A Few Cozy Cold-Weather Finds

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 or 30 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.

Madewell The Alonzo Coat in Dark Brown

at Madewell (S) // Denim Forum The Arlo (30) // La Canadienne Kiki (8.5)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Our best-selling relaxed topcoat is updated with classic details like notched lapels, welt pockets and a center back vent. Crafted from a textural alpaca-wool blend, it’s the kind of coat you’ll keep forever.

• Body length: 46″
• Material: 43% alpaca/37% wool/20% polyamide
• Care: Dry clean

MY THOUGHTS: I’ve been wanting to add a long brown coat to my winter wardrobe, ideally something in a wool blend that I can dress up or down. This one from Madewell popped onto my radar, and after watching it for a while, I finally grabbed it on sale in a size small. (The reviews mentioned it runs a bit big.)

The small does fit perfectly, but the shoulder seams give me pause. They’re not dropped, but they’re not set right on the shoulder either, which creates a slightly awkward line. The long row of buttons is also throwing me off; I tend to prefer cleaner, simpler styles, even a single-button closure. So while there’s a lot I like, I’m not convinced this is the one.

That said, it’s incredibly comfortable, which isn’t always true with longer coats, and the quality feels solid and well made. All that to say, I’m conflicted.

VERDICT: I haven’t reached for it yet, which is probably telling since it’s definitely been cold enough to wear it. I’m keeping an eye on the return window, but for now, I’m still looking.

La Canadienne Kiki City Dry Bootie in Black Suede

at Nordstrom (8.5) // MOTHER Lil Kick It (30)

PRODUCT DETAILS: An arch-supporting footbed and plush memory foam cushioning cradle every footfall in this classic suede bootie updated with a softly lugged sole.

• 1 1/2″ heel; 1/2″ platform
• 5″ shaft
• Leather upper/textile lining/rubber sole

MY THOUGHTS: I’ve had my eye on La Canadienne boots for a few years now. They’re comparable to Aquatalia in terms of quality, and the fact that they’re completely weatherproof is such a win for our messy Pennsylvania winters. I ordered their Connor Chelsea Boots when they were on sale at the end of last season, but decided to hold off and see what they released this year.

I ended up with the Blondo Cammie, which are similar styling but more budget-friendly. I do like those, but when I saw this suede pair marked down at Nordstrom during their Black Friday Deals, I couldn’t resist popping them into my shopping cart. I love the combination of the practical lug sole with the cleaner, more minimal design that’s trending this season, and I appreciate that they have a side zip instead of Chelsea goring.

When they arrived, they were every bit as gorgeous as I hoped. Waterproof suede can sometimes look plasticky, but these are soft, luxe, and beautiful. They’re also lightweight and flexible with arch support and memory foam cushioning, and incredibly soft and comfortable on the inside, too. I don’t even have to wear socks unless I want the extra warmth.

VERDICT: Keeping! I’ve already worn them once. They’re perfect for casual looks on messy winter days.

Free People Movement Scout It Out Fleece Vest in Cranberry

at Free People & Nordstrom (S) // Long Sleeve Rib T-Shirt (M) // AGOLDE 90’s Loose (29) // VEJA Campo (39)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Keep it comfortable in this fleece vest, crafted in a relaxed silhouette for an ultra-cozy feel however you move. Topped with nylon paneling, button-front placket, and funnel neck.

• Length: 23.25″
• 100% polyester
• Machine wash, tumble dry

MY THOUGHTS: My niece was wearing a fleece vest like this when she was here last weekend, and I liked it so much I hopped online to find one for myself. I debated going with one of the neutral options, but this Cranberry shade really spoke to me, so I decided to give it a try.

I do like it, but it’s definitely a bold color—and paired with the casual, slightly sporty vibe of the vest, it’s been trickier to style than I expected. I tried to wear it for some casual errands the other day and couldn’t quite get the look I was after. Since it’s such a relaxed piece, I reached for my black ribbed long sleeve tee, but none of my sweaters felt right underneath.

To keep the outfit casual, I paired it with light wash straight-leg jeans and white leather sneakers with black accents… but something about the outfit felt off. I eventually realized it was the black tee. It feels too heavy with the light denim and white sneakers. A white, off-white, or even light grey tee would help balance things out—but believe it or not, I don’t have one in that style right now!

So I tried adjusting the bottom half of the outfit. First, I swapped the sneakers for black lug sole booties, but then the jeans felt too light for the rest of the look.

Next, I pulled out my washed black loose-fit jeans, but then the outfit swung too far in the other direction—almost too polished for such a casual vest.

VERDICT: I’ve ordered a couple of long-sleeve white tees to try, and I’m hopeful that’s the missing piece to make this Cranberry vest work with light wash jeans and sneakers—which is how I’d most like to wear it. It’s also cute with leggings or sweats, but that isn’t really my vibe. So for now, I’m keeping the vest, and I’ll report back once I’ve tried it with a few other tops!

Straight-Leg Denim: The Search Continues

And I have even more jeans to share with you today! As you may remember, I’ve been trying on every full-length straight-leg pair I can get my hands on in search of the perfect everyday denim. Not only do they need to walk that fine line between flattering and modern (not a small feat with the trends these days!), but they also have to be the kind of comfortable I want to reach for over all my other options—even if I’m just hanging out at home.

We left off in last week’s Try-On Haul with a few close contenders, but I wanted to try some different sizes and washes in those styles. I also ordered a few pairs inspired by influencers I follow and some great reader recommendations, and I’ve got photos and thoughts on all of the above.

MOTHER Lil Kick It Straight Leg Jeans

at Nordstrom (30) // Caslon sweater (S) // La Canadienne Kiki (8.5)

PRODUCT DETAILS: A high-rise straight leg jean with a 30-inch inseam and a clean hem. Cut from stretch denim, [these jeans have] a mid-blue with whiskering and fading at the knee.

• 10 1/4″ Rise; 30″ Inseam; 17 3/4″ Leg Opening
• 78% Cotton 16% Modal 4% Polyester 2% Elastane
• Machine wash, dry flat
• Made in the USA

MY THOUGHTS: These arrived the day I published my last Try-On Haul, so they just missed making that post! At the time, I was still going back and forth between the AG Brinley and the MOTHER Dazzler for my most casual days, but neither felt quite right. I had tried this MOTHER Lil Kick It style in a darker wash and loved the fit and feel, but that wash leaned a little too dressy, so I ordered the lighter pair to try.

Side note: I bought the petite version (Lil Kick It) because I wanted the 30″ inseam for wearing with flats. The MOTHER Kick It has a 32″ inseam, so if that’s what you need for flats, or you want to wear heels, you might prefer that option.

After trying so many straight-leg jeans that were close-but-not-quite, I slipped these on and the only way I can describe it is… they felt like coming home. They’re soft, comfortable, and stretchy, with just enough structure to hold things in—without feeling tight or constricting, even in the waist (where everything seems to feel tight these days!).

And on top of that, the silhouette, length, and wash were exactly what I’d been looking for. They’re similar to the AGs I’ve been wearing, but with a little more substance to the denim and a wash that’s just more pleasing to my eye.

with adidas Spezial

It was the day before Thanksgiving, and I had a long list of cooking and house prep ahead of me, so I didn’t have time for a big internal debate. I just knew I didn’t want to take them off. I tucked the tag in (just in case) and threw on a sweater and my Birks to get started on my chores. After about an hour, I knew they were the jeans I’d been hunting for. I ripped off the tags, tied on an apron to protect my newfound treasure, and wore them the rest of the day.

with Birkenstock Clogs

I’ve worn them pretty much every other day since. And on the days I don’t wear them, I’ve wanted to — but there’s something to be said for variety! I’m still trying the other pairs that are trickling in, both in the name of blog research and because I could really use more than one pair in this silhouette.

But it’s been such a relief to finally fill that gap in my winter wardrobe. If another great pair comes along, that’s just icing on the cake. I’ll also hang onto the Brinley and the Dazzler, since I just got them, and I wear jeans so often that they’ll definitely have a place in the rotation.

VERDICT: Keeping. Obvi.

Sizing Notes: After wearing them several times, these jeans did relax a bit. They didn’t bag out or anything like that, but I found myself wondering if I should have tried the 29 for comparison. So, in the name of research (and because I can never leave well enough alone!), I ordered the 29 to try. I’ll include a quick photo comparison below for anyone who’s between sizes and wants to see the difference in fit.

MOTHER Lil Kick It size 30 // MOTHER Lil Kick It size 29

The size 29 probably looks a little better, but they felt a smidge too snug through the waist, and the slightly lower rise gave me a bit of a muffin top — not the look (or comfort level) I’m going for here. I can’t help but think that if I lost 3–5 pounds, the 29 might be perfect… but realistically, that’s not the season of life I’m in. So for now, the 30 is definitely the better fit for me.

VERDICT: Once again, keeping the size 30.

Denim Forum The Arlo Hi-Rise Straight Jean in 7 Yrs Bleu Taboo

at Aritzia (30) // Caslon sweater (S) // La Canadienne Kiki (8.5)

PRODUCT DETAILS: The Arlo is Denim Forum’s signature straight-leg jean. Arlo’s easy high rise and ankle-length hem are designed for an effortless look.

• Ankle length with a 28″ inseam.
• 92% cotton, 6% polyester, 2% elastane
• Machine wash

MY THOUGHTS: These jeans are from Aritzia, and another influencer raved about them as “the perfect straight-leg jeans,” so of course I had to give them a try. She’s at least 10 years younger and a good bit slimmer than I am, so I didn’t have high hopes… but I figured they were worth a shot.

Here’s how they look with the Madewell Remi Mary Jane Flats — they’re actually a really nice length with these.

These do look pretty good, but the comfort is nowhere near comparable to the Lil Kick It or even the AG Brinley, and they’re also just a bit too snug through the hips and rear in the size 30.

VERDICT: I don’t hate them, but they’re definitely not the unicorn pair I’m looking for. These went back.

AGOLDE 90s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight in Navigate

at AGOLDE & Revolve (30) // LOFT shimmer stripe sweater (S) // adidas Spezial (8)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Inspired by two of our best-selling styles. Featuring a flattering high-rise waist with a close-fitting top block through the hips, an easy, classic straight leg finished with a full-length inseam. Crafted in our Organic Cotton, this pair will only get softer with each wear while keeping its vintage appeal.

• Button Fly
• 12 3/4″ Rise; 29 1/2″ Inseam; 15 1/2″ Leg Opening
• 100% Regenerative Cotton
• Machine wash cold inside out with like colors. Do not bleach, tumble dry low.

MY THOUGHTS: These jeans aren’t exactly new to me, but they’re one of those pairs that always seems to look amazing on other women (usually taller women) yet never quite works for me. Still, my eye has been adjusting to more relaxed fits lately, so I thought they were worth another try. I ended up ordering two very similar pairs at different times after seeing them recommended yet again by a couple of influencers I follow.

I want to like the silhouette, and I do think the slight bow in the leg is interesting, but something about them just isn’t quite right on me. They also do that weird bulky thing in the crotch area that so many rigid straight-leg jeans seem to do.

It’s important to note the fabric composition on these. They’re 100% cotton and quite rigid, but interestingly, not in an entirely uncomfortable way. I just don’t see myself wanting to throw them on for a full day at home, but maybe for visiting with friends or running errands when I want another straight-leg option.

I can see how they might loosen up and become more comfortable with wear, but they also veer a little too far into that ’90s frumpy vibe. I’m not sure women my age can pull that off quite the same way the younger influencers do.

Interestingly, I don’t mind them as much with my Birks — it’s when I pair them with sneakers that something looks a little off. Am I crazy?

VERDICT: Still deciding…

AGOLDE 90s Jean Mid Rise Loose Fit in Vault

at AGOLDE & Shopbop (29) // LOFT shimmer stripe sweater (S) // VEJA Esplar (39)

PRODUCT DETAILS: A medium-worn indigo denim with fading, marbling, and whiskering details for a vintage-inspired look. This mid-rise jean sits comfortably at the waist, flowing into a relaxed, loose straight leg. Crafted from rigid, non-stretch 100% regenerative cotton denim, it maintains its shape while offering a soft hand feel that becomes even more comfortable with wear.

• Button Fly
• 12 1/2″ Rise; 29″ Inseam; 16″ Leg Opening
• 100% Regenerative Cotton
• Machine wash cold inside out with like colors. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low.

MY THOUGHTS: This pair is very similar to the one above; in fact, I laid them out side by side and could hardly see a difference, and the measurements online are almost identical. I have no idea why these are labeled “mid-rise” — a 12.5″ rise is not mid by any stretch. And to make it even more confusing, the pair above is labeled “high-rise” and has the exact same 12.5″ rise.

Fit-wise, I actually found this pair more comfortable right out of the box — which is funny, because they’re a size smaller. Maybe that explains why the other pair bags in the crotch. These seem to fit in all the right places, and they have a very flattering, relaxed straight-leg shape.

Fabric-wise, they’re the same rigid 100% cotton as the pair above, but not in a terrible way. They feel structured but not overly stiff. I still wouldn’t reach for them on a day when I’m hanging around the house, but for casual outings, I could see the appeal. People really love this style, and I can understand why… I just think I’m spoiled by the instant comfort of stretch denim.

with adidas Spezial and Quince sweater

Where things get tricky is the length. With my sneakers, the hem sometimes catches on the back — not every time, but enough that it gives me pause.

With Birkenstocks, they’re actually kind of cute. With boots, however (as I discovered when I tried them with the La Canadienne Kiki), the proportions just aren’t right.

with La Canadienne Kiki or Birkenstock Boston Clogs

VERDICT: I’m torn. I was fully prepared to keep these, and I even put them on to wear one day with the red fleece vest (shown at the top of the post), but something held me back. I’m still not sure I like them enough to commit.

Moussy Vintage Millsboro Low-Rise Straight in Blue 110

at Moussy (29) // LOFT shimmer stripe sweater (S) // VEJA Esplar (39)

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Low-rise
• Full length
• Light weight (non-stretch)
• Button Fly
• 100% cotton
• Machine wash cold delicate

MY THOUGHTS: Moussy Vintage is a completely new brand to me. A faithful reader suggested I try them, and while the price is way up there, I did grab them at 30% off during Black Friday, which made them feel more comparable to MOTHER or PAIGE. Of course, I try to buy those on sale too — although I will splurge on a true unicorn pair (case in point: the MOTHER Lil Kick It). Any-who.

My initial impression when I put these on was how comfortable they are — almost pajama-like, but with enough structure that they don’t look sloppy. Honestly, I don’t know how they’re 100% cotton; the softness is surprising. Fit-wise, they’re a lower rise than I typically reach for, and the waistband dips a bit in the front, which I’m not sure I love. They’re also a smidge wider than I’d prefer, although I will say the length is perfect with sneakers.

Where I get hung up is the overall look. I can’t quite put my finger on it — whether it’s the faded wash, the wider cut, or both — but they just don’t look expensive to me, and the overall vibe feels very relaxed, almost too youthful.

VERDICT: I returned these. For the price, they need to be practically perfect in every way.

Trying to find the perfect combination of “relaxed + polished” is proving to be much harder than I expected! Maybe I just need to be happy that I found one unicorn pair and call it done.

Moussy Vintage Wiley Straight Jeans

at Revolve (29) // Quince Oversized Crew (S) // GF Favorite Tee (M) // Birkenstock Clog (39)

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Button closure
• 9″ Rise; 28″ Inseam
• 99% cotton, 1% polyurethane
• Made in Japan
• Machine wash cold

MY THOUGHTS: These were another reader recommendation, and right out of the package I could tell they were very different from the Millsboro pair above. The denim is much thicker and more rigid — which is funny, because they’re actually less cotton (99% cotton, 1% polyurethane). The fabric feels substantial and well made, but definitely stiffer.

I do like this wash better; it reads a bit more polished and refined. But I’m just not crazy about the 9″ rise. Between the lower rise and the thicker, stiffer denim, they just didn’t feel comfortable on, and I knew I wouldn’t reach for them.

VERDICT: These went back as well.

MOTHER The Mid Rise Rider Hover Jeans in Fight For Your Right

at MOTHER.com & Nordstrom (30) // Quince Oversized Crewneck (S) // GF Favorite Tee (M) // Birkenstock Clog (39)

PRODUCT DETAILS: This slim straight-leg was adopted from our men’s line and features a mid rise, button fly, low-set back pockets, a 29-inch inseam and a clean hem. Made from denim with a touch of stretch, Fight For Your Right is a mid-blue with whiskering and fading at the knees.

• Button fly
• 9 3/4″ Rise; 29″ Inseam; 14″ Leg Opening
• 73% cotton, 26% lyocell, 1% elastane
• Machine wash, tumble dry
• Made in the USA

MY THOUGHTS: If you remember from last week’s Try-On Haul, I tried this style in a size 29 and thought they had potential, but they were too tight in the waist, so I ordered the size 30 to compare. This is a different wash than the previous pair, but the measurements are the same.

size 30 in Fight For Your Right

I do like how these look — the silhouette is similar to the Lil Kick It in the size 29 (a slimmer straight-leg shape), but these are a bit more comfortable in the size 30. That said, the rise is still lower than I prefer, and the length feels slightly off on me.

The biggest issue, though, is the back pockets. They sit very low, and while it doesn’t look quite as bad in photos, in real life they are definitely lower than I’m comfortable with.

VERDICT: These went back. For this price, I need to love them.

Quince Bella Stretch Straight Jeans in Seaside Blue

at Quince (30/30) // Quince Oversized Crew (S) // GF Favorite Tee (M) // Birkenstock Clog (39)

PRODUCT DETAILS: A textbook classic denim silhouette with a contemporary ankle length. Our Bella Stretch Straight Jeans feature a high rise that accentuates your hips and feels good.

• 10 1/2″ Rise; 30″ Inseam; 16″ Leg Opening
• Organic cotton.
• Machine wash cold.

MY THOUGHTS: Finally — a pair of $50 jeans from Quince! I like their Bella Stretch Relaxed Straight, but that style almost reads as a wide-leg on me, so I wanted to try the Bella Stretch Straight for a slimmer silhouette.

I’m pretty sure I ordered the 30″ inseam, but this pair has to be the 28″ because they’re definitely ankle length on me. In fact, they almost read more like a kick-crop than a true straight leg.

The wash is pretty good, but the overall look isn’t what I’m going for, and the proportions just aren’t working for me in this inseam length.

VERDICT: I returned these, but I’d try them again in the 30″ inseam to see if the full length changes the look.

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