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July Try-On Haul

Greetings and happy AUGUST!!! I titled this my July Try-On Haul since I tried everything in July. It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these, so this is a doozie!

This try-on haul is #NSale heavy, but I also have a few items I ordered from LOFT, Ann Taylor, and Lord + Taylor. As usual, links and descriptions are under the pictures.

For size reference, I’m 5’5″ and 140# and I usually wear a small in tops, a 28 or 29 (6 or 8) in pants and jeans, and an 8 in dresses. My most common shoe size is an 8, but depending on the brand and style of shoe, I wear anything from 7 1/2 — 9.

July Try-On Haul

Halogen ribbed cardigan (size small) // Absolutely LOVE this cardigan, such a pretty knit, love the extra details on the sides and sleeves. Long cardigans can add visual bulk, but this one does not; it’s very flattering and slenderizing. I find ribbed cardigans are best for this.

The quality is decent — typical Halogen. It’s a viscose/nylon/polyester blend with just a kiss of cashmere (5%) so it’s not as soft as a pure cashmere sweater, but I don’t find it scratchy at all. It’s a good value for the price point, especially on sale.

I have seen it go in and out of stock over the past few days, so keep an eye on it if you like it. The best time for snagging an elusive restock item is early in the morning — around 5 or 6 AM EST.

Sale Price: $45
After Sale: $69

Rag & Bone Dre slim fit ankle boyfriend jeans (size 29) // I’m a big fan of these — they’re a lot like the AG Primas that I’ve already been wearing, so I don’t know that I can justify keeping both, but I do really like the wash and the raw hem. (No clue why the color looks so different from one picture to the next.)

These are soft and comfortable, and the slim ankle boyfriend reads a lot like a crop straight — I cuffed them with booties and left them uncuffed with the mules (see below) so you can see them both ways.

Sale Price: $149
After Sale: $225

Vince Camuto Gigietta booties in Tortilla Suede (size 8 1/2) // These are super cute, I almost didn’t order them because “all the bloggers” were promoting them, but then I decided to see what the fuss is about. I like them way more than I thought I would, and I’ll probably keep them, as I don’t have anything else quite like them.

I really like the pointy toe, and the 3″ heel is very walkable. They do run small, though; I typically wear an 8 in Camuto booties, so I ordered the 8 1/2, as the website indicated they run small, and I think I could actually use a 9, but I’ll make do with these unless they get restocked.

Sale Price: $99
After Sale: $149

Sam Edelman Jari half d’orsay pumps (size 7 1/2) // I think these are so so fun. I love how sexy they are, but unfortunately, they’re almost impossible to walk in, so back they go.

Also, it probably wasn’t necessary to size down to the 7 1/2 in these. I typically do size down in mules, but these barely fit and the 8 would probably look better.

Sale Price: $89.90
After Sale: $139.95

Sam Edelman Trail Blazer snake leather pumps (size 8) // LOVE these. They’re TTS and easy to walk in. The heel is 3.5″ and they’re leather lined. Very nice shoes for the price point!

Sale Price: $98
After Sale: $140

Nordstrom Signature High/Low Cashmere Sweater (size small) //  This sweater is so super luxe, and the color is gorgeous. The quality is on par with Vince and Theory, but at a better price point because it’s one of Nordstrom’s in-house brands.

The price tag is still pretty hefty, though, so I need to absolutely love it in order to keep it, and I just can’t get excited about that exaggerated high/low hemline. I wish it was straight with maybe small side slits… more like the one below.

I do love the color, though, and the shape of the v-neck, and the seam up the back… so I’m on the fence.

Sale Price: $165
After Sale: $249

KUT from the Kloth High Waist Bootcut Jeans c/o (size 6) //These jeans are amazing — so flattering, and I love the solid dark wash. I hear they stretch some with wear, so definitely size down. I went with the 6.

Sale Price: $59
After Sale: $89

Vince textured v-neck sweater (size small) // This sweater is made of a soft, fuzzy stretch knit — it’s a blend of cotton, polyamide (nylon), and elastane. I prefer cashmere, but it’s super soft and cozy. I like the cut of it better than the blue above it, but it’s a little boxy.

I’m undecided on this one; it seems like a lot to pay for non-cashmere. That said, I get a lot of requests for sweaters without wool or cashmere, and here you go! Oh, and it also comes in a pretty blue.

Sale Price: $183
After Sale: $275

also wearing: KUT from the Kloth High Waist Bootcut Jeans and Vince Camuto Kimora cutout shield sandals

AG legging ankle super skinny jeans (size 29) // While I’ve been experimenting lately with other denim brands and styles, AG legging ankle jeans are my first love, so when I saw these were part of the sale, I snapped them right up. I love the faded black wash and the tattered hems.

I just wish they were an inch shorter. They have a 29″ inseam, which I can get away with if I wear mules or pumps or loafers, but I won’t be able to wear them with ankle boots. The fit is AMAZING tho — no other jeans do for my rear end what the AG legging ankle jeans do. They are some kind of magic.

Sale Price: $149
After Sale: $225

Madewell Remi calf hair mules (size 7 1/2) // These sold out early on in the sale, but if you stalk the website, you may see a restock. They’re really, really cute, and surprisingly walkable.

If you don’t have time to stalk them, these Madewell loafer mules are the same “spotty haircalf” and I actually like the styling a bit better.

Sale Price: $54
After Sale: $88

Caslon cowl neck sweater (size small) // This sweater is super cute — I love all the knit details and the buttons on the sides. My daughter got this too, and she also loves it. It’s TTS for Caslon; I’m comfortable in the small. It’s also 100% cotton, so perfect for those of you who don’t like wool.

Sale Price: $45
After Sale: $69

Kut Donna skinnies c/o (size 6) // Kut from the Kloth sent me these to try, along with the bootcut pair above, and I really like them. For one thing, I like the 27″ inseam for wearing with ankle boots, but the wash is nice too, and they fit well. I still don’t love their whiskering (I’ve mentioned that before with other  jeans of theirs) but it isn’t a deal breaker because the price point is so good.

Sale Price: $59
After Sale: $89

Cliché colorblock turtleneck sweater (size small) // This sweater is from Lord + Taylor — they’re running a similar sale to Nordstrom, with new fall styles marked down for a limited time. This sweater is cute, but it’s cropped so it needs high rise jeans. I would recommend sizing up for a slouchier fit.

Sale Price: $39
After Sale: $58

also wearing: Vince Gigiette booties (size UP) with Kut Donna skinnies (size down)

Rag & Bone Camden snake embossed leather shopper // This bag has been pretty consistently out of stock since the first week, but I did see it on the website this morning, so there’s hope! It was one of the things I was most excited about in the sale, but I’m actually not loving it as much in person as I was hoping I would. It’s kind of odd the way the bottom is so structured. I need to put stuff in it and see if it softens up some. I do love the styling, though, the snake embossed leather is a bit edgy.

Sale Price: $364.90
After Sale: $550.00

also wearing: BP. Everyday V-Neck Sweater with Frame Le Skinny Chew Hem Ankle Jeans and Madewell Remi Mules

Leith longline cardigan (size small) // I love this longline cardigan, and it comes in a lot of pretty colors. I like the side slits, and it’s super slimming. This is a good alternative to the Halogen one that’s sold out.

Sale Price: $45
After Sale: $69

also wearing: Frame Le Skinny Chew Hem Ankle Jeans and Madewell Remi mules

Vince Step Hem Cashmere Sweater (size small) // I love everything about this but the neckline. I love the color, the quality, the slit sleeve detail, the relaxed but not oversized fit… but that crewneck gets me every time. It just isn’t very flattering on those of us with a larger chest. I mean, it’s fine, and I have kept some crewnecks in the past, but for that price, I need to love everything about it.

Sale Price: $229
After Sale: $345

Frame Le High Straight Slit Hem Ankle Jeans (size 29) // These haven’t gotten a lot of air time, but they’re really cute and definitely a more flattering crop straight than many I’ve tried.

also wearing: Jeffrey Campbell Rowlan snakeskin embossed booties

Caslon Cowl Neck Waffle Knit Top (size small) // This top is really cute and lightweight enough to make a nice transition piece. It’s a thinner material, soft, and not at all see-through. It comes in a ton of colors, but unfortunately it’s low inventory.

Sale Price: $29
After Sale: $49

also wearing: Frame Le High Straight Slit Hem Ankle Jeans with Jeffrey Campbell Rowlan snakeskin embossed booties

Vince Rolled Edge Wool & Cashmere Hoodie (size small) // Yes, I’ve shown this before, but this sweater is my favorite splurge of the #NSale, and it’s still fully stocked so I thought I’d style it again.

This wool/cashmere blend hoodie is navy blue, not black, and it is so luxe. I love the length, the fit, the, rolled hems, and the sporty hood. Thank you, Vince!

Sale Price: $215
After Sale: $325

Nordstrom Laura Croc Embossed Leather Tote // I didn’t see this in my store, but when I came across it online, I ordered it immediately. This is the brown, but it reads more like a burgundy. I expected it to be a little larger, but I still like it. If you want a bigger bag, it also comes in a full-size tote with a zip closure and an exterior slip pocket.

Sale Price: $125
After Sale: $189

also wearing: Frame Le High Straight Slit Hem Ankle Jeans with Lucky Brand Yimina waterproof wedge booties

AG Prima ankle skinny jeans (size 29) // I’ve worn these more than any other #NSale purchase so far. I brought them with me to Maine and wore them multiple times with various tops and shoes. I also happen to be wearing them right now.

I’ve been struggling with the crop straight trend — it just doesn’t seem to flatter my hourglass figure, but these are skinnies with a slightly wider leg opening, and when I cuff them, I get that crop straight look without adding visual weight.

The Rag & Bone Dre (above) create a similar silhouette. I think this will be the way I participate in this trend in a way that flatters my body type.

Sale Price: $149
After Sale: $225

also wearing: Lucky Brand Yimina waterproof wedge booties

Halogen Square Neck Tee (size small) // I was so excited to have something to show you that you can start wearing now, but this top is pretty much sold out. #bummer It’s also very form-fitting, so I’m not sure how many of you would want that. It’s cute though. I wish I had ordered a medium to try; the small is too tight for my comfort level.

Sale Price: $22
After Sale: ??

also wearing: Paige Verdugo ankle skinny jeans (old) and Vince Camuto cutout shield sandals

Tahari tie waist jumpsuit (size 8) // Pardon the weird light — I tried to close the blinds, but they were still casting these strange shadows. Any-who. This tie waist design didn’t quite lay right on me, but I think this jumpsuit is so cute, and the color is gorgeous.

Sale Price: $91
After Sale: $138

Vince Camuto sleeveless crepe sheath (size 10) // This dress is a conundrum. I ordered my usual 8, and it was way too tight, so then I ordered this 10, and it’s still quite snug. I love the design, the criss-cross detail at the waist, and the way it fits in the skirt, the length, everything; but I don’t like how tight it is around my ribcage.

I have a wedding next month that I was hoping to wear it to, so I’ve ordered a 12 to try, but I’m afraid it will be too long and too big in the skirt. I’ll report back!

Sale Price: $98
After Sale: $138

Calvin Klein sleeveless sheath (size 8) // This dress is from Lord + Taylor, and it’s very flattering. The material almost looks like denim, and the grommet details at the neck give it a more casual vibe, but I think it would be nice for those of you who need work wear.

It isn’t lined, which is kind of disappointing for the price point, but it has some stretch to it so it’s quite comfortable. If I were going to keep it, I’d need to size up to a 10 (or lose 5 lbs… which is preferable, but not as likely, ha!)

Sale Price: $89
Retail Price: $118

Calvin Klein Cap-Sleeve Wrap Dress (size 8) // Another one from L+T, this is a nice LBD option. Very classy. I like the design — it buttons on the inside, and then the gold bar snap thingy on the side is a fun detail.

The neckline is a little low if you have boobs, but I think it would be fine on a woman who is smaller on top. I do wish it were lined — that’s my only complaint.

Sale Price: $89
Retail Price: $118

also wearing: Sam Edelman Trail Blazer Snake Leather Pumps

LOFT Zebra slouchy sweater (size small) // I was pleasantly surprised by this sweater — it’s thin but somehow not see-through, and it has a really nice drape to it. You can wear it front-tucked or untucked. The zebra pattern is fun, and I like the color a lot. I snapped it up when it was 50% of last weekend, but it’s not currently on sale.

also wearing: Paige Verdugo ankle skinny jeans (old) and Vince Camuto cutout shield sandals

Blondo Nina waterproof suede booties (size 8) // These are pretty classic Blondo booties. They’re comfortable and well made, and I love that they’re waterproof suede. The styling is a little clunky, but maybe they just don’t quite work with these crazy snakeskin pants… I need to try them on with other outfits.

The 2 1/2″ heel is very walkable, and I like the whipstitching detail as well as the contrasting wood block heel, but I think I’d like that better on the mushroom or black booties. I’m not loving it on the grey, so I think they’re going back.

Sale Price: $99
After Sale: $149

BlankNYC Snake Along printed cropped pants (size 29) // And how fun are these pants?!? I actually really like the way they fit and feel. They’re a fun way to participate in the snakeskin trend, if you’re not one of those who gets wigged out by snake print.

Sale Price: $49
After Sale: $98

also wearing: Chelsea28 cowl neck sweater and Sam Edelman Laurna mules

LOFT Garden Split Neck Pocket Dress (size small) // This is another LOFT number, and I think it’s so cute. Not sure I’d actually wear these shoes with it, but I thought they were fun for the pictures.

The small fits perfectly, and the tie waist allows you to cinch it where you want it to give you the shape you desire. I like the black trim for a little bit of an edgy contrast to the floral print.

also wearing: Vince Camuto Karika cage sandals

Okay! Last one…

Ann Taylor tulip belted maxi dress (size 6) // This dress is from Ann Taylor, and I’m always drawn to it so I finally placed the order. I don’t know why I didn’t remember that I needed a 4 in the last dress I ordered from AT in a similar style, so this is a tad big on me, but it’s super pretty.

I like that the pale blue and coral color combo is a bit unexpected. Definitely size down if ordering — like size down TWO from your normal dress size. I’m usually an 8.

Sale Price: $71
Original Price: $159

WHEW!!! Well, I hope that gave you some shopping inspiration… or something.

I’ll be going back to weekly try-on hauls, or at least semi-weekly. This fall I will definitely be doing them more often, but right now is an odd time of year to shop. I’m planning more 5 ways to wear posts, fight the frump topics, and things like that to get us through these last few weeks of summer.

Of course, summer weather will linger well past Labor Day in most parts of the country, but Cyndi and I will be launching 25 Days of Fall Fashion on September 1st.

Let’s not think about that just yet!!!

Feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comments, and I’ll do my best to get back to you in a timely fashion!

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39 Responses

  1. Whew!   That’s a lotta trying on!!  Great info, especially helpful when you point out some pros & cons of the outfits. I’ve picked up a few fallish tops but for now, just waiting to see what other fall fashions come out.  As if I need anything!  Enjoy your time with company!  

  2. So many nice outfits. I have some similar items in my closet so I can do some of these outfits from my closet. Great ideas! I am going to look for some high waisted bootcut (I have some great bootcut Gap jeans, but they are low waisted – had them for years). I need a lower price point, so I will do some looking online. You look great in these outfits!

  3. Wow!  I need a nap just thinking about how worn out you must have been after trying on all these clothes and snapping all these photos!  Lol.   But it really is so helpful to see items on a real person – not some stick thin model.  I hope that didn’t come across wrong – not that you’re not thin – you are but … well you know what I mean right?  I appreciate you taking the time to do this for your followers – it does help us!  😊

  4. I don’t know what it is but I am fashion uninspired lately but maybe it’s because we’re running 100 degree temps right now and I just can’t think about sweaters or boots? I tend to buy transition items, that I can wear now and into fall but nothing heavy. Enjoy ur company this weekend! 

  5. I LOVE those snake skin booties, but they are a little too tall for me….😩😩. You always look beautiful  in everything 😉😉.  

  6. What color is the hallogen ribbed cardigan? White or pink. Thank you so much for this post. I love so much of what you tried on. I love that light blue sweater that you are on the fence about. It looks beautiful with those Kut bootlegs.. I think that cut is so flattering1

  7. What a great post. I like above the knee dresses on you best. You have the legs for it. That tee is so cute on you and doesn’t look tight in picture. I’m ready for fall.

  8. Wow lots of dresses !  these are great outfitsZ i may to look into some new jeans so you gave a few options that our in my price range 

  9. Wow!  That was fun!  Thanks for all your hard work.  I need to be shopping my closet for awhile, but this gives me some great ideas for outfits to put together with what I have.  That spice Vince sweater really caught my eye, though.  I love that color for Fall.  I know you don’t love crew necks, and neither do I, but I thought that one looked really nice on you.  

  10. That was quite the haul!! Wow. I was tired just scrolling. Lol 😂 you did a great job! I keep seeing red for the pink dress. I love alot of the looks but I need to go in and try things on. Too many returns do to sizing being different on the brands and such. There’s still time.. Yippee.🎊

  11. My favourite outfit by far is the snake print pants with the Blondo booties. That outfit looks amazing on you! I also like the zebra print sweater. Have a great day!

  12. Hello, thank you for all the work you put into your July posts. The Nordstrom, and other store, sale were on everyone’s mind. I have a request for a possible future post. My grandchildren play hockey in heated arenas. What this means is sometimes I need to keep my winter coat on and other times, I am able to take it off. I struggle with what boots to wear. Often, if the weather is mild, I wear my waterproof Blanco booties. If it’s snowing, sleeting etc, I am at a loss.  This short waisted pear is in need of some style inspiration here. Also, what to wear running errands when a coat is needed Fall, winter). Maybe style using a theme format,. For example, what to wear running errands during cold temps, everything from the coat to boots then what you are wearing underneath. Maybe style ideas as to what a spectator could wear for fall cross country meets? Fall brings warm and cool weather.  I love the lunch date ideas and date night looks that you do. But learning and being inspired in others areas would be fun. Anyway, it’s an idea. Thanks for listening. Deb

  13. I am on the fence with jeans as have never splurged on premium denim and have a pair of AG and Rag and Bone that I am loving!  I got the Blondo boots in the flatter heel,  and think that will work better, also all black.  I returned the Halogen cardigan and not sure I should have, but it is done. The beautiful Loft dress was featured on Ambush Makeover on NBC and they paired it with an Obi belt that matched the blue color.  It was stunning.  So fun to see on you.  I love it.   Feel free to chime in on jean thoughts, maybe I will be like you and keep both!!! Lifestyles keep being more casual, our church is a jeans church so get more wear out of them. 

    1. Hey Christa. I think it’s definitely a cost per wear issue. I love the look and feel of premium denim, and I wear them so much that I justify the price tag, but I realize it’s a hefty one — even on sale. This is definitely the time to splurge if you’re going to. 🙂 Which AG and R&B did you get?

    2. I have Rag and Bone Cate Mid rise ankle skinny in a dark wash, love, and AG Farrah skinny ankle. I ordered a size smaller to try in those too, but love them also. I ordered a Wit and Wisdom Absolution black jean ankle length and think I may size down in those too. I am losing weight and don’t want them to not look good 10 or so lbs from now. I’m turning 50 in a month and feel the need to work on my wardrobe, but so $$. Was not as impressed with the Joe’s I ordered.  The Frame pair look great on you. 

    3. If I’m deciding between two, I ask myself if they serve the same purpose in my wardrobe, or two different purposes. i.e. will I wear them with different shoes or tops? If so, I keep both. If they will pretty much both be worn the same way, I try to pick one.

  14. This try on haul has so many pieces that I would want to keep. How do you decide what to keep and what to send back? Other than a poor fit or workmanship?
    You look cute in them all.

  15. You’ve got some great finds there and look beautiful. I’m usually hit with lots of misses with my orders. Clothes are hard for us pears… Some of these are sold out in my size but I’ll keep checking back. Thanks for the recap. 

  16. What ever you are doing . . . .  it shows.   The length of your hair and color is perfect and you just look so pretty.

  17. Loved most everything – great options & selections. You look lovely in everything. 

    Yes – today is August 1st, but I think it’s getting crazy with school, sports activities, last minute vacations & sure enough Labor Day will be here sooo soon. 

    Have a great visit with friends. I’ve been doing physical Therapy as I’m finally off complete bedrest with this broken hip!!  I’m much better & getting out of this house has been a treat – even for therapy!!

    Blessings – Sherli

  18. Question if you have time or maybe a future post. How should cardigans fit? Should they come together in the front or only fit part way across the front of my body?

    I ordered one during the Nordstrom’s sale in 2 sizes. The large feels sloppy but the medium doesnt come ‘shut’ in the front without pulling. Is that ok?

    Thanks!!!

  19. The black sweaters and dress look great with your coloring. One word of caution with those dark wash bootcut jeans…I ruined a pair of light suede ankle booties from where they rubbed on the top as I walked (saw you had light shoes on). I had even washed them first. Since I was used to a shorter skinny jean I didn’t even think about how the bootcut style would hit my booties. I will say I’m glad to see the bootcut coming back because it is very flattering on us curvy girls.

  20. Wow, that was a lot. Thanks for all your hard work. Loved all the outfits and you look great in them.
    Am not a fan of snakeskin prints. Eew, it makes my skin crawl. Love the long cardigans, looks so cute with the side slits, especially the burgundy one.

    Have a great weekend!

  21. What color is the Halogen cardigan…white or oatmeal? Looks white in your pictures, but I only see oatmeal on the website. I already have an oatmeal cardigan. Thanks!

  22. Everything looks so great on you! You have done a terrific job weeding through this massive sale and choosing the best items. I am oddly (for me…not usually an animal print fan) drawn to both the snake print pants and the zebra sweater. The sweater is sold out on the LOFT site though. 🙁

    I tried the AG boyfriend jeans in two sizes and they just do not fit me right. I think I may order the R&B pair just to see if they are better. I did think the denim quality of the AG pair was FAR superior to my normal W&W and Kut jeans. Fingers crossed that the R&B pair will fit a gal with an actual booty. LOL

    Also, I ordered the light blue Nordstrom cashmere v-neck as a splurge item. I remember you saying last year how much nicer the cashmere is than the Halogen level cashmere. I was honestly disappointed in the softness of it. The color is gorgeous and I very seriously considered keeping it but in the end the extreme drop shoulder made me send it back. I didn’t keep the Halogen cashmere I ordered this time either. I think I’m going to get one of the Everlane cashmere sweaters as my one new cashmere addition this winter. Now I just need to narrow it down to which version. 🙂

    1. Let me know how the R&B pair works. I know what you mean about the softness of the cashmere. I actually think that’s indicative of better quality – it’s a tighter weave – I generally find Halogen cashmeres and that price point to be a bit softer than more luxe brands. Let me know how you like Everlane cashmere. I love my cashmere sweater from them.

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