What I Scored on Black Friday: Mother Denim, LOFT, Nordstrom & Bloomingdale’s Finds

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 or 30 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.

Let’s start out with my one piece from Bloomingdale’s. Their AQUA and C by Bloomingdale’s in-house brands are a great way to score quality cashmere at an excellent price point, and right now, they’re 40% off during Friends & Family! (Don’t miss my Friends & Family Finds that I posted yesterday.)

C by Bloomingdale’s Cashmere Rib Knit Bell Sleeve Turtleneck in Heather Rye Sesame

at Bloomingdale’s (S) // MOTHER Weekend (30) // Veronica Beard boots (8.5)

DETAILS:

• Turtleneck
• Long bell sleeves
• 100% cashmere
• Dry clean

I’ve worn quite a bit from these two brands over the years, and this Rib Knit Bell Sleeve Turtleneck caught my eye when I was working on my Black Friday Sales Guide. I’m bummed because I also meant to order this Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater in the Sesame, but for some reason, it didn’t make it to my cart. I went ahead and ordered it on Cyber Monday, but it hasn’t come in yet. I’m sure they’re backed up on orders. Anyway!

This is a really pretty sweater, and a great price for 100% cashmere. I like the multi-directional stitching in the knit, and the bell sleeves with button detail are really pretty. This color is low inventory, but it’s fully stocked in the ivory.

VERDICT: I’m going to wait to get the Cable Knit Crewneck and decide which one I want to keep. (I ordered the Sesame color, which doesn’t appear to be available anymore. You can see it HERE.) I don’t really need two new sweaters in such similar colors, so I plan to just keep one.

Caslon Cable Stitch Crewneck Sweater

at Nordstrom (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // Splendid Liza Mule (8)

DETAILS: A classic cable-knit design and ribbed trim make this soft cotton-forward crewneck a layer you’ll want at the ready for sweater season.

• Crewneck
• Long sleeves
• Ribbed cuffs and hem
• 55% cotton, 25% polyester, 20% acrylic
• Hand wash, dry flat

Okay, this one is for those of you who can’t wear wool! It’s a really pretty classic cable knit design, and I love the ivory color for winter. It pairs so well with light wash denim and really brightens up these dreary winter days. It has a classic fit that follows the lines of the body, but it’s not super clingy. It has a good amount of cotton, but some poly and acrylic for stretch and wearability.

VERDICT: I don’t love this enough to keep it; I prefer a boxier fit these days, but it’s a solid option for those who like a more traditional silhouette.

Treasure & Bond Relaxed Turtleneck Cotton Blend Sweater

at Nordstrom (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // Paul Green Hadley (8)

DETAILS: A turtleneck ensures a classically chic look in this ribbed cotton-blend sweater knit with dropped shoulders and a relaxed fit.

• 23″ length (size medium)
• Turtleneck
• Long sleeves
• 56% cotton, 19% acrylic, 18% polyester, 5% nylon, 2% spandex
• Hand wash, dry flat

I thought this could be an easy pullover for casual days working at home, when I don’t want to wear one of my nicer cashmere sweaters. The easy fit looked appealing online—I encourage you to click through to see the details on one of the other colors. It’s hard to see them in my pictures.

VERDICT: I can’t put my finger on what I didn’t love about this, maybe that bulky mock neck, or just the generally oversized fit. But I sent it back.

Treasure & Bond Turtleneck Sweater in Tan Travertine Heather

at Nordstrom (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // Paul Green Hadley (8)

DETAILS: A scrunchable turtleneck and a relaxed fit make this wool-kissed sweater a winning candidate for your weekend favorites list.

• Turtleneck
• Long sleeves
• Ribbed cuffs and hem
• 45% polyester, 36% recycled polyester, 16% acrylic, 3% wool
• Hand wash, dry flat

And I didn’t care for the cut of this one at all, plus it wasn’t very soft at all. Kind of scratchy, even.

VERDICT: I sent it back.

Halogen Contrast Trim Split Cuff Sweater

at Nordstrom (S) // KUT from the Kloth Ana (6) // Sam Edelman slingback (8.5)

DETAILS: Sharp contrast trim highlights the V-neckline and split cuffs of this fresh and modern sweater.

• 22″ length (size Medium)
• Long sleeves with split cuffs
• 100% rayon
• Hand wash, dry flat

I thought this fine gauge ivory sweater with the black trim on the neckline and split cuffs was so striking! It’s a nice one to dress up for the holidays or for anyone who needs work wear. It’s very pretty; I like the design, but the fit is a bit snug on me.

In fact, everything about it feels like they were being kind of stingy with materials—the sleeves felt short and everything. I’m almost always a solid size small in Halogen tops, so either this runs small, or it’s my extra fluff, but I definitely need to size up to a medium.

I styled it two ways, with coated black flares for an edgier vibe, and with black skinny pants for a more classic look. Also, I love these Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Mesh Pointed Toe Pumps in the Black/ Black Dot. They work great with both looks. (You can see them a little better in the next photo…)

VERDICT: I returned it and haven’t decided if I’ll order the medium. I don’t really need it, but I think it’s pretty. If you need something like this, it’s a nice quality knit and feels good on. I definitely recommend trying it, but consider sizing up if in between.

KUT from the Kloth Ana Fab Ab Coated High Waist Flare Jeans

at Nordstrom (6) // Sam Edelman slingback (8.5) // Halogen sweater (S)

DETAILS: These coated flare jeans complement your figure with floor-grazing legs and Fab Ab front pockets that shape and smooth.

• 33″ inseam; 20 1/2″ leg opening; 10 1/4″ front rise (size 8)
• Zip fly with button closure
• 59% modal, 39% polyester, 2% Lycra® spandex
• Machine wash, tumble dry

I was looking to update my coated black flares this year, and this pair is a great option for the price point. They’re very shiny, with more of a faux leather look than coated denim, but they will work for my needs.

SIZING NOTE: The 33″ inseam is way too long for me, so I brought these black suede booties with the 1 3/4″ heel, and had the pants shortened to about 1/2″ off the floor. I figure that way, I can wear a higher heel if I want, but they won’t drag on the floor if I want to wear these booties—which I think make a really good pairing, with the pointed toe and the black suede. (I like suede shoes with coated denim, for a mix of textures; leather shoes and coated denim seems too similar to me.) The Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Mesh Pointed Toe Pumps I’m wearing here have a 2 3/4″ heel, and they work just fine too.

VERDICT: I also ordered these Hidden Hills Coated Flare Jeans, and I prefer the more matte finish, but I would also need to have them hemmed, and I already altered these KUT from the Kloth Anas, so I’m just going to stick with them.

LOFT Winter Fashion Finds

Okay, moving on to LOFT… They’re doing a Holiday Cyber Spree this weekend, with 50% off sitewide and $5 flat rate shipping (or free shipping on $99+ orders), so if you didn’t take advantage of their Cyber Week sales—or like me, you ordered the wrong sizes—this is another chance to score some great deals!

LOFT Cable Mock Neck Mini Sweater Dress

at LOFT (S) // Dolce Vita Raj (8)

DETAILS: Styled with a sleek mock neck and chic wide sleeves, this soft cable-knit sweater dress is a modern must for every day.

• Long sleeves
• Shift – fits straight and relaxed
• 35″ from shoulder to hem, measured from a size 8/M
• 23% Acrylic 40% Recycled Acrylic 34% Nylon 3% Wool
• Machine Washable

I really like this sweater dress, although it runs small. I need the size medium… and you’ll soon see this is a theme with these LOFT finds. I don’t know why I didn’t order both sizes, as I often do, but the last sweater dress I ordered from LOFT runs really big, so I assumed I could still wear the small in most of their sweaters and dresses. You know what they say happens when you assume…

ANY-WHO. I like the overall silhouette and the design, and this Medium Grey Melange is really pretty, so I think I’ll re-order in the medium. That will give me some extra length, too, which I would appreciate. (I plan to wear it with black tights.

In fact, I just updated my go-to Spanx tights during their Cyber Monday sale, and I went with a size C this time. I realized the pair I have is probably 5 year old, and they’ve started to slide down on me, which they never did before. I figure that means they’re either stretching out from years of wear, or they’re too small, or both. According to their size chart, I’m in between B and C, so I’m going to try the C and see how it works for me.

And because someone always asks, this is the slip I wear under all of my sweater dresses, whether I’m wearing tights or not. It helps the dress to skim the body in a flattering way and not cling. It’s a bit of an investment up-front, but I’ve had mine for years.

LOFT Mock Neck Cable Sweater in Lavender Mist Melange

at LOFT (S) // MOTHER Weekend (30) // Veronica Beard boots (8.5)

DETAILS: Styled with a sleek mock neck and chic wide sleeves, this soft cable-knit sweater is a modern must for every day.

• Fit: Slim — streamlined to fit close to the body
• Length: Abbreviated – hits at natural waist
• 22 1/2″ long
• 23% Acrylic 40% Recycled Acrylic 34% Nylon 3% Wool
• Machine Washable

VERDICT: I really like this design of this one, and I always enjoy wearing shades of pink and lavender after the holidays, so I re-ordered in the medium.

LOFT Pearlized Raglan Sweater

at LOFT (S) // Frank Eileen Derry Pants (29) // Sam Edelman flats (8.5)

DETAILS: Pearlized beads luxe up this perfectly understated, perpetually polished, covetable cotton knit with gorgeously glossy glam. Crew neck.

• Long Raglan Sleeves
• Fit: Classic — follows your contours with a little room
• 21 3/4″ long
• 100% Cotton
• Machine Washable

This sweater is just okay to me. It’s 100% cotton, which is nice, and I guess it’s fun for a “festive” look that isn’t too literal. In fact, you could probably wear it after the holidays, if you wanted to, but I didn’t love the fit on me. It’s too snug at the waist and too big in the shoulders.

VERDICT: I sent this one back.

Striped Rib Trim Mock Neck Sweater

at LOFT (S) // MOTHER Weekend (30) // Veronica Beard boots (8.5)

DETAILS: In a soft cotton knit, cozy ribbed trim highlights this irresistibly chic style. Mock neck.

• Fit: Slim — streamlined to fit close to the body
• Length: Abbreviated – hits at natural waist
• 22 1/2″ long
• 100% Cotton
• Machine Washable

This sweater is pretty, but again, I feel like they were a little stingy with materials, especially the sleeve length, and I don’t love that huge ribbed band at the waist.

VERDICT: I sent this back.

Fresh Fits & Washes: MOTHER Denim Try-On

First, for some context… I’m still looking for another good straight leg alternative to my well-loved MOTHER Dazzler in Riding The Cliffside that I can wear with sneakers and flats, and I’m also looking for a pair of black flares to add to the mix when I want to wear a low heel.

Anthro did a sitewide 30% off sale during Cyber Week, and MOTHER did a 2-day 20% off sale, so I placed an order from each, and here’s what I tried. (FYI, shipping and returns are free for 30 days with MOTHER, but they’re allowing up to January 15th for anything purchased after 11/22/24.)

Also, a note about the descriptions: I’ve taken to including the website details with all of my try-ons lately so I don’t have to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, and so I can jump right in and tell you what I like or don’t like about them. But they’re never more important than they are with my denim try-ons. Don’t skip these.

I especially love how the MOTHER website describes their washes, and they also tell you a bit about how the styles are intended to fit, which is helpful when determining if they look right on me or not.

MOTHER The Mid Rise Hiker Hover in Full Moon

at motherdenim.com (29) // at Neiman Marcus (29) // at Shopbop (29) // old Vince sweater // Schutz flats

Details: Howl you doing? This slim straight-leg was adopted from our men’s line and features a mid rise, button fly, low-set back pockets and a clean hem. Made from denim with a touch of stretch, Full Moon is a mid-blue wash with whiskering and fading at the knees.

• 29″ Inseam; 14 1/4″ Leg Opening; 9 3/4″ Rise
• Button Fly
• 78% Cotton 16% Modal 4% Polyester 2% Elastane
• Made in Los Angeles.

As the description says, these jeans were adopted from their men’s line, with a button fly and low-set back pockets, so I assume they’re intended to have a “borrowed from the boys” kind of fit—a little more slouchy than the styles I typically wear.

They’re very stretchy and comfortable, but the rise felt rather low to me, and I can’t say I’m a fan of the button-fly. I’ve been known to make exceptions, but it is not my favorite. They do have a nice straight fit—not too baggy, but not as slim as The Dazzler or the AG Mari (my two favorite styles of straight leg jeans).

I switched from my polished cashmere sweater and ballet flats, into more of a sporty pullover and sneakers, to see if that worked better with this more relaxed fit, and it definitely works.

Taylor Stripe Trim Sweatshirt (S) // adidas Originals Handball Spezial (8)

I think it’s just a matter of, do I like this look? Because I think they fit as intended, and I feel like they’re fairly flattering. I like how they just hit the top of the shoe.

Speaking of which, I was just listening to the Everyday Style School Podcast on 10 Wearable Trends for Winter 2024… or maybe it was the Extra Credit podcast (for Style Circle members only) on how to pair pants and shoes for Winter 2025. But anyway, Jen made a point about how straight leg pant are supposed to fit, that I hadn’t quite thought of before.

She said straight leg jeans aren’t just the default denim fit, but they are actually “a look” and to get it right, they have to hang straight without bunching on top of the shoe… that’s an instant ticket to Frumpville.

She also said, and I totally agree with this, that straight leg jeans are actually one of the hardest denim silhouettes to style.I think many of us may feel like straight leg jeans should be the easiest, and should go with everything, but they really don’t.

All that to say, when she said that, I felt so very seen! Because I struggle with finding and styling straight leg denim far more than any other style. Even wide leg silhouettes seem easier! Okay, moving on…

(I am undecided on these.)

MOTHER The Tomcat Ankle Fray in Wanted!

at motherdenim.com (30) // at Nordstrom (30) // at Net-A-Porter (30) // Taylor Stripe Trim Sweatshirt (S) // adidas Handball Spezial (8)

Details: On the run. High-rise jeans with a straight leg, button fly, ankle-length inseam and a frayed hem. Made from semi rigid denim, Wanted! is a faded dark grey wash with whiskering and fading down the thighs.

• 27 1/2″ inseam; 14″ leg opening; 10 3/4″ front rise
• Button fly
• 99% cotton, 1% elastane
• Made in Los Angeles

Okay, so these are another straight leg style. They’re intended to be ankle-length, which I typically love, but my eye is starting to adjust to full length styles, and these sort of look like floods (and not in a good way… read on to see what I mean.) That said, they do fit as intended, and I think they’re flattering. I like how they have a slight bow to the leg, without being a full-on barrel leg jean.)

Also, this faded grey wash is fantastic; I love it, but I’m not such a fan of the more rigid fabric composition. Still, I think they’re going to break in okay. I sized up to the 30 in this pair, by the way.

I like how they look with sneakers, but I was curious to see how they work with boots. It’s already a very cold winter here in Philly, and I think I’m goign to be wearing more boots than sneakers in the next few months.

I like the look of these jeans with boot; it makes them look not-so-much like floods, but I think the back of the jeans is going to get caught up on the shaft of these particular booties. They’re great with full length flares, but something like this would be better with these jeans.

I also love this higher 10 3/4″ front rise. I’m not amused by all of the 9 3/4″ rises coming back, but I know a lot of you are probably thrilled about that! They do not work so well for me; it’s an instant muffin top, and it also just feels like my pants are going to fall down.

This pair has my ideal rise, and I think the fit is really nice, and I love the wash, so… yeah.

Also, they work with loafers, too!

VERDICT: I think these are keepers!

MOTHER The Mid Rise Dazzler Ankle Fray in Nothing Between Us

at motherdenim.com (30) (also in petite) // at Bloomingdale’s // Taylor Stripe Trim Sweatshirt (S) // Schutz flats (8)

Details: Our most popular mid-rise straight leg hits at the ankle with a frayed hem. Cut from stretch denim, Nothing Between Us is a mid-blue wash with subtle whiskering and fading.

• 27 1/2″ inseam; 13″ leg opening; 9 3/4″ front rise
• Zip fly with button closure
• 94% Cotton 5% Polyester 1% Elastane
• Made in Los Angeles

You may be thinking, but you already know you love The Dazzler… Yes! Yes, I do! That’s why I thought I’d get another pair in a different wash. Nothing Between Us is a mid-blue wash with subtle whiskering and fading… which I think is a nice alternative to Riding The Cliffside, a lighter retro-inspired wash.

VERDICT: I would keep these, but I think I like the Dazzler Flood better…

MOTHER The Mid Rise Dazzler Flood Fray in What’s Your Sign

at motherdenim.com (29) // at Bergdorf Goodman (29) // Taylor Stripe Trim Sweatshirt (S) // Schutz flats (8) // Walker Chelsea Boot

Details: Starstruck. A mid-rise straight leg with a 28.25-inch inseam and a frayed hem. Cut from a cotton blend, What’s Your Sign is a mid-blue wash with whiskering and fading at the knee.

• 28 1/4″ inseam; 13″ leg opening; 9 3/4″ front rise
• Zip fly with button closure
• 78% Cotton 16% Modal 4% Polyester 2% Elastane
• Made in Los Angeles

So you know above, when I said the Tomcat felt like “floods” and not in a good way? Well, MOTHER actually makes a whole line of “flood” jeans with flood-length hem, and this pair is one of them. Notice the style name is The Mid Rise Dazzler Flood Fray. It’s supposed to be just a smidge longer than “ankle length”. And yes, it’s intentional. You may love it or hate it, but it’s “a look”—not just a look.

In this case, I feel like this extra 3/4″ in the inseam makes these jeans much more flattering on me than The Mid Rise Dazzler Ankle Fray in What’s Your Sign, and the washes are very similar. If they only had an extra inch in the rise, they’d be perfection.

VERDICT: Keeping these, but for some reason, I only ordered the 29 and not the 30, and I think I might prefer the 30, so… I may reach out and see if they’ll exchange them and let me keep the sale price.

MOTHER The Weekender in Wanted!

at motherdenim.com (29) // at Nordstrom (29) // at Bloomies (29) // Taylor Stripe Trim Sweatshirt (S) // rag & bone Walker Chelsea Boot (39)

Details: On the run. This cult-favorite flare jean has a mid rise with a 31-inch inseam and a clean hem. Made from semi rigid denim, Wanted! is a faded dark grey wash with whiskering and fading down the thighs.

• 31″ inseam; 20″ leg opening; 9 1/2″ front rise
• Zip fly with button closure
• 99% cotton, 1% elastane
• Made in Los Angeles

I saved the best for last, but this pair of jeans was actually the first pair I put into my shopping cart when the Anthropologie 30% off sale went live. I knew as soon as I saw my beloved MOTHER Weekender in this wash, I would love it, and I do. I ordered the size 29 and 30, just to be safe, and I actually couldn’t tell much difference, so I’m keeping the 29.

I do wish they would stop lowering the rise, it used to be higher, I’m pretty sure. But anyway. I still love everything else about them, so I will just deal with a little muffin top.

I have a very old piece of shapewear that just shapes the middle that I keep on hand for this exact situation. Unfortunately, it was discontinued, and I’ve never found anything quite like it. Maybe this would be similar? I just ordered one; I will report back!

VERDICT: Keeping! I wore this outfit out to dinner with a friend the other night, and I’m happy to report, the jeans do loosen up some with wear in the waist area. I guess that’s the 99% cotton, 1% elastane for ya!

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