EDIT/UPDATE: Oh my god, proof I need more sleep this week. Guys, please feel free to call me out when I forget to put any links in a post. Everything is linked now. I’m sorry about that!
Sigh, I’ve been doing some retail therapy. I’ve luckily also been doing a lot of return therapy and some selling therapy. Here’s what I tried on this month.
(Also, my sincere apologies this went up post sale madness, but many of these items are still available and on sale.)
Banana Republic Italian Superloft Cable Peplum Crew, XSP (Navy)
Oh Banana, you tried so hard and failed so big with this one. The good: it was soft and they had a cute idea with a striped peplum sweater. The bad: it was loose and hung in weird ways. The sizes of the stripes clashed. The actual knit was loose (like, the yarn was not knit together tightly). It was just a weird fail. Go for the Talbots option I wore here (it comes in stripes).
Verdict: Return
Banana Republic Italian Superloft Cable Peplum Crew, XSP (Cocoon)
Nope, see above.
Verdict: Return. See above.
Old Navy Twill Shirt Dress, XS Petite
My quest for a blackwatch shirt dress will probably never end. This one was definitely too short and it looked like a nightgown on me. Wearing it with a belt would have made it shorter.
Verdict: Return.
Old Navy Plush Rib-Knit Tee, XS
This was cute, super soft, and very warm. I just couldn’t justify another striped top that I wasn’t in love with. I think it just hung funny?
Verdict: Return.
Old Navy Classic Cable-Knit Sweater, Golden Opportunity Size XS
Apparently golden yellow and I are a thing now? So this sweater clearly had to happen. The fit was spot on (See comparison with regular and petite below). I’m also impressed with how Old Navy always manages to avoid scratchy knits. This gets an A+ in my book (and another cable knit sweater for the collection).
Verdict: Keep
Old Navy Classic Cable-Knit Sweater, Creme De La Creme Size XS
I have this in the golden color (see above), but I wanted to compare the petite sizing to the regular. There really wasn’t too much of a different. Just a wider shoulder in the regular and a little bit longer. I opted for the regular since I wanted a slightly looser fit.
Verdict: keep the regular, return the petite.
Old Navy Textured Raglan-Sleeve Sweater, Dark Gray Size XS
I’ll be honest, I’m still on the fence. It’s comfortable, so so soft, and I love the color. But I have a similar one to it. I think I need to do a side by side comparison, which I just haven’t had time to do.
Verdict: On the fence.
J.Crew Factory Plaid classic button-down shirt in perfect fit, X-SMALL
The fit is actually pretty perfect-it lives up to it’s name! I really liked the color, but I knew I wouldn’t get too much wear out of it.
Verdict: Return
J.Crew Factory printed bell-sleeve top, XSP
I didn’t think I would get into the bell sleeve trend, but I definitely will for this top. It’s blackwatch plaid, so how could I not? I’m always hesitant for these lighter loose fabrics (will I get chilly? Or even worse, will the sweat smell stick), but I’ve already worn it a few times already and it seems to be holding up nicely. Plus, the bell sleeves are kind of fun.
Verdict: I clearly already kept them.
J.Crew Factory Merino wool turtleneck sweater, XS
Apparently I like turtlenecks now? This one is only a little bit heavier than the tissue turtleneck, so keep that in mind. I was expecting a thick material, and thick this is not. It’s more like a layering top. That being said, I really liked it and it will be great as a warmer layer.
Verdict: Keep
J.Crew Factory Ruffle-front plaid shirt, XS
I was hesitant about this top (too Laura Ingalls Wilder?, but I think it’ll be kind of fun to play with the ruffle and try to dress up the top a little bit-just so I don’t look like I’m headed to a barn raising. Also just a note, this fabric is super lightweight and thin. It will not keep you warm.
Verdict: Keep
J.Crew Factory Long-sleeve shirt with tartan plaid pocket, X-SMALL
I got a similar shirt like this from J.Crew last year and it felt like it was a little too long. But I was in love, so I kept it and figured I would make it work. When I saw this at J.Crew Factory though, I was curious about how the sizing was in comparison. This one is pretty true to size and isn’t too long. After trying them on one after the other though, I decided to keep my original. This one is a great option though! (It’s currently sold out but I have a feeling they’ll restock.)
Verdict: Return
J.Crew Factory Flannel sleep shirt, XS
The next few things are really grouped together, but I feel like it’s time for me to up my pajama game (or at least feel like more of an adult). Plus, I just love flannel pajamas. These are all super comfortable and I really like the print I went with. This top is super long, but it’s so you could just use this without the shorts.
Verdict: Keep
J.Crew Factory Flannel pajama short, XS
Loved them and they’re true to size!
Verdict: Keep
J.Crew Factory Yarn-dyed flannel pajama pant, X-SMALL
A little bit long (story of my life), but other wise the size was pretty spot on.
Verdict: Keep
J.Crew Factory Drapey pull-on pant, SIZE 0
The drapey pant hunt continued…and failed again. These could have won, but they were just a touch too long. Yes, I could have got them tailored but I don’t feel like going to my tailor again right now. They were comfortable though.
Verdict: Return
UO Tucker Ribbed Turtleneck Mini Dress, XS
I keep thinking these dresses will work for me. I keep being so wrong. The form fitting look just didn’t work for me. Over all, the fabric was thicker than expected and the color was pretty cute. It’s true to size and I was surprisingly comfortable with the length.
Verdict: Return, but you should get it.
Talbots Bow Back, 6
I wanted these to work, but I just wasn’t in love. The heel height was great and it was a comfortable fit. What I think it came down to was the pointed cut where it shows the toe. I would have rather that be rounded. It’s weird that bothered me so much but oh well. The bow on the back was the cutest touch though!
Verdict: Return
Talbots Faye Loafer-Suede, 6
Doing this many reviews in one post was a bit ambitious….but these are the perfect shoes to end on. Why? Because I’m in love with them. The bow was an adorable added touch and they fit perfectly. They’re already starting to get marked down, so just keep an eye on your size if you’re interested in getting them.
Verdict: Keep!
Wow! such a beautiful collection.
Thanks!
Ooh I love the bow flats. And the turtleneck dress (maybe I SHOULD get it as you say… ha). The bell sleeves are super fun too. I kept the black plaid J.Crew Factory button-down myself – it’ll be making a lot of December appearances around here 🙂 And I allllmost ordered that yellow sweater and kinda wish I had now.
You need to at least try the dress on! I can’t wait to see how you style the plaid top and then make me want to rebuy it and make me wish I had kept it, lol.
I’m sure the yellow sweater will come back into stock so you can order it, lol.
Love your shopping reivews! I’ve been eyeing that plaid bell sleeve top for a while – possibly dressed up with nice pants/fun heels for my holiday party but not sure if it’s too casual :/
Also that cable knit from Old Navy is SUPER cute (but i need more sweaters like i need another hole in my head hahahahahah)
No, it’s not too casual at all! Actually, you’re going to love my post next week then, because I’m dressing it up for a work holiday party.
Haha, I feel like I’m constantly fixing and changing my sweater collecting. I’m never happy with it.
aww man! My party is Sat night 😉 Curious to see how you style it though!!! 🙂 🙂
I find one thing, buy it in multiple colors. Right now it’s the Tippi sweater from JCrew (literally, five colors…) and the Gibson knotted sweater from Nordstrom :X obviously i have others but those are the ones i lean on, esp during the work week.
Take a peek at my instagram, I put a post up just for you 🙂
I think I just ordered that Nordstrom sweater?? Oh god, but I’m the same with finding one thing and then just buying it in so many colors.