Reviewing Recent Purchases: March & April

The rain we’ve had lately has kept me from shooting photos, and honestly, I think it’s gotten me in a little bit of a fashion slump. So, this is a good time to think back over what I’ve bought in recent months (probably the last two months) and give you a little bit of a review.

Often when I get a big haul of items, I will do a try-on in my Instagram Stories. That’s the case for a number of these items. If there is an Insta-story haul video to link, I will.

Before I continue, please note that I am usually a size S in US clothing and between a size 8 and 8.5 in women’s shoes.

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Clothing

Shein

You can find all the items mentioned in this section in my Instagram Story Highlights. Find them about half-way through this Highlight.

1 – Peplum Dalmation Print Top – Peplum and high-neck tops are really having a day in my closet. I bought two (see the other here) in cthe last two months and it’s pretty much all I want to wear! I find the high-neck flattering and I love the ruffles and peplum. Size up on this one and note that it runs a little short in the arms and at the waist. I wanted to size up one more size (to a L) but they were sold out at the time and I couldn’t bring myself to send it back. In the end, I’m still happy with it and wear it with jeans or with black pencil pants. And, so you know, the top is back in all sizes!

2 – Tie Neck Grid Blouse – I adore this blouse. It is so classic and can span the seasons. I have already worn it with black jeans, a faux gucci belt, and black over-the-knee boots – suitable for the winter – and with colored skinny jeans and a pair of statement earrings for the spring. See here.

The fabric is comfortable and a little flowy, and it is true to the size that is listed. So, follow the measurement chart. Usually I am a S and I ordered this in a M. It also comes in multiple colors!

3 – Dreams Tee – I had been watching this t-shirt for a few months. I’m not a big t-shirt person but I love wearing this one. The colors and the message are perfect. It definitely speaks to my teacher-heart! It’s currently under $10 and is now available in three other colors! FYI – I sized up two sizes from my normal size.

4 – Square Neck Puff Sleeve Top – This one runs short but the fabric is nice and thick. The top edge of the top is a little looser than the rest of the fit so I sized down from what the sizing suggested on the website. I have this in a M and ordered it for my Easter outfit! You will see it in an upcoming post. Like some of the others, it is also available in multiple colors and is currently under $10!

Amazon

See this post for more spring looks from Amazon under $30!

5 – Nude Pumps – I had high hopes for these since they are under $25, available in 18 colors and had almost a full 5 stars on Amazon. However, I decided to return them. I ordered a size 8.5 but the fit was odd. The bottom of the shoe under the ball of my foot seemed rounded and loose. It felt like I rocked slightly when I walked and it didn’t fit very snugly around the toes. If I ordered a size 8 I felt like the fit might be better for that problem area but the overall shoe would be a little tight. That being said, they were good quality and did fit pretty well. But, I do not joke about shoes. I will pay more for a good shoe.

These would be a good pair to buy if you need a good pair of shoes for a few random occasions. I would not recommend them for regular, frequent wear.

6 – Ankle Strap Espadrille Wedge – I love these and am definitely going to wear them a lot through the spring and summer. I loved the Marc Fisher ones I saw everyone wearing last summer but just can’t justify the cost, especially for what I see as a “trendy” shoe. This pair is comfortable and fits well. I ordered a size 8 and it’s a good fit.

There are two things I would note: 1) the ankle strap hits rather high (I don’t know if this is typical of these kinds of shoes) and 2) the shoe is loose right by the heel. So far this hasn’t caused problems but I wish it was a tighter fit. However, for under $40 and free two-day shipping, I’m happy to have them!

7 – Smocked Dress – I love this dress, but the waist is higher than it seems in the picture. The fabric is thin and the dress is not lined. However, I wore this to our Spring fest at the beach this weekend and it isn’t see-through. In fact, I felt very safe in it because the length and fit was such that the wind couldn’t blow it up to embarass me. 😂 I love that the neckline is not super low, the ruched top makes for a perfect fit up top AND it has POCKETS!

I already know this is going to get a lot of use this summer because of how breezy it is. It’s the perfect dress for a humid summer. Even better, I can wear it to work now with a cardigan or blazer. It’s beautiful and it comes in 20 different colors/patterns! Coming in under $25, grab one now for spring and wear it into the summer! I ordered a size M.

8 – Chevron Dress – No joke, this dress comes in 32 colors/patterns! However, each dress has slightly different style details and sizing! I ordered the pink chevron and it is beautiful. The material is a kind of polyester t-shirt material and, again, unlined. I ordered a size L because of the measurements online. I was nervous that the M waist would be a little too tight but after receiving the dress, I realize I should have risked it. The fabric has a little stretch.

I love these kinds of dresses. The dress has a smocked back, which makes it fit even if the size is a little off. However, the chest area just felt a little too loose/big so I will be exchanging it for a M. This dress is under $25 and I plan to order another style next month when summer hits and I’m dying for more breezy options!

Various Stores

Yellow Floral Kimono – TJMaxx – read more here.

9 – White Studded Loafers – You can see this post for more on these great loafers. I have been wearing them almost non-stop all spring and have gotten a lot of compliments. They’re comfortable and on sale! Size down one to two sizes! I have these in a 7.5.

10 – Ruffle Skirt – I have wanted this skirt since it first came out but it is so pricey. Finally, it went on sale and I decided it would be my “Easter Dress.” Unfortunately, it did not come in time (a story for another time). I am very displeased with the shipping time but I adore the skirt. I wore it to church last weekend and got SO MANY compliments. Everyone loved it. And, lucky you, it is currently on sale! Just note, my experience is that it took much longer to ship than explained on the website.

Also, size up. I ordered a Large and it is the perfect fit.

11 – White Blazer – This was an awesome find, and one that I had needed for awhile. You can read more about it here. Currently in stock (and that isn’t always the case)! True to size.

12 – Statement Earrings – On a weekend in New Hampshire a few weeks ago, we stumbled upon an old favorite – Charming Charlie’s! I snagged these yellow earrings because, you know, I don’t have enough yellow in my wardrobe right now!🤣 (see this, and this)

That’s it for the last few months! I can’t believe I’m already starting to think about summer! Stay tuned for an update in a few weeks on recent beauty purchases!

Have a great week! Thanks for stopping by!

Virginia

Linking up with: Glass of Glam | Pink Sole | Away from the Blue | I do deClaire | Pumps & Pushups | Straight A Style | On the Daily Express | Seeking Sunshine | Rosy Outlook | Curly Crafty Mom | Mummabstylish