Striped Top Archives | More to Mrs. E

Try-On Haul: Trying Something New

June 24, 2019 by Virginia 12 Comments

This week I finally had enough of my dysfunctional Surface keyboard. Sometimes you just have to stop trying to use the internet to fix your tech problems and just take it to the experts! The closest Microsoft Store is in Hartford but it gave me an opportunity to do a try-on haul from some less-frequented stores. The Hartford mall is much bigger than the other two malls near my house and it was fun to try some new things.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click/make a purchase through these links, I will make a small commission that will go back into running this blog. For more information, please see my Privacy Policy, and thank you for supporting More to Mrs. E!

Madewell

I have never actually been into Madewell before. Some of that has to do with the fact that when I buy clothes, I usually try to buy things that could work for work and the weekend. Madewell has always seemed to me to be more of a casual clothing retailer. However, it is summer so I’m more into the casual style. They seemed to have quite a few linen and light-weight items that I’m looking for right now in preparation for the heat and humidity.

Overall, they were expensive but I really liked what I found there. Most of what I tried on seemed a little big, as you will see below, so I recommend sizing down if you don’t like an over-sized fit.

Try-On-Haul_Madewell_yellow-striped-top_summer-fashion

Yellow Striped Top – This was one of my favorites. I haven’t really tried tops that tie in the front but I loved how casual it looked while still being fitted. The top was a little loose but that’s one of the things I liked about it – perfect for humid days.

I can’t find the exact top online but this one is very like it. I would have bought this top but it was $72 and I’m not willing to spend that much on a top I will only wear in the summer. Heck, I’m just not willing to spend that much on a top!

White Metallic Stripe Ruffle Top – The ruffles on this were so cute and it had tiny little metallic stripes. However, it was way too big for me. I like loose but not so loose it’s unflattering, and that’s how I felt about this top. I would definitely size down.

Madewell-try-on-haul_metallic-stripe-linen-top_summer-fashion_teacher-fashion

Blue Striped Midi Skirt – This was another love from the try-on, though it did feel a little big. However, the slightly over-sized fit made it feel more casual. It would be perfect for summer at the office and you’d still be able to wear it on the weekend. It is on sale now, but I may watch this one to see if it goes on an even bigger sale!

Madewell-try-on-haul_blue-stripe-linen-skirt_summer-midi-skirt_teacher-fashion

J.Crew: Not J.Crew Factory

I am a pretty regular J.Crew Factory shopper. This is partially because I like their prices better, but also because I have more of them closer to my location. Since they aren’t close, I don’t usually go into a regular J.Crew and I’m less likely to find things I have to have.

This time I was so excited to try-on “all the things” in the regular J.Crew but I was really disappointed. Nothing fit properly. Sometimes it would fit my waist but not my chest. Other times it would fit my chest but be too over-sized everywhere else to be flattering. Some items I might have been able to get away with a smaller size but for many, even a different size would just have thrown off the rest of the fit.

Note, all of these are currently 40% off with code BIG.

Try-On-Haul_J.Crew_striped-top_tie-waist-rainbow-top_teacher-fashion_summer-style

Rainbow Tie-Waist Poplin Top – I loved the way this looked on the rack but it just felt way too over-sized and awkward. However, the length was great and it is currently 40% off with code BIG.

Try-On-Haul_J.Crew_yellow-eyelet-midi-sundress_summer-sundress

Yellow Eyelet Midi Sundress – I have been drooling over this online because I love eyelet and I love the brilliant yellow color. But, my face gives away everything…it just didn’t fit. Plus, I felt like it was a little too long for me.

Maxi Dress in Kaleidoscope Floral – I absolutely LOVED the pattern on this dress and the ruffled feel on the bottom. It was nice and breezy but had the worst fit of everything I tried. This one seemed to fit well around the chest and the waist was loose (that’s probably ok with this style of dress) but the problem was that there was still a big gap in the back (see 2nd pic). I just couldn’t figure out how to even adjust it so that it fit better and abandoned it all-together.

J.Crew-try-on-haul_colorful-floral-maxi-dress_summer-style_teacher-fashion

Striped A-Line Shirtdress – There were two other items that I apparently didn’t photograph. I loved this dress (also 40% off of the sale price) but again, the sizing was off. I was tired of trying on clothes only to have them not fit, otherwise I might have bought this dress. It’s such a classic style for summer. I would recommend sizing down, for sure.

Colorful Cardigans – Then, I loved the color of this cardigan, but they didn’t have it in my size. But, at 40% off with all the colors available, it would be a good buy! This one was true-to-size.

Gap

I stopped at Gap because I haven’t been in a long time and because in my research on 5″ inseam shorts, there was a very popular one from Gap.

I will add, that though I didn’t realize it in store, Gap is having a huge sale with some really great deals! Up to 75% off markdowns and 40% off!

Check out the sale here!

Try-On-Haul_Gap_5-inch-shorts_denim-shorts_summer-style-over-30

5″ Denim Shorts – I wasn’t super impressed when I had them on in store, but they did fit quite well and looking back at the pictures, I think I will end up going back and getting them. I should have taken a picture of the SKU number because now that I’m trying to find them online I’m realizing that I’m not sure which ones they were! The ones I tried on have a little distressing but also the rolled bottom. I’m linking a few of the 5″ denim shorts for you in the widget below, just in case!

Roll-Sleeve Stripe Shirtdress – This one might be easier to find in-store because it’s almost completely sold out online. It’s really cute and the length is great. I think I decided though that the dolman-style top just isn’t flattering on me. Other than that, these types of dressed would be perfect for summer in a humid area because they aren’t clingy and the fabric is breathable.

Gap-try-on-haul_summer-style_blue-striped-shirtdress

Forever 21

I’m including Forever 21 as a “less frequented store” because lately I just haven’t been inspired by what I’ve seen at Forever 21. The styles are just too short and I realize that, in my 30’s, I should probably stop shopping at the same store my students shop! I stopped in mostly because this mall had a HUGE Forever 21 and I though I might be able to find more options. Sure enough, the only purchases of the day were from Forever 21! (So…maybe I’m not too old just yet, lol!)

Rope-Belt Yellow Romper – I’m such a sucker for yellow so this caught my eye right away. I love the feel and ease of rompers but usually don’t buy them because they’re too short. When I saw this on the rack though, the shorts seemed a little longer.

I’m not sure they actually have a longer inseam, but they definitely feel longer and don’t feel like they ride up when I walk.

There are a few adjustments I will make when I wear it out – the top is very loose so I will pin the front so it stays decent. Also, the holes for the sleeves are very deep so either I will wear a cami or a bralette underneath. But, other than that, I bought it because it will be the perfect, cool, casual summer piece for those hot days!

Try-On-Haul_Forever-21_Yellow-striped-belted-shirtdress_summer-shirtdress

Striped Belted Shirt Dress – This reminded me of the top from Madewell and the dress from Gap (pictured above). I liked it and it fit well, but as mentioned above in section on the Gap dress, I decided that the dolman-style just isn’t for me. Plus, this one was a little short for me. Other than that though, it is a great alternative to the Gap one for someone a little shorter than me!

Striped Linen Blazer – This was my favorite find of the day. It definitely came home with me. It’s a linen-blend, a little bit of an over-sized fit, and unlined. But I think it’s the perfect casual blazer for summer. I will wear it to work with jeans and over a simple sundress to run errands. Usually I buy up one size at Forever 21, but for this one I bought my regular size (S).

Unfortunately, I can’t find it online. It’s possible it is too new to be listed there yet. In the meantime, there are a few similar ones on their website. This one is a similar linen blend. If you’re looking for a similar colored striped, this one is nice. Finally, this one looks exactly the same at first glance and then you notice that it’s actually zebra-striped!

Overall, it ended up being a pretty fun day. It was pouring down rain outside and it was the perfect day to wander through new stores and try-on new things. It’s always good to try something new, but it’s not bad if you end up coming back to some old favorites too!

What stores would you like to try that you haven’t in a long time? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Virginia

When in Doubt, Add Stripes

March 11, 2019 by Virginia 15 Comments

Cute Teacher Outfit_basics_affordable fashion_Long Black Blazer_add stripes_turtleneck top_white skinny jeans_leopard Pumps

I’ve been trying not to post this boyfriend blazer every week (though I wear it all the time), but when I put this outfit together a few weeks ago, I knew I had to feature it sometime. It’s a great example of: when in doubt, add stripes.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on/make a purchase through those links I will make a small commission to help me keep running this blog. For more information, please see my Privacy Policy.

Add stripes_Black Boyfriend Blazer_striped turtleneck top_White skinny jeans_leopard pumps_teacher fashion_work outfit

I wouldn’t say this outfit is extremely original. There is no out-of-the-ordinary touch – no major statement jewelry or outrageous patterned piece. You may even have put one together recently that is like it. But, it’s a great example of how having certain basics in your closet can make putting together an outfit very easy.

When you’re stuck, add stripes

Black Boyfriend Blazer_Add stripes_White skinny jeans_striped top_leopard pumps_teacher style

This day was one of those days where I didn’t lay out my outfit the night before. Therefore, I had to think quickly about what to wear to work in the morning. I saw the blazer on the rack and knew that it would be professional for work. And then, without having to think about it, I grabbed my white skinny jeans and my leopard pumps because I know that they go well together and go with pretty much everything else!

—-SEE MORE WHITE SKINNY JEAN OUTFITS HERE—-

—-SEE MORE LEOPARD PUMP OUTFITS HERE—-

But what to add up top? I could easily have added a white v-neck top. A monochrome outfit base with a pop of another color on top is a typical outfit short-cut for me. But this time, it just felt a little too bland for me. And that’s when I (quite literally) thought to myself, “When in doubt, add stripes.”

Add stripes_Long Black Blazer_White skinny jeans_striped top_leopard pumps_teacher outfit_teacher fashion

It’s so true. A striped turtleneck or striped top is such a closet staple for me and I’ve worn it so many different ways. You can see a few of the ways I’ve worn stripes HERE.

That one addition of the striped top gave the outfit a little interest and I was ready to head out the door.

Some Recommendations

Boyfriend Blazer

Get yourself one of these boyfriend blazers. I wasn’t a fan at first, because I don’t love an over-sized fit. But, this one has an over-sized length without an over-sized fit. Plus, the gold buttons give it such a classy feel.

The fabric is such good-quality that I know it will last for years. The pink one already sold out but the gray, black and green are still in stock.

White Skinny Jeans

I searched high and low, for years, to find the perfect white skinny ankle jeans. Every pair I tried were either too-see-through or too thin to look flattering. When I found these white skinny ankle jeans at LOFT on clearance, I felt like I found a diamond-in-the-rough.

These exactly skinny jeans are no longer available, but I’ve tried on LOFT’s white skinny jeans since then and they still have the same thickness that made them so opaque and flattering as when I bought mine.

They are more expensive than most of the jeans I buy, but you can’t scrimp on a good pair of white skinny jeans. Plus, the LOFT skinny jeans are available in so many different cuts and sizes. I’ve linked three different styles for you below.

Get the Look: Just add stripes

Teacher outfit_Black Boyfriend Blazer_White skinny jeans_striped turtleneck_leopard pumps

Black Boyfriend Blazer || Similar White Skinny Jeans || Similar Striped Turtleneck || Similar Leopard Pumps (more in widget below) || Sunglasses || Lipstick || Beaded Hoop Earrings|| Watch (on sale!) || Pave Ring|| Similar KS Cocktail Ring || Stone Bracelet

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you liked this post, please consider following me on Bloglovin’, Instagram, or Facebook! I’d love to interact with you more!

~Virginia

A Pop of Color

April 21, 2015 by Virginia Evans Leave a Comment

Some mornings you just don’t have time to think of accessories. Today was one of those mornings for me. I had a long day of block periods with lots of lesson transitions ahead of me and accessorizing was not as important as getting a grip on the morning.

Thankfully, I have seen lots of similar, basic outfits on Pinterest lately that didn’t take much effort to put together the night before. Skinny jeans, a striped top and a white blazer as the basics and a pop of color with the red shoes (which, by the way…I can’t get enough of!) to top it off.

Each of these ingredients are what I would consider closet basics. Picture after picture I see from blogs and on Pinterest make use of these basics in a variety of ways. I will mention more about these in later posts, but for today, they were the perfect easy combination to look “put together” on a day that I needed to feel put together (if you know what I mean!).

So when I walked in my classroom at 6:30 AM and glanced in the mirror behind my desk I couldn’t help but wonder what was missing. I had my pop of red but no accessories to pull the outfit together. Lipstick to the rescue! That was all it took.

Lipstick is the perfect accessory. I was uncomfortable the first time I wore it because I felt like my lips were so bright, everyone must be looking at me! Then, I glanced in the mirror and felt grown up. That’s what lipstick did to me the first time – made me look and feel grown up. It added a level of completion and professionalism to my look and on days like today that I feel drowsy, lipstick helps me look like I’ve “got it together.”

Today’s outfit:

Ann Taylor Skinny Jeans: Old and bought on clearance, similar

H&M Striped top: Old, similar, others below.

H&M White Blazer: Old, similar

DSW Audrey Brooke Hylda Suede Pump: Sold out, similar. Similar Style (but in orange). Other red shoes in widget below.

Stila Lipstick in Beso (my perfect red!): Here

Ray Ban Sunglasses (free! I had points): Here

Thanks for reading 🙂