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Shop With Me: Nordstrom / LOFT / J.Crew

Hello, friends! Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m taking you shopping with me today. I actually went shopping on Monday, but I took loads of pictures so I could report back to you.

I’m also expecting a Trunk Club delivery this week so I have a Trunk Club Unboxing coming to you soon as well. I was hoping it would be here in time for my Facebook Live today, but so far no dice. I’m keeping my fingers crossed though. I’ll do my best to hop on a Live Chat at 1PM EST. There’s a lot going on at my house today so hopefully it will work out. Bring your questions! I’ll also be talking about some of my favorite spring trends.

Okay, so as for my shopping trip… it’s a doozie. I shopped at Nordstrom, LOFT, J.Crew, and Madewell… but I didn’t try on anything at Madewell. They’re hit or miss for me, and right now it’s a lot of cropped sweaters and voluminous blouses. #notforme

I do have some of their jeans that I really like, though. I ordered them online, and they came in over the weekend so I have those for you in this post as well.

First off, for size reference, I’m 5’5″ and about 140 lbs at the moment. I typically wear a size small or 6/8 in tops and dresses, and I’m 28/29 in pants. For the Adore Your Wardrobe students or graduates out there, my body type is short-waisted curvy, and I’m a cool skintone.

Let’s start at LOFT. I’ve actually had my eye on this coral sweater for a while, but I wasn’t sure I’d like the fit. As it turns out, it’s adorable on! I really like the length, the boat neck, the contrast ribbed knit details, and the weight of it as well. It’s a perfect transition piece.

Incidentally, this sweater also comes in white and navy. I had a hard time choosing between the coral and white. Since nothing was on sale, I didn’t purchase either, but I’m thinking of getting one if LOFT runs a good President’s Day sale this weekend. (I have no insider info, but I’m assuming they will!)

These are also LOFT jeans — they’re the Modern Skinny Crop jeans, and I really like them. They have a nice shape and fit, and the destructed light indigo wash is fun for spring and summer.

Here’s a rear view of both the jeans and the sweater. I think the pocket placement is flattering, and they provide good shape.

I’m assuming they would stretch out some, but they’re 98% cotton so maybe not. They’re thicker than some of my favorite jeans, but the thicker denim is trending right now so there’s that.

I took one picture in a straight-on pose so you can see the fit of both pieces a little better. It’s not the most flattering stance, but it gives a better idea of the fit and proportion.

I also tried on this striped tee, and this gives you a side view of the jeans.

This is their Spacedye Stripe Vintage Soft Tee, and I have it front-tucked because it has a curved hemline that is too long on me and isn’t terribly flattering, but I like the color. It’s a small.

Here it is with a cardigan on top. This Rib Trim Pocket cardigan is a nice weight and fit, and it also comes in white. It’s 100% cotton, so nice for springtime, and the chunky knit will be warm on cooler spring days. For size reference, this is a small.

I also tried on these frayed hem cropped chinos. I can’t find them online, so if you see them, drop me a link! I realize it’s hard to tell if the look good or not without shoes, but the black booties definitely did nothing for them.

I don’t love them because they’re a little wider through the calf than I prefer, but maybe I just need to get used to that since the straight crop style is definitely trending. I still prefer a cropped skinny.

I love this mixed stripe bell sleeve sweater, and I definitely plan to get one when it goes on sale. SO cute for spring.

And same with this black and white striped whipstitched sweater. LOVE this.

Aren’t the sleeves the cutest??? I thought it was navy, but it says it’s black.

I feel like it flatters the curves without being clingy, there are some fun knit details, and the length is nice — not too long or too short. I can so see this with white jeans this spring.

I wanted to like this spacedye slit cuff sweater more than I did. I think it’s the neckline — it’s a little too high for my personal preference. It might work for someone else, though. It’s really pretty for spring.

I tried it with the coral pants, but the proportions don’t work out very well. I think the sweater is too long for the cropped pants, and it kind of cuts me in half instead of creating that pleasing 1/3 to 2/3 body ratio.

OK! That’s it for LOFT. Moving on to Nordstrom

I started out in the T.B.D. Department, where they carry premium denim and brands like Hinge, Treasure & Bond, and Madewell.

I tried this stripe tie back top in two colors and sizes. This is the medium in navy and white stripe. I think it would be pretty with white pants or jeans for spring, and it could make a nice work wear piece for those of you looking for that.

Personally, for me, it’s a little too long, but it might work for someone else.

I love the sleeve detail.

Here’s the ivory and grey version in a small, but I can’t seem to find this one online. My guess is it’s coming soon.

I guess I like the fit of the navy a little better? It’s a tough call, but if it shrinks, it would be better to have the larger of the two sizes. Also, that weird lump on my shoulder is from the hanger. The shirt will lay right once that gets ironed out.

This is the popular Madewell Whisper v-neck pocket tee, and I’m wearing the medium. I really like this, and it came home with me. It’s a bit thinner than I’d prefer in a white tee, but it has a nice silhouette — not clingy but not too relaxed either. I’m not a fan of the boob pocket, but that just seems to be the way it is with most t-shirts. I will wear it mostly as a layering tee, but it works okay on its own; the split hem is a nice detail if I want to leave it untucked, but the front tuck works too.

I’m also wearing the Paige Hoxton high rise skinny ankle jeans, and I’m smitten. I’m pretty sure these are the ones from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I tried them on at the time but didn’t think I needed them. Well, this time they came home with me.

The high rise feels so good, it holds everything in but has enough stretch to not be binding anywhere. Also, they’re a nice dark wash that is easily dressed up or down. For size reference, I have the 29, my usual size in Paige jeans.

I tried on this pink ribbed sweater by Rails even though I knew it wasn’t going to flatter me. Why do I always fall for these? It has that trendy oversized cropped look with the split hem that’s more flattering on those who are smaller up top, but I LOVE how soft and luxe it is… Of course, for the price tag, it better be!

This Treasure & Bond varsity tee is super cute on. I love the casual, athletic vibe, and I can see it with both light indigo jeans as well as white denim this spring and summer.

I have it front-tucked, and for reference, I’m wearing a size small. It’s made of a nice quality t-shirt material, and it’s very soft and comfortable.

Here is how it looks untucked and full-length with the Paige Hoxton jeans. I definitely prefer the front-tuck on me, but this is so you can get an idea of the length.

And here’s the back. I think Nordstrom needs to clean their mirrors!

This Hinge tie sleeve sweatshirt is AMAZING. It’s thick and soft and fleecy inside and sooo cozy. The tie sleeves are a fun touch, and they are knotted so they stay tied pretty well. The waist fits kind of snug so you can place it where you want it on your hips, which I like.

I’m wearing this with a pair of Rag & Bone ankle skinny jeans, but I don’t like them as much as the Paige. You may remember the pair of black Rag & Bone jeans I ordered from Revolve because I wanted to try their high rise. I loved them, but the hem of the ankles flared in a funny way, and these do the same thing. I may just have to give up on Rag & Bone jeans.

I liked everything else about them. They’re super flattering through the leg and the rear, and they have a comfortable 8.5″ mid-rise for those who don’t want a high rise but aren’t crazy about low rise jeans either.

Moving on to the Point of View department (this is the area that carries mid-price casual and career wear and brands such as Halogen, Caslon, and Vince Camuto.)

I tried on this Halogen bow back sweater. I’m not a huge fan of the bows, but the gorgeous shade of green caught my eye. I love wearing this color in March. I actually have a similar sweater from last year in this color. It’s more of a simple v-neck sweater, though. This one is fun and different.

It’s really soft and cozy and slightly oversized. I’m wearing a small, and it almost felt too big, but judging by how it fits the model, I think this the way it’s supposed to be.

I also tried on this Sanctuary Tie Shoulder Floral Shell. At first, I was kind of digging it. It’s a pretty print, flattering through the waist area, and has a fun tie shoulder detail…

The back is cute too, although I don’t love the longer length. The split detail is kind of fun, though.

Then I turned to the side… (Warning: bra shot.)

WHAT is going on there? Does anyone try these clothes on before they go to market? Who is this intended to fit, exactly? I mean, I guess I could try a petite, but I NEVER wear petites. Anyway, needless to say, this top did NOT come home with me.

Now that we’ve gotten past the shock of that… let’s discuss these pants. I recently wrote a post on ways to wear olive green pants, and these are a nice choice for spring.

They’re the Wit & Wisdom Ab Solution ankle skimmer jeans, and they have a 24 1/2″ inseam with a 12″ leg opening and a comfortable 9″ front rise.

Here’s a front-on look. They do that little flare thing at the hem, I think in this case because they have a small slit on the side. In my experience, this brand tends to stretch out, so take that into account. You may want to size down.

I’m wearing the 8, and I can’t imagine needing a 6, but I would probably want to try both and wear them around the house before taking the tags off and making my final decision.

They have this cool internal elastic waistband that makes them super comfortable. Here’s a look.

And here’s a closer shot of this white tiered hem linen top. I like this a lot, although it is on the thinner side. I would probably want to wear a nude cami under it.

Surprise! I tried on a dress. I wanted to like this washed black modal blend dress by NIC+ZOE, but it needs some tailoring if it’s going to work for me, although after looking at the pictures online, maybe it fits the way it’s supposed to. I know it shows my curves, but I feel like it needs to be nipped in at the waist to fit properly. For size reference, this is a small.

I like the pleated details on the side and shoulder, but I don’t love the asymmetrical hemline.

Here’s a look at the back. I dunno… maybe I just need to see it with heels. For size reference, this is a small. It is lined too — nice quality if you’re looking for a versatile black dress.

I have mixed feelings about this Halogen ruched tie sleeve top. On the one hand, I think it’s a pretty print, I like the modest v-neckline, and it’s a nice length. But the ruffle on the sleeve is a bit much, and it’s kind of busy. Maybe I need to see it with white pants.

One more from Nordstrom, and then we’re moving on to J.Crew.

This is another one of those sweaters that’s all business in the front…

And party in the back!

I’d like this sweater a lot better without the bows, personally. I love the stripes and the tailored look from the front. Even the white stripe across the boobs seems to work okay. I think it would be super cute with white jeans or light wash jeans this spring.

Okay, guys. Home stretch!

I just found a few things I wanted to try at J.Crew. This v-neck boyfriend sweater is wider than I was expecting, but it is super soft and luxe. I like the combination of light grey with white jeans this time of year. It’s still warm for those of us in cold climates, but the lighter colors remind us that springtime is just around the corner.

These jeans are the 9″ Toothpick jeans, and they’re pretty good. They’re quite thick for white denim, and the fit is really nice.

Here’s the rear view. You can see the pockets are rather small and well placed, and they overall have a nice fit. I probably should have tried them without the boots to make sure the hem works well for me, but I believe it did.

Oh, and hey, how fun is this cropped fatigue jacket? I love it as an alternative to the traditional utility jacket we always see this time of year.

And finally, this long open cardigan is a nice piece. I don’t have a lot of long cardigans — I had a grey one last fall but didn’t love the quality so I passed it on. This one is much nicer, plus I love the exposed seams and the longer sleeve length with ribbed cuff detail.

I’m not sure that it’s particularly flattering from behind, but then are any long cardigans flattering from that angle? Some more so than others, for sure, but I think this one is okay. I brought it home with me because it was on sale, but I’m still debating.

The tee I’m wearing underneath is their Perfect Fit T-Shirt in white, size medium. It’s quite snug, but makes an okay layering piece if you want something more body conscious. It has a good weight to the fabric — not thin or see-through at all. I personally prefer a looser fit, like the Madewell one above.

And that’s it! I actually have a few more pieces that came in the mail that I wanted to share, but I ran out of time. Maybe I’ll add them later, but I’m off to a photo shoot this morning.

Have a great day, and don’t forget to stop over to my Facebook Page around 1PM EST for a live chat!

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55 Responses

  1. Loved this post! I made a list of things as I was reading through, that I really loved. I’m currently taking the Adore Your Wardrobe class (I’m #evenwaistedstraight.), so I know a couple of the tops I loved are probably too long for me. Loved the varsity top and the navy striped tie back top, but if they’re long on you, I’m sure they’d be too long on me at 5’0″. Also LOVED the spacedye vintage tee and the tiered hem linen tops. I had a question about the frayed hem cropped chinos…they look like they might be low-rise? I definitely prefer an 8 1/2-9″ rise.

  2. I would wear the crap out of the first Loft sweater (in white, not the coral), I’m going to wait for the sale too. And I would definitely get a lot of wear out of that athletic top and the long gray cardigan. I’m not a bow person or a fluffy sleeve person since I work on a computer all day, but I do think they are cute. Thanks for all the ideas!

  3. Wow!  You must be worn out!  Lol.  

    Lots of cute items.  Not sure I like the bow back outfits.  That multi-color stripe sweater is adorable – until I see the bows.  It would be PERFECT without them.  😏 But I may just try it in person to see what I think.  

    I hope you get to feeling better quickly and have a great day!  

  4. I love these posts. You do a fabulous job explaining what you like/dislike about each garment you tried. It makes it so much easier for me to shop online when I know the fit and quality of the pieces I am seeing on you.

    Thanks for sharing!!!

    1. I agree.  Seeing things on Jo Lynne and knowing the size makes such a difference.  So often, the stores put the models in oversized items and you have no idea of the fit.

  5. I love this kind of post.  I enjoy seeing the clothes on a ‘real’ person so I can see what they REALLY look like.  I like the look of the bell sleeves and ties on the sleeves, but don’t they get into everything?!?  Or just frankly, arent they in the way a lot?   Maybe I’m just messy. Lol

  6. Hello! I have a question about how you care for your washable clothes. Do you mind sharing what laundry products you use to help keep them looking their best? Thank you!

  7. Great post! My favorites are the striped bell sleeve and the vintage tee. I agree with you. I loved the striped sweater from JCrew if it didn’t have the bows. Happy Valentines Day! 

  8. No bows on butts for me!!! Who needs to bring more attention to that area in my opinion!!! Loved some of the white t-shirts, loved the green jacket too! I have to say I love seeing you try on clothes. Even though my body style is not like yours and I am definitely older – still fun!! Thanks – it like going shopping with a girlfriend!!!

  9. Great post! Thanks for shopping for me!!    Will wait for Loft sale- really like the black & white stripe sweater and the pale stripe sweater.      

  10. What’s the measurement of the rise on the Paige jeans? Meanwhile, why is the rise too long on the model? I hate that baggy crotch (hate that word) look! Find a model they fit Nordstrom!
    I enjoyed seeing the long-sleeved t-shirt on you because I can see how it actually fits. I’m ready for the stick-thin models wearing baggy clothing (and slouching) to be over. I want to see how things hang. Thanks for the post! I have a couple of things in my Loft basket waiting for a good sale.

    1. I hate the crotch word too. Bleh. 🙂 The Paige rise is 9″ I believe. I am going off of memory tho. It could be 10″. I didn’t find it baggy on me. That’s one thing I look for in high waisted jeans (look for, to avoid that is.)

  11. Loft has been killing it with their sweaters lately!  I have the black and white sweater that you tried on, though mine is red.  In the last month I’ve worn it a ton and washed it several times.  It didn’t hurt that it was on sale:-)

  12. Thank you Jolynne for sharing! I always enjoy your insights and openness & you found so many cute things for that tricky transition from winter to spring 🙂

  13. I love these shop with you posts. Thanks for taking the time to shop and share ideas! Loft and Nordstrom are two of my favorite stores – your posts are so helpful. 

  14. I was waiting for this post to come after I saw the striped sweater on instagram. I’m so disappointed that it has the bows up the back.  I think the bows are too young for me, plus there would be bumps in the back of any jacket worn over top. Maybe, too fussy, as well. 😩 
    Lots of great ones here, too. It would be hard to not buy most. The coral chinos are cute. Not sure the wider leg opening is meant to be cuffed. Try them unrolled with sandals. I bet they’re cute. Love, love, love the cropped fatigue jacket! 
    I hope you’re over whatever was making you sick last night. Maybe a nap is in order today. 
    Enjoy your special dinner at home tonight. We do the same as restaurants are just too busy. We’re empty nesters so I like to buy chocolate truffles made locally and a good red for hubby & I to enjoy. 
    Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

  15. Loved the look of both the white linen t shirts — the three quarter with the hem detail and the Madewell — but I AM SO TIRED of how sheer the material of these tops are! I live in CA so I don’t like to wear camis underneath a white t-shirt…and I feel it sorta defeats the purpose of the look.
    But then, if its a thicker shirt (like the Perfect Fit one) it doesn’t seem to feel/look as hip, or have that “drapey/modern” look that looks really good under blazers
    I think a great holy grail post would be “In Search of The Perfect White T-shirt” lol ….

    1. Victoria, have you ever looked at Tommy Hilfiger v-neck tees for women? They are a thicker cotton and the white is not see through; the fit is modern and cute. I pick them up at Macy’s when they go on sale, they are very versatile.

  16. Loved going shopping with you! Really enjoy these posts – but I think everything you do is helpful and informative, and entertaining. Love your honesty and variety. I don’t always like the same things you do (the bows in the back, for instance) but appreciate seeing the variety and hearing your opinions. I have the black cardigan from Loft and wear it lots. It was a good purchase (I got it on sale with a coupon, too).

  17. Hi Jo-Lynne! This post is so helpful! You put so much time and thought into explaining each piece and I so appreciate that. I don’t know about the bows for me, at least, but they look cute on you! My favorite is the green jacket! I may have to check that one out! Have a blessed day!

  18. Great Post!! I’m glad you described your body type. I’m pretty close to the same as you, which makes your posts even more informative to me. I recently purchased a pair of embroider jeans. Very simple and not big floral (not a big fan of floral ) that’s why I purchased them. I was wondering what type of tops would you wear with these? Do you try to match a color in the embroidering? Thanks

  19. You shared some very pretty pieces with us, but I sure got tired seeing what all you tried on.  Thank you so much for doing that!  I don’t know that I have a favorite.  Since I can’t buy any clothes until after Lent, I need to just move on and not dwell on the pretty clothes.  Hope you are still feeling better!

  20. I LOVE this post!  I always sit back and enjoy shopping with you.  Your internal dialogue is so much fun.  I made a list of a few things I’m interested in: The Paige jeans, the Wit and Wisdom Ankle skimmers, and that J Crew long gray sweater.  I’ll click your links when I’m ready to buy.   I continue to learn so much from you, and find you in my head when I’m looking at clothes in my closet and shopping.  In fact, I’m wearing a shirt around the house today that is going straight to the donation bag (after the wash).  It’s just not flattering…I looked at it and said, “It’s not ME, it’s YOU!!  lol

  21. Like most of what you posted. But not the bow back tops but I’m not a bow person. Your hair looks cute. Did you get it cut. I still want to check out the jeans at Target. Think Universal denim. So sad about the shooting. When will this end?!

    1. It’s devastating, and there is no end in sight. Everyone has their theories, but ultimately, I think this is just the state of a sinful world… not that we shouldn’t try to make it better. Of course we should always strive to make the world a safer place, but there will always be evil people doing evil things. I can’t imagine the horror those kids (and teachers and parents) are experiencing tonight.

      I did get my hair cut. 🙂 I don’t love it, but I think it needed it.

  22. Awesome try-on session! I bet that is exhausting! Do you ever order from Everlane? Wondering how their clothes would look on a regular person. 🙂

    1. It is pretty tiring, to be honest. LOL! I have ordered a few things from Everlane. Returned most of them, unfortunately. I like one white tee I got there, tho! I am working on a white t-shirt post.

  23. Thanks for the post! What size did you try in the Hinge sweatshirt? And are the arm stripes on the Treasure and Bond shirt fabric? Or are the stripes “painted” on? Thanks for the details! I love these shop with me posts….keep them coming!

    1. Susan, I am so sorry! I went to put the shirt on and realized the stripes are NOT fabric. They are more like screenprint – not sure what to call it. Definitely not material sewn on. I hope I didn’t steer you wrong.

  24. Wow, you’ve been busy! So glad you featured the long grey cardigan! I’ve been thinking about getting one, I see a lot of them in the PNW, but wasn’t sure how flattering they would be for me. I’m an inch shorter than you and have struggled with that style and making it work with my height. Do you see yourself exploring that look for spring or summer met?

  25. I love the striped bell sleeve sweater from Loft. I actually talked about it on my blog. Love the long cardigan too, but you are right. There rear view on them isn’t great. Of course it hasn’t stopped me from amassing quite the collection. LOL

  26. Thank you for taking us shopping with you. I am totally ready to buy some spring sweaters and add some color to my closet, even though it’s still rainy and yucky in Texas. I liked most of what you liked and will keep an eye out for that Loft mixed striped bell sleeve sweater. Also the jeans you got looked amazing on you and we’re the best out of all the jeans you tried. I love the darker wash as I think they give us a slimmer look 😉
    I hope you enjoyed your Valentines Day with your family. My husband had to travel on business today so my niece and I went to see the Fifty Shades movie with all the date night couples. Lol …but it was fun. 

  27. I really enjoyed this post! I recently bought the long J. Crew sweater in olive. I love it! Like you, I try not to order duplicates, but I did also just snag the grey one too. I may not keep it, but wanted to at least think about it since it’s on sale and could go quickly. I thought this might be one I would regret not getting. Being in Wisconsin, I’m picturing it working well when it’s still on the cool side this spring and even summer. 

  28. Enjoyed the post. Some really nice ideas for spring. Agree with you on the bows. Think the sweaters would look nicer without them. LOFT started a 40% off sale yesterday. Have already put several of these sweaters in my bag before posting 😊 My stepdaughter is graduating from the University of Alabama early May. It will be outside. Would like some ideas on what to wear. 

  29. Thank you for all the time you put into this post. It’s very helpful! I have learned so much since starting to follow you a couple months ago!

  30. What is it about Wit and Wisdom pant?  I have a pair of light jeans in that brand from Nordstrom I got last year and they have the same elastic comfort waist that feels great, but I’ve found the legs aren’t great, as they have the wrinkles like you have in the olive pants and the knees are bagged out before even wearing them.  Disappointing, so I don’t think I’d buy Wit and Wisdom anymore, even though they are comfortable.  Any one else have this problem?  I should have returned them.  I’m just not happy with all the cropped, wide sweaters out now.  They aren’t flattering on woman’s bodies.  I knew the tunic type sweaters were going out, but still think they are more flattering with skinny jeans than the wide crop.  Getting anxious for Spring but hear Sunday we might have a dusting of snow.  We are in NW Oregon, so not common for us.  

  31. I absolutely love when you do these posts…. so helpful and fun! My favorite of this try-on sesh is the varsity t-shirt. Looks so good on you!

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