What to buy: AllSaints leather bomber | Black skirt | Zara sandals | Leset top | Lady Dior bag
Product Reviews: Honest Opinions on What to Buy
Nothing brings me more joy than helping you all discover new things. And, it’s even more exciting when you message me about how excited 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 — which I love — and I try my very best to respond to everyone! Recently, I’ve been getting questions about the J.Crew linen pant vs. the Tommy Bahama pant, and which one is better. I’ve also been asked which blazer to purchase, the Veronica Beard or the Cinq a Sept. Many of you want to know which jean is the best, and the list goes on and on.
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 will give you ideas that will help guide you to make the best decisions when you’re deciding which items to buy. Cheers! ⭐️
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#1 TWP shirt vs J.Crew shirt
Left: TWP Next Ex crop shirt | Right: J.Crew cropped shirt
TWP shirt: I discovered the brand last year, and instantly fell in love with the collection. They use luxurious fabrics sourced in Italy, and the cool details elevate a basic shirt. I recently bought the shirt above, and it has been a favorite purchase of the season. You really can’t go wrong with any of their button-ups.
J.Crew shirt: When I spotted this affordable version at J.Crew, I decided to give it a try. It’s a great option, and if you double fold the sleeve and kind of scrunch it up, you’ll get the same cool girl vibe as the TWP one.
#2 Frame Le Slim Palazzo vs Paige Annessa vs Mother Roller
Left: Mother Roller | AG denim jacket | Naghedi tote | Middle: Frame Gillian blouse | Frame Le Slim Palazzo | Right: Rag & Bone tee | Paige Anessa | Clare V. 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 Mother Roller, Frame Le Slim Palazzo 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
Mother Roller and the Mother Lil’ Roller Fray – This is another high rise jean that’s fitted in the hip, but the flare is wider on these: 26.5″ compared to the Frame jeans at 22″. Update: Last month I shared the Mother Hustler Roller, which I purchased in a petite size here, and it has a 24 1/2″ leg opening, which is easier to wear in my opinion. Conclusion: The Roller style is better for taller people 🙂
Paige Anessa – I find this style the easiest to wear (since I”m 5’1″) because the leg opening is 22.5″ which feels more in proportion, especially if you are petite and don’t want to wear a high heel. I love that Anthropologie has all sizes: petite, standard and plus all in the same listing!
#3 Linen pants: J.Crew vs Tommy Bahama
Left: J.Crew Soleil linen pant | Right: Tommy Bahama linen pant
After seeing my daughter Em go through two pairs of the Tommy Bahama linen pants, I decided to try a pair myself. Then I added the J.Crew ones, and after that the Reformation ones. I can see why she basically wore them everywhere! They’re comfy, super stylish and perfect for summer. Now I’m wearing them every day too. I didn’t mention the Reformation ones because I find them to be a bit scratchy (although I haven’t washed them yet). Between the two above? Both are great! The Tommy B ones have a wider waist band, and might be a touch more full. If you haven’t tried a pair, run (!!) they’re that good!
#4 Veronica Beard striped dress vs Spanx striped dress
Left: Veronica Beard dress | Right: Spanx wrap dress | Naghedi tote | Sandals
It’s hard to believe how similar these dresses are! The Veronica Beard one is a splurge, and it’s the one I purchased. It feels a little more relaxed and can be dressed down for vacations. The Spanx one feels a little more work-like, but the price is so good, I highly recommend it!
#5 Rag & Bone Slade blazer vs Rag & Bone ponte blazer
Left: Wool Slade blazer | Right: Ponte Slade blazer
Hands down, this is a favorite blazer that really feels more like a sweater. It’s comfy, can be worn most seasons and it’s super versatile. Then This the Ponte fabric arrived, and I’ve been getting questions as to which one to purchase. My answer is usually the wool one. However, if you love the camel color, then the Ponte knit fabric is the style I’d recommend. The fabric is a little stiffer, but it’s still stretchy and comfortable. For sizing info, I have the wool one in my usual size 4, and the camel one in a size 2.
#6 Birkenstock Madrid vs Sam Edelman Ariana
Left: J.Crew top and matching skirt | Birkenstocks | Loewe tote | Right: White cover up dress | Sam Edelman Ariane
Birkenstocks: I’m probably the last one on the planet to get a pair of Birkenstocks, but I finally found a pair that don’t look too clunky on my feet! They have a similar look to the Sam Edelman ones, which I also love, but currently I’ve been wearing the Birkenstock ones more. They’re super comfy, the color is perfect and they switch up the usual flat sandals I gravitate towards.
Sam Edelman: If you want a little bit of a lift, the Sam Edelman ones are a great option, and I really like all the color options.
#7 Naghedi tote Tangier vs St. Barths
Left: Naghedi Tangier | Right: Naghedi St. Barths
Both of these bags are so good, I highly recommend them! These Naghedi tote has been updated in a wider weave, and the new Tangier style 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.
#8 Quince Slip dress vs Vince slip dress
Left: Quince slip dress | Cashmere over shoulders | Right: Vince slip dress | Gold sandals
Vince slipdress: These two dresses are staples in my wardrobe, and I get many questions about both of them. The Vince dress is hands down a favorite. The satin fabric is lovely, and it doesn’t show every little lump! I wear the Wacoal Body Base shorts under, and the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra, which is a stylist favorite. Since the dress is cut on the bias, it’s very flattering. I wear an XS and had it shortened an inch. I’ve never worn this dress alone — there’s always something over it, whether it’s a sweater tied over the shoulders or a cute jacket.
Quince slipdress: The price can’t be beat, and the quality is really nice. The silk is a little thin and a little less forgiving, but if you wear shapewear, then it works. I recommend sizing up in this dress so it won’t be too clingy. The cut is super flattering, and you’ll love the color options. Don’t forget to add a $50 cashmere sweater to throw over your shoulders.
#9 Schutz Victoire Cork vs Sand nubuck
This is the #1 most-worn shoe in my closet. Talk about a shoe that goes with everything! I’ve recommended these sandals over and over again, and everyone loves them. For several years, I’ve suggested the cork version, and I’ve gone through two pairs myself. Finally, on the third go-around, I decided to switch things up and pick the sand color. It’s a nice change, and now that’s the color I recommend! The heel height is perfect, and they work with everything from denim to dresses. They’re also really comfortable. These sandals keep selling out, but as of today, they’re in stock. Don’t wait — grab a pair and you’ll wear them all summer long!
#10 Cinq a Sept Khloe vs Veronica Beard Miller
Left: Cinq a Sept Khloe | Right: Veronica Beard Miller
Veronica Beard Miller Dickey jacket: I’ve had my jacket for two years, and I absolutely love it! (It’s called a jacket but it’s actually a blazer.) The fabric is a little stretchy, which makes it super comfortable. The hidden zipper is a cool detail, and you can switch up the look by adding various dickeys. It runs a little big (I wear a size 2), and if you need the sleeves shortened, the only way to do it is from the shoulders because of the button detail. Any skilled tailor should have no problem making this alteration — I had mine done at Nordstrom. Since this jacket is shaped, it looks nice over dresses. However, it’s a little dressier, so if you want something a little more relaxed, I’d suggest the Cinq à Sept one.
Cinq à Sept Khloe blazer: This blazer is a nice crepe fabric, and it’s more relaxed than the VB one, which makes it a little more casual. It’s also a year ’round fabrication. I love it with denim or even a dressier short, and depending on your height and proportion, maybe a dress. I have the size 2 (I’m typically a 4), but if you have broad shoulders, I’d stick with your usual size.
#11 Elemis Cleansing Balm vs Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm
Left: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm | Right: Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm
If you haven’t tried a cleansing balm before, then I highly recommend either of these! They’re like a mini spa in a jar. Try using them as a cleanser or a nourishing face mask, then use warm water with a cleansing cloth to remove. The CR one comes with a muslin cloth which you’ll love. I’ve used both regularly, and pick up whichever one is on sale.
#12 Swim faves: La Blanca vs J.Crew
Left: LSpace coverup | La Blanca white swimsuit | YSL tote | Havaianas | Right: J.Crew coverup | Robin Piccone swimsuit
Owning a one-piece swimsuit or two is a good idea if you have warm weather vacations coming up. I love this La Blanca swimsuit. I have it in white, and have been wearing it on every vacation. Also just picked up this new one that everyone loves! When it comes to the J.Crew swim shop, I think it’s really good, and always my first place to look. Just spotted this polka dot swimsuit and cover up, along with this new one piece. All you need is a great coverup and a hat, and you’ll be set for any tropical vacation.
#13 Loewe straw tote vs Chloe Woody basket tote
Loewe tote | Chloe Woody tote Loewe Straw Tote: This was the first time I’d spent so much on a basket bag – but seeing it all over the internet convinced me it might be a good one. And, it has been! It has been on many trips. I’ve carefully packed it in my suitcase, stuffing it with clothes in order to make sure it arrived safely. I just love the caramel trim, and a sandal in the same color makes a great bag/shoe combo that basically works with everything.
Chloe Woody Basket Tote: I decided to splurge on the Chloe tote, and it’s great — but I think it’s too big for me. It feels like it’s more of a vacation bag compared to the Loewe, which looks stylish with a trench coat in early fall. The Chloe tote is really roomy inside; an organizer might make it easier to find your essentials!
Thank you for reading xx
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