to shop / what i bought and like

FYI, Everlane is currently Pop-In@Nordstrom.

I am a fan of the idea of Alex Mill, by J.Crew’s Mickey Drexler’s son. Most pieces are simple, a little boxy, and certainly too simple to pay full price. Nordstrom has some items on sale; I kept the balcamaan jacket and textured dot shirt.

via

COS dainty earrings on my list.

2018 thoughts on clothes and shoes

Yup, still catching up on my 2018 thoughts. Previously: 2018 thoughts on bags and self-care. 

In general, I think I have a better sense of what works for my body and lifestyle. I also think I spend less on clothes than I used to, but I have not backed this up with credit card statement analysis. I have gotten better at returning things on time. Earlier in the year, I was better at reselling whatever didn’t work. I need to get back on that.

I work in New York City. Companies have gone more casual. My office has a business casual dress code with most women veering on the casual end and it saddens me.  With that said, women dress for other women and I’m pretty demotivated to dress nicely! Of course, it is a personal choice on how to dress, but I still prefer to dress nicer. Even outside of the office, when I do go out, people don’t dress up. And it’s not because we’re going to a KBBQ. I prefer to buy clothes that can be worn all the time.

I still love neutral colors, especially black and navy. It’s versatile. I used to really like red as an accent color. Now, not so much. Perhaps forest green is the new red for me?

I. Clothes

Brands I can’t quit

Uniqlo. Still my favorite for basics and the occasional collab. I consider it affordable enough that sometimes I buy at full price. I also had no problems with their e-commerce this year. I prefer to pay through PayPal (and they refund return shipping). My 2018 faves:

• Airism slip (previously). I wear this year-round under most dresses. Sorry, it’s not available… I did wait 4 years for it to come back the last time so I did stockpile this!
• U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt (previously). The Uniqlo U collaboration is recurring and each season has a new batch of colors. I haven’t checked out the new season (just launched) to confirm the fabric weight is still the same but I’m semi-shocked that Uniqlo increased the retail price from $9.90 to $14.90! You can find the past season on sale. New season also has a boxier relax fit version (unsure if it’s the same weight).
• Blocktech Outerwear (previously). However, this is one where I like to see them in person as I do not like the stiffy, boxy ones. Current Blocktech styles.
• Tomas Maier Flight Jacket. I got it in olive green (sold out). It’s on the lighter side for a jacket and perfect for layering, travel. Lots of pockets. This was an unexpected love for a lackluster (to me) collab.
• Extra Fine Cotton A-Line Striped 3/4 Sleeve Dress (previously). My favorite dress of the summer and perfect for those balmy summer days. It also does not require ironing after washing! Uniqlo has brought it back in slightly different colors. It also comes in dark solid colors, but I personally prefer the lighter colors since it’s a bit tenty.
• Light V-Neck Cardigan (previously). Also another summer staple. Hunter green has been having a moment and I couldn’t resist (and it’s a departure from my standard black and navy). Hope they will bring back the style for this spring, but I am stocked up for now.

to shop / {sale alert} ann taylor 50% off (and pineapple love)

Ann Taylor‘s spring collection is so refreshing. I absolutely love the pineapples and that the skirt has a curvy style. And it doesn’t hurt that everything is 50% off through tomorrow night (code: CYBER50).

Curvy pineapple lace pencil skirt

to shop / {deal alert} ann taylor extra 60% off flash sale

I absolutely love Ann Taylor for certain ‘basics’ and I find myself hitting the virtual sale racks often during this time of year. There are some very nice lace items and sweater skirts/dresses.

The extra 60% off code (SPRING60) only applies to sale items (not promotional items) through Tuesday, 3/22/3016 at 3:00 AM EST. If an item is eligible for the 60% off, it will say so on the product page. Similarly, if an item is final sale, it will say so on the product page and in your cart. I try to avoid final sale when I can…

lace top in winter white or navy, lace skirt in winter white or olive green

to shop / {sale review} ann taylor – feb 2016

Ann Taylor has sales more often than not. I go for the basic styles, because the trendy items are almost always returned or eBayed a few months down the line. Their current sales are great because there are tons of classic pieces and most items are not final sale. Get an extra 60% off sale with code SHOP60 through Monday night.

I like that their site has big, clear photos at various angles and user reviews. AT has some nice, trendy items and the quality is usually pretty good for what it is. It’s great for building a professional wardrobe.

Image source: Ann Taylor

(L to R) Sale items may be sold out, but inventory frequently updates throughout the day.

• Collared Wrap Front Blouse in Navy. There is a ton of polyester on AT. This one had the right weight, isn’t see through (for this dark color), and draped nicely over pants and skirts for work.
• Boiled Cape Wool Coat in Modern Porcelain. Runs big. I go between regular and petite and got this in petite. It came slightly wrinkled which highlighted that the material was slightly thinner than I’d like. I didn’t like the way it hung. Verdict: Returned.
• Pleated Sweater Skirt in Black and Cream. Based on reviews, I sized up and wanted length, so did not go for petites. It does not suck you in, so I wear this comfortably layered under tops that extend past the waist and sometimes layer another topper/long cardigan on top. I loved it so much in black that I went back for a cream. It’s now final sale.
• Stretch Leggings (not pictured). I’ve gotten a pair or two every year since they started making them in 2013. They are my go to leggings-ish pants with thicker legging material and an elastic waistband. I’m short, but I get the regular and petite length and wear them depending on the time of the year. I machine wash and hang dry. I haven’t gotten rid of any yet, but a couple pairs have worn looking waistbands. Highly recommend!