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Trunk Club Unboxing + Shopping in Nashville

Hello and happy Tuesday! I’m feeling a bit more like myself this morning. Re-entry is tough, yo!

I have an early workout appointment, and then I’m excited to have the whole day to work and try to get ahead on posts for our 27 Days of Spring Fashion, which starts TOMORROW!

I feel like I should apologize for doing another Shop With Me post so soon, but you guys seem to like them, and this is the last chance I’ll have to do a post like this until after our spring fashion series. I took pictures when I was shopping in Nashville last weekend, and then I arrived home to a tower of boxes including another Trunk so I have a lot to share with you!

Cyndi and I started our shopping extravaganza in Nordstrom and spent quite a while there, and then we ventured out to wander the rest of the mall. We shopped at Banana Republic, Express, Talbots, Ann Taylor, Macy’s, and Athleta. I wasn’t feeling Talbots and Ann Taylor, and by the time we got to Macy’s, I was too tired to try anything else on, but they had a lot of great dresses. I want to look at the website from home and see what I might want to order.

Let’s start in Athleta. (And before anyone asks, my initial necklace is the size 3XL in gold dipped, and my Neverfull is the MM size.)

Athleta Reversible Sweater Dress

I wanted to love this reversible sweater dress, but it’s too long in the torso (I am short-waisted and about an inch shorter than average) so I would need to get the straps taken up. This dress also isn’t very forgiving through the midsection. If you have any tummy at all, it shows. (I was sucking in for this picture, and I am too vain to post a side view, ha!) It’s cute, though, and I love that it’s reversible (it’s solid black on the other side.) For size reference, this is a small.

Express Slim Fit Portofino Shirt

I wanted to expand my shopping horizons, so we wandered into Express. They carry a lot of work wear, and I felt like the prices were on the high side for the quality, but they do have some promotions, like BOGO 50% off on their portofino shirts. I thought this slim fit portofino shirt was really cute on. I’m wearing the medium.

I like the idea of this white bell sleeve top, but I didn’t love it. I wish it didn’t have that banded waist. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find it online. If you do, feel free to share the link. I’m wearing the medium.

I did get a cute lightweight cardigan that I thought would be nice for spring, but I forgot to take a picture. I like how it’s got a slim cut to it, so it’s more flattering than some.

Chelsea28 Tiered Ruffle Hem Dress

I wanted to love this ruffle hem dress, but it’s cut kind of weird around the arms, and it shows my bra (worse than you can see here, b/c I tried to tuck it in for the picture.) It was also a little snug in my usual size 8. It’s a really fun dress, though, and I recommend trying it if you like it. I expect it will work for a lot of women.

Ruffle Sleeve Top, size Large

This is the ruffle sleeve top I mentioned in yesterdays post. This is the large. They didn’t have the medium in the store, so I ordered it. Well, now that I have the medium, I think I prefer the large. The medium is tight at the top of the arms and across the back where we ladies tend to get that back fat that is emphasized by our bra straps. So I hope I didn’t steer you all wrong yesterday with my sizing advice. It definitely runs small and I recommend sizing up.

Layered Look Tee

This layered look tee is fun. I am wearing the small in this picture, but I ended up purchasing the medium. Again, the small was just a little snug in the chest, and I’m afraid it will shrink.

Caslon Convertible Off-the-Shoulder Pullover

I loved this convertible off-the-shoulder pullover too, but they’re sold out online, all except for the plus size version. I’m wearing is a medium. I also like this one for a similar vibe.

1.STATE Off the Shoulder Top

This off the shoulder top is also sold out on the Nordstrom website. George is getting upset! I did manage to find it at Lord & Taylor, so there’s that. This top will be perfect for a date night this summer. I’m wearing the small. It’s a tad snug, but I think a medium would be too voluminous through the midsection, so I’m going to stick with this size and hope it works when I try it with my strapless bra.

FYI, you can see some of my bra reviews here, including my favorite strapless.

Okay, we’re moving on to Trunk Club and the online shopping that arrived while I was gone. I didn’t have any makeup on, so I’m covering my face with my phone. LOL!!! I was taking a “grace day” yesterday and I didn’t bother with hair and makeup. I also think it’s easier to try on a ton of clothes this way because I don’t have to worry about getting makeup on clothes I might return. On the other and, I usually recommend wearing makeup when trying on clothes so you get a better idea for how things will look on a normal day, but anyway, I didn’t feel like taking the time on it yesterday, so here we are!

Soft Joie Stripe Shift Dress

This stripe shift dress is came in my Trunk. It’s adorable, and it’s great quality, but it’s too short for my comfort zone. For size reference, this is a small. (I think the Chucks are perfect with it.)

R Taylor Textured Stretch Woven Ruffle Dress

R Taylor Textured Stretch Woven Ruffle Dress

I have a black tie optional event coming up, and I wanted to love this R Taylor dress for it. It’s got such fun features, but I don’t think it flatters me enough to warrant the price. I also had the issue with the arm holes being cut in too far, showing my bra. This seems to be a trend this season, and I am not a fan. It’s an attractive cut, but it makes the bra situation awkward. I think this dress might flatter a pear-shape body type better.

Eliza J Cold Shoulder Shift Dress

Again, with my semi-formal event in mind, I was hoping to like this red cold shoulder shift, but it falls a little bit short. (No pun intended, haha!) I don’t usually like shift and A-line styles on my body type, and while this one isn’t bad, I just couldn’t get excited about it. I can’t remember which size I was wearing in this picture, but I liked the fit of the 8 better. The 6 was a tad snug. If you have a wedding to attend this spring, this dress would be perfect for that.

Eliza J Tweed Fit & Flare Dress

Eliza J Tweed Fit & Flare Dress

This tweed fit and flare dress is ADORABLE. I would wear this to church if our church was dressier. It has hints of pink in the weed, so I think blush or pink pumps would be so perfect with it. I don’t know if I’m keeping it because I really don’t need it, and I’m more comfortable in a sheath, but I think this is a great little number for spring events like graduations, weddings, etc. It also may be appropriate for some work situations, yes?

Felicity & Coco High/Low Hem Jersey Tank Dress

Felicity & Coco High/Low Hem Jersey Tank Dress

This casual hi-low tank dress is cute, but I’m not loving that hemline. I feel like it’s had its day. I do like how the straps are thick enough to wear a regular bra with it, and it fits well. It’s a size small, for size reference, and it also comes in cobalt and coral.

Joie Bellange Lace Trim Blouse with Paige Verdugo Crop Skinnies and Marc Fisher Adalyn Wedges

Joie Bellange Lace Trim Blouse

My Trunk Club stylist always gets me with these Joie tops. I’ve been looking for a white lace top, and this lace trim blouse is adorable, but it’s also quite spendy. I like that it’s a different silhouette for me, but I feel like it works. It would be fun to wear to the fashion blogging conference I have coming up in April. This is the medium, and I’m thinking I might want to try the small before I make my final decision. I’m pretty sure the other Joie blouse I have is a small.

PAIGE 'Transcend - Verdugo' Crop Skinny Jeans (Midlake)

PAIGE 'Transcend - Verdugo' Crop Skinny Jeans (Midlake)

These jeans also came in my trunk. They’re the Paige Verdugo — a style that is tried and true for me. I love this cropped length and the versatile dark wash with the faint whiskering detail at the hip. These have a 26″ inseam and a 8″ front rise, so they’re perfect for wearing with ankle boots and sandals like these with the ankle strap. I’m wearing the 29, my usual size for Paige denim, and they fit perfectly.

By the way, I love these wedges. They’re everywhere right now, and for good reason. They’re super cute and comfortable too. Mine are the Marc Fisher ones, and they’re a dupe for these popular designer ones. They’re getting sold out just about everywhere besides Zappo’s. If you want them, grab them now while you still can. Also, Steve Madden makes a nice version for less.

7 For All Mankind Bootcut Jeans

7 For All Mankind bootcut jeans

7 For All Mankind Kimmie Bootcut Jeans

I am LOVING these 7 For All Mankind ‘b(air) Kimmie Bootcut Jeans. (They’re also at Bloomingdales in all sizes.) With a 33″ inseam, they’re the perfect length (for me) to wear with heels. Usually I have to get bootcut jeans hemmed, but these are perfect. Erin sent me the size 28, and they are quite snug. I like how they fit in the rear and thighs, but they do create a bit of a muffin top. I’m wondering if I should try the 29 before making my final decision. This b(air) denim isn’t supposed to stretch out.

Here they are with that Joie top. Do you like it better with bootcut jeans or skinnies?

Next, these next ones are the 7 For All Mankind Bootcut Jeans in Santiago Canyon. (They’re also at Zappo’s in more sizes.) They look similar to the ones above, but they’re a different fabric content, a darker wash, and they have a longer inseam at 35″. (These also come in a short version with a 31″ inseam, for you petite ladies out there.)

7 For All Mankind Bootcut Jeans in Santiago Canyon

7 For All Mankind Bootcut Jeans

These are a size 29, and I feel like they’re too big. If they stretch at all, I fear they’ll start to slide down, and you don’t want bootcut jeans to get baggy in the thighs and hips, so if I were to keep these, I’d ask to try a 28. I haven’t worn enough of this brand to know which size tends to work best for me, but I seem to be in-between.

That’s it for my Trunk! There were actually a couple more things that I loved, but I’m saving them for a future post. I know, I’m mean. But I can’t share ALL my secrets! Haha! If you want to try out Trunk Club, I love my stylist, Erin. If you click through my referral link, that will get you to her. She likes to hop on the phone and get to know you and our style, and she’s great about searching high and low to find things you’re looking for that work for your style and budget. You get 5 days to try things on and you only pay for what you keep. There is a $25 styling fee, but that is applied to anything you purchase from your trunk.

As I said, I got home to quite a few boxes from various retailers because I’ve been shopping for my spring style series. I won’t show you all the items from my recent orders (that would take all day!) but I’ll share a few.

Banana Republic Cold Shoulder Ruffle Top

This is a cute cold shoulder ruffle top that came from Banana Republic that I think will be adorable with anything from skirts (if you are a tucker-inner) to jeans to dress pants. This is a size small.

I’ve had a few requests for jean shorts recommendations, so I ordered a few pairs to try. I personally like a shorter short. I think it’s more flattering on me, but everyone needs to find their sweet spot.

https://rstyle.me/n/cghp2egthw

Joe's Jeans with Tory Burch Miller Sandals

These Joe’s Jeans distressed cutoffs (pictured above) are about as short as I like to go. They have a 4″ inseam. They also have a 9″ rise, so they’re quite comfortable. I think they are flattering and cute, but they are similar to a pair I already have. They are also spendy at $98. I live in jean shorts in the summer, and I don’t mind spending on a pair that I feel good in because I know I’ll wear them to death, but I know not everyone shares my denim priorities (lol) so I ordered a few pairs at lower price points. For size reference, these are 28. They are snug, but in my experience, Joe’s Jeans stretch a lot, so I believe it’s the right size.

Wit & Wisdom Cuffed Jean Shorts

Wit & Wisdom Cuffed Jean Shorts

also shown: Tory Burch Miller Sandals in Sand Patent (I live in these during the summer!)

These Wit & Wisdom cuffed jean shorts are more modest, and also more modestly priced at $58. These have a 7″ inseam and also a 9″ rise. They have that Ab-solution technology that Wit & Wisdom is known for, so they “mold and hold” with interior control in the waistband and booty-lift construction. I’m wearing the 6, and they felt a bit snug in the waist, but I also hear this brand stretches out a bit so I would stick with that size. FYI, 6=28 in denim sizing.

I didn’t really like the wash on these, and I felt like they were too wide in the leg opening, so they’re going back. When shorts are too wide through the thighs, it can add visual weight and chop off the line of the leg, so I always look for shorts that fit pretty close to the leg. If you have thicker thighs, you might like these better. FYI, they also come in petite.

By the way, the strap front top that I’m wearing with the jean shorts is selling out already. Blergh. I’ve already photographed it in an outfit for my spring series. If you want one, grab it now. I have the medium.

Mavi Jean Shorts & Socialite Strap Front Tee

Mavi Cuffed Jean Shorts

I think these Mavi cuffed jean shorts are my favorites. These have a 5″ inseam and a 9″ rise. The inseam is a good length for me. I feel like I look balanced and modest without being frumpy. These are a size 28. Again, in my experience, this brand can stretch some, and my Mavi bootcut jeans that are 29 are too loose. These are definitely keepers for me. I would wait for them to go on sale, but I want to style a few shorts outfits for spring, so I’m going to keep them at this price.

I will still be trying other jean shorts at lower price points to recommend to you. Maybe I’ll head to the mall one day and do that.

Finally, this double layer sleeveless top from Banana Republic is a nice work wear piece. I can see it with skirts or dress pants. Of course, I’ll probably wear it with jeans. It would also be nice layered under a blazer. It’s on sale for $46.

So that’s a wrap! Phew! These posts always take longer than I think they will. If you have any questions on sizing and quality, feel free to ask. I’m sure I’ve forgotten something!

And be sure to tune in tomorrow for Day 1 of 27 Days of Spring Fashion! If you don’t want to miss a post, make sure you’re signed up to get daily updates in your email inbox

This post contains affiliate links. For more information on what that means, see my About Page: Blog Monetization and Disclosure.

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55 Responses

  1. I love the white Joie top with the skinny jeans but also LOVE it with the bootcut jeans — the bootcut look to me is a bit dressier. I would totally get that top it’s super cute on you and pairing it with different jean looks is a win win……cannot wait for your spring series !

  2. I love the White Joie top, too. I prefer it with the skinnies but I am also determined to leave bootcut pants in my past… I cannot get back into the trend. Skinnies forever! ha.

  3. Hey girl!!
    I think those flare jeans look fabulous…not too tight at all. Because they’ll probably stretch a little during the day, don’t you think?
    I had to laugh when you said you were tired at the end of shopping—I always say that shopping is hard work! It’s kinda like working out really!!
    And when you talked about strapless bras–I had looked into those last summer but could never find a good one (I’m a 32 band, so it limits me). But I just got one from Spanx! I didn’t even know Spanx carried bras, but I won a gift card from them and was looking at all they carry on their site! And so far I love the strapless bra—needless to say I’ve only worn it around the house so far, but so far so good!!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  4. Good Morning! I love your daily posts and look for them each day! What is the color nail polish you are wearing today? Is it gel?

    Have a great day and keep shopping!

  5. Love the bootcut jeans on you – very slenderizing. The top is beautiful but looks big on you to me. Several things you showed I like and will be looking at. Can’t wait for the Spring series – bring it on!

  6. This is another fun post! I love the white Joie top with the skinny jeans because they seem to balance the fullness of the top, but I have to agree they look great with the bootcut jeans as well – very boho! I also love the layered tee look on you. Your comments about the jean shorts are soooo helpful. I love them but they do tend to make me look frumpy. Now I know to look for ones that fit closer to the leg. Thanks for sharing all of this with us! Can’t wait for your spring series to start tomorrow!

  7. On the lookout for some new jeans & think I will try the 35″ bootcuts by 7. I am always searching for the longer length. 35″ is right for me with a small heel. I got so excited when I saw the length!!!
    Dang nab it. Just checked & out of stock in my size. I’ll keep looking!
    Fun post. I love the Joie top too with both jeans.

  8. I love so many things in this post! For what it’s worth, two posts close to each other don’t bother me in the least. I’ll be checking out some of the tops & shorts!

  9. Love love the black off the shoulder top. If you find something similar in a lower price point please let us know! 😉 Love the wedges too and Thanks for showing some of the denim choices! Helps to see what they look like on!

  10. What an awesome post Jo-Lynne! I bet you got tired trying on all of the clothes. If I had to pick one piece as my favorite, it would be the white lace top. I’m so glad you are keeping it. It’s feminine and very versatile. The wedge shoes you are wearing don’t seem to have as much of a height variance between the ball of your foot and your heel as the Steve Madden ones, which is a plus for those of us with weak ankles.

    Have a blessed day!

  11. I love these kinds of posts so I don’t mind at all! There’s so much to love in this one too, but that Joie top definitely stands out the most to me. And the ruffle sleeve (which I decided against because I was looking at the white -don’t want too sheer :/ ). Love them both, but I agree about trying a smaller size in the Joie.
    I’m still loving those wedges too, lol. I ordered the Steve Madden in taupe yesterday..so thrilled to find a less expensive option!

  12. Thank you for all your work putting out this post! Love the bootcuts on you as well. I prefer them on me, given my body type. But as you said, they really look best when they fit well through hip and thigh and are not baggy. I have a pair that really are too baggy which increases the frump factor on me. Need to look for another.

  13. Lots of fun stuff to look at, Jo-Lynne. I know what you mean about getting tired when you shop! I still enjoy it though, ha. ha. I really like most of the jeans you showed from your Trunk Club. They fit really well. The shorts are cute too. I wasn’t real thrilled with any of the dresses, just like you, but I thought that white top was very cute! Thanks for sharing these with us. – Amy
    https://stylingrannymama.com/

  14. I’m with Kristie…love these posts and two close together is no big deal! I enjoy being able to see lots of options in one post even if they aren’t styled to perfection. 🙂 I love the Joie top with both pairs of jeans but I think I prefer it with the skinnies. I like that the fuller top offsets the tighter bottoms. I just ordered the Steve Madden version of the wedges this weekend. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll like them because I *need* them in my life!

    “George is getting upset!” LOL! Nice Seinfeld reference!

  15. I like the white top with the bootcut jeans! I can see why you love them, they’re great. Finding a pair or two of well fitting jean shorts is at the top of my shopping list right now.

  16. Wow! Great outfits! I love you in the bootcut jeans – I think it makes you look more in balance, if that makes sense. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s post!

  17. That tweed fit and flare dress fits you so perfect Jo Lynne!! I could totally see it with a strappy pair of heels…just sayin. I like the white lace top with the bootcut….gives off a boho vibe. I also think the polka dot blouse is a great fit and style on you….I think I just might have to go check out Express……love all the colors and styles you modeled for us all. can’t wait to see what is in store for the Spring series!!

  18. Sorry about the double posts today. I just had a questions in regard to shoes and dresses. Do you always wear a nude color to elongate your legs no matter what the color of the dress?

    1. Not necessarily, although it’s a safe bet. 🙂 I just put on these shoes and tried on all the dresses to keep my life simple. I think that tweed dress would be amazing if the shoes were pale pink or even a bolder pink. Or grey would work too. I think I’d go with nude with the navy and the coral. Black patent strappy sandals would also work with the coral, or a metallic sandal.

  19. Hi Jo-Lynne, I so enjoy your “shop with me” posts! That ruffle hem dress looked gorgeous on you. It’s too bad that you weren’t happy with the arm area. I also liked the layered look tee. I have a question for you about it. Because it has that different neckline, would you wear a necklace with it? Or leave it bare so that the neckline stands out? The short sleeve cold shoulder ruffle tank from Banana Republic is so cute and is calling my name. Again, necklace or not? Thanks in advance for answering my necklace or not questions. That is where I get lost. Do I wear a necklace or do I let the top/neckline do all the talking?

    1. Hey Bev. I can go either way on a necklace with that top. If I wear something, I’d wear a smaller pendant and make sure it fits in the opening of the shirt. You can totally go without – that’s a good opportunity to wear bigger earrings. I’d most likely wear something with the ruffle tank since there’s a lot of skin exposed and plenty of room for a pretty pendant. There’s no right or wrong, but that’s what I would do. 🙂

  20. Hi Jo Lynne! Thank you for sharing your wins! I love the boot cut jeans, the skinnies are great of course, but the boot cuts just go with the hippie vibe of that shirt! 🙂

    Good luck finding a nice dressy-dress for your upcoming event! Check out Nordstrom’s cocktail/party dress section – there are a ton of LBD sheath type dresses that would look amazing on just about anyone and especially YOU! 🙂

    Have a blessed day!
    Rebecca

  21. Lots of pretty things in this post. I just have to say, I love your necklace! It’s so pretty, and unique. A piece like that can elevate a lot of outfits.
    I am nuts for that tweed dress. It’s one-of-a-kind, timeless rather than trendy. I can see it going so many places (office, shower, cocktail party, nice restaurant, graduation, etc.). It might not be what you need in your wardrobe right now, but someone needs to buy that dress!

  22. Awwww-thanks for your hard work of shopping and finding “winners” so we can just follow along!! I love the hot pink top on you!! Also I really enjoy seeing what you don’t like and why…it helps me make tough choices in the dressing room!! I loved both fashion posts don’t over-think it- your followers love you!! Thanks!!

  23. What is the brand name of the white bell sleeve blouse with the banded top? You don’t have a link to it anywhere and I’d like to search for it. Really cute!

    1. Thx- I don’t usually shop there but need to return something at the mall tomorrow so I’ll pop in and look around in store
      One more question: Do you have your Tory Burch sandals altered? I bought a pair recently and had to return them because the medalian stuck up away from my foot too much. The Nordsttom manager suggested sending them out to their shoe people and they would “take them in” a little. I hesitated though because what if they still didn’t fit? (I had no idea they even altered shoes!)
      They’re so cute and versatile but didn’t fit perfect enough to keep. My friend and I both bought a pair and she and I both returned them sadly.

      1. No, I have never heard of such a thing! How interesting. I did not have mine altered, and I have kind of flat feet so almost every shoe and sandal stands up off my foot a bit, but I don’t notice these being any more than usual, and I can walk find in them. Now I have to try them on and see, lol.

        1. Well I never found the white banded blouse you tried on at Express (bummed because I actually love banded hem tops). However I did find a different white blouse that I bought instead. It has really cute smocked arms that open to a bell sleeve and it’s light and airy….so cute!

          https://www.express.com/clothing/women/smocked-bell-sleeve-sheer-tie-neck-blouse/pro/08653066/cat430028?selectedColor=SOFT%20IVORY

          And yep, I agree with your surprise at “shoe alterations” as I had no idea that was even a thing! But, I decided to give it a try as Nordstrom said they’d stand by their offer and if the shoes still don’t fit right afterward, I can return them. So, the black patent Tory Burch Miller sandals are my pick. 🙂

  24. I keep a large silk-type scarf tied around my purse handle that comes in handy when I’m shopping for clothes. It’s large enough that I throw it over my head (like a ghost) and then take the clothes on and off. The scarf prevents any make up or tinted sunscreen from getting on the clothes. Since the scarf on the purse is in style, it’s a practical use, too. I learned that trick years ago from a woman who was a famous model back in the 1960’s and it has served me well.

  25. I also like this post. I think those longer shorts look very cute on you! The white top with the bootcut jeans is my favorite!!????

  26. I love how you have the same opinions I have when I shop for clothes- especially the arm hole cuts when they expose my bra! I enjoy following you on Instagram too- thanks!

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