Spring Picks from Shopbop.

This post is sponsored by Shopbop.

Today, trying on some favorite fabulous finds from Shopbop, with detailed notes on sizing/material/etc.

I absolutely fell in love with the print of this Alix of Bohemia dress (seen with my go-to caramel-colored Le Specs shades). I love the way the dress looks in the front, the colors, the fit, but it does have this sash that it attached to the waist that you’re meant to tie in the back and it was a bit tricky to figure out. Speaking honestly, I feel like it would be a little uncomfortable to sit in with a big tie back there, but — let me tell you something. In college, my girlfriends and I were obsessed with designer denim. Like, every Friday, someone from our little posse would show up to pregame in a new pair from Joe’s, Citizen’s, Seven, etc, and we’d all ooh and ahh or tsssk in envy. We’d buy them from a little boutique in Charlottesville called Judy B’s, and one day, I was in there with my best friend, and she tried on a killer pair of flared jeans from Seven. She was walking around like a tin man, stiff as all get out, and the shop clerk (who was actually known to be quite mean) said, “You know what? There are some jeans that we call ‘standing room only.’ The kind of jeans that look best when standing and don’t work as well while seated.” We still make references to that observation. I’m sure she was just trying to sell the jeans, but it’s true — some pieces are better for “standing room only” occasions, like cocktail parties, family portraits, etc. This dress is one of those. It creates a lovely lean line from the front but I don’t know I’d want to sit in it with that sash in the back. It would be SO pretty in a family portrait, though — I love the way it just lights up my complexion. Re: sizing. I took an XS, and it’s pretty forgiving, especially with the adjustable sash situation. It was a tiny bit tight at the cuff (which hits right above elbow), just FYI.

Next up were Apiece Apart’s Merida pants. I have eyed these for a really long time, and I was so impressed with the striped dress I bought from them a month or two ago, I gave them a go. I took my true size and they fit like a glove. I will need to have them hemmed maybe 1.5-2″ (I’m 5’0) so that they hit the right part of my ankle, as seen on the Shopbop website. These have minimal stretch to them, but they fit really beautifully and hug the hips/waist area in a flattering way. They are not sheer but I would wear nude underwear beneath them, FYI — as you can see in the bottom left image, they let a bit of light through in bright sun. I am definitely going to keep these and have them hemmed. I feel like they’ll be a workhorse for years to come. Actually, I know they will, because I have a similar pair from Gap in an ecru color I bought maybe three or four years ago and I pull them out constantly.

I styled the Merida pants above with this gorgeous Horror Vacui floral top. It was so cheerful. This pieces runs a tad big, but I had to share the gorgeous scalloped cuffs in detail below. Spectacular! This would be such a great piece to bring out for a little lady’s lunch or coffee date or some occasion where you want to dress up your denim. No one does florals/details like Horror Vacui. I swoon!

I love a good utility pant, and these Joe’s Jeans Cleos are IT. I have this photo of Gwnyeth Paltrow wearing olive green utility pants with a navy blazer and white tee from the 90s that I still think about regularly and I feel like I’m channeling here when I wear them. They are such a wonderful alternative to jeans. This pair is HEAVEN. Oh my gosh. They are probably the most comfortable pair of pants I’ve tried on in a long time. They have a good amount of stretch, but the kind that sort of hugs/clings/smooths versus shows every little curve and imperfection. I love the idea of pairing these with, yes, a navy blazer and white tee, but also a fun patterned top like the Xirena Poe blouse seen below (or Xirena’s other pretty patterns, like this or this). As you can see, they are a tad long on me. I’ve already worn mine out and about at this length (I pair with pointed-toe flats to sort of elongate the look). I might bring mine to the tailor for a consult but I worry that the hem (see bottom right photo) might be compromised/look weird if it’s trimmed. We shall see. Might just leave and wear on the long side. These pants run TTS. I took my true size and they fit like a glove. The Poe blouse is a tad oversized but in a chic/flattering way. I like the vibe.

Speaking of Xirena, I also picked up their simple white gauze Lark top and it is absolutely dreamy. The kind of staple I know I’m going to reach for whether pairing with shorts or jeans for an easy, comfortable “daily uniform” type moment. It is — like all gauze pieces — incredibly soft. Like wearing a cloud. I realized this winter that when it’s cold outside (even chilly!) I crave the feeling of soft cotton against my skin (hence my obsession with tees from Kule and Ayr) and it takes real commitment (or a date on my calendar) to force myself to wear a proper blouse (like, starchier poplin style). This Xirena would be a perfect compromise. Wears like a soft cotton tee, but has the blouse look. I’m wearing it below with the Apiece Apart Merida pants again. My ONE caveat emptor is that the shirt is a tad short. It’s fine on me but I feel like it would come untucked if you’re on the taller side — say, over 5’6. Like, to tuck into pants, you really want a bit of a hem. Again, I took my true size (XS) in this.

Next was Alemais’ bananarama dress. The pattern is FABULOUS and I feel like you would be the talk of the party in this baby. Trying it on, though, I realized I am more of a fan of the midi/maxi length dress and would probably steer away from it in my closet. I feel like a dress that hits around the knee just isn’t doing me many favors. Maybe because I’m short to begin with? Or turning 39 this year? Ha. But if you have those long legs — go for it, girl! This would be so spectacular as a birthday dress, or a bachelorette dress, or a big vacation moment dress. It’s fun and flirty and the belt (which comes with it) is a chic textural contrast. The belt actually looks like a self-styled decision (doesn’t look like it came with the dress), which gives you automatic “I know what I’m doing” fashion points. I took a AU/UK 4 (US 0) in this and it fit perfectly. I would take your true size. It comes with a little liner slip because the dress itself (as you can see in the bottom right picture) is on the sheer side.

Two final pieces: 1) this Alex Mill Nico cardigan, which I’ve shared a lot over the past few weeks, but it’s the PERFECT in-between layer (heavier than a cardigan, lighter than a jacket). It runs TTS but has a slightly cropped/snug fit. I’m wearing below with the Xirena Lark top and these fun Chimi shades. I’ve had the Chimis for a few years and I keep coming back to them. They look like a less expensive pair of Garrett Leights (<< I bought this exact pair for Mr. Magpie — they’re unisex — after seeing them on Brad Pitt!). 2) This Jonathan Simkhai Leighton dress, which is totally my inner, core style. I love playing with trends, but I will always go back to preppy, feminine, tailored pieces when I want to feel like myself. I feel like Jonathan Simkhai is under-the-radar, as I hear so little about the line, but I’ve had fantastic luck with this pieces over the years. I’ve even worn of his dresses in family portraits! Just really pretty, beautifully-tailored pieces. I am contemplating keeping the striped one below for Easter since my original choice didn’t pan out, but I worry it might still be chilly out, and I might be better off buying this Ulla, which is my other favorite choice at the moment. This dress runs TTS (took the XS) and needs a good steam (seersucker!). I might swap out the belt for a rattan one. Pretty pretty pretty!

P.S. In case you need it today: thoughts on giving yourself a soft landing.

P.P.S. Spring fashion looks for less.

P.P.P.S. Do you ever do nothing at all?