as i mentioned in friday’s post, madewell just released more of its spring collection. i had my eye on quite a few things so i figured it might be helpful to stop by the store and try them on for myself. please excuse my makeup-less face and my crazy top knot, i had just come from a morning of teaching and taking class at studio barre. while i loved a few of the items, i ultimately left empty-handed (womp, womp). however, if you’re looking for something to spruce up your spring wardrobe, there are some cute pieces that would serve you well into summer, too! below are my honest opinions:

 

 

high-rise denim shorts: button-front edition (27) || i noted recently that i am on the hunt for a second pair of denim shorts for the upcoming seasons. this pair was top on my list to try with its high-rise and cute button detail. unfortunately they didn’t have my size (26) in the store, so i grabbed a 27 instead just to see how they fit. as expected, they were too big in the waist, but i could still get a good enough idea of how they worked on my body -particularly with regards to the length. i ended up really loving them, they have a fun retro feel that i’ve found myself gravitating toward lately. they also have a good amount of stretch, making them comfortable enough to wear with everything from a bathing suit to a billowy tee. they actually look cute with the above blouse (more on that in a minute), but would probably wear them with something a bit more simple, like a classic white tee, a straw hat, and espadrilles.

size verdict: true to size.

mockneck top in butterfly garden (small) || when i first spotted this floral print, i thought it was beautiful. it’s definitely more feminine than typical madewell styles but being the girly girl that i am, i found the pattern refreshing, especially for spring. the colors are even more striking in person and the blousy shape looks great tucked into a high-waisted bottom. this is the second season that madewell has offered an elastic mock neckline and i must say, i dig it. i’m not usually one for anything that resembles a turtleneck, but this one is just shallow enough that it still manages to elongate your neckline. i think the seafoam and pink would really pop against a pair of white jeans or cotton pants and if it was date night or even an easter celebration, i’d probably wear my hair up with a cute pair of earrings for a more sophisticated look.

size verdict: size down. i grabbed my usual small but could have definitely opted for an x-small since it’s so billowy.

 

 

palisade button-front midi skirt in chambray stripe (0) || is it any surprise that i gravitated toward this striped midi skirt? if i didn’t already own two very similar versions, i might have been more convinced to buy this one, but if your closet is lacking a classic midi-lengthed skirt, i highly recommend this one. madewell skirts tend to run big on me, so i usually opt for a size smaller than usual since i like them to fit at my true waist. when they fit at your waist, it makes it easy to tuck in your blouse to show off the smallest part of you and create that coveted hourglass line. for someone who makes her closet work double duty -for work and the weekend, i’m always looking for garments that can be remixed for multiple occasions. this type of skirt would be perfect paired with block heels and a feminine blouse for the office and with a cropped tee and tennies for a casual saturday afternoon. it also comes in this pretty rust color.

size verdict: size down for a tighter fit at the waist.

the claudia sandal in suede (9.5) || the older i get, the less and less appealing sky high heels become -which is why i’m loving the block heeled trend lately. these suede sandals boast a modest 2 1/2″ heel, making them perfect for everyday wear. like most madewell shoes, they’re incredibly comfortable, too, with enough cush to support you whether you’re at work or on the dance floor. i personally prefer the wood heel (as opposed to one covered in fabric) since it gives me a bit of a 70’s bohemian vibe, and the amber brown color would pair seamlessly into my spring wardrobe. i love how lady-like they look when styled with a midi skirt (above), but they’d also be great with light-wash denim, rolled at the cuff. of all of the items i tried on, these sandals are definitely at the top of my list. i plan on going back and snagging a pair before they sell out. they also come in an orangey red which would be the perfect compliment to your memorial day or fourth of july outfit.

size verdict: true to size.

 

 

high-rise denim shorts: patch pocket edition (26) || unlike the button-front shorts, this patch pocket pair was available in my size and they fit like a glove! the length is good (especially if you tend to favor modest inseams like myself) and the denim is a refreshing darker wash that you don’t normally find in a summer short. for that reason, i feel like these are a bit fancier and could be styled accordingly. i envision them with a crisp white button-down tied at the waist with a wedge sandal and a bandana tied around the neck. they’d also be cute with a colorful sweater and blush slingbacks as we transition from winter to spring.

size verdict: true to size.

stripe baby tee (small) || i didn’t have the intention of trying this on, but i needed a top to pair with the shorts and jeans, so i grabbed this striped tee on a whim. the name says it all -it’s a tee for your baby. just kidding, but it does run pretty small. in fact, i would probably size up for some breathing room. while the fit was off, i did enjoy the subtle ruffle on the sleeve and of course, the black and white striped pattern.

size verdict: runs small, size up for a roomier fit.

 

 

pocket tee sweater (small) || now that i’ve adopted all things high-waisted as my pant of choice, i find myself entertaining the idea of adding a few cropped tops into my wardrobe. i had high hopes for this sweater, but it turned out to be a bit disappointing. it didn’t really do anything to flatter my shape and was more boxy for my liking. perhaps both could have been amended by sizing down to an x-small, but still, it was just kind of meh. they can’t all be winners i suppose!

size verdict: seems to run a bit big. perhaps it would be more flattering on someone with a more ample chest? i’d size down so you’re not swimming in it.

cali demi-boot jeans (26) || after seeing these on my friend natalie, i was intrigued to try the new cali demi-boot silhouette myself. while they fit well overall, ultimately i wasn’t a big fan of the shape on me. just goes to show you that just because something looks good on someone else doesn’t mean that it’ll look the same on you. which is why a trip to the dressing room is so informative! i do think this style could be cute on the right person and the slightly cropped hem would be perfect for showing off a cute pair of shoes (and a fresh pedicure).

size verdict: true to size.

 

 

smocked crop jumpsuit (2) || okayyyyyy so this jumpsuit is adorable. it has a subtle floral print and a flirty criss-cross back and its inseam was kind enough to accommodate my long torso so basically it was a win for me. the only downside is that it doesn’t have pockets (which is kind of the only reason why i didn’t get it -is that petty?). otherwise it’s perfect for spring and summer worn alone with sandals (heeled or flat) or layered with a white tee or short-sleeve chambray underneath. with festival season on the horizon, this one-piece would be a great option to pack for an easy throw on and go look. i’d wear it with booties and a wide-brimmed felt hat. or flower crown.

size verdict: true to size.

 

 

lightweight rivington cardigan sweater (x-small) || last but not least, this cardigan that i swear i’ve seen on nearly every blogger i follow recently. similar to the demi-boot jeans, this sweater is better suited for someone else. i found it to big too oversized and drapey which i realize is kind of the point, but to the degree that it just looked frumpy on me. i think i want to be the type of girl who can wear oversized cardigans and look effortlessly boho chic but in all truth, it’s just not me. i will say that this style is incredibly soft and as you can see, also has pockets. the light oatmeal color looks good with just about everything, too!

size verdict: runs big. i’d size down!

 

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