-->

Friday, March 14, 2014

My weekend haul

As I mentioned on Monday, I thought I'd do my first ever dressing room photos and review post for the blog! This will be photo heavy, so let's not waste any time! Oh, but just so you understand my proportions - I'm 5'-2", I have a 30DD bra size (according to my NEW size determined here), 27" waist, and 36" hips. I'm generally high waisted, and my hips are definitely the widest part of my body

My first stop was Express. Everything in the store was buy 1 get 1 half off, which really just means I'm buying in pairs. I grabbed an armful of clothes and headed to the dressing room. First up, this minty top and High Rise Crocheted Lace Shorts.
Unfortunately, I'm not finding the top online. It was actually quite cute and true to size - a simple pullover style with a half zip at the back. I decided against the top because it felt like 1970's polyester, which I wasn't crazy about. The shorts were great - but I would never wear them with a top tucked in to show off the high waist - I don't think that look is at all flattering on my square shape, and there's just way too much fabric to only be able to wear it with a shirt over top of it. So far, I'm 0 for 2.
Next up is the Sleeveless Textured Front Zipper Dress. If you remember, my compadre and Manic Monday parter in crime, Gina, featured this in one of her Holiday Style series posts here. I've been wanting to try it myself, but I do so much of my shopping online, and I knew this was something I needed to try on in store. First, I was ridiculously confused how to get this on as I didn't notice the side zipper at first. I vary between a size 4 and a 6 depending on how fitted the piece is, so I grabbed this dress in each size. Above, you will see side by side photos of each size. The 4 zipped, but I couldn't breathe. And if you were to zoom in, you'd see the fabric screaming for dear life and also little muffin tops at my armpits. Yeah, not sexy. Gina was right to suggest sizing up. The 6 was perfect. I loved this a lot - the shape is great, and it has pockets. It's so hard for me to say no to a dress with pockets, so this was a yes! Here are a couple more photos - the texture is great.
I can't shop Express during a sale and not pick up some portofinos. I just honestly love this shirt so much, and the print and color selection is amazing. Here you'll see the Polka Dot in Mink  and the Leopard Print. Both are size small and paired with the Striped Stretch Knit Midi Pencil Skirt which you saw briefly in Monday's post.


I tried the skirt on in Small (left) and Medium (middle and right.) The skirt looks shorter in the photo of the small, but that's only because it was skin tight on my hips so I had to hike it up higher. The medium is still very much form fitting - it just allows me to breathe. And if I want, I could actually fold the waist a couple of times to shorten the length a little. I decided to say no to the polka dots, only because I already have it in white and wear it a ton. If you are deciding what portofino to get first, here are four reasons to chose the black and white dot version:


The white version is constantly in and out of stock online, so if you're on the fence, get off of it, and buy it while it's there! But back to this shopping trip! I ended up getting the striped skirt in medium and the leopard portofino. It's just the perfect leopard print and I know I will get so much use out of it. And, I'm excited for my first midi skirt. I still don't know if I could ever pull off a full midi skirt, but this pencil version is great.

The last two pieces I tried on were the Mars Red Portofino and Navy Weathered Seamed Shorts. These pieces were inspired by the Cardinals' team colors as I realized when I was packing for the trip that they would be perfect for spring training, but alas I didn't already own them! The top is in a small just like the other portofinos. I always like to size up on shorts with smaller inseams so they hang lower on my hips - a 4 would have fit, but the 6 hangs better and doesn't ride up.

With my own necklace here and sandals here

One thing that I love about the portofino is that it has a hint of a high-lo hem and the rear hem is long enough to cover my tush, making it perfect for leggings. So, if you're short like me, you will get even more use out of this top than you know!

OK, so that means I have two tops, one skirt, one dress, and one pair of shorts in my cart. 5 items. Dangit! I can't waste the last B1G1 half off discount, so I ended up with these Chevron and Chain Drop Earrings.

Next, I wandered into Kate Spade. I already told you guys this story on Tuesday, but can I just reiterate how excited I am for this bag? I posted this photo on Instagram right before I bought it. And for the record, Kate Spade New York "liked" it. Woohoo, I made it!


By this time, the husband was starting to make his way towards the mall - he had a meeting in the morning/afternoon, so I had taken a cab to the mall to pass time. I ended up in the Nordstrom shoe section, where else? Save the best for last, right?

Left: Isola | Right: Sam Edelman

It's funny how last week I was talking about not feeling like shopping for spring stuff, but the second I'm in Florida, I'm all about shopping for sandals. Haha! I picked out the pair on the left - black with rose gold insets. I hadn't actually heard of the brand before - Isola. You can see my exact sandals here. How fun are they?! I loved the metallic accents. They fit true to size and I can see myself wearing these over and over!

In typical Nordstrom fashion, the SA also brought me a second pair of sandals she thought I would like. When I opened the box, I immediately dismissed them. They were the Sam Edelman Gigi sandal. I told her that I normally hate the way my feet look in barely-there thong sandals like these, but that I would try them. I'm always willing to try something. Frankly, I don't think my feet are that pretty - I'd totally get plastic surgery on my feet if I could. But I was really surprised when I put them on that I really liked them! I tried on a half size larger than my normal size. The width fit great. The t-strap laid perfectly flat and secure against the top of my foot - often times these are really loose. The back strap didn't fall off my heel at all either. Completely comfortable. My dilemma was simply deciding on which color I wanted! I finally decided on an almond patent.


I'd say that was enough damage for one trip. And you'd be quite impressed because I didn't have to buy extra luggage or anything! I simply pulled all my toiletries out of my roller bag to make room for my new shoes (boxes and all!) I put the toiletries in my shoulder bag, and used my new Beau for any overflow storage. That left me with 3 bags, so unfortunately, I had to check my roller bag, but it was more of a time nuisance than anything since Southwest does free bag checks. Ah, I love happy endings, don't you?


SHOP THE POST:

33 comments :

  1. OMG this was sooooo much fun!! I could write about 3 paragraphs here talking about each of the things you tried on. I will have to attempt to summarize.
    1) I was *thisclose* to buying those earrings yesterday. Now you're going to make me go back and get them.
    2) You look so good in the red & leopard portofinos! Those were made for you. I'm also glad you didn't get the mink dot. I saw that hanging in the pic you previewed me and was worried for you. It's def too close to the white one IMO.
    3) Loooove those Isola sandals. Must check them out!
    3) Glad you got the zip front dress & had the same thoughts on fit. Helps me know I'm not crazy.
    Loooved this shopping trip with you and hope you'll do more of these posts!
    Gina
    On the Daily Express

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whew yay! Glad you approve! It was quite fun to do this post actually. Not only to provide different content for the blog, but just to walk you guys thru my thought process.
      And I'm not saying that if the mink dot portofino landed in my lap as a gift, I would not keep it :) but yeah, I couldn't think of additional ways I could style that one to justify buying it!
      Get the earrings!

      Delete
  2. Wow, so impressed at your shopping success!!! The striped dress may be my favorite, but its really hard not to love all the portofinos!!! I'm amazed you were able to get all your new finds home so successfully, lol!! Thanks for sharing with us!
    Kellie @ www.ie-style.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So obsessed with the portofinos! I'm so happy I finally got the leopard one! And I'm amazed too about getting everything home! It definitely took my body weight to get it zipped, but hey, it stayed zipped for the trip so that's all that matters! :)

      Delete
  3. Wow you did such a great job showing the pieces and giving explanations! Thanks so much!
    xo, Lee

    ReplyDelete
  4. You CAN pull off the midi skirt. I can't wait to so the many ways you'll style it. And you'll get a lot of use out of the almond color sandals. I have almond Tory Burch sandals and wear them with everything.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. that's good to know about the almond - thanks! The husband was trying to get me to do black or brown, but I thought the patent would make them dressier and the color would make them more versatile!

      Delete
  5. I have the red portofino, now I want those navy shorts. I love the way the turquoise shirt looks with the nude lace shorts. Those two colors along with the sandals is something I'm going to have to put together. You know I bought that denim shirt from JCO and have been trying to figure out how to wear it. I searched for a scarf similar to that orange and bought a couple but it just doesn't look like your photo. May just have to buy the one you featured from Kate. Oh and I saw those Sam sandals at NR on Wednesday. They are cute!

    Well I enjoyed this post A LOT!! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
    ~Skye
    TheShopaholicSAHM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww - well we shall find you a scarf to wear with it! I know you can style that shirt!
      And yes - isn't it awesome - mint and ivory ALSO pair with the leopard sandals! They're so amazing!

      Delete
  6. That stripped dress is lovely! I also feel like I should try to re-measure my bra size. My weight goes up and down so much that I have so many different sizes and just kind of wear whatever.

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Re-measuring myself really kind of changed my life, not gonna lie! My girls are so much happier and perkier now, and I'm not even big chested at all!

      Delete
  7. Wow, these are amazing and you have fantastic taste! I especially like the striped skirt with polka dot top and animal print scarf - fantastic pattern mixing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I can't wait to style everything into real outfits!

      Delete
  8. thanks for sharing! I am so jealous of that kate spade bag! So perfect!
    xo,
    Jacqueline
    stylininstlouis.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I'm still over the moon excited to find it on sale!!

      Delete
  9. Wow looks like a great haul. I am thinking of heading to H&M and getting a pair of pleather jogging pants.

    Allie of ALLIE NYC
    allienyc.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. You just gave me some red portofino inspiration girlie! Never thought to pair it w shorts. Looking great in everything :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Woohoo! This makes me so happy! I've never tried Express shorts before, believe it or not. I always wear American Eagle, but these are just as soft and comfy. I need to check them out more!

      Delete
  11. I love the spotty portfofino - a great piece, Alice @ Mums Make Lists

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's such a great leopard print! I'm so excited to wear it!

      Delete
  12. So many nice purchases! Really like the striped dress on you!

    Glad you had a fun day shopping :)

    Away From Blue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Now if it will just warm up so I can wear it already!!
      It was so much fun to shop and not worry about time!

      Delete
  13. Great to have you back at the #WWDParty! I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks so much for stopping by!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I saw your insta pics but can't believe missed this amazing post! I love the idea of documenting your shopping hauls ( thought of it a couple times, and never came around to doing it) and yours is so detailed with great pics! Where do I begin? I can write a novel hahaha, I love pretty much everything here!! The Kate Spade bag is phenomenal, the portofino is very much you I think and looks like it was sewn for you, the polka dot shirt is amazing (btw I was just at Express after years and shopped a bit, how have I not seen these pieces there?) and I am into dots myself lately, and the striped dress is oh so cute!!!! Great great post Carylee, and don't forget our shopping date someday in the future when we are in the same state. I think that day would be a very happy one for the retail business. :-)) XOXO, Elif @theboxqueen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I definitely won't forget! I'm holding you to it!
      There are some things at Express that aren't for everyone, but then they have things like the portofino, and this striped skirt that seriously everyone needs! I'm glad you enjoyed this. I will have to try and make this a regular feature!

      Delete
  16. Love this post! I rarely shop in stores anymore and I miss it. I love that striped dress on you- adorable! I need to get my hands on more Portofinos, and that polka dot one will definitely be the next one I pick up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right?! I do at least 75% of my shopping online. It was great to actually be in a dressing room and be able to share this stuff with you guys! So much fun, especially when you have lots of time on your hands, too!
      Yay! You will love the dot portofino! I promise!

      Delete
  17. I too enjoyed this post. I also love the Portofino Shirts from Express and own a few. =) I love everything you got at Express, especially the Dress, Skirt & the Leopard Shirt. Great Earrings too. I also love the high-waisted Shorts you didn't end up buying. Great Sandals from Isola, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I wish the high waisted shorts didn't accentuate my most self conscious part of my body - my belly! I love them on other people, just not on me! Very happy you enjoyed this - I'll try and do it again soon!

      Delete