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Summer Fashion Try-On Haul: LOFT, WHBM, Saks OFF 5TH, Talbots & Nordstrom

I’m back with my second post of the day because I’m getting ready to sign off for the weekend and spend some time enjoying the amazing weather we’re having here in Philly.

I know how much you all like the try-on hauls, so I didn’t want to hold this one any longer. It’s not as long as some, but there are some good finds in here, and many are on sale!

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

Spring/Summer Try-On Haul: Saks OFF 5TH

Saks OFF 5TH is doing a Summer Kick-Off Sale, with 20% off your $150 purchase or 25% off your $200 purchase with code SUMMER. I just have one item I ordered last week, and it’s this Vince side tie midi dress.

VINCE Side Tie Midi Sheath Dress

at Saks OFF 5TH (S) // Naot sandals (8) // Dolce Vita platform sandals (7.5) // clutch

You all know how much I love Vince for shoes and knitwear, so this dress caught my eye. I’m a huge fan of the side tie design because it has a way of cinching the waist, but I wasn’t sure if I’d like the tank style top, and I’m still a little undecided on that. It’s a little low in the front and back, as you can see below.

The fabric is like butter, and it feels and looks very high quality, but it’s rather thin, which is awesome in super hot weather (thinking about Italy in July) but I’m not sure it does my rear view any favors. I am wearing my Wacoal smoothing shorts here, and I probably won’t want to wear anything with more compression. I wonder if the dark blue dress would be more forgiving.

I styled it two ways, with the comfort sandals I would likely wear in Italy, and the heels I might wear with it here at home. I also see that they tied this dress farther to the side on the model, and I think that’s how it’s meant to be. I was struggling with the tie, thinking it should be more on my hip, but it definitely will look better pulled over to the side seam.

VERDICT: I’m undecided on this one. I still need a few more dresses for Italy, but I’m not sure I’ll wear it much here at home, and even on sale, it’s a lot to spend on a dress for one trip. So we’ll see.


Summer Fashion Try-On Haul: White House Black Market

Jetsetter Maxi Dress

at White House Black Market (S) // Naot sandals (8) // Paige wedge sandals (20% off) (8) // clutch

Yes, another dress! I don’t even know who I am anymore.

And before you get excited, I just realized, this is low inventory. Ugh, so sorry! I’m going to go ahead and share it. Maybe someone will luck out and find her size.

I nabbed this one on sale, or with a coupon or something. If you shop White House Black Market even once, be sure to sign up for their Rewards program. You get a lot of coupons and special deals in your email that aren’t publicized online anywhere.

So this is interesting. The front is a woven fabric, and the back is a jersey knit, so it won’t cause your back and the backs of your legs to sweat in the heat when you’re sitting down for a longer period of time.

It has a flattering v-neckline that isn’t too low or too wide, and I love the way the sleeves are designed; they have a way of softening my strong shoulder line. It also has pockets!

The elasticized waistband isn’t too snug, and it has dressed-up but relaxed vibe all at once. The maxi length is trending again, and I really love the elongating effect of the single color.

I love it with the strappy wedges above, but it also looks great with these Naot wedge sandals for Italy.

VERDICT: I’m keeping this one, for sure! I can see wearing this a lot of places in the spring and summer. And these sandals aren’t from White House Black Market, but I’ll review them for you next since I just mentioned them.

Naot Pixie Wedge Sandals

at Zappos (8)

This is a close-up of these sandals, but I should have lifted my skirt a bit. Anyway, these have come highly recommended by some women in the Travel Fashion Girl Facebook Group as a dressy comfort sandal, and I think I’m going to want something like this, so I ordered them, and voila! They fit perfectly. I love the shiny black finish, it definitely gives them a dressier vibe.


Sleeveless Notch-Neck Sweater

on sale at White House Black Market (S) // PAIGE Leenah wide leg trouser jeans (20% off) (29) // Paige wedge sandals (20% off) (8) // clutch

This is just an easy, classic sweater that I instantly loved. My only complaint is that it’s a little longer than I’d like, but I think it works, as long as I wear it with full length pants to keep the proportions in check. Definitely keeping this one! (And, it’s also on sale!)


Summer Fashion Try-On Haul: Nordstrom

I just have a couple items from Nordstrom this week, and I threw them on together.

Halogen Ruched Knit Tank Top

at Nordstrom (S) // denim skirt (8) // Nordstrom slides (8)

I like this top in theory, although I think I need to size up to the medium. Ruching is generally flattering, but this one has a lot of fabric, and it’s also rather thin and see-through. It also comes in black, and that one might be a little more forgiving. I returned this one.


JEN7 Denim Pencil Skirt

at Nordstrom (S) // ruched top (S) // Nordstrom slides (8)

This denim pencil skirt is pretty cute. I love the stretchy denim, and the color is nice, although I don’t love the extra fading on the bum. I didn’t keep this one because I like the AMO one better, but I know some of you prefer this style, so I wanted to share it.


Summer Fashion Try-On Haul: LOFT

Scalloped Halter Sweater

at LOFT (S) // JEN7 denim skirt (8) // Nordstrom slides (8)

I love the colors in this sweater, but it’s a little long and bulky… at least with this skirt, so I tried it on with the longer AMO denim skirt and added my Kork-Ease heels.

I like the proportions of this outfit better, but I’m still not sure about that sweater. I almost think it might be too big.

I was curious how it would look with white denim, so I pulled out my Paige Nellie Culottes, which are 20% off this weekend with code SUMMER2023. I think you can tell by the look on my face, I didn’t think I liked this but now that I’m looking at the pictures, I actually don’t mind it so much.

I thought the line of red at the hem of the sweater was in a bad place, but I think it’s actually kind of a nice detail, and I feel like the eye still kind of goes to the bottom of the pattern in the sweater, not the hem. Maybe? What do y’all think?

But at the end of the day, I think I like it best with the Paige Anessa Wide Leg Jeans and Dolce Vita platform sandals. This is kind of fun!

VERDICT: I’m still wondering if I want to try the sweater in the XS. I almost never wear XS in tops… or anything, really, but there have been a few times when I need it, and this may be one of those.


LOFT Country Garden Ruffle Tie Neck Shell

at LOFT (S) // Paige Nellie culottes (20% off with SUMMER2023) (29) // Kork-Ease heels (8)

I’ve long been a fan of the LOFT mixed media shells (like this one) and this green floral top has a similar style to it, but it does not have the jersey knit back to it. I also noticed the woven material on this one is slightly stiffer than usual, so it’s kind of ballooning out in the middle and not draping nicely.

I also dislike those long ties. I never tie them because I don’t want to close up the neckline, and they get in the way when they’re hanging down.

VERDICT: It’s a pretty fabric, but I don’t care for how it fits and feels. I sent it back.


Muscle Sweater Tee

at LOFT (S) // Paige Nellie culottes (20% off with SUMMER2023) (29) // Kork-Ease heels (8)

Ding, ding, ding! Now we have a winner. I love it when you pull on an item of clothing, and you just KNOW it’s perfect for you. The simplicity of the design, the muscle tee styling, the texture to the knit, the classic navy blue, the 23″ length… it’s all perfect and so easy.

I tried the front tuck, but I’m not crazy about this, and I don’t think it needs it.

VERDICT: Keeping!


Patchwork Bloom Cinched Button Shell

at LOFT (S) // PAIGE Leenah wide leg trouser jeans (20% off) (29) // Paige Anessa Wide Leg Jeans (29) // Dolce Vita platform sandals (7.5)

And it’s probably mean to show you this top, because I think it sold out, but I took the photos, and sometimes things get restocked, so…

I like the colors and the pattern, and I’m not opposed to a peplum style top, but I don’t think this one is quite working for me. It’s very low-cut without a way to remedy that, and it balloons out funny on top of the elastic band in the back view.

It looks great with white denim, but I also tried it with Paige Anessa wide leg crops, and this confirms that I like it best with the full-length trouser jeans. I think it’s because of the length of the top, and also the volume created by the peplum seems to compete with the volume in the pants.

VERDICT: This one went back.


Summer Fashion Try-On Haul: Talbots

And finally, a few items that arrived today! All three of these are from Talbots, and this is actually a sneak peek at an outfit I’m planning to shoot for a future post, so I won’t go into too many details here, but I like all of the pieces quite a bit.

Talbots Straight Leg Crop Jeans c/o (6R) // Cinched Shoulder Bateau Neck Tee c/o (S) // Ring Vachetta Leather Sandals c/o (8)

This lightweight tee is 55% Linen, 45% Polyester, so it has a bit of texture to it, and I love that cinched shoulder detail. It comes in a bunch of colors, but I thought this red was nice for the Memorial Day weekend, and we have the 4th of July coming up in just a few weeks.

The crop jeans have tan front pockets, so there’s no show-through, and they have a nice easy fit to them. The inseam is 25″ so they’re definitely a crop, but they still fall well below the widest part of my calf, so I can check off that box! They come in regular, petite, plus, and plus petite options; and they run true to size.

And these sandals are cute and comfortable. The large O-ring and thong design make them easy to keep on your feet, and they run true to size, or size up if in between.

Whew! That ended up being longer than I expected. I guess I can always find plenty to say, even if I don’t have a ton of pictures. I hope you all have a wonderful relaxing long holiday weekend!

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photos: Alison Cornell

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17 Responses

  1. So glad you didn’t like the coral Loft top! I had it in my cart and missed buying it before it sold out. I likely wouldn’t have kept it for the same reasons you didn’t. 🙂
    Have you checked out Banana Republic lately? They’ve upped their game! Seems like you’d love so much there. Sedona linen dress! 💣

  2. I’m not a fan of the first dress. From the front it looks like a matching wrap over a swimsuit. I don’t think I would wear it while touring. I do love the muscle tee and red top from Talbots. Both very flattering. I’m more aware of top lengths with the new cropped pants, thanks to you. Yesterday, I tried on five tops with a pair of cropped jeans before settling on one.
    Enjoy your time poolside!

      1. Oh, my go to one these days whenever in doubt, A shorter, floral one felt right. I think part of it was I felt fat yesterday so I was hard on myself. But, also the length of the top had to be “just right”. Lol

  3. Great Post. I love the high neck sleeveless sweater on you with both denim skirts, the white pants and the wide leg jeans, but I think my favorite is the wide leg jeans. The white pants work and the red hem on the sweater looks nice. I never buy sleeveless or regular sleeve sweaters this time of year because if its hot enough for sleeveless than its too hot for me to be in sweater material. I just never find the right time to wear them and they sit in may closet. I don’t care for the material and fit of the first dress. I think its not forgiving enough. The black one is much better. I can’t wait to see what you end up packing for your Italy trip. I hope you will give us a post on it. I’m a terrible packer…..I want too many shoes. LOL Have a great holiday weekend. We don’t have any major plans either. Probably heading to the coast(Ocean is just hour away) today. I’ve been shopping instore the last 2 days, so looking forward to being out and walking with my husband.

  4. I am absolutely loving following your Italy ideas since we are also going to Europe this summer (Germany).
    The denim skirt is actually a great idea for Europe, however, I like the shorter one on you better.
    Years ago I did a trip to France with my mom and took a denim skirt (in those days the style was longer so it was mid-calf). We went in the spring and honestly, if i had only taken that skirt and an assortment of tops I wouldn’t have needed anything else. I started a cool day with tights and removed as the day warmed up. Took a couple of nice jackets and removed as the day warmed up….it was probably the trip that I packed the best for and have been trying ever since to get back to that place lol. I think I probably wore that denim skirt 75% of the trip.
    I just purchased some Vionic canvas sneakers for my trip but its my first pair of Vionic and I’m having a heck of a time getting used to them…hopefully by the time we go they will work. Im heading to Cape Cod this week for work and hoped to take them for our day on Nantucket but I am thinking that might not be a good idea yet. Vionic takes some getting used to.
    Anyways…thanks for all your inspiration and ideas.

  5. The first dress seems cute but there is something not quite right. Can’t put my finger on it. I love the denim skirt, red/white and tie shirt on you. Seeing the tie shirts colors made me click on this post.

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