Top: Rails top | AGOLDE jeans | Sandals | Necklaces: here & here | Demillier tote | Gold cuff
My Honest Reviews: Which Summer Items Came Out On Top
Nothing brings me more joy than helping you all discover new things. And, it’s even more exciting when you message me about how happy you are with your purchases! Because of this trust, I take very seriously my mission to make sure the items I choose for you to buy are really good. They’re either ones I own/would love to own, have tried on myself, or have gotten recommendations from my most trusted stylist friends. My philosophy is this: If I wouldn’t buy it myself, I won’t share it on my blog.
As you might imagine, I get asked many good questions every day — and I try my very best to respond to everyone! Recently, I’ve been asked about the Larroude sandal vs. the Dolce Vita one, and which one is better. I’ve also been asked which dress to purchase, a Tuckernuck or a Zimmerman. Many of you also want to know which white jean is the best … and the list goes on!
So, here they are! My reviews of the best-selling items for summer, and which came out on top. 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 can be hit or miss. Hopefully this post will give you ideas that will help guide you to make the best purchasing decisions. Cheers! ⭐️
ICYMI: the most popular summer posts so far …
The Ultimate Vacation Capsule Wardrobe: Inspired by Italy
My Stylist Friends Agree These Are the Top 10 Summer Pieces
Trust Me: Your Wardrobe Needs This One Specific Color
Summer Sandals: Loeffler Randall vs Dolce Vita
A few weeks ago, I spotted these Loeffler Randall sandals online, and they instantly caught my eye. First was the neutral, go-with-everything tone; then the shiny gold embellishment took it over the top! Not only do they go with everything, but the heel height is perfect, and the pretty little gold bauble almost looks like jewelry.
Then they sold out, and while I was frantically scouring the internet, I came across these almost-identical Dolce Vita ones and couldn’t believe it! For almost 1/3 of the price, you can get the same look, plus they’re actually in stock. Don’t wait on the Dolce Vitas, they really are that good. I shared all the colors in this video, and I even like the black 😉
Disclaimer: The neutral shades look different in the photos above, but I’ve seen them both, and don’t let that sway you from one to the other
White Denim: Mother vs Paige
Left: Mother top | Mother Hustler Roller Ankle | Sandals | Middle: Denim shirt | Mother Hustler | Right: Vince jacket | Paige Laurel Canyon
Mother Hustler Roller Ankle jeans – These wider-leg jeans are slim fitting through the thigh. They have a 24″ leg opening compared to the Hustlers, which have a 16″ leg opening. If you’re looking for a more fashion forward style, this is the one, and if you’re under 5’4″, check out the petite ones here.
Mother Hustler Ankle jeans – This is the number one selling jean from Mother, and it’s hands down, my most worn jean I have in my closet – any wash. You can wear them with pretty much any shoe, everything from sandals to wedges to strappy sandals. And, they fit pretty much everyone! They come in petite here. Paige Laurel Canyon jeans – For a long length option, these classic bootcut ones by Paige are leg lengthening, and really versatile. Use code SUSIE15 for 15% off at Paige! More sizes here. Frame Le Slim Palazzo – For wide-leg long length style, the Le Slim Palazzo is Frame’s best-selling jean, and it will update everything in your closet. This is one of my highest recommendations! Use code SUSIE15 for 15% off at Frame.
The Cool Brand Doen: Save or Splurge?
Left: Doen blouse | Right: Madewell blouse
A few weeks ago I said to my daughter Emily, “I didn’t know you splurged on the Doen blouse!” Well, even I was fooled after learning she was wearing the Madewell version. Both are super cute, and they look amazing with looser wider leg jeans, either cropped or full length. It’s thin, and soft, really feminine, and perfect for summer!
Woven Bags vs Basket Bags
Left: Eyelet blouse | Dragon Diffusion bag | Mother Tripper jeans | Right: Frame dress | Gucci cardigan | Loewe tote
This season, everyone is talking about woven bags, and the brand Dragon Diffusion is the fashion girl favorite. So I had to try one, and this red one (above) caught my eye. I found it to be stiff and hard to get my hand in the opening. I might try another style to see if it’s better, but for now I’d recommend this Madewell one that keeps selling out! When it comes to raffia …. well I can’t say enough good things! First you can find one you love at any price point, and it literally goes with every summer outfit. Some new faves include this Staud one, this one by BtB, and this Strathberry one.
Which Strapless Bra is Your Favorite?
Wacoal Red Carpet bra | Wacoal Comfort First bra
Red Carpet – This is literally the world’s best-selling strapless bra (according to Wacoal), and it is a stylist favorite. It stays put, gives great support, and everyone loves it. Plus, it comes with extra straps, so you can actually wear it six different ways
Comfort First – This is a newer style for Wacoal, and Miryha, the lead designer for Wacoal, explained that it’s a great option for smaller sizes and petite frames. I’m a 32 DD, and this one fits perfectly. It stays up, comes with extra straps for versatility, and it’s a little less bra than the Red Carpet one.
Special Event Dresses
Left: Tuckernuck | Middle: ALC Renzo | Right: Zimmermann
Tuckernuck dresses – Hands down, Tuckernuck is a first stop when I’m scouring the internet for pretty dresses. In-house brands like Hyacinth House and Tuckernuck brand are well-priced and super stylish, and there are many options if you’re looking for a special event – look at this gorgeous one-shoulder red one
ALC dresses – This Renzo is an all-time favorite that everyone loves, and it works for many types of events. It’s super flattering and looks good on several different body types. Another option is this dark sapphire one, perfect a dressier event
Zimmermann dresses – Oh how I love a good Zimmermann dress! Yes, they are a splurge, but you’ll feel a little extra if you find one you love. I noticed some new arrivals: look here and here.
Travel Jeans: Frame vs Rag & Bone
Rag & Bone Miramar | Frame wide-leg Jetset
Jetset jean – If you want to be comfortable on your next airplane flight, consider a comfy travel jean. This top-rated pair by Frame has four-way stretch with no hardware to worry about, making it super comfy for a long day of travel. Also comes in different sizes – 0, 1, 2, and 3. For reference, I have the XS. Use my code on the Frame website: SUSIE15 for 15% off
Rag & Bone Miramar – Want to try the hottest sweatshirt jean on the internet that has everyone talking? This one is made of terry cloth, and it’s one of my top recommendations. Click here to see more pieces from the Miramar collection.
J.Crew Linen vs Quince Linen
Left: J.Crew linen vest & matching pant | Clutch | Right: Quince linen dress | Gucci sweater
Quince linen – Hands down, the linen pieces from Quince are SO good! They’re well priced, super stylish, and I can’t say enough good things about them. Some favorites include this dress (which I styled a bunch of ways in this video), these linen pants and matching shirt, and this shorter dress that I love with a cashmere sweater over your shoulders
J.Crew linen – I LOVE this vest and matching pant that I’m wearing above, along with this casual linen pant – two of my favorites
Favorite jewelry: Gold cuff & everyday necklace
Zoe Chicco necklace | Gold cuff
Zoe Chicco -The other evening my husband and I attended a business meeting, which I wasn’t overly looking forward to, but I used the excuse to dress up and have a night out! While getting a cocktail, a husband introduced himself as the one who reached out on Instagram as part of a xmas present for his wife – such a small world! So the evening immediately perked up (!!) and on a bathroom visit, my friend (his wife) and I were both wearing the ZC diamond layer! She layered hers with a Foundrae pendant, and I was wearing mine with the necklace above. Lately, I’ve been getting so many compliments on this combo, that I thought it was worth sharing with all of you! And even better is this SOSUSIE15 discount code for 15% off!
Lili Claspe – It was my daughter who introduced me to this brand, and when I spotted this cool cuff, inspired by the Tiffany Bone cuff, it was love at first site! It makes a statement, and it’s a piece you’ll have for years to come! It often sells out, so don’t wait on this one!
Frank & Eileen button-ups – worth the money!
Left: Pink button up | Middle: Denim ruffle button up | Right: Mary dress button up
Classic button up – Known as the Eileen style, this is hands-down the most worn shirt in my closet. I know it’s a splurge, but it’s a piece you’ll have for years, and I believe worth the money. The new ruffle collar one is the same fit – and super cute too!
Mary dress – I can’t say enough about this easy-to-wear, super comfy dress – it really is that good! I shared it in this video, and wore it all through Italy last summer. For a new ruffle version, look here!Quince options – I happened to see a few Frank & Eileen-inspired pieces on the Quince website, including this dress, this cotton button up, and this fleece peacoat, similar to the Frank & Eileen Belfast one. While I haven’t tried these, I’m sharing here since Quince has a good track record in my book 🙂
Thank you for reading xx
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