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Try On Haul + This Week’s Looks

Greetings, friends! I’m back with another try on haul, and I’m tacking on this week’s outfits to the end of the post.

I’ve been thinking I could make these two separate features each week, but I don’t know that you want two posts full of mirror selfies… or do you? Or maybe I should just do What I Wore every other week, since I don’t always have a ton of looks and they can be repetitive… I dunno, let me know if you have an opinion on the matter.

I have a lot of pictures this week, so let’s get started. I decided to combine some into one image, like I did with the summer shorts reviews. My hope is that it makes load time a little faster. Of course, it also makes them smaller, so again, let me know if you have a strong opinion on that.

Try On Haul: Nordstrom, Madewell, J.Crew & Boden

This week’s haul is very Nordstrom heavy, for no particular reason. In fact, it is very tank top heavy. Ha! I do this — I get in a mood and decide I need something, and then I order a ton of options. The thing is, when they arrive, I can’t remember why I thought I needed them. #mombrain

I think I was ordering these to have some options under cardigans, since I have added quite a few new cardigans to my wardrobe this spring. But not that it has turned warm here in Philly, I find myself wanting to wear them with denim shorts during the day. Either way, a good tank is a closet staple most women need, so hopefully this is helpful. I found a lot of good ones — but they’re all a little different, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Caslon Cotton Tank (size small) // Very stretchy, nice and thick, a classic tank that’s perfect for layering. It fits close to the body so it’s not very forgiving if you have some lumps and bumps. I’m wearing it here with suuuper high rise jeans (10″) so that helps with the lumps and bumps, but still, not my favorite. Read on…

Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Cordova Wash: Button-Front Edition (size 29) // Since I love my white Madewell jeans, I thought I’d try these. I’m learning that the 10″ is just too high for me, and the 9″ is just right. I’m never going to tuck into a 10″ rise, and with the button-fly, it really needs a tuck-in. Otherwise, I like the fit, although the wash is a little acid-wash looking for me, and the material is on the stiffer side and thicker than I prefer.

also wearing: Nine West Gianna slides (LOVE! See more of these in yesterday’s post.)

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tank (size medium) // Another fairly classic tank, but this one fits a little looser and has the seam up the back to give it some added interest. It’s made of the same “vintage cotton” with the heathered texture as their vintage cotton v-neck tee so it’s a little thinner and has some drape to it. In other words, it’s more forgiving than the Caslon cotton tank.

Note that I am wearing a medium in this tank, as opposed to a small in the Caslon ones. I find I need to size up in J.Crew tees and tanks. Also, this tank is 35% off and comes in navy, black, and white.

Madewell 9″ Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Pure White (size 29) // I’ve shared these before, but since I’m wearing them here… These are currently my new go-to white jeans. So comfortable, great fit, not see-through. Highly recommend.

also wearing: Dolce Vita Women’s Prue Wedge Sandals

Caslon Muscle Tank in Olive Faded Large Camo Print

Caslon Muscle Tank

Caslon Muscle Tank in Yellow Ochre

Caslon Muscle Tank (size small) // For some reason, I really love a muscle tank. They have wider straps, and in this case, more of a u-neck, which is nice for a change. The material is thick enough not to be see-through, and the camo was a little stiff. The yellow not so much. I don’t luuuurve this tank, but I like it a lot.

It has a good fit, but it’s a little low under the arms. It comes in tons of solids and striped patterns, as well as the camo, but sizes are selling out. Bummer, I was going to order the ivory/red Faye stripe. Wouldn’t that be so cute with jean shorts for the 4th of July?

Note: these come in plus sizes.

also wearing: Mother Looker Ankle Fray Skinny Jeans with Tory Burch Miller Sandals

Treasure & Bond U-Neck Tank

Treasure & Bond U-Neck Tank

Treasure & Bond U-Neck Tank (size small) // Now THIS tank, I luuuuurve. Super soft modal blend, nice drape, slightly racer-back so bra straps show, but not a deal breaker because I love the fabric. It’s thinner than the Caslon ones, but not see-through.

I’m keeping both of these. I like the fit of the small, but I can also see sizing up to a medium for a more relaxed fit and more drape. I probably should at least try the mediums, but I already wore both of these, so I’m just going to have to remember to hang them to dry so they don’t shrink. The grey/white stripe looks really good under a navy or pink cardigan. I wore it that way earlier in the week. (See the What I Wore section below.)

also wearing: Mother Looker Ankle Fray Skinny Jeans with Tory Burch Miller Sandals (top) and Madewell 9″ Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans with Dolce Vita Women’s Prue Wedge Sandals (bottom)

Dolce Vita Women’s Prue Wedge Sandal (size 8) // Super cute, love the caged upper with subtle snakeskin print, but they rubbed my pinky toe as soon as I put them on, and I could tell they weren’t going to work for me.

Otherwise, they’re very comfortable — I just think it’s the way they’re cut in combination with my square-ish feet. Life is too short to wear shoes that hurt, so they went right back.

Caslon Lace Trim Tank (size small) // Unfortunately this top is almost sold out. You also may have seen it featured in yesterday’s post. It’s a little boxy, but I like the details a lot.

also wearing: Madewell 9″ Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans with Dolce Vita Noor Sandals (top) and Mother Looker Ankle Fray Skinny Jeans with Tory Burch Miller Sandals (bottom)

J.Crew Mercantile Featherweight slub cotton T-shirt

J.Crew Mercantile Featherweight slub cotton T-shirt (size medium) // I ordered this at someone’s recommendation, and I’m not sure why I didn’t order the white. I’m going to have to start making notes when I order things because I can’t seem to remember what I was ordering them for. Any-Who. This is what I would call a very basic v-neck tee. It’s soft and stretchy, a good weight, not see-through, not stiff, classic v-neck, classic sleeve length, straight hem, no boob pocket, and on the longer side.

Why don’t I love it? I don’t know. Maybe it’s just too basic. I lived in t-shirts like this in the early 2000’s when I was having babies, although they were shorter. But if you want a very basic v-neck tee in a longer length, this is the one for you!

also wearing: Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Jeans with Nine West Gianna slides

HALE Women's Kenna Stunner Mid Rise Skinny Jeans

HALE Women's Kenna Stunner Mid Rise Skinny Jean

HALE Women’s Kenna Stunner Mid Rise Skinny Jeans (size 29) // These jeans are designed by Adriano Goldschmied, the genius behind AG jeans, so of course I had to try them! Granted, I only tried one style, but I’m not loving these.

The wash is pretty basic looking, they fit really loose for skinnies, and while the rear pockets are placed well, they’re rather large — not at all like the magic pockets on my beloved AG jeans. That said, they’re not horrible, and for the price, I’d be willing to try other styles.

also wearing: J.Crew Mercantile Featherweight slub cotton T-shirt with Nine West Gianna slides

Gibson x The Motherchic Avalon Faux Wrap Jersey Dress

Gibson x The Motherchic Avalon Faux Wrap Jersey Dress

Gibson x The Motherchic Avalon Faux Wrap Jersey Dress (size small) // This is such a cute dress, although it probably looks better on women without as much going on up top. I love how it’s cut nice and high under the arms, and that it’s a faux wrap style so it’s sewn together at the waist, and there’s a snap closer over the chest. It’s on the shorter side, though, so that is something to keep in mind. I’m 5’5″ for reference.

also wearing: Nine West Gianna slides

Boden Melinda Jersey Dress in Navy (size 8) // Yes, I bought it in navy!!! I love it so much in the scattered fruit print, but prints are memorable, and I think the solid navy will be a great closet basic to have for a long time. I did find this to fit a tad smaller than the print that I have, and I’m not sure why. It’s still okay, but I definitely won’t put it through the dryer.

also wearing: Dolce Vita Noor Sandals

Gibson x Living in Yellow Willow Tiered Peplum Top

Gibson x Living in Yellow Willow Tiered Peplum Top (size small) // This is such a fun and flirty top. There are only a few sizes left, but it appears to have had some restocks since I posted on my Instagram a couple days ago.

also wearing: Madewell 9″ Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans with Dolce Vita Noor Sandals

1901 Ruffle Sleeve Cotton Blend Top with 1901 Print Faille Shorts

1901 Ruffle Sleeve Cotton Blend Top (size small) // This top is a little small on me. I think it’s hard to see in pictures, but definitely was noticeable in real life. I also don’t think the ruffle sleeves do anything for me because I have pretty wide, square shoulders and then the chest issue, but pear-shaped ladies or those who are smaller on top might really like this one.

1901 Print Faille Shorts (size 8) // These shorts run really small. They were tight through the waist, and the front pockets gaped open (you can see a bit on the right side where I’m holding my phone.) They’re also rather wide through the thigh, so again, pear-shaped ladies or those with thicker legs may like these. The print is really fun.

What I Wore This Week

Alrighty! I will make these quick b/c it is getting late! I took a break from finishing this post so I could get my run in before it got too hot outside. (I can’t believe I’m actually worried about it getting too hot. A few days ago I thought I’d never be warm again!)

I wore this to a Mother’s Day brunch last Saturday with some ladies at church. It was a beautiful morning, before all the rain came in.

OUTFIT DETAILS

I wore this to church on Sunday for Mother’s Day. It was nasty, cold, and rainy all day. Bleh. Pretty much the way I feel about this outfit. It looks really drab.

sweater (old) // pants (old) // shoes // tank

And then I changed into this that afternoon to a family gathering. I could have stayed in what I was wearing, but I’m more comfortable in jeans, and I wanted an excuse to wear this jacket again, ha! And also, how cute are these booties? I’ve had them for weeks and haven’t had a chance to wear them.

OUTFIT DETAILS

This is what I wore on Monday — another dreary, rainy, chilly day — but this picture was taken a while back. I didn’t go anywhere, so I didn’t do my hair and makeup.

OUTFIT DETAILS

Not sure what happened to Tuesday, but this was Wednesday. I had a hair appointment, and while the weather was warming up, I knew I’d be cold inside the salon so I wore this cashmere cardigan.

OUTFIT DETAILS

And finally… Thursday! The weather is warming up, and it feels like summer may actually be right around the corner. I wore this in the afternoon so I could sit outside and get some sun. I also wore this tank with jeans and my Bobeau cardigan to run some errands earlier in the day, but I guess I never got a picture.

Treasure & Bond U-Neck Tank // BlankNYC denim shorts // TB Millers

And this was yesterday evening. I threw this on to hang out with friends on their patio. I actually wore different shorts, but this picture was from a try-on sesh a few weeks ago so I posted it instead of taking a new one.

OUTFIT DETAILS

And that’s a wrap! Whew!!!

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Join The Conversation

28 Responses

  1. Hi JoLynne—I think I remember you saying you size up when purchasing white jeans.  Do you find the fit is much looser and they stretch out after wearing for some time?  I ordered the Madewell jeans in my normal size 28 but I didn’t think they looked good on me.  Maybe I should have sized up?  I’m petite, short-waisted and long legs so many times I need the regular length and have the legs shortened a little.  White jeans are such a chore to find the right pair.  Any additional tips you can give would be helpful.  Thank you. . .

    1. I sometimes do – I did go up to 30 in my Paige and my J.Brand white jeans. But the Madewell white fit great in 29. Why do you think they don’t look good on you?

  2. I can so sympathize with your remarks this morning. I walk for excercise (not a leisurely stroll, mind you). Since January I’ve been really trying to walk 4+ miles 3-5 days a week. Every time I walk 5 days in a week or push myself to one day walk 5 miles I have come down with a cold. I’ve been sick off and on for 2 months. It’s just like my immune system cannot handle the stress. It is so discouraging. Week before last I walked 5 days. By Sunday I had come down with a cold. 

    1. Interesting! Maybe something to increase your immune system. I find when I’m running consistently, I get sick less. But I suppose there is a fine line between enough and overdoing? Good for you for getting back out there each time, tho!

  3. Great post today! I’m never sure whether to buy a small or medium, for example in tops (also jeans, etc) so I go by the sizes that you model and talk about and that really works for me. I love your new photo groupings, but could you add the sizes of the clothes? When I click on the grouping I see the links to each item, but I don’t see the size that you are wearing so I’m not sure whether I should get a small or medium, or a 28 or 29 (for example) and I always use you as my size guru. :))

  4. You must be exhausted after all that! Enjoyed your haul pics.
    I bought a pair of high waisted Mother jeans and they are great, although expensive.
    I went to Nordstrom’s and the girl helped me. I tried on 15 types of jeans (she was very patient). Mother was the best fitting, holding in at the right places but very soft pair I have  had in a long time.. I almost didn’t buy  them for the price but decided to go for it.  Fit is the most important aspect in clothing  for me.

  5. Please keep all the pictures coming. I like the format used today and really enjoy and look forward to your weekly update on what you’ve tried on and what you actually wore.

  6. Love the casual yet put together looks you provide. I don’t think I’ve ever said “thank you” for featuring the blanknyc faux suede jacket. When I ordered it I wasn’t sure how much I’d wear it. Well, that baby has some mileage behind it now. I’m always amazed at how neutral the blush color can be. It pairs well with so many fabric weights, necklines and sleeve lengths, depending upon the temperature spreads here in Chicago (totally crazy). Always elevating my skinny jeans to a dressier level. I receive so many compliments. The sale price is outstanding and doesn’t bother me a bit because my price-per-wear is pretty low at this point.  To those pondering this purchase, grab it if your size is available. As you previously mentioned, it ran a tiny bit small. I’m usually a S-M (8-10-12) but ordered a L in this and it’s a perfect fit. JoLynne, if/when this jacket comes out again for fall with updated colors, please feature it again. It’s a workhorse and wardrobe winner!

    1. Kathy did you buy the blush jacket she is showing above or the more structured jacket they sell. I’ve always wondered if I would like the way that jacket drapes in the front. Thanks!

      1. Hi Nancy, I bought the draped front jacket. Not sure if clear in photo but the jacket is fitted only the front panels drape.   Like you, I was unsure of all that material swinging and it’s a breakaway from my more tailored tendencies.  I ordered it to take a look at it. It took me a bit to get used to just leaving the front alone, letting it drape.  The front drape does not swing, it stays fairly flat and does not end up in my soup – or anything else.  I wore it to a couple parties, then dinner out, dinner again, on and on.  I put it on the other day for a luncheon and wondered if I’m now wearing it too often!  🤣 At the current price, it’s worth a try.  You can always return it, although that’s not my fav task. Good luck. 

  7. I sympathize with you about the exercise: if I push myself too hard (or what I was able to do in my 20s and 30s), I just injure myself and have to take time off to recover and pay for physical therapy. I have learned the hard way that being in my early 40s, my body is different and to pay attention to the aches and pains. I adjust from doing high to low impact exercise. The important thing is to keep moving and stay active. Whether you run 3 or 6 miles isn’t the point. Its like a dress size: just a number.

    I really like the weekly “what I wore” in real life summary. I enjoy it. Keep it weekly if its not too much trouble for you. Have a great weekend!

    Our Canadian Victoria Day long weekend (in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday) is cold, damp and rainy. No shorts or outdoor BBQs for us, sad to say.

  8. As usual, I love the try-on sessions. I am really tempted with a couple of the tank tops, but I have so many already. Shorts/tank top are what I wear in the summer!

    W/ regards to exercise/running, I can completely relate. Most of the way through my late 40s/early 50s, I did triathlons, including Ironman triathlons. After my last one a few years ago, I decided to take some time off. During that time, I not only gained weight, but developed a knee problem. Saw an ortho for awhile, and then in the last couple of years, shed the 55 pounds I’d put on and started doing just a little running. I’m at the point where I run a couple of times a week, and then walk or weight train the other days. At this point, running is not something I want to give up, so I just try to be really conscious of not overdoing it. I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to get back to it, even in a small degree.

    1. Ha! Replying to my own post…All that to say that at 58, I’m not at the point where I’m okay with completely giving up running either. It’s something I love (most of the time, lol) and makes me feel good.

    2. Wow, those are some serious accomplishments! My biggest accomplishment was a half marathon I ran in 2013. Other than that, I mostly did a bunch of 5Ks and one 10K. After that half, I had a really bad run of injuries. I’ve learned since that inconsistency can be as damaging as overdoing it. I’ve been fortunate to find a really good podiatrist who encourages me to keep running and gives me good guidance about how to safely increase my mileage and endurance. The problem is I keep finding excuses, and I think sometimes I’m my own worst enemy. I don’t have to run 13 miles ever again, but I would like to increase my mileage from where I am now for both calorie burning and just the sense of accomplishment. But even if that never happens, I’m glad I’m still getting out there a few times a week for 25-30 min. It’s better than nothing.

  9. It is reassuring to hear all of you wrestling with the reality of the physical changes of older bodies! Reading through the comments, it seems the most important thing is that we are not going to give up on the idea of staying in shape. New stratigies/new goals and the realization that changes happen and we need to adjust in order to avoid injury. So prioritize the run, Jo-Lynne (even if it ends up being a walk-jog) & we will enjoy whatever post you come up with afterwards!! Thanks for all you do!

  10. Hi again, Jolynne! I was wondering if you’ve washed your Boden Melinda dress yet (the one with the pink fruit print). I’ve purchased both the size 8 and the size 10. The 8 fits perfectly but I wouldn’t want it to shrink and I was wondering if you’ve had any shrinkage on yours when you’ve laundered it? The label says it’s 48% cotton so I’m not sure. I’ll definitely put it in a cool wash and will hang it to dry, but I’m worried there might be shrinkage regardless. Thank you!

    1. I haven’t. And I agree, it JUST FITS. I’m kind of nervous to wash it, but I’m hoping that if it’s washed on cold and hung to dry, it will maintain it’s size and shape pretty well.

  11. I was able to snag the white jeans in my size on the Nordstrom Rack site. They are awesome. Thank you so much for finding these!!

  12. You were late getting this post out and I’m a day late reading it due to family being here.  We haven’t seen them in at least 3 years, so I don’t need to spend so much time on my devices.  Once again, your try on sesh timing is impeccable because I am looking for tank tops, with coverage, to wear mowing the yard.  I also want to keep the $ I spend on them to a minimum.  I ordered 2 from Nordstrom Rack but I don’t like either one well enough to keep them.  However, I love the 3 pair of joggers I ordered.  Since you aren’t loving what you don’t like about what you wore on Mother’s Day, I would love to know what changes you would make to the outfit, so you would like it.  Regarding the distance you run, I think you should stick with running the distance that doesn’t push your body to the point of injury.  Be proud that you are back out there doing cardio along with your workout appointments!  You are staying active, which so many of us, like myself, need to do better at.  Have a blessed day!

  13. Just love your style!  Your everyday looks are casual, but beautifully put together.  I dress casual on a daily basis as well, but your looks help me put together some great, fashion forward outfits, with some trendy flair and accessories.  Thank you for taking the time for us fashionistas in the making.

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