, I wasn’t too surprised. I wish I had tried them in the short length because as you can see I do not have long limbs:) I just don’t need jeans at the moment so it was a pass for me. Rating: 3.5/5 Caitlin Size: 31/12R (Curve Love) Fit: Confession: You remember the header photo? I’m wearing my own pair of Loose Jeans in it! I was excited to try on a darker wash, and they don’t disappoint. I’ve been stopped countless times in these pants by women with similar body types who’ve asked where I bought them – it’s an honor to help spread the word. :) I might prefer this cut in lighter washes, but you can’t find a more comfortable pair of jeans – have suffered through some 100-degree days in the woodshop without complaints because they’re so easy to wear! Rating: 4.5/5 Mal Size: 26 Fit: Never have I ever hated a jean more on me. The weird flare at the bottom. The diaper effect on the butt. Hard pass. Also, lol, that my shirt kept covering all of the jeans so I keep having to lift it up. Next time I’m wearing a white tank like Caitlin. Rating: 1/5 The Ultra Loose Low Rise Jess Size: 30/10R (Curve Love) Fit: LOLOL Noooooo! I don’t think I need to convince of you why these weren’t a fit for me. Partially, I think the Curve Love style for these added too much width on me but my height makes it hard for really baggy pants to look good on me. I actually have a pair from Zara I love but these were never going to come home with me. But man are they SO CUTE on Caitlin and Mal! Rating: 0/5 Caitlin Size: 30/10 (Blue) + 31/12 (Black) (Curve Love) Fit: I went on a JOURNEY with these – I started with some in size 14 (pictured in our group shot with my arm in the air) which were FAR too big, but also kind of cool? (My underwear band was peeking out, Calvin-style, and the gals said I looked like I belonged in Silver Lake, which I didn’t disagree with – they had a lil’ je ne sais quoi!) I ended up swapping for Jess’ 10 in blue which fit BEAUTIFULLY – they’re by far the best wide-leg jeans I’ve ever tried on! – and then I tried a 12 in the black, which I ended up purchasing. If you’re pear-shaped, strong-hipped, or large-butted, the Ultra Loose is THE JEAN FOR YOU. I felt awesome in them. (PS. If you’re under 5’6, I’d actually suggest the standard Loose Jean – I think my extra height helps me pull off the width on these!) Rating: 6/5 (Yeah, I loved them THAT much. Madewell who?!) Mal Size: 26 Fit: These made my knees feel so weirdly exposed and I’m just not used to that sensation. All in all I think for a ripped, baggy jeans these are a pretty good option! I’m just not really a ripped baggy jean person is what I’ve discovered from this :) Rating: 3/5 Denim Trench Jess Size: Medium Fit: I really loved it!! It’s just oversized enough to comfortably wear a sweater underneath. It truly looks like a real trench but in a much cooler fabric:) If I lived in a cooler place it would have come home with me. Rating: 5/5 Caitlin Size: Large Fit: You know how I loved the earlier dress, and it wasn’t a fit for Jess? This is the EXACT SAME situation with a reverse outcome. I just don’t have the gravitas to pull off a denim trench. Was it well-made? Yes! Was it a great price for the quality? Yup! Will I ever have the need to cloak myself in a denim top layer? Probably not. But if you need one, this would be a great pick! Rating: 3/5 The trench was a no for Mal so this is where we leave you! We clearly had a great time but mostly hope that this gives you the confidence to try out Abercrombie if you are looking for some new denim or other cute clothes. Let us know if you’ve had good experiences with the new and improved Abercrombie too!
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Ihad a big shoot last week for our new Rugs USA line (coming out in October and I LOVE IT, BTW). While I’ve been on camera for years the older I get the more challenging it is to find stuff that feels like me, that I love from all angles (video is a LOT harder than photos), and most importantly that I feel really, really good in. Confidence on camera is extremely important to do the best job (you can sense insecurity or discomfort pretty easily). So I wanted some new pieces that helped me feel my best (but for fall, with more cozy vibes) and I used this as an excuse to shop and frankly, splurge a bit. So while we often do more affordable roundups (because I wear those clothes, too) this post is more of a “what I bought, wore, and loved for a big fancy shoot with 30 people staring at me, and millions will see”. I hope you can get some ideas and just see in general what I am into (for those who are curious). I will say that if you live in Portland set your calendars for October 12th when we are having a massive clothing (and rug sample) sale at Kaitlin’s studio. Because while I love the idea of fashion, my lifestyle doesn’t need a ton of new clothes every season and yet, I generally have to wear what is current for our business so there will be loads and loads of gently used (or NWT) clothes all benefiting the decorating budget for Family Promise (the shelter that we are in the middle of designing). Trust me, it’s going to be EPIC. Here we have a rosey-toned cardigan which I bought because we have some beautiful mauvey-toned rugs coming out. It’s from Sezane. I’m super into bandanas/neck scarves right now (mostly because I don’t love the feeling of necklaces on me) and then these are my new barrel-shaped jeans which admittedly aren’t super flattering, but I love the shape and the fact that they are more cropped than my other ones. The tank is a great layering piece from Free People (it’s fantastic under cardigans and has a great scoop neck which is nice for those of us with larger ladies. Clogs are my Rachel Comeys which I’ve had now for 7 years (but there are great affordable versions on the market). This is a Ulla Johnson sweatshirt that I actually returned because it wasn’t QUITE cute enough to warrant the price tag. I bought it mostly for the color (we have a lot of great green-toned rugs coming out, too). I’ve had the Levi’s forever, and this neck scarf is from Alex Mill. The cute checkered socks are from Anthro and I’m loving these Birkenstock mules. Here’s a look I’ve had forever, actually. These drop-crotch cargo pants are 8 years old. I bought them at a consignment store and they are excellent. The white tee shirt has more texture than most and has tiny little shoulder pads (it looks basic but these are the details that can make the shot so much better). These are the mesh ballet flats I’ve been wearing all summer, but we actually shot this outfit with chunkier shoes that gave me more height. I also cuffed the sleeves for our shot too:) This striped chunky cardigan is sooo cute and cozy (the striped isn’t available anymore but it comes in many other colors, from Sezane). The shorts are Free People from a few months ago (I love the casual vibe and that they are a bit longer). The slippers are pretty great UGG knockoffs I bought from Amazon (mine looked too well-loved so I needed some fresh ones). The white tank underneath is another great layering piece (scoop neck, thin but not too thin, cute ribbed neckline) that was only $20. Now here are the jeans that y’all are going to want, and I’m embarrassed to say how splurgy they are. I had wanted to try R19 for years and this was my chance. Of course, they are excellent and I wore them in no less than 8 different outfits. I’m wearing a 27 (and I’m between a 4-6 right now). I’m still waiting for excellent affordable drop crotch pants to come out on the market, but I think the nature of the tailoring has to be very specific for it to look really great. So as of yet, I haven’t found any that I love. Nili Lotan has very famously good drop crotch pants that I have had for years, the Shon pant, but it’s again also very very splurgey. The sweater is from The Great and is cozy, classic, and I thought would read really well on camera for fall (it did). The shirt underneath has shoulder pads and finger holes. I first wore it in this post and my team (and Birdie:)) really loved it. I’m a big fan of this shirt by Natalie Martin and it looked really good with the mauvey rugs we shot. Same R19 jeans and Birk mules:) I wanted more warm tones for fall so I snagged this shirt by Sea which is a really pretty color (and boxy like I like). I bought one “standy-uppy” outfit (pretty sure Bluey would use that term) in case they wanted me to look more professional in a more serious portrait. Most of the other outfits were meant for sitting or leaning or snuggling so I shopped with that in mind. This blazer is an absolute YES because it totally elevates any jean and makes me feel more professional, but still feels like me (not so serious). The white fabric is part of the blazer and makes it look layered and interesting while not adding any bulk. I wore it with a graphic Clare V t-shirt and the same favorite jeans (look on The Real Real or Poshmark!) and then added this Sezane scarf. I wore it with these Everlane shoes (but my Nisolo nude mules could look really good too) and y’all, I felt really good in this vibe. Next time I’ll make the scarf smaller, less bulky, and add a belt but otherwise, this is an outfit I’m going to recreate for meetings. There you have it! A lot of outfits that hopefully give you some fall fashion ideas. I also CAN’T WAIT to show you the rugs that went along with these outfits:)
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