Happy Saturday, friends! I have a spring fashion try-on haul today, with lots of white denim and dresses.
My orders have been a bit hit-or-miss recently. There are some really unfortunate dresses in this roundup, but I decided to share them all since a lot of the “misses” are ones I recommended during the Nordstrom Triple Points event last weekend. I do apologize if I steered you wrong. I had high hopes for all of these, but, well… I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves.
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually take a 6/28 in pants/jeans, a small in tops, and size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
Dresses & Jumpers
Since I’ve already teased the dresses, let’s start with those. These pictures are for anyone who has ever said to me, “You look cute in everything!” Um, no. No one does, and certainly not me.
Caslon Crewneck T-Shirt Dress
I honestly don’t know who this dress is supposed to flatter. The only reason it looks halfway decent in the picture above is because I am standing just so. I was actually trying to figure out if there was any way to make it look good.
The pictures below are a more accurate representation of how this dress hangs on me. I do have wide hips, but I’m still not sure who would actually look good in it. That said, it gets good reviews, so someone likes it!
I will say that the fabric is nice quality, thick and soft, and I suppose it has a nice drape… if you can call it that. LOL!
VERDICT: I think it’s pretty obvious, but in case you’re wondering, this one went right back to Nordstrom!
Caslon Knit Shift Dress
This one, I thought I liked until I turned around. The fabric is nice and soft, and not quite as thick as the one above. It’s cut a little bit straighter, and I like the sleeves and the flattering rounded neck. The drop waist with the pockets low set on the hips is a little odd, but not a deal breaker.
But this right here, this is why you always look at the rear view… oy vey. I suppose I could try a size up, but I don’t think it would fit right everywhere else. (By the way, I was wearing the Wacoal Body Base Shorty.)
VERDICT: Returning, obvi.
Caslon Striped Knit Shiftdress
This is basically the same dress as the one above, but the stripes look really wonky where the seam is. I feel like this one looks a little better from the back, for some reason. I don’t know what the difference is exactly, but it still feels tight through the hips and rear.
VERDICT: All three of these dresses get good reviews, so maybe it’s just me and my odd body shape, but these are definitely a no-go for me.
Caslon Vacation V-Neck Midi Dress
dress // sneakers // earrings // necklace
Yeah, just no. In this case, the reviews were right. It’s shapeless and stiff and overall not flattering in the least.
Old Navy Sleeveless Vintage Mini T-Shirt Swing Dress
dress (S) // slides (7.5) // ring
Alrighty, so this one is from Old Navy, and I didn’t have any better luck there. This one fits really oddly pretty much everywhere. The material is also kind of stiff, not nearly as soft and comfy as the Caslon dresses.
VERDICT: Returning.
Old Navy Short-Sleeve Waist-Defined Slub Knit T-Shirt Dress
dress (S) // sneakers (39) // earrings // ring
Then there’s this one. Lordie Lou, everything about this is wrong — from the oddly long and wide sleeves, to the awkward a-line skirt shape, and then there’s way it pulls across the chest. Plus, the slub fabric is stiff and rough against the skin. Just. Say. No.
VERDICT: Returning.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse…
Sundry The Anywhere Dress
dress c/o (S) // sneakers (39) // earrings
Evereve sent me this, and I knew it was going to be a disaster when I pulled it out of the box, but I figured I’d try it anyway. Well, I was right. Besides the fact that it isn’t my personal style, it looks terrible on my curvy figure.
Also, kudos to my assistant, Kate, for steaming this sucker. That was no small task.
Paige Brielle Drawstring Waist T-Shirt Dress
dress (M) // sneakers (39) // earrings // ring
**cue angels singing** There is a casual dress out there for me this spring! Of course, I like the most expensive one. Ha!
The fabric on this is so nice; it’s a thick, soft, slub knit with a lovely drape. The navy is a nice solid color for pairing with neutral sandals or white sneakers, and I actually like that flutter sleeve. It’s a fun detail.
For whatever reason, I ordered the medium in this, and it’s a little too big. I re-ordered the small, and I think it looks better in person, but in the pictures, I sort of like the way the medium looks, so I’m conflicted. I want it to be comfortable, and I suppose it might shrink.
Here’s the small.
VERDICT: Keeping one of these, not sure which size though.
BB Dakota Owe You One Sleeveless Jumpsuit
jumpsuit (S) // slide sandals (8) // earrings // necklace
I ordered this, hoping to offer an alternative to the more pricey Michael Stars jumpsuit I wore in Florida, but this one is all kinds of wrong.
For starts, it’s waaaaay low-cut in the front; I actually pulled it up and stood really straight and still to get these pictures without being indecent. But then it’s really long in the rise.
And it isn’t very flattering across the rear either. Plus I feel like it needs a drawstring or something to add interest at the waist. I’m not sure if it would work better for someone who is less curvy or not.
VERDICT: Returning.
Denim Try-Ons
I’m planning a more thorough white denim comparison post, but I’ll go ahead and show the white jeans I’ve tried lately.
Good American Good Straight Raw Hem Straight Leg Jeans
25% off at Good American (6) // at Nordstrom (6) // at Evereve (6) // top (S) // wedge sandals (8) // flat sandals (8) // clogs (7.5)
- 27.5″ inseam; 10 1/2″ front rise; 14 1/2″ leg opening
- 72% cotton, 20% recycled cotton, 6% polyester, 2% elastane
I’ve already talked about these quite a bit, and I’m calling these my go-to white jeans for spring and summer 2022. I wouldn’t mind if they had a finished hem, but the raw hem does make them really easy to cut to length if you don’t like the 27″ inseam. However, it’s the perfect ankle length for me. They look great with heels and flats.
These jeans are not see-through (I don’t know WHAT those two reviewers were talking about) and they have a nice texture to them. Like all Good American jeans, they have a good bit of stretch, but they don’t bag out and they have flat tummy tech and a gap-proof waistband.
Best of all, they’re under $100 AND ON SALE! Use code SAVE25 for 25% off at GoodAmerican.com.
VERDICT: Keeping! These jeans are true to size; I ordered the 6 and the 8, but I’m keeping the 6.
Mother The Dazzler Mid-Rise Straight
at Anthro (29) // top (S) // wedge sandals (8) // flat sandals (8) // clogs (7.5)
- 27 1/2″ inseam; 9 3/4″ rise; 13″ leg opening
- 94% cotton, 4% polyester, 2% elastane
These jeans have similar measurements to the Good American pair. They’re the same length, but with a slightly shorter rise and slightly narrower leg opening, and they have a finished hem. The fabric is a little softer, but not not quite as thick as the Good American jeans.
VERDICT: I might actually keep these too, so I have a slim straight style with a finished hem, although I do have the Frame Le High Straight, which has very similar measurements (27″ inseam; 14″ leg opening; 10 1/2″ front rise). For some reason, those seem dressier to me. I need to try them all on and compare.
AG Alexxis Bootcut Jeans
at Evereve c/o (29) // at Nordstrom (29) // cardi set c/o (S) // sandals (8) c/o
-
10 3/4″ front rise; 33″ inseam 18 3/4″ leg opening
- 98% cotton, 2% polyurethane
These definitely make a dramatic statement, but I rather like them. I would need to cut about an inch off the bottom, though. The denim is a little thinner than I’d like, but it’s not a deal breaker.
They’re comfortable, and they have a really nice fit through the hips and thighs, and then a dramatic flare from knee to hem.
VERDICT: Undecided. I definitely like these better than the KUT from the Kloth Stella that I shared in a prior try-on haul. Definitely size up, if ordering. The 29 is pretty snug on me.
Mother The Dazzler Mid-Rise Straight in Satisfaction Guaranteed
jeans (29) // sweater (S) // clogs (8) // earrings // necklace
I’m already a fan of this style, and I ordered these to have a darker wash, but for some reason, I’m not in love with this pair. The pair I have and love has a raw hem, and maybe that’s the difference, I don’t know. But I can’t get excited about these.
They also run really small; the 29 is quite snug.
I also tried them with sandals and a tank, to see how they look with more summer looks.
Free People Moon Dance Tank
tank (S) // jeans (29) // sandals (8) // earrings // necklace
I actually like this, although the tank isn’t the best fit for me. It’s really soft and comfortable, but too low in the chest and under the arms.
VERDICT: Undecided on the jeans; returning the tank.
LOFT High Rise Straight Crop Jeans in Light Authentic Indigo Wash
top (S) // jeans (28) // mules (7.5)
- 12″ rise; 27″ inseam
- 57% Cotton, 42% Lyocell, 1% Elastane
Yeah, nope. These are bad. At least, they don’t work for me. They’re comfortable though! Maybe because they’re so huge, lol.
VERDICT: Returning.
Madewell Stovepipe Jeans
top (S) // jeans (28) // mules (7.5)
- 27″ inseam; 13″ leg opening; 11 1/2″ front rise; 15″ back rise (size 29R)
- 52% cotton, 41% Lenzing™ EcoVero™ viscose, 4% polyester, 3% elastane
I’m really rushing through these last few, sorry! I have to head out for an appointment. These are surprisingly good. I often recommend Madewell as a lower priced option to premium denim, but I often find them stiff and uncomfortable, and the styles are sometimes too trendy, but this pair is really good. They’re also very soft and comfortable. I didn’t want to take them off!
VERDICT: Undecided. It’s these or the Mother Dazzler in Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Spring Tops & Sweaters
Evereve Kiki Cardi Set
cardi set c/o (S) // jeans c/o (29) // sandals (8) c/o
I like the idea of this set, but it’s short and tight on me. Maybe I would like the medium.
VERDICT: It was gifted, so I can’t return it; I might see if my daughter wants it.
Old Navy Shirred Double-Weave Long-Sleeved Blouse
top // jeans // sandals // earrings // bracelet // ring
This peasant style blouse is trending right now, and I really like this one from Old Navy. It’s soft, and it has two layers so it isn’t see-through. It isn’t’ too voluminous either. very cute!
VERDICT: Keeping.
Caslon Split Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt
top (S) // jeans (29) // wedges (8) // clogs (8) // necklace // bracelet
And this is just a really nice transitional top in a soft knit t-shirt material. I love the split neck design, for something a little different.
It seems to run a big small for Caslon. It fits okay, but barely. I don’t know what will happen when I wash it, so you may want to size up if in between.
VERDICT: Keeping!
Kork-Ease Darby Clog
at Evereve // at Nordstrom // jeans // jacket // t-shirt // earrings // necklace // bracelet
If you like clogs but need more support, this pair with the back strap is a really good option. They’re also verrrrry comfortable inside. If you aren’t familiar with Kork-Ease, they do a really nice supportive comfort shoe in styles that aren’t terribly frumpy.
VERDICT: Keeping.
Vince Camuto Meadow Floral Peasant Blouse
top (S) // jeans (6) // earrings // necklace // bracelet // ring
Another peasant style top, but this one is a little much for me. It would be nice for church or work wear, though. Also, these are the Stella bootcut jeans I mentioned above. I like the length better than the AG Alexxis, but I like the denim on the AG pair better.
VERDICT: Returning; not crazy about the pattern and all that fabric.
Please pardon any typos! I didn’t have a chance to proof, but I wanted to get this up before I’m out and about for the day. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
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50 Responses
I am cracking up reading your blog this morning! I always enjoy everything you share but today’s input just really hit my funny bone! 😂 Keep doing what you are doing… you are a master at it!!
Shellie
I really enjoyed your blog today, as always. You are the most fun, enjoyable blogger I follow, hands down.
Is the top you’re wearing from Old Navy a small as usual? I’m trying to decide on a size.
Thanks. Keep up the great work!
Yes, it’s a small.
Well I think this is the most I’ve laughed at one of your posts! Not at you but at your commentaries😂
I just purchased that same white blouse from Old Navy! It’s nice to find white blouses that aren’t see through!
Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for keeping it real 😀
I love your blog! I am getting ready to refresh my spring/summer clothing and I learn a lot from posts! Keep them coming and thank you!!
Your face says it ALL on the dresses – they are awful and it is NOT YOU! I have narrow hips and they wouldn’t work on me either. I have only ever been able to buy successful casual summer dresses from Vineyard Vines or Lily Pulitizer with the exception of 1 from Brooks Brothers. The one brand that seems to be reliable is Tommy Hilfiger polo dresses for me = I have 3 that work. While I am not a big camo fan – last year’s VV camo dress is awesome – thick fabric and flattering. I think the more structured the fabric, the more likely they work when they are shorter dresses. I am also short so Lily’s dresses with the V style neckline work well and make me look taller. Good luck on finding some that work!
I ordered the Caslon crew neck dress. I didn’t even try it on🤣
One of the things I like most about you is your honesty! Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks for sharing the misses ! I have had no luck with dresses lately and I was starting to think it was me not embracing some of the trends .
I’m laughing at the dresses what are retailers thinking! You are brave to show these regardless and thank you I will not be ordering!
I laughed out loud at your post. I think the Paige dress in small looks good on you. I love that dress & ordered for myself but the waist was very low on me (5’ 3”)
It is low. You can set it higher if you tie it tighter, but that worked better on the medium.
Love your honesty on this post. Additionally your choice of more budget friendly fashions by Old Navy and Target.
I laughed out loud at your dress descriptions! Thanks for starting my Saturday on a fun note!
Thank you for sharing these pictures. Your body shape is good, weight is good YET You are correct about the dresses. I am not sure what body shape would look in them.
You had me laughing so hard during the dress try-on! It’s comforting to see that not all dresses work for you, and you have a fabulous figure. I loved the last dress also and can’t wait to try it on!
Thanks for the good laugh today! Nice to know you struggle like the rest of us some times.
Thanks for the chuckles 😂. Great post today
Well, this was entertaining!! Isn’t it frustrating when a size 28 jeans can be huge in one brand, then a 29 can be quite snug in another? Answer is “yes”!! My favorite piece in the Haul was the printed Vince Camuto peasant blouse, tucked in!! Such a pretty floral print to wear now and into the fall as well. Enjoy your busy Saturday, it’s beautiful here on the East Coast!!
Yes, I don’t understand why they can’t have some kind of standard measurements. It is definitely a pretty day!
Great post! I think the Paige dress in size small looks best on you. I had to laugh at your comments on the dresses that didn’t work! I have wide hips so dresses and skirts are challenging. I love the clogs; I just ordered clogs with a back strap from Dillard soon clearance! They haven’t yet arrived but I’m excited because I really want to try out clogs.
I liked your comments about the clothes that didn’t work. Some women think it’s their bodies that are subpar when an article of clothing isn’t flattering. No, ladies, it’s that piece of clothing that’s wrong–you are beautiful! 😊
Your hilarious! Those dresses would not work for me either.
I just had to laugh reading the blog today. Those dresses – ugh! I thought I was the only one who had trouble with clothing hanging on my butt! You’re just so cute and everything usually looks so adorable on you – it was just refreshing to see that even you have issues with some styles. I too ordered the Vince Camuto blouse and it just didn’t look right on me either so I returned it as well. I look forward to your blog everyday!
I had to giggle in that it made me feel so much better that you’re had dress fitting problems. I realized thought that’s why when I find a fit and look I like I order more than one in different colors.
I’ve been going through my clothing from every closet, storage tub & drawer. I’m moving from rural Texas to Little Rock, Ar & figured now was the time to get this clothing monster under control. My plan is moving forward if I buy a top, I get rid of a top. We’ll see how that works….but it’s the plan.
Hope you have a great weekend – I need to get back to packing.
Your comments were hilarious!
I have the Paige dress in black and really like it. Navy was not an option when I bought mine and it looks very pretty on you.
Love the look on your face in the red dress. ha! Those tiered. no waist dresses and tops dont work for me either. I ♥️ and ordered the blue dolman knit top from BR and the white peasant top at Old Navy, it’s only $15!
I don’t get it. Why can’t someone make a good T-shirt dress that flatters? I’m one who bought the Caslon, first one you styled but bought the Cornflower color. I even bought the XXS, one size down from my usual in Nordstrom. I pulled it out of the package a few days ago and still haven’t tried it on as I could just tell it’s wrong. Looks big and so off in shape. Of course I’ll try it on, but I know it’s going back. Keep posting T-shirt dresses please. I need alternative to shorts. I too like the most expensive one you liked, but don’t want to spend $128. Plus looking for lighter color for Summer. As for the jeans, it overwhelms me. Skinnies sure we’re easier. Have a great day.
Loved the post, got a chuckle at your expressions! I’m with you about the dresses but I kind of like the navy one, think the small looks best on you. I love the blue dolman style top and the white peasant top which is a good length and the Vince print top is so pretty on you with the front tuck, love the colors. I’m really liking the Citizens jeans, the material looks kind of like the Guess jeans I used to wear in the 90’s. I saw Northstrom carries Guess jeans and considered ordering since the Citizens jeans price point is just too high for me. Do you know any other similar with straight leg you could suggest? Have a great weekend!
Ok, I actually laughed out loud when I saw the red dress! Thank you for showing the misses along with the goods. It helps me feel like I’m not crazy when trying on clothes and what to look for when deciding to buy or not. You are the best!
I was in hysterics over the beginning of your post. 🤣 Thankfully, the looks improved because I’m not sure my stomach could have handled more. 🤪 Sorry that it was at your expense. Everything else looked great on you!! 😍
Those dresses and your comments about them made me laugh! And, of course, I liked the most expensive dress, too! On a separate note, how does that blue Banana Republic Factory scoop neck top fit? True to size?
Loved this post – thank you!!
Thank you for your recommendations! I ordered the Good American jeans. I kept debating because I know pears aren’t ever supposed to wear white pants, but I like to wear them in the spring and summer. I figured if you can wear them, then maybe I can too. Thank you! I always like your recommendations.
Great post! Those dresses were a hoot! That red number especially! I ordered the white peasant blouse. You look beautiful in it! Ordered it! It was 40% off today! Thank you for such an honest post.
I agree on the hideous dresses. Lol. Only decent one is the navy one you liked. I like the neutral cami set. I normally don’t like any horizontal stripes but the neutral shades look good.
Thank you so much for being brave and showing us those dresses on a real person. I don’t think anyone except a tall skinny stick would look good in them. I think the style is terrible!!! They look like design school rejects.
Great post and love your honesty. With the jeans, I liked it the other day when you had a side by side comparison..
Those dresses…oh my. Not sure who could pull those looks off. You are brave for trying them on and posting pictures even of the backside. I bet some people don’t bother to look at the back before wearing an outfit, Thanks for the laughs!
Lol!! The dress try on… hilarious! I was trying on dresses yesterday and had some on the same reactions in the dressing room. The Paige one is cute. I think the small looks best. The medium looks like it has too much extra material. For casual knit wear, I really love that little skirt you styled last year. I think it came in black and camo. Is that one still available and can you link it if it is? Have a great day, thanks again for the post.
I literally laughed out loud reading your dresses’ comments. And I agree with everything you said. I have ordered so many dresses and immediately returned them. where the companies the models to look good in some of these is beyond me. It must be all smoke and mirrors. You mentioned a steamer. What brand do you use?
So fun this morning – thanks for keeping it real! 🙂 I have looked at that Evereve sweater cardi set so many times and haven’t gone for it yet. I do wear a small so if your daughter doesn’t want it you could send it to me in Cali! 😉 I like the navy Paige dress you tried on last. I could see throwing it on with my flip flops to run errands, take the hounds to the dog park, so cute and comfy looking for spring and summer. I’m going to order it to see if it’ll work for me (sometimes those end up being super short on me but I guess I could wear bike shorts underneath. As for the other dresses – wow, just wow. I don’t understand the manufacturers and designers who are whipping these up.
I agree with you on the dresses that were a big fat NO! Thank you for letting us see that there really are clothes out there that don’t work on your body. Well, I finally decided to try white jeans again, so I ordered the G.A. frayed hemmed ones to see if I can get past how they make my thick backside look. If they fit and Larry likes how I look in them, I’ll keep them. I hope that you’ve had a great day!
Agree with you about those hideous dresses. Lol. The navy one is sort of ok. I like the neutral striped cardigan set. I don’t like horizontal stripes except in taupe color.
Ended up ordering the pheasant blouse in white. Looks like many others did too. Was 40% off extra. Love that style.
Bless your heart! Oh my…the dresses…! Thank you for your candid honesty! I just ordered the blue dolman sleeve top and I’m pretty excited about it. It looks so pretty in your pictures, and I got to use some rewards points, yay! I really need to find my perfect pair of white jeans now. You do such a wonderful job of finding great ones and reminding us of what to look for with them. Hope you have a great rest of your weekend!
Thanks for your willingness to share. Your photos are confirming my observations of a lot of the clothing I’m seeing in stores lately. Most everything looks so boxy or misshapen on the hanger that I don’t even bother taking it into a fitting room to try on. Makes me wonder if retailers are rushing to catch up on the effects of the pandemic and just pushing to get products on the shelves. I saw that red Evereve dress a couple of weeks ago and knew instantly that it would make me look like a deranged, possessed baby doll from a horror movie and that if I tried it on, I would never recover from the trauma. I can’t even begin to imagine the thought processes of some of designers and retailers right now. Thanks for all of your hard work in continuing to hunt down fashionable but tasteful items for us. It saves me so much time and effort.
I enjoy all of your posts but this one was particularly wonderful- so much truth and humor. It’s so helpful to see how clothes fit in real life versus just relying on the pictures from stores’ websites. Thank you for keeping it real and practical on your blog!
This post is SO LIKE ME! LOL, I thought I was the only one who had these problems when trying to find clothes that fit. This has to be the most honest and enjoyable blog post ever. 🙂
Thanks for keeping it real and sharing the misses. Gave me a little laugh because it reminded me of when I try on casual t-shirt dresses. I decided that they are not for me.
Keep the AG Alexis! You look fabulous in those! Of course, you look fab in pretty much anything, but those are super fun! 🙂 Thanks for all you do!
I was smiling and trying not to actually chuckle, but when I got to the red dress, I laughed out loud. Couldn’t help it. You are honest and brave! Thanks for doing the hard work so we don’t have to! As for the black and white striped dress, I think it wasn’t as bad in the back because there wasn’t as much draping pointing down to your rear-end as there was in the other.