by Leigh | Mar 8, 2019 | I Feel Pretty |
Once upon a time, a girl went out into the big bad world looking for the perfect white t-shirt. The first one she tried was too sheer, the next one too thick. One was too loose, and another too fitted. Some were too cropped, too boxy or had a rounded hem. Others had ruffles and twist ties! A few were too drape-y — modal or linen. Why were some tees distressed or marled? Why?! But finally, she found a simple 100% cotton tee that was soft and comfy and flattering: The Gap Vintage Wash Short Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt. The End.
madewell
everlane
uniqlo
j.crew
gap
by Leigh | Mar 1, 2019 | I Feel Pretty |
I went to Old Navy the other day to get tank tops. I have a black ribbed tank top and decided it was the best workout top and I should probably have it in a few more colors, or maybe all the colors. The next thing I knew, I was trying on a bunch of stuff and came home with a bagful of clothes just for me. Here’s what I got:
Wide Leg Chinos
Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Utility Chinos in Ochre to You
I’ve been considering this look forever. Everyone seems to be rocking’ the wide leg crop trend. The original is from Jesse Kamm, but you can get them at Everlane or Madewell. Their popularity doesn’t seem to be declining any time soon. My concern has always been that my ass would look enormous in them. And/or they would make my legs look short. (I’m 5’5″ and 135 lbs.) But, I thought I’d give it a go. I rarely ever buy pants at Old Navy and I wasn’t very happy to go from my usual 8 to a 10, but they feel really good and are fairly flattering. Okay, and god help me, here’s what they look like from the back:
The tee is Madewell and the heels are too, via Poshmark.
Next, I tried them with on with a sweatshirt and boots.
Pink Sweatshirt
Relaxed French Terry Sweatshirt in Blush on You
This might seem weird/ugly, but I’m loving it. I recently became obsessed with the combination of pink and mustard. I originally went looking for a pixie pant in yellow or pink but couldn’t find one that looked good on me. Also, I think I decided that the yellow has to be on the bottom and the pink on the top. Pink is better next to my face and not on my legs. The wrong pink pants can look like no pants!
Stripped Sheath Dress
Ponte-Knit Sheath Dress in Black White Stripe
This looked pretty good in the dressing room, but here it looks so matronly. What was I thinking? Maybe it would work if it were a little more fitted? I ended up returning it. Oh, and I should mention, it smelled horrible. I’m not sure why. Here’s the back:
Lastly, the whole reason I went…
Tank Top
First Layer Fitted Tank in Hunter Pines
I tried every color and I really only liked this olive green color. Sad since they were discounted if you bought three. They’re supposed to be fitted but I went up a size because I don’t need to emphasize my not-flat abs. I will wear it as a workout shirt but I styled it here with my new vintage-y jeans from H&M and those same ankle strap heels from Madewell.
That’s it. Not really a “bagful”, but I’m surprised how many good basics I’ve been finding at Old Navy.
by Leigh | Feb 28, 2019 | I Feel Pretty |
I finally bought a long black puffer coat. I have been contemplating this forever. I never seemed to notice that literally everyone owns the standard Northface puffer in black until I did. I think it was my cousin Rachel who made me want one. She has such good taste — perfectly simple elegance. Uniqlo is not Northface, but was a much less expensive way to try it out. And if the number of times you wear an item is an indication of it’s worth, this coat is priceless!
Another try-it-without-spending-a-fortune pick was these H&M “vintage” jeans that I cut off. They fit a lot like Levi’s but are stretchy and comfy. Me like.
Then there’s the 3 things I picked up at Old Navy, 2 of which really surprised me. The wide leg jeans also fall into the inexpensive version test run category. I still think they make me look wide but I love the color and how they feel and I’ve worn them a bunch. The pink sweatshirt isn’t the kind of thing I’d normally pick but I love it. The olive tank top is super good too.
FEBRUARY $180
UNIQLO Women Ultra Light Down Hooded Coat in Black $90
H&M Vintage Fit High Waist Jeans (Similar) $30
Old Navy Wide Leg Chinos in Ochre $35
Old Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt in Pink $15
Old Navy Fitted Tank in Olive $10
by Leigh | Jan 31, 2019 | I Feel Pretty |
I wrote a post last year about new clothing purchases, which felt a little uncomfortable since it listed everything I bought and how much I spent, but it really helped make me accountable (to myself?) and made me think twice before buying something new. I’m trying to stay within my budget and also not fill my closet/house/life with too much stuff.
I am going to do it again this year and I hope you’ll indulge me, or maybe even be encouraged by it. It’s helpful to me to keep track of good choices (or bad) and nice to be able to offer recommendations. You can view my Wish List on Pinterest to see all the things I’m thinking of adding in the future (or talking myself out of!)
JANUARY $104
LUCKY Varsity Sweater $45
GAP Short Sleeve Crewneck T-shirt in White $15
GAP Soft Wear Mid Rise Curvy True Skinny Jeans (Short) in True Black $20
GAP Fit Textured Stripe Leggings in Sculpt Compression in Bristol Blue $24
by Leigh | Jan 18, 2019 | I Feel Pretty |
I cannot figure out scarves. Which to choose. How to tie them. I really only wear them when I have to. I also get hung up on whether or not they go with my coat, and if they should coordinate with my hat and gloves. I feel like I’m failing here.
That being said, I have added two new scarves to my collection. (Which brings it to a grand total of eight.)
NEW: J. Jill Tasseled Scarf
This is the kind of scarf I always covet on other people. It seemed like a good pattern choice to offset solid colors and go with all my navy-black-white-gray clothes. It’s not what I would call a cold-weather scarf so I don’t know why I bought it now.
NEW: J. Jill Plaid Scarf
This scarf is big and soft and PLAID, which I love.
OLD: Red Cashmere Scarf
A gift from my mom. I would never pick red but starting to see how great it is because it stands out!
OLD: Gray Waffle-Knit Infinity Scarf
I’ll always be a little befuddled by the infinity scarf but I’m trying. This is a pretty all-purpose scarf, so I don’t know why I never wear it.
OLD: Gray Adidas Scarf
I bought this on a trip to Paris 12 years ago. Never wear.
OLD: J. Crew Multi Stripe Scarf
I love this scarf. It has navy, hot pink, chartreuse, white and gray stripes which are all the best (preppy) colors. Sadly, I damaged it when I removed the tag years ago. It’s my daughter’s favorite scarf to steal.
OLD: Polka Dot Cotton Jersey Scarf
I got this at my sister’s clothing store. It’s my go-to for taking on a plane — it feels like a security blanket.
OLD: Old Navy Sarong/Scarf
This is another summer scarf that I love but never seem to wear.
There they are: the complete collection of neglected scarves. Keep? Toss? Add to?? If you have any scarf-related advice for me, please comment below.
by Leigh | Jan 11, 2019 | I Feel Pretty |
After my thorough clothing inventory of 2018, I have been very cautious of adding anything new. I was also very good this year and did not shop for clothes for myself before Christmas. Here are a few things I got as gifts that I made room for in my closet:
Gap Sweater in Navy
I already had a navy v-neck sweater but this one is different. It’s nubby and soft and stretchy and I knew it was a keeper when it was the first thing I pulled out of the pile to wear on Christmas day.
Gap Waffle Knit Sweater in Light Blue
I think this shrunk a little in the wash. It’s okay. It’s a good color and it’s comfy.
Gap Fair Isle Sweater
I am loving this more and more. I had zero fair isle sweaters, until now, which is criminal considering I’m Scottish.
Gap Factory Cardigan in Red
I wasn’t sure about this. I don’t usually wear red and it’s a bit cropped. But it’s pretty classic so I’m going to try to make it work.
J. Jill Sweater Dress in Black
This was on my wish list so I wasn’t surprised that I liked it. But… I have never owned anything from J. Jill and wouldn’t call myself a J. Jill person. I think it was recommended by another blogger but I can’t remember who! It’s lovely. With tights and clogs I am fully embracing my inner “Norwegian art teacher.” They run big. I’m wearing an XS where I usually wear a M.
That’s it! I was so happy to get some nice gifts this Christmas and sometimes it’s hard to keep a minimal closet when you have a generous family! I got a bunch of PJs and socks as well—not so fashionable but warm and cosy.
