
Are they worth it? Veronica Beard blazer | Frame Le Slim Palazzo | Layering top (50% off!) | YSL tote | Necklaces: Zoe Chicco | Foundrae
14 Best-Selling Fashion Items: Are They Worth It?
Here are my honest reviews …
Writing this fun little blog is truly a career highlight! It started as a place to share style inspo with my friends and clients, but it has quickly grown into something much bigger. A while back, I started a series sharing my honest reviews of your most asked- about items. The idea came to me after realizing that many of us are deciding between similar items on a regular basis.
As you might imagine, I get asked many questions every day — which I love. Recently, I’ve been getting questions about the Vince cropped legging vs. the Frank & Eileen one — and which one is better. I’ve also been asked which Belfast sweatshirt jacket to purchase, the regular length or the shorter one. Many of you want to know which jean has the best fit, and the list goes on. If you were ever in “Room 3” with me at Nordstrom, you know that I always give my honest opinion when asked! I don’t always get it right, but I try my hardest every single day 🤍
So, here they are! My reviews of your favorite products, carefully curated and tested. These are the items I get asked about most often, and I thought you might like me to compare them and give you my thoughts. Purchasing online is tricky, and relying on reviews we read can also be challenging. So, hopefully this post help guide you to make the best decisions when you’re deciding which items to buy. Cheers! ⭐️
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1. Designer Bags: Veronica Beard vs. Dior vs. Bottega Veneta



Left: Veronica Beard Dash bag | Jacket and matching pant | Middle: Lady Dior bag | ba&sh cardigan | Black pants | Right: Bottega bag | Trench, similar | Vince pants
I get asked about handbags on the daily, so I’ll write a devoted handbag post soon
Veronica Beard Dash bag: For a more affordable designer bag, hands down this Dash bag by Veronica Beard is top choice. I highly recommend it. The one I’m wearing above is the size small, and it’s available in other sizes and colors here
Lady Dior bag: I purchased this bag using all my Nordstrom notes a couple of years ago, and I’ve been really happy with the splurge! It comes with a crossbody strap that you can personalize with charms. I have the small size, and you can find pre-loved versions here
Bottega Veneta Small Andiamo: This was another crazy splurge, but it’s another bag I wear all the time. It has a crossbody option, and the gold hardware detail is a plus. If you like the look but not the price tag, believe it or not there’s an Amazon dupe that’s spot on. While I don’t usually recommend Amazon pieces, I have to say it’s really good. No, it’s not leather, but I still think it’s worth a mention here!
2. Cinq à Sept Le Petit Blazer vs. Khloe Blazer


Left: La Petit Khloe blazer | Right: Hooded Khloe blazer
Le Petit Khloe blazer: I spotted this new jacket the other day, and knew it was going to be a good one. It’s a shorter version of the regular Khloe blazer, and the proportions are perfect for wider leg denim. Just yesterday, I wore mine with the AGOLDE Harper jeans and felt kinda cute! It’s comfortable, and you’ll wear this one all year long — dressed up or down.
Hooded Khloe blazer: This longer style is a best seller, and I think it’s best with slim straight leg jeans, or longer flare jeans like these. If you’re taller, then it works with pretty much any style of jean. Try layering with a simple t-shirt, or a thin cashmere sweater like this one.
Use code SUSIE15 for 15% off your order at Cinq à Sept
3. Denim Jackets: Rag & Bone Miramar vs. Frame


Left: Rag & Bone Miramar jacket | Frame stripe top | Ecru denim | Right: Frame denim jacket | Norma Kamali dress | Similar Valentino bag
Rag & Bone Miramar jacket: This looks like a denim jacket, but it’s actually a sweatshirt jacket. It’s really comfortable, super versatile and perfect for warmer weather. Highly recommend this one.
Frame denim jacket: Hands down, this is a fave! Love the faded wash and light distressing. When the weather gets a touch warmer, I’ll be wearing mine with everything from dresses to jeans to skirts. It’s a good one.
Use code SOSUSIE15 for 15% off your order at Frame
4. Cashmere Funnelneck Sweater: Vince vs. Quince


Left: Vince sweater | Right: Quince sweater
Vince cashmere sweater: Last month, I decided that a great black sweater was missing from my wardrobe. So, after a couple years of recommending it, I purchased it myself! Then I wore it three days in a row 😂 and many times since. It’s super cozy and comfortable, the length is a touch longer and it’s just a solid black sweater.Quince cashmere sweater: Then, I spotted the look-alike Quince sweater and decided to compare the two. While the Vince one is a little weightier and a touch longer, the styles are very similar. And the price … Quince cuts out the middleman, so their prices are radically low. Yesterday, I wore the gray one layered with this white shirt under, and felt stylish all day. If you don’t want to spend the money on the Vince one, get the Quince.
5. Lil Mother Hustler Jeans vs. Mother Hustler Jeans


Left: Peacoat, similar | Lil’ Mother Hustler jeans | Right: Allsaints jacket | Mother Hustler jeans
It has been life changing to discover that Mother denim is now making petite denim. It’s called “Lil’ Mother!” 😂 Well, “life changing” is a little dramatic, but when you’re 5’1″ and have to have every single thing altered, it’s a nice surprise. So, here’s the scoop: Mother has produced some of their best-selling jeans in petite sizes, and they’ve just been re-stocked. The knee placement is higher, and the inseam and rise is shorter. My suggestion: if you’re 5’4″ and under, go for the petite size. They still run a touch long for me, so I’m contemplating having mine altered a bit.
Best-selling styles in petites: Insider | Hustler | Hustler Roller | Weekender
Best-selling styles in regular sizes: Insider | Hustler | Hustler Roller | Weekender
6. Frank & Eileen: Belfast vs. Mini Belfast


Left: Belfast sweatshirt peacoat | Right: Mini Belfast sweatshirt jacket
Belfast: This triple fleece peacoat is made of super soft cotton, and the gently oversized fit makes it versatile. It’s comfortable and the layering options are endless. I have worn this on long airplane trips, and it’s perfect for travel. Both stretch just a little, and they run true to size if not a touch roomy. I take my usual XS.
Mini Belfast: This updated version of the longer style above is made of the same super soft cotton. It also comes as a travel set, and I found it to be very cozy on the plane. Try wearing it with jeans — any style — and you’ll feel comfortable and pulled together.
7. One-Piece Swimsuits: La Blanca vs. Robin Piccone


Left: Melissa Obadash cover up | La Blanca swimsuit | Sandals | Loewe tote | Right: Robin Piccone swimsuit | Cover up | Gold sandals
La Blanca Island Goddess: This is the BEST swimsuit and it works for almost everyone! The ruching in the front is forgiving, and the high back makes it super flattering. Check out all the color options — you can’t go wrong.
Robin Piccone Amy: This is another best-seller and super flattering. Love the halter style and gold button detail. It does have a lower back, which can be a little tricky for some of us. For reference, I take my usual size 4.
8. Crop shirts: Veronica Beard vs. TWP vs. J.Crew



Left: Veronica Beard | Middle: TWP | Right: Madewell
Veronica Beard: Turns out this is a good one, Savannah Guthrie wore it tucked in to a black mini skirt recently on the Today Show 🙂 Love the sequin detail, and for reference, I sized down to a 2. It also comes in a non-sequined version here.
TWP shirt: I discovered this brand last year, and instantly fell in love with the collection. They use luxurious fabrics sourced in Italy, and the cool details elevate what is really a basic shirt. I bought it last year, and it has been an all-time favorite purchase. You really can’t go wrong with any of their button-ups. Madewell shirt: When I spotted this affordable version at Madewell, I was excited since the price is way less than these other two, and you can get the same look. If you double fold the sleeves and kind of scrunch them up, you’ll get the same cool girl vibe as the TWP one.
9. Veronica Beard Blazer: gold buttons vs. silver buttons


Left: Veronica Beard blazer | Frame Le Slim Palazzo | YSL tote | Right: Veronica Beard blazer | Naghedi tote | Slingbacks, similar
When Veronica Beard first launched the iconic Miller Dickey jacket, the only option was black with silver buttons – which is what I purchased. Since then, they’ve added more options, and now you can get black, navy or ivory with either gold or silver buttons. Now the question – which buttons? I think it’s a personal preference, but since I wear gold jewelry all the time, I wish my black jacket had gold buttons.
10. All-time Favorites: Zoe Chicco and Gigi Clozeau


Left: Zoe Chicco | Right: Gigi Clozeau
Zoë Chicco Diamond necklace: Hands down, this has been my favorite jewelry purchase of the year! A diamond layer looks beautiful with pretty much every necklace you own, and the little bit of sparkle is perfect for wearing every day. For reference, mine is the 3 inch segment. I’ve been asked if the necklace “flips” and it does not!
Gigi Clozeau necklace: I purchased this several years ago, and proceeded to wear it every day for two years in a row. Then I gave it a little break, but now it’s back! It’s really pretty, and you can’t tell by the photo, but the gold is a little sparkly against your neck. It’s another one that layers nicely with all your other pieces, like with the Zoe Chicco necklace. This is how I’m currently wearing mine.
Use code SUSIE15 for 15% off your order at Zoë Chicco
11. Frame Le Slim Palazzo vs. J.Crew vs. Paige Anessa



Left: Frame sweater | Frame Le Slim Palazzo | Middle: J.Crew denim trouser | Right: Frame top (on sale) | Paige Anessa | Le Teckel bag
Wide-leg jeans will give your denim collection a modern update. It’s so exciting to see these styles now available in petites! Three of the best selling styles are the Frame Le Slim Palazzo, J.Crew and Paige Anessa. I’ve tried all three — in petites –and here’s the scoop.
Frame Le Slim Palazzo and the Le Pixie Slim Palazzo (petites version): This is a high rise jean that’s fitted in the hip with a subtle wide-leg flare. It’s trending, and this is the fit that’s selling in the dressing room.
J.Crew Denim Trouser: I love the denim at J.Crew, and have tried many styles myself, including this trouser style. I recommend the two washes that are currently in stock (white and faded blue) — the fit is really good. Plus, they’re available in extended sizes.Paige Anessa: I find this style to be the easiest to wear (since I’m 5’1″) because the leg opening is 22.5″. This feels more in proportion, especially if you are petite and don’t want to wear a high heel. Paige has all sizes: petite, standard and plus … all in the same listing! Use my code SUSIE15 for 15% off your order at Paige
12. Vince leggings vs. Frank & Eileen leggings


Left: Vince crop legging | Right: Frank & Eileen Murphy pant
Vince cropped legging: This is another all-time favorite that I’ve owned for several years. Recently, they updated the rise by raising it a bit. They’re called a legging, but really it’s more like a pant. If I were choosing between the two, I’d go with the Vince. The fabric is really nice and it works dressed up or down. I sized up and had them hemmed. They’re wardrobe classics you’ll have for years!
Frank & Eileen Murphy pant: These cotton/spandex trouser pants are super comfortable, and a many people love them. I find them to be a bit thin, which is why I recommend the Vince ones over these.
13. Naghedi Tote: St. Barths vs. Tangier


Left: Rails cardigan | Frame denim | St. Barths tote | SW boots | Green heart | Right: Frame top (on sale) | Frame denim | Tangier tote
Here are my honest reviews of these totes: they’re both good, and I highly recommend them! The Tangier tote has been updated in a wider weave, and has a slight sheen which makes it feel more elevated. All the Naghedi bags are made of cruelty-free handwoven neoprene. And, they come with a matching interior zip pouch, which is super handy. Deciding on which one? I think it comes down to a color preference — I have both styles and love them equally. I prefer the medium size in all of them.
14. Moncler puffer vs Quince puffer


Quince puffer: If you’re looking for an affordable version of the Moncler puffer, then this is it! I’ve tried it on, and can say I’m very impressed with the quality. One drawback is the absence of pockets, and it’s not as warm as the Moncler one.
Moncler puffer: The Moncler is a huge splurge, but for the amount of times I’ve worn it the past several years, I think it’s worth every penny. It’s lightweight, so you can easily squish it into your suitcase. When things get too warm, tie it around your waist. If you get one on the looser side, a cashmere hoodie fits underneath it. I just wore mine on the airplane to and from Florida, and it was perfect.
Thank you for reading xx
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