Happy Saturday, friends! This post has been in the works for a while, and it’s quite the mish-mosh. A good portion of the post is about experimenting with boot and denim styles from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but I do have a few new pieces from Evereve, Social Threads, Madewell, and LOFT to share with you as well.
For size reference, I’m 5’5″ and around 137 pounds. I usually take a 6/28 in pants/jeans, a small in tops, and size 8 shoe.
Late Summer/Early Fall Try-On Haul
LOFT is doing a sale this weekend — an extra 60% off sale styles with code WOW, and teachers get an extra 15% off their purchases. Plus, they’ve got some special deals going, like dresses starting at $40, pants & jeans starting at $10, and tops & tees starting at $5.
LOFT Striped Tie Waist Midi Dress
dress // sandals // tan boots // white boots
This knit midi dress with the tie waist detail is a nice transition piece. You can wear it now with sandals, as shown above, and then with boots this fall… I wish I’d thought to throw a denim jacket on top for the pictures below. A beige leather moto would also be fun over top.
I can’t decide if I like that tie waist detail or not. I think I could have cinched it a little tighter. This dress is stretchy and comfortable, and it runs true to size. It’s also 40% off with code WOW.
LOFT Chewed Hem High Rise Kick Crop Jeans in Light Wash
I wanted to find a lower priced alternative to my favorite Mother Insiders, and these jeans from LOFT are pretty good! They have a very similar fit, right down to the chewed hem.
There’s a little more sandblasting on the thighs and the seat than I prefer, but I think it’s magnified a bit in these pictures. Overall, not a deal breaker.
I also styled them with sandals and a tank so you can see them styled for summer as well.
These jeans run true to size, and they’re currently 40% off with code WOW.
Risen Vintage Wash Straight Leg Jeans
I’ve seen a lot of chatter about these jeans, so when they were restocked, I snagged a pair. They’re fun — destructed and casual without any gaping holes or anything.
They’re stretchy and comfortable, and they do feel like they may bag out with wear. I probably should have sized down, as suggested on the Social Threads website, but I’m wearing my usual 28.
Chaser Vintage Rib V Neck Top
Evereve sent me a few more outfits to share with you this month! This is a cute little transition top that you can wear now with shorts, and later with pants and jeans.
It’s soft and comfortable, with a relaxed fit. You could size down, if in between. I love the shape of the v-neck and the snap detail on the sleeves and sides of the top. This cream color is very on trend this fall, by the way.
Kut From The Kloth Reese Utility Pant
And these pants also make a nice transition piece. Olive is another trending color this fall, and of course a good utility pant is always a nice wardrobe essential to have in your fall and spring closet. They have a 27″ inseam, and a 9 1/2″ rise, and they run slightly big. You might want to size down, if in between. These are the size 6.
Roan + Ryan Ciara Seamed Tank
This fun little top from Evereve pairs well with jeans or shorts. In fact, you may have already seen it styled with shorts in my last edition of What I Wore Lately.
And here it is with white skinny jeans and slide sandals. It’s really soft and comfortable to wear, and the colors give a nod to fall, so it will be easy to layer under a lightweight jacket when the weather starts to turn.
This top runs true to size, your you may want to size up if in between; I’m in the small.
Allison Joy Vera Split Neck Tank
This animal print blouse is really cute for date night or a casual event. You can button the 2 buttons at the neck, for more of a keyhole opening, but I like to leave it open. It has a banded waist, and it fits true to size, or size up if in between.
I first paired it with the Good American Good Straight jeans in an off-black wash (above) because I bought them to wear together, but I actually like it better with the Mother Insiders in the Not Guilty wash (below.)
The darker black wash without distressing is dressier, and a better pairing for this top, in my opinion. These jeans are only available at Shopbop, but any jeans or pants in a true black will work.
Dr. Scholls Brickell Wood Heel
These sandals also came from Evereve, and they’re really cute — a nice break from the slides I’ve been seeing so much this summer. The ankle straps provide stability, and they have a supportive footbed as well. They’re true to size; I’m wearing the 8.
Good American Good Classic
at Evereve // at Good American // at Bloomies // mules
These jeans came from Evereve as well, but they’ve sold out since I ordered them, so I was happy to find them at a few other retailers!
I really like this cut. They have a 28” inseam, 11 1/4” front rise, and 15” leg opening — which is basically a high rise straight ankle jean. I tried them on with a bunch of different boots, and they work with almost every one.
Here they are with the Vagabond Chelsea boots. They skim right over the top, for a long, lean leg line.
And they also work well with the Franco Sarto lug sole Chelsea boots. Sorry, I know they’re sold out, but there are some other similar styles out there… like the Caslon Miller boots (save) and the Paul Green Jagger (splurge).
I also like how these jeans look with the Franco Sarto block heeled square toe boots, for a slightly dressier look.
And finally, with the Tory Burch platform Chelsea boots… also low inventory, but you never know when your size will pop back in stock again!
Okay, that’s enough of those jeans! I also played around with some full-length jeans, and then I’ve got a full review on several new pairs of boots that just came in.
Madewell High-Rise Bootcut Jeans in Firth Wash
at Madewell // at Nordstrom // sweater // boots
I think I shared these jeans in a previous try-on haul, but I tried them on with several different pairs of boots. They’re a stiffer denim, and while they have a subtle bootcut silhouette, they’re more relaxed through the thighs and knees than the bootcuts of the 90s. These have more of a vintage 70s vibe.
They have a 30 1/2″ inseam with a 20″ leg opening and a very high 13″ front rise — so I wouldn’t want to front tuck with these. But I do like the style a lot. They work well with the white Marc Fisher fashion boots with the subtle Western-inspired styling (above) and also with the lower heeled Rag & Bone Chelsea boots below.
I also tried them with the P448 Thea sneakers from the #NSale for a more sporty vibe. They break on top of the shoe in the front, but you’re not walking on the hem or anything — at least, I’m not. If you’re shorter, that might be a problem, but they can be hemmed, of course.
Here they are with the Vince Camuto Welland booties and a v-neck sweater. I really like this more elevated look.
And they also work really well with the Tory Burch platform Chelsea boots. These jeans are true to size; I’m wearing the 28.
By the way, this classic Vince wool/cashmere crewneck sweater is still fully stocked in most colors. It’s a closet staple you will wear for years, and I highly recommend it if it works with your budget and lifestyle. It’s true to size, or you can size up for a slouchier fit. (I’m wearing the small.)
NYDJ Marilyn Stretch Straight Leg Jeans
I wanted to compare the Madewell high waist bootcut jeans to the NYDJ Marilyn straight leg jeans. As you can see here, these have a very similar look to the Madewell pair, even though they’re classified differently and the measurements are different. (The Madewell jeans have a 30 1/2″ inseam; 20″ leg opening; 13″ front rise) , and the NYDJ jeans have a 32 1/2″ regular inseam; 16″ leg opening; 10″ front rise.)
I will say, though, that the fabric on the NYDJ jeans is much softer and stretchier. Here they are with the chunkier Louise Et Cie platform Chelsea boots, which have been restocked in a few sizes!
They don’t skim over top quite as nicely as they do the Tory Burch, above. In fact, I might actually want to have these shortened just a tad; I think I prefer the 30 1/2″ inseam of the Madewell jeans. These jeans run big, definitely size down, if ordering. I’m wearing the 4, and I think I might actually need the 2.
At any rate, I think this is where denim styles might be headed, although I do believe there will continue to be a place for all styles. Women are learning what works best for their bodies and enjoying the independence of wearing what they feel good in, regardless of trends, which is awesome! But I’m seeing a return to full length, more relaxed styles as an option, and I like it.
Okay, moving on to boots…
Franco Sarto Bellina Chelsea Boot
I’ve ended up with four similar pairs of black leather lug sole Chelsea boots, and I can only keep one, so you guys can help me decide. These sold out, unfortunately, but I’ll share in case of restocks.
I like these, but they’re a tad bulky. That said, they’re a nice quality and very comfortable, and I like the contrast stitching. They run slightly big, you might want to size down half unless you plan to wear thick socks with them.
I first tried them with the Agolde Toni straight ankle jeans because I’ve worn these a lot this summer with sneakers and sandals, and I’m curious how they’ll translate to fall.
They’re okay, but they do get hung up on the tab at the back of the boots. I don’t really care for them cuffed, though… I prefer a sleeker, more streamlined silhouette.
Next, I tried them with the Mother Insiders… This definitely works, but the bulky black boot looks kind of heavy with the light wash jeans.
There is no shaft height measurement on the website, but these do have a fairly high shaft — high enough that the jeans won’t get caught on it when I move around.
Vince Cabria Water Resistant Front Zip Boot
I tried the lace-up version of this pair of boots last winter, and while they’re absolutely gorgeous, I couldn’t quite make peace with them. At the end of the day, I think they’re just too rugged for my personal style.
But this zip-up style is a little more elevated, so I’m wondering if I can pull them off. As you can see, these are definitely sleeker than the Franco Sarto pair above. Here’s a close-up, and I cuffed the jeans so you can see the shaft height.
These jeans do fit nicely over the top, and the shaft of the boot is tall enough that the jeans don’t get caught on the tab on the back when I move around.
All in all, I like these, but I’ll need to play around with styling different jeans and sweaters. I’m worried I won’t reach for them often enough to warrant the price tag.
Paul Green Jagger Chelsea Boot
boots // jeans // sweater // bag
These weren’t really on my radar at first, but then I decided I needed to try them in person, so I ordered them. Comfort-wise, these boots win, hands-down. The leather is noticeably softer and has more give than either of the two pairs above, and the footbed is softer and more supportive as well.
When I took these off and put on the Vince, I was amazed at the difference in comfort — even though the Vince Cabria boots are gorgeous, and there is nothing uncomfortable about them, the Paul Green is just on another level.
I also like the contrast trim on these, and the ultra high shaft for extra warmth and ease of wearing under cropped jeans. But…. there is still something kind of clunky and masculine about them. I dunno, I’m not sure I can get excited enough about these to justify the price tag. They’re true to size, or size up half for thick socks.
Blondo Drew Waterproof Bootie
These Blondo boots are just under $100, and they definitely look a little more plasticky than some of the others, but I still like them a lot. The contrasting trim is a nice touch, and the zipper front makes them easy to get on and off. I also really like the subtle wedge heel.
They’re also very comfortable, but they do kind of cut into your leg at the top of the shaft, so if I keep these, I will have to wear lightweight socks with them.
Of the four similar pairs I tried here, these might be my favorite… which would be awesome because they’re by far the best price. I think it’s that wedge — it really helps elevate the look, and they’re still extremely comfortable to walk in (with the exception of the top of the shaft being a bit rough.)
I’m going to say they’re true to size, although my big toe does just touch the corner of the front of the boot. If you plan to wear thick socks, maybe size up half.
Paige Lia Bootie
boots // sweater // blue jeans // grey jeans
These Paige booties are more of a splurge, but they’re unique, and the quality is there. I love that angled zipper detail and the sleek, minimalist profile. They’re true to size, but you may want to size up if in between.
As you can see, they fit well under a straight ankle jean, but they’re short enough that you could also wear them with cropped skinnies, or a crop flare. Here they are in the black…
I need to play around with them some more, to decide if I will wear them enough, but they’re great boots. If I keep a pair, it will probably be the black. For this price, I want to be sure I will wear them a lot, plus, I already have the Marc Fisher pair in the white.
These boots are true to size, or you could size up half. The leather is soft and doesn’t bother me too much, but my toes are right in the end of the boot.
Aquatalia Dayana Water Resistant Stretch Bootie
Aquatalia is known for high end, water-resistant boots and shoes in classic styles. These stretch booties are absolutely gorgeous, and they will look great with skirts, under skinny jeans, with bootcut or crop flares, basically anything. They’re so soft and stretchy and soft against the leg, no need to wear socks or tights unless it’s for the warmth.
I love the sleek, streamlined silhouette. I have a very similar pair to these that I got at the #NSale a couple years back, and I wear them a ton in the fall and winter because they’re pretty much my only dressier boot I can wear in mucky weather.
I ordered this pair, first to show you, because if you need something like this, I highly recommend these! But also because I bought mine a half size too big, and it’s always bugged me. I hate to spend this much to replace a pair of perfectly good boots that still look like new, but I might keep these and sell my older ones.
They also come in grey, navy, and brown; and they run true to size. (Don’t size up, lol!)
Rag & Bone Razor Chelsea Bootie
These went back because I decided I didn’t care for the color, but I want to share them because they’re really good booties that aren’t getting a lot of attention… meaning, they’re fully stocked!
Rag & Bone makes a really good pair of boots, and I like this classic design with subtle Western-inspired Chelsea boot styling. The shaft is on the lower side, but it still works well with the longer jeans, and they will also work well with skinnies.
These also have a lower heel than some of the similar styles; it’s 2 1/2″ inches, so very easy walking. They also come in a dark grey and a really nice shade of chestnut brown.
Frame Le Lexington Chelsea Boot
boots // jeans // sweater // jacket // bag
I’ve shared these before, but since I’m pretty much reviewing all the boots I’ve tried from the #NSale this year, I figured I’d add these in here as a reminder. They’re also still fully stocked! These are spendy, for sure, but they’re really good quality and I feel like this is more of a classic style that won’t look dated in a few seasons… although maybe the lug sole Chelsea boots will.
They’re sleek and easy to pull off and on, and the 2″ heel is very walkable. The slim 5 1/2″ shaft allows them to slip easily under a narrower pant leg, such as these AG Mari straight ankle jeans with the 14″ leg opening. They run true to size; I have the 8.
Vagabond Marja Cap Toe Bootie
at Nordstrom // at Zappos // cardigan // tee // jeans
These boots are sold out at Nordstrom, but I found them at Zappos in several sizes, also on sale. I figured I’d share them here, since I’m reviewing all the boots! These are a lower-priced alternative to the Frame Le Lexington boots, shown above.
They’re also very comfortable, and the leather is good quality. I like the cap toe detail, and they have the same 2″ heel and 5 1/2″ shaft as the Frame boots.
I like this slender silhouette, but I don’t care for the contrast of the black with the light wash denim, so then I tried the Mother Insiders with a silky bomber jacket (sold out, sorry!) and the Tory Burch platform Chelsea boots. This whole outfit is super cute, and I cannot wait to wear it.
While I had these jeans on, I threw on this beige utility jacket and the slightly more rugged Louise Et Cie platform Chelsea boots…this works too, but I definitely prefer the more streamlined silhouette of the leather boots above.
Okay, sorry for the tangent there at the end! I have so many pictures, it’s hard to know how to organize them for a post like this.
I also hate sharing things that are sold out, but I know that they’ll be restocked eventually, so this way, you have all the information to make wise buying decisions… and maybe you won’t end up with 20 pairs of boots in your house that you have to decide between, ha!
I’ll be updating my #NSale Outfits page with a lot of these looks, so you have them all in one place come fall. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
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When I was perusing the Evereve site the other day, I looked at the black, brown, and cream colored tank and contemplated getting it, but I didn’t. I did t think about it being a nice layering piece which I should have. Oh well! I am going to refrain from giving my input on he black booties. You know which ones feel the best on and know how much you can spend on them. Keep the pair that you honestly think you will wear the most. When I was looking at the various booties, I intentionally sought out ones with the tab sticking up in the back because I felt like my jeans/pants would get hung on it, which would irritate me. You shared some great pieces with us!
Yeah, it really depends on how they work with outfits, and I won’t really know which ones I’ll reach for the most until I’m dressing for fall. But I’m definitely NOT keeping all of these until October, so! I will need to make some decisions soon.
I always love your try-ons! I really like the Madewell jeans, but I’ve tried so many different styles from Madewell and come to the conclusion that they just do not flatter me. I’d also like to try the lighter wash NYDJ, but I have not seen those in petite sizes at all, even when the lighter wash was in stock.
I totally get it with the Paul Green boots. Last year’s NSale was my first time trying the brand and I fell in love. The comfort is unbelievable. I think I ended up with a total of 3 pairs. This year, I was sure I would be ordering more, but I just wasn’t feeling the styles. Perhaps if I would have ordered one or two pairs and tried them on, I would have loved them on, but I agree that at least on the pair up above, there is something just not quite flattering. I think the Blondo boots look better.
I just put the long sleeve Evereve top in my cart…so cute! I LOVE the tie-dye tank, but it looks like the slub knit fabric and I ALWAYS end up getting the little tiny holes at the waist (no matter how careful I am), and I’d be so annoyed to spend $50+ on a tank and have that happen.
Yeah, I hear ya. I haven’t had that issue with it… or any t-shirts lately, actually. I don’t know what I’m doing differently, but I kind of forgot about that until you mentioned it.
Good Morning, I love this post because i to am trying to figure out what boots to try and keep. I ordered the Paul green and the blondo zip boots but haven’t received them yet, I was also trying to decide on the frame, aquatalia or the vagabond. I do not have the best feet so comfort is important. Have you decided on any keepers yet?
Not really… only the ones I’ve worn outside already, lol. Definitely keeping the Marc Fisher Gadri and Vince Camuto Welland. Oh, and the Tory Burch. The rest, I’m rather undecided about.
Wow! So many goodies! Love the Chaser Vintage Rib V neck…going check it out now!
Loove the post, can you share the band rings you’re wearing and if so the links? Been looking at your Lagos crossover ring but also like these as well. Thank you! Nancy
If you mean the sapphire/diamond band, it was custom made for my 10th wedding anniversary. 🙂
There was also one with another one of the outfits in this post that looked like a link type design. Didn’t know if it is another Lagos design. Thank you
Oh, sorry! This one https://shopstyle.it/l/bwPTY
The DY is lovely too, sold out on the Saks site. But will keep this one in mind also. Love your understated taste in all your posts! The white Birks worked out well. Thanks for the help. Nancy
Bummer! I didn’t check first. I just did a search online and it seems to be gone everywhere. ☹️
I’ve been slow to transition away from my skinnies, but I have the prima cigarette jeans. Question: should they be worn above the shaft of the bootie or over it? I’m 5’2”, so I’ll have to have them hemmed or cut them (thanks to your tutorial). Just trying to decide the best length.
It really depends on the bootie. I’d cuff them with the Vince Camuto Welland and Marc Fisher Gadri styles. I’d wear them over the Aquatalia stretch bootie, and I’d have to experiment with the Chelsea boots – depends on the height and width of the shaft.
I really like the Paige boots better than the Frame Chelsea but that cap-toed pair at a lower price is really good too.
I’d keep the platform Tory Burch and the wedge black ones. Unfortunately, boots aren’t terribly practical here. At least not practical enough to justify 3 new pairs. I’ll have to live vicariously through you! 🙂