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Top Ten in April ☔️

Good morning, and happy Saturday! It’s time for my Top Ten in April. This is when I round up the most popular blog posts and retail products among JLS readers during the previous month.

I’m sure I’m not the only one happy to bid adieu to April. What a month it was!

While we are all experiencing this global pandemic differently, I’ve tried to keep things as normal as possible here on the blog. Most of you seem to appreciate the escape into lighter topics, while others have unsubscribed or taken a break, and that’s fine too. I totally get it.

There’s been a thing going around Facebook, one of those copy-and-paste deals that gets circulated from time to time. I won’t republish it, but I think it makes a very good point — basically, that we may be in this thing together, but we are NOT all in the same boat. The same ocean, maybe, but not the same boat.

Some of our boats are sinking, some are flailing, some are hurtling ahead at warp speed (raises hand!), and some are sailing along just fine. And so we each must handle our personal situation the best way we know how, and give grace to those who are experiencing it differently.

I know it may seem frivolous or even inconsiderate to continue to post fashion and sales while so many are suffering in various ways, but having this blog to focus on gives me the distraction and purpose I need to avoid the mild anxiety that tends to lurk in the dark places of my active imagination… Not to mention, the income to pay our bills and donate to organizations helping those in need, which I do regularly.

But really, it’s so much more than that. It’s providing community while so many of us are isolated, and a place to commiserate and encourage each other, and I am so grateful for that.

If you’re reading this, I assume you’ve decided to stick around, so thank you for tuning in. I appreciate your continued readership, comments, and interactions more than you know.

Okay, enough of the mushy stuff! For today, I’ve got my Top Ten in April.

This is a regular feature on the blog, and I always find it interesting to see what resonated most with you all. I hope you find it interesting as well.

TOP 10 Posts In April 2020

Based on Google Analytics, these were my top 10 posts from last month — but not necessarily the posts I published last month.

Usually I weed out the older posts that are still ranking high, but I decided to include them this month. It seems like they deserve a mention if they’re still getting ranked, yes?

#10. Trunk Club Unboxing + Try On Haul

All four of my weekly try-on hauls ranked this month, so it’s clear what you all like! This one had a Trunk Club unboxing with some fun designer pieces, some great spring styles from Madewell, and a few odds and ends from Nordstrom.

I’m sort of winding down on orders right now, and there’s not much in the pipeline for my future try-on hauls. I’d love to hear what you’re looking for, and what you’d like to see me try this month. Let me know in the comments!

#9. April Q&A: Fashion, Beauty, Food & Life

I’m trying to remember to do these every month.

If you have questions for May, feel free to email me with Q&A in the subject line.

#8. What To Wear With Each Denim Wash

I get questions about this from time to time, so I decided to write a post about it! I definitely choose my denim based on the colors I’m wearing in the rest of my outfit.

While yes, denim is a neutral, and you can pretty much wear any wash with anything, some combinations are more pleasing than others, or more appropriate for the occasion. I hope this post was helpful.

#7. Weekend Sales: What I’ve Worn + What I’m Ordering

So many good sales last month… it was really crazy. I’m curious to see where retailers go from here.

#6. What I Wore Lately 04.15.20

It’s a mix of athleisure and ultra casual denim looks these days. I’m trying to at least put on makeup every day… it doesn’t always happen, but it’s the goal.

Makeup is sort of like making the bed — once I do it, I feel so much more productive, but some days it seems to take more effort than I’ve got.

#5. Early Spring Try-On Haul: Trunk Club, LOFT, Nordstrom, Amazon & More

Yep, another try-on haul! This one had a Trunk Club unboxing with lots of upscale athleisure, some pajamas and loungewear, and a bunch of cute tops.

#4. How To Wear Cardigans Without Looking Frumpy

Fight the Frump: How to Wear Cardigans Without Looking Frumpy with real life examples and style tips geared for women over 40!

This is an oldie but goodie that I’ve republished a few times. I try to keep it updated since it consistently gets good Pinterest traffic. (There should be a SAVE button hovering over my images, if you ever care to save them to Pinterest for future reference.)

#3. Are Skinny Jeans Out of Style?

And this one is from March, but it stayed popular in April. Once again, it’s done well on Pinterest.

#2. Try-On Haul: Amazon, Athleta, Birkenstocks, Everlane, LOFT & More 

Spring 2020 Try-On Haul: Amazon, Athleta, Birkenstocks, Everlane, LOFT & More

This try-on haul was a mish-mosh of retailers. There were a few dresses, a lot of shoes and sandals, and a big Athleta order.

#1. Early Spring Try-On Haul: LOFT, Lululemon, Gibson Look, Madewell, J.Crew & More 

Trying on spring and summer styles from Try On Haul: Lululemon, LOFT, Gibson, Madewell, Amazon Fashion, Nordstrom, and J.Crew

And yet another try-on haul for the prize! There are a lot of cozies and athleisure styles in this one, and most are still well stocked.

Okay, moving on to popular products…

TOP 10 Products In April 2020

Based on my ShopStyle analytics, these were the 10 most popular products across my blog and social channels last month. They’re listed in typical Top Ten order, with the most popular one last.

#10. Acorn New Spa Thong

I wanted to find some spring slippers that don’t make my feet as hot as my UGG moccasin style slippers, so I got these, and evidently a lot of you love them too!

#9. Rag & Bone Cate Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans 

(also wearing: Two Tone Star Lace up Fashion Sneakers sneakers)

I just found these jeans on a MAJOR sale at Nordstrom Rack!!! These are soft and stretchy and very comfortable, plus I like the light wash and the shredded hems. Also, the 27″ inseam is the perfect ankle length on me.

FYI, the Nordstrom Rack measurements are a little off. They have a 9″ rise and a 27″ inseam, and the 10″ leg opening is correct. They’re TTS; I have my usual 28.

#8. LOFT Shirttail Open Cardigan 

(also wearing Chelsea28 raw edge tank and AG Farrah skinnies)

So nice, I bought it twice… okay, that’s a tired saying. But this is a really good cardigan!

(also wearing Halogen cap sleeve blouse – up to 55% off, 1901 ankle skinny pants – 50% off, and Marc Fisher Zalay pumps – 50% off)

I love that you can dress it up or down, and the shirttail hem is really flattering. It keeps it from being too overwhelming, which can be an issue with cardigans. It’s TTS; I have the small in both.

#7. AG The Farrah High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans 

These are basically my all-time favorite AG The Legging Ankle Jeans, updated with a higher rise.

If I could only have one pair of jeans, it would be this pair… although that Rag & Bone Cate is a verrrrry close runner up. They’re pretty casual, though, and these have a more versatile wash. Plus, I just think the Farrah is a little more flattering on me, for some reason.

Unfortunately this exact wash is almost sold out. I also have this pair, and I had this pair before I lost weight; both are great for more of a mid-wash. They’re TTS; I wear the 28.

#6. LOFT Chevron Stripe V-Neck Top 

(also wearing: AG Farrah skinnies)

Everyone I know who has ordered this top loves it, although some say it runs big. If in doubt, size down. I have my usual small. It also comes in red, and many have ordered both colors. I’m tempted…

It’s currently 40% off plus an additional 10%. Plus, free shipping over $49, and free returns.

#5. BlankNYC Faux Suede Drape Front Jacket

(also wearing: Chelsea28 raw edge tank and AG Farrah skinnies)

I have this in blush from last year, and I added this stone color this year. This is the perfect lightweight completer piece for all your spring looks! It has a slightly edgy vibe with the moto-inspired styling, but the draped look gives it a feminine touch.

We may not be dressing up much right now, but it’s an amazing price. If you do Zoom conference calls where you want to look stylish and professional, this could be a nice addition to your wardrobe.

It’s also very soft and comfortable. Size up in this one, though. I wear a medium.

#4. Sanctuary Tiffany Top 

(also wearing: Madewell skinny crop jeans)

This pretty floral top can be dressed up or down, and it’s 55% off; unfortunately, it’s almost sold out at Nordstrom. You can find it for 10% off at Zappo’s. It’s TTS; I have the small.

#3. Vince Camuto Jean Jacket 

This has long been my go-to denim jacket, and I’m afraid it’s being discontinued. I can’t imagine why else it’s been so deeply discounted for so long, and now sizes are getting depleted.

If you don’t have it, and you see your size, grab it. It’s SO good. Soft and thick and stretchy, with great structure, and such a nice lived-in wash. I take my usual size small in this.

If you’re in the market for a denim jacket, and your size is gone in that one, I also have and love the Kut from the Kloth Helena in white and dark blue.

It comes in a medium blue as well, and it’s 40% or 55% off, depending on the color. It runs small; size up. (I have it in the medium.)

#2. Treasure & Bond Long Sleeve Ringer Tee

This tee sold out quickly, which is a bummer, because it’s a good one. In fact, I’d recommend any of the Treasure & Bond tees. They’re generally super soft with a really nice drape.

And in first place! Drum roll please . . .  🥁

#1. Daily Ritual Supersoft Terry Open Sweatshirt 

This cardigan is such a good value for the price. It’s so soft and cozy, there’s plenty of length in the sleeves, it has a great drape, and it’s the perfect mid-length.

It can be worn with jeans and a tee on the weekends, or you can wear it with joggers and a tank or over your pajamas for loungewear.

There’s also a hooded version that was super popular last year.

Amazon Brand - Daily Ritual Women's Supersoft Terry Hooded Open Sweatshirt

They run TTS; I have the small in both.

And that’s a wrap! Which posts from April were your favorites, and did you score any of these Top 10 products? 

I love getting feedback from you all when you purchase from my site. It’s good to know what resonates, and I always want to be sure my recommendations are spot-on. It makes me so happy to hear when you’re pleased with a purchase; and of course if you aren’t, that’s helpful to know too.

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59 Responses

  1. Thank you so much for continuing to talk about fashion and Ozzy!  It’s a much needed distraction. Whether I’m homeschooling and it’s lunch break or I’m sneaking off and hiding to read your posts to give me patience for when I return. I love seeing Ozzy. I know having a puppy is hard, but he’s so cute to watch and figure things out, or even sleep. Thank you!  

  2. Hi, Jo-Lynne!  Love your postings, and no criticism from moi about keeping things light(er) and trying to earn an income blogging.  

    What I am in the market for are pretty tank tops — not just the usual basics that you sweat in doing yard work or TCB around the house.  We’re not in warm weather yet, but since I anticipate more months of Zoom/Google Classroom Hangouts, now in warm weather, I’d like to look put together from the top up, and solid staples are blah.  Jewelry that perks up the tops without completer pieces, too, would be good.

    Thanks so much!

  3. I think it’s amazing that you’re able to keep up the work that you do.  I always love how thorough your research is, and how practical your selections are.  XO Nipa 

  4. I read your blog every morning as I wake up sipping my coffee. Love your tips and your voice. Thanks for hanging in there during this tough time, much appreciated!

  5. I have the Daily Ritual blue and pink cardigans. Wore the blue one yesterday for the first time for our department zoom happy hour (not that they can really see what I am wearing haha!) I have worn the pink one a lot at home, and I love them both.
    I truly appreciate you (and the other few bloggers I follow), especially during this difficult time. It is another connection to people that I miss so much. I really don’t see anyone (not including zoom classes and meetings) except my husband, and I miss my friends and get togethers. Cannot wait to have a more relaxed time (I wonder if we will ever get back to where we were) and share love, food, drink, laughter, and our lives.

  6. It is a beautiful day here in Jersey! I am another one who really enjoys your daily blogs, a great distraction during this quarantine madness! I am hoping for another Facebook LIVE this Tuesday, missed it this past week! I have purchased the spa slippers and the AG Farrah jeans! I was hoping the jeans would “give” a little since I’ve put on about 4 quarantine pounds (all around the middle), but the jeans won’t budge! (which is normally a GOOD thing!) I have no doubt they will be the perfect fit when I lose the extra pounds! LOVE the wash and the hems. Enjoy being outside today, I know I will!!

  7. I look forward to your posts and instastories! I like to hear your fashion, ozzy life and sane approach to Coronavirus. You are younger and better informed and also cautious, so I definitely listen to you day to day wisdom very seriously. Thank you for all the things you give us!

  8. Thanks for keeping your blog going and being a pleasant distraction for us all. It has been a tough time. Being able to take a break and check out “Quarantine casual” or Ozzy has been a nice break. Good analogy about being in the same ocean but different boats…. Very true. Enjoy the sunshine and spring weather!

  9. Loved this post! I didn’t score any of these specific items, however, I did order the Topshop Hobo in Stone you featured a few weeks ago. It just arrived yesterday and it is gorgeous! I absolutely cannot believe this bag was $20! It is very nice. Thank you!

  10. I am one of the folks that was floundering/sinking when this whole virus thing took off. I’m getting my sea legs under me again (whew!) and I’m back! I’ve finally had time to catch up on your April posts this past week and as always, love them all. This is a bit off-topic today, but we’ve come to the realization that we need to downsize our home and I was wondering if you happen to have any suggestions/advice since you recently moved. It’s been difficult coming to this decision since we’ve lived here for over 35 years, and I’m not sure exactly where to start.

    1. I’m so glad you’re feeling a little more like yourself. It’s been very stressful at times, hasn’t it? And it’s so hard to know what to think, with so many conflicting sound bites coming from all directions.

      As far as moving, my best tip is to start purging NOW. When my in-laws decided to downsize, after 40 years in their home, they spent a year or two just getting rid of stuff. It made the move so much easier. I tend to keep things pretty purged out of habit, but I was still shocked by how much we found to get rid of when we moved.

  11. Coffee & JoLynne’s blog is the relaxing start to my day. It is “me” time. I love the thoroughness of your topics, classic styling and tidbits on family life – and Sweet Ozzie.  No need for apologies, this is your job and so many of us count on you for information, trends, sales and general chat. A beautiful and much needed distraction these days. Thank you. 

  12. I totally appreciate and look forward to your posts. There are all kinds of challenges in my life right now and it’s lovely to have a positive distraction. 
    As far as what I would love to see in future posts, how about summer tops? I live in Florida so those are always so needed. Whether for a casual restaurant or running errands like groceries or doctor’s appointments, a comfortable, elegant summer top is always what I reach for. (I am hoping those days return soon.) I am of retirement age so a little tummy fluff camouflage is always welcomed! Also, I seem to be enjoying little luxuries like a great new lipstick shade from Chanel or Chantecaille. I am finding beauty products very comforting right now….btw, I bought the spa slippers and love them.

  13. HI! Enjoying your posts – and I think like most of us, we have good days and bad days in this new”normal”. Attempting to now homeschool three kids, one with special needs, has been a challenge but I feel like I’m finally getting the hang of it and settling into our new daily schedule. 
    Haven’t shopped as much this spring – but would love to see another “Shop Your CLoset” post like you did in the fall. I can’t remember the exact name of it, but you took older outfits, posted them and gave them a little update. I would love to see that for spring (and summer 😉). 
    Glad you and your family are staying healthy and enjoying your new puppy! 

  14. Love your posts!   It’s an especially welcome diversion during these difficult times.   Also enjoy following your new puppy life.  Keep up the good work!

  15. Thank you for your daily blog. I love checking in to see what’s new. I also like hearing what’s going on in different parts of the world right now and your blog connects us all. It’s been encouraging to still keep some Sense of normal during all this. Have a great weekend:)

  16. Your blog posts strike a perfect balance between demonstrating awareness, empathy, and sensitivity on the one hand while providing information, distraction, and entertainment on the other hand. It’s a very fine balance that is extremely difficult to achieve in these times, so my hat is off to you for hitting all the right notes.

    On a different topic, can you tell me if the J. Crew sneakers you modeled in yesterday’s post have removeable insoles? Where sneakers are concerned, I like to buy ones with removeable insoles so that I can take out the manufacturer ones and replace them with Vionic brand insoles that help with my plantar fasciitis.

    And on yet another different topic, I tried your recipe for amazing eyelashes: Givenchy primer, followed by two coats of the Lancôme mascara you recommended, followed by a coat of the Benefit mascara you recommended, and I am happy with my eyelashes for the first time in years.

    Congratulations on your new family member! I loved seeing all his photos. Pets are great for the soul, especially in times like these.

    Thanks for all you do.

    1. Thank you, Rhonda. I really appreciate that, and YAY for a new mascara routine!!! I know it’s a lot, but it really does work.

      I checked, and the J.Crew sneakers do not have a removable insole. 🙁

  17. I look forward to reading your posts daily. Urging this stressful time it’s really nice of you to share your daily life with us. Hearing about your kids baking and Ozzy antics put a smile on our faces. I ordered a few of the Loft items you featured this month and can’t wait for a little freshness to my wardrobe. Thank you for creating a loving community for women that haven’t met to become friends. 

  18. I have to thank you upon reading just the introduction alone! I have not gotten to the content. Nicely said! You are a fantastic writer. Thank you for what you do everyday. You are appreciated. Your blog is something I look forward to every day.

  19. Please continue to do you! I have found you can not please everyone. Do what you love and call it good! You blog is one of the only things I know will always be there when I wake up in the morning! Thank you

    1. Thank you. And I didn’t mean to suggest that I had a lot of complaints… maybe one or two. But most everyone has been very kind and appreciative. I just noticed more unsubscribes from email and that is okay. I get it. 🙂

  20. Hi Jolynne, thanks again for your post this morning. So well said about the different boats. Here is California it’s been 7 weeks of shelter in place and we are staying this way through May, at least. I really appreciate the balance you find and look forward to your posts every day! Such a great respite from momming and WFH responsibilities! Although I’m not shopping much I have used your links for the Gibson twist top, the Ann Taylor outfit making tanks and the BR modal scoop t-shirts when they were on sale.  I’ve also loved seeing the more dressed up looks from Ann Taylor etc. just to see the pretty outfits! All the best to you and your family.

    1. I expect we will be doing this thru May as well. It’s still bad here, supposedly. Oh, well. This too shall pass… eventually. So glad you scored a few goodies!

  21. Thanks for the tip from you and Barb on attempting to get your mail from going into my junk folder. I did what you said and it didn’t work. 🙁 🙁  I will continue to retrieve your mail from junk like I’ve been doing until this pandemic is over!! Then I will ask some of my friends what they think will work. We get together on Zoom every week, but there is 10 of us women and it’s hard to get a word in sometimes!! Ha ha ha.
    Pretty soon we’ll be venturing out, but for now I don’t feel comfortable doing so.

    1. Ugh, that’s a pain. It can also be the email provider. Gmail is best b/c you can set up a filter and tell it where you want your emails from certain senders to go. If you have an older one, they are sometimes a problem. At least you found them!

  22. Thanks for keeping the posts coming. Reading these is a break from the current reality and reminder that we all will be able to go out again and do the things that give us joy. It has also added a bit of stress as my husband is working from home and our office looks out on the street so he sees every delivery that arrives. But seriously if you have suggestions for casual wear for men that would be helpful as he’s nearing retirement and I don’t want to see him wearing the same well loved t shirts every day LOL.

    1. LOL, you gotta put some shades on that window. 😉

      I keep telling Paul people want him to have a regular feature. It just never seems to occur to me when he’s dressed for work.

  23. I’m still here!  🙂  It’s always a joy to get past all the other emails and land on yours.  Thanks for keeping us in the know and sharing your daily life with us.  It’s always nice to read the other comments as well, and see how everyone else is doing in the midst of this crazy season we are in.  Reading your email and blog are always a highlight of my day.

  24. Keep up the great work! I am so impressed with your writing and the way you strike a balance of acknowledging the times we are in and providing much needed relief from negative news. Not to mention your style tips and fashion sense! THANK YOU! By the way-just received my everlane order and the day loafer mule is everything you said it was! As comfy as slippers!

  25. Hi Jo-Lynne,
    Thanks for keeping the blog going as usual. It makes it seems like some things are still normal in these topsy-turvy days. I love to see the Ozzy pictures and how your family is getting along in these crazy times. It’s just started to warm up in New England so all the spring clothes finally make sense to me now, haha! 

  26. Your blog staying the same has saved me.. not just in quarantine, but as a mom. I stay at home with two (5 & 2). Your blog keeps me connected to the world of fashion, while I’m running around in my fleece pullover and joggers. Please continue your posts, you feed the normalcy of daily life, despite any world upheaval. — thank you!

  27. I read most of this post yesterday, but just finished reading it.  I always like the, What I Wore posts, and I gained a lot of useful knowledge from the post explaining what colors look the best with each denim wash.  Because I do not need any more tops in my closet, I am able to refrain from ordering a couple of yours that I really like.  Liking something doesn’t mean I need it! 😉 However, I just ordered the Daily Ritual cardigan without the annoying hood, in navy because it is a piece I will be able to wear all year.  The hooded one in my closet will now be part of my loungewear.  Thanks to Amazon showing other items that I might like, I added a pair of Vionic sandals priced below $60, that will adjust to stay on my narrow feet.  🙂🛍. I hope that you have a blessed Sunday!

  28. I was hoping some of your favorites for April might be from Amazon. My birthday was in April, and I couldn’t think of anything that I wanted. That doesn’t happen very often. I guess the whole “shelter in place” thing has me so bummed I can’t think of much. Thank you for keeping things light!

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