Yesterday I posted the first half of a big try-on haul, and today I have part two! This is a mix of tops, spring jackets, and sneakers from Nordstrom, Gap, Talbots, Shopbop, and more.

For size reference, I’m 5’5″ and 135 pounds-ish… a little more recently. I’m working on that! I still take a 6/28 in pants/jeans (barely!), a small in tops, and size 8 shoe.

Gap Mac Coat

trench (S) // sweater (S) // jeans (27) // mules

I love a trench coat for spring, but I struggle with the traditional double breasted style and bulky epaulets, so I really like the streamlined shape and style of this mac.

Mac is short for Mackintosh, a raincoat that originated in Scotland. (The trrench originated in England.)

It’s a bit stiff, but still fairly comfortable to move around in. The material is 55% Cotton, 25% Modal, 20% Polyester; and I’m wearing the small.

My biggest complaint is that it’s really hard to button — and it’s a covered button style, so when you button it, you lose the detail the contrasting buttons provide.

In fact, buttoning it was such a pain that I gave up and stood with it as close to closed as possible, to show you the shape. This is the best I could do.

Considering that I can’t button it, I decided to send this back. I might be willing to futz with it if the buttons were still visible when buttoned-up, but I didn’t care for how plain it was when they were hidden.

This trench coat also comes in green, and it’s true to size; I’m in the small. It’s also on sale this weekend — originally $128, marked down to $115, plus an extra 10% off with code FORYOU.

Gap Oversized Denim Jacket

denim jacket (S) // waffle tee (S) // jeans (27) // sneakers (39)

Oversized denim jackets have been trending for a while, but I’ve stuck to my more fitted styles. I was thinking it might be nice to incorporate a more trendy style into my spring wardrobe, so I ordered this black one.

Overall, I’m just not a fan. I can appreciate that it would look better over a hooded sweatshirt — also a big trend right now — but I don’t have one in a complementary color.

Besides, I can just tell this jacket is too big and broad for me. The arms are HUGE.

So yeah, it is going back. If you like it, the price is pretty good. Originally $89.95, marked down to $80, plus an extra 10% off with code FORYOU.

Gap Cozy Waffle-Knit V-Neck T-Shirt

waffle tee (S) // jeans (27) // sneakers (39)

This is a really cute, comfy top for spring, and I love this desert cactus green color.

It has a flattering neckline that isn’t super low, and a good sleeve length, but I’m not a fan of that curved hemline. I know some ladies like that, though.

I don’t usually like a drop shoulder, but this one is so low that it doesn’t really make me look any broader across the shoulders.

Overall, I like it! I think it’s a keeper. This top runs true to size and comes in several other really good colors too. It was originally $39.96, and it’s marked down to $27, plus an extra 10% off with code FORYOU.

When I was at Nordstrom last weekend, I tried on a few casual tops from in the T.B.D. department while I was shopping for jeans. It can stay cold here in Philly well into April, so I was looking for sweaters or sweatshirts in lighter colors to wear with jeans and sneakers on those chilly early spring days.

Treasure & Bond Raw Edge Sweatshirt

sweatshirt // jeans // boots

This sweatshirt is incredibly soft inside, very comfortable, but I feel like the drop shoulder with the raw edge details makes me look broader than I really am.

Obviously, I wouldn’t wear this with black suede boots, but I didn’t want to crop them out, so you can see the overall proportions of the outfit.

Treasure & Bond V-Neck Rib Stitch Sweater

sweater (S) // jeans (28) // boots (8)

This sweater is soft and comfortable, and I like the relaxed, oversized fit. The color is pretty too.

I even like how it looks with these jeans, especially when front-tucked, but it’s really low-cut.

I would need to wear a tank or bralette or something for modesty, and I just don’t think it would look all that great. Plus, I find layers uncomfortable. So yeah, this one stayed behind.

Reformation Tanner Organic Cotton Hoodie

hoodie // jeans // boots

This hoodie is a mystery. I cannot find it anywhere on the Nordstrom website, and I don’t even remember the brand. Sorry!

On my way out of the T.B.D. department, I got waylaid in the Individualist department, home to Vince, Eileen Fisher, Theory, and some of those more upscale brands.

I love to walk through that area, although I don’t usually try things on since I like to buy these brands on sale, but I’ve had my eye on this polo sweater and wanted to try it. I noticed it online, when looking at spring trends.

Vince Wool & Cashmere Polo Sweater

sweater // similar jeans // boots

This style will be very popular this season, and I like the variation on a basic pullover. Unfortunately, this particular sweater is way too low-cut for me.

I’m also not sure why it’s priced so high (even for Vince) and it doesn’t get great reviews either…

Needless to say, that one went back on the rack.

I’m eager to find some more affordable options because I think the polo sweater is a really nice alternative to the v-necks and crewnecks we usually wear in the springtime. It has a more tailored look about it that I really like.

Vince Breton Boat Neck Stripe Cashmere Sweater

sweater // similar jeans // boots

As I was perusing the racks, this sweater kept calling to me in a sweet, soft voice. I walked away from it a few times until finally deciding it couldn’t hurt to try it on… famous last words!

This sweater is 100% cashmere, and the knit is insanely soft and thick — it’s right up there with Naadam.

I love the color combo, and the stripe design is different than anything I have. Plus, it’s a classic fit that would not go out of style anytime soon. It looks good both untucked and front-tucked.

It also comes in an almond color with navy stripes, but I think this black with the chestnut brown stripes is so striking. It runs TTS; I’m in the small.

Sadly, I did leave this sweater behind, but I’m keeping an eye on it and hoping for a sale.

Back at home, I tried on a few things that had come in the mail.

Everleigh Cozy V-Neck Top

top // jeans // sneakers

This picture is for those who tell me I can wear anything…

Um, nope! No one can.

This top is cozy and comfy, and the color is really pretty, but it’s very long and boxy. You can front tuck it, but that creates a lot of extra volume and bulk.

Needless to say, I passed on this one.

WHBM Pacesetter Tee

tee // jeans // flats

I don’t remember how or why I came across this top, but I ordered it because I thought it would be a nice, versatile piece to dress up or down this spring and summer.

I threw it on with my rag & bone Cate skinnies, although I think I would prefer it with a darker wash, or even white jeans. I think I just happened to have these on that day.

The ball chain detail on the sleeve is a nice touch, and the material is very soft and drapey. I love it.

Here’s how it looks untucked. It can be worn either way.

This one is definitely a keeper!

Sweaty Betty Athlete Seamless Racerback Tank

tank top // leggings // sneakers

And this is random, but I ordered it, so I’ll show you.

I thought this color was so pretty, but it’s really snug, so I sent it back. I may or may not order the medium. I don’t really need it, and it may go on sale if I wait.

It’s a great workout tank, though, and not too low-cut. Just be sure to size up!

Talbots Classic Cotton Crewneck Tee – Middleton Stripe

sweater // jeans // sneakers

I like short-sleeve sweaters for spring because, as I said, it can often be rather chilly here, and they are easy to layer under lightweight jackets or wear alone with jeans or skirts. I was drawn to the stripe pattern on this one and the small pop of color.

It has a nice classic fit without being too clingy, and the 100% cotton fabric is soft and comfortable against the skin. This sweater is excellent quality, and it runs true to size; I’m wearing the small.

I do think this sweater runs the risk of looking a tad matronly, so I paired it with these crop straight jeans and fashion sneakers to keep it looking current.

Talbots Contrast Detail Mac

trench // sweater // jeans // sneakers

This mac is very similar to the one I ordered from Gap, but in a striking purple orchid.

I was expecting to the like the Talbots version better, and it’s definitely better quality, but it has an odd A-line shape to it that isn’t very flattering.

This one does button and unbutton easily, though, and I like that you can see the buttons. They make a nice contrast. Unfortunately, I think the shape is a deal-breaker. What say you?

And pardon the wrinkles… I should have steamed it but I was in a hurry to get these pictures while I had daylight left.

Okay, I’m going to run through some sneakers real quick. If you’ve been following along, I sent all the Golden Goose back, although the clean white leather sneakers I’m trying on here would really be for a different purpose.

These would replace my plain white Vejas, which are two years old and starting to look a bit rough, and I’d like a pair that’s even more minimalist in style.

Axel Arigato Clean 90 Sneakers (size 39)

at Farfetch // at Nordstrom // at Shopbop // graphic tees // joggers

This is the same brand I featured a few weeks ago, but a different style. I like this style much better, in fact, I absolutely LOVE the look of these.

They are EXACTLY what I’m looking for as far as shape and style, and the quality is outstanding. They’re super luxe — leather inside and out and all that.

I wish I’d styled them with some different looks because I would be keeping these to wear with jeans and sweaters and other street clothes, not athleisure; but this is what I happened to be wearing the day I tried on all these sneakers.

Anyway, I was going to keep these and had already put them in my closet, but when I went to put them on to wear them, I realized how stiff that tongue is — even stiffer than the Vejas, which I can get used to pretty easily when I don’t lace them all the way up.

I decided it was ridiculous to pay $230 for sneakers that aren’t comfortable right out of the box, and I put them in my return pile.

Frye Ivy Lace Up Sneakers (size 8.5)

at Shopbop // 30% off at Bloomies // graphic tees // joggers

If you’re thinking these look remarkably like the Axel Arigatos, you would be right. These came up in the “You Also Might Like” section on the Shopbop website when I was looking at those, so I added them to my cart.

Frye makes a gorgeous leather boot, so I thought their sneakers would be worth a try.

These have a slightly more pointed toe than the Arigatos… I mean, this is not a pointed toe, but the shape is just a bit narrower. Also, the leather has a very subtle pebbled texture to it, which I don’t love.

That said, they are supremely comfortable right out of the box, and the contrasting tan interior is a nice touch. I like them, but there’s something about the shape that was holding me back from keeping them, and I sent them back.

Still, they’re a gorgeous sneaker, and 30% off at Bloomies right now. In fact, I think I’m going to re-order now that they’re on sale. After looking at all these pictures, and considering the comfort and quality and the price, I think they might be the ones.

FYI, I sized up to the 8.5 in these (I have no idea why; the website says TTS) and they fit perfectly.

Sam Edelman Ethyl Sneakers (size 8)

at Shopbop // at Nordstrom // at Bloomies // graphic tees // joggers

These also came up as a similar option when I was placing my Shopbop order, and again, they are so similar. You really have to be very picky to even tell a difference between any of these three.

These don’t have the quality of the Frye, and the interior isn’t as nice, but they are still incredibly soft and cushiony. I also don’t love the grommets, but that is being super duper picky.

For the price, these are a solid choice. They run TTS; I’m wearing the 8 here.

re/done 90s Leather Skate Sneakers

at Revolve // sold out at Saks // jeans // waffle tee // teddy coat

I don’t remember where I came across these, but I was curious because they’re “hand-crafted by passionate artisans in Italy” and all that jazz. When I saw them at Saks for $168.75, down from $450, I had to order and see what they were all about.

At full retail price, these are in the Golden Goose price range, but these are a little more elevated, or as they say, “worn, but not dirty.” Plus, I got them for the sale price because this style is being discontinued and replaced with this one.

So these shoes… wow. They are SO comfortable.

They have a good amount of cushion and support, and a terry lining that feels so soft against the foot. There is no need to wear socks unless you are worried about making them stinky. The tongue isn’t stiff at all, and once they were tied, I’ve been able to slide my feet in and out without untying and re-tying.

(I hate having to tie shoes, one reason I love my P448s so much.)

The quality is amazing, as you would expect, and I like the styling too. They aren’t as plain as the others I’ve tried, but they don’t have as much going on as P448s and GGDB.

Here they are styled with the Madewell crop jeans and that Gap waffle top for a casual springtime outfit.

And I also tried them with the teddy coat outfit from last week’s try-on haul because I wanted to see how they would look with black jeans… I do like this.

And then a different day, I tried them on with my grey Reformation sweater and AG Maris. I actually wore this outfit with my P448s on Wednesday.

I like this look a lot, but I took these off and put the P448s on because I couldn’t commit.

FYI, I hear Re/done does really good denim as well… I’m afraid to place an order for fear I’ll like them too much.

This pair is still sitting in my room because they are so comfortable and cute, and I hate to return them since I got such a good price. But I don’t really need them, now that I have my new Vejas with the black accents. I actually forgot I had these on order when I bought those. D’oh!

I also still really like the clean white look of the Axel Arigatos, and maybe that’s what is holding me back?

You now how you get when you look at something for so long that suddenly nothing seems quite right? That’s about where I am with sneakers. I’m just kind of over it, lol.

I was envisioning the Golden Goose as being more of a spring/summer shoe, with the ease of a slip-on, and none of the ones I’m trying here really fits that description.

Of course, I do have my P448s, and they’re still in good shape, but it occurred to me that a canvas sneaker might be a better purchase at this point, so I just ordered these Cariuma canvas sneakers to try.

I think I’m also going to order the Frye pair from Bloomies at the sale price, and then I’ll try all three (as I still have the re/done sneakers) with different outfits, and decide which pair to keep.

And that’s a wrap! I did try on a few other spring pieces, but this post is long enough, so I’ll save them for next week.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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