This post is sponsored by Shopbop.
I wrote a week or two ago that I absolutely hated everything I wore for an entire week. (Does this happen to everyone mid-season?) I selected a range of chic new pieces from Shopbop — one of my longtime favorite retailers — to assuage my mid-winter wardrobe doldrums. The clear winners were this Apiece Apart dress, which you’ve seen me wear in a handful of other recent posts, and this sunshine-in-shirt-form top from Farm Rio. Sharing my entire try-on session below, along with notes on sizing/styling for each:
01. CITIZENS CHARLOTTE CROP JEANS. I cannot tell you how many Magpies have raved about these jeans — they are consistently highly-ranked. I took my true size (25) and went with the cropped length because I am so short (5’0). They were very flattering on, especially the pocket placement in the rear and the way they sort of skim but do not cling to the leg. I love the wash, too — my preferred everyday wash. However, I am still on the fence as to whether to keep them because they have a button fly (which I do not love) and they have absolutely no stretch. Maybe they give with a few wears? Maybe people like no-stretch because it really holds you in? But I think I’m used to something with a little more give and wasn’t sure if I’d be walking around like a tin man? I’ll tell you that my Agoldes also have very little give and I love the silhouette but I wouldn’t, like, choose to wear them while sitting at my desk all day. So I’m stuck! Are these jeans to wear when you want to look cute? Will they “give”? Should I try a size up? Help, COH ladies! I’m wearing them above with this ATM x Anthony Thomas Melilo white top — a great layering basic that hits at just the right length for a tuck. You can see it up close below.
02. APIECE APART SUN MESA MIDI DRESS. Probably my favorite piece I ordered. I took an XS and it is so incredibly flattering and fun. A little more interesting than your average shirt dress / striped dress thanks to the contrasting stripes at the sleeves. I also love the self-tie waist (key for us shorties so we can tie where our waists actually live), which is highly flattering. Would work with bump — just tie above-bump! And the neckline is so chic! Adore. I am imagining styling about 24 different ways in the coming weeks/months.
03. ULLA JOHNSON ERIKA DRESS. I had been eyeing this velvet confection for months and months — in fact, it was a leading contender for my holiday lineup. The color is delicious in real life, and I love all of the special details in Ulla pieces. (My sister recently observed that I almost exclusively wear Ulla for formal occasions, and she’s not wrong. I love the details and also find that her styles fit me in just the right ways to spotlight my favorite features — always, a defined waist and long, lean lines.) I had to return this one because it was too long on me — it needs to hit a few inches above knee to work proportionally, and this one hit right AT my knee, and would be too difficult to alter because of the detail at the hem. I was really bummed because I wanted to pack this one for dinner in NYC. Would be really cute with black opaque tights and platforms.
04. SALONI CHERIE DRESS. This little frock is beyond adorable. It’s giving feather-duster-seeking-lumiere vibes in the best possible way. I packed this for NYC but then it was rainy and cold and I didn’t want to wear suede heels, and it wouldn’t work with boots. I have this hanging in my closet waiting for another upcoming occasion.
05. ASTR GEMMA TOP. I love a fluffy white blouse, but had to return this one because the neckline was too difficult for me to figure out with a bra (you can see above). I think maybe if you are taller / have a longer torso, this might work better. (I’m 5’0 and petite). I love the peplum detail, though. So fun. I wore this with the much-hyped Khaite Vivian jeans and am not even going to show you a picture of what they looked like on because they absolutely did not suit my frame / proportions at all. I am way too short and hemming them would have destroyed the silhouette. But the flares on me actually looked like flares, like hit at the ankle instead of mid-calf to create the kick flare silhouette. I really wanted to love those jeans, though, because they look SO chic on others, and the wash is fabulous. I also like the mid-rise. Strongly rec you try if you are, say, over 5’5.
06. EN SAISON GIANNA MIDI DRESS. This dress is CHIC and more wearable than you think. On the website, I was wondering if it would look a little…too too. But the color palette is muted and the dress hugs the body in flattering ways. This reminded me of a piece by SEA, but is under $200. Would make a great spring wedding guest dress.
07. FARM RIO SUNNY DAISIES SAND BLOUSE. I’ve written a lot about this already, but I straight-up adore this top. I wore it to dinner with a girlfriend who was wearing all black and she said, “You’d think we’re in two different seasons.” She was probably wearing the more seasonally-appropriate look but HEY! It’s OK to wear color in winter! This puts the biggest smile on my face. Love the peplum at the waist, the bold colors, everything! Instant mood life.
08. SEA SONIA DRESS. Another winner. SEA just…gets me? I’m still not over how flattering the smocked top and midi/maxi length are. It just works on my body and makes me feel great. I also like how full-coverage they are (no adjusting of neckline / hemline / etc) but they don’t look too chaste, either. The patterns are fabulous. Brown is such an underrated color! I wore this out in NYC with a bright pink lip. Fun.
Two items not pictured above that I’ve ordered to try since this try-on session: this swimsuit from the much-hyped Hunza G line and these pretty pink wide-legs. I shared more items I’m eyeing here.
P.S. Words I repeat to myself in moments of anxiety: be not afraid.
P.P.S. A metronomic approach to grace.
P.P.P.S. 20 chic Amazon finds.